Li Weiyang possessed beautiful features and spoke with gentle words, yet every single sentence backed Pei Bao’er into a corner with no escape. Pei Bao’er’s heart brimmed with resentment toward Li Weiyang to the extreme, but in this situation, whether she agreed to compensate or not, she would become everyone’s laughingstock—she would surely die of embarrassment. Thinking of this, her eyes immediately filled with tears as she looked at Empress Pei, her gaze full of pleading.

Li Weiyang sneered coldly. This Pei Bao’er was quite clever, wanting Empress Pei to protect her. However, if she could let her opponent succeed, she wouldn’t be Li Weiyang. Thus, she smiled faintly and said, “Miss Pei, I know Her Majesty the Empress has always doted on you, but this matter is indeed your fault. We have already proposed a compromise—we haven’t demanded monetary compensation from you, only hoping you would send that treasure box to nourish the jade. Yet now you look at Her Majesty the Empress this way, hoping she will plead on your behalf? Alas, you’re being too thoughtless. Would you really trouble Her Majesty with the mess you’ve created?”

A soft “puchi” sound—it was Princess Huaiqing who couldn’t help but laugh aloud. Empress Pei glanced at her. The Great Ming Princess beside her quickly tugged at her sleeve. Princess Huaiqing suddenly came to her senses and looked at Empress Pei with fearful eyes, quietly lowering her head. Today Princess Lin’an hadn’t come to attend the banquet, and the other princesses weren’t born to Empress Pei, so naturally they couldn’t act as willfully and arrogantly as Lin’an and Princess Anguo.

Especially this Princess Huaiqing—though she was Princess of Yuexi and her mother’s rank was quite high as Noble Consort Chengmu of the Sun clan, unfortunately she had long since passed away. So from childhood, Huaiqing had been trembling with fear, afraid of displeasing Empress Pei, not even daring to speak loudly. Sometimes Pei Bao’er, relying on being born into the Pei family, would even trip her up, but she didn’t dare say much. Today, seeing Pei Bao’er forced into such an awkward position by this Miss Guo with no way out, she momentarily felt vindicated and couldn’t help laughing.

But quickly, she realized she had made a mistake—a very big mistake. Her maternal Sun family had long since declined, and her uncles were ineffectual, unable to compare at all with other aristocratic families. Miss Guo dared to challenge Pei Bao’er because she naturally had the entire Guo family as her backing. As long as the Guo family didn’t fall, Empress Pei wouldn’t lower herself to publicly make things difficult for her opponent. But what about herself? She was merely a powerless and insignificant princess. The palace assigned her mostly aged, incompetent people who were lazy and negligent, so she didn’t even have a capable assistant by her side. She couldn’t compare at all to Miss Guo, who came from an illustrious background with powerful father and brothers. Even laughing once required watching others’ expressions. Princess Huaiqing’s heart turned sour, tears nearly flowing from her eyes.

Great Ming Princess looked at Huaiqing’s expression and couldn’t help but worry for her. Empress Pei rarely paid attention to these princesses on normal days, even assigning strict aunties to monitor them, not allowing excessive contact with outsiders. But she deeply knew that Empress Pei kept them around only because they still had future use—they could be used to win over court officials. But if there was even the slightest disobedience, the consequences would certainly be… However, Empress Pei only glanced lightly in this direction, perhaps not paying particular attention to anything, so there probably wouldn’t be trouble.

Pei Bao’er naturally also heard Princess Huaiqing’s laughter. Her heart filled with resentment, but she grew even more anxious. Because of what Li Weiyang had just said, if Empress Pei spoke up to help her, it would become bullying the weak with power and status. Empress Pei always valued reputation and absolutely wouldn’t speak up to help her in this situation. So what should she do?

Madam Guo almost wanted to applaud her daughter. In her view, girls like Pei Bao’er should receive a lesson!

Li Weiyang said gently, “Miss Pei, have you decided whether to give that exquisite treasure box or one hundred thousand taels of gold? I can wait while you consider slowly—there’s really no need to rush.”

Hearing this, Pei Bao’er’s tears immediately flowed down, drop by drop falling onto her dress, instantly staining the beautiful crabapple flowers on it.

Li Weiyang looked at her pear-blossom-in-rain appearance, finding it increasingly amusing. Well, she really shouldn’t be crying—such an expression always led to unpleasant associations…

The Prince of Zhou stood up, frowning. “Miss Guo, why must you be so aggressive? Miss Pei is already crying. Acting this way is rather ungracious of you.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang turned to look at the Prince of Zhou, revealing a troubled expression. Then she wiped her face with her hand, looking thoughtful.

The Prince of Zhou was puzzled. “What are you doing?” Everyone also looked at Li Weiyang with curiosity.

Li Weiyang was reasonable, not here to make trouble unreasonably. If she truly spoke with cutting words as before, Miss Pei would probably hang herself in the great hall by now. Of course, this wasn’t because she had become kind-hearted, but because she cared about the Guo family’s reputation. Winning against Pei Bao’er today was easy as pie, but if this left everyone with the impression that the Guo family’s daughter was too domineering, then the loss would outweigh the gain. Li Weiyang simply smiled and said, “I was checking whether I have any tears.”

The Prince of Zhou looked at her baffled. “Where would your tears come from?”

Li Weiyang made a helpless expression. “Exactly. Miss Pei contaminated my family’s precious jade—it was her mistake. We’ve been magnanimous, not demanding monetary compensation, only an exquisite box—this is already perfectly justified. But because Miss Pei shed a few tears, everyone thinks we’re in the wrong. These tears are truly useful, so I quickly checked to see if I could summon some to win everyone’s sympathy.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes were bright with distinct black and white, her expression very earnest. Though her words were sharp, they weren’t without playfulness. This time even the princes nearby couldn’t help but laugh. The Prince of Zhou stood stunned for a long while, his face reddening. He understood that Li Weiyang was using this satirical jab at Pei Bao’er to remind him, and he couldn’t help wanting to say something. Ultimately, fearing more such “gentle mockery,” he hastily sat down. The Prince of Qin beside him patted his shoulder and laughed loudly, “This is a matter between young ladies—you’d better not get involved, or else Miss Guo might start crying too, and what would you do then?”

The Prince of Zhou thought about it and found it amusing himself. Yes, he had no particular relationship with Pei Bao’er—there was absolutely no need to speak up for her this way. Miss Guo had a sharp tongue; this was her showing him mercy.

Yuan Lie watched Li Weiyang, discovering some changes in her. If it were before, she would definitely have made the Prince of Zhou unable to save face, probably becoming angry on the spot. Because Li Weiyang’s greatest skill was seizing others’ weaknesses and stomping hard, stomping until they were completely down. But this time, she used a joking manner to make the Prince of Zhou understand, thus avoiding making enemies while solving the problem. But this wasn’t her usual style of doing things.

So what had made her change? Yuan Lie gazed at her silently, his expression complex.

Even the Prince of Zhou had backed down. Pei Bao’er looked around—now no one dared openly help her. Naturally, who would get involved in a struggle between the Pei and Guo families? She finally looked at Empress Pei, but received no response. In an instant, she understood Empress Pei’s meaning and gritted her teeth. “Fine. I’ll immediately send the exquisite treasure box to the Guo family after returning.”

Li Weiyang revealed a smile. “Then I must thank Miss Pei in advance for knowing to correct her errors.”

Pei Bao’er gritted her teeth and returned to her seat in a fury, not forgetting to glare at Princess Huaiqing. She often entered the palace to accompany Empress Pei and frequently made fun of Princess Huaiqing, but unexpectedly this coward dared to join Miss Guo in mocking her today!

Consort Hu Shun, seeing this, sneered coldly. “Sister Consort Hui, your niece is truly formidable—in just a few words she’s claimed the Pei family’s treasure as her own.”

Consort Guo Hui’s eyes swept across her face with seeming indifference. “Not at all. Miss Pei’s ability to correct her errors truly makes her a young lady of distinguished family.”

Pei Bao’er’s fall had cost the Pei family a treasured possession kept for many years—her heart must be bleeding. But Consort Guo Hui’s tone was seventy percent genuine, thirty percent mocking. Hearing it, Empress Pei couldn’t help but sneer coldly. The smile on her face deepened as she looked reproachfully at Pei Bao’er. “Bao’er, this time you were too careless yourself, causing trouble for Miss Guo as well.” Then she instructed Female Official Xin behind her, “Miss Guo’s clothes are wet. Go fetch my red antelope peacock feather brocade skirt for Miss Guo to change into.”

Madam Guo quickly said, “Your Majesty, this won’t do! This exceeds propriety!” Her expression was one of overwhelming honor.

“This skirt is only for casual wear—there are no embroidered dragons or phoenixes on it, so it doesn’t exceed propriety,” Empress Pei said with a faint smile.

Consort Guo Hui smiled and said, “Her Majesty is being gracious—you should accept it. I’ve heard this garment was made from the red crest and green feathers of peacock heads combined with golden thread. The entire Embroidery Bureau spent half a year making it—this is Her Majesty’s special favor.” Her manner was completely unabashed.

Madam Guo glanced at Li Weiyang, still hesitating. “This skirt is so precious, I’m afraid…”

Empress Pei’s smile was very warm. “Though this skirt is precious, the color is too bright and really doesn’t suit someone of my age. Today Bao’er was rude and frightened Miss Guo—consider this garment my small token of apology. Xin’er, take Miss Guo to change.”

Li Weiyang simply lowered her head and accepted with a smile. Empress Pei’s move was to show everyone her magnanimity. Moreover, given Empress Pei’s methods, she hadn’t stooped so low as to tamper with a garment, so she accepted without any guilt. Following Female Official Xin to change behind the hall, when she emerged, she was a dazzling sight. That magnificently brilliant color on Li Weiyang’s body looked almost custom-made. The sleeves were embroidered with vivid peonies, their petals majestic and imposing, like blossoms on jade-green branches. Watching them shimmer with flowing light, exquisitely beautiful—they were truly stunning beyond measure.

Li Weiyang’s smile was radiant, her bright black eyes holding not a trace of gloom. Her tranquility and composure made the garment even more dazzling, displaying that elegant beauty to the utmost. Everyone stared somewhat dazed. Yuan Lie’s bright, fervent gaze fell on her face, pure as pear blossoms, and his smile gained some tenderness. Though Pei Bao’er possessed stunning beauty, Li Weiyang possessed a special serene loveliness, elegant as early lotus, making one feel mysterious and gentle. He thought to himself—yes, who in this world could compare to my Weiyang!

Yuan Ying also looked at Li Weiyang thus. Her normally plain features suddenly gained an indescribable charm—he felt slightly astonished. The Li Weiyang from moments ago, though similarly dressed in fine clothes, couldn’t compare to the skirt she wore now—classically elegant yet revealing a special appeal. Compared to the meek, submissive cousin he’d seen yesterday, she was almost a different person. He found it strange and couldn’t help examining her more closely. She had already returned to her seat, her pupils jet black like deep pools, ice-cold and serene, without a ripple. That gentle smile on her face was like a mask, never changing, making her thoughts impossible to guess. Such a woman seemed even more heart-stirring.

Yuan Ying had never liked the swarm of admirers around him and had always maintained integrity. He knew his marriage would be used for transactions because he was imperial clan, but Consort Guo Hui had suddenly proposed he marry the Guo family’s daughter. Marrying Miss Guo meant from then on he needn’t guard against trouble from his inner quarters, nor worry that his wife’s family would threaten him, because the Guo family had been their strong support all these years. Even without loving Miss Guo, he was confident he could respect and cherish her, satisfying both her and the Guo family. Later, when he truly interacted with this Miss Guo, he discovered she possessed refined temperament and graceful manners. Having long shed her childishness, she appeared especially elegant and charming, but was also too difficult to read—truly very special. Now it seemed she was far more special than expected.

What to do? Originally in his thinking, the wife he should marry should be a flower requiring careful protection, but now it was completely beyond his expectations—she really wasn’t simple! Watching Madam Guo’s proud smile beside him, Yuan Ying sighed, thinking perhaps marrying her really was a good idea?

Madam Guo, seeing Li Weiyang return to her side, lowered her head and smiled. “This garment was personally embroidered by Female Official Mohe, who has the finest embroidery skills in the Embroidery Bureau. She’s the nineteenth-generation direct heir embroiderer of the Lin Embroidery hereditary family. The one you wore earlier wasn’t bad on its own, but compared to this one, the difference is immediately clear.”

Madam Guo came from noble birth and had always been particular about her clothing—whether fabric, tailoring, stitching, or embroidery work, she was extremely exacting. Even she praised it endlessly, showing how beautiful this garment was.

Li Weiyang naturally knew this garment’s fabric alone was first-rate, and the embroidery needless to say. Even though Madam Guo had spent great sums finding the best embroiderers, they couldn’t achieve such lifelike artistry. This wasn’t strange—the best embroiderers in the capital were all concentrated in the imperial palace. Moreover, since this garment was made for the Empress, the embroiderers naturally poured their hearts into it. Rather than calling it a skirt, it should be called an artwork.

Originally turning the tables—wouldn’t anyone be furious enough to cough blood?

This Empress Pei… truly extraordinary!

That beautiful garment on Li Weiyang’s body instead made her appear gentle and radiant, momentarily attracting everyone’s attention. Pei Bao’er’s expression instantly stiffened.

Pei Zhen laughed. “Bao’er, isn’t this the skirt you’ve been pestering Her Majesty the Empress for? Her Majesty even said when you turned eighteen, she’d give you this skirt.”

Pei Bao’er’s eyes reddened with anger. She had always looked down on Miss Guo, thinking her features were refined but absolutely unremarkable. But now, wearing this garment, she appeared exceptionally dazzling.

This magnificent skirt—she had wheedled and begged several times before Empress Pei promised to give it to her later. But today it was given to this Miss Guo! Why?! This should have belonged to her! She was indignant—how could they treat her this way? Why treat her like this? She couldn’t help clenching her fists, wanting to rush over and make the other party take it off.

Watching Li Weiyang’s slender jade fingers lift her wine cup, a smile on her face, Pei Bao’er felt resentment to the extreme. But she wasn’t stupid—she knew that by giving the skirt to Li Weiyang, Empress Pei was warning her not to do anything more to damage the Pei family’s reputation. Aunt’s temperament… Pei Bao’er shuddered involuntarily and subconsciously lifted her wine cup. “Miss Guo, today was all my fault. Please be magnanimous and don’t hold it against me.” Her eyes contained tears, her voice soft and gentle, utterly pitiable.

She had already become everyone’s laughingstock today—she had to find a way to salvage her image!

Li Weiyang glanced at her, her face very gentle, her voice even more amiable. “Miss Pei, what are you saying? It was an accident.” Her manner completely unconcerned.

The Prince of Zhou smiled. “That’s better!” Between men, matters were resolved with a fight and a drink, laughing it off. Who knew women were so troublesome—scheming for half a day even over a wet skirt, what kind of mentality was that?! Now seeing these two making peace, he felt his earlier scolding hadn’t been in vain.

Yuan Lie, who had remained silent, smiled. “Miss Pei needn’t blame yourself. Miss Guo has always been most magnanimous. Since she says she won’t hold a grudge, you needn’t take it to heart. Who hasn’t made mistakes? Knowing to correct one’s errors is the greatest good!” Every word defended Li Weiyang…

Pei Bao’er’s heart grew even more furious. She didn’t understand why Miss Guo could have everything—the Guo family and Prince Xu all cherished and protected her, afraid she’d suffer the slightest harm. As for herself, though outwardly living in luxury and enjoying favor, in truth her father only saw her beauty and from childhood raised her as a chess piece. So she too had to exhaust herself competing for everyone’s attention. Pei Bao’er’s eyes rippled with cold waves before finally calming. She murmured, “That’s good then.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was natural and elegant, but her gaze swept across Pei Bao’er’s face like a dragonfly touching water. Her eyes were bottomless, yet seemed covered with a layer of thin frost, chillingly cold and heart-startling. Pei Bao’er suddenly felt the person before her bore a trace of resemblance to that lofty personage…

No, not in appearance, not in temperament, but in the coldness in their eyes.

Clearly Empress Pei possessed peerless elegance, and Li Weiyang was gentle as chrysanthemums, yet both their eyes, when you weren’t paying attention, would reveal a severe, predatory expression—like beasts choosing their prey—making one… afraid!

Pei Bao’er couldn’t help staring at Li Weiyang, but the other party unconcernedly turned her eyes away, no longer paying her any attention.

Pei Zhen noticed her sister’s strange expression and asked, “Bao’er, are you all right?”

Pei Bao’er’s heart jumped as she snapped back to awareness. She must be overthinking it. Empress Pei was such a formidable figure—this Miss Guo was merely a young girl just entering society. How could she compare to Empress Pei’s methods? But somehow, she felt lingering fear. The malicious thoughts that had arisen earlier dissipated somewhat. She decided to observe for now, to see what kind of person this Miss Guo really was. Know yourself and your enemy to win every battle. If she acted rashly again, she would truly become a fool…

Everyone saw Li Weiyang emerge in changed clothing looking even more outstanding. Seeing the smile on Consort Guo Hui’s face, they all calculated privately. The Guo family wielded great power and was worth cultivating. Since this Miss Guo possessed some beauty and was the Guo family’s treasure, such a person’s value naturally multiplied a hundredfold!

Before long, everyone rose to toast again. Some people subtly moved toward the Guo family, all blocked imperceptibly by Yuan Ying. Others watching grew even more certain of their suspicions—Consort Guo Hui wanted to strengthen family ties by making Miss Guo Princess Consort of Jing… Only Yuan Lie kept his eyes fixed on Li Weiyang, as if trying to discern something from her face. Li Weiyang knew his thoughts and glanced at him with a half-smile. Yuan Lie immediately understood. The marriage alliance was real, but she didn’t agree! His heart relaxed slightly before he turned to attend to others.

Amidst the bustle, Princess Huaiqing, taking advantage of everyone moving about with no one paying her much attention, quietly approached Li Weiyang and asked hesitantly, “Miss Guo?”

Li Weiyang glanced at this young lady. Her eyes were deep and bright, at this moment holding a slight smile, looking at her docilely, her eyes even containing a glimmer of longing. Li Weiyang was slightly startled, her eyes showing some inexplicable emotion.

Madam Guo introduced, “This is Princess Huaiqing.”

Princess Huaiqing? Li Weiyang had previously focused her attention on people and things related to Empress Pei. She only had a rough impression of Princess Huaiqing. So this gentle yet very beautiful young lady before her was the rumored orphaned daughter left by Noble Consort Chengmu of the Sun clan. But why would she seek her out?

“This cup is for you.” Princess Huaiqing drank her wine and smiled shyly. Fearing Empress Pei’s suspicion, she didn’t dare chat long and quietly returned to her seat.

Li Weiyang looked at her baffled, when she suddenly heard a voice beside her. “She’s suffered much from Pei Bao’er’s bullying. She’s grateful for what you did today—you gave her a chance to vent.”

Li Weiyang turned her head to see Yuan Lie. His appearance was handsome, elegant and refined. Just walking to the women’s section made the young ladies nearby take notice, their hearts racing with wild thoughts. Madam Guo, seeing him, only smiled faintly before leaning close to chat with a nearby lady. Though she didn’t particularly like this fellow who suddenly appeared pursuing her daughter, Madam Guo also knew how her own boys treated pursuers. So she admired Yuan Lie’s effort and persistence. Moreover, as for the marriage, Madam Guo felt it still depended on her daughter’s own wishes.

If she liked someone, Madam Guo would like them too. Their kind of family absolutely couldn’t produce another Guo Yan.

Yuan Lie smiled. “Princess Huaiqing’s status in this palace is lower than even a high-ranking female official’s. Pei Bao’er always bullies her. Didn’t Guo Cheng’s investigation of so much material tell you this?”

From when Guo Cheng began obstructing their meetings, Yuan Lie had some opinions about that person. If not for Li Weiyang’s sake, he would have dealt with him long ago.

Li Weiyang heard the sourness in his words, clearly dissatisfied that she valued the Guo family so highly… Well, she’d take this sour tone as disappointment. She simply smiled. “I’m afraid it’s not only Princess Huaiqing whose days are difficult.”

Yuan Lie nodded, his eyes bright as snow. “Yes, it’s not just her. Princesses not born to Empress Pei, without powerful consort mothers to protect them, unable to achieve merit like princes—their days are all hard.” They were merely future tools for winning hearts. “However, Princess Huaiqing seeking you out may be to curry favor with Consort Guo Hui. After all, she can’t gain benefits from Empress Pei’s side—wanting to change masters isn’t impossible.”

Li Weiyang laughed. “Whether sincere or false, I may not be unable to distinguish.”

Yuan Lie laughed with her. Yes, his Weiyang was socially adept with keen insight and good judgment of character. She could always tell who was sincere and who false—on this point, he needn’t worry. But he loved worrying about this. Looking at her jet-black eyes and snow-white skin, his heart seemed to beat even harder. He couldn’t help saying, “You’re truly beautiful today.”

These words came from his heart.

She never liked extravagant adornment, but today’s appearance made his gaze instantly intoxicated. Li Weiyang smiled. “I must thank Empress Pei’s generosity.”

Yuan Lie curved his lips in a smile, his gaze deepening. “I’m not talking about the skirt—” Such an opportunity should be seized to profess his devotion, but unfortunately so many obstructive people surrounded them, pretending to converse while their gazes burned holes watching here, as if waiting to capture romantic tales of Prince Xu and the Guo family’s young lady.

But so what?! He wanted the whole world to know Li Weiyang belonged to him. Whether she was the former Princess Anping or the current Miss Guo, this would never change. They could covet her all they wanted—looking was fine, but if they dared harbor improper thoughts, they’d better feel whether their heads could stay on their necks much longer!

“Prince Xu, is this cup of wine meant for me?” Seeing Li Weiyang and Yuan Lie standing together in such unexpected harmony, Yuan Lie’s handsomeness so dazzling, yet Li Weiyang standing beside him, that special temperament not at all jarring—as if they were naturally meant to stand together… Yuan Ying thought of the marriage Consort Guo Hui mentioned, his throat growing dry, though his face still wore a warm smile.

Yuan Lie raised his eyebrows, thinking where did this fellow pop out from? He tolerated Guo Cheng and others bouncing around Li Weiyang because those people treated his sweetheart as a sister, but this cousin probably had other thoughts. Thinking this, the smile on his face deepened. “I heard the courtesan lady from Water Moon Tower specifically waited three days at Prince Jing’s residence gates to see Prince Jing. I wonder if she’s still there now?”

That day at the wine house for official entertaining, accompanying officials jokingly invited the courtesan lady. Yuan Ying had smiled at everyone, so this woman thought she could climb the branches, daily blocking his path everywhere. But by now, he’d long since dealt with this trouble… Yet Yuan Lie knew about it and brought it up in front of Li Weiyang, clearly to embarrass him. This person was truly devious. Looking over, Madam Guo, though sitting far away, seemed to have furrowed her brows. Yuan Ying smiled. “Prince Xu jests. Every time you go out, those young ladies send people to chase your carriage, using every means to send you tokens of affection. Even my imperial father in his day wasn’t like this…”

“Prince Jing praises too highly. Idle admirers are merely passing clouds. I haven’t even seen their faces—how can it compare to you, Prince Jing? Your consort hasn’t even entered the gates yet, but you must first acknowledge a son!” Yuan Lie’s expression remained unchanged, only standing with a smile, his eyes full of mockery.

That courtesan lady told everyone she carried Prince Jing’s child, but he’d never touched her finger! Yuan Ying’s smile stiffened somewhat. He discovered that no matter how good one’s cultivation, it was useless against this type who specialized in stepping on sore spots. How did he feel the handsome gentleman before him clearly had the character of a scoundrel and rogue?! Seizing one of your weak points and stomping viciously, stomping until blood showed without letting go!

Yuan Ying’s expression quickly returned to normal. “That need not trouble Prince Xu.” Yuan Lie said no more, walked to his side, patted his shoulder, saying with double meaning, “I should be telling you this—those who shouldn’t worry should mind their own business.” Weiyang is mine—you need to roll far away!

Li Weiyang watched them both with inexplicable feelings, clearly glaring at each other like fighting cocks, as if harboring deep hatred. Just then Madam Guo pulled her to meet other people, so she turned and left them behind, paying no more attention.

After a round of socializing, Li Weiyang maintained her smile throughout, her bearing dignified. The consorts above watched with great curiosity. Everyone said the Guo family’s daughter was a natural refined lady—now seeing her, it was truly so. For a moment everyone looked at her, their gazes three parts warmer, clearly harboring ulterior motives.

Noble Consort Chen, having drunk several cups, begged pardon from Empress Pei. Consort Guo Hui volunteered to escort her to a side hall to rest. The other consorts either chatted or enjoyed songs and dances, paying little other attention. At this moment, Consort Hu Shun finally stopped concealing her anger. “Your Majesty the Empress, look at Consort Hui—she grows more presumptuous!”

Empress Pei sighed. “I’ve told you so many times, yet you never know restraint. Knowing what kind of person she is, you provoke her like that—would she spare you!”

Consort Hu Shun forcibly suppressed her jealous hatred. “Your Majesty speaks truly. It’s just that Consort Guo Hui always relies on her family, running rampant in the palace, not even respecting Your Majesty. I simply can’t bear to watch…”

This was clearly sowing discord, but what kind of person was Empress Pei? She only smiled faintly and changed the subject. “Look, Miss Guo is truly likeable! I’ve long heard Prince Xu fell for her at first sight, and now even Prince Jing has taken interest.”

Consort Hu Shun followed her gaze downward and immediately froze, then her eyes showed a trace of unusual expression.

Empress Pei sighed, her exquisite face still smiling. “Miss Guo is gentle and beautiful, dignified and gracious—truly likeable indeed.”

Consort Hu Shun’s mind flashed through countless thoughts like lightning, finally saying coldly, “If she marries Prince Jing, it would naturally be a good match strengthening family ties—the Guo family would certainly support him even more wholeheartedly. If she marries Prince Xu, his position would be completely secure. Either way, she’s a prize morsel—no wonder so many people like her.”

Empress Pei’s smile deepened. “One daughter sought by a hundred families—I haven’t witnessed such a scene in many years.”

Consort Hu Shun’s gaze swept across Li Weiyang’s face, slowly growing ice-cold. “Yes, with such appearance and background, whoever marries her will gain great assistance in the future.”

Empress Pei’s clear, beautiful eyes swept across her face, then she suddenly sighed. “Indeed. The children are growing up one by one. Now Prince Jing has reached marriage age, and Prince Xiang won’t be far behind. I increasingly feel myself aging…”

Consort Hu Shun showed some confusion. She didn’t understand why Empress Pei’s topics changed so quickly, making them impossible to follow. She said, “Your Majesty, what are you saying? Which woman in the palace possesses your beauty? Even celestial maidens descended to earth couldn’t compare.” Every sentence was flattery, but clearly hadn’t touched Empress Pei’s heart, making her even more anxious.

Empress Pei smiled. “Last time you mentioned liking Marquis Fengping’s legitimate daughter, I actually think that match isn’t good.”

Marquis Fengping was old-guard nobility, considered highly respected in court, and his daughter was a famous beauty in the capital. What could be unsuitable? Consort Hu Shun felt slightly shocked. Moreover, clearly they were discussing the Guo family—why suddenly bring this up? She’d only mentioned it in passing last time to test Empress Pei’s attitude, but now she clearly disapproved… Consort Hu Shun was also clever—she suddenly understood.

A nearby palace maid noticed Consort Hu Shun lost in thought, unaware even that her tea had stopped steaming. She quickly added water. Female Official Xin waved at them, and they obediently stepped back half a pace. Consort Hu Shun already understood Empress Pei’s meaning, her heart wildly joyful, though her face showed difficulty. “Indeed, Marquis Fengping’s wife is too strict—she probably can’t raise magnanimous daughters. But Yuan Sheng has high standards—ordinary young ladies truly won’t catch his eye… Previously there was an excellent candidate, but her family status is too high—I fear we can’t reach so high.”

Empress Pei drank some tea, saying unhurriedly, “Prince Xiang is a legitimate prince—whose young lady could he not reach? Consort Shun, you truly worry too much.”

Consort Hu Shun’s heart leaped with great joy. What Empress Pei said today clearly hinted at three things. First, if Miss Guo married Yuan Ying, Consort Guo Hui’s prestige would certainly grow! Second, if Miss Guo became Princess Consort of Xu, her elder sister Lady Hu would never be able to compete with Prince Xu, much less seize the throne from him! Third, Yuan Sheng’s best marriage candidate was Miss Guo! Miss Guo was the Guo clan’s treasured pearl—controlling her meant controlling the entire Guo family. Then even Consort Guo Hui would have to restrain herself in her presence! Taking ten thousand steps back, even if Yuan Sheng couldn’t gain the Guo family’s support, neither of those two could have it either!

A trace of viciousness flashed through Consort Hu Shun’s beautiful eyes as she said softly, “To succeed, I’ll need Your Majesty’s assistance…”

Empress Pei’s voice held gentle detachment and aloofness, wielding both grace and authority with perfect measure. “Oh? It seems Consort Shun already has a plan in mind.”

Consort Hu Shun turned back, smiling. “Your Majesty, just wait and see.”