In the Moonlight

The melodious and graceful music suddenly turned halting, like a choked spring stream, with strings stilled and fingers silenced.

The pavilion, illuminated by hundreds of silver candles, fell into a hushed silence in an instant. Countless gazes fixed upon Yaoying, staring in a daze.

Yaoying remained composed, her delicate hands lifting the wine cup from the emperor's table. "Today, all the virtuous and talented have gathered, young and old alike, with heroes and warriors from every tribe coming to pledge allegiance. I respectfully wish our Great Wei peace and prosperity, with clear rivers and tranquil seas."

After speaking, she dipped her fingernail into the wine, flicked it lightly toward the assembled guests, and raised the cup to drain it in one go.

As the warm wine flowed down her throat, a faint flush bloomed at the corners of her eyes, rippling like spring radiance, illuminating the entire hall.

The civil and military officials below and the noblewomen watching from the second-floor windows were still staring at her in a stupor, while the tribal chieftains of the various Hu tribes had already begun excitedly beating time in admiration, leaping to their feet in unison to raise their wine bowls and loudly offer congratulations to Li De.

The banquet guests, snapping out of their reverie, rose one after another to bow and pay homage, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

After a moment of stunned silence, Crown Prince Li Xuanzhen, seated at the secondary table, also set down his cup and joined the others in paying respects.

Li De glanced at Yaoying and smiled as he acknowledged the crowd.

The atmosphere of the banquet reached its peak at this moment.

Yet Yaoying, who had stirred the soaring ambitions of all the young men present, did not linger. With her skirts fluttering gracefully, she was escorted by maids and eunuchs as she slowly circled around the layered gilt screen and ascended to the second floor.

The gazes of the hall followed her for a long time, lingering even after her graceful figure disappeared behind the fluttering brocade curtains at the high platform, necks craned in reluctant admiration.

The music once again began to play joyfully.

The guests whispered among themselves, discussing animatedly.

The chieftains and princes of the Hu tribes made no attempt to conceal their astonishment, asking the attendants nearby, "Was that noble lady just now the legendary Seventh Princess?"

The attendants nodded.

The chieftains exchanged looks of sudden understanding: So it was true—such peerless beauty! No wonder old Ye Lu was willing to offer Liangzhou as a betrothal gift. After all, the Murong, He, and Ashina clans currently occupying Liangzhou were no easy adversaries.

On the high platform of the second floor, the imperial consorts, noblewomen, and ladies of rank watched Yaoying, who appeared like a goddess in the candlelight, with complex expressions.

Yaoying walked straight ahead without glancing sideways, taking a seat by the window alone, where she poured herself another cup of wine.

With Li Zhongqian absent, no one dared to stop her from drinking.

Nearby, Crown Princess Zheng Biyu sighed softly and looked down to the main hall, noticing that Li Xuanzhen had risen from his seat and was being led by a palace maid toward the rear hall.

What was he going to the rear hall for?

Before she could ponder further, a maid approached her side and whispered, "Madam, the Fukang Princess has disappeared!"

Zheng Biyu was taken aback and set down her cup. "Disappeared?"

The maid replied with a panicked expression, "Today, His Majesty decreed that the princess must attend the banquet. The Crown Prince sent someone to the princess's residence, urging her to be present without fail, saying that the Seventh Princess would publicly request to take her place in marriage and that she need not fear. We were ordered to escort the princess into the palace, but after waiting for a long time without seeing her emerge, I boldly entered to check and found that the princess had secretly slipped out through the back window at some point!"

Zheng Biyu's heart sank.

The Seventh Princess had not yet made the request to take her place, and Zhu Lvyun's marriage arrangement with Chieftain Ye Lu had not been annulled. Why had she run away?

Could it be that she did not trust Li Xuanzhen's assurance of a solution and, fearing the marriage, had fled?Zheng Biyu felt an increasing headache as she pondered and instructed her maid, "Dispatch all guards to secretly investigate the princess’s whereabouts. Search the princess’s residence, the places she frequents, and even the Crown Prince’s usual haunts—leave no stone unturned!"

The maid nodded in acknowledgment but had yet to rise and relay the order when two abrupt sounds of wine cups shattering echoed from downstairs.

The music had ceased at some point unnoticed.

The atmosphere grew heavy and tense.

Zheng Biyu signaled for the maid to stay silent and listened intently.

An awkward, deathly silence hung over the hall below, pierced only by the crackling of silver candles and a man’s sharp inquiry: "I’ve heard that your Fukang Princess has no intention of marrying and has already fled! If the princess never meant to wed our Khan, why did she initially propose the marriage? Our tribe admires your nation wholeheartedly and wishes to submit entirely, yet your princess mocks and insults our Khan! Since your country has broken faith first, the Yelu Tribe need not honor its promises either. Our warriors will defend the Khan’s honor with their lives! Prepare for war!"

With that, he smashed his wine bowl, turned, and strode away.

Other tribal chieftains and princes immediately grew restless, shouting and demanding to see Fukang Princess at once—otherwise, they too would refuse allegiance to the Wei Dynasty.

The noblewomen and palace consorts on the dais trembled faintly in fear.

Zheng Biyu broke into a cold sweat from anxiety.

Below, civil and military officials exchanged uneasy glances, their faces even paler than those of the inner court ladies.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Diplomatic Reception reacted swiftly, rising to intercept the Yelu Chieftain and several princes, urging them to return to their seats.

The Yelu Chieftain, over sixty years old with long, graying hair braided into thin locks draped over his shoulders, had a weathered, deeply wrinkled face but eyes as sharp as a hawk’s. Wiping his greasy lips, he spoke in halting Han language, calmly stating, "If we can see Fukang Princess tonight, the Yelu Tribe will have nothing more to say."

The officials managed to persuade the Yelu Chieftain to stay and sent messengers to find Fukang Princess, urging her to enter the palace immediately.

The Golden Guard reported: Fukang Princess had actually been missing since earlier; they had searched all afternoon to no avail.

The officials fumed with frustration, stamping their feet in helpless anger.

Several ministers from the Hall of State Affairs, aware of Zhu Lvyun’s disappearance, exchanged glances before excusing themselves to retreat behind a curtained alcove.

Shortly after, Li De also found a pretext to withdraw to the inner hall.

A Ministry of Rites official reported the situation: "Fukang Princess has vanished without reason. We searched outside the palace all afternoon but found no trace of her. It’s unclear how the Yelu Tribe caught wind of this."

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.

Ministers closely aligned with the Crown Prince immediately scanned the hall for him. Not spotting him, they secretly grew uneasy: Could the Crown Prince have taken Fukang Princess away?

Zheng Prime Minister scowled coldly and thundered, "Fukang Princess’s actions are utterly willful! She was the one who insisted on publicly pledging marriage despite the advice against it, and now she’s the one fleeing in fear of wedlock. With the Yelu Tribe threatening to attack Chang’an, how will this be resolved?"

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel suggested, "Perhaps the princess merely went out for leisure and forgot about tonight’s banquet…"

Zheng Yu sneered, "This banquet was specifically held to celebrate the tribes’ submission and the marriage alliance between the Yelu Chieftain and Fukang Princess. The Ministry of Rites informed the princess yesterday—why would she choose today of all days to go out?"

The Vice Minister had no retort.

Opinions diverged, and for a time, arguments erupted without resolution.

Li De sat on a low couch, remaining silent throughout.The candlelight flickered as several Golden Guard soldiers hurried into the inner hall, presenting a letter: "Your Majesty, the personal attendant of Fukang Princess has found a farewell note!"

Li De took the letter, opened it, glanced over it, and curled his lips before turning to the ministers. "Take a look."

Du Du Pei was the first to step forward, snatching the letter and scanning it. He erupted in fury, "Fukang Princess has indeed fled!"

Other ministers crowded around to read the letter, their brows furrowing deeply.

The letter was from Zhu Lvyun, stating that she was tormented by nightmares every night, unable to eat or sleep, and had no choice but to leave.

Du Du Pei began cursing loudly.

The others, finding his language crude, coughed a few times and pretended not to hear.

Just then, an official from the Ministry of Rites stumbled into the inner hall, straightening his Soft Headwear and collar, which had been disheveled by the barbarians. "Your Majesty, if Fukang Princess does not appear soon, those barbarians will truly riot!"

Du Du Pei roared, "She's gone! How can she appear?"

The official from the Ministry of Rites stood frozen, speechless.

The Deputy Director of the Palace Library pondered for a moment before stepping forward. "Your Majesty, the only solution now is to select another noble maiden as a substitute for the marriage."

Du Du Pei rolled up his sleeves angrily. "We've tried that before! Fukang Princess made reckless marriage promises, and the Yelu Tribe is being utterly unreasonable. No matter how many noble maidens we offered, they rejected every one, insisting on marrying Fukang Princess!"

The Deputy Director of the Palace Library replied calmly, "Fortunately, there is a grand banquet in the palace today, and all the eligible noble maidens and daughters of the imperial clan are present. We could select one from among them. With so many young ladies, perhaps the Yelu Tribe will take a liking to one or two. If necessary, we can offer more beauties and dowries as compensation."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions darkened.

The female guests chatting and laughing on the second floor were the family members of the civil and military officials—their sisters, daughters, granddaughters, and nieces!

Who would willingly send their beloved daughters to marry into the grasslands?

The ministers inwardly cursed the Deputy Director of the Palace Library for his nonsense, but Li De showed a thoughtful expression, seemingly considering the proposal.

Several ministers with daughters of marriageable age broke out in cold sweat, not daring to make a sound.

Li De raised his head and said, "It seems this is the only way."

The ministers looked as if they were mourning the loss of their own parents, beads of sweat rolling down their temples.

A eunuch hurried out of the inner hall and ran toward the second floor. Soon, terrified screams and sobs echoed from above.

Just as the ministers were at their wits' end, footsteps sounded outside the door.

"Your Majesty, the Seventh Princess requests an audience."

The ministers were taken aback.

Li De said, "Let her in."

Yaoying entered the hall as summoned. Meeting the astonished gazes of the ministers, she walked up to Li De, gracefully knelt, and raised her head. "Your Majesty, I have heard that Fukang Princess has fled, and the Yelu Tribe is enraged. The barbarians are restless, and tensions are escalating. I cannot bear to see the noble maidens trembling in fear, nor can I stand by as the court faces the threat of war over this matter. I am willing to take Fukang Princess's place and marry into the barbarian tribe to secure peace."

The inner hall fell into a long, dead silence.

Du Du Pei whispered, "Seventh Princess, you are the daughter-in-law of the Pei family..."

Yaoying looked at Du Du Pei.

"I am a princess of the Li family, a subject of the Wei Dynasty, Your Majesty's daughter, and Your Majesty's subject..."

She paused, her tone resolute. "Though I am a woman, I, too, have the ambition to serve my country. I am willing to dedicate myself to this cause without hesitation!"

Her voice, though soft and delicate, rang out clearly, echoing through the vast inner hall and resonating in the hearts of every minister.

Their heartstrings trembled, and for a moment, no one could speak.After a long silence, Du Du Pei was the first to speak: "Your Highness, the Yelu Tribe follows water and grass for survival. If you marry into their tribe, you will endure hardships."

Yaoying sat with her spine straight: "I fear not, nor do I regret."

Kneeling in the hall, her gaze was clear and serene.

"Setting forth, never to return, across vast plains and distant roads; long sword at waist, Qin bow in hand, head from body severed, yet heart unyielding; truly courageous and martial, ever strong and unassailable; body perishes, spirit endures, soul steadfast becomes heroic ghost!"

"My late uncle taught my brother and me: if it benefits the nation, seek not wealth; defend home and country, question not the path ahead."

"My uncle's entire family died heroically protecting the people, their flesh and blood forging the peace and stability of our dynasty. Though I am but a woman, I inherit the Xie family teachings. Like my uncle, I would serve my country loyally, undeterred by ten thousand deaths."

Those present exchanged silent, shaken glances, remaining wordless for a long while.

They could have spoken these words themselves, even more passionately than the Seventh Princess.

But who could utter them with greater sincerity?

—Xie Wuliang, who taught these principles to the Seventh Princess and the Prince of Qin, had disregarded his frail health, devoting his life to quelling rebellions until his last breath.

Not a single member of the Xie family survived, their bloodline completely severed. Tracing back through generations, every Xie son had upheld righteousness, guarded their land, and sacrificed themselves without hesitation to protect the people.

They were loyal to wise rulers, to the court, and above all, to the common people.

In times of crisis, a minister's integrity is revealed; in chaotic eras, true loyalty is recognized.

While noble families schemed for their own interests, only the Xie family maintained unwavering moral courage.

So steadfast.

So obstinate.

And so admirable.

Therefore, when the Seventh Princess spoke such words, the ministers did not doubt her determination and breadth of vision in the slightest.

Li De sighed, looking at Yaoying with apparent reluctance.

The officials grew increasingly uneasy, sweating profusely.

After a long pause, Li De waved his hand: "Good, very good. Seventh Daughter proves herself my flesh and blood, upholding the reputation of your maternal Xie family."

He signaled for the Ministry of Rites officials to deliver the message.

The ritual officials stood dumbfounded for a moment before collecting themselves and stumbling out.

Soon, cheers erupted outside the hall, and an official returned to the inner chamber.

"Your Majesty, the Yelu Chieftain is overjoyed! He says he will immediately return to muster troops to serve as the vanguard for the Wei army's attack on Liangzhou!"

Everyone gradually came to their senses, the heavy stone in their chests quietly lifting.

This was for the best. After all the twists and turns, the Yelu Chieftain got his wish, the court could capture Liangzhou, the Fukang Princess could remain in Chang'an without marrying far away, and their own families had escaped disaster.

Though relieved from their false alarm, everyone remained apprehensive and silent.

Suddenly, the Deputy Director of the Palace Library stepped forward from the crowd and bowed deeply to Yaoying: "Your Highness shows noble righteousness! I am ashamed of my inferiority!"

He raised his head, eyes bloodshot, and scanned the room.

"The Princess truly deserves to be a Princess of Great Wei, truly a daughter of the Li family! The Fukang Princess was originally a remnant pearl of the previous dynasty. His Majesty took pity on her loneliness and helplessness, adopting her into his household, indulging her with utmost affection and compliance. Yet the Fukang Princess showed no gratitude, disregarded righteousness, repeatedly attempted to assassinate His Majesty. Though His Majesty could not bear to punish her harshly, exceptionally enfeoffing her as Fukang Princess and cherishing her as before."

"The Fukang Princess remains unrepentant, colluding with external enemies to disrupt the court. Not only has she privately communicated with Southern Chu, but she also conspired with Yiqing Grand Princess, who married into the Turks, to invade Guanzhong from the south!"

Upon hearing this, everyone paled in shock.

"Is this true?"The Assistant Secretary of the Imperial Library sneered coldly: "The evidence of Princess Fukang's treason is irrefutable! The Emperor, pitying her tragic circumstances, concealed it for her, yet she repaid kindness with betrayal, abandoning the court and disregarding the welfare of the people!"

His voice suddenly rose sharply.

"Lady Zhu is heartless and ungrateful, yet a princess of the Li family is willing to sacrifice herself and marry in her stead for the sake of the nation!"

"The Emperor has shown utmost benevolence to Princess Fukang! The last emperor of the previous Zhu dynasty was tyrannical and incompetent, bringing calamity to the state and its people, oppressing the common folk—the world longs to drink his blood, eat his flesh, and sleep on his skin! If not for his perverse actions and persecution of loyal officials, how could the empire have fallen into chaos? How could the fertile lands of Guanzhong have been trampled under the hooves of barbarian tribes? The Li family, loyal for generations, fulfilled their duties with utmost devotion, yet the Emperor's father and brothers were brutally slaughtered by the Zhu clan. The Emperor, accepting the mandate in times of crisis, was forced to rise up to protect the people of Wei Commandery, leading righteous men to reclaim the rivers and mountains, restoring peace and prosperity to the people. The Emperor owes the Zhu clan nothing! We owe the Zhu clan nothing! This empire owes the Zhu clan nothing!"

The hearts of the ministers trembled violently, cold sweat dripping from their brows as they all knelt down.

The Zhongshu Ling, who had previously spoken up for Zhu Lvyun multiple times, pressed his forehead to the ground, trembling all over.

Yaoying smiled mockingly.

Everything that had happened at today's banquet was a prearranged performance between her and Li De.

Li De had hidden Zhu Lvyun, sent Li Xuanzhen away, while she volunteered to marry. The Assistant Secretary of the Imperial Library deliberately fanned the flames, stirring unrest, and finally, after she agreed to marry, he publicly denounced Zhu Lvyun, tearing open the festering wounds in everyone's hearts.

The Li family and the court officials were all former subjects of the previous dynasty. When the last emperor sent messengers seeking aid, the Li family stood by idly, and the ministers were powerless to help.

This was the unresolved grievance between the Li family and the court officials.

Li De adopted Zhu Lvyun, patiently tolerating her, indulging her, allowing her to gradually erode the officials' guilt and nostalgia for the previous dynasty.

Then, on this day, he completely shattered the carefully maintained facade of calm, laying the bloody truth bare before everyone.

The wrath of the emperor, even if veiled, could terrify ministers to the core.

From this day forward, no one would dare speak a word in Zhu Lvyun's defense.

Nor would anyone dare to flaunt their seniority and suppress imperial authority by claiming the Li family were former subjects of the Zhu clan.

Li De looked down at the ministers prostrate at his feet, smiling faintly and remaining silent.

The ministers dared not move a muscle.

As the candlelight flickered, Li De's snow-white temples gleamed faintly. He turned to Yaoying: "Seventh Lady, you have served the nation with loyalty. As your father, I am deeply gratified. Do you have any wishes? Whatever I can accomplish, I will surely grant them for you."

Yaoying bowed solemnly, her voice clear and crisp: "Your Majesty, your daughter has no requests."

Li De was taken aback.

This was not what they had agreed upon.

A few days earlier, they had made a deal: Yaoying demanded that he punish Consort Rong and treat Consort Xie well, and he had agreed.

Why was she now saying she had no requests?

Li De's eyes flickered briefly.

Yaoying straightened up, her expression serene.

"Your Majesty!" Du Du Pei, the most hot-tempered, wiped the corner of his eye and declared loudly, "The Seventh Princess has acted for the nation and its people, truly worthy of being a princess of Great Wei! Your Majesty must not let her be wronged! The court must not let her be wronged! Since the Seventh Princess has no requests, Your Majesty should instead reward Consort Xie!"

The other ministers immediately echoed his sentiment.

"Consort Xie, as the legitimate daughter of the Xie family, comes from a noble and esteemed lineage. She is virtuous, elegant, and refined, having accompanied Your Majesty in times of hardship, sharing both joy and sorrow, and never shirking from toil."

"How heartbroken must the Consort be, with her beloved daughter marrying far away?"The ministers tacitly avoided the awkward and sensitive topic of the Fukang Princess and the Zhu family, instead eagerly praising Xie Guifei while subtly hinting to the emperor: they stood firmly by the Li family, with no lingering attachments to the former dynasty!

Prime Minister Zheng Yu had remained silent throughout. Only after two rounds of praises did he step forward.

"Your Majesty, when the Xie clan rallied their entire family to help Your Majesty recapture Wei Commandery, and now with the Xie family having sacrificed themselves heroically, the Prince of Qin expanding Your Majesty's territories despite severe injuries, and the Seventh Princess voluntarily agreeing to a political marriage for Your Majesty's cause, soon to depart for her distant union..."

He paused briefly.

"This subject believes that a state cannot long endure without a ruler, nor can it prosper without a mother."

Before his words fully settled, the ministers stared in astonishment.

Li De remained silent, his gaze sweeping over Zheng Yu's face before finally resting on Yaoying.

So that was it.

She wasn't without demands—she was advancing by retreating.

Li De said, "Consort Xie is often ill..."

Zheng Yu bowed: "Your Majesty, the Princess's willingness to marry prompted the Yelu Tribe to actively dispatch troops to help our Wei army reclaim Liangzhou. If the Seventh Princess were to marry as a legitimate princess, wouldn't the Yelu Chieftain feel even more indebted to Your Majesty? As for Consort Xie's frequent illnesses, palace affairs could be managed by other consorts."The implication was clear: the empress title would be nominal, but more importantly, making Li Yaoying a legitimate princess would allow the court to make greater demands."

As for Xie Guifei—since she was already mentally incapacitated, what harm would there be in giving her an empty title?

Moreover, Li De had once promised to share prosperity with the Xie family. Now that the Xie clan was extinct, he ought to compensate the surviving mother and son.

As for whether Li Zhongqian becoming a legitimate son would threaten Li Xuanzhen's position, no one was concerned—even a blind person could see how secure the Crown Prince's status was.

The Ministry of Rites officials immediately voiced their agreement.

Other ministers hesitated briefly before following suit.

Li De pondered for a moment.

He was always rational and pragmatic. Xie Manyuan was already mentally incompetent, Li Zhongqian severely wounded, Li Yaoying soon to depart for a distant marriage... Having just used Zhu Lvyun to warn and intimidate the ministers, causing them fear and unease, he couldn't afford to disillusion them further now.

Li De's mind raced, quickly reaching a decision: "Issue an edict to the Secretariat and Chancellery: enfeoff Consort Xie as Empress, and the Seventh Princess as Princess Wenzhao, to marry into the Yelu Tribe."

The ministers secretly sighed in relief, chanting "Long live the Emperor" in unison.

The Emperor's willingness to enfeoff Xie Guifei as Empress indicated he wouldn't immediately dispose of these veteran ministers like hunting dogs after the chase.

Li De observed their expressions keenly, narrowing his eyes.

It appeared many in the court sympathized with the Xie family—he would need to tread carefully.

Just as he prepared to depart, Yaoying, still kneeling on the ground, suddenly bowed again and declared clearly: "Your Majesty, your daughter recalls one more matter and begs Your Majesty's consent."

Li De's expression darkened.

Yaoying maintained her composure: "Your daughter was just thinking of maternal uncle, heart heavy with grief. Uncle served Your Majesty tirelessly, exhausting himself completely. The Xie family demonstrated utter loyalty, yet our maternal ancestors—generations of loyal servants—met with tragic ends, their bloodline severed... As your daughter prepares to depart for distant lands, the thought that the Xie family lacks even descendants to tend graves and make offerings weighs heavily on my heart."

"Your daughter humbly believes the court must not leave loyal families without heirs, nor should we disillusion all those righteous scholars across the land who admire the Xie family."She met Li De's gaze directly, facing the emperor's indifferent stare, and declared word by word: "My elder brother Zhongquan was taught by our maternal uncle in his youth, raised in the Xie family, and inherited its teachings. I am willing to devote myself to Your Majesty, and my brother likewise wishes to share Your Majesty's burdens. I petition for my brother to be appointed as the heir of the Xie family, to continue its lineage and prevent its extinction, so that all loyal subjects across the land may feel the grace of Your Majesty's virtue."

Having spoken, Yaoying bowed deeply.

Everyone in the hall stared at her in stunned silence, as if struck hard on the head, their minds buzzing with shock.

The Guanzhong region had already been restored to peace and was growing increasingly prosperous.

They indulged in pleasure and revelry amid peace and prosperity, while the Xie family only had overgrown grave mounds left behind.

"Your Majesty, I second the proposal."

Zheng Yu knelt.

Others followed suit one by one.

Since Li Zhongqian threatened Crown Prince Li Xuanzhen's position, Xie Guifei had become Empress, and the Xie family line had been severed, it would be best to have Li Zhongqian adopted into the Xie family.

This would both continue the Xie surname—held in lofty esteem among the common people—avoid conflict among the princes and court instability, and spare Li Zhongqian's life.

Li De sat on the couch, watching Yaoying remain motionless, calm and resolute amid the ministers' continuous chorus of assent, and was momentarily dazed.

No wonder she had said those words when she came to see him that day.

No wonder she had just claimed to want nothing.

So that was it.

Seventh Lady had never intended to bargain with him. He had used her to intimidate the ministers and thoroughly resolve the scourge of Zhu Lvyun, and she had gone along with it, seizing the opportunity to secure a chance at survival for her mother and brother.

First, she generously offered to marry in someone else's stead, invoking the Xie family's goodwill. Then, when the ministers urgently needed to ease the tension, she incited them to advocate for Xie Guifei as Empress. Finally, she proposed adopting Li Zhongqian into the Xie family—every step had been calculated.

The court ministers would not help her without reason. Among them, who had secretly formed an alliance with her?

Zheng Prime Minister was not one to speak out for justice.

He had never taken this daughter seriously.

He never expected to have underestimated her.

What a pity she was Xie Manyuan's daughter.

If she had been born of Tang Ying, she might have made a capable right-hand to Li Xuanzhen.

Li De waved his hand. "Approved."

The ministers kowtowed repeatedly.

Li De did not wish to see Li Yaoying any longer and rose to return to his seat.

Du Du Pei did not follow but helped Yaoying up, asking with concern, "Princess, shall I escort you back?"

Yaoying shook her head, thanked Du Du Pei, and left the inner hall.

Xie Qing was waiting for her outside. "Princess, the Golden Guard have already subdued Rong Fei."

Yaoying nodded.

She had only asked Li De to punish Rong Fei and treat Xie Guifei well because she knew her position was weak—Li De might not keep his promises, and making more demands would be useless.

He had even deceived his confidant Xie Wuliang, let alone her?

So today, she had played along with Li De's act of fatherly affection and filial piety, then publicly demanded her reward, leaving him no room to renege.

From today onward, Li Zhongqian was no longer his son.

Elder Brother was free.