In the Moonlight

The melodious and graceful music suddenly turned halting, like a sobbing spring stream, with strings frozen and fingers stifled.

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

Yaoying remained composed, her delicate hands lifting the wine cup from the emperor’s table. "Today, all the virtuous 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."

With that, 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 coursed through her, a faint blush spread at the corners of her eyes, rippling like spring radiance and 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 trance, while the chieftains of the various tribal clans, already excited, began beating time in admiration. They sprang to their feet in unison, raised their wine bowls, and saluted Li De with loud congratulations.

The rest of the banquet guests, snapping out of their stupor, rose one after another, bowing and proclaiming, "Long live the emperor!"

After a moment of dazed hesitation, 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, acknowledging the crowd with a nod.

The atmosphere of the banquet soared to its peak at this moment.

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

The eyes 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 began to play cheerfully once more.

Guests whispered and murmured among themselves.

The chieftains and princes of the tribal clans made no attempt to conceal their astonishment, inquiring of 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 entrenched in Liangzhou were anything but easy to deal with.

Up on the second-floor platform, the consorts, palace ladies, and noblewomen watched Yaoying, who appeared like a goddess in the candlelight, their expressions complex.

Yaoying did not glance sideways. She walked to the window, sat alone at a table, and poured herself a 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 heading toward the rear palace, guided by a palace maid.

What was he doing in the rear palace?

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

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

The maid looked panicked. "Today, His Majesty decreed that the princess must attend the banquet. The Crown Prince sent someone to her residence, urging her to come without fail, saying that the Seventh Princess would publicly offer 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 she had slipped out through the back window at some point!"

Zheng Biyu’s heart sank.

The Seventh Princess had not yet made the offer to substitute in marriage, and Zhu Lvyun’s engagement to Chieftain Ye Lu had not been annulled. Why had she fled?

Could it be that she did not trust Li Xuanzhen’s assurance of a solution and, fearing the marriage, had run away?Zheng Biyu felt an increasing headache as she pondered, instructing her maid, "Send all guards to discreetly search for the princess’s whereabouts. Check the princess’s residence, her usual haunts, and the places the Crown Prince frequents—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 unknowingly ceased.

The atmosphere grew heavy and tense.

Zheng Biyu signaled for the maid to stay silent, leaning in to listen.

An awkward, deathly silence fell over the hall below, broken only by the crackling of silver candles and a man’s question: "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 and wishes to pledge allegiance, yet your princess mocks and insults our Khan! Since your country has broken faith first, the Yelu Tribe need not honor its promise. Our warriors will defend the Khan’s honor to the death! Prepare for war!"

With that, he smashed his wine bowl and turned to leave.

Other tribal chieftains and princes immediately grew restless, shouting and demanding to see Fukang Princess at once, threatening to withdraw their submission 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 grimmer than those of the inner court ladies.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Diplomatic Relations 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 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 no further complaints."

The officials managed to persuade the Yelu Chieftain to stay, dispatching messengers to find Fukang Princess and hasten her entry into the palace.

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 rising and retreating behind the curtains.

Shortly after, Li De also excused himself and withdrew 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, and it’s unclear how the Yelu Tribe caught wind of this."

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.

Ministers close to the Crown Prince immediately scanned the hall for him and, failing to spot him, secretly wondered: Could the Crown Prince have taken Fukang Princess away?

Zheng Prime Minister scowled coldly, fuming, "Fukang Princess’s actions are utterly willful! She was the one who insisted on publicly proposing the marriage despite the advice against it, and now she flees 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 ensued 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 as he looked at the assembled ministers. "Take a look."

Du Du Pei was the first to step forward, snatching the letter and scanning it before erupting in anger: "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 had been tormented by nightmares every night, unable to eat or sleep peacefully, leaving her no choice but to depart.

Du Du Pei began cursing loudly.

Others coughed awkwardly at his vulgar language, pretending not to hear.

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

Du Du Pei roared: "How can she appear when she's disappeared?"

The rites official stood dumbfounded.

After a moment of contemplation, the Assistant Director of the Palace Library stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the only solution now is to select another noble maiden as a substitute for the marriage alliance."

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've substituted, they reject them all, insisting they'll only marry Fukang Princess!"

The Assistant Director responded calmly: "Fortunately, the palace is hosting a grand banquet today with all marriageable noble maidens and imperial clan daughters present. We could select from among them. With so many young ladies, perhaps the Yelu Tribe might fancy one or two. At worst, we can offer more beauties and dowries as compensation."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed dramatically.

The female guests chatting and laughing upstairs were precisely the family members of all civil and military officials - their sisters, daughters, granddaughters, and nieces!

Who could bear to send their precious daughters to marry into the grasslands?

While everyone inwardly cursed the Assistant Director for his nonsense, Li De showed thoughtful consideration, seemingly pondering the suggestion.

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

Li De raised his head and declared: "It seems this is our only option."

The ministers looked as if they had lost their parents, sweat dripping from their temples.

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

Just as the ministers were overwhelmed and helpless, footsteps suddenly sounded outside.

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

The ministers stared in surprise.

Li De said: "Let her in."

Yaoying entered the hall as summoned, walking calmly under the astonished gazes of the ministers until she reached Li De. She bowed gracefully, then lifted her head: "Your Majesty, I have heard of Fukang Princess's escape and the Yelu Tribe's fury. The barbarians are restless, armed and ready for conflict. I cannot bear to watch the noble maidens live in fear, nor witness the court plunged into war over this matter. I volunteer to replace Fukang Princess in the marriage alliance to pacify the barbarians."

The inner hall fell into profound silence, where even a dropped needle would be heard.

Du Du Pei whispered: "Seventh Princess, you are my Pei family's daughter-in-law..."

Yaoying looked at Du Du Pei.

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

She paused, then declared resolutely: "Though I am but a woman, I too possess patriotic determination. I am willing to serve my country with my very person, without hesitation!"

The young maiden's voice, though delicate, rang out clearly word by word, echoing through the spacious inner hall and resonating in every minister's heart.

Everyone felt deeply moved, momentarily speechless.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 straightened her back: "I fear not, nor do I regret."

She knelt in the hall, her gaze clear and serene.

"Setting forth, never to return, the plains vast and the road far; / With long swords and Qin bows, head severed from body but heart unyielding; / Truly brave and martial, ever strong and unyielding; / Though the body perishes, the spirit endures, the soul steadfast as a heroic ghost!"

"My late uncle taught my brother and me: if it benefits the nation, seek no riches; defend the homeland, 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 the dynasty. Though I am but a woman, I uphold the Xie family's teachings. Like my uncle, I vow to serve the country loyally, even if it means ten thousand deaths."

Those present exchanged silent, shaken glances, rendered speechless for a long while.

They too could utter these words, perhaps even more fervently than the Seventh Princess.

But who could speak them with greater sincerity?

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

Not a single member of the Xie family survived, their lineage utterly extinguished. 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 people.

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

While noble families schemed for their own gains, the Xie family alone stood unwavering in principle.

So resolute.

So obstinate.

And so admirable.

Thus, when the Seventh Princess spoke such words, the ministers did not doubt her resolve and breadth of vision.

Li De sighed, gazing at Yaoying with apparent reluctance.

The officials grew uneasy, sweating profusely.

After a long pause, Li De waved his hand: "Good, very good. Seventh Daughter truly shares my blood and has not dishonored the name of her maternal Xie family."

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

The officials stood dumbfounded for a moment before stumbling out in haste.

Soon, cheers erupted outside the hall, and an official hurried back inside.

"Your Majesty, the Yelu Chieftain is overjoyed! He says he will return to muster his troops and serve as the vanguard for the Wei army in attacking Liangzhou!"

The crowd gradually regained their composure, a weight lifting from their hearts.

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

Though relieved from their panic, they remained apprehensive and silent.

Suddenly, the Deputy Director of the Palace Library stepped forward and bowed deeply to Yaoying: "Your Highness's noble righteousness shames this unworthy subject!"

He raised his head, eyes red-rimmed, and scanned the room.

"The Princess truly deserves to be a Princess of Great Wei and a daughter of the Li family! The Fukang Princess was originally a remnant of the previous dynasty. Out of pity for her loneliness and helplessness, His Majesty took her in, lavishing care and indulgence upon her, granting her every wish. Yet the Fukang Princess showed no gratitude, ignored righteousness, repeatedly attempted to assassinate His Majesty. Though pained, His Majesty could not bear to punish her harshly, exceptionally bestowing upon her the title of Fukang Princess and cherishing her as before."

"Still unrepentant, the Fukang Princess conspired with external enemies to disrupt the court, not only secretly communicating with Southern Chu but also plotting with Yiqing Grand Princess—who had married into the Turks—to invade Guanzhong from the south!"

The crowd paled in shock upon hearing this.

"Is this true?"The Assistant Secretary of the Imperial Library sneered coldly: "The evidence of Fukang Princess's treason is irrefutable. His Majesty, 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, but our Li family's princess is willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of the nation by taking her place in marriage!"

"His Majesty has shown utmost benevolence to Fukang Princess! The last emperor of the former Zhu dynasty was tyrannical and incompetent, bringing calamity to the state and its people, oppressing the common folk. All under heaven longed 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 the barbarians? The Li family has been loyal for generations, fulfilling their duties with utmost devotion. Yet His Majesty's father and brothers were brutally slaughtered by the Zhu family. His Majesty accepted the mandate in times of crisis, forced to rise up to protect the people of Wei Commandery, leading righteous warriors to reclaim the mountains and rivers, restore the empire, and bring peace and prosperity to the people. His Majesty owes nothing to the Zhu family! We owe nothing to the Zhu family! This empire owes nothing to the Zhu family!"

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

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 play she and Li De had arranged in advance.

Li De hid Zhu Lvyun, sent Li Xuanzhen away, while she volunteered to marry. The Assistant Secretary of the Imperial Library deliberately fanned the flames and stirred up emotions. Finally, when she agreed to marry, the Assistant Secretary publicly denounced Zhu Lvyun, tearing open the festering wounds in everyone's hearts.

Both the Li family and the court officials were former subjects of the previous dynasty. When the last emperor sent messengers seeking help, the Li family stood by and did nothing, while the ministers were powerless to assist.

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

Li De adopted Zhu Lvyun, patiently tolerated her, indulged her, letting her gradually erode the officials' guilt and nostalgia for the previous dynasty.

Then today, they completely shattered the carefully maintained facade of peace, laying the bloody truth bare before everyone.

The emperor's wrath, even when implied, could terrify officials 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.

Li De looked at the officials prostrating at his feet and smiled faintly, remaining silent.

The officials dared not move a muscle.

As the candlelight flickered, Li De's snow-white temples gleamed faintly. He turned to Yaoying: "Seventh Daughter, I am deeply gratified that you have shown such loyalty to the state. Do you have any wishes? Whatever I can accomplish, I will certainly grant them for you."

Yaoying bowed solemnly, her voice clear: "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 Rong Fei and treat Xie Guifei well, and he had agreed.

Now, why was she 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 served the state and its people—she is 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 Xie Guifei!"

Other ministers immediately echoed his sentiment.

"Xie Guifei, as the legitimate daughter of the Xie family, comes from a noble and pure lineage. She is virtuous, elegant, and refined. She accompanied Your Majesty in times of hardship, sharing both joys and sorrows, never shirking from toil."

"How heartbroken must the Noble 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 vying to praise Xie Guifei while subtly hinting to the emperor: they stood firmly by the Li family, with no lingering attachment to the former dynasty!

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

"Your Majesty, the Xie clan once rallied their entire family to help Your Majesty reclaim Wei Commandery. Now, the Xie family has perished heroically, the Prince of Qin has expanded Your Majesty's territories while suffering grave injuries, and the Seventh Princess has willingly agreed to a political marriage for Your Majesty's grand cause, soon to depart for a distant land…"

He paused briefly.

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

Before he finished speaking, the ministers were struck dumb with astonishment.

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

So that was it.

She was not without demands but was advancing by retreating.

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

Zheng Yu bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, the Princess's willingness to marry prompted the Yelu Tribe to actively dispatch troops to aid our Wei army in recapturing Liangzhou. If the Seventh Princess were to marry as a legitimate princess, would not the Yelu Chieftain be even more grateful to Your Majesty? As for Consort Xie's illness, palace affairs could be managed by the other consorts."

The implication was clear: the empress title was merely nominal. What mattered more was that Li Yaoying would become a legitimate princess, allowing the court to make greater demands.

As for Xie Guifei, since she was already mentally incapacitated, what harm was there in granting her the empty title of empress?

Moreover, Li De had once promised to share prosperity with the Xie family. Now that the Xie clan was extinct, it was time for Li De to compensate Xie Guifei and her children.

As for whether Li Zhongqian, as a legitimate son, would contend with Li Xuanzhen for the throne, no one was concerned. Even a blind man could see how secure the Crown Prince's position 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 incapacitated, Li Zhongqian was severely wounded, and Li Yaoying was marrying far away… Having just used Zhu Lvyun to warn and intimidate the ministers, causing them fear and unease, he could not afford to disappoint them further now.

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

The ministers secretly breathed sighs of relief, proclaiming, "Long live the Emperor!"

The Emperor's willingness to enfeoff Xie Guifei as Empress indicated he would not immediately discard his veteran ministers like hunting dogs after the game was caught.

Li De observed their expressions keenly, narrowing his eyes.

It seemed there were many in the court who sympathized with the Xie family. He would have to tread carefully.

Just as he was about 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 slightly.

Yaoying remained composed and said, "Your daughter was just thinking of my maternal uncle, and my heart aches with grief. My uncle served Your Majesty tirelessly, devoting his heart and soul. The Xie family demonstrated utter loyalty, yet it is pitiable that my maternal grandfather's line, generations of loyal subjects, has met such a tragic end with no descendants to carry on their name… As your daughter prepares to marry far away, the thought that the Xie family has no descendants to offer sacrifices and sweep their graves weighs heavily on my heart."

"Your daughter humbly believes that the court must not allow loyal subjects to be left without heirs, nor should it disillusion the benevolent scholars and patriots 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, grew up in the Xie family, and inherited the Xie family's teachings. I am willing to devote my loyalty to Your Majesty, and my brother is also willing to share Your Majesty's concerns. I petition for my brother to be appointed as the heir of the Xie family, to continue the Xie lineage and prevent its extinction, so that all loyal and virtuous subjects in the realm may feel the grace of Your Majesty's benevolence."

Having spoken, Yaoying bowed deeply in prostration.

The court officials stared at her in stunned silence, as if struck several blows to 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 amidst peace and prosperity, while the Xie family only had those desolate, overgrown graves left.

"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 was severed, it would be best to have Li Zhongqian adopted into the Xie family.

This would both continue the Xie surname—held in high 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 never intended to bargain with him. He had used her to intimidate the ministers and completely resolve the scourge of Zhu Lvyun, while she went along with it, seeking a chance at survival for her mother and elder brother.

First, she generously offered to marry in place of another, invoking the Xie family's goodwill. Then, when the ministers urgently needed to ease the tension, she incited them to recommend Xie Guifei as Empress. Finally, she proposed adopting Li Zhongqian—every step had been calculated.

The court ministers would not help her without reason. Among them, which ones had secretly formed alliances 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 would have made a fine right-hand aide for 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 exited the inner hall.

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

Yaoying nodded.

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

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

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

From this day on, Li Zhongqian was no longer his son.

Elder Brother was free.