Jiang Hua’s expression was stern, sitting motionless, only using his gaze to repeatedly survey Li Weiyang.

Compared to an undisguised ferocious face, this unfathomable depth like a dark forest was even more frightening, because you could never guess what he wanted, just like you would never know what surprising action he would take next. To be fair, Li Weiyang quite admired the man before her, because he was like her—ruthlessly vicious to the core.

If there had been no enmity with the Jiang family, she might have quite appreciated his decisive efficiency in handling matters. But he shouldn’t have been so aggressive and excessive. Li Weiyang disliked that sense of superiority unique to the Jiang family people, as if everyone should submit beneath their feet, and the slightest resistance meant deserving ten thousand deaths. This—was truly uncomfortable!

“Third Young Master’s honored presence truly brings radiance to this humble dwelling,” Li Weiyang smiled slightly, directly taking a seat. A maid immediately presented a cup of tea. Li Weiyang gently picked it up but didn’t touch it, only speaking.

First Madam Jiang had escaped back to the Jiang residence, only saying they encountered a group of thugs on the road. Fortunately Jiang Hai and the guards protected them desperately, allowing them to narrowly escape. However, that group had abducted Jiang Hai without a trace. They had already reported to the Capital Magistrate and mobilized the Jiang family’s forces to search, but those people came without trace and left without shadow—they found nothing. Jiang Hua finally returned from the Crown Prince’s residence with difficulty. Upon hearing of this matter, he immediately thought to investigate Jiang Tian’s whereabouts. Discovering he had truly disappeared, he immediately connected the two incidents. His belly full of rage had nowhere to vent. He finally headed straight for the Li residence, originally intending to imitate Li Weiyang’s actions by secretly breaking in to cleanly kill Li Weiyang with one sword strike. Who knew the other party seemed to have already seen through his thoughts, actually withdrawing all guards, setting up a welcoming formation, just short of waiting at the main gate to receive him.

The more Li Weiyang acted this way, the more Jiang Hua felt something unusual. Thinking the other party was already prepared, attempting assassination would be impossible to succeed, he simply withdrew the Jiang family death warriors and swaggered in through the main gate.

Li Weiyang sat not far from him, even saying: “What, Third Young Master traveled a long way but won’t drink tea?”

Jiang Hua’s heart had been suppressing anger all along. However, his personality was such that the angrier he became, the more his face smiled, so he raised the teacup and drank a mouthful.

Li Weiyang smiled: “This is our residence’s top-grade cloud mist tea from this year, only used to receive honored guests. Do you find it acceptable?”

Jiang Hua stared into Li Weiyang’s eyes, trying to find fear or unease in them. Unfortunately he was disappointed—in Li Weiyang’s eyes, nothing could be seen clearly. Since childhood his mind had been outstanding. Usually he succeeded in everything, but returning this time to encounter Li Weiyang, he actually found himself constrained on all sides, defeated by her hands. On the battlefield, military tactics permit deception. As commander-in-chief, if one cannot perceive clearly, defeat is deserved—there’s truly nothing to blame the opponent for. Fortunately he had never lost before, but here the situation had completely reversed—the loser seemed to have become him. Originally thinking it would be very simple to dispose of her, but now, look what a huge problem he had left for himself.

Li Weiyang glanced at Jiang Hua and said slowly: “I haven’t asked yet—what brings Third Young Master here today?”

Jiang Hua suddenly stood up, walked to a table beside them, pointed at the chess board: “Could we play a game?”

Play chess?! A trace of barely perceptible smile flashed across Li Weiyang’s face. If it were an ordinary person, the first thing upon barging in would be to ask where Jiang Tian was. But the person before her clearly had other thoughts.

Li Weiyang sneered inwardly. If it were calligraphy, painting, or dance, she truly couldn’t compare with other young ladies. But when it came to chess, it was very different. Chess wasn’t something useful just from childhood practice—this was a battle of wits and courage, soldier against soldier, general against general, swords drawn and crossbows bent, each displaying their might. She believed that in this way, she was no lamb awaiting slaughter. She slowly stood up, walked to the table, and casually placed a piece on the board.

Jiang Hua smiled slightly, raised his hand and responded with one piece. His placement was swift as wind, his chess style like the man himself—steadily advancing step by step.

“Regarding today’s matter, I have questions to ask,” Jiang Hua stared into Li Weiyang’s eyes, saying word by word.

“You answer one of my questions, I’ll answer one of yours,” Li Weiyang smiled as she spoke.

“No, you ask questions and I’ll selectively answer.” Jiang Hua nodded and placed another piece. “Similarly, for questions I ask, you may also choose not to answer.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, instantly understanding the other party’s intention: “Regarding today’s assassination, what agreement did the Jiang family and Tuoba Zhen reach? What leverage do you have on the Fifth Prince? How do you plan to implicate the Seventh Prince in this matter?”

Three questions.

Jiang Hua’s chess piece in hand paused. He was considering which of the three questions to answer.

In fact, every question Li Weiyang asked contained a trap. If he answered one, Li Weiyang would confirm the answers to the other two questions. First, Li Weiyang had already confirmed that their Jiang family participated in this operation. Second, she already knew this was an operation targeting Tuoba Rui and Tuoba Yu. If he answered the first question, it would expose the agreement between the Jiang family and Tuoba Zhen—a question Li Weiyang obviously already had an answer to, she just wanted confirmation from him.

The second question he similarly couldn’t answer. Speaking to this question would be equivalent to delivering the Fifth Prince’s leverage into Li Weiyang’s palm. He couldn’t let Li Weiyang confirm her inner speculation while also learning of the Jiang family’s operations, letting His Majesty know what the Jiang family held would naturally make him suspect the true reason for the Fifth Prince’s sudden foolish action. As for the third, that was even more impossible—this related to the Jiang family’s next arranged grand plan. Once completely exposed, he didn’t know if there would still be a way to proceed.

Jiang Hua held the chess piece in his hand, yet he urgently needed to know whether Jiang Hai and Jiang Hua were in her hands, how they were, whether they were still alive, and how Li Weiyang would hand them over!

This was a terrifying self-torture. Jiang Hua’s heart needed to repeatedly speculate, repeatedly deny. Though he tried desperately to remain calm, the consequences of answering any question and whether to deceive the other party—no, Li Weiyang was not easily deceived. Since she raised this question, she would judge the truth or falsehood of his words. If he lied, then very likely Jiang Hai and Jiang Tian would have only a dead end.

Jiang Hua’s piece placement speed clearly slowed. The black and white pieces battled fiercely, entangled endlessly. The game was already ko within ko, intricate flowers gathering—extremely complex. Li Weiyang placed another piece and smiled lightly: “Third Young Master’s layout is perfect—one move worth countless others’. Only a pity you don’t understand decisive action at critical moments. Great achievements will be difficult.”

In this instant, Jiang Hua chose to answer the first question.

“If Tuoba Zhen ascends the throne, the Jiang family will gain military authority and complete control of the Dali Dynasty’s southern thirteen commanderies,” he smiled as he finished this sentence.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly—within her expectations.

“Are those two people in your hands?” Jiang Hua said coldly. “Have you already colluded with Tuoba Yu? Were the majority of strategies defeating the Third Prince from your hand?”

Li Weiyang only smiled lightly: “Yes, Tuoba Yu and I have long been allied.” She chose to answer the second, though she clearly knew the other party most wanted to know the first answer. But he himself chose three questions playing tricks—this couldn’t be blamed on her.

Jiang Hua placed another piece, blocking Li Weiyang’s retreat, and said slowly: “Is Consort Lian your person? Did the pills Zhou Dashou gave the Emperor contain poison? Do you truly intend to help Tuoba Yu become Emperor?”

These three questions appeared very simple, but in reality, whichever one Li Weiyang answered was dangerous. Especially the last one—Jiang Hua clearly knew she was allied with Tuoba Yu, yet insisted on asking whether she truly supported him as Emperor, wanting to see what her trump card was, whether she truly helped or utilized Tuoba Yu. If utilizing him, the Jiang family could naturally exploit the opening to find opportunities to strike her down.

“Consort Lian is my person,” Li Weiyang placed a piece. Actually the other party already knew the answer to this question, just lacked evidence. She easily dissolved the predicament. “It’s my turn to ask again.” She smiled slightly, expression composed and calm, voice graceful and melodious—the pleasing tone like a spider web firmly capturing prey. “Where did you send Jiang Nan? Where is Li Minfeng? How is Duke Jiang’s health?”

Jiang Hua paused slightly. This was a game, yet cruelly it couldn’t be called just a game. Li Weiyang was using his answers to analyze him, understand him, find his weaknesses. Fundamentally, this was a psychological battle—beneath the calm surface was already life-and-death, flesh and blood flying. What she accomplished exceeded his imagination.

If he answered where Jiang Nan was, it would be equivalent to delivering a fatal weakness into Li Weiyang’s palm. As for Li Minfeng, Li Weiyang wanted his life—if he spoke, it would place him in mortal danger. And Duke Jiang’s health… now he was already sixty-five years old. Li Weiyang’s concern for his health condition—her intentions went without saying. This damned woman showed no mercy at all! He turned over and over only thinking about what Li Weiyang said. His vision gradually blurred—the white and black pieces on the board seemed to transform into commanders and soldiers, you surround me, I trap you, mutually entangled in tragic slaughter.

Seeing the other party’s heart demons stirring, Li Weiyang pointed at the chess board and said: “Jiang family’s Third Son prides himself on supreme intelligence and outstanding strategy, yet on the chess board he cannot even manage a low-level player like me. How can he speak of sweeping across battlefields, establishing achievements and career—” In the blink of an eye, she had already placed another piece. Jiang Hua watched helplessly as his pieces were trapped by the opponent. He tried to break through the encirclement, but no matter what he was confined in the northeast corner, growing increasingly anxious. Blood surged in his chest, his vision almost blurring.

Time passed bit by bit. The red mole between Jiang Hua’s brows almost dripped vivid color. His eyes reddened with hatred. Grasping a piece wanting to place it to break the siege, he discovered that though this white stone had methods to break through, killing the nearby black stones involved extremely many complications—truly difficult to decide.

Li Weiyang slightly raised her eyes to glance at him: “Third Young Master, don’t just focus on playing chess. You still haven’t answered my question.”

“Li Minfeng was hidden by us in Li Dian Town in Yun Commandery—” Jiang Hua was forced to make a decision. However, having just spoken, he suddenly realized he had made a huge mistake. He sharply raised his head, staring at Li Weiyang.

“So Duke Jiang’s health condition is poor!” Li Weiyang smiled.

Jiang Hua’s ears heard Li Weiyang’s gentle words. Suddenly his vision went pitch black, his throat tasted of blood, and he spat out a large mouthful of fresh blood.

When the opponent’s pieces pressed step by step, he made a mistake—a fatal mistake. He shouldn’t have avoided answering the third question. Because of his evasion, choosing to sacrifice Li Minfeng’s answer, this was equivalent to telling Li Weiyang that Duke Jiang was ill, and his health condition was poor. That’s why he hadn’t even returned for the Duke’s wife’s funeral—he might not be able to hold on much longer. Actually Jiang Hua himself didn’t know what the future would bring. Grandfather’s age grew increasingly advanced, his temperament increasingly strange and irritable. Adding the injury, he even frequently fainted—this condition needed quiet recuperation. But the Jiang family’s situation truly couldn’t tolerate Duke Jiang falling. Even the most powerful aristocratic families needed leading figures—they needed him! Yet today at the critical moment he actually leaked his family’s most important secret! He was too foolish! Too foolish!

Jiang Hua’s brain seemed to turn into a lump of paste—chaotic, confused, crazed… Li Weiyang’s earlier questions now became the sharpest knives, cutting through any evasions and lies he might speak. He almost felt the other party had already seen through everything!

In his answers, truth had always been mixed with lies, but the vast majority were true. But now he suddenly understood—Li Weiyang asked these questions not truly to obtain the answers themselves, but to extract the information she wanted from him through this, no, even to shatter his confidence!

Li Weiyang looked at the other party with pity and said softly: “Third Young Master, admit defeat.”

“No, I haven’t lost!” Jiang Hua wiped the blood from his lips and said coldly. He asked three more questions, then Li Weiyang answered, then it cycled repeatedly—even touching on Tuoba Yu’s forces and trusted confidants, touching on Li Weiyang’s trump cards, touching on secrets each most didn’t want the other to know. However, they both clearly understood the other’s answers were half true, half false—a mix of truth and lies. One needed the clearest mind to obtain the essence from the dregs. But Jiang Hua’s mind grew increasingly chaotic. Originally he could precisely judge the situation based on Li Weiyang’s answers, judge the truth or falsehood of her words. But now he only felt his head splitting with pain.

Li Weiyang observed the other party. Through these questions, she clearly grasped the changes and weaknesses in the other party’s heart, even gradually approaching many secrets the Jiang family most didn’t want known. Plainly and clearly digging out Jiang Hua’s thoughts, thereby analyzing, studying, calculating their next actions.

Jiang Hua again spat out a mouthful of blood. On the chess board, the pieces had already become a trapped dragon’s struggle.

Li Weiyang’s eyes stared at him unblinkingly, again sighing softly: “Human strength ultimately cannot overcome Heaven. Timing and fate. Third Young Master, I’m too disappointed in you. How can someone like you be worthy of being called talented?”

These words sounded gentle and pleasant. In the language was full of regretful, sorrowful feeling. Jiang Hua had been most strong and competitive since birth. Seeing the general situation already lost, he couldn’t help but rage violently. His heart veins trembled intensely—he almost wanted to crash and die on the spot!

However, at this moment, a bird outside suddenly fluttered up from a tree. This sound instantly broke Jiang Hua’s demonic barrier. He sharply awakened from resentment, looked toward Li Weiyang, shocked to discover the other party had step by step aroused his heart demons, wanting to force him to take his own life!

Understanding this point, Jiang Hua’s eyes filled with fury and hatred. The young girl before him was truly ruthless and vicious. He had been careless for a moment and nearly died inexplicably at her hands—words alone could lure one into heart demons.

Seeing him awaken, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile, saying regretfully: “Third Young Master, you should throw away that sachet. Sometimes, excessive intention instead harms others and oneself.”

Jiang Hua was startled, then understood everything. He had originally used the chess game as medium, secretly indicating the struggle for the realm, leading Li Weiyang into the trap. Adding the bewildering grass Jiang Tian once gave him—its unique fragrance sufficient to gradually make one lose reason, step by step falling into his trap. Jiang Hua was very confident, plus having taken the antidote beforehand, so he wasn’t afraid. Once his design succeeded, Li Weiyang would naturally speak truthfully, even confessing his brothers’ whereabouts and Li Weiyang’s trump cards. What he most wanted to know was how she would deal with the Jiang family next! However, he hadn’t expected the other party was similarly a master player, even seeing through his scheme one step earlier!

Placing too much importance on victory or defeat was a great taboo in chess. To seek one victory, Jiang Hua spared no effort. Excessive obsession became a demonic barrier, instead being utilized in reverse by Li Weiyang!

He sighed long and threw away the sachet he’d been wearing all along: “Li Weiyang, you are a respectable opponent.” More than respectable—such an opponent, seen only once in a lifetime, truly so strong as to be respectable and fearsome—she must be eliminated!

Li Weiyang laughed. She was originally born with features like a painting. Over these years childishness had gradually faded. Her originally refined face had actually developed an exceptional temperament. Raising her brows and glancing about, her demeanor shone brilliantly. The cold light in her eyes was extremely piercing.

“You flatter me.” Li Weiyang had great self-awareness. If today were on a battlefield planning strategies and employing dangerous tactics, she would have died countless times already. But once in the capital, Jiang Hua who excelled at military strategy was like a fierce tiger lost in the desert—possessing countless strength yet ultimately could only die of thirst. Everyone could only achieve victory after victory in their own understood domain and territory. Jiang Hua had left the capital for many years, accustomed to devising strategies, employing strategies, achieving victory. Because of Duke Jiang’s support and care, on the battlefield each of his strategies could be implemented—he only needed to consider responses from our side and the enemy’s side. But here, what he had to consider was far more than just these.

Jiang Hua’s body swayed, retreating several steps. The bloody taste in his mouth was heavy. He involuntarily sat down beside them, picked up a teacup, took a small sip. The warm tea poured into his heart, feeling slightly better. Li Weiyang—only now did he discover she made him excited, thrilled. Every strategy he employed was within the other party’s predictions. Every move the other party made he could also understand in the first instance. Such a person—if not encountered, would be a lifetime’s regret. To some degree, she was his soulmate, understanding him more than his father and brothers, even more than the Duke who had always cherished him. These years, he had been thinking constantly about finding a soulmate, not knowing the person was right before him—only separated by the Jiang family and layers upon layers of family hatred.

“You’re right. My grandfather a year ago, while inspecting the frontier, was ambushed. An arrow struck his chest. Not long after he began vomiting blood. Physician after physician was summoned before barely keeping him alive,” Jiang Hua said slowly. “However, he can hold on for three to five years without problem.”

“Oh, three to five years? By then Duke Jiang will already be seventy years old,” Li Weiyang’s smile was infinitely gentle.

Jiang Hua gritted his teeth, forcibly suppressing the churning in his heart. He stood up again, walked back, stared at the chess board, and made another move: “By then, our mourning period will have also passed.”

Cool wind swept over, blowing into the two people’s hearts. One lowered his head looking at the chess board, entire body full of towering hatred. One lowered her eyes, seemingly lost in thought. Only breathing could be heard.

“I fear the Sacred Heart is difficult to fathom,” Li Weiyang finally smiled as she said this sentence.

Earlier she could have forced Jiang Hua to death. What a pity, such a pity. In her heart was actually infinite regret. Just a little more, just a little more. If Jiang Hua died of his own anger, it wouldn’t be her doing. Moreover, he came with this kind of sachet with ill intentions from the start. If she hadn’t smelled this kind of scent in the past, she absolutely wouldn’t have suspected.

Jiang Hua desperately suppressed the blood throughout his body. Coming today, he hadn’t obtained one useful piece of information. Instead he had revealed much secret information. Though in every sentence he mixed in lies, he believed Li Weiyang could definitely distinguish them. Raising the chess piece again, his hand was already trembling.

“Bai Zhi, add another cup of tea for Third Young Master,” Li Weiyang smiled.

“No need!” Jiang Hua said decisively, placing the final move.

Li Weiyang looked at him, smiled lightly, unhurriedly placed one piece. Jiang Hua’s expression changed drastically: “I’ve lost.” Blurting out, he again spat several large mouthfuls of fresh blood. The pain was truly unbearable. With one stumble he fell to the ground, actually unable to climb up.

“Oh my, what happened? Bai Zhi, help Third Young Master up quickly,” Li Weiyang’s face seemed infinitely surprised.

Bai Zhi was even more puzzled. It was just playing chess—how could it turn out like this? She didn’t know that Jiang Hua first intended harm, then was eager to win, then entered Li Weiyang’s trap. Now he wasn’t angered by Li Weiyang—he was angry at himself for even losing so miserably at chess.

How was this possible! Refusing the maid’s support, he said coldly: “No need to see me out.” With those words, he didn’t even ask about the Jiang family brothers’ safety, quickly walking out.

Bai Zhi looked at Li Weiyang even more puzzled. She only smiled lightly: “Put away the chess pieces.”

Bai Zhi nodded, then said softly: “Miss—”

Li Weiyang casually fiddled with a few chess pieces: “If he had come today making a big show to search, I would instead have fallen to a disadvantage. But this person is suspicious—insisting on playing tricks. That’s what let me luckily win one round.”

Bai Zhi still couldn’t understand. Li Weiyang no longer explained. She knew deeply that after Jiang Hua returned and heard another piece of news, he would definitely fall seriously ill. Whether he could get up afterward would depend on himself.

Such proud and arrogant people were most unable to endure failure. Li Weiyang was different from him. So many years of Cold Palace life had long taught her that no one is forever undefeated. Most important was being able to endure during failure, understanding how to lie dormant. These Jiang family men—excellent they were excellent, but unfortunately too smoothly successful. In all things, excess is as bad as deficiency. The saying “a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by wind” was exactly this principle.

Jiang Hua left the Li residence all the way, actually unable even to mount his horse. The Jiang family guards were frightened enough, hurriedly arranging a sedan chair to transport him. Returning to the Jiang residence, just reaching the study door, he saw Jiang Xu glaring at him with a face full of grief: “Where did you go?”

“I…” Jiang Hua barely steadied his mind. Just about to speak, he heard Jiang Xu say word by word: “Your eldest brother was found dead at the Yicui Pavilion.”

Hearing this terrible news, Jiang Hua felt his entire heart melting, dissolving. His once proud self-control was cast to the nine heavens. His face was icy cold: “How could this be!” Li Weiyang—how dare she!

Jiang Xu’s brows were tightly furrowed, clearly already extremely angry: “Rumors circulate that your eldest brother was intimate with Yicui Pavilion’s first-class singing girl Liu Yun. Today leaving the Crown Prince’s residence, somehow he went there again. Countless people all personally watched him enter. Afterward he got drunk there, quarreled with another patron. That patron took advantage of his drunkenness to burn him to death at Yicui Pavilion…”

“Dead… and burned to death…” That meant no evidence was left at all, except for rumors flying everywhere! Jiang Hua couldn’t believe it. These so-called countless people seeing him enter—what was going on!

Jiang Xu was already extremely grieved, old tears flowing freely: “Not only that, now everyone in the capital is saying the Jiang family’s eldest young master sought flowers and willow lanes during grandmother’s mourning period, getting drunk in brothels—an unfaithful, unfilial, unkind, unrighteous person who deserved to die!”

Deserved to die! Deserved to die! Deserved to die! Good! Died satisfyingly! Li Weiyang—in this world there’s no other woman as vicious as you. Jiang Hua suddenly laughed loudly. The laughter was frantic, like an eagle whose neck was being gripped. Jiang Xu looked at him in terror: “Hua’er! What’s wrong with you?!”

Jiang Hua’s laughter couldn’t be stopped, as if he would cough out even his five internal organs and six hollow organs. Before Jiang Xu could help him, he suddenly fell backward.

“Hua’er!”

Jiang Xu was shocked with terror, hurriedly reaching out to help. Unfortunately too slow—Jiang Hua’s entire person tumbled dejectedly down the steps…

For Jiang Yuelan, Li Weiyang’s safe return greatly surprised her. Simultaneously infinite unwillingness surged in her heart. Why wouldn’t she die? Having clearly done so many things, yet the other party was completely unharmed—she composed herself, personally ordering people to make pastries to visit Li Minde. As aunt, showing some concern for this third young master was appropriate. But more importantly, every time she saw the other party’s appearance, an indescribable feeling would involuntarily surge in her heart.

The maid went in to report. Jiang Yuelan subconsciously reached up to touch her hair, actually feeling a strange nervousness.

“Mother?” Li Changxiao looked at her somewhat strangely.

“It’s nothing,” Jiang Yuelan answered with a calm smile. Before anyone, she was unwilling to let people see through her thoughts. Calling Li Changxiao to come was only to avoid suspicion, lest people say this young aunt specially ran here to visit—somewhat unseemly. However, Jiang Yuelan was confident she acted properly and sat uprightly, with nothing improper for others to see.

Li Minde was currently ill. Li Weiyang had gone to Lotus Fragrance Courtyard. He had always disliked many people in the room, so he dispersed the maids, just resting alone. Three days had passed. Though he had no life-threatening danger, he continuously ran a fever from severe injury. Adding the weather being too hot, the wound became increasingly prone to festering and difficult to heal. Though Li Weiyang frequently watched over him, he was often feverish—sometimes clear-headed, sometimes confused. Old Madam and Li Xiaoran had come several times, but he was always unconscious.

When Jiang Yuelan entered, she happened to encounter the visiting physician. Li Changxiao, concerned about Li Minde’s injuries, stayed at the door asking a few more questions. The maid led Jiang Yuelan inside.

Through the gauze curtain, Jiang Yuelan could only vaguely see the scene inside, unable to see the other party’s face at all. She subconsciously ordered the maid: “I have a few words to say to Third Young Master. You all go out first.”

The two maids looked at each other. But thinking that shadow guards surrounded the area and no one could harm Li Minde, they didn’t say more, quietly withdrawing to one side.

Seeing them leave, Jiang Yuelan as if possessed lifted the gauze curtain, carefully looking at Li Minde who seemed to have fallen into unconsciousness on the bed. Her heart suddenly moved. Not having seen him closely for several days, looking at him now—black hair dampened by sweat draped over his partially exposed neck, one color of white skin and dark hair, unspeakably beautiful. Ordinary people at such times would have pallid faces and disheveled appearance, but this face remained clear and handsome even in extreme dishevelment. The pale bloodless condition instead revealed a heartbreaking fragility, making one want to gently call him awake. Jiang Yuelan’s heart unexpectedly pounded uncontrollably for a moment.

She married Li Xiaoran at eighteen. Though the other party still had elegant bearing, he was after all advanced in years. Even if very fond of her, usually they just discussed ordinary trivial matters. Never mind heart-to-heart talks—even tender gentle words were extremely rare. Li Xiaoran opening and closing his mouth was always current affairs, always hierarchy—a complete moral guardian appearance. Jiang Yuelan naturally knew what Li Xiaoran was like before those concubines, how romantic before those singing girls. But before her, he was forever the majesty of a husband—making her respect and fear him, but unable to be intimate or love him.

Years ago before marriage, her heart and mind had been carefully serving her stepmother, caring for young siblings, bitterly managing, only so mother wouldn’t casually marry her off, only so father might remember her labors and give her good prospects. Who knew in the end she was married to Li Xiaoran, living as a chess piece. In the Li family, Old Madam suspected her, Li Xiaoran was wary of her. She similarly lived carefully and cautiously, not much different from before marriage. All this she could endure—after all everyone was like this. But why did the Li family also have County Princess Anping?

Clearly just a small humble concubine-born daughter—why could she act so unbridled in the family, even enjoying the honor of County Princess?! Even Tuoba Yu and others pursued her eagerly, wishing to take her back as consort! Yet she, Jiang Yuelan, though her birth mother died early, was after all the Jiang family’s legitimate daughter, yet had to live so carefully and cautiously, even her marriage controlled by others!

She didn’t want to envy Li Weiyang, but she just couldn’t control herself. From entering the door, step by step watching Li Weiyang act, step by step watching her domineer—poison nearly dripped from Jiang Yuelan’s eyes. But she knew she had to control herself, wait for the right opportunity. So when Li Changle showed her goodwill, she accepted. When Li Changle requested her cooperation in poisoning, she also pretended reluctance while agreeing. Even when the Jiang family had her deliberately abandon Li Weiyang to assassin slaughter, she also agreed.

At that time, she only thought she envied Li Weiyang for having everything. Now seeing Li Minde, she suddenly discovered that the most poisonous snake in her heart was telling her—what she most envied wasn’t Li Weiyang’s position and honor, nor her unbridled nature. What she most envied was that no matter what Li Weiyang did or said, no matter how vicious she was, there was always someone guarding her.

This person was the Li family’s handsome Third Young Master Li Minde.

“Why, even the assassin’s poison arrow, you had to block for her? Is it worth it?” Jiang Yuelan couldn’t help but say softly. Li Weiyang was heartless. You see her smile like flowers, yet can’t see she fundamentally has no humanity? She knew deeply Jiang Hai’s outcome, even more knew Jiang Hua now similarly lay ill in bed.

On the court winds and clouds changed. The Fifth Prince was discovered plotting rebellion and treason, murdering the Crown Prince, implicating countless people. For a time everyone in the capital feared for themselves. Originally Tuoba Yu would also be implicated. However, unexpectedly, when the Crown Prince intended to accuse him of colluding with the Fifth Prince, he discovered Tuoba Yu’s memorial accusing Tuoba Rui was already on the Emperor’s desk, even a step earlier than him. This was only five hours after the incident. The Crown Prince was just building momentum waiting for an opportune moment—this opportune moment had already been snatched by Tuoba Yu.

The Crown Prince had no choice but to target only the Fifth Prince alone, determined to put him to death. Ultimately the Fifth Prince and his followers were all sentenced to death. Even Marquis Yongning who had just become the Fifth Prince’s father-in-law couldn’t be spared, sentenced to exile three thousand li. However, the person the Crown Prince most wanted to eliminate, the one who most should be eliminated, fundamentally couldn’t be touched. It must be said this large-scale, painstaking assassination ultimately had extremely disappointing effects—absolutely could be called a complete defeat. Eliminating one Fifth Prince fundamentally didn’t affect the overall situation, yet wasted so many death warriors…

Tuoba Yu wasn’t even in the capital, yet understood everything here like the palm of his hand. Shortly after the assassination he immediately came to his senses, grasping the wind direction. Such grand gestures—besides Li Weiyang, who else could it be? Jiang Yuelan sighed. A woman playing political games—even if born refined and lovely, how gentle could she be toward men? Without gentleness, what kind of woman was she? The Li Minde before her eyes must not understand this point, thus devoted unto death to Li Weiyang.

Though not knowing what relationship the two actually had, Jiang Yuelan’s intuition told her Li Minde’s feelings toward County Princess Anping were extraordinary… Others might not see it, but her own eyes couldn’t help but care about Li Minde. Slowly, she actually truly perceived some subtle connections. Perhaps not perceived—but felt by herself. A woman’s intuition was sometimes truly terrifying.

Li Minde opened his eyes. He didn’t know to what state he had slept, only feeling parched throat, as if scorched by fire. Barely propping up his body wanting to find water to drink. Someone beside him hurriedly presented a cup of warm water. Li Minde drank two mouthfuls before feeling slightly better. Taking her for Li Weiyang, he softened his voice: “My wound hurts so much—”

Soft words, soft voice—completely different from his usual indifference, actually seeming like acting spoiled.

Li Minde spoke one sentence then violently coughed. That person hurriedly took the teacup, gently patting his back with gentle movements. Li Minde finally stopped coughing. Suddenly remembering Li Weiyang went to Lotus Fragrance Courtyard—how could she return so quickly? He sharply raised his head. It was actually Jiang Yuelan with a face full of tenderness. Disgust suddenly rose in his heart. He immediately pushed her away, angrily saying: “Where are the people outside?!”

Only his injury was severe, his voice completely hoarse—outside fundamentally couldn’t hear. Jiang Yuelan hurriedly said: “What’s wrong? You can’t drink my tea?” Her voice was incomparably gentle, almost dripping water.

Jiang Yuelan put the teacup aside, saying gently: “Weiyang went to Old Madam’s quarters. Why are you eagerly seeking her? Can’t I care for you?” She had always prided herself on dignity, never stepping wrong. But before such a handsome young man, she couldn’t help blushing and heart pounding, almost uncontrollably speaking.

But Li Minde avoided her like a snake or scorpion, repeatedly waving for her to leave, while desperately coughing. Jiang Yuelan’s face paled, but forcibly restrained herself: “Third Young Master, though I entered the family not long ago, I’ve seen through many things. Today I might as well speak frankly with you. Li Weiyang is your blood cousin. No matter what you two are impossible. You should abandon this thought, stop wasting effort. Think about it—if this matter became known to outsiders, you would both be ruined—”

She spoke word by word, carefully observing the changes in Li Minde’s facial expression. She wanted to strike him at his most vulnerable moment. She didn’t believe Li Minde wouldn’t understand these consequences. She didn’t believe that after knowing the consequences of ruin, Li Minde would still be stubborn. He was just too young, too pure, only bewitched by that demoness Li Weiyang.

The men of this world—didn’t they all like gentle, considerate women? In music, chess, calligraphy, painting, needlework, tender feelings—which aspect was she inferior to Li Weiyang? Both were untouchable feelings—why couldn’t she—

Her voice grew increasingly gentle: “I understand your thoughts. You’re just too lonely, same as me…” If he showed any softening, she would definitely be able to move him. What was Li Xiaoran? What was the Li family? As long as she wished, she could completely toy with them. Just like she had always stood in the shadows watching Li Weiyang and the Jiang family fight to mutual destruction. She would definitely succeed!

Li Minde’s head grew increasingly hot. His mind was dizzy, wanting to struggle yet unable to exert strength. He only felt that feminine fragrance drawing closer and closer. With midsummer weather, thick fragrance mixed with sweat smell drilling into his nose. The increasingly approaching body made him instinctively disgusted, almost making him vomit—what thing was she! Actually daring to compare with Weiyang! Not knowing where the strength came from, he heavily pushed her arm outward. The force was so great it actually made Jiang Yuelan fall to the ground.

Her hair ornaments immediately became disheveled. The gentleness on her face transformed into fury: “You—” She quickly stood up, raising her hand and swinging the teacup. The teacup made a clear crisp sound: “Don’t think I have no methods with you! I have plenty of ways to make you obediently listen to me!”

“Oh? Is that so?” From the side, a voice like a clear breeze suddenly came.

Jiang Yuelan was shocked with terror. Sharply turning her head, she saw Li Weiyang standing several steps away behind the gauze curtain, looking at her with a half-smile.