He looked directly at the seating for female guests . Where would these young ladies have seen such a heated and straightforward gaze before? They all blushed suddenly and avoided his eyes one after another . Li Yuan Heng had no interest in this dull display, but he unexpectedly noticed a young lady at this moment . At a glance, she appeared quite different from the rest .

  Li Yuan Heng was fairly young, but there were a lot of young women who adored him already . However, even if all these women moisturize their skin with goat’s milk, none of them were born like her, with skin as white as snow . Her eyes, like the cold stars up above, brought a slight coolness with them .

  Seeing that expression, Li Yuan Heng couldn’t help but recall the cheetahs he’d seen in the grasslands . Aloof with a faintly discernible air of mystery and darkness, the image formed a stark contrast with those other delicate young ladies . The juxtaposition puzzled him momentarily . Didn’t the women of Da Li topple over with the slightest gust of wind? How could there be such a girl? Solely judging by her appearance, he could tell that her mentality was equally firm .

  Who was she? Li Yuan Heng suddenly recalled the portrait that someone had sent him previously and immediately pieced the two together . Oh, so it was her! Delight secretly welled up in his heart!

  Li Wei Yang could not help frowning when she noticed the other person’s expression . This kind of directness and impoliteness was already no longer a problem of social norms, but rather the other party’s gaze seemed to regard her as an object that was already in his pocket . Such a look was really insufferable .

  Li Min De was the first to notice Li Yuan Heng’s facial expression . Narrowing his eyes slightly, he regarded the other coldly .

  "Fourth Prince has journeyed from distant parts to my Da Li . Naturally, we should receive him warmly . Come, have a seat . " The emperor smiled and waved as he spoke .

  After Li Yuan Heng was seated, those around him were keenly interested in him, inquiring about this Fourth Prince one after the other .

  At the end of the day, Sun Yan Jun came from a military family . She had heard quite a bit about this Fourth Prince of Mo Bei, and quietly said to Li Wei Yang: "This Fourth Prince lost his mother at an early age, so he was raised by his maternal grandparents . He’s a master in horseback archery and is good at commanding soldiers . At the same time, he likes our culture very much . I heard that he specially invited teachers from here to teach him chess and music . At the age of sixteen, he had his own fiefdom and a personal army of fifty thousand soldiers . It’s quite impressive!"

  For a prince to unexpectedly have his own personal soldiers, moreover fifty thousand of them, such a thing was absolutely unimaginable in Da Li . After hearing this, Li Wei Yang couldn’t help but give the prince a few more glances .

  "Actually, a young 16-year-old prince without the support of a maternal clan and chased out to a remote fiefdom should clearly be an abandoned child . But my father said that unlike other people, he has a very high status in Mo Bei, and he’s secretly superseded Mo Bei’s eldest prince . He’s really a powerful figure!" Sun Yan Jun saw Li Wei Yang was interested and continued in a low voice .

  It wasn’t limited to the ladies below whispering in hushed tones . Up on stage, the Emperor was also watching Li Yuan Heng . He said lightly: "Fourth Prince, I heard that there were some unpleasant disturbances when Da Li’s travelling merchants passed through Mo Bei, is that right?"

  Li Yuan Heng spoke calmly and unhurriedly: "What Your Majesty’s says, I too have heard about it to some extent . There were some people committing outrages using the name of the Mo Bei cavalry . Our Mo Bei territory is vast, the good and the bad intermingle, and with Da Li beside us, it’s hard to avoid stirring up trouble . In the end, it is our own Mo Bei that is unable to constrain its own citizens . Coming to Da Li this time, I had suggested to my Imperial Father early on that if anyone causes trouble for Da Li’s travelling merchants in the future, they will be severely punished under Mo Bei’s laws!"

  Listening to this speech, Li Wei Yang couldn’t help but smile and shake her head, saying: "These words are so high-sounding, they make others unable to rebuke him . " This Fourth Prince could be seen to be a cunning fellow beneath the surface . She lowered her head, covering the smile at the edge of her lips .

  The Emperor was clearly choked by this, and then said: "If you carry out a severe punishment, these people are bound to be curbed to some extent, only Mo Bei is vast and sparsely populated . When our travelling merchants pass through Mo Be, it’s hard to avoid running into looters and plunderers . Moreover, these people are very familiar with the terrain, so it would be difficult to catch them even if officers and soldiers were dispatched . So how would you ensure the safety of Da Li’s travelling merchants?"

  Li Yuan Heng’s face revealed a troubled expression as he said: "This — we can only do our best . "

  At this time, Tuoba Yu smiled and said, "It’s not as if there isn’t a way . There are relay stations in all parts of our Da Li, which can provide convenience for travelling merchants . At the same time, attending to each other is possible . Since the Fourth Prince wants to establish friendly relations, there is no harm in setting up this kind of relay station in Mo Bei to ensure the safety of travelling merchants and promote exchanges between our two countries . "

  Li Yuan Heng’s pair of eagle eyes were on Tuoba Yu . His face revealed a smile as he said: "What he is talking about, it wouldn’t be too costly to set up relay stations in Mo Bei, and they could potentially connect all parts of the country, deepen relations, and protect the travelling merchants of your distinguished country . It is indeed a good thing . ” His mind was also turning quickly . Setting up posts was also beneficial to Mo Bei, making it convenient for them to control the state of affairs within the various regions . And he could also use this opportunity to establish more bases of operation .

  The Emperor was clearly satisfied, and said: "Fourth Prince of Mo Bei, can you handle this matter?"

  Li Yuan Heng laughed heartily: "This is something beneficial for both countries, so why wouldn’t I be able to handle it? As long as His Majesty approves, I will immediately send people to survey the situation along the routes to determine road orientation and locations for the relay stations . After the relay stations are built, Mo Bei will send people to allocate money and grain for the expenses . However, for the management of the relay stations, it would be inconvenient for Da Li people to intervene . Please forgive me on this one point . "

  This was natural . Although the idea was proposed by Da Li, if the management of the relay stations were handed over to Da Li, it would be tantamount to Mo Bei placing spies in their midst, so Li Yuan Heng’s request was not unreasonable . Therefore, the emperor smiled and said: "It doesn’t have to be all paid by you . We can provide half of the funds . After they are established, both countries will benefit greatly after all . "

  Li Yuan Heng smiled and said: "Precisely, after the establishment of the relay stations, I hope that Your Majesty of Da Li will also have the chance to come as our guest, and give our people a glimpse of your graceful bearing!"

  The emperor was even happier due to the flattery and burst into hearty laughter .

  Seeing the emperor in a good mood, smiles naturally emerged on everyone else’s face . From the start, Li Min De had been paying close attention to the movements of Jiang Hua, Tuoba Zhen, and even the Fourth Prince of Mo Bei . He didn’t know why, but he had a feeling that the Fourth Prince was not a good person . Now and then, his intuition was very accurate .

  Not long after, everyone left his seat to propose toasts, and the main hall became extremely lively . Li Wei Yang watched quietly with apparent disinterest . At this moment, a figure suddenly appeared in front of her and blocked her line of sight .

  Li Wei Yang had been lost in her own thoughts . Given a sudden scare, she couldn’t help but feel startled . Li Yuan Heng wasn’t aware that he had scared her, and even asked in surprise: "What happened? Is there something wrong?" He was actually greeting her sincerely, but such an overly familiar attitude made Li Wei Yang frown involuntarily . She said coldly: “I wonder what brings the Fourth Prince here?” This was the seating area for female guests . How could Li Yuan Heng leave the others to come over here? Just unbelievable .

  Li Yuan Heng was evidently very popular with the young ladies . He would have never expected to be hated in the least this time . He subconsciously sat in the empty spot to Li Wei Yang’s right, taking the initiative to offer her a cup of wine . Li Wei Yang just bowed her head slightly and caught sight of the wolf head tattooed on the back of his hand .

  Mo Bei used the wolf as its emblem . Men commonly bore tattoos in the shape of wolves on their bodies . The wolf head on the back of Li Yuan Heng’s hand was quite sinister-looking, roaring with its bloodied mouth wide open . Giving it a cold glance, Li Wei Yang withdrew her gaze soon after . She turned and said, "What is the meaning of this?"

  "In our place, all beautiful girls are able to drink . If you can drink, please accompany me for a cup . "

  Li Yuan Heng’s eyes flashed with a fiery light .

  Sun Yan Jun was furious: "You’re so ill-mannered . How can you be this crude!"

  Li Wei Yang quickly noted Sun Yan Jun’s remarks and hinted for her to not be impulsive . In Sun Yan Jun’s world, right and wrong were separated by a clear barrier . When other people treated her well, she would repay the favour tenfold . If someone offended her friends, she would join hands to oppose their common enemy . But on this occasion, it wasn’t appropriate to raise an argument .

  "It’s just a cup of wine!" Li Yuan Heng abruptly frowned, pulling Li Wei Yang’s sleeves as he came up . Sun Yan Jun was even more incensed . Without waiting for Li Wei Yang to speak, she struck without thinking . The strength of this strike was very small, but it shocked the two of them . Li Yuan Heng instinctively turned hostile and immediately raised his arm high to slap Sun Yan Jun, but before he could move his hand, it had already been seized: "Fourth Prince, does the royal family of your country have a habit of laying hands on women?"

  Li Yuan Heng was taken aback, and stared at the elegant young man who had suddenly appeared in front of him . He saw a pair of clear, pristine phoenix eyes under jet-black brows, his expressive eyes like the flowing waves, unaware of heaven and earth . The most sacred moonlight in the skies above could not outshine these two irises . Li Yuan Heng had always thought of himself as a handsome youth . Seeing someone more outstanding appear and stand in his way, his complexion immediately became ugly, going from blue to white then white to blue . He coldly asked: "Who are you?" He had always flaunted his literary talents and military strategy and had never had his wrist caught so easily . This teenager looked very young, but his strength was formidable, so much so that his joints faintly felt pain . This had never happened before!

  As he tried to teach the other party a lesson yet was unable to shake him off, Li Yuan Heng couldn’t help feeling utterly disconfitted . He yelled furiously, "You dare do this while knowing who I am . Are you tired of living?"

  "People will know who was the first to be impolite! Why should I be scared?!" Li Min De paid no mind and answered with a smile, his face in glowing spirits, two pitch-black eyebrows seemingly able to flutter and fly .

  Li Yuan Heng’s sharp eyes narrowed into slits . There wasn’t another person in the world who would dare to speak to him in this way . This person was certainly not someone who would be ordinary in the future . Just who was he? He just wanted to clarify when he suddenly heard Li Wei Yang say lightly: "Who he is has nothing to do with you . Fourth Prince, being this arrogant and despotic, are you looking down on the people of Da Li?"

  Li Yuan Heng was stunned . He presently looked at Li Wei Yang, only to feel that the light in her eyes were flickering, as calm as well water yet as changeable as the rose-tinted sky . A single glance caused him to stare stupidly, and he secretly exclaimed: "This girl’s looks can only be called pretty, but why are her eyes so outstanding, making people unable to tear their eyes away?" It was only when he regained his senses that he noticed several people around them were glaring at him .

  He suddenly realized that right now they weren’t in the grasslands where the folk culture was as tough as nails . Where his four wives were carried away after he took a fancy to them . As long as he was able to snatch them, they would be his . In this so-called country of etiquette, his behavior today was obviously extremely rude — and it has clearly aroused public outrage . He turned his head, sparing no effort to shake Li Min De’s hand away, and then squeezed out an awkward smile and said: "No need to be so angry, I merely have some admiration for you . If you don’t want to drink this wine, I will just drink it myself!" As he said this, he held the wine cup in both hands and drained the cup in one gulp . "This lady must forgive me . I have an impulsive temper, and seeing your beauty, I felt somewhat at a loss for what to do . If I unintentionally offended you, consider this as my first visit to your noble land . Not knowing the etiquette, please spare me this time . "

  He was so disrespectful a moment ago, but now he displayed such an unrivalled look of remorse that Sun Yan Jun was a little shocked . She stared at the other party suspiciously, for fear that he would do something offensive again, but he only had a face full of expectation as he looked at Li Wei Yang hopefully, as if waiting for her to say something .

  Li Wei Yang’s expression was indifferent, and she said: "Fourth Prince, I am not angry . Please go back . "

  Although Li Yuan Heng saw that her smile was polite and modest, there actually wasn’t even a trace of warmth, only coldness . And there was a faint feeling of being pushed a thousand miles away . He couldn’t help feeling extremely upset . But he was not good in public, and only smiled angrily: "I didn’t scare you on purpose . I just didn’t understand the etiquette, that’s all . Why do you hate me like this?"

  "Fourth Prince, according to Da Li etiquette, a man shouldn’t touch a girl’s body casually . It’s extremely ill-mannered to reach your hands out like you just did . How can you blame others for not liking you?" Li Min De’s eyes flashed and a sneer emerged on his lips, his peerlessly handsome face revealing a baleful look .

  When Li Yuan Heng saw the hidden meaning in his words, he laughed grimly . He turned his head to stare into Li Wei Yang’s eyes with his brown pupils, and lowered his voice to continue: "I am used to following Mo Bei’s social customs — I won’t be able to change in such a short time . "

  Li Wei Yang smiled slightly and said, "Fourth Prince, you are now far away from Mo Bei . There are only the laws of Da Li here . If you still abide by the customs of Mo Bei, there will be some incompatibility . I believe that when you came to Da Li as an envoy, this was not your original intention . "

  Unexpectedly, the lovely girl in front of him was quite difficult to deal with . Li Yuan Heng pretended to think about it: "I actually think that the customs of Mo Bei are much more comfortable than those of your Da Li . If you go to Mo Bei, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to return to this place . Over there, we’re very free and more respectful of the personal wishes of women . You know, the girls of your Da Li must not step outside their doors, but our Mo Bei women can ride horses and practice archery freely on the grasslands . The biggest difference between where I come from and Da Li is that we don’t waste a woman’s youth . A woman can marry whenever she wants to marry . Unlike you, a daughter must get permission from her elders to marry, which isn’t very good! Moreover, we also allow women to remarry after their husbands have died to avoid the situation where women are alone and their children are unsupported . Listen to me, you should learn from us on this point . "

  Sun Yan Jun listened in shock, inexplicably appalled .

  Li Wei Yang smiled faintly, and did not take it seriously: "Your marriages are very unrestricted, but women are not regarded as human beings . Although the Da Li dynasty reveres the commands of parents and the words of matchmakers, at least they will not force women to remarry after losing their husbands . Actually your sons will inherit his father’s women . The younger brother will inherit his elder brother’s women . You must carry it out regardless of the wishes of the woman . Is this really freedom? It is merely the freedom of men . "

  When she spoke, her voice was light and unconcerned, but Li Yuan Heng’s eyes widened at once: "Could it be that you feel this is wrong? If you let a woman remarry to another person, wouldn’t it cause a good family to fall apart, and also lead to blood mixing between the clans? That would be terrible!"

  In the final analysis, Da Li’s marriages were made according to the family’s social status and Mo Bei’s marriages required women to remarry after their husbands died . Both sides had nothing to do with the woman’s own wishes . Everything merely fell to the men to decide and the women would comply . As for which side was more noble than the other, after Li Wei Yang heard him speaking of what was proper and expected, she decided to ignore him . She only said lightly: "There is no need for the Fourth Prince to be angry . It’s merely a difference in social customs, and not worth arguing about . "

  Li Yuan Heng looked at Li Wei Yang calmly, with cunning increasing in his eyes . The beauties he had seen in his life were as numerous as hairs on a cow . It wasn’t like there weren’t any who could stand up to the word "remarkably beautiful", but after a while, he would feel they were dull and colourless . All except the person in front of him . Although a woman, he had heard that she quite understood strategy . Only by taming this kind of woman would people receive the ultimate thrill: "After listening to these words, I feel even more that you are — interesting . " When he was done, he got up and left without a backward glance, leaving a flurry of discussion in his wake .

  "Look, the Fourth Prince of Mo Bei actually came over to speak with Anping Xianzhu!"

  "Right, look carefully . Her looks aren’t bad, with fair skin and lively eyes!"

  "It’s still a far cry from that elder sister of hers! What’s so great! If you ask me, the Fourth Prince of Mo Bei has poor taste . Aren’t we all prettier than Li Wei Yang?"

  "Hush, quiet down . She’s looking over here!"

  Li Wei Yang heard these remarks, but it went in one ear and out the other . She didn’t take them to heart at all . Li Min De suddenly whispered in her ear: "Be careful of the Fourth Prince . "

  Li Wei Yang glanced at him and nodded slightly . Then Li Min De returned to the men’s seating area as if nothing had happened and took the initiative to toast Zhou Da Shou . Li Wei Yang stared at his back and couldn’t help falling into deep thought . The Fourth Prince of Mo Bei suddenly came over and spouted a bunch of baffling things . What was his purpose in the end? He kept on talking about marriage customs, so could it be that he wanted to take a wife in Da Li before going back? But if it was for marriage, he was bound to be matched with a princess, so what did it have to do with her? She wasn’t so beautiful that she had the ability to make people pick her out from among a heap of other noble young ladies, right? Thinking up to here, she suddenly raised her head and glanced at the seating on the opposite side, where Jiang Hua just happened to turn his eyes away . That expression, stripped of the usual calmness, rationality and indifference, had actually been replaced by an indescribably complicated murderous intent . Slowly flowing right in front of the eyes, it was subtle but made people unable to ignore it .

  Li Wei Yang’s heart moved slightly, as if she had grasped something .

  Jiang Hua wanted to kill her . Li Wei Yang had long known it, but she hadn’t expected that he’d already lost control of his emotions to this extent . Li Wei Yang lowered her head, acting as if she hadn’t seen anything ——

  Watching Li Yuan Heng sit down, Tuoba Zhen, who had been keeping an eye on his every move, suddenly got up and walked over to offer him a drink . Li Yuan Heng smiled slightly and drained the cup in a single gulp . Tuoba Zhen whispered: "I don’t know what the Fourth Prince came here for . What do you plan to do?"

  Li Yuan Heng’s eyes brushed past his shoulders, looking at the girl sitting not too far away . Speaking one word at a time: "I . . . I would like Your Highness’s help . " Tuoba Zhen stilled for a moment, then laughed softly: "I don’t know what the Fourth Prince needs my help with . If I can do it, naturally I will spare no effort . " Mo Bei’s influence was something he naturally wanted .

  Li Yuan Heng said smilingly: "I’m here to take a wife . Moreover, I want the most intelligent and outstanding woman in all of Da Li . "

  There was a hint of amusement in Tuoba Zhen’s eyes: “The most distinguished in the Da Li dynasty is my royal younger sister, the Ninth Princess, nowadays the most beautiful is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an, and the most talented is the youngest daughter of Grand Secretary Zhang . I don’t know which one Your Majesty has a preference for?"

  Li Yuan Heng’s face was determined: "What if I said I wanted it all?"

  Tuoba Zhen laughed brightly, and a trace of helplessness appeared on his handsome face: "You are truly a lion opening its big mouth! However, if you really want to marry these three, I naturally have a way to fulfil your wish . "

  Li Yuan Heng said with a smile: "No need . In fact, I’ve already taken a liking to a beautiful lady, and it’s Anping Xianzhu!"

  Tuoba Zhen’s expression suddenly changed . For a split second, his eyes almost appeared sinister, but it was a pity that Li Yuan Heng didn’t even notice . Tuoba Zhen suppressed the anger in his heart and said, "It’s Li Wei Yang? Her looks aren’t the best, and she’s also mediocre in terms of talent . As for status, although she has the title of Xianzhu, it’s only an empty name . The Fourth Prince certainly wouldn’t know that her mother was merely a foot-washing maid who served Prime Minister Li . It’s well known . As a prince of Mo Bei, are you not afraid of being ridiculed by marrying such a woman? Naturally, you should choose from genuine blue-blooded nobility, girls such as my royal sister!”


  "That’s not true," Li Yuan Heng clearly heard the unpleasantness in the other party’s words . Li Yuan Heng’s expression did not change . He was still smiling, but suddenly from his mouth came: "I dare say, if she had no ability, how could your emperor confer the title of Xianzhu upon her? ​​I won’t hide it from you . I dislike those sweet and delicate Da Li princesses and don’t like those accomplished daughters of prestigious houses reciting poetry and composing music at every turn . I like women who are smart and cunning! You also don’t have to hide it from me . I have already heard everything about her, and I want her!"——

  *****——

  Translator: joeyburbz

  Editor: joeyburbz

  Watching Li Yuan Heng sit down, Tuoba Zhen, who had been keeping an eye on his every move, suddenly got up and walked over to offer him a drink . Li Yuan Heng smiled slightly and drained the cup in a single gulp . Tuoba Zhen whispered: "I don’t know what the Fourth Prince came here for . What do you plan to do?"

  Li Yuan Heng’s eyes brushed past his shoulders, looking at the girl sitting not too far away . Speaking one word at a time: "I . . . I would like Your Highness’s help . " Tuoba Zhen stilled for a moment, then laughed softly: "I don’t know what the Fourth Prince needs my help with . If I can do it, naturally I will spare no effort . " Mo Bei’s influence was something he naturally wanted .

  Li Yuan Heng said smilingly: "I’m here to take a wife . Moreover, I want the most intelligent and outstanding woman in all of Da Li . "

  There was a hint of amusement in Tuoba Zhen’s eyes: “The most distinguished in the Da Li dynasty is my royal younger sister, the Ninth Princess, nowadays the most beautiful is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an, and the most talented is the youngest daughter of Grand Secretary Zhang . I don’t know which one Your Majesty has a preference for?"

  Li Yuan Heng’s face was determined: "What if I said I wanted it all?"

  Tuoba Zhen laughed brightly, and a trace of helplessness appeared on his handsome face: "You are truly a lion opening its big mouth! However, if you really want to marry these three, I naturally have a way to fulfil your wish . "

  Li Yuan Heng said with a smile: "No need . In fact, I’ve already taken a liking to a beautiful lady, and it’s Anping Xianzhu!"

  Tuoba Zhen’s expression suddenly changed . For a split second, his eyes almost appeared sinister, but it was a pity that Li Yuan Heng didn’t even notice . Tuoba Zhen suppressed the anger in his heart and said, "It’s Li Wei Yang? Her looks aren’t the best, and she’s also mediocre in terms of talent . As for status, although she has the title of Xianzhu, it’s only an empty name . The Fourth Prince certainly wouldn’t know that her mother was merely a foot-washing maid who served Prime Minister Li . It’s well known . As a prince of Mo Bei, are you not afraid of being ridiculed by marrying such a woman? Naturally, you should choose from genuine blue-blooded nobility, girls such as my royal sister!”


  "That’s not true," Li Yuan Heng clearly heard the unpleasantness in the other party’s words . Li Yuan Heng’s expression did not change . He was still smiling, but suddenly from his mouth came: "I dare say, if she had no ability, how could your Emperor confer the title of Xianzhu upon her? ​​I won’t hide it from you . I dislike those sweet and delicate Da Li princesses and don’t like those accomplished daughters of prestigious houses reciting poetry and composing music at every turn . I like women who are smart and cunning! You also don’t have to hide it from me . I have already heard everything about her, and I want her!"

  Tuoba Zhen was stunned by what he heard, and presently glanced at Jiang Hua, who was relaxing next to him with his eyes closed . Suddenly understanding something, he was actually speechless for a moment . It turns out that the Fourth Prince of Mo Bei liked to travel around, and had visited Da Li many times before and made friends with a lot of the Da Li nobility . . . If he took a liking to any other woman, even his own pampered royal younger sister, Tuoba Zhen would absolutely not be stingy, because Mo Bei’s support was extremely beneficial for him to ascend the throne . But the other party he had his eye on was actually Li Wei Yang .

  The one he liked so much, the woman he wanted to obtain to no end! In his mind, this unobtainable girl had become what he looked forward to day and night . This person could even be said to be a rare treasure . How could he be willing to give her to others! However at this moment, Tuoba Zhen looked at Li Yuan Heng’s slightly smiling and tranquil expression . He suddenly realized that this man came prepared and was determined to win! Although Tuoba Zhen’s heart was filled with unmatched resentment, his expression was the same as usual . After a pause, he understated: "So it turns out that you’ve already made a decision . "

  Li Yuan Heng’s smile broadened a bit, neither hurried nor slow as he said: "Not sure if you would be willing to lend me a hand . "

  Tuoba Zhen’s heart shook and his brows quirked up slightly: "How do you want me to help you?"

  "Your Highness probably doesn’t know yet . A moment ago, I went to get a closer look at this young lady, and it seems that she doesn’t like me at all . To get her, one must use unusual methods . " Seeing Tuoba Zhen’s face change, Li Yuan Heng paused and then said, "Could it be that you like her as well?"

  Before, the Crown Prince’s faction had done its utmost to eliminate the Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu to no avail . On the contrary, the way they handled matters was neither here nor there, and they were unable to settle anything . There were people at all levels of society who had already begun to talk about the strange matter that involved the Fifth Prince . After all, he hadn’t been a fool . He obviously has the opportunity to plead His Majesty for leniency and redeem the situation, so how could he think of forcing the Emperor to abdicate? It was more likely he was framed by the real mastermind behind the scenes . After the Emperor who killed the Fifth Prince returned to his senses, he also had his doubts on the matter afterwards . Originally, Tuoba Zhen and Jiang Hua had joined hands and planned to get rid of the Seventh Prince in one fell swoop . At that time, even if the Emperor regretted, nothing would come of it . If he wanted someone to take out his frustrations on, there would only be the Crown Prince .

  For Tuoba Zhen, it did not hinder him and was even greatly beneficial . After all, in order to suppress his brothers, the Crown Prince could even kill his first wife . Once this sort of thing spread, this kind of heir apparent would not be supported by anyone . Originally, that matter — it had been the trap he had dug for the Crown Prince .

  Unfortunately, not only did Tuoba Yu not fall, but he even got credit and received the Emperor’s praise . Now that His Majesty has come back to his senses, if he were to investigate the Crown Prince’s mistakes, he would not be able to set the snipe and clam at each other . On the contrary, it was because the Seventh Prince still lived that he needed the Crown Prince as cover . Now that the Emperor’s mind was clearly shaken, the civil and military officials of the Capital were uncertain, looking left and right . And among the people, rumors and gossip filled the streets . If Mo Bei’s forces were willing to back him, it would greatly increase his odds of success! Because of this, Tuoba Zhen was frightened for a moment and abruptly laughed . He said, "It’s just a woman . Like a piece of clothing, what’s so hard about taking it off? Since you like her, what harm is there in letting you have her!" Pausing, he leaned forward slightly and looked at the other party . He said: "But I must warn you . Li Wei Yang is definitely not easy to subdue . I’m only afraid that you won’t have any way to make her yield, and will unexpectedly be harmed by her . If you can’t control her, are you still willing to take her as your wife?"

  Li Yuan Heng was dumbfounded and frowned at the person in front of him . He only felt that in the midst of the other person’s warm and jade-like smile there was a vague trace of coldness . He was startled, and only felt chills all over his body . He looked straight at Li Wei Yang on the opposite side . After a long time, he suddenly smiled and said: "We Mo Bei men are different from you, and have our own ways to deal with women . If she is obedient, that would be best . If she’s not, a whip or a blade can also tame her . You can rest assured!"

  If a smart person like Li Wei Yang could be tamed by force, that’d be great, Tuoba Zhen sneered in his heart . The Fourth Prince in front of him was clearly bewitched . Setting his heart on marrying Li Wei Yang, he completely didn’t care if he would be stabbed in the back by the other party . If he used a whip and a knife to deal with Li Wei Yang, the one who would lose his life in less than three days would most likely be him instead . Li Wei Yang had certainly never been lenient towards anyone . He smiled on the spot, took a step back, cupped his hands in salute and said: "Since it’s like this, I’d like to first congratulate the Fourth Prince on winning the beauty to marry shortly . "

  Just when he was about to leave, Li Yuan Heng said softly: "You…… why do you all seem to be afraid of her?" Tuoba Zhen paused, but when he turned back he was smiling calmly . More than fear, it was simply fierce dread . If a man without skill was to take Li Wei Yang home, it was the same as returning home with a statue of Yama, the King of Hell . Wait and see, Li Yuan Heng would definitely pay the price, and Li Wei Yang would eventually belong to him, Tuoba Zhen . For his own things, regardless of how long it had been lost, he would get it all back in the end . He didn’t answer the other’s question, and just turned away and left .

  When Li Yuan Heng saw him like this, he immediately stilled . It was only when Jiang Hua spoke that he recovered himself . Jiang Hua asked: "What’s wrong?"

  Li Yuan Heng frowned: "Why do I feel that everyone who mentions Li Wei Yang is a bit strange . Didn’t you tell me that she is the smartest and most difficult woman to tame in all of Da Li?"

  Jiang Hua laughed: "It’s because she’s smart and arrogant that most men are unable to manage her . But Fourth Prince, you are different . Don’t tell me that you’re afraid of her?"

  Li Yuan Heng looked at Li Wei Yang involuntarily, and sneered: "Look at her little arms and calves . I’m afraid she won’t even be able to stand up to a single whip . What’s there to be afraid of?"

  Jiang Hua saw his eager appearance, but only smiled slightly, concealing his deep thoughts within his eyes . He whispered: "If you want to marry this beautiful lady, you should make your move today . "

  Li Yuan Heng stared, then turned his head and said, "So soon?"

  Jiang Hua just smiled, as if reminding him in good faith: "Everyone likes a good woman . If you’re one step late, they will be snatched up by others . You must know that at today’s banquet, His Majesty wants to choose concubines for his sons . "

  After all, Li Yuan Heng is from Mo Bei . He wasn’t as complex as Jiang Hua . He nodded immediately and said, "Alright, I’ll bring up the marriage with the Li family at once . "

  Jiang Hua stopped him: "Don’t ask in person . If Prime Minister Li finds an excuse to reject it, you won’t have any way of redeeming the situation this way . In my opinion, you should tell His Majesty, and it would be best to let him act as a go-between . "

  Li Yuan Heng thought for a while and agreed: "Good brother, you are right . It should be like this!" After speaking, he stood up and walked happily towards the Emperor . After he was announced by the court eunuch, he walked straight to the Emperor and knelt down seriously . After saying a few words, from Jiang Hua’s point of view, he saw the Emperor’s smile waver slightly . Then he seemed to think for a moment, and finally nodded . An anxious expression flashed on the face of Consort Lian next to him, and then she quickly said something to the Emperor . However, the Emperor glanced at Li Yuan Heng and shook his head . Consort Lian’s face became more impatient . But at this moment, the Emperor suddenly said loudly, "Beloved Official Li, we heard you have a woman who has both integrity and talent, lady-like and well-mannered?" The Beloved Official Li who the Emperor spoke of was Li Xiao Ran . Hearing the Emperor suddenly call him, he quickly stood up, but when he realized what the Emperor had said, he stilled for a moment . Integrity and talent? Lady-like and well-mannered? In any case, it wouldn’t be Li Wei Yang, right? Nowadays, she’s the most formidable girl in the entire Da Li, and no one dared to come to the house to propose marriage . Was he talking about Li Chang Xiao?

  But the Emperor brought up: "We are speaking of your daughter—Anping Xianzhu . "

  Li Wei Yang raised her head and looked at the Emperor . At this moment, she suddenly understood what the other party was going to do, and raised her eyebrows gently . Sun Yan Jun showed a nervous expression . There was a sense of foreboding in her heart . However, at this moment, everyone’s eyes were focused on the Emperor . No one noticed that from a moment ago, Li Min De’s seat was empty . However, even if someone found out, they would just think that he was going to the toilet and wouldn’t think of anything else .

  At this time, Li Xiao Ran said respectfully: "This official is deeply ashamed, Wei Yang has been pampered since childhood and lacked proper guidance . The so-called integrity and talent, lady-like and well-mannered are all undeserved praises, and aren’t accurate . " Temporarily feeling a bit dazed, he didn’t know why the Emperor would suddenly ask about Li Wei Yang . Did he want to bestow a marriage on the princes? With Li Wei Yang’s background, even if she had the Xianzhu title, she could only be a prince’s side concubine . . . Could the Emperor be suggesting it on this occasion? He felt that it wasn’t good . Although he didn’t like this daughter from the bottom of his heart, Li Wei Yang was surnamed Li after all . Her future was closely related to the future of the Li family, they had to act with caution .

  The Emperor smiled wholeheartedly, and apparently didn’t care how Li Xiao Ran answered . After all, he just wanted a result and was preparing to continue .

  Consort Lian smiled and said, "Your Majesty, according to this concubine, Anping Xianzhu she—" Before he finished, the Emperor had already waved his hand to stop her from talking . Consort Lian was very anxious, but in front of everyone, she dared not say more . Recently, the Emperor had grown more and more distrustful . Even if he wanted to help Li Wei Yang, she was not able to be too obvious . If it aroused his suspicions, it could harm the other party .

  "Beloved Official Li is too modest . I am very familiar with the intelligence and wisdom of Anping Xianzhu . All gentlemen will chase after this so-called sweet and virtuous lady . We don’t have any other meaning today . We only want to serve as a matchmaker for her . " Then the Emperor laughed, "Just now, the fourth prince of Mo Bei told us that he had chanced upon Anping Xianzhu when he previously entered the Capital . Since then, he has been enamored with her, and has no thoughts for tea or rice, and won’t marry anyone but her . Therefore, he came to me and asked him to marry Xianzhu as his concubine . For the sake of his deep love, I decided to take on the role of matchmaker . "

  Upon hearing this, Li Wei Yang only felt it was extremely funny and greatly admired Li Yuan Heng’s ability to lie through his teeth . Today they only met for the first time . How did it turn into him having no appetite, blaming this official for not allowing him to marry? It was simply an enormous joke . Did the Emperor believe this nonsense? No, he didn’t care about whether Li Yuan Heng really liked Li Wei Yang . The Emperor was concerned about the benefits that this marriage connection with Mo Bei would bring . Originally, he wanted to use the Ninth Princess as the chess piece for the marriage, but after all, it was his own daughter . He was a little bit reluctant to let her go to Mo Bei and endure hardships . So on the surface, today’s banquet was for the princes to choose a concubine . His basic goal for tricking these refined young ladies into coming was to pick out a suitable marriage candidate .

  It was all taking advantage of the situation, and even Consort Lian was kept in the dark . Li Wei Yang slightly lowered his eyes . She had still underestimated Jiang Hua . He was able to manipulate everything up to this point . Whether it was Li Yuan Heng or the Emperor, they were all immeasurably pleased with themselves . They thought that they had reaped great benefits, not knowing that the real person laughing behind the scenes was Jiang Hua .

  Da Li was far from Mo Bei . It was a two month journey by road . Once she left the Capital, left the Li family’s sphere of influence, and left Li Min De’s protection, wouldn’t everything be in the Jiang Hua’s hands? He could send someone to kill her halfway, then place all the blame on the heads of the Mo Bei people, saying that they used this marriage to dishonestly gain the Emperor’s trust . If a war broke out, the Emperor would be sure to place particular importance on the Jiang family . Or he didn’t have to bother at all . She grew up in Ping Cheng and was used to the mild environments in the South . Even if she had returned to live a pampered life of luxury in the Capital, if she went to Mo Bei, with sand as far as the eye could see and coarse folk customs, intelligence and wisdom were just pearls cast before swine . It was likely that before two years were up, she’d be dead in a foreign land . That way, without wasting the Jiang family’s soldiers, Li Wei Yang’s name would naturally disappear from the Capital . What a vicious idea!

  Jiang Hua was smiling at the moment . He wasn’t afraid that Li Xiao Ran would not agree . The Emperor exchanged one of his daughters and would naturally compensate him in other respects . Moreover, Li Xiao Ran gave careful consideration to the face of the two countries . By promoting the exchange, he was sure to receive the praises of the people . Indeed, it was a plan with steady profit and no losses .

  Sure enough, Li Xiao Ran hesitated . At that moment, there was a fierce battle raging in his heart . If Li Wei Yang stayed in Da Li, she would likely stir up all kinds of trouble in the future . She was too intelligent, which was definitely not a good thing . Plus, she was so arrogant and obstinate . . . It would be better to marry her far away and from then on, her life and death would have nothing to do with the Li family . Even if she died in a foreign land, it would be considered as loyalty to the country . This was safest for the Li family . But Lao Furen . . . in a flash his heart had already decided . This was the Emperor acting as a go-between . No one could blame him . Even if Lao Furen knew, what of it? Li Yuan Heng was not a terrible partner . His position and authority were great, young and promising, he was a strong contender for Mo Bei’s throne . Compared with marrying into the ordinary honorable families of the Capital, both assets or qualifications were significantly better . Moreover, for the Son of Heaven to bestow a marriage in the Golden Hall, it was a grace that could not be sought . In the same way, it was also a grace that could not be refused lightly . At this time, acting against the Emperor’s wishes would absolutely not benefit the Li family . Looking back at Li Wei Yang, she was playing with the glazed wine cup in her hand, her eyes lowered . There was neither joy nor sorrow on her face . Loathing suddenly bubbled up in Li Xiao Ran’s heart . This girl’s schemes ran deep . Each and every move, every word and action made people’s blood run cold . The farther she married in the future, the better!

  Everyone held their breath at this moment, and Sun Yan Jun’s hand was clenched until it ached . However, Li Wei Yang to the side seemed totally unaware . There was a slight smile on her face, as she observed the amber liquid within the wine cup seriously . As if quietly thinking about her own worries, not worried about this marriage in the least .

  Tuoba Yu tightly squeezed the wine cup in his hand and nearly stood up, but at this moment, he saw Virtuous Consort Zhang’s meaningful glance . It was not only filled with warnings but even pleading . This was your mother begging you, she was saying . Like this, let her leave, she won’t belong to you—Tuoba Yu’s heart ached and almost could not speak . Could he prevent it? If he prevented it, what could he say? Let Li Wei Yang marry him? She wouldn’t agree!

  At this time, everyone only heard Li Xiao Ran shouting: "This subject obeys the imperial decree . Thanking my Emperor for his grace . "

  Li Wei Yang raised her brows, an icy smile appearing on her face . Li Xiao Ran, it’s easier to invite the devil in than to send him away . Selling off a daughter so cheaply, how could it be that easy!

  －－－－－－Start of author’s comments－－－－－－－


  Xiao Qin: I married Wei Yang off, married her to a pervert who would threaten his wife with a whip and knife

  Edit: You really do this, you’ll be killed ╭ (╯^╰)╮


  Xiao Qin: It’s just empty talk, that’s all, >_<,

  －－－－－－End of author’s comments－－－－－－－
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  Translator: joeyburbz

  Editor: joeyburbz