Madam Guo suppressed the fury in her heart: “Princess Lin’an, you owe the Guo family an explanation!”

Everyone’s expressions slowly changed. They hadn’t expected Madam Guo would actually say such words. This meant the Guo family was enraged and incensed over this matter. They absolutely could not allow anyone to lightly insult or slight the Guo family’s beloved daughter—they wouldn’t hesitate to confront Empress Pei’s princess over this.

Princess Lin’an looked at Madam Guo in shock: “What are you doing? Miss Guo hasn’t suffered any injury.”

Madam Guo sneered: “No injury? If not for Prince Xu’s timely assistance just now, who knows where my daughter would be right now?!”

Everyone exchanged glances. Yes, if Yuan Lie hadn’t acted to save her just now, Guo Jia would probably have already been swallowed into the python’s belly. How could she be standing here perfectly fine?

Princess Lin’an’s expression was ugly. In her view, having the python swallow Li Weiyang was only right and proper. But for the victim to come question her about it was utterly outrageous. If it were anyone else being so rude, she would have long since ordered them dragged away. But the Guo family was different. Empress Pei had repeatedly instructed her not to directly antagonize the Guo and Chen families, especially the Guo family. These people were different from others—extremely protective of their own. If you harmed their family members, they would fight you to the death. Thinking of this, her face showed a trace of stiffness: “It was just a misunderstanding…”

Guo Cheng’s expression was coldly dark: “Misunderstanding? Where is there such a coincidence? This python didn’t chase anyone else—it specifically chased only my sister?”

Princess Lin’an was about to argue forcefully when she suddenly heard someone laugh: “It’s so lively here. What happened?”

Everyone turned to look and all froze. The newcomer was a young gentleman with his hair bound in a white jade crown, wearing a black brocade robe embroidered with gold thread. White gulls were naturally adorned across it, with complex white seaweed patterns along the collar and waist—all hand-embroidered, skillfully crafted as if by heavenly work. His handsome face carved like beautiful jade wore a gracious and leisurely light smile as he walked in with a relaxed demeanor. Though the garden clearly held over a hundred people, it was utterly quiet as everyone focused on watching him. They felt that in his casual words and actions was ineffable elegance and noble bearing. Just watching him was pleasing to the eye. He had completely inherited the emperor’s youthful style—a truly deserving national treasure: Crown Prince Yongwen.

Crown Prince Yongwen surveyed the dead python in the garden. Those slender phoenix eyes contained cold light, yet the corners of his lips lightly curved upward, becoming an ambiguous smile on that handsome face: “Imperial Sister, such excitement—why didn’t you invite me?”

The smile on Lin’an’s face bloomed instantly: “Crown Prince, you’re a rare guest. How could I disturb you with a banquet like this?”

Empress Pei could ignore Princess Lin’an’s eating, drinking, and playing, letting her act willfully, but she absolutely wouldn’t allow her to bring any bad influence to Crown Prince Yongwen. Princess Lin’an understood very clearly in her heart that Mother Empress’s indulgence of her was merely that, but the crown prince was her everything. She absolutely wouldn’t allow her to do anything that might affect the crown prince’s reputation in the slightest. So no matter how lively and extravagant things were here, she never dared send the crown prince an invitation. But today, he had come uninvited. Thinking of Yuan Yu’s sudden death by drowning, Princess Lin’an looked at the crown prince with understanding.

Crown Prince Yongwen said indifferently: “What exactly happened?”

Princess Lin’an’s face showed a trace of hesitation. Originally she had planned to use the python’s frenzy to eliminate Li Weiyang, but hadn’t expected Prince Xu to save her life. Now she had inexplicably gotten herself into trouble… Thinking of this, she said: “This… originally I specially invited everyone to watch a snake dance. Everything was fine, but who knew that python would suddenly go mad and actually strangle the snake dancer to death, then lunge at Miss Guo.”

Guo Cheng’s smile was cold and faint: “Crown Prince, this snake’s fangs weren’t removed, and moreover someone smeared poisonous powder on them. Clearly this was deliberately targeted at my sister. Since you’re here, you should uphold justice. In your view, what should be done?”

Someone had already set up a brocade seat for the Crown Prince to sit. Crown Prince Yongwen unhurriedly sat down, glanced at Guo Cheng, then his gaze fell on the young woman beside Madam Guo. No matter how good the Guo family’s breeding was, at this moment their faces all showed anger. Only she stood calmly to the side, her eyes bright as stars, her spine perfectly straight, as if not startled or angered at all. How could this be? Before entering the residence, he had already heard about everything that happened and thought he would see a tearful Miss Guo. He hadn’t expected her to be so composed—instead, the words of comfort he had planned to speak couldn’t come out.

“Your Highness?”

An official from the Crown Prince’s residence, seeing him staring at a woman in a daze, couldn’t help but call out softly beside his ear.

He suddenly came to his senses, knowing he had lost composure. He couldn’t help but frown. He raised his eyes to look at her again and happened to meet her ice-cold gaze.

Though her expression appeared normal, in that instant he clearly saw the coldness within—only feeling it familiar. From whom had he seen this kind of expression? He imperceptibly shifted his eyes away, his gaze sweeping across the crowd before returning.

She wasn’t very old, at most seventeen or eighteen years old in appearance. Her features were refined and dignified, not absolutely gorgeous, but having experienced the python’s fright, she looked so composed. Clearly her courage was extraordinary—very different from the women he had seen in the past.

Yet he was certain he had never seen her before. Why did she feel familiar?

When he raised his eyes again, he discovered she was still looking at him.

But her gaze was cold and dark, like a hunter appraising prey.

What was with her?

Crown Prince Yongwen’s heart strangely surged with unease. Looking at her again, she had already lowered her head slightly, looking at the hem of her skirt before her, her expression focused, not knowing what she was thinking.

This woman… was truly quite interesting.

Crown Prince Yongwen loved beauties, so he greatly admired Chu Yun who emerged untainted from mud, and had spent some effort to obtain her. However, when necessary, he could also kill beauties, cast away fortunes, and seize great power. So whether Chu Yun or Yuan Yu, if they threatened him, naturally they had to disappear from this world. But he had sensed something wrong. Why was it Yuan Yu specifically and not someone else? Why would Yuan Yu know about his meeting with Chu Yun on that pleasure boat? Someone had informed him midway—so who was this person? If Yuan Yu hadn’t known about his relationship with Chu Yun, he certainly wouldn’t have dared compete, and what happened later wouldn’t have occurred. So this play was a setup from the beginning.

The person who laid the trap—he once thought it was Princess Yongning. After all, Yuan Yu was young and, relying on his looks and power, got along well with women. He thought all women in the world could be manipulated in his palm. But Yongwen understood very well there were too many formidable women in this world. For instance, his mother Empress Pei was a very fearsome woman. So at first Yongwen thought Princess Yongning, out of jealousy, had set up this scheme wanting to take Yuan Yu’s life. But soon he changed his view. Yongning lacked such courage and cunning. So someone behind the scenes was instigating her. Who could this person be?

He had been very puzzled until that day when news came from the Guo family’s banquet. It turned out the Guo family’s daughter Guo Jia was formerly Princess Anping of Dali. A thought immediately flashed through his mind—if Guo Jia truly came from Dali, then her closeness with Princess Yongning could explain everything. But could Guo Jia really be the person orchestrating everything behind the scenes?

Crown Prince Yongwen narrowed his eyes, lifted his chin slightly, curved the corner of his mouth, and smiled: “Miss Guo, were you frightened?”

Li Weiyang’s expression was cold and indifferent: “Thank you for Crown Prince’s concern. If not for Prince Xu’s timely assistance, Guo Jia would already be buried in the python’s belly. Naturally I was greatly frightened.”

At this time, shouldn’t she say she was fine and try to make a big issue small and a small issue disappear? Crown Prince Yongwen frowned, his expression also cooling as he smiled: “This matter was truly an accident. How about this—today we’ll cook this python to let Miss vent her anger. Lin’an, today you were too reckless. Having a perfectly good banquet, why summon snake dancers and needlessly frighten Miss Guo? Apologize at once.”

Yuan Lie’s eyes swept over to look at Crown Prince Yongwen: “Your Highness, merely apologizing is probably insufficient to calm her shock.”

Crown Prince Yongwen’s gaze quickly swept across his face, his brows slightly furrowing. He thought to himself, this Prince Xu usually didn’t involve himself in affairs—why suddenly come stir things up? First saving Guo Jia, and now speaking with sarcasm. Looking again at the anger hidden in his brows and eyes, he instantly understood, yet said: “This python is truly a beast. What use is there in arguing with it?”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly, the brilliance in his eyes compelling: “Why must the Crown Prince drag beasts into this? Miss Guo was a guest invited by Princess Lin’an. The python performance was also from the princess’s residence. That poisonous powder on the python’s fangs couldn’t possibly have been applied by the beast itself. If I don’t demand this debt from the princess, from whom should I demand it?”

“I don’t know who applied the poisonous powder to that python. Perhaps it was born with it naturally.” Princess Lin’an raised her eyebrows. “What of it?”

This was simply playing the scoundrel, bullying people by relying on the imperial family’s power! Madam Guo’s face showed anger. Just as she was about to speak, Yuan Lie suddenly smiled: “Fine. Since the princess says so, then I’ll have this python carried into the palace for His Majesty to observe.”

Princess Lin’an’s expression changed. Crown Prince Yongwen beside her also had a strange expression.

Yuan Lie walked to Crown Prince Yongwen’s side, a smile on his face but extreme coldness in his eyes: “This python was originally the princess’s residence’s plaything. Not only did it turn and bite its keeper to death, it was also naturally born with poisonous powder—isn’t this a wonder of the world? Moreover, His Majesty has always been seeking python gallbladders to accompany his wine. He would surely be very pleased to see this python.”

Crown Prince Yongwen carefully examined Yuan Lie. For the first time, his smile became cold and sharp. From the moment Yuan Lie inherited the position of Prince Xu, he had paid attention to this person, but Yuan Lie was very mysterious and very low-key. He never participated in any banquets and refused to stay in the capital even one extra day, so they had little interaction. He hadn’t expected Yuan Lie would stand up for Guo Jia, and moreover, reveal his sharp edge for the first time.

The two men’s gazes collided, each testing the other, yet it was Crown Prince Yongwen who unusually averted his eyes. Of course, he didn’t fear Yuan Lie. It was just that making a fuss before the emperor at this time—the Guo family alone was already weighty enough, add the Chen family standing over there, plus Prince Xu at the height of his power—Princess Lin’an probably couldn’t gain any advantage. Though Father Emperor usually didn’t like managing affairs, once he had an outburst he was very terrifying. Even Mother Empress wouldn’t plead for Princess Lin’an. Crown Prince Yongwen glanced at Princess Lin’an, his expression cold and condensed. Though this sister loved causing trouble, she could still be useful. He had to protect her.

Thinking of this, he smiled faintly: “Then according to Prince Xu’s meaning, what should be done?”

Yuan Lie’s face merely showed a faint smile: “That depends on what compensation Madam Guo requires.”

After all, Guo Jia was unharmed. Having Princess Lin’an forfeit her life wouldn’t be appropriate, but demanding too little compensation after making such a fuss would be a waste. Everyone looked toward Madam Guo. Her usually gentle face was now full of frost as she said word by word: “The Crown Prince is forthright indeed. However, we Guo family members have always demanded an eye for an eye. Though the princess insists this matter has nothing to do with her, I still must collect interest. Otherwise, wouldn’t my daughter’s fright be suffered in vain?”

“Easily said.” Crown Prince Yongwen still smiled, his tone even more forthcoming. “I wonder what conditions Madam Guo wishes to propose.”

Madam Guo glanced at Li Weiyang, her tone very firm: “Please Your Highness order the execution of the person who suggested the snake dance performance.”

Everyone froze, not expecting her to say this. For a moment they didn’t know what to do. Jiang Nan’s expression changed dramatically.

Li Weiyang held a trace of faint sorrow, concealing the smile in her eyes, silent. Now she wasn’t in Dali—she was the Guo family’s daughter and naturally had to consider the Guo family’s reputation. At all times she had to maintain the demeanor of a lady from a distinguished family and couldn’t display the aggressive manner of the past. That would make others say Madam Guo lacked proper instruction. Moreover, as the victim, the more silent and calm she remained, the better. As for demanding justice, with Yuan Lie and Madam Guo here, how could they fail to obtain it?

Madam Guo was indeed enraged. Since Guo Jia was fine and they couldn’t deal with Princess Lin’an, knowing Jiang Nan was the princess’s beloved, they would use Jiang Nan as an example to vent their anger. The corners of Yuan Lie’s mouth curved as he added: “Clearly it was just an ordinary song and dance performance at the time. Young Master Nan insisted on being unconventional and proactively suggested watching a snake dance—everyone heard this. These are all true facts, not fabricated by Madam Guo. So this request isn’t excessive…”

Not excessive! She wanted Jiang Nan’s life—how could it not be excessive! Princess Lin’an’s expression turned ashen. Her originally beautiful face seemed affected, becoming very vicious. Jiang Nan was the man she loved. Having her use his life to compensate Guo Jia—how was that possible! She immediately said: “Crown Prince, this demand is truly too cruel!”

However, Crown Prince Yongwen didn’t see it that way. His gaze fell on Jiang Nan. In his view, this person was merely a male favorite. If using his life could appease the Guo family and Prince Xu’s anger, there was really nothing wrong with it. Even if Mother Empress heard of this matter, she would certainly agree. In the imperial family’s eyes, male favorites were things that couldn’t be brought to the table. Princess Lin’an could waste her time on playthings, but she couldn’t offend the Guo family for a plaything.

When his gaze swept toward Jiang Nan, everyone’s faces showed relieved expressions. Yes, as long as they executed this Young Master Nan, the Guo family would let the matter rest. What was wrong with that? No matter how much the princess doted on him, she couldn’t offend so many people over this.

Seeing Crown Prince Yongwen’s stern gaze, Jiang Nan’s heart jumped in shock. He understood these people too well, because he had once been one of them—viewing human life as grass, removing whoever blocked their path without hesitation. This play was originally entirely arranged by Princess Lin’an. He had merely gone with the flow. Now it seemed he had been too impatient, instigating Princess Lin’an to eliminate Li Weiyang without expecting the Guo family would protect her so fiercely… Li Weiyang, oh Li Weiyang, what kind of spell did you cast on the Guo family!

His mind raced rapidly. Right now his only protection was Princess Lin’an. If even she abandoned him, he would truly have no burial place. He glanced at Princess Lin’an but didn’t beg for mercy. Instead, he showed an expression of resigned acceptance, as if he didn’t care what his fate would be. Princess Lin’an’s heart felt as if being cut by knives. She hated Guo Jia even more to the extreme. Looking at Jiang Nan’s appearance, she became even more reluctant to part with him and blurted out: “No, Crown Prince, I absolutely won’t do this!”

Everyone looked at Princess Lin’an as if watching a huge joke. In their view, male favorites were no different from pet cats and dogs—you could pamper them when you liked them, but once they became an obstacle they should be discarded. Now Princess Lin’an disregarded the big picture, risking enmity with Prince Xu and the Guo and Chen families to protect a plaything—this was too tactless.

Those present had all been frightened by the python just now. At this moment, no one was willing to stand on Princess Lin’an’s side. Everyone quietly watched this scene, their gazes ice-cold. Princess Lin’an became aware of a feeling of being isolated. She suddenly felt uneasy and confused.

Li Weiyang thought coldly—the Guo and Chen families had long been united by marriage. Though Chen Xuanhua said nothing, he silently stood behind Guo Cheng, which already demonstrated the Chen family’s position. The Guo and Chen families were the capital’s illustrious prestigious clans. A stomp of their feet would make the imperial city shake three times. Their influence and impact were both extraordinary. Princess Lin’an had been too outrageous in the past. However, her romantic affairs didn’t affect others’ interests, so for Empress Pei’s sake, no one bothered with her. But if she didn’t know her limits and risked antagonizing prestigious families to protect a mere male favorite, this was provoking all the noble houses. The imperial family and the aristocratic families were originally mutually dependent yet contradictory. They could tolerate a romantic princess, could tolerate a hen crowing at dawn, but absolutely wouldn’t tolerate her trampling their family honor and challenging their authority.

Princess Lin’an sensed something wrong. After all, she was an extremely clever woman who had dealt with these people quite a bit in the past. She noticed the coldness and disdain in everyone’s eyes. Involuntarily, she looked toward Crown Prince Yongwen, her eyes showing a pleading expression.

Crown Prince Yongwen frowned. This sister of his had always been very tough, her mind very sharp—she shouldn’t be so indiscriminate about priorities. Had she been bewitched by this man?

Li Weiyang’s expression was indifferent. In men’s view, power was above all. But in women’s view, often emotional needs were more important. So Crown Prince Yongwen had no way to understand Princess Lin’an’s decision, because male and female thought patterns were different. However, Crown Prince Yongwen wouldn’t easily abandon this sister either. What choice would he make?

Crown Prince Yongwen looked at Princess Lin’an, pondered for a moment, then said: “To demand someone’s life over this seems too arbitrary. There’s no evidence proving this gentleman is connected to the python injuring people.”

Yuan Lie’s eyes glinted slightly as he said slowly: “Since that’s the case, best to have everything judged by His Majesty. Someone, carry this python into the palace.” Then he turned to look at Madam Guo: “I must trouble Madam and Miss to accompany me into the palace.”

Madam Guo nodded: “Of course.”

Crown Prince Yongwen lowered his eyes in thought, silent. If he really confronted Yuan Lie and the Guo family at this time, that would be no small matter… Moreover, Father Emperor doted on Yuan Lie so much, plus the weight of the Guo and Chen families—should he just watch Lin’an suffer misfortune?

Yuan Lie looked at him and spoke unhurriedly: “I recall that years ago when Empress Pei was pregnant, she was frightened by a cat kept by a consort. Using the crime of harming the imperial heir, she exterminated that person’s nine familial relations…”

Crown Prince Yongwen raised his eyes and smiled as he interrupted: “Prince Xu need say no more. I will naturally make a decision.”

Yuan Lie merely smiled faintly.

Everything was settled. Jiang Nan had to die to appease everyone’s anger. Even if this matter originally had little to do with him, in everyone’s eyes, he was the one who suggested watching the snake dance.

No matter how composed Jiang Nan was, cold sweat streamed down his forehead. Finally unable to help himself, he looked at Princess Lin’an with a pleading expression, almost melting her tender heart completely. Princess Lin’an gritted her teeth and suddenly walked before Li Weiyang, making as if to prostrate herself: “Miss Guo, I was too reckless and frightened you. This truly has nothing to do with him. I beg you to be magnanimous and spare him.”

At this move, everyone was in an uproar. Everyone saw her knees bending downward. Guo Cheng’s face showed infinite shock. Had Princess Lin’an gone mad? A dignified princess actually wanting to kneel and beg for a male favorite? This was simply too shocking!

Princess Lin’an forcibly suppressed the hatred and humiliation in her heart. She wasn’t a fool. She knew only if Li Weiyang relented could this matter pass, so she had to start with her. In her entire life, she had only bent her knees to the emperor and Empress Pei, never kneeling to anyone! But today, she had to bend a knee for the man she loved! However, before one leg could touch the ground, Li Weiyang’s hands had already supported her. Li Weiyang said with an uneasy expression: “What is the princess’s meaning? Do you truly want to humiliate the imperial family’s dignity? Guo Jia doesn’t dare accept this bow no matter what.”

Li Weiyang wasn’t that foolish. Princess Lin’an’s intent was very obvious. With this pretentious kneeling here, the nature of the matter would change. Originally it was the Guo family standing up for their beloved daughter’s fright—it would forcibly become the Guo family using their merit to pressure the imperial family. Done badly, they might inexplicably be crowned with the crime of humiliating an imperial princess. Probably as soon as Princess Lin’an knelt here, the Guo family would immediately be impeached by the censors!

Princess Lin’an indeed wasn’t like Anguo, a woman who only understood unreasonable tantrums. Li Weiyang smiled coldly, having already firmly supported her. Princess Lin’an tried forcefully to kneel, but Li Weiyang used the tip of her foot to prop against her knee, forcibly holding her suspended in mid-air. To others it looked like Li Weiyang refusing the courtesy, appearing modest.

Princess Lin’an only felt the force wasn’t great, yet it prevented her from kneeling. She immediately understood Li Weiyang had perceived her intent. The humble, guilty expression on her face instantly disappeared, all transforming into fury. She shook her sleeve and steadied herself, angrily saying: “What are you doing?!”

Li Weiyang paid no attention, merely turned her head indifferently. Her pitch-black eyes stared at Crown Prince Yongwen: “Crown Prince, the princess insists so forcefully—is she determined to protect this Young Master Nan? Sigh, if so, why not just give him a few board strikes and be done with it, saving a life as well.”

Everyone laughed involuntarily. As expected of a tender-hearted girl—what kind of punishment were board strikes?

Crown Prince Yongwen’s expression became ice-cold. In his view, if Princess Lin’an truly knelt today, though it could frame the Guo family, it would really lose all the imperial family’s face. It wasn’t the best strategy and didn’t fit her usual way of doing things. Could this man truly be so important to her? And Li Weiyang’s words were definitely not as simple as they appeared on the surface. She was clearly pressuring him.

Madam Guo had also understood. In her heart she cursed Princess Lin’an as vicious, yet with a calm expression said: “Your Highness, regarding today’s matter, please make a decision quickly!”

Crown Prince Yongwen finally made up his mind: “Since everyone feels he deserves to die, yet Imperial Sister is so reluctant, I can’t force the issue. Simply give him one hundred board strikes and see whether Heaven spares his life.”

One hundred board strikes were no joke. The smallest board used in the capital normally weighed thirty pounds. With such weight raised high and brought down heavily, even adult men—not many could consciously endure twenty strikes. Even fewer could endure a full forty. Often they would faint or even die midway. These one hundred board strikes were already an extremely severe punishment—truly more death than life.

However, Princess Lin’an’s expression relaxed as she said: “Since that’s the case, I’ll have someone take him down for the board strikes. However, if he can survive, that’s Heaven’s will. You cannot make things difficult for him again.”

Yuan Lie looked at Jiang Nan with a cold smile. Seeing his face appearing fearless and unknowing, he spoke: “Since we’re punishing him, the punishment must be carried out publicly.”

Princess Lin’an was about to speak when she heard Guo Cheng say: “There are too many female guests—it’s indeed inconvenient. However, this isn’t difficult. Just block it with screens.”

Princess Lin’an was so angry her eyes went straight. These two people working in tandem were making utterly unreasonable demands. She was about to say something when Crown Prince Yongwen waved his hand: “Alright, do as these two gentlemen say.”

Jiang Nan clenched his fists. The so-called “punishment doesn’t extend to scholar-officials” meant nobles had dignity and decorum. They could be killed or hacked as punishment, just not humiliated or tortured. But now, having been reduced to a male favorite, no one would consider his dignity. He glanced at Li Weiyang and saw slight mockery in her gaze.

He suddenly understood why Li Weiyang had schemed by every means to secure the identity of a Guo family daughter. Because this way, she was born into power and privilege. While he could only be reduced to a male favorite—the respect he received from many people in the past was all illusion. From the day he abandoned his identity, he was destined to suffer this humiliation.

Killing without bloodshed—Li Weiyang, you truly are vicious enough.

Making him pay a painful price for his choice was even harder to bear than killing him. Now he wished he had never survived that executioner’s blade, rather than suffer punishment amid everyone’s contempt!