On the fifth day of the fifth month, the Third Prince’s marriage to Princess Anguo became a major event in the capital. From the city gates to the palace, the streets had long been decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. The Yuexi Emperor sent countless gifts of gold, silver, pearls and jewels—a full five hundred loads that dazzled everyone’s eyes. To bring her beloved daughter ultimate glory, Empress Pei specially sent a palanquin crafted of gold and jade requiring sixteen people to carry, its grandeur even exceeding Dali’s Empress’s imperial carriage. Despite this, the Dali Emperor still granted special permission, allowing Princess Anguo to use this flower palanquin. This was an extremely rare grace since Dali’s founding.

According to protocol, Third Prince Tuoba Zhen departed from his newly renovated Third Prince’s residence, surrounded by crowds, heading to the palace to receive Princess Anguo. Because the embassy was too ordinary and Princess Anguo was dissatisfied, the Dali Emperor issued an order allowing her to enter the palace to await marriage. The horse procession reached inside the palace yet continued forward without stopping, proceeding all the way to Chongwen Hall. Tuoba Zhen dismounted and bowed in worship from afar toward the hall. Inside Chongwen Hall, the Emperor and Empress sat with smiles on their faces, waving their hands for them to continue forward.

Princess Anguo held special status. The Emperor specially selected ten Dali women of distinguished birth and noble status to accompany the bride, from morning hair-dressing through evening’s end. Li Weiyang was among these ten, and moreover held the most precious status—the Empress Dowager’s adopted daughter.

Princess Anguo sat before her dressing table wearing bright red ceremonial robes with butterfly-wing sleeves, coral buttons, beautiful phoenix patterns embroidered on the hem, priceless white jade pendants tied with jade-green silk cords hanging down with three-inch tassels, looking dazzlingly radiant.

In the bronze mirror reflected the shadows of ten beautiful women behind her. Yet she looked at none of them, only staring at one—the silent, calm-faced Li Weiyang. Then Princess Anguo laughed softly. Li Weiyang, so what if Tuoba Zhen likes you? The one he’s marrying back today is me, it’s me!

Just then, a eunuch outside called loudly: “Receive the bride!”

The hour had arrived. Immediately wedding attendants came to cover Princess Anguo with the bridal veil. She shook her head, refusing their action, instead actively walking over and taking Li Weiyang’s hand, timidly saying: “Imperial Aunt, may I call you this?” Yet she displayed an extremely intimate manner—if others didn’t know better, they’d think she and Li Weiyang had very good feelings.

That slender finger gripped Li Weiyang’s tightly, as if about to sink into her flesh. Li Weiyang’s expression remained steady, smiling: “Of course you may.”

Princess Anguo’s expression was uneasy, like an ordinary bride: “Please personally escort me to the palanquin, all right?” Escorting the new bride to the palanquin should naturally be the wedding attendant’s job. Saying this made it truly seem like she needed familiar company due to anxiety. Others didn’t pay special attention.

Li Weiyang appeared not to notice Princess Anguo’s intentions, smiling: “Princess, please.”

Princess Anping personally escorted the bride out. Reaching the door, Princess Anguo lowered her voice: “Li Weiyang, I know Tuoba Zhen loves you dearly.”

Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change, reminding: “Princess, watch your step.”

Princess Anguo sneered coldly: “But now I’m his princess consort, and moreover, you’ll be an old maid your whole life.”

Li Weiyang seemed not to understand, only saying softly: “Princess, are you uncomfortable somewhere? Needing the toilet at this time wouldn’t be good.”

People behind hearing this immediately whispered among themselves, some secretly laughing. If the bride needed to relieve herself now, wouldn’t that be utterly humiliating? Princess Anguo’s heart filled with resentment—clearly the other party didn’t take her seriously at all, simply too detestable! She emphasized her tone: “Fine, you just wait and see!”

But Li Weiyang had already handed her to the wedding attendant beside them: “Princess, go well.”

The wedding attendant helped Princess Anguo onto that dazzling carriage made of gold and jade. Tuoba Zhen rode a magnificent horse, handsome in appearance, looking so impressive one dared not gaze directly. Li Weiyang watched from afar, sneering coldly. This marriage was truly interesting.

Just then, someone approached from a side corridor. Everyone behind Li Weiyang bowed to the newcomer: “Princess.”

Li Weiyang turned to see Princess Yongning standing behind her, looking at her with a smile. Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows: “The Princess should be attending the banquet soon.” At the Third Prince’s residence, there would be a feast lasting through the night. As principal guest, Princess Yongning should have already gone to the banquet—why was she still in the palace?

An unnatural smile appeared on Princess Yongning’s face: “Oh, I just have a few words to say to you.” Speaking thus, she came up to support Li Weiyang’s arm, naturally walking out together with her: “I know I’ll have another chance to see you later, but I truly can’t wait until evening. You know, after tonight’s banquet I must go to Yuexi, and this departure—I may never return to this homeland again my whole life.”

Though Li Weiyang’s face held a smile, she felt strange inside. Her relationship with Princess Yongning was merely superficial. Yongning’s attitude toward her only became approachable after she became a princess. Previously, this princess had once helped her escape Jiang Hua at the palace gates, but that was due to the princess’s own disgust for the Jiang family, not directed at Li Weiyang herself. Compared to the Ninth Princess’s sincere treatment, Princess Yongning seemed much more indifferent. She wasn’t narcissistic enough to think Princess Yongning had some necessity to see her before marrying. Yet she said: “The Princess can still return to visit relatives.”

Return thousands of miles to visit relatives? Yongning smiled: “Previously there were precedents. If Father Emperor lives long, this might be possible, but his health hasn’t been good these recent years…” Speaking here, she paused, smiling: “Truthfully, if the Crown Prince ascends the throne in future, brothers are never like one’s biological father—he won’t think of me anymore.” So her only remaining support was Yuan Yu. Princess status could guarantee her position as princess consort, but Yuan Yu could guarantee whether the second half of her life would be happy.

“I heard the Princess selected quite a few beautiful palace maids to accompany her to Yuexi this time.” Li Weiyang said softly.

Princess Yongning paused, embarrassment flashing across her face, but quickly accepting: “When you reach my age, you’ll understand why I do this.”

Li Weiyang smiled without commenting.

Princess Yongning explained as if covering something: “However, no matter who you marry, you cannot avoid such a fate, can you? You’re always so strong—I’ve long wanted to advise you. Even with my former Prince Consort, I actively took concubines for him. This is the way of being a wife.”

Originally when Princess Yongning married the Prince Consort, during their newlywed period naturally there was indescribable tender affection. Afterward over half a year, the Prince Consort’s love for her gradually cooled. The reason was very simple—his younger brothers all had children, yet the Princess’s belly showed no movement after half a year of marriage. From anxiety, the Princess and Prince Consort consecutively summoned countless physicians, only then discovering the Princess was naturally weak-bodied and truly had great difficulty bearing children. Seeing the Prince Consort’s melancholy appearance, Princess Yongning actively gave him four maids to serve him at night. According to Dali law, ordinary men could take wives and concubines, but as the Emperor’s son-in-law, prince consorts couldn’t casually take concubines. But if the princess wanted maids to serve at night, the procedure was much simpler. Subsequently, one maid indeed bore twin children. The Prince Consort, mindful of the Princess’s grace, became even more loving toward her. Though later Duke Yingguo’s household suffered disaster and this pair of children couldn’t escape misfortune either, this matter was known to all. Similarly, everyone praised Princess Yongning’s understanding of propriety, including the lofty Emperor himself.

So Princess Yongning now widely selecting beautiful palace maids to accompany the marriage alliance had two fundamental purposes: partly to send to Yuan Yu to secure her husband’s favor, partly to send to Yuexi ministers to establish firm footing. See—this was the fundamental reason the Emperor confidently had her make the marriage alliance. Her age and experience differed from the Ninth Princess’s. She would easily accept her new life and work hard to make it go smoothly. If it were the Ninth Princess instead, she’d probably only cry and make scenes now, threatening death…

Though Li Weiyang’s expression smiled, Yongning discovered her disapproval and couldn’t help speaking seriously: “Men are all like this. If in future you marry someone and are forced to take concubines for him, better you take initiative yourself, be more magnanimous.”

Saying this to Li Weiyang before rebirth, she would definitely deeply agree. But saying this now… Sorry, if a man took a new person, in her view it equaled that man betraying her. When that time truly came, she’d rather be a widow than watch that person betray her with open eyes. In this sense, whoever married Li Weiyang in future might not live as carefree as ordinary men. Of course, if such a person truly existed— Li Weiyang’s smile grew warmer: “The Princess says so much to me, yet the most important words remain unsaid.”

Princess Yongning paused, then a strange expression flashed across her face, so fast it was almost imperceptible. She paused before smiling: “Nothing else really, just wanting to request that after I leave you look after the Empress Dowager more, and Ninth Sister doesn’t understand things—I hope you’ll also watch over her.”

These weren’t difficult matters. A daughter marrying far away caring about relatives’ health and happiness wasn’t strange. Yet Li Weiyang just felt strange. Though formerly Princess Yongning always had a somewhat condescending attitude toward her, she’d never been like today, with attitude faintly hiding a trace of guilt. This guilt wasn’t obvious, but Li Weiyang still detected it.

Had Princess Yongning done something sorry to her? Li Weiyang was certain—no, not only no, ultimately she’d actually used the Princess in this marriage matter, borrowing her to escape. Of course, Li Weiyang wouldn’t feel guilty—she lacked such emotions. If your imperial family could order me into marriage alliance, couldn’t I scheme against you? Furthermore, Li Minde first threw Yuan Yu onto Princess Yongning’s bed, then told her afterward—this couldn’t count as her knowing but not reporting. Since so, why exactly did Yongning feel guilty?

Or she felt guilty about something about to happen— Li Weiyang was such an intelligent person, she quickly understood the key point. She heard Yongning say: “Actually, from my heart I’m very grateful to you, because you gave this marriage to me. Though for you this doesn’t count as a good marriage, for me it’s an opportunity I never dared imagine.”

Li Weiyang quietly listened to Princess Yongning’s words, detecting something unusual, though her smile remained as always: “Why must the Princess thank me? This is all heaven’s arrangement.” She’d never originally wanted to facilitate this marriage either, or rather, she hadn’t expected Yuan Yu so shameless he’d actually agree.

Yongning smiled: “The hour is late—let’s quickly attend the banquet.”

Li Weiyang glanced at her: “Weiyang naturally obeys.” Because of Princess Yongning’s imperial carriage, Li Weiyang didn’t change to her own family’s carriage. After the other nine young ladies who’d originally accompanied the bride in the palace departed, only Li Weiyang rode Princess Yongning’s imperial carriage together, driving out through the palace gates.

After leaving the palace gates, Princess Yongning became unusually silent. Outside sunlight penetrated through the carriage curtains, illuminating her face with a faint pallor. Li Weiyang watched, slightly shaking her head. The Princess’s imperial carriage traveled all the way east, soon exiting Dongguan Gate. Li Weiyang clearly sensed something wrong, yet said nothing, only watching Princess Yongning. Princess Yongning, looked at by her, felt her face burning and had to lower her head.

When the Princess’s carriage reached a quiet place and suddenly stopped, someone came to lift the curtain, smiling pleasantly: “Princess Anping, I didn’t expect we’d meet again so soon.”

Li Weiyang recognized his build and gait—it was Prince Yan Yuan Yu. However, he’d changed his appearance, exchanging brocade robes and jade crown for ordinary clothes, deliberately wearing a bamboo hat, dressed like a common merchant. Yuan Yu lifted the veil on his bamboo hat, revealing a face that spring flowers and autumn moon could hardly match.

Li Weiyang sighed: “Prince Yan’s skill at deceiving women—if you claim second in the world, probably no one dares claim first.”

Yuan Yu was good at smiling. When he smiled, his eyes, his face, his person—all carried smiles, all carried spring intention. This type of man was best at bewitching women, especially those whose hearts had been lonely too long, waiting for him to nourish them. Li Weiyang finally understood why Princess Yongning felt guilty—because she’d agreed to this man’s request to deceive her here. Moreover, she’d specially ordered Zhao Yue to return to the Li residence with the carriage.

“I thought it would take some effort before you’d obediently fall for it, never expecting you’d so easily trust Yongning.” Trusting women’s friendship—you’d actually do something so stupid, truly unlike you Li Weiyang—Yuan Yu’s eyes clearly said this. A woman like Princess Yongning, lonely too long—he merely used a small scheme and she took the bait.

Li Weiyang didn’t turn back to look at Yongning either, only saying coolly: “The Princess is after all a woman. Being a woman ultimately has weaknesses—being deceived by you isn’t impossible.”

But Princess Yongning protested: “Yuan Yu isn’t that kind of person. If not for Li Weiyang scheming against him first, he wouldn’t come asking my help!”

Li Weiyang turned abruptly: “I schemed against him?” She immediately looked toward Yuan Yu. “You told Princess Yongning I schemed against you?”

Yuan Yu smiled: “Isn’t it so? I followed Mother Empress’s orders to find my imperial brother. You clearly knew his whereabouts yet pretended complete ignorance. That’s one thing, but you actually had someone beat me severely. If I don’t avenge this, how can I return to Yuexi with peace of mind?”

Princess Yongning said reluctantly: “Li Weiyang, don’t blame me. I just—”

You just willingly let Yuan Yu deceive you, knowing what he said wasn’t true, yet still deceived me here to let him vent his anger. One can see how powerful this handsome face is—even making the famously reserved Princess Yongning go all out to help. Li Weiyang sneered coldly, her gaze cold as snow: “Then how will you take revenge on me? Beat me severely too?”

But Yuan Yu didn’t look at her, merely coughing softly: “Yongning, you go back first. I have an account to slowly settle with this Princess Anping.”

Li Weiyang was forced off the carriage, then looked toward Yongning: “You truly want to do things against your conscience for a man?”

Yongning paused, looking at Li Weiyang, then glancing at Yuan Yu’s face colored like spring flowers. Ultimately she bit her lip: “Don’t blame me! People are all selfish—I can only help my own husband!”

Husband? Not even married yet saying this—one can see Yuan Yu truly won over Princess Yongning in the shortest time, making her devoted to him. Li Weiyang spoke no more, sneering coldly. Yongning, I gave you a chance. This whole journey, you had opportunities to regret. But you didn’t. You’d rather help such a man, knowing he’s no good person, knowing falling into his hands would definitely have terrible consequences. You still sent me here. Thus, your previous help to me is now wiped clean.

Princess Yongning finally ordered the carriage driver to turn around and drive toward the city. She still had to attend the banquet, and had to act as if nothing had happened.

Yuan Yu laughed, his smile carrying malicious mockery: “Now, Li Weiyang, you’ve still fallen into my hands.”

Li Weiyang looked at him, her gaze focused, sharp, resolute, fearless. The emotion most present in her eyes was still mockery. Yuan Yu’s heart flared with anger, almost wanting to slap her, yet somehow facing those eyes felt inexplicably chilling. He roared: “Take her inside!”

Yuan Yu had long prepared another inconspicuous black-canopied carriage. Subsequently riding this carriage for another half hour, quietly ordering people to change to a designated small boat, switching from the capital’s outer lake to a small vessel, rowing it into pre-designated secluded willows, then abandoning the boat to board another carriage. Without showing itself or revealing traces, it shook off all who might notice this carriage.

Li Weiyang looked out through the carriage curtains, couldn’t help sneering: “Prince Yan has calculated without omission this time, yet I wonder where you’re sending me?”

Prince Yan laughed loudly: “Don’t worry—when you reach the place you’ll naturally know.”

Li Weiyang saw the carriage going increasingly toward secluded areas, actually reaching a completely unfamiliar location. Yet she wasn’t flustered, merely smiling faintly, as if not taking it to heart.

Prince Yan thought she deliberately acted calm, sneering: “Outside guarding the carriage are my six shadow guards. You cannot escape no matter what. This time I’m fully prepared—Li Minde can no longer track you here. The more Li Minde loves you dearly, the more I want to make you miserable. Only this can eliminate the hatred in my heart! Don’t blame me for being ruthless either—I’m merely seeking justice for myself.”

Li Weiyang smiled ruefully. Justice—he sought justice from her? Then where should she seek her justice? Human hearts scheme and deceive—only hearts like iron can forever stand undefeated. Precisely because these people always pressed hard, she could be fatherless, motherless, without relatives, without friends, without love, lacking everything, yet uniquely couldn’t lack a vicious heart.

Li Weiyang said slowly: “You needn’t explain to me—I don’t want to hear it either. Everyone has their own reasons for acting, everyone has their own hidden pain and sorrow. If you succeed, you’re the winner. If you fail, you shouldn’t have resentment!”

Her words carried implications. Yuan Yu momentarily couldn’t understand, couldn’t help frowning.

Finally reaching a hidden location, seeing in the distance a cluster of crabapple flowers blooming extraordinarily intensely, Yuan Yu ordered people to stop the carriage and jumped down directly. Li Weiyang didn’t need him to send people to invite her, getting off the carriage herself. She saw the temple gate’s plaque written with three gold characters: Guanyin Hermitage. The copper rings were closed, silent and still. She looked around—there were indeed several villages nearby, yet few people moved about. This was all normal, showing nothing unusual.

Yuan Yu smiled slightly, ordering shadow guards forward to knock. Very soon a nun came out, not old, only fourteen or fifteen years, yet extremely beautiful. She looked Yuan Yu up and down, smiling: “Young master, who are you looking for?”

Not calling him benefactor but young master—Li Weiyang sneered. This nun was quite strange.

Yuan Yu said: “The lotus seat leads to secluded depths, still requiring winding corridors. Truly a fine place. I’m looking for your abbess.”

The nun originally still held vigilant expression. Seeing him say these two lines, she opened the door halfway, smiling: “Please wait a moment, young master. I’ll call her out.”

Before long, a slightly older nun walked out from Guanyin Hermitage. Li Weiyang saw her nun’s robe yet it made her eyebrows and eyes appear more beautiful, her waist less than a handspan. That nun’s robe had clearly been altered at the waist. Li Weiyang’s gaze fell on her feet—she saw beneath the nun’s robe protruded a pair of sharply pointed red embroidered shoes. Against the gray robe, they appeared especially vivid, yet completely incongruous.

Li Weiyang’s heart stirred. That nun smiled: “I’ve been waiting long.” Speaking thus she examined Li Weiyang, seeing her refined features, face tinged with light rouge, further displaying jade shadows and pearl light, dazzling to the eyes. She couldn’t help nodding, smiling like blooming flowers: “This must be the new believer. Truly a beauty—quickly come inside.”

Li Weiyang had never heard of such a nun’s hermitage in the capital suburbs. Yet at this moment seeing Yuan Yu’s expression, he seemed to have already come before and was quite familiar with this nun. Yuan Yu nodded, following the nun inside. Li Weiyang stood at the door without moving, yet a long sword pressed against her waist. This time, Yuan Yu was clearly serious—if she didn’t comply, he’d directly take her life. Li Weiyang smiled slightly, saying nothing more, and stepped inside.

This Guanyin Hermitage—just entering was still a Buddha hall. The front Buddha hall enshrined divine images, before the Buddha lamps and incense smoke, scarlet fish and jade chimes, spotlessly clean. Li Weiyang glanced over—several people were worshipping Buddha and chanting scriptures, yet didn’t raise their heads, appearing very devout. Turning through the left door was a great hall with several ordinary tables and chairs. Though simple and plain, quite crude. Yet that nun led the way, actually going straight deeper inside. Yuan Yu didn’t turn back to watch Li Weiyang—he knew naturally those shadow guards would handle escorting Li Weiyang all the way inside.

Past the great hall was the inner courtyard. Li Weiyang saw several young nuns wearing light gauze soft robes, fragrant wind assailing the nose, laughing voices welcoming people. Turning around the side, entering a room—it was elegant and quiet, spotlessly clean. The room held desks, zither platforms, beds, beauty couches—all finely carved rosewood or sandalwood, extremely precious. The nun stopped, smiling: “This is it.” Before finishing, Li Weiyang saw that Yuan Yu completely unabashed before others, actually quietly extended his hand to that nun’s chest to caress. The nun smiled, scraping her finger across his face, shaming him: “Is young master cold? Place your hand in my bosom to warm it.”

By this point, if Li Weiyang still didn’t know what place this was, she’d truly be a fool.

Dali’s “beauty establishments” had four types. The first was brothels within the city—generally opening an alley beside main roads within the city. After winding and turning through secluded paths, eyes suddenly brightened to green-painted tall buildings, red-painted great gates. Outside were weeping willows, flowing water. Guard maids stood welcoming on both sides. Inside often had three layers—inner and outer, courtyards deep and wide. Between halls and courtyards often arranged flowers and strange rocks, water pools and swimming fish. Interior furnishings were even more exquisite—zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, brush, ink, paper, inkstone—everything available, even famous people’s inscriptions and writings. After guests arrived, they’d be served fragrant green tea, pure mellow wine, light dishes, paired with girls possessing both beauty and skill. Oriole voices and swallow speech, serving guests attentively. However, such places only received high officials and nobles, refined merchants and military officers, and currently popular calligraphy and painting masters of exceptional talent—extremely elegant, absolutely impossible to associate with brothels.

The second type was ordinary pleasure quarters, spread throughout streets and alleys, specially serving common guests. The girls were also much inferior to first-class brothels. After going, one directly found a pleasing girl—just don’t expect to hear music or discuss matters. The third type was lower-class brothels, receiving the lowest peddlers and laborers—a bench could receive countless customers, truly filthy beyond measure.

If one disliked all three, there was something more interesting—nun hermitages, which could similarly hold banquets for guests, both vegetarian and meat dishes prepared, and could also use nuns as prostitutes for unlimited pleasure. The only difference was ordinary pleasure quarters and brothels—as long as you had money and power, generally you could enter anytime. But nun hermitages required introduction by first-class nobility, establishing good relations, before having opportunity to enter.

Nuns were Buddhist disciples, should be separated from worldly connections, empty of the four elements, yet it wasn’t so. Some nuns, seeing wealthy families’ romantic widows or concubines, would associate with them. If widows, they’d persuade them to take refuge in the lotus seat, deliver salvation for deceased husbands. If beautiful concubines, knowing they’d lost favor, they’d invite them to frequently reside in Buddha halls, using quiet cultivation to pass the years. Actually this was repairing plank roads openly while secretly crossing by other routes—doing such matchmaking business. Of course, this being a nun hermitage, there were also some little girls sent in from childhood. On the surface they’d be accepted as disciples, teaching them to chant scriptures and worship Buddha, dealing with wealthy households’ almsgiving ceremonies. Secretly they’d train them in social entertainment, flattering and currying favor. When grown, they’d teach them to receive guests.

The previous dynasty had many such places. But the current emperor most detested Buddhism being tainted with such filth and issued decrees to thoroughly eliminate them. Originally even Li Weiyang thought such places had been eradicated from the capital, never expecting one truly still existed.

She sneered: “So you sent me to this filthy place—no wonder changing boats and carriages, completely avoiding people’s eyes and ears.”

Yuan Yu turned back, that face beautiful enough to be called so carrying a trace of malicious mockery: “Originally I planned to send you to those lower-class brothels—a straw shed, a rotten bed, or even no bed just rotten mat on ground, having you receive dozens of customers daily, letting you know the consequences of offending me! But such places mixing all types are too easy to expose. One careless moment letting Li Minde or Seventh Prince investigate would inconvenience me. So I brought you to this place and handed you to Lady Hong. Lady Hong, you must properly receive her!”

That nun smiled, sizing up Li Weiyang with ill intent, saying softly: “Since young master instructed, naturally I’ll handle it! Just don’t know what kind of customers you want her to receive!”

Yuan Yu sneered: “The first customer is naturally me. Afterward—the filthiest, lowest customers! Best those crippled, blind, with mangy heads! Right, beggars are good too!”

Lady Hong laughed: “Young master truly makes things difficult for me. Those who come here are all high officials and nobles—where would I find such customers! Moreover she—”

Li Weiyang sneered, looking at the beautiful nun before her, shaking her head: “You’re truly bold, actually wanting to keep me to sell smiles? Do you know who I am?”

Lady Hong smiled: “I don’t care who you are. Once you enter here, you’re just a little nun. I only receive regular customers here, never outsiders. Even if someone recognizes you, I’ll just say you’re a crazy girl who happens to look similar and is randomly claiming identity. With my guarantee, how would others readily believe who you are? Moreover, the more noble your status, the more pleasurable their night with you. Afterward who would publicize it everywhere—wouldn’t that harm themselves? Furthermore—” She cast her romantic beautiful eyes toward Yuan Yu. “Furthermore, I’m not stupid. How would I let you see people who could recognize you?”

“But I’m unwilling—no one can force me.” Li Weiyang’s gaze coldly lingered on Lady Hong’s body.

Lady Hong felt a bit uneasy from that ice-cold gaze, yet secretly laughed at herself having seen how many unwilling girls ultimately became willing. She smiled: “Miss probably doesn’t know—for female nuns refusing to receive guests, lightly we bind and beat them, strip their clothes and brand flesh with fire sticks. Severely we bind their hands and feet, put a cat inside, tie the pant legs tight, then fiercely beat the cat. The cat inside being beaten wildly jumps and scratches, causing her skin to break and blood to flow, pain to the extreme. Tsk tsk, so even the strongest girls, in my hands can only obediently listen. Looking at your delicate skin and tender flesh, surely you don’t want to taste this treatment!”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang merely laughed lightly. That trace of smile at her lips actually hid sharp mockery. Lady Hong looking felt it inevitably strange.

Yuan Yu sat down at his leisure. Lady Hong seeing this clapped her hands. Immediately from the door a young nun flashed out, hands holding exquisite food and wine, placing them on the table. After a while, she took out some candied fruits, melon seeds, snack dishes, arranging them crosswise. That young nun seeing Yuan Yu lingered reluctantly, but was spat at harshly by Lady Hong and driven out. Subsequently Lady Hong turned and sat on Yuan Yu’s lap, an intimate appearance.

Yuan Yu looked at Li Weiyang with great swagger, a victor’s attitude: “Sit.”

Li Weiyang’s face smiled slightly without a trace of fear, directly sitting opposite him.

Lady Hong said strangely: “This little girl is truly strange. Over the years I’ve had quite a few wealthy family young ladies come here, yet not one as calm as her—more like she’s come to burn incense.”

Li Weiyang spoke unhurriedly, her voice serene: “Aren’t I just here to burn incense?”

Yuan Yu laughed heartily, hugging Lady Hong tight and kissing her, wantonly teasing: “What do you understand? She’s best at pretending. After drinking wine, we three can properly enjoy ourselves together!” Lady Hong hearing this, her eyes unconsciously looked toward the inner room’s bed. Li Weiyang glanced over to see that bed had snow-white curtains with large red valances. The bed also had two brocade quilts folded—looking incomparably romantic and suggestive.

Yuan Yu seeing Li Weiyang’s expression so calm, his heart felt like fire burning. Li Weiyang this dead girl actually schemed to have him marry Yongning that old woman—seeing that old face made him want to vomit! Having him slink back to Yuexi so ignominiously—truly unwilling! His various methods regained vigor with Yongning. Now he couldn’t help suspecting—not that his methods failed, but that Li Weiyang truly wasn’t a woman! Subconsciously moving his gaze to Li Weiyang’s chest, he pushed away Lady Hong, crooking his finger at Li Weiyang: “Come here.”

Li Weiyang smiled, sitting in place without moving. Yuan Yu sneered—did she still think he’d be as unprepared as last time?! He’d never give her opportunity to say those words again. He immediately stood up, walking to Li Weiyang’s side. Actually, he could have directly devoured her in the carriage, but he was after all born noble, still had some distinction from those shameless lustful types. At least when he wanted a woman, usually they were willing. Rarely encountering Li Weiyang like this, he also had to use various methods to first make her submit to him, then properly enjoy the captive’s taste.

Ultimately, he was like Tuoba Zhen and others—in his bones still had the pride of imperial family children. Li Weiyang precisely saw through this point, so wasn’t afraid he’d act recklessly in the carriage. However now he clearly planned to act— Li Weiyang’s smile deepened. She actually poured herself a cup of tea. Just as Yuan Yu’s hand missing one finger was about to touch her sleeve, she slowly said: “This is Empress Pei’s true stronghold in Yuexi, isn’t it?”

That voice seemed to come from beyond the heavens, so distant. Yuan Yu’s pupils contracted in that instant. His hand seemed to stop in midair, his voice hoarse: “What did you say?”

Li Weiyang smiled, her eyes like ancient wells carrying a trace of pity: “Here is Empress Pei’s most important stronghold in Dali.”

In this instant, Yuan Yu’s expression changed. His face appeared extremely pale, seemingly showing a bluish tint. How could she know! He’d clearly disguised it so well! Calculating so repeatedly, exhausting mental effort—he couldn’t help another surge of blood and energy. He roared: “What exactly do you know?!”

Li Weiyang shook the teacup in her hand: “Previously Minde spent considerable effort yet couldn’t find where Empress Pei’s stronghold in Dali was. Instead they passed out much information. So I was also thinking—where exactly could this place be? Pleasure quarters and brothels—actually we investigated those. This is the best place for passing messages, unfortunately—investigating for a full half year, we found nothing noteworthy. Yes, no matter how clever I am, I’d never think you’d abandon the lively pleasure quarters and brothels, choosing such a wonderfully subtle place.”

For Yuexi people to obtain intelligence in Dali, first they must establish connections with Dali’s nobility, at least try to draw closer. However, Dali’s dynasty had strict hierarchies with numerous ceremonies. Strangers simply couldn’t become intimate and understanding. But in pleasure quarters and brothels, things were very different. Regardless of one’s outside status or position, here everyone had only one identity—coming to engage prostitutes. Add well-trained courtesans often had first-rate ability at observing expressions and adapting to various sudden situations between customers, ultimately achieving mutual satisfaction. So many who investigated information, passed messages, or sought help doing things often succeeded easily in pleasure quarters and brothels. Therefore, from when Minde was first ambushed, Li Weiyang secretly sought this group of Yuexi people’s stronghold, intending to uproot Yuexi’s forces in the capital. She first sent people to investigate the capital’s large and small brothels, yet always found nothing. Today she finally knew—inside this outwardly quiet nun hermitage lay such a filthy place.

Empress Pei—this person was truly interesting.

Yuan Yu watched her slender ten fingers shaking the teacup before his eyes. His heart immediately became as chaotic as cold water entering boiling oil.

Lady Hong was surprised, withdrawing her frivolous expression: “How did you learn of this?”

Li Weiyang saw those two had emptied their cups, smiled slightly, actually adding more tea again, making an inviting gesture, then said: “This place is so hidden. You also said you don’t casually receive outside guests. When Prince Yan entered earlier, he matched a password, proving this wasn’t his first visit but a regular customer. Yet he’s only been in the capital half a month. Even having come, he definitely wouldn’t be so familiar with you, the abbess. One can imagine—you not only knew each other long ago but had long colluded. Yet before me you display such romantic behavior, merely to disguise your identities. Oh no, actually not entirely—your identity is indeed a nun who indeed does flesh trade, but most importantly you still investigate intelligence, pass messages, mediate in between.”

Lady Hong stared at her, sneering: “Princess Anping is truly a clever person. Correct—my hermitage indeed only receives Dali’s first-class nobility—all generals, officials… Even if those wealthy merchants, magnates, or wastrel young masters want to come, they must have someone introduce them. Of course, even those introduced to my hermitage, we won’t casually receive them. After observing several months, we’ll hold vegetarian meals inviting them to eat. This so-called vegetarian eating is merely the first step. After one or two vegetarian meals, then we can broach the main topic. Coming and going two or three months, these nobility gradually reveal their ugly sides. Then I have my beautiful nuns use their soul-stealing methods. No matter how clever they are, they can hardly escape beauties’ heavenly net.”

Li Weiyang gazed coolly at Lady Hong: “Then you use your beauties to obtain intelligence and information from them, passing it back to Yuexi. No, or there’s more.” She turned to look at Yuan Yu whose expression had become very ugly: “You’ve also bought many officials to work for you. Things range from light matters like this alliance with Dali, to promoting my marriage alliance, and even more serious—”

“Silence!” Yuan Yu was furious. “Say one more word and I’ll cut out your tongue!” He truly hadn’t expected Li Weiyang would follow the vine to find the melon, guessing this crucial place!

Li Weiyang laughed. She said slowly: “I don’t know how many Dali officials you’ve bought, nor what Empress Pei wants to do. But having me so easily find this place—I must thank Prince Yan’s kind intentions. Just, that list of officials—if someone obtained it—privately trading with Yuexi is a capital offense with family execution. Tell me, if I obtained that list, would those people willingly let me command them?” Actually, from when Yuan Yu sent her here, she’d already confirmed one point. Yuan Yu wasn’t afraid of guests here leaking her identity. What kind of people wouldn’t leak? Only those already on the pirate ship.

Yuan Yu’s voice trembled slightly: “You’re still a prisoner yourself—what daydreams are you having!” Yet from when she mentioned this matter, he’d had a bad premonition. He called repeatedly: “Ade! Ajing!” These were two of his six shadow guards’ names.

However, answering him was deathly silence. Outside there wasn’t even wind sound. The same situation—last time was also thus! Yuan Yu’s face turned deathly pale!

Lady Hong’s constantly smiling face also changed expression. She slowly stood up, somewhat panicked looking outside uncertainly.

Li Weiyang suddenly laughed, casually throwing her cup to the ground, calling loudly: “Signal with the cup—come out!”