Princess Lin’an waited at home for someone to escort Jiang Nan back. However, she waited left and right but never saw a trace of her beloved. At dusk, a four-wheeled carriage quietly arrived carrying a very large box. The carriage stopped at the back gate of Princess Lin’an’s manor, and the driver left the large box and departed.

The gatekeeper was very surprised to see this scene. He noticed the large black lacquered wooden box had a seal affixed to it, with only six large characters written: “For Princess Lin’an to Open Personally.” Soon, this box was delivered to the reception hall of the princess’s manor. Princess Lin’an, hearing the guards’ report, stood up irritably and walked before the box, saying coldly, “Who sent this?”

The guard lowered his head. “Your Highness, by the time we servants went to check, the person who delivered the box had already left.”

Princess Lin’an’s gaze fell on that box. Because she was in a bad mood, she assumed it was a gift from some household and said casually, “Open it.”

The guards had long grown accustomed to this scene. In the capital, there were plenty of officials and nobles trying to curry favor with the princess, so they thought nothing of it and stepped forward to open the box. Who knew that the moment the box door opened, everyone’s eyes widened in shock! No, rather than shock, it was terror! The guard responsible for opening the box cried “Ah!” and staggered back two steps!

Princess Lin’an looked at him angrily. “What are you doing?!” Then her gaze moved to that box. Immediately after, her complexion changed completely, becoming pale as paper. She trembled unconsciously. “Jiang, Jiang Nan!” She quickly ran forward and grasped that box. Though the person inside was already torn to pieces, covered in wounds, by that familiar face she still recognized Jiang Nan at a glance.

Her hands trembled as she caressed the head of the person in the box. That face which had intoxicated her was now covered with beast claw marks, extremely terrifying. Yet she seemed to feel nothing, holding Jiang Nan’s head to her bosom and suddenly crying out loudly.

The surrounding guards, seeing this scene, all showed expressions of fear. Having followed Princess Lin’an for so long, they knew her temperament well, yet had never seen her so heartbroken for anyone! They couldn’t help but kneel together. “Princess, please accept our condolences!” Unexpectedly, Princess Lin’an suddenly raised her head and said sternly, “Delivering such a box before me—you useless fools!” Then her voice became incomparably cold. “Drag those four guards who carried the box down and behead them all!” Without a trace of emotion.

Those four who had carried the box hadn’t even reacted before they were dragged away by the others.

Princess Lin’an gazed at Jiang Nan’s head, biting out word by word, “Li Weiyang! It must be you! You killed my most beloved!” She stood up abruptly yet still lovingly cradled that head in her arms, saying softly, “I will definitely avenge you, rest assured.”

Like murmuring to a lover, making the several maids serving beside her tremble all over.

Princess Lin’an’s gaze swept across them. “Prepare the carriage. I must enter the palace immediately!”

The maids trembled as they said, “Yes!”

In less than half an hour, Princess Lin’an had entered the palace. However, the Emperor refused to see her, and Empress Pei also refused. But this time she seemed determined. With a “thump,” she knelt before Empress Pei’s bedchamber. A palace maid beside Empress Pei said softly, “Empress is unwell and cannot receive visitors. You should return first.”

Princess Lin’an didn’t even raise her head. “I’ll kneel right here. When Mother Empress is willing to see me, I’ll go in. Otherwise, I absolutely won’t leave!”

The palace maids looked at each other. None dared persuade her. They respectfully withdrew and stood in the corridor, silently watching this proud princess. Princess Lin’an’s body knelt ramrod straight. Under the scorching sun, her expression seemed cold as ice and snow. Her lips pressed tightly together, her eyes harboring endless hatred. Her eyes stared fixedly at the great door of Empress Pei’s palace. One hour, two hours, three hours… After four hours, Empress Pei finally sent word: let Princess Lin’an enter.

Princess Lin’an stood up only to discover her legs were already numb and weak, unable to support her at all. The nearby palace maids quickly stepped forward to assist her, but she waved them away and stormed in aggressively.

Empress Pei reclined on a beauty couch, wearing purple palace robes and a beautiful satin skirt. As if suffering from a headache, her spirits seemed listless. The palace maids beside her stood with lowered hands, barely daring to breathe.

Princess Lin’an threw herself down and knelt before Empress Pei. “Mother Empress! Please avenge me!”

Empress Pei looked at her coldly. “Lin’an! Do you still not know what wrong you’ve committed?!”

Princess Lin’an bit her teeth. “Your daughter has done nothing wrong! I only wanted to protect the person I love! If Mother Empress won’t help me, fine. But now you won’t even avenge me?”

Empress Pei’s icy gaze swept over Princess Lin’an’s face, yet remained indifferent. “I told you long ago—if your skills are inferior, you must accept defeat gracefully. But you refused to believe it. For a mere male consort, you didn’t hesitate to offend the entire Guo family! You needn’t plead anymore. No matter what you say, I won’t avenge you! Because now isn’t the right time. Acting rashly would only give the Guo family opportunities, implicating your elder brother instead—more loss than gain!”

Princess Lin’an bit her lip and suddenly said loudly, “Mother Empress, why are you so biased?! I’m also your daughter! But all these years, you’ve only thought of Crown Prince Yongwen, thought of Princess Anguo! What am I inferior to them? Am I not your biological child! Was I adopted?!”

Empress Pei’s expression changed dramatically. She raised her hand and slapped Princess Lin’an across the face. “Lin’an! What nonsense are you spouting?!” Empress Pei had always been very restrained. Though quite vicious, she had never personally struck anyone. That she now slapped Princess Lin’an showed she had reached the extreme of anger—even her voice changed pitch.

Princess Lin’an had always feared Empress Pei, but now she seemed to have thrown caution to the wind. Her voice was cold. “Why must Mother Empress be so angry? Because I spoke your true thoughts? Because Elder Brother is the eldest son, Little Sister naturally knows how to please you, so you’ve always protected them. But I’m also your daughter! Why don’t you treasure me? Why even let outsiders bully me?”

Empress Pei’s nails were very sharp. The gems embedded on them scratched Princess Lin’an’s face. A drop of blood slid from Princess Lin’an’s eyelid down to her chin, looking like a trail of bloody tears—extremely terrifying. Empress Pei was speechless. For the first time, she felt struck dumb. Indeed, Princess Lin’an wasn’t wrong. Crown Prince Yongwen was a boy, so she devoted all her thoughts to him. Princess Anguo was born a stone woman—Empress Pei felt she had wronged her and thus indulged her even more. Only Princess Lin’an—only her, Empress Pei had always been indifferent toward. She didn’t know why she had never quite liked this daughter. Even though among the three children, she was the most respectful, most obedient—still the same.

Empress Pei most couldn’t stand seeing her submissive appearance. Over time, she had gradually distanced herself. But now seeing her face full of resentment, full of anger as she knelt before her, Empress Pei suddenly realized the despair in her eyes was so fierce—clearly she had been driven to extremes.

After a long silence, Empress Pei sighed. “These years, perhaps I have neglected you. But haven’t I given you enough honors and favors? Yet that day you knelt at the palace gates pleading for Jiang Nan. For a male consort, you didn’t even want your own face. I wished I could cut you to pieces! You’re a dignified princess, yet you so willingly degraded yourself. Can you face my painstaking efforts to cultivate you?”

The bloody tears on Princess Lin’an’s face flowed even more abundantly, yet her eyes showed not a trace of being moved. “Mother Empress, ultimately you just look down on me, just fear the Guo family. If you won’t avenge me, then I’ll go myself!” With that, she suddenly stood up and turned to leave.

“Stop!” Empress Pei said sternly. She seemed extremely angry, gripping the edge of the beauty couch so hard her knuckles turned faintly white!

Princess Lin’an stopped in her tracks but remained completely motionless. Clearly she didn’t want to turn back unless Empress Pei agreed to avenge her. At this moment, someone outside reported, “Empress, Crown Prince has arrived.”

This voice interrupted Empress Pei’s about-to-erupt fury. She said coldly, “Have him come in.”

Crown Prince Yongwen quickly entered the hall. Seeing the scene inside, he already understood everything. He smiled faintly and said lightly, “Lin’an, are you disturbing Mother Empress again?”

Princess Lin’an looked at her elder brother coldly. “This evening at dusk, someone delivered a box to my manor. Inside was Jiang Nan’s corpse, torn to pieces by wild beasts, extremely miserable. You say this isn’t blatant humiliation—what is it?! You keep saying I should mind my princess status. But when others raise their hand and slap my face, what use is this status?! When the man I love is killed like this, what need is there for me to exist as a princess?!”

Crown Prince Yongwen’s expression changed slightly. He raised his eyebrows. “Someone killed Jiang Nan? And sent him to your manor?”

In fact, Crown Prince Yongwen knew about Princess Lin’an’s secret plan to rescue Jiang Nan and replace him with a death row prisoner. He just felt this sister was so obsessed with Jiang Nan that he might as well turn a blind eye and let him go. Who knew such trouble would arise midway? Thinking this, he couldn’t help sighing. “This is also his fate. You can’t blame others. If he hadn’t first used such underhanded tricks, why would he have been framed? You needn’t worry about him anymore. Mother Empress is right. Acting rashly against the Guo family would be disadvantageous to us. Don’t make things difficult for her.”

Princess Lin’an’s face grew paler and paler. Veins faintly appeared at her temples. Even her exhaled breath trembled. “Elder Brother, since childhood, I’ve listened to everything you said, everything Mother Empress said. But now what state have I fallen to?! My marriage, my husband—I like neither! Everything was to pave the way for your throne. Now I’ve finally obtained someone I like, yet he’s met such an end! Tell me, am I willing to accept this?! If one day someone seized your throne, would you be willing?! Would you be willing to endure it?!”

Crown Prince Yongwen paused slightly, then lowered his highly raised eyebrows. Seeming present yet absent, he instead laughed softly. “Lin’an, you’re ultimately still a fool. Can’t you see that from the very beginning, this entire game was already wrong?”

Princess Lin’an paused, looking at Crown Prince Yongwen, her face showing a trace of confusion.

Crown Prince Yongwen said coolly, “You keep saying this matter was Li Weiyang’s doing. That’s right! I admit this point. But this person’s terrifying aspect isn’t her schemes and methods, but her ability to win people’s hearts. Didn’t you see that day’s scene? The three Guo brothers, Prince Jing, and even Prince Xu—all stood on Li Weiyang’s side! She’s been in the capital only briefly yet has already gathered three forces so quickly. Can you easily move against such a person? It’s not that we don’t want to help you. It’s just that for such a matter, for a mere Jiang Nan, to ruin the overall situation would truly be more loss than gain! If you’re willing to wait, in no more than three to five years, I can personally deliver Li Weiyang’s head to you! Then you can deal with her however you wish.”

Princess Lin’an sneered. “Three to five years?! Elder Brother, I’m afraid before I reach that time, I’ll already be bitten by that fierce beast until not even bones remain!”

Seeing she still refused to listen to persuasion, Crown Prince Yongwen couldn’t help showing more annoyance on his face. “Then what do you want? Have the Pei family openly battle the Guo family? So many years have passed with both sides holding their forces—do you think it’s truly because Mother Empress and I fear the Guo family?”

Princess Lin’an laughed coldly. “What you fear isn’t the Guo family, nor the Chen family. What you fear is Father Emperor!”

Empress Pei’s expression completely changed. In this instant, her face actually froze like a dead person’s face—extremely terrifying! The evening mist outside the window grew thicker and thicker, dimly revealing traces of light through the window gauze, making the entire great hall even more hazy. Just when everyone thought Empress Pei would erupt in great fury, they heard her sigh faintly. “Lin’an, we’ve said everything we should. Whether you listen or not is your own business. These years I have indeed neglected you. If you’re willing, hereafter I’ll properly compensate you.”

Her voice deliberately became gentle, yet made Princess Lin’an’s body turn cold. She turned back to look at Empress Pei’s eyes, her heart turning cold in this instant. She understood Empress Pei too well. She wasn’t a loving mother, nor someone who compromised easily. She said this purely to pacify her. Because Lin’an saw not a trace of mother-daughter affection in those cold eyes! From beginning to end, her eyes held only Elder Brother and Little Sister!

Princess Lin’an laughed coldly, her tone increasingly sorrowful. “Mother Empress, since you won’t avenge Lin’an, then I take my leave here.” With that, she actually knelt before Empress Pei, her face full of tears.

Empress Pei didn’t help her up, only stared fixedly. Those slender, pale fingers intentionally or unintentionally clenched tightly. “Lin’an, what do you mean by this?”

Princess Lin’an pressed her lips together and smiled faintly. “Regardless of how powerful the Guo family is, how formidable Li Weiyang is, I don’t care. I want her life! I cannot endure another moment! Regardless of the outcome, I won’t blame Mother Empress or Elder Brother.”

Empress Pei pressed her lips together. The corners of her mouth showed an upward curve, as if sneering. “Go then.”

Crown Prince Yongwen quickly helped her up. “Mother Empress, how can you agree to Lin’an?! Listen to what she’s saying!”

But Empress Pei waved her hand, seeming somewhat fatigued. “Let her go.”

Princess Lin’an looked at her one last time, pushed away Crown Prince Yongwen’s hand, turned, and left the palace hall.

Crown Prince Yongwen watched her departing back, a trace of shadow passing through his heart. Then he looked at Empress Pei. “Mother Empress, how can you indulge her like this? If she causes some trouble, what then?!”

Empress Pei laughed coldly. “Do you truly think she’s a fool?”

Crown Prince Yongwen was puzzled. “What does Mother Empress mean?”

Empress Pei sighed. “Just now she was deliberately provoking you and me. Seeing no effect, she used the tactic of the aggrieved army. Couldn’t you tell?”

Crown Prince Yongwen was after all an extremely intelligent person and quickly reacted. Yes! Just now Lin’an’s words pierced straight to the heart, seeming without method yet actually stimulating Empress Pei and himself. If one had the slightest blood or anger, one would be stimulated by her into acting for her. Cold sweat appeared on Crown Prince Yongwen’s forehead. He sighed. “If not for Mother Empress’s reminder, I might have fallen for Lin’an’s trick.”

Empress Pei smiled faintly. “She was merely making a final gamble. Since this gamble failed and neither you nor I will act for her, naturally she must go herself.”

Crown Prince Yongwen’s face showed a trace of worry. He said slowly, “If she truly does something wrong, it will implicate me. Why doesn’t Mother Empress stop her?”

Empress Pei shook her head. “Though Lin’an’s temperament appears arrogant and willful, she’s not completely brainless. For her to be so resolute, she must already have a good method.”

Crown Prince Yongwen looked at Empress Pei, yet a trace of coldness passed through his heart. Lin’an was right. This mother was extremely cold. Not only toward Princess Lin’an, but even toward himself these years—there hadn’t been much warmth. Yes, Empress Pei indeed greatly valued this son of hers, teaching carefully, cultivating earnestly. But he vaguely felt Empress Pei’s actions were merely to cultivate a competent, qualified crown prince—one who could firmly grasp the crown prince position. Empress Pei herself had little feeling for him. He couldn’t even find a trace of gentleness, sympathy, or compassion on this mother’s face. When she spoke of Princess Lin’an, she merely analyzed Princess Lin’an’s state, watching her despair, watching her go mad, without even intending to extend a helping hand!

Such a mother—so cold, so heartless! Even someone like Crown Prince Yongwen couldn’t help feeling his heart turn cold as water. He watched Lin’an’s departing back and sighed. Lin’an, it’s not that I don’t want to help you. It’s just that ultimately I cannot. If you wanted me to sacrifice my throne to avenge a male consort—this is simply too ridiculous! So, your imperial brother can only apologize to you. Thinking this, he turned to look at Empress Pei. “Mother Empress, though Lin’an was somewhat rash, what she said wasn’t wrong. We should indeed be careful of Li Weiyang. She’s truly too cunning, too ruthless and merciless, leaving no room whatsoever.”

Empress Pei smiled faintly. “Li Weiyang is merely a woman. However formidable she is, the methods she uses are just those. What you need to consider isn’t her, but Prince Jing Yuan Ying!”

Crown Prince Yongwen was somewhat puzzled. “Prince Jing? What can he do?”

Empress Pei smiled, saying gently, “After this incident, can’t you still see?”

Crown Prince Yongwen grew increasingly confused. He said, “This matter was Jiang Nan and Guo Ping colluding to frame Li Weiyang. As a result, she turned and bit back. Perhaps those three Guo brothers also participated. Is there something else I don’t understand in all this?”

Empress Pei smiled faintly. “In all matters, you can’t just look at the surface. From current appearances, Li Weiyang and those three Guo brothers seem to have won a great victory. But in fact, the person who truly benefited isn’t them, but Prince Jing Yuan Ying.”

Yes, the person who truly benefited this time was indeed Prince Jing Yuan Ying! The struggle between Guo Ping and Duke Qiguo’s manor had long existed. This persistent problem clung firmly to Duke Qiguo, impossible to eliminate. With Guo Ping present, Duke Qiguo’s title would forever have someone coveting it, forever have people pointing fingers at his back. Though people mentioned Guo Ping with disdain, if one truly argued about proper legitimacy, this title really shouldn’t have fallen to Guo Su! Now Yuan Ying had eliminated Guo Ping and also eliminated Guo Teng. This title naturally belonged to Duke Qiguo. He had helped Guo Su secure Duke Qiguo manor’s position. Though Guo Su wouldn’t say it, in his heart he must feel grateful. This way, the Guo manor would support Prince Jing Yuan Ying even more loyally. In this matter, that Yuan Ying was probably the one reaping the fisherman’s profit.

Thinking this way, Crown Prince Yongwen’s gaze flashed. “I was confused by being in the situation. I thought my position was stable as Mount Tai, but it’s actually precarious as a pile of eggs. These years, Prince Jing Yuan Ying has always kept a low profile, never drawing attention. Looking at it now, he’s fundamentally coveting my crown prince position!”

Empress Pei smiled. “Yes! Too many people are fighting for this position, so you must carefully consider how to eliminate them one by one.”

Crown Prince Yongwen lowered his eyelids. “Mother Empress, rest assured. Your son knows what to do.”

At this time at the Guo manor, things weren’t as joyful as Crown Prince Yongwen imagined. The three Guo brothers knelt in a row on the ground. After returning from Guo Ping’s manor, Duke Qiguo had ordered them to do so, then returned wordlessly to his study. During this time, Madam Guo sent people to persuade him, but unfortunately Duke Qiguo absolutely refused to forgive them, insisting the sons kneel there like this.

Li Weiyang watched from afar and sighed. Madam Guo walked to her side and said slowly, “Jia’er, do you know why your father is angry?”

Li Weiyang only smiled. “Jia’er believes Father feels that I and the three brothers schemed against Uncle, causing his entire household to be executed, severing kinship. That’s why Father blames us.”

Madam Guo sighed. “This time, you four caused too much trouble! How could you not consult with me before doing such a thing?” After returning from the Guo manor, Madam Guo had already understood. She recalled Guo Dao and Zhao Yue’s expressions at the time, and what Li Weiyang had said. She quickly understood. So this was all a ruse of self-harm, deliberately tricking people! It seemed Li Weiyang had long detected the other party’s actions, seizing the opportunity to strike and eliminate Guo Ping in one move.

Li Weiyang looked at her mother and said slowly, “Mother, do you think my methods were too sinister and cruel?”

Madam Guo didn’t know what to say. She looked at the three sons kneeling over there, then at her gentle and beautiful daughter before her, saying softly, “Actually, my hatred for Guo Ping is no less than yours. Given the opportunity, I absolutely wouldn’t spare him. However, your father he…”

Li Weiyang smiled. “However, Father still harbors mercy toward them, mindful of brotherly affection and unwilling to be ruthless. Since Father is unwilling, I’ll make this decision for Father. What’s improper about that?”

Madam Guo looked at Li Weiyang. Her daughter’s stubbornness and strength on her face were things she had never noticed before. After thinking, she ultimately smiled and said, “Forget it. This is also good. Rather than letting him constantly suffer from this ailment, better to cut the Gordian knot quickly. One sharp pain and he’ll be fine. Previously that Guo Ping eyed everything covetously, making us unable to rest day or night. Now that he’s gone, my heart is much lighter. However, your father’s anger won’t be easy to quell.”

Li Weiyang looked at Guo Dun scratching his head over there, then at Guo Dao’s indifferent face with closed eyes resting, and Guo Cheng quietly holding a book in his hands. She laughed. “I think the three brothers won’t mind kneeling a couple more days.”

Madam Guo nodded. “These three—they can’t compare to their two older brothers. Since childhood, they’ve been used to kneeling. Thick-skinned and tough, naturally they fear nothing. However, that woman is going to make trouble again!”

Who was this woman Madam Guo mentioned? Li Weiyang’s face showed a trace of surprise, but soon she saw the person Madam Guo meant—and right at dinner time, she barged in. Madam Guo had originally wanted to have maids block her, but the other party disregarded everything, ordering people to injure the maids and furiously bursting into the great hall.

Duke Qiguo was talking with Princess Chenliu when he suddenly heard someone outside shout, “The Marquis Qingping’s wife arrives!”

Duke Qiguo hurriedly stood up and saw his elder sister with a stern expression already stepping across the threshold. The Marquis Qingping’s wife was Lady Ren’s third child at that time. By age, she was two years older than Duke Qiguo, the youngest among the three siblings.

Li Weiyang had originally been at the side accompanying Princess Chenliu in conversation. Seeing this situation and feeling she shouldn’t be present, she bowed and said, “The elders can speak. Jia’er will take her leave first.”

Madam Guo was just about to nod, letting her leave early to avoid being drawn into this dispute, when they heard the Marquis Qingping’s wife snort coldly. “Stop!”

Li Weiyang smiled broadly, bowing to the Marquis Qingping’s wife, then said, “Jia’er greets Aunt.”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife looked her up and down, then her smile became even colder. “So you’re Guo Jia? A wild child who wandered outside for who knows how long—what qualifications do you have to call me aunt?”

Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change at all, but Princess Chenliu and Madam Guo both changed simultaneously! Madam Guo’s face couldn’t suppress her anger anymore. She said coldly, “Elder Sister, what exactly do you mean? Jia’er is my daughter. Her returning to the Guo manor is perfectly legitimate. If you have any opinion of me, say it directly. The words ‘wild child’ absolutely must not be mentioned again!”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife glanced at her coldly. “When I’m speaking, it’s not your turn to interrupt!”

Madam Guo’s expression became even uglier. From the moment she entered, the Marquis Qingping’s wife had been nothing but disdainful. Fundamentally, this woman’s desire for control was too strong. Because the position of Duke Qiguo’s wife was very attractive, the Marquis Qingping’s wife had long wanted to marry her younger sister-in-law over, adding intimacy to kinship. She hadn’t expected this proposal to be rejected by Princess Chenliu. Unable to get her wish, she naturally transferred her resentment. All these years, aside from necessary contact, the two families rarely gathered. Her sudden visit now must be for Guo Ping’s matter.

Duke Qiguo understood this in his heart and said lightly, “Why has Elder Sister suddenly come? If there’s something, just have servants send word. Please be seated. Someone! Serve tea to the Marquis Qingping’s wife.”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife laughed coldly. “Forget it. I won’t sit. I merely have a few words. Once said, I’ll leave. You’re no longer the Third Brother of the past. By rights, my husband’s title isn’t as good as yours. I should kowtow to you!”

These were truly words that cut to the heart. Hearing this, Duke Qiguo’s face turned slightly pale. “Elder Sister saying this really diminishes me.” At this moment, a maid had already taken a seat to the side and moved it behind the Marquis Qingping’s wife, respectfully saying, “Madam, please sit down first.”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife didn’t even glance at it, her face full of fury. “No need for your solicitude! Guo Su, let me ask you—when did Elder Brother become a thorn in your eye, flesh in your side that you had to eliminate him?”

Duke Qiguo paused. “Elder Sister, how can you say such things? I’ve always respected Elder Brother, never showing the slightest negligence. This matter was completely unexpected. Elder Sister must have some misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding? A real man owns his actions. You dared to frame Elder Brother—why still hide your head and show your tail? Where in the world are there such coincidences? Elder Brother had just hidden the military report when someone stole it. Not one bit off—it was found on that Jiang Nan. And your good daughter, those three good sons, all accusing Elder Brother with every word. You think I don’t know about all this? What are your intentions?!”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife’s appearance most resembled Lady Ren of old—a high forehead, large eyes, a harsh mouth. At this moment, she sternly interrogated Guo Su, leaving him as the younger brother unable to say a word. Watching the Marquis Qingping’s wife stand aggressively before him, he seemed to see Lady Ren questioning his mother, that completely unremorseful appearance.

Guo Su’s face finally showed a trace of coldness, no longer feeling guilty. “Elder Sister, that day I learned Elder Brother was actually a Dali spy, corresponding with that Jiang Nan and even trying to transmit the formation diagram out of Yuexi. This is all proven by solid evidence, ironclad facts. If Elder Sister has doubts, why not go ask Elder Brother in the netherworld! Why come ask me? If I had participated in this matter, His Majesty would have beheaded me long ago today! Why would I stand here so perfectly fine?”

These few sentences made the Marquis Qingping’s wife’s face turn pale with anger. She said contemptuously, “You think using those tricks will make me believe you? I’m not a three-year-old child. Don’t underestimate me. You instigated your own children to frame Elder Brother—it was fundamentally to eliminate those of us who threaten you. Because you stole this title, seized it, cheated for it! You can’t even sit steadily yourself! No need to argue—I’ve long seen through your heart!”

As she spoke, tears suddenly gushed out in large drops. She sat down heavily on the chair behind her, pointing at Duke Qiguo accusingly. “Guo Su, you’re truly vicious! When you were small, we three siblings cared for you with everything, never forgetting you. Even if the two brothers later developed a rift with you over inheriting the title, I never wronged you. Even if they did wrong, you should have spared their lives for Father’s sake and mine, not like now! Elder Brother was beheaded, Second Brother was exiled. A perfectly good family has been torn apart and destroyed! Are you satisfied now? What other heart do you have? What other schemes? Just come at me! Though we all share the Guo surname, my mother was merely the abandoned wife, while your mother was the lofty Princess! I knew long ago you mother and son couldn’t tolerate us. Don’t always put on that aggrieved appearance. Everyone knows in their hearts who’s truly being persecuted! Now your wings have hardened—you’re persecuting us one by one! I’m standing right here now. Come at me with everything! Don’t use those conspiracies and tricks behind people’s backs!”

This string of angry scolding like rapid-fire left Guo Su not knowing whether to stand or sit, his face nearly iron-blue with anxiety. “Elder Sister saying this leaves me truly not knowing how to defend myself. Everything was Elder Brother’s doing. He brought it upon himself. I’ve done everything I should and could do, so I need not explain further to you.”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife hadn’t expected this usually soft-hearted third brother, when pressed by her, would instead become iron-hearted. She couldn’t help wiping away tears. “Don’t blame Elder Brother. I know his temperament. Without someone framing him, he would never commit such acts!” Finishing, she stood up, her face fierce. “Guo Su, don’t think things are so simple! You think that because you’re now Duke Qiguo and have killed Elder and Second Brother, everything’s settled! Let me tell you, if I were so easy to handle, I’d have lived in vain! I’ll leave you with these words today—the road ahead is still dark. You take care of yourself!” With that, she turned and left. At the door, however, she saw Li Weiyang still standing there and couldn’t help sneering coldly. “What a sharp girl!”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “I don’t know what instruction Aunt has?”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife’s face showed an expression full of hatred. “I heard everything you said that day. Truly a vicious girl—you have your father’s style! But let me tell you—how can one always walk by the river without getting wet shoes? You’ve used such conspiracies and tricks. One day it will all come to light. Then I’ll see how you can face people?! What Guo family young lady, Duke Qiguo manor—bah!”

She spat. That spittle almost sprayed onto Li Weiyang’s face!

Li Weiyang stepped back and laughed coldly. “Aunt, don’t you feel such shrew-like behavior is unseemly?”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife stared at her dumbfounded, flames seeming to burn in her eyes. “What did you say? You dare call me a shrew!”

Li Weiyang’s smile grew even broader. “Aunt, even if Guo Jia did something wrong, there are parents to discipline her. You overstep your bounds and make such base gestures—if not a shrew, then what?” Her last sentence was spoken extremely low. “Someone shameless and throwing tantrums like you—Father is being considerate. If it were me, I’d have thrown you out long ago!”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife had always been pampered and indulged. Outside she pretended kindness, but at the Guo manor she grew even more presumptuous. At this moment, hearing Li Weiyang’s words, she couldn’t help feeling fury rise from her heart. She raised her hand to slap her! Just then, Zhao Yue grabbed her hand bones. The Marquis Qingping’s wife screamed and stumbled backward!

Zhao Yue kindly released her hand, then supported her, bowing. “Madam, go slowly. Madam, please be very careful. It’s dark, the road is slippery.”

The Marquis Qingping’s wife looked as if she’d seen a ghost, retreating three steps in succession. Her gaze wandered uncertainly between Li Weiyang and Zhao Yue’s faces. She wanted to rage but ultimately didn’t dare. She only looked at Li Weiyang with a face full of hatred, then turned and stormed off, throwing aside the curtain.

Li Weiyang looked at Princess Chenliu, who had remained silent throughout, and slowly said, “Grandmother, don’t be sad over irrelevant people.”

Princess Chenliu smiled and said lightly, “This child was brought to me when she was only two years old. At that time, she feared the dark and didn’t dare sleep alone. She always cried and fussed, wanting me to accompany her. Back then I didn’t yet have Su’er, so I treated her like my own biological daughter, caring for her well. At that time, she didn’t have much impression of Lady Ren and was very close to me. But after some years, I learned she stayed by my side only because her mother instructed her to find opportunities to drive me, the stepmother, down and restore the mistress position to her. No matter how hard I tried, I could never compare to her real mother’s place in her heart. Even now, these many years later, she’s lost even the last trace of respect for me. What people call an ungrateful wretch—she’s probably worse than one!”

Princess Chenliu’s face carried a trace of vicissitude and sorrow. Li Weiyang smiled and said, “In this world there are too many who are worse than pigs and dogs. Grandmother, just consider her livestock. No need to pay attention.”

Duke Qiguo glanced at Li Weiyang but sighed. Regarding this daughter’s words and actions, he actually knew in his heart. But Li Weiyang was right. In the past, he had been too benevolent, which was why these three siblings were so ignorant of their place. If he had restrained them earlier, why would things have reached today’s state? Fundamentally, Guo Ping’s wanton recklessness, Guo Teng’s arrogant domineering, even the Marquis Qingping’s wife’s lack of propriety—all were related to his own indulgence! He said slowly, “This matter probably won’t end well. Jia’er, you must be more careful.”

Li Weiyang looked at Guo Su but paused slightly. “What does Father mean?”

Guo Su smiled faintly. “I understand this aunt of yours best. When pushed to extremes, she’ll use any sinister, shameless methods. Back then, to make her younger sister-in-law become Duke Qiguo manor’s wife, she made countless moves behind the scenes. Many methods were very base and vicious. You must guard against her carefully.”

If Duke Qiguo’s heart weren’t completely cold, he wouldn’t have said such words. Li Weiyang’s smile deepened. She said softly, “Yes, Father, rest assured.”

Duke Qiguo ultimately sighed deeply, glancing at Madam Guo. “Have those three children stand up.”

Madam Guo’s smile returned to her face. She hadn’t expected that the Marquis Qingping’s wife making such a scene would actually make Guo Su wake up. This was also good. Seeing clearly those three siblings’ wolfish ambitions—if they were going to turn hostile, so be it. Punishing her own three children for their sake truly made Madam Guo’s heart unbearable! She said with a face full of smiles, “Good, I’ll have them stand up right away!”

But Li Weiyang stopped Madam Guo. “No, Mother, let me go instead.”

Madam Guo nodded, watching Li Weiyang walk out with a smile. Then she smiled and said, “Duke, that you could think clearly—I’m truly surprised.”

Duke Qiguo’s face was frosty. “Isn’t it because you indulged your daughter and those three little beasts, causing such great trouble! Not just the Marquis Qingping’s wife, not just Princess Lin’an—this time we’ve offended Crown Prince Yongwen too. Hmph, this will be interesting to watch!”

Madam Guo thought for a moment. “You mean—”

Princess Chenliu smiled faintly. “There are always plenty of demons and monsters. When soldiers come, generals block; when water comes, earth dams. No need to overthink…”

Outside the manor gates, the Marquis Qingping’s wife came out from the Duke’s manor. The fury that had filled her face now subsided, as if that anger had all been deliberately performed. At this moment, it had already become an expression of profundity. She looked coldly at the Duke manor’s tall gates, her lips curling into a cold smile. Getting into the carriage, she ordered in a low voice, “Go to Princess Lin’an’s manor.”