Imperial Palace, Imperial Garden

Overwhelming flowers captivated the senses. Faint, elegant fragrance wafted over, intoxicating the heart and spirit.

Through layers of flower branches, Li Weiyang saw the noble consort seated in the pavilion. A subtle smile appeared on her face.

Virtuous Consort Wu came from an eminent family and possessed matchless beauty. But in the palace, birth and beauty weren’t paramount—the top priority was offspring. Ordinary women without heirs found it hard to secure a consort position, much less maintain it for so many years. Yet this Virtuous Consort Wu survived well, even adopted a son, raised him to adulthood, and assisted the Empress in managing the rear palace for over ten years. This capability was absolutely not something just anyone could achieve.

Years ago, when she first met this nominal mother-in-law, her legs had gone weak. Times had changed. Li Weiyang believed she now had sufficient confidence and composure to face such an “old acquaintance.”

Around the pavilion stood over ten palace maids and eunuchs, all with lowered heads and restrained eyes, holding their breath in silence—not even a cough heard. In the pavilion’s center sat a middle-aged beauty with the most fashionable hairstyle piled high on her head like gorgeous clouds at the horizon, glossy black. Her skin was fine, smooth, and luminous in the sunlight, like beautiful jade. Those eyes looked black, bright, and transparent, radiating captivating brilliance. Red, moist lips carried a charming smile, as if holding faint flower honey between them. Currently, she smiled at Li Weiyang—that smile very warm, not resembling someone skilled in scheming.

Seeing Virtuous Consort Wu so young and beautiful didn’t surprise Li Weiyang. She clearly knew this consort greatly valued maintaining her beauty. Daily she had palace maids collect morning dew, carefully pick out impurities, and use it to brew tea. She collected flower pollen to make precious fragrant powder for her face. She mixed the reddest, freshest petals with newly extracted flower honey, ground them, added various beautifying ingredients according to ancient formulas—seven steamings and seven washings—extracting the essence to make rouge. These tremendously expensive beauty products were stored in gold boxes and jade vessels for daily grooming. Precisely because of such beauty techniques could she maintain such long-lasting youth and favor.

In this world, nothing lasted long without reason—all required one’s own effort and struggle. This was the first lesson Virtuous Consort Wu taught Li Weiyang. In a sense, newly entering the palace, Li Weiyang truly wasn’t accustomed. She didn’t know how to assist her husband and please everyone. This Virtuous Consort Wu, whether stern or gentle, taught her many things. Precisely because the Virtuous Consort always behaved like an enthusiastic, considerate elder, Li Weiyang treated her as her closest relative. Unfortunately, she later discovered that when Virtuous Consort Wu taught her these things, she didn’t regard her as a daughter-in-law but made her Tuoba Zhen’s assistant—a perfect stepping stone. When things went wrong, it was precisely this seemingly gentlest, noblest “mother-in-law” who jumped out saying Li Weiyang was vicious and selfish, unworthy and talentless sitting in the Empress position. Only then did Li Weiyang suddenly understand—others’ kindness toward her wasn’t consideration and gentleness but because she still had use value. Once that value vanished, she had no reason to exist.

Li Weiyang smiled and stepped forward a few paces to bow.

As Li Weiyang bowed, the Virtuous Consort likewise examined her. At first glance, she only noticed fair skin, refined features—not very beautiful features but with an indescribable quality. Under her deliberate scrutiny, Li Weiyang maintained upright posture with a radiant smile on her face. Not knowing the other’s methods, one would surely think her a shy, introverted young girl. However, Virtuous Consort Wu wasn’t a fool. Li Weiyang so quickly established herself in the Li family, successively defeating her legitimate mother and that devastatingly beautiful elder sister—absolutely no ordinary person. Reasonably speaking, this was merely Li family inner household strife, completely unrelated to the Virtuous Consort. But the matter involved Tuoba Zhen, greatly infuriating her. Not that she loved this son so much—it just concerned the overall situation. She couldn’t stand by idly.

“Child, you’re so likeable. Quickly rise. Come, come here to me.” After Li Weiyang finished bowing, the Virtuous Consort beckoned warmly.

Li Weiyang smiled and approached. The Virtuous Consort, face beaming, took her hand and examined her up and down, telling the nearby female official: “This child is refined and seems good-tempered. Previously I only heard His Majesty and the Empress Dowager praise her but never met her. This time we happened to meet here—quite fated.”

Of course fated—quite considerably so. Li Weiyang smiled, obediently saying: “Thank you for your praise, Your Ladyship.”

The Virtuous Consort nodded in approval, very familiar, inquiring about her welfare like a close family elder, filling hearts with warmth. Had Li Weiyang not already understood her smiling tiger nature, she’d truly be deceived, thinking her well-intentioned. In fact, the gentler the Virtuous Consort smiled at someone, the faster that person died. Her current gentleness toward herself was absolutely no good omen.

The Virtuous Consort suddenly examined Li Weiyang’s clothing, frowning slightly: “Why dressed so plainly?”

Li Weiyang said lightly: “With mother’s passing, Weiyang dares not wear red and green. But palace rules forbid mourning clothes, so Weiyang could only select light-colored garments.” She neither violated mourning protocols for First Madam nor broke palace rules. What could the Virtuous Consort say?

The Virtuous Consort seemed oblivious to this verbal taiji, smiling more kindly: “I heard about your mother. I recall the storeroom still has some such elegant, light fabric. Jinxiu, go find it and give it to Miss Li as my small token.”

A female official responded and quickly departed.

Li Weiyang glanced at the departing figure, slightly raised her brow, lowered her head, and said gently: “Thank you, Your Ladyship. Weiyang cannot accept your gift.”

The Virtuous Consort waved her hand: “Why be polite! Consider these things a meeting gift.” Continuing, she added, “Such a pity—at your age, in two years you should discuss marriage. Now encountering mother’s death, I’m afraid it delays two years. When you’re older, finding a match may be difficult.”

These words held profound meaning. Li Weiyang seemed not to understand, showing similar regret: “Weiyang isn’t anxious. Rather, elder sister is of age.” At this point, she seemed to suddenly remember something, looking embarrassed. “But elder sister differs from Weiyang. Her appearance is extraordinary, and she’s a legitimate daughter. Third Prince and Fifth Prince both like her very much. Elder sister said after mother’s mourning ends, her marriage can be settled.”

The Virtuous Consort’s expression changed, a cold light flashing in her eyes.

The jade pendant sent to betroth Li Changle was merely to stabilize the Li family and win over the Jiang family. Actually, she wasn’t at all satisfied with this Li Changle. If Li Changle were still that illustrious Li family legitimate daughter, finding ways to marry her to Tuoba Zhen as primary consort would be good planning. But Li Changle herself was foolish, running to献策 the Emperor, becoming neither here nor there. Even when Fifth Prince wanted to marry her, the Emperor scolded him bloody. Now discussing Tuoba Zhen’s marriage to her—who knew what trouble it would cause? But no matter how troublesome, it was better than Tuoba Zhen conducting illicit affairs with the Li family eldest miss during her mother’s mourning. Had the Virtuous Consort then stood by idly letting the matter spread, the impact on Tuoba Zhen would far exceed the Li family’s. Having no choice, the Virtuous Consort sent that jade pendant as a delaying tactic. Now with Li Weiyang mentioning this matter, the Virtuous Consort felt even more blocked. Yet she couldn’t show the slightest sign, secretly annoyed.

“Silly child, I’m talking about you. Your elder sister naturally has your father worrying. I felt an instant connection with you, so I care this much and said a few extra words. Don’t take it too seriously.” The Virtuous Consort recovered her usual expression in an instant.

“Sister Virtuous Consort is in such fine spirits—what are you doing here so early?” A voice came. The Virtuous Consort paused, turned back, immediately smiling: “So it’s Sister Consort De.”

Consort De Zhang wore smoke-purple hundred-sons carved silk gauze robes. Her hair was sparsely adorned with several dark red agate dangling tassel hairpins, appearing much more quietly elegant than the dazzling Virtuous Consort. She walked into the pavilion surrounded by female officials, her expression tranquil as deep water, calm and undisturbed. Even the twisted silk kingfisher-feathered tassels dangling from her hairpins merely swayed delicately with her steps, glittering silver-green rippling light. Seeing Li Weiyang also present, she smiled faintly: “Why is the County Princess in the palace so early?”

Li Weiyang lowered her head to bow but inwardly shook her head. From the moment she entered the palace, all palaces probably knew. The palace was never a place for secrets. Today, whether Virtuous Consort or Consort De, both came prepared. The Virtuous Consort’s earlier words showed she merely came to probe her depths. And Consort De? What was her purpose? After repeatedly stating she had no involvement with Seventh Prince, was she still scheming? She could understand a mother protecting her son. But if excessive, she’d have to counter-attack. That would inevitably implicate Tuoba Yu. From her heart, unless absolutely necessary, she didn’t want to ruin this chess piece.

“I found the County Princess pure and lovely, so I kept her to chat. Sister, you’ve arrived just in time.” Virtuous Consort Wu smiled charmingly.

Consort De Zhang smiled. Li Weiyang looked like a pure, kind child, but that was merely surface appearance. She was fundamentally a girl with deep scheming. Last time’s confrontation was her own careless oversight—actually played by this young girl. At such a young age with such scheming—truly not simple. Unfortunately, they’d already formed enmity. Otherwise, she’d be great assistance. This matter—she’d acted rashly. Know that sometimes one wrong step leads to every step wrong. Ruthlessness flashed through Consort De’s eyes. Not knowing why, seeing this young girl today, watching her respond normally—her heart produced a strange feeling. Li Weiyang insisted on an exclusively devoted husband, not allowing men to take concubines. So the more Yu’er insisted on marrying her, the more she couldn’t be kept. Otherwise, in future if Yu’er were truly bewitched by her and forgot the great enterprise—endless future troubles!

Meanwhile, Virtuous Consort Wu watched coldly. Between her sleeves, a string of jade beads twisted with red gold lotus bracelets glowed in the morning sunlight like spring water. She watched this play with considerable interest. Originally she thought Li Weiyang merely a quite scheming young girl. But seeing Consort De’s appearance, she seemed quite wary.

Consort De Zhang’s beautiful eyes fell on Li Weiyang. She smiled—but that smile contained infinite coldness.

Just then, a young eunuch carrying a gold-inlaid jade box walked over leisurely from the garden’s other side. Approaching, he greeted Consort De and Virtuous Consort, then said: “His Majesty bestows on Consort De an eight-tailed phoenix gold hairpin, and on Virtuous Consort a jade glass cup.”

Opening the box revealed a brilliantly golden hairpin. On it was vividly carved an eight-tailed phoenix. Beside it sat a jade-green glass cup.

Consort De Zhang smiled, ordered the eunuch forward, took out the gold hairpin with her fair hands, carefully examined it momentarily, then smiled: “At my age, His Majesty still treats me as a young girl. This hairpin is beautiful—but the gemstones are seven-colored glass stones. The County Princess’s age is more suitable.” Saying this, she casually compared the hairpin against Li Weiyang’s head, as if intending to bestow it on her.

Li Weiyang stepped back, respectfully saying: “Your Ladyship remains forever young and beautiful in His Majesty’s heart. Weiyang’s status is humble—I dare not presume.”

Consort De Zhang smiled noncommittally and returned the hairpin to the box, saying as if unintentionally: “Very well, Lan’er, escort the County Princess out.”

A female official with pleasant features responded and smiled as she led Li Weiyang out.

This female official called Lan’er had ordinary looks but was very gentle. Along the way, she spoke softly: “County Princess, mind your step.” “County Princess, walk slowly.” Occasionally, she introduced palace sights to Li Weiyang. “This is Consort De’s favorite phoenix-tail chrysanthemum. That’s the Empress’s beloved five-leaf peony…” When speaking, her voice was gentle, melodious, with a special power.

Li Weiyang looked at her, falling into thought. She believed she hadn’t mistaken it—the cold light in Consort De Zhang’s eyes was killing intent. She still wanted her life! But today, why let the opportunity pass so easily?

“What is the County Princess thinking?” Lan’er asked with a smile.

Li Weiyang glanced at her indifferently, saying as if unintentionally: “I wonder where the guiding female official from the Empress Dowager’s palace went?”

Lan’er’s smile slightly restrained, saying normally: “Our lady embroidered a Buddhist scripture for the Empress Dowager yesterday. This morning she originally wanted to personally deliver it, but just happened to meet Virtuous Consort in the garden and chatted. So she ordered that palace maid to deliver the scripture to the Empress Dowager, lest she wait anxiously.”

“Oh, I see.” Li Weiyang seemed to suddenly understand.

Lan’er smiled very compliantly: “County Princess, this way please.”

Li Weiyang pretended ignorance and continued walking forward with her. This was the palace exit route. Li Weiyang naturally wouldn’t mistake it. This imperial palace—she’d walked through countless times. Lan’er didn’t take the opportunity to lead her elsewhere. Then why did Consort De Zhang specially arrange for Lan’er to escort her out? To kill her in the palace? Impossible.

At the palace entrance, Lan’er smiled: “The Li manor’s carriage waits outside the small side gate. County Princess, go slowly.” At this point, she extended her hand to support Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang’s body shook. She carefully looked at Lan’er, her facial expression extremely gentle and calm: “Thank you.”

The palace gate was right ahead. But just as she stepped one leg out, commotion came from behind: “Catch her!”

When she turned back, behind her stood grim Imperial Guards.

Li Weiyang’s expression was between a smile and not: “What is the meaning of this?”

Lan’er also appeared very surprised: “This is County Princess Anping, leaving the palace by the Empress Dowager’s command. What are you doing?”

A guard commander stepped forward two paces, his expression cold: “Request the County Princess delay leaving the palace. Consort De summons you!”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. As expected, not peaceful!

This time it wasn’t in the Imperial Garden but in the Empress Dowager’s palace. This time, the Empress Dowager sat at the head, her expression inscrutable. The Virtuous Consort looked ready to watch a good show, while Consort De’s face was full of fury: “Someone, thoroughly search her person!”

Several palace maids swarmed forward. Li Weiyang said coldly: “Consort De, what is the meaning of this!”

Consort De Zhang said coldly: “Li Weiyang, the gold hairpin His Majesty just gave me is missing. Among everyone, only you touched that hairpin. So now I must search you!”

Though Li Weiyang was a minister’s daughter, she came from the Prime Minister’s manor and wasn’t yet married. If Consort De Zhang searched her today—whether finding anything or not—once spread, her reputation would be ruined! Virtuous Consort Wu merely held a thread of leisurely smile, calmly watching this scene as if sitting below a stage watching a brilliant play.

The Empress Dowager said: “Consort De, the matter lacks conclusion. You cannot be so hasty. If truly searching her today, it greatly harms this child’s future.”

Consort De Zhang disdainfully glanced at Li Weiyang: “She could steal a hairpin—who knows what other precious things she stole? Since she’s a thief, she shouldn’t fear losing face. Unless she proves her innocence today, I absolutely cannot tolerate such a thief!”

Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change. She said coldly: “Consort De, you yourself took out the hairpin and put it back. I never touched it. What basis do you have for saying I stole it?”

Consort De Zhang snorted coldly: “Whether you stole it or not—a search will reveal!”

Li Weiyang looked coldly at the other. A dignified Imperial Consort actually using such base tactics. Of course, such methods seemed ordinary but had great lethality. If she pinned the theft accusation on her—stealing something the Emperor bestowed on a consort—surely a dead end!

She said coldly: “Though Weiyang is humble, I wouldn’t do such petty theft. If Your Ladyship insists on searching, why not search the nearby palace maids?! Or search Virtuous Consort’s palace servants—perhaps they took it! Why fixate on Weiyang alone? Do you have foreknowledge, guessing Weiyang must be that thief?!”

Consort De Zhang couldn’t help showing displeasure, laughing coldly: “Everyone in this palace knows my people have the cleanest hands. Nothing’s ever been lost. Sister Virtuous Consort’s side is the same. You saying this deliberately provokes relations between us—at such young age, such vicious intentions! Someone, first give her twenty lashes to punish her insolence!” As Consort De Zhang’s words fell sharply, eunuchs had already taken thorn rods, saying “Excuse me” and about to strike.

The palace’s punishment thorn rods selected two-finger-thick thorn branches with countless barbs. Twenty lashes would certainly rip flesh open! Li Weiyang laughed coldly and actually extended her arm to block the eunuch’s thorn rod, shouting: “Wait!”

Consort De Zhang elegantly raised her slender eyes, calling: “You dare resist—”

Li Weiyang smiled lightly: “Where does Your Ladyship speak of? Weiyang naturally doesn’t dare. Weiyang’s words indeed carry little weight. Your Ladyship doesn’t take me seriously—that’s fine. But the Empress Dowager is still here. Even if this case requires investigation, the Empress Dowager should investigate, or the Empress should investigate. Your Ladyship actually wants to personally investigate—such overstepping bounds is improper!” Based on past understanding of the Empress Dowager, she was gambling. She gambled the Empress Dowager didn’t want her dead! She gambled the Empress Dowager still held some appreciation for her! She gambled the Empress Dowager wouldn’t allow a palace consort to arbitrarily dispose of her!

Consort De Zhang’s expression changed, realizing she’d been too hasty. She quickly said: “Empress Dowager, forgive this subject. This subject momentarily—”

The Empress Dowager looked coldly at Consort De Zhang. Consort De froze, her back suddenly breaking out in cold sweat. How could she forget—the Empress Dowager wasn’t someone to casually fool! The Empress Dowager coldly watched Consort De lower her head, then gazed fixedly at Li Weiyang, silent, not knowing what she thought.

Just then, someone outside suddenly reported: “His Majesty arrives.”

Everyone was stunned. Only Consort De Zhang’s expression showed this was expected. Because the Emperor was summoned by her. Li Weiyang was sharp-tongued. The Emperor especially appreciated her. Today she’d show the Emperor how she’d search out the hairpin from this girl!

Consort De and Virtuous Consort quickly rose to greet the Emperor. The Emperor saw them, nodded slightly: “What happened? Wasn’t County Princess Anping accompanying the Empress Dowager? How did a theft matter arise?”

Consort De had already ordered people to report the matter to the Emperor. Now she showed a grieved appearance: “Originally I dared not disturb Your Majesty. But this matter is truly serious. We subjects dare not decide, so we specially invited Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager.”

The Emperor saw her pale face and said compassionately: “Since returning from the hunt, your health has been especially weak. Why get so angry again today?”

Consort De’s eyes held glimmering tears. She turned away to lightly wipe her eyes, then choked: “The palace has always been peaceful. Who knew today such disgraceful theft would occur? Had the County Princess stolen something else, this subject couldn’t help but consider her young age and ignorance—I’d have given it. But it’s precisely the hairpin Your Majesty just bestowed.”

The Emperor was quite surprised. He glanced at the Virtuous Consort beside him and asked: “Hairpin?”

The Virtuous Consort’s face showed regret: “Perhaps the County Princess is young with shallow judgment. Seeing the hairpin’s exquisite beauty, she momentarily had improper thoughts.”

Saying this, she was clearly adding insult to injury! Li Weiyang watched coldly as the two women performed. How fortunate she was to simultaneously offend two favored consorts! Of course, all because she’d been drawn into the princes’ struggles! The Virtuous Consort’s hatred was warranted. But this Consort De—truly had nothing better to do! Just because she refused her son, was that an unforgivable sin requiring such crude tactics to frame her!

Li Weiyang didn’t know—in Consort De’s heart, Tuoba Yu was the moon in the sky. Yet this moon suddenly came telling her one day he’d taken a liking to insignificant Li Weiyang. If Li Weiyang were sensible, Consort De would still give her a secondary consort position, keeping her to accompany Tuoba Yu. Yet she dared refuse Consort De’s proposal, even dared resist—this was absolutely intolerable! Plus Tuoba Yu insisting on marrying her as primary consort—Consort De had to consider that if Li Weiyang truly became primary consort, the eminent young ladies she wholeheartedly sought for her son could never enter. All those forces she painstakingly sought for her son would be wasted. Generally, mothers facing their sons’ issues are very irrational! Every time Consort De saw Li Weiyang, it was like seeing a thorn. How could she not want to pull it out! In her view, last time was merely a momentary failure. This time would absolutely not fail!

Thinking this, Consort De’s eyes seemed to hold tears: “Originally if the County Princess liked it, this subject considered bestowing it on her. But this was personally given by Your Majesty. Under no circumstances could I part with it…” She showed a sorrowful expression. “This subject was angered to the heart—truly couldn’t bear it. Clearly everyone saw it, yet the County Princess adamantly denies it.”

Saying this, she glanced at the palace maids around her. One palace maid knelt: “Your Majesty, we all saw with our own eyes. Among those present, only the County Princess was closest to the hairpin. Since the hairpin was stolen, she must have taken it!”

The Emperor looked toward Li Weiyang. He had no mood to handle such trivial matters. But Consort De’s grieved appearance meant he couldn’t ignore it—after all, last time he’d wronged Consort De.

Facing the Emperor’s gaze, Li Weiyang showed no fear: “Your Majesty, though this subject is foolish, I wouldn’t stoop to stealing Her Ladyship’s hairpin. There must be other reasons. Please investigate, Your Majesty!”

But the Virtuous Consort said coldly: “Looking at County Princess, you appear gentle and weak. How is your mind so complex? Admitting errors brings great improvement. If you truly stole something, confess early. His Majesty is merciful and surely won’t punish you. But knowing your wrong yet refusing to admit it, refusing to acknowledge it unto death—that requires proper punishment.”

Consort De coughed lightly, her brow carrying a trace of coldness, her voice also sharp and cold: “Sister speaks well. Just now the County Princess already left. Who knows where she hid it?” She called melodiously: “Lan’er!”

Lan’er responded and moved forward: “This servant is here.”

Consort De said lightly: “Just now, did you see where the County Princess hid the item?”

Lan’er lowered her head: “All along I never saw the County Princess take out the hairpin. If she truly stole it, it should still be on her person.”

Li Weiyang’s expression changed dramatically, fury rising to her brows. She could only forcefully suppress her anger: “Your Ladyship has always been benevolent. But now you casually want to search me? If this matter spreads, how can Weiyang establish herself hereafter?”

Consort De Zhang looked coldly over. Lan’er, face full of guilt, extended her hand toward Li Weiyang, making as if to open her sleeve: “Forgive me, County Princess. Since the item is on you, this servant must look.”

Seeing her reach over, Li Weiyang slapped her face, angrily saying: “Impudent! My person is not yours to touch casually!”

Lan’er took a heavy slap and was momentarily stunned. She was Consort De’s first favored palace maid, having served many years. She considered herself very valued—Consort De never spoke a harsh word to her. When had she suffered such grievance? She hadn’t yet recovered from that slap when Consort De Zhang could no longer restrain herself. Her expression changed dramatically as she angrily said: “Li Weiyang, what are you doing!” Li Weiyang struck not Lan’er but clearly her own face!

Not just Consort De—even the Emperor and Empress Dowager were now stunned!

The Virtuous Consort’s tone was very cold and hard: “County Princess Anping, you’re truly too bold. This is before His Majesty—you actually dare strike someone!”

Li Weiyang showed no fear. She slowly glanced at the Emperor: “Your Majesty is a wise ruler and naturally won’t punish an innocent person.” Then she smiled coldly: “Weiyang wears little clothing. If the hairpin were on me, a simple shake would make it fall. Why must Your Ladyship insist on someone searching? Weiyang will show Your Ladyship myself!” Saying this, she actually removed her outer garment, casually shook it, then reached to unfasten her inner robe, startling everyone. The Empress Dowager said: “Stop! What kind of behavior is this!”

Li Weiyang said aggrievedly: “Empress Dowager, Weiyang is proving her innocence as the ladies requested!”

This girl was so sharp-tongued, refusing to suffer even slightly. The Empress Dowager and Emperor exchanged glances, couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Actually, the Empress Dowager also didn’t believe Li Weiyang would steal. She didn’t seem like that shallow type of child.

Consort De’s face was like frost: “Losing decorum before the throne—Li Weiyang, you’re too arrogant! Even before the throne you dare make such unreasonable trouble!”

Li Weiyang’s icy face showed infinite coldness: “Replying to Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, how dare this subject wantonly make noise? But though this subject is humble, I’m still a daughter of a good family. I absolutely cannot tolerate others searching me. Rather than troubling Your Ladyship, better I act myself—saves hassle!” Her acting herself to prove innocence versus others searching was completely different.

Consort De Zhang’s face turned ugly, flushed red and green. She hadn’t expected Li Weiyang would dare oppose her, much less that nothing fell out. Her beautiful eyes looked coldly at Lan’er. Lan’er was shocked, her heart even more flustered and uneasy. She’d clearly taken advantage of Li Weiyang’s inattention to slip the hairpin into her sleeve. When Li Weiyang shook her outer robe just now, why didn’t it fall out?

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager said lightly: “Anping speaks correctly. Since searching, we can’t search only her. Everyone else present should also be searched one by one.”

The Empress Dowager spoke. Immediately female officials stepped forward and called out all the palace maids around the Virtuous Consort and Consort De, forming two rows. The Empress Dowager said coldly: “If it’s found on any of you, severe punishment without mercy!”

The palace maids looked at each other but couldn’t say no.

Li Weiyang watched from afar without speaking. Though her concubine birth was criticized, the blood flowing in her veins was ultimately Li family blood. She was also a County Princess personally enfeoffed by the Emperor. If not the Emperor personally interrogating, others couldn’t casually search her. That’s why she dared strike Lan’er. Her status, ultimately, was vastly different from these servants!

Searching one by one yielded nothing. Consort De raised her brows: “See? My people would never have unclean hands!”

The Empress Dowager frowned. If nothing was found, ultimately the accusation would still fall on Li Weiyang. She’d just removed one outer layer—must they really search her inner garments?

Li Weiyang smiled and suddenly pointed: “There’s still one person not searched.”

Everyone’s gaze fell on Lan’er. She stared dumbfounded at Li Weiyang. The female official heard this and looked at the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager nodded. She truly walked toward Lan’er and searched carefully. After just moments, a tinkling sound rang out—a bright gleam fell to the floor.

Everyone looked—precisely the phoenix gold hairpin the Emperor bestowed on Consort De. Immediately an uproar.

The Emperor’s eyes only looked at the shocked Consort De Zhang: “You were too confused. You actually raised such a thief among your people and wronged the County Princess. You should apologize to her.”

Consort De Zhang was dumbfounded, nearly speechless. Even the Virtuous Consort beside her showed infinite surprise in her eyes.

Consort De Zhang looked sharply at Lan’er. Lan’er was so frightened she knelt on the floor, trembling. She’d always helped Consort De with affairs, never failing. This time she thought it merely a small matter—who knew such an error would occur!

Consort De gritted her teeth: “Lan’er has followed me many years. She would never do such things.”

The Emperor’s tone was gentle as April wind: “Enough. Since caught red-handed, say no more.”

Consort De still somewhat unconvinced: “Your Majesty, this…”

The Emperor’s tone was faint without trace, yet his manner extremely gentle: “Put plainly, this matter is small.”

Consort De refused to give up: “Theft aside—but the County Princess lost decorum before the throne. This is a grave crime. Will Your Majesty so easily let it pass? She was so reckless and discourteous…”

The Emperor frowned. The Empress Dowager beside him smiled: “You just now were shouting for beating and killing, truly frightening this child terribly. The matter of losing decorum before the throne needn’t be investigated. In my view, today’s matter—His Majesty must be clear in rewards and punishments to settle this.” Then she said carelessly: “Take that palace maid down and beat her to death with random rods.”

Lan’er was so frightened she trembled, quickly crying for mercy: “Empress Dowager, spare my life! Spare my life!”

However, the chief eunuch responded: “Yes.” Then he raised his face. Several young eunuchs understood and immediately dragged Lan’er down. Lan’er was so frightened she couldn’t even beg for mercy, dragged out like a broken cloth sack.

Everyone only heard dozens of screams outside, gradually weakening. The eunuch came in to report: “Empress Dowager, already dead.”

Consort De involuntarily felt her back go cold. Li Weiyang’s lips held an extremely cold smile, quickly making it vanish at the corner of her lips.

Seeing this, the Emperor greatly approved the Empress Dowager’s action and nodded slightly: “Cut off her hands and hang them at the palace gate. Let all palace servants see—this is the fate of theft and betraying one’s master!”

Consort De Zhang suddenly shuddered, her gaze colliding with the Emperor’s thoughtful eyes. Her heart suddenly turned cold. Shocked and frightened, her whole body couldn’t stop trembling. The Emperor looked at her lightly: “When subordinates do wrong, you must exercise more control in future.”

Consort De Zhang wasn’t stupid after all. She quickly reacted, gritted her teeth, and smiled: “Yes. Such thieving servants cannot be kept. Even if Your Majesty didn’t punish her, this subject would kill her as a warning.”

The Empress Dowager’s gaze deepened as she looked around at everyone, her tone brooking no doubt: “The rear palace must remember the lesson. Before doing anything, everyone must think—what should be done, what shouldn’t be done. Don’t follow that base servant’s footsteps!”

All palace maids were scared out of their wits and immediately knelt: “Yes. Please calm your anger, Empress Dowager.”

Li Weiyang also knelt: “Please calm your anger, Empress Dowager.”

The Empress Dowager glanced at Female Official Zhou, who immediately stepped forward to help Li Weiyang up. The Empress Dowager said gently: “You were wronged. By my decree, bestow on County Princess Anping one hundred taels of gold and one hundred bolts of silk.”

The Virtuous Consort couldn’t help but look at Li Weiyang with new eyes. She’d thought this girl was definitely dead today. Unexpectedly, misfortune turned to fortune. But now the angriest person should be Consort De.

Li Weiyang thanked her, then walked to the center, bent to pick up that phoenix hairpin, carefully examined it momentarily, and said: “Truly exquisitely beautiful.” Then she held the hairpin in her palm, concealing it with her long sleeves, and step by step walked forward: “The hairpin is so beautiful. Your Ladyship should wear it.” Saying this, she actually smiled as she placed the hairpin in Consort De’s hair.

Consort De felt furious, wishing to immediately throw away this hairpin. But seeing both the Emperor and Empress Dowager looking this way, she could only forcefully suppress her anger, smiling: “County Princess Anping, today I was momentarily confused and wronged you. I hope you won’t hold a grudge.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was utterly compliant: “What does Your Ladyship mean? It was all that base servant’s ignorance. How could Weiyang take it to heart?”

When she said “base servant,” her gaze scraped across Consort De’s face like cold ice. Consort De was so angry her whole body trembled, but she had to endure.

The Empress Dowager nodded: “Very well. Today’s matter ends here. All of you return.”

The Emperor left first. Then the Virtuous Consort took Consort De’s hand and departed together. Passing Li Weiyang, they paused briefly. The Virtuous Consort’s gaze sliding past her carried no temperature or emotion, as if merely looking at a tiny speck of dust, utterly beneath notice: “The County Princess is truly clever and capable.”

Li Weiyang quickly said: “Virtuous Consort, you overpraise…”

The Virtuous Consort smiled without speaking. Consort De looked at her coldly, then departed together with the Virtuous Consort. Li Weiyang looked at the phoenix hairpin in Consort De’s coiffure, her face showing an ambiguous smile.

Walking out of the great hall, Li Weiyang raised her eyes to the azure blue sky ahead. Looking far into the distance, the Former Court’s Taiyong Hall, Zhonghe Hall, and Jiaxing Hall were magnificent and resplendent. On the eaves somewhere, a white dove appeared, fluttering its wings and flying away.

Li Weiyang smiled. Consort De—everything has cause and effect. Since you falsely accused me, naturally I must return the favor!

Better I betray all under heaven than let all under heaven betray me! You forced me to act—don’t blame me for being vicious!