Before the lakeside stage, Li Weiyang and Sun Yanjun were leisurely listening to opera. On the small tea table before them lay a full array of fruit plates containing the capital’s most famous confectionery shop’s green plum preserves, rose pastries, lotus cakes, bean powder sugar, plus some fresh melon seeds, dried fruits and such—all rare delicacies.

Sun Yanjun loved eating and couldn’t help secretly praising them, saying with a smile: “Weiyang, your life is truly comfortable. Outside is complete chaos, yet here you have fine clothes and food, pleasant music and delicacies—even the imperial family’s noble ladies aren’t as carefree as you.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang smiled, gently leaning back against the cushion: “People should naturally toil when tired, naturally enjoy when happy. Why follow so many rules and restrictions, making oneself uncomfortable?” Actually she didn’t particularly enjoy opera—she found the opera texts sickeningly sour. But Sun Yanjun liked it, especially as a newly married daughter-in-law constantly summoned by Second Madam to learn proper conduct, her days unbearably difficult. Since Li Weiyang had invited her here, naturally she wanted to make her happy.

“Jiang Yuelan is still kneeling in the ancestral hall. You truly won’t intervene?” Sun Yanjun smiled slightly while glancing at the lead actress on stage, asking softly.

Li Weiyang held a hand warmer, smiling slightly: “Father ordered her to kneel. Since he won’t forgive her, what can I do? I can only trouble her to continue kneeling.”

Sun Yanjun shook her head, seeming to sigh and lament: “Having just miscarried, kneeling on ice-cold floors for three days and nights, yet still able to survive—truly not easy.”

Li Weiyang’s smile appeared very warm: “Well, ultimately Father can’t bear to part with her.”

Sun Yanjun lacked Li Weiyang’s cunning, couldn’t help saying: “Can’t bear to? Uncle must be mad—a woman who strayed beyond the marriage! Merely preserving her reputation on the surface—who doesn’t know the truth?!” Though Sun Yanjun didn’t know specifically what had happened, she’d vaguely heard some gossip and added vivid descriptions and speculation, thus sketching another version—the version Li Weiyang had been guiding everyone to believe.

Hearing this, Li Weiyang only smiled: “Naturally that’s not what I mean. You’ve misunderstood.” Li Xiaoran didn’t want to execute Jiang Yuelan to death—he merely didn’t want another wife to die. Plus Li Changxiao and others’ marriage matters were about to be addressed. If Jiang Yuelan died now, the marriages would all need to wait another three years. Three years later, they’d all become old maids—the Li household truly couldn’t function. This man held grudges over the smallest matters, absolutely wouldn’t forgive Jiang Yuelan’s “betrayal.” So superficially he said nothing, yet ordered Jiang Yuelan to kneel in the ancestral hall for ten days and nights—not letting her die, yet not letting her have peace either. Kneeling ten days, for a woman who’d just miscarried, equaled taking half her life. Of course, he also ordered people to take turns watching. If Jiang Yuelan couldn’t persist, they’d use ginseng soup to maintain her life—in any case, she couldn’t be allowed to die.

On this point, Li Weiyang greatly admired Li Xiaoran. His skill at tormenting people exceeded her own viciousness by three parts. More importantly, he killed without bloodshed, not even delaying his reputation. Superficially, Jiang Yuelan was punished for laying traps to frame others. Actually, he was punishing her disloyalty in disguise.

“But will Uncle regret it? What if Jiang Yuelan says a few words—”

Li Weiyang only smiled slightly: “Naturally not. If I were a man and my wife cuckolded me, I absolutely would never forgive her.” Though this cuckoldry was forcibly added by Li Weiyang. The Jiang family had tampered with the snuff bottle—Li Weiyang had long known but always viewed it optimistically. Li Xiaoran being unable to reproduce was tremendously beneficial for Li Minzhi—no one would ever again threaten her younger brother’s position. Human nature was selfish. Li Weiyang only thought of herself and her relatives. As for Li Xiaoran, this father had never considered her—why should she care about his life or death? Unable to have children meant he must properly protect Li Minzhi, expending all his strength. Just thinking about it was laughable.

“Then—what about Nanny Rong?” Sun Yanjun asked curiously. “I heard that day Uncle handed Nanny Rong to you for disposal. When being dragged out, her mouth cursed incessantly!”

“She can no longer speak.” Li Weiyang said with a faint smile.

Sun Yanjun’s face showed a shocked expression: “Dead?”

Li Weiyang glanced at the completely innocent-faced Sun Yanjun, feeling it necessary to give her a cruel education lesson, saying flatly: “Zhao Yue, you tell her.”

Zhao Yue said expressionlessly: “Miss found that old woman too noisy, so directly ordered people to cut out her tongue.”

Sun Yanjun’s heart jumped in alarm. She hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to be so formidable. If it were her, merely striking a few blows and expelling her would suffice. Striking so decisively to cut out her tongue seemed too cruel. Thinking this, she said softly: “She was merely serving her master loyally. Strictly speaking, she did nothing wrong—”

“Yes, but requesting paintings from Stewardess Liu, having Physician He prescribe medicine for Seventh Concubine, even laying plans for Jiang Yuelan—she was involved in everything. I never said she was wrong—merely that we stood on different sides. Since she’s the loser, she should accept defeat willingly, with no resentment over life or death. What reason is there for cursing and scolding? If I were in her position, I’d have taken scissors to my own throat long ago. Why fall into enemy hands to suffer endless torment? All this was entirely self-inflicted, blaming no one.” Li Weiyang picked up a piece of candy, gently placing it in her mouth.

Baizhi smiled: “Second Young Madam, Miss doing this is also a good opportunity to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys.”

Seeing lingering reluctance in Sun Yanjun’s eyes, Li Weiyang couldn’t help saying deliberately: “When others treat me well, I naturally reciprocate a hundredfold. But if they actively provoke me, they can’t blame me…” She glanced toward the not-distant courtyard, saying coldly: “Not just Nanny Rong—I also cannot tolerate Stewardess Liu who betrayed me! This time, I’m teaching them a lesson, also warning everyone, lest they fail to understand clearly, thinking me kind-hearted and lenient.”

Sun Yanjun was young after all. Hearing these words, she couldn’t help lowering her head to think for a long while. Finally she had to admit Li Weiyang was right. If anyone could scheme against her, her days truly wouldn’t be pleasant. People were all this way—bullying the kind, fearing the wicked. Only by being this fierce could Li Weiyang protect herself and her family. After the opera finished, Sun Yanjun followed Li Weiyang to sit in her courtyard, discovering even at the open courtyard gate, many maids gathered poking their heads about, whispering amongst themselves.

Sun Yanjun looked curious: “What’s happening? What were they doing in your courtyard just now?”

Li Weiyang smiled lightly, her delicate face showing not the slightest trace, only saying flatly: “I merely ordered people to give Stewardess Liu fifty strikes and expel her. As for Nanny Rong, I threw her into a sack full of poisonous snakes, then had people strike that hemp sack with wooden boards—”

The courtyard fell silent as if empty. Several timid maids had long since collapsed on the ground, trembling like chaff. Seeing Li Weiyang return, their faces immediately showed fearful expressions. Li Weiyang said nothing, drifting lightly past them. Among these people, some had been bribed by Jiang Yuelan or other masters to watch her. Now letting them know the consequences of betraying their master was precisely Li Weiyang’s purpose.

“Did you hear just now—Nanny Rong’s screams!”

“More than that! My ears are almost deafened. Truly frightening! Never seen Third Miss rage so greatly. Usually such a gentle person, but when she turns ruthless, she’s truly vicious!”

“Exactly! I saw when they dragged her out she was already unrecognizable!”

“Her own fault—scheming against anyone but Third Miss. Is she someone to provoke? Look, even Madam is now being punished, kneeling in the ancestral hall!” The maids in the courtyard whispered amongst themselves.

Baizhi followed Li Weiyang to the steps, suddenly turning back to stare at everyone in the courtyard with varying expressions: “You’ve all seen—anyone who schemes in secret absolutely won’t have a good end. Don’t expect those behind you to rescue anyone. Once caught, it’s death with no burial place! All of you stay alert and don’t make mistakes again!”

Baizhi was Li Weiyang’s most trusted senior maid, usually decisive in all matters. Everyone was frightened into immediately kneeling, their faces ashen: “This servant doesn’t dare betray Miss. Please rest assured, Miss. Please rest assured, Sister Baizhi.”

Baizhi said coldly: “That’s good. Otherwise today’s Nanny Rong will be tomorrow’s you.”

Sun Yanjun, watching this, couldn’t help clicking her tongue. When had even Li Weiyang’s maids become so formidable? Seeing how everyone below the steps fell silent as cicadas in winter, she had a premonition that henceforth no one in this courtyard would dare betray Li Weiyang again—because today they’d suffered enough fright for a lifetime, no one would actively seek death again.

Coincidentally, while Jiang Yuelan had miscarried, from the palace came good news about Consort Lian. Currently the palace’s most beautiful consort was Consort Lian, also most favored by the Emperor. Hearing his beloved consort was pregnant, the Emperor immediately grew extremely happy, actually ordering a grand banquet, inviting all ministers and noble ladies to enter the palace to celebrate. As a Second Rank County Princess, Li Weiyang was also among those invited.

In Hexiang Court, the Old Madam leaned against a peony, butterfly and wealth cushion sitting on the large bed platform, her face carrying a smile: “This banquet, the palace has also released word that His Majesty will select consorts for Third Prince and Seventh Prince.” Saying this, she looked at Li Weiyang probingly: “Weiyang, what are your true thoughts?”

Li Weiyang pretended ignorance, smiling: “Presumably His Majesty wishes to select for the two princes someone whose family background, appearance and talent all match. It seems—these next days the capital’s tailor shops will be busy again.”

Seeing her seemingly confused, Old Madam Li couldn’t help sighing: “No need to play dumb. I know your thoughts and want to help you fulfill them. Unfortunately last time entering the palace, when I mentioned this marriage to Consort De, she flatly refused, even saying she wanted to matchmake for you. Truly going too far—do they think our household’s child cannot marry? He’s merely Seventh Prince. Even if he becomes future Emperor, what of it? Our family standing isn’t so inferior. Not entering the imperial family is also good, avoiding much unnecessary trouble.” The Old Madam had always been cautious, never speaking such words before. Today speaking thus, obviously Consort De had given her offense.

Li Weiyang understood in her heart. The Old Madam had always been proud. Her proactively mentioning this matter to Consort De showed wholehearted consideration for herself. But she didn’t know that Li Weiyang had absolutely no such intention. Presently she said gently: “Thank you for Old Madam’s consideration. But since they look down on us, we needn’t cling either. Just pretend this matter never happened.”

Old Madam Li looked at her seriously. Seeing her face showed not a trace of worry or regret, only then did she breathe a sigh of relief: “Good that you think openly. Otherwise at the banquet seeing things you don’t want to see, feeling sad inside, watching would make me feel wronged for you. I understand Consort De’s thoughts—merely looking down on you being illegitimate-born. We needn’t concern ourselves with her. After this passes, I’ll find you someone good.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Weiyang understands what matters. Thank you for Old Madam’s concern.”

The Old Madam nodded. Just then, she saw Nanny Luo quickly walk in from outside, immediately prostrating: “Old Madam, First Madam she—she hanged herself… was just rescued.”

The Old Madam immediately stood up, then—moved slowly to sit back down. These ten days, though the truth of the matter hadn’t spread outside, idle gossip had always been more prevalent than snakes, insects and rodents scurrying in dark corners. Though maids had been expelled at the time and didn’t know the true situation, and afterward were also forbidden to speak recklessly, they still gathered in groups of three or five hiding in corners. Whenever no one watched, they began sneaking about, whispering together, restlessly spreading embellished tales… Though Li Xiaoran had expended great effort to rectify this, specially punishing several ringleaders, the gossip never ceased a single day, instead like boundless spring grass, proliferating endlessly without limit.

“Weiyang, on my behalf, go see your mother.” After a long silence, Old Madam Li finally said this.

Li Weiyang raised her eyes, glancing at the Old Madam. Without asking anything, she only smiled slightly: “Yes.”

Li Weiyang bowed to take her leave, unhurriedly exiting Hexiang Court. The garden before her eyes was currently winter, much more desolate than before. Tiles and mud were cold and gray, flower leaves withered. The grass only sporadically dotted with grayish-white wilted flowers. The courtyard was extremely quiet, hearing only one or two bird calls. Such an environment always made people feel inexplicably cold. Li Weiyang obviously didn’t mind, merely walking through the decaying scenery, her expression thoughtful.

“Miss, the Old Madam just said to have you go see First Madam. What does this mean?” Baizhi whispered. Why did the Old Madam, after discussing the palace banquet, then tell Miss to visit Jiang Yuelan? This had never happened before. “Is this because of the hanging incident, forgiving her?”

Li Weiyang only smiled without answering.

The two walked all the way to Jiang Yuelan’s residing courtyard. Since the incident occurred, Jiang Yuelan had been punished to kneel in the ancestral hall, kneeling a full ten days before being carried back to this courtyard, never emerging again.

Seeing Third Miss, the maids in the courtyard looked at each other. Aluo emerged from the room carrying a basin of water. Unexpectedly seeing Li Weiyang, her heart jumped in alarm. Her hand slipped, spilling the entire basin of hot water. Her eyes filled with terror: “Miss… Miss, why have you come—” Utterly fearful, the expression of seeing a ghost.

Li Weiyang smiled: “The Old Madam asked me to visit Mother.”

Aluo still looked dumbstruck, standing there motionless. Li Weiyang passed her, walking directly toward the room.

The door stood half-closed, sunlight entering that one patch. Inside was very quiet, almost making one think it empty. Li Weiyang walked straight over, immediately seeing Jiang Yuelan sitting on the large bed platform, wearing only a plain white inner garment embroidered with plum blossoms, not even wearing an outer robe. This made her face appear even more bloodless. Only around her snow-white neck remained a deep purple strangling mark particularly obvious, as if telling everyone she’d just been dragged back from death’s door.

“Mother, how is your health?” Li Weiyang’s voice was clear and pleasant. In the completely silent room, it sounded like ice bells chiming in wind, yet carried warmth. Outsiders hearing wouldn’t imagine these two people in the room harbored such great enmity.

Jiang Yuelan suddenly froze, then fiercely turned around, her gaze viciously fixing on Li Weiyang. At this moment in her eyes, Li Weiyang’s cheeks appeared carved from white jade, a pair of eyes deep as ancient wells. With a slight blink, those long, slender lashes would bring a delicate, endearing feeling. Wearing an entire outfit of water-blue dress paired with sapphire butterfly ornaments, the coordination perfect, appearing incomparably beautiful, and youthful! She was clearly approximately the same age as herself—why must she decay and die here day by day while the other grew increasingly vibrant? Why was heaven so unfair?

Looking at herself again, Jiang Yuelan almost wanted to cry bitterly in vexation. In just ten short days, she’d aged as if a dozen years. Looking in the mirror, fine lines actually filled her eye corners. Though fine as spider silk, she still saw them at a glance—desperately applying powder and rouge, yet still couldn’t hide the haggardness on her face. Previously pregnant, needing constant nourishment, her body had expanded like a balloon. Though now miscarried, her figure couldn’t immediately recover. Her waist had become like a damaged flour sack—she could only use silk bands to tightly bind that loose fat. She’d never before discovered so many flaws in herself, yet today discovered them all at once. Precisely because of this sudden discovery, she felt especially unable to endure.

Jiang Yuelan stared deadly at Li Weiyang, so dejected she only wanted to cry bitterly. Her resentment and anger toward the other side also grew even stronger. If there were opportunity, she would definitely avenge herself—actually she and Li Weiyang had no deep hatred. Merely because she’d fallen for Li Minde, then couldn’t stand that Li Weiyang, an illegitimate daughter, actually lived more comfortably than herself, she’d formed this so-called irreconcilable enmity with Li Weiyang. Women were such strange creatures—even a tiny bit of jealousy, at critical moments, could transform into prairie fire.

“Why have you come? To watch how wretched I’ve become?” Jiang Yuelan looked at Li Weiyang, strenuously suppressing her hatred, speaking word by word, yet venomous fangs seemed to appear and disappear in her gaze.

“Where does Mother get such words? I merely came to see you.” Seeing Jiang Yuelan look toward behind herself, Li Weiyang smiled: “Mother needn’t wait. Father won’t come, nor will the Old Madam.”

Jiang Yuelan’s eyes clearly showed disappointed expression. She’d thought that given one night as husband and wife meant a hundred days of affection, Li Xiaoran would have some feeling. Who knew he’d be so heartless and unjust, so easily believing Li Weiyang’s words, thinking her child wasn’t his. If not his, whose could it be? Jiang Yuelan wanted to laugh coldly but discovered the smile reaching her lips transformed into bitterness.

Glancing at the cold food beside the table—merely cold steamed buns and half a bowl of coarse rice that even lower servants wouldn’t touch—Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Since marrying into the Li family, Mother has surely eaten delicacies daily. Treating you with such food is truly wronging you.”

The corners of Jiang Yuelan’s mouth lifted in a cold smile, the venomous fangs in her eyes gradually becoming clear. Li Weiyang’s words aroused her myriad grievances. She couldn’t help gnashing her teeth, the cold smile at her lips fully blooming: “Victors become kings, losers become bandits. I lost to you merely because I’m not as cunning as you. When I turn things around someday, you may not avoid falling into my hands. Then you’ll definitely be more miserable than me.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Even suicide draws no one’s attention. Do you think—there’s still possibility of turning things around?”

Jiang Yuelan suddenly froze, a chill covering her heart. She wanted to say she’d definitely win back Li Xiaoran. However, Li Weiyang’s smile reminded her—now Li Xiaoran treated her so contemptuously, would he believe her words? Even kneeling at his feet begging might only bring self-humiliation.

Yes, suicide to gain sympathy was her final move. If the other side disdained even her life, could there still be chance to turn things around? Jiang Yuelan bit her teeth hard: “I still have—”

“Oh, you mean you still have your maiden family and the Jiang family. From when the incident occurred until now, no one has come to visit you.” Li Weiyang said slowly yet cruelly. “To them, you’re merely an abandoned piece. Who cares about your life or death? I hear your maiden family is already plotting to marry your second younger sister into the household to become Father’s wife, saying they want to find you support. You didn’t know yet, did you?”

This sentence stabbed into Jiang Yuelan’s heart like a blood-red knife. In that instant, she immediately realized her miscarriage had disappointed her maiden family. Married over a year, she hadn’t even managed to bear one child—they couldn’t wait to send another daughter over to consolidate their position… How could they be so shameless! She was still alive, still the Li household’s proper First Madam! Uncontrollably, a drop of ice-cold tear flowed from her eye corner. Jiang Yuelan turned her head away, unwilling to let anyone see. After a long while she coldly spat out: “I’ve indeed lost, lost very thoroughly. But even as a ghost I won’t spare you! I’ll forever haunt you, making you restless day and night, not one day of peace!”

Hearing these words, Li Weiyang suddenly laughed aloud. The smile on her face appeared extremely contemptuous, obviously not taking the other side seriously at all.

Jiang Yuelan felt this laughter like three ladles of ice water directly poured into her heart, involuntarily shivering, her imposing manner involuntarily defeated. “I… I… I…” She suddenly lost the strength to struggle, becoming incomparably disheartened, crying out loudly in defeat, then throwing herself at Li Weiyang’s feet: “Third Miss, I’ll never dare oppose you again. Spare me! Give me a way to live, won’t you?”

Li Weiyang looked at her half with pity, half with mockery: “I never intended to put you to death. Why must Mother fear so much?” Saying this, she ordered Aluo: “Help your Madam up. What kind of appearance is this?”

Aluo quickly went to help Jiang Yuelan up but was pushed away by her. She said loudly: “I know that since you came, it means I still have value, doesn’t it? As long as I’m here one day, Li Xiaoran won’t marry a proper wife. No one else will enter to threaten Seventh Concubine and Minzhi’s positions. Now he can’t have more children, I also can’t become pregnant again. This way, Minzhi will be this household’s only son. This situation is also beneficial for you, isn’t it? Spare me! I’ll never oppose you again. If the Jiang family has any situation, I’ll also tell you. No—I can even help you deal with them. As long as you let me continue sitting in this position, as long as you can help prevent my younger sister from entering, I’ll do anything you say!” Just moments ago, she’d already thought it through. Forget Li Minde, forget her maiden family—she herself was most important. She’d never dare provoke Li Weiyang again. All enemies she couldn’t defeat should become friends—this was her survival principle all these years. Rather than letting her maiden family send someone to undermine her, better to switch allegiance to Li Weiyang. Everything could still turn around…

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Aluo, wipe your Madam’s tears. Her body now can’t withstand such crying.”

This meant agreement! Jiang Yuelan immediately wiped her tears dry and stood up, but stumbled and fell to the ground. Aluo quickly went to help her up. She immediately said: “I won’t disappoint this kindness you’re showing me. Henceforth if the Jiang family has any movements, I’ll be first to tell you!”

Li Weiyang’s smile carried some coldness: “I hope so.” She kept Jiang Yuelan merely because she could still be very useful in future. Toward enemies, her heart had long turned to ice and snow, without half a trace of sympathy.

Aluo barely managed to help Jiang Yuelan onto the bed to lie down. Li Weiyang watched her unsteady steps, couldn’t help raising her eyebrows. Having just miscarried, then kneeling so long in ice and snow—look, her legs and feet were already not very nimble. Heard she also occasionally vomited blood… Such a person, how much longer could she live? She should still hurry and seize the time. Thinking this, Li Weiyang no longer glanced at anyone in the room, turning to walk out.

Inside the room, Aluo asked softly: “Madam, will you truly pledge allegiance to Third Miss?”

Jiang Yuelan’s complexion was defeated. Though her eyes still held hatred, she was already utterly exhausted. She glanced at Aluo: “It’s not that I want to pledge allegiance, but that I must pledge allegiance to her. Now that I’m alive, I still have some use to her, so she keeps me. If one day I’m useless, no one will care about me anymore. Though Li Weiyang infuriates me, the one I most resent is that wolf-hearted, dog-lunged creature Li Xiaoran. I carried his child, yet he didn’t even ask before having me kneel in punishment, causing me to suffer lifelong afflictions. I’ll absolutely never forgive him. Even descending to hell, I’ll drag him along!”

Jiang Yuelan’s full enmity had gradually transferred onto Li Xiaoran who’d destroyed her entire life. Aluo, seeing her gnashing teeth, couldn’t help feeling alarmed, advising: “Madam, Master is merely temporarily unable to think clearly—please don’t take it to heart.”

Jiang Yuelan snorted coldly but said nothing more.

On the fifteenth of the second month, a grand palace banquet. The Emperor sat high on the imperial throne, the Empress seated at his side. Consort Lian wore precious jewels on her head that under moonlight flashed with luxurious fluorescence. Her position closely adjoined the Emperor’s side, actually appearing even more noble than the Empress. Consort De accompanied at the lower seat. This time, her entire person appeared very quiet, as if one couldn’t sense at all that she was also one of the four consorts of the rear palace. However, this wasn’t strange. After Noble Consort Wu was granted death and Noble Consort Mei suffered misfortune due to Fifth Prince’s treasonous affair, among the current four consorts, only Consort De Zhang and Consort Rou remained. And Consort Rou’s health had never been very good—she didn’t even attend this banquet. Thus Consort De Zhang became even more low-key.

Palace maids shuttled back and forth, serving plate after plate of delicacies. The Emperor smiled while constantly conversing softly with Consort Lian beside him, obviously doting on her tremendously. The important ministers below watched this, each making their own calculations in their hearts.

While Consort Lian was triumphant, other women in the rear palace worried anxiously—for instance, the rear palace’s most noble woman, the Empress. She sat to one side watching the shy Consort Lian, her heart filled with extreme jealousy. This child… If a princess, everyone would be happy. If a prince, it meant too many problems.

In the imperial family, those inheriting the throne were generally legitimate eldest sons. The current Crown Prince met this requirement. But if the Emperor liked someone, changing candidates at the last moment wasn’t a major problem—for instance, when the Crown Prince made mistakes. Originally many people already eyed the Crown Prince’s position covetously. Now adding a beloved little prince—these days would become even harder.

Fundamentally, even if this child was born a boy, he’d merely be an infant—what waves could he make? Yet the Empress felt that since Grand Master Zhou had improved the original elixirs, the Emperor’s health had recovered fairly well. Living another ten-plus years posed no problem. By then whose throne it would be couldn’t be certain… After all, now the Emperor looked at the Crown Prince increasingly unfavorably! If the Crown Prince’s position were seized, even if the Emperor, considering their many years as husband and wife, wouldn’t do anything to her, when a new Emperor with no blood relation to her ascended the throne in future, she as Empress Dowager would likely be mere decoration. Therefore, this child absolutely could not be a prince. Otherwise, she dared not imagine the future situation…

Though Li Weiyang sat below the steps, she keenly saw the Empress’s expression clearly. She merely lowered her head and smiled slightly. At this moment, she suddenly sensed a burning gaze sweep over her body and disappear. Li Weiyang slightly raised her head, seeing Tuoba Zhen sitting not far away, his meaningful eyes colliding with hers.

Li Weiyang’s expression froze momentarily. Tuoba Zhen gazed deeply at her, then raised his wine cup, smiled slightly, and drank it all in one gulp. Li Weiyang’s heart suddenly stirred with a strange feeling. This person seemed to regard her as certain to be obtained—truly so confident?

“Weiyang, what’s wrong with you?”

Sun Yanjun’s concerned words drifted into her ears. Li Weiyang came back to her senses, seeing her worried eyes, smiled slightly and lowered her head: “I was merely admiring tonight’s beautiful scenery and momentarily lost myself.”

“That’s good.” Just now she’d clearly seen Li Weiyang daydreaming… thought she had worries on her mind, Sun Yanjun thought to herself. But Li Weiyang’s expression had already returned to normal, revealing not the slightest clue.

Not far away, Jiang Hua saw all this and couldn’t help laughing coldly. However, it was accompanied by a violent coughing fit. He covered the blood at his lips, pretending nothing was wrong as he drank a cup of wine. Since last time being angered to collapse by Li Weiyang, he’d been bedridden for a full three months. Just before coming to the banquet, he still couldn’t even get out of bed. But he still came, because he knew Li Weiyang would definitely come. If he didn’t come, it would show weakness.

Originally thinking Li Weiyang would notice him, but her gaze never once looked toward him, even as if not noticing he’d come at all. Even in occasionally meeting gazes, in Li Weiyang’s eyes he saw not a trace of human emotion. The woman opposite possessed willpower and ability in no way inferior to his—powerful to the point of being frightening and making one tremble. Precisely because of this, he even more could not lose to her! Absolutely could not! The fingers Jiang Hua held his wine cup with faintly turned white. Though braziers surrounded him, his hands still held warmed wine, yet he still felt nothing could dispel the cold within his body.

Grandfather had clearly said he was Dali’s most intelligent person, bravest strategist, the entire army’s soul. Yet why did he lose to an unknown little girl? This absolutely wasn’t fair! Erasing his own malice and selfishness, at this moment Jiang Hua pushed all errors onto others, unwilling to fail. Yet the fact of having already failed couldn’t be changed. Especially seeing Li Weiyang’s delicate, calm face, it was as if some nerve in his brain suddenly snapped. Something in his head kept clamoring: Defeat her, kill her!

Jiang Xu softly reminded: “Hua’er, can you still hold on?”

His father’s worry brought Jiang Hua back to his senses at once. He smiled, suppressing the violent factors within: “Father, rest assured. My illness has completely recovered. At today’s occasion, there won’t be problems.”

Jiang Xu looked at him worriedly. Jiang Hai was dead, Jiang Nan could never see light, he’d already successively lost two sons. Even his nephew had run off without a trace. He didn’t want to lose Jiang Hua again: “Your grandfather will soon return to the capital. Your second brother has already gone to welcome him. So, set your mind at ease.” Jiang Xu comforted.

Of course Jiang Hua knew grandfather Duke Jiang would soon return. But he didn’t want the grandfather who’d always viewed him as pride to see his current dejected appearance. Thinking this, his fists involuntarily clenched tight. Only now did he believe he perhaps truly was ill. Since childhood he’d grown up with grandfather in the military. Others all praised him as intelligent, wise and strategic. Yet few knew he was actually the most violent of the Jiang family’s five boys. At age six he’d once beaten a playmate badly enough to lie in bed half a year. The reason was merely that the other said one sentence: “You’re actually as delicate as a little girl!” He immediately raged and disregarding usual friendship, rushed forward with fists and feet. He broke the other’s nose bridge and three ribs. Finally it took two adults to pull him away. Seeing his playmate injured thus, he also deeply regretted it. But what made him most unable to accept was that he’d had absolutely no power to restrain that furious state at the time.

Afterward, seeing him emotionally low, staying indoors all day, grandfather hired famous physicians. That doctor had once suggested he learn self-control, also hinting he perhaps suffered from some aggressive illness. So these years he’d cultivated his mind and nurtured his nature, doing everything possible to suppress the violent energy in his heart. Yet Li Weiyang had easily made him release the beast within. Bit by bit she was driving him mad.

Fortunately, such a situation would soon change… Jiang Hua thought this way, a cold smile floating on his face.

Li Minde watched everyone’s hidden undercurrents, merely raising his eyebrows faintly. Tuoba Yu, Tuoba Zhen, the Jiang family people—one by one harbored ill intentions toward Weiyang. Should he do something to warn them? The corners of his lips curved in a smile. Li Minde revealed his habitual smile.

Li Weiyang’s gaze inadvertently fell on Li Minde’s face, couldn’t help pausing slightly. Whenever that handsome face showed this smile, it meant he’d begun scheming against others. She very much wanted to know—this time, who would be unlucky?

Just then, the Crown Prince suddenly stood up, saying loudly: “Imperial Father, this son has a matter to report.”

The Emperor raised his eyes, glancing at him: “Speak.” His attitude somewhat lukewarm—watching made the Empress beside him feel somewhat uncomfortable, yet she could only forcibly suppress it.

The Crown Prince seemed completely unconcerned, smiling: “The Desert North envoy arrived in the capital today and wishes to present Imperial Father with a gift tonight.”

The Desert North was a vast, sparsely populated country north of the Dali Dynasty. The people lived by riding and archery, folk customs extremely fierce. For many years they’d been openly and covertly struggling with Dali, constantly in conflict and dispute. But these past ten years hadn’t erupted in major war. The two countries’ relationship was extremely delicate. Third Prince Tuoba Zhen, seeing this situation, proactively proposed dividing seven cities between the two countries for trade, letting Desert North people use their specialties—horses, sheep, camels, mink pelts and such—to exchange for Dali Dynasty’s silk textiles, porcelain, gold and silver ware, tea and iron implements, etc. He also established special officials to control both sides’ goods prices, trying to make trades fair. This way, the two countries’ relationship quickly eased. This Desert North envoy coming to Dali wasn’t particularly surprising.

The Emperor nodded, his face also showing a smile: “In that case, please invite the envoy to ascend the hall.”

As soon as the words fell, they saw the palace maids who’d been dancing graceful dances retreat. In a moment they saw human shadows gathering on the empty ground before the hall, drums and instruments sounding. Before long, they saw musicians and drummers emerge from the crowd, beginning to perform. The tall drummer wearing a mask raised an oddly-shaped drum above his head, then lightly dropped the drumstick on the drum surface. That sound seemed like a mountain stream suddenly bursting forth, also like a stone suddenly falling into an abyss’s shock. And very quickly, one sound followed another, becoming increasingly intense and urgent. While beside the drummer, musicians also began playing their instruments. For a time, the sounds of zither, qin and pipa joined the drum beats, yet didn’t diminish the drum’s momentum at all. Instead it made the entire ensemble present a generous, impassioned state. Just then, the drumming grew increasingly urgent. Everyone seemed to see before their eyes thousands of troops arrayed for battle. That drummer, playing until now, was already drenched in sweat, his expression grave, his entire body in motion!

Li Weiyang frowned. Such a generous, impassioned melody, the artistic conception also so unique—absolutely not what ordinary craftsmen could control! This drummer—

Just then, the drummer suddenly threw away his sticks, using his hands to press on the drum surface, desperately striking it, yet more intense and clear than the previous drumming! For a time all instruments seemed to stop. Having seen Dali’s gentle song and dance performances regularly, everyone stared blankly at the person before them, momentarily speechless. Not until moments later, when the drumming abruptly ceased, did everyone awaken.

The Crown Prince, who’d been sitting, suddenly stood up, loudly saying: “Good! Fourth Prince, excellent skill!”

That drummer laughed heartily, quickly walked forward and removed his mask, prostrating before the Dali Emperor: “Desert North Fourth Prince Li Yuanheng pays respects to the Dali Emperor Your Majesty.”

This Desert North Fourth Prince, the man calling himself Li Yuanheng, wasn’t very old. A face with sharply defined features like knife-carved, facial contours very deep. Two thick black sword-like brows pressed over deep eye sockets. A high, straight nose bridge and resolute lips all showed vigorous heroic spirit. On his head he wore a high fur hat studded with gold and silver ornaments and precious jade stones—beneath the felt hat exposed long black hair, braided into queues according to Desert North custom, adorned with dark red or dark green jade beads. Unlike Dali Dynasty young men who liked wearing exquisite silk, he wore extremely rare golden leopard fur, an ivory-handled curved sword with golden sheath at his waist particularly eye-catching.

As if sensing the female family’s attention, after speaking this sentence, he suddenly turned back to glance at the women, his gaze suddenly fixing on one particular spot.