In the carriage, Li Wei Yang lifted the curtain and saw the sky was covered with dark clouds and rain. Her eyes were fixated far away—
In truth, she deeply regretted it, to the point where her heart was bleeding.
With such a good opportunity, the Jiang family would be undermined today!
Having once failed, the other party will take precautions, making it harder to act against them again. How could she have nothing to say? How could she not regret it! And yet she still kept a calm face in front of Consort Lian, as if nothing was wrong, because she could not let Consort Lian lose faith. If she was to challenge the Jiang family, Consort Lian would be a very important person! She could be by the Emperor’s side.There was nothing better than having someone on the inside collaborate with others on the outside!
A cloak was draped over her. Li Wei Yang looked back and saw Li Min De smiling, his eyes curved up: “You say you don’t regret it, but you actually want to die of regret.”
Li Wei Yang sighed deeply: “Had I known, I would have chosen a more obedient beauty.”
Li Min De shook his head: “Silly. How could you find someone more suitable? Like you said, beautiful women are easy to find, but it’s hard to find one that hates the Jiang family down to their bones and would not betray us. Consort Lian is a clever woman. Perhaps with this lesson learned, she will know who can help her and who she should cooperate with—” Li Min De took in a deep breath as he looked at the sky, then closed his eyes and slowly breathed out. When he reopened his eyes, his expressions returned to normal. Then, he lightly said: “A pity that our efforts are gone.”
Li Wei Yang slightly smiled and said: “You really are pretending to be innocent. Be honest now, what did you to to that old Taoist back there?”
Li Min De innocently raised his hands: “I didn’t do anything! He was only punished by the Heavens for having ill intentions.”
Li Wei Yang laughed: “Even if the lightning rod on the stage was tampered with, he could not have been struck by lightning. What method did you have?”
At last, Li Min De admitted: “I bribed his Taoist disciple and put two nails into his shoes… Did you know that when they are nailed to shoes, an accident will happen? It’s also because he has done too many things, evil remembers and evil returns.”
Li Wei Yang was shocked for a moment and thought to herself that he was more cruel than her in some ways. At first, she only told him to destroy the lightning rod on the stage. She only told him to do one thing, not expecting that on the other hand, he would want to do everything.
The rain outside got heavier. Li Wei Yang looked at the heavy curtain of rain, not at ease in the slightest.
Li Min De softly said: “Don’t feel sorry for the efforts put towards a certain end goal. The journey itself is meaningful. What’s more is that we killed that old Taoist who was harming people. Who knows how many innocent young women have been saved. This is also a merit.”
Li Wei Yang laughed: “That also counts as merit?”
Li Min De solemnly responded: “Certainly.”
Seeing him justifying the situation, Li Wei Yang couldn’t help but laugh. Her mind eased up at once: “You are right. Overturning the Jiang family is not something inevitable. I said the same words to Consort Lian, but now that it’s my turn, I feel anxious.”
Li Min De gently smiled, his voice gentle as a brocade, more like a clear spring, cool and calm, slowly flowing into her heart: “No matter what it is you want, you must have patience, isn’t that right?”
Li Wei Yang nodded. The warmth in her heart seemed to push away the heavy clouds, a ray of sunshine shining in. Everything seemed brighter overall. She couldn’t help but smile. Li Min De saw her smiling and felt his heart soften. He suddenly remembered a floral wine he once tasted and the fragrance and intensity invading his heart and filling in his limbs.
Once they returned, Li Wei Yang went to see Lao Furen first. She knew that the old lady was certainly not asleep yet, waiting for her to retell what happened at the banquet. It was indeed the case. When Lao Furen heard the Old Taoist was reduced to ashes by lightning, she uttered a Buddhist prayer. When she heard the part where Able Consort Wu was sentenced to death, she only shook her head. As soon as she heard that there were a.s.sa.s.sins at the night banquet, she pulled Li Wei Yang closer and looked up and down for a while. After finding that she was not hurt, she felt rea.s.sured. Li Wei Yang saw that Lao Furen’s face and eyes were full of heartfelt concern and felt a bit uncomfortable. She wished Lao Furen well with a few words and took her leave.
Looking at the heavy rain that had stopped outside, Li Wei Yang contemplated. In the end, the human heart is still of flesh and blood. Although Lao Furen had somewhat used her, she always had genuine concern that perhaps she did not realize herself.
Early next morning, Bai Zhi brought an invitation in. The writing was exquisite with small, neat and beautiful calligraphy.
Li Wei Yang’s lips slightly curved up. Sun Yan Jun was coming to visit. She liked warm, genuine and open-minded people like that.
Sun Yan Jun was an impatient person. She arrived in the afternoon. Li Wei Yang ordered appetizers to be prepared. Sun Yan Jun’s pale cheeks were flushed, her eyes clear as water. She ate pastries and drank tea with a dimpled smile, telling Li Wei Yang things that happened the night before.
“That Eldest Sister of yours, isn’t she trying to compete with me? I don’t care who she is, I’ll only say: I won’t let you!” Sun Yan Jun said with a smile, “We’re not looking for trouble, but we’re also not afraid of troublesome things. She usually bats her eyelashes, delicately swaying. Seeing that irritates me so much, so I stuck out my foot and let her…”
Hearing this, Li Wei Yang could not stop laughing, “Good thing I didn’t offend you!”
Sun Yan Jun proudly said: “Who asked her to be so useless and fall from the stairs all the sudden? It’s really unbelievable. Turns out it was a balding disease. I want to die of laughter!”
Li Wei Yang shook her head: “I’m afraid Eldest Sister resents you to death.”
Sun Yan Jun did not like trouble things, but she wasn’t afraid of trouble! Li Chang Le wanted to compete with her. She would naturally not give way to it, but she only wanted to humiliate her opponent. She did not expect to expose such a big secret. She was a bit satisfied as she said: “I am not afraid. Prime Minister Li has a great beauty like that as his daughter and treats her like a treasure, constantly doting, protecting her and favoring her like this. This is how she turns out so arrogant and self-ent.i.tled. I just don’t like seeing her…”
Sun Yan Jun’s personality ultimately had a bit of boldness. When faced with someone who was an eyesore, she liked to teach that person some lesson.
Except yesterday, she had just provoked Li Chang Le. Today, she even dared to come over to visit. This girl was a sly character, Li Wei Yang thought to herself.
“Now she’s really famous. People outside are spreading it everywhere, saying the Eldest Xiaojie of the Li family has a skin disease. All her hair has fallen out, left her completely bald!” Having said this, she glanced at Li Wei Yang: “How come you didn’t tell me earlier? This kind of news is rare!”
Li Wei Yang chuckled, her smile clear, and she herself seemed more radiant.
Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu both laughed. It was rare for their Xiaojie to have friends. She usually smiled on the outside as if not smiling at all, but now, she seemed to really like this Sun Xiaojie.
Sun Yan Jun looked at Li Wei Yang and also felt very close to her. After going back, her mother said the Third Young Xiaojie of the Li family was still young yet acted calmly and listened closely to elders, unlike Sun Yan Jun’s childish and spontaneous temperament, and only listened quietly. This was appropriate. Her mother told her to be closer to Li Wei Yang.
Li Wei Yang finished laughing and said: “Alright, we’ll talk about more appropriate things now. When are you going to be my Second sister-in-law?”
“Nonsense!” Sun Yan Jun blushed, jumping up. She clenched her teeth and stomped her feet, her cheeks reddening with the rush of blood.
Li Wei Yang genuinely said: “I really didn’t expect you to have feelings for my Second Older Brother. I even thought the last last time Li Chang Le provoked you, this marriage had soon been ruined…”
Sun Yan Jun lowered her voice and said: “I originally didn’t want to push this marriage, the result was I accidentally ran into him on the road.” She saw Li Wei Yang was clearly smiling and hung her head low: “You can’t laugh, I’m not going to say anything else if you keep laughing!”
Li Wei Yang said: “Alright, I won’t laugh. Say it.”
Sun Yan Jun sat down again and spoke softly: “On the road that day, I saw a young man save a child from under a horse’s hooves. He was clumsy and accidentally knocked over others’ fruit stalls. He was covered with injuries and didn’t even remember to bring any silver. He was almost chased out of the pharmacy. Fortunately, he immediately mentioned the name of his household, said he was the Second Young Master of Prime Minister Li’s household. He was also a student at the National University, but it was too shameful, a grown man trying to help and making a mess.”
Li Wei Yang looked at Sun Yan Jun who looked like spring in full swing. She carefully thought about this scene. Li Wei Yang felt that Second Older Brother did indeed act shamefully. In any case, he always had this chivalrous and righteous personality.
“Yan Jun, my Second Older Brother… He doesn’t have exceptional looks or is particularly clever either. In the future, he will pursue officialdom and might not make it very far. Moreover, if you marry him, there will also be a selfish, opportunistic mother-in-law.” Li Wei Yang reminded her.
A while later, Sun Yan Jun finally said: “I don’t know why, I feel that a man like him is reliable! It’s clear he doesn’t have the strength in his hands, but he dares to help someone else. He doesn’t look handsome, but it’s nice when he’s smiling. I also feel good and have a peace of mind!”
Li Wei Yang felt a little touched and said: “So you like men like that…”
“Yeah. Don’t laugh at me. I just think he is that kind of person. You say he has an average background and his appearance is not outstanding, but he treats others very well. He has a righteous personality… What’s what makes me determined. Wei Yang, you don’t know, but I used to like the Seventh Prince… I would occasionally think of him, but I never thought about marrying him… Mother always says she wants to find someone who will treat me well. I think if it’s your Second Older Brother, he certainly will be very good to me.” Sun Yan Jun slightly paused, her face kept blushing. On any other day, these words were difficult for her to say, but she felt that Li Wei Yang was not a mouthy person.
Li Wei Yang smiled: “You are right.” If she also thought of herself that year, perhaps she would not have ended up in that situation. A woman that says she doesn"t want wealth and glory. In fact, she did not have the slightest thought to be someone strong and powerful. Sun Yan Jun was more practical and open-minded. A woman like her was indeed wonderful and easily lovable.
“Then… Have both families agreed to the marriage?” Li Wei Yang said with a smile.
Sun Yan Jun’s face got even more red: “My mother said she will immediately arrange this.”
Li Wei Yang laughed: “Don’t worry, my Second Older Brother’s previous marriage visits became too complicated. Maybe you can’t escape this time.”
Sun Yan Jun reached out and pinched Li Wei Yang’s cheek: “Alright, so what if I’m in a hurry, I’m in a hurry to marry in and deal with this mouthy little sister-in-law!”
Li Wei Yang just laughed and did not evade. A moment later, she said: “What news are there outside?
Sun Yan Jun pondered for a moment and said: “There is one more thing. It seems like something big happened with the Jiang family.”
Last night, the Jiang family could not sleep. After returning from the Imperial Palace, Jiang Xu did not say a word to Jiang Nan. Da Furen worried there was a chance the two had gotten sick from kneeling in the rain for over two hours, so she quickly prepared hot baths and clean clothes, so they could return and rest.
However, after returning, Jiang Xu was rarely this furious.
Jiang Hai saw that the situation was bad. He immediately persuaded Da Furen and Han shi to leave and send all the servants outside. Once they were alone in the study, he said: “Father, you shouldn’t blame Fourth Brother. In that moment, that matter is not entirely his fault! At that time, the military commander was Liang w.a.n.g. He was intent on the Mu Rong family’s possessions. If he let the Mu Rong family surrender, the Emperor will certainly grant them a t.i.tle, then their riches would be untouchable! Fourth Brother was only corrupted by Liang w.a.n.g! Now all the responsibility is pushed to Fourth Brother. This is a bit too much!”
Jiang Xu sneered: “No need to craft gold onto this b.a.s.t.a.r.d’s face. What Liang w.a.n.g? You think I don’t know the likes of that Liang w.a.n.g? The Emperor scoffs at him, and he would not even dare to break wind. Does he dare to desire others’ property? It was clearly Jiang Nan’s great accomplishment, simply not watching what he’s saying!”
Jiang Nan could not help it anymore and suddenly stood up: “Father! It’s what I did, I did it, so let me bear the consequences alone. Over a thousand people of the Murong family were killed by me. So what? What kind of dynasty does not have its fall! When it’s my turn, I myself—Jiang Nan, it becomes a heinous crime?! The empire of his Tuoba family also relies on our Jiang family guarding it. If he kills us all, the world would immediately descend into chaos!”
“Too impudent!” Jiang Xu angrily looked at his own son, his eyes full of ridicule as he jeered: “You still don’t understand! Everything you have been taught these past years have been eaten up by a dog! This world will keep turning without certain people. Without you, who knows what countless things would happen instead! Now we, father and son, have had our military power taken away. You still don’t see how many people are happily laughing behind our backs!” He grew more furious as he spoke, blue veins rising on his neck. He pointed at Jiang Nan’s face and swore: “I have seen countless self-ent.i.tled, arrogant people but not a one like you. What is the Jiang family? Without Heaven’s blessing, we would all retire to the countryside!”
Jiang Nan fearfully looked at Jiang Xu, who was rarely this furious and violent, unable to believe it. He froze, his lips moving without a sound for some time.
Jiang Hai quickly amended: “This time someone deliberately framed us! So we cannot destroy our family’s harmony, that’s right! Fourth Brother, stop arguing, don’t make Father angry!”
Jiang Xu coldly sneered: “You heard what your Eldest Brother said? Well said, someone wants to harm us, so with your virtue, you fell into their trap, making others want to die of joy! In the end, you still don’t understand your mistake. It was not because you wanted a great achievement, nor because you killed left and right, but you are too arrogant towards the Emperor. It caused the Emperor to almost be a.s.sa.s.sinated. If the Emperor was injured today, our entire family will have to be buried with you!”
Jiang Nan looked at Jiang Xu and vaguely had the impression of spitting flames in his eyes, but he did not speak because he knew Father was right. Today, Jiang Xu was there to save his life, so his att.i.tude naturally softened.
Jiang Hai quickly offered Jiang Xu tea, “Father, please calm down, don’t worry about Fourth Brother, he’s just a child.”
Jiang Xu sighed deeply: “Indeed, a child. I used to think that when our Jiang family had your support, we will be able to stand, but now I realize you are the source of trouble! This matter, I am afraid I cannot keep from your grandfather, I might as well personally write a letter pleading guilty to this.”
Grandfather had a violent temper. It was very likely he would beat Jiang Nan to death on the spot. Jiang Hai was worried. He quickly lowered his voice and said: “Father, Grandfather’s 60th birthday celebration is coming up. Can you delay for the time being? Wait until the house is built and present it to Grandfather to wish him a long life, then his anger will be dissipated.”
Jiang Xu frowned: “House? What house?”
Jiang Nan hastily said: “The one that someone in our clan built especially for Grandfather, saying that in the future, Grandfather can retire in old age—”
Jiang Xu was unable to hold back his fury and suddenly stood up: “Insolent, now others out there are trying to seize a weakness, and they still dare to construct it. It’s simply stupid! Quickly order them to cease!”
Jiang Nan sounded conflicted: “This—is their good intention and is almost finished with construction. It’s an estate with a large expanse, hundreds of miles, how could it be stopped?”
“Hundreds of miles?” When Jiang Xu heard it, he had cold sweat running, “Immediately order them to stop—no, carefully inspect the house!”
Jiang Hai frowned: “Father, why are you—”
Jiang Xu slowly sat down, “I simply feel that not only the Mu Rong family was involved in the matter today. Think about it. Mu Rong a.s.sa.s.sins could infiltrate the palace, proving that they have internal support and long-term motives. At today’s banquet, with a few words, Consort Lian almost put our Jiang family to death. Perhaps she has connections to the Mu Rong family. We must carefully investigate her background! As for the death of Yin Tian Zhao today, I also feel it is strange, it’s best to be careful!”
Jiang Hai glanced over at Jiang Xu. Although he felt Father was too paranoid, he still instinctively obeyed: “Yes.”
Jiang Nan suddenly stood up and ran out. Jiang Xu shouted: “Where are you going?!”
Jiang Xu was even more furious, unable to hold back: “Insolent child! Did you hear what His Majesty said, he wanted us to close our doors and reflect! You’re running out now. You want others to point us down the road to death?!”
Jiang Nan sneered and turned back: “Father, rest a.s.sured, I am going to catch the ghost behind this!” Having said this, he turned away and left.
Jiang Xu was so angry he could hardly speak. Then, he loudly shouted: “Go! Go far away for me! You’re capable now, don’t even come back!”
Jiang Hai rushed to say: “Father, don’t be angry—” At that moment, Grand Duke Furen’s voice suddenly rang out at the door, “What is going on here!”
The two in the room were startled…
In the room, Li Wei Yang listened as Sun Yan Jun continued to say: “I heard that after returning yesterday, Grand Duke Furen received news that the two hundred thousand troops had been lost. Wide-eyed in fury, she lost consciousness. Now, the Jiang family is recruiting physicians to collectively examine. To keep others from saying they are a tall tree swayed by the wind, they did not dare to invite an Imperial physician!”
“Oh? Is Grand Duke Furen alright?” Li Wei Yang raised her eyebrows, interested.
Sun Yan Jun smiled: “That Old Furen’s body has always been healthy. These days, she seems to face a lot of blows. First, Duke Wei Furen, then her eldest daughter, and next, her grandson’s military positions are gone and the troops her son commanded reduced to nothing. A flower once in full bloom now wilted. You see, no matter how health her body is, it cannot withstand such pressure.”
Li Wei Yang smiled slightly. If that old hag stopped breathing soon, then it would be great. Don’t blame her for being cruel. When dealing with this malicious old woman, she must be just as ruthless and mercilessly give her a stab!
Sun Yan Jun had tea and pastries and walked around the garden twice. She still did not see Second Young Master, nor did she meet the unlucky Eldest Young Xiaojie. Naturally, she felt a bit disappointed, but with Li Wei Yang accompanying her, it was less of a disappointment. An hour later, she left with a cheerful smile.
Bai Zhi brought a cup of tea over with both hands: “This Sun Xiaojie is really interesting. She wants to marry into the family but also offended Eldest Young Xiaojie.”
Li Wei Yang smiled: “With her personality, it’s too easy to suffer.”
On the other hand, Bai Zhi smiled and said: “But this servant is worried the Jiang family suspects you, Xiaojie.”
Li Wei Yang had never cared about this. As long as she remembered her opponent’s arrogant stance, her heart, liver and intestines were in chaos. It would be better to let it go, so she said: “It’s alright, I have arranged for the rest. If they stopped construction, then fine, otherwise, it will be a dead end for them.”
Li Wei Yang sat in the garden, looking at flowers in full bloom throughout garden. She listened as Bai Zhi reported back situations of each courtyard recently.
“After returning, Eldest Young Mistress has yet to step outside and shut herself in room. She refuses to see anyone except physician Lu.”
“Oh? Lu Gong?” Li Wei Yang repeated the name again. It was unclear what she thought about, but she slightly smiled.
Bai Zhi saw her smiling and felt strange: “Xiaojie, is there need to send someone to investigate.”
Li Wei Yang shook her head: “Don’t mind her.” Li Wei Yang had always been curious about how Li Chang Le suddenly managed to recover her beauty. However, today, that person could not raise wind or rain, so why should she pay mind to it?
Bai Zhi was about to say something when she suddenly saw Zhao Yue stop at the entrance of the pavilion. Her eyes vigilantly fixated on someone approaching.
Li Wei Yang looked up and saw the person who had arrived was a tall, young man with a shining and regal air as before.
Li Wei Yang slightly smiled: “Third Dianxia came to visit Eldest Sister? Wait a moment, I will immediately send someone over.”
Tuoba Zhen stared intently at her, his eyes vaguely revealing strange, conflicted emotions.
Li Wei Yang frowned. Never before had she seen him make such a face, it was so strange—