After the assassination attempt, people immediately worried that the alliance would fail and, instead, provoke a Jin invasion of the border. Li Wanxue, however, understood. A fleeting glance at her grandmother's expression when Hela was attacked, followed by a smile, made it clear that she had anticipated his thoughts and thus obtained what she desired. Beside the Ningdong Prefecture government office stood the "Qia Ru Hall," the highest venue for the Alliance of Peaks to hold banquets. Hela was seated at the head of the north, Li Yi Dao beside him, with Li Yun Xian standing attendance. Together with his adopted son Hela, who, due to uniting with his cousin Wanyan Zonghan in the struggle for succession, was resented by his own uncle, Emperor Wu Qimai of Jin, and demoted to a level equivalent to the Left Prime Minister – "Guo Lun Zuo Bo Ji Lie" – they were seated at the heads of the east and west ends. Li Wanxue tried her best to appear as indifferent as him, as if everything had concluded, and that there was no longer a place for them.
Hela was not frightened by the assassination attempt. Instead, he rejoiced at possessing such strength, which would enable him to face future predicaments. After listening to Zhan Cunmao's report on the capture of the culprit, he rose, descended the steps, and approached Li Wen Jun. He said, "You and I are of the same age, and by months, I am older. I shall call you my sister. Good sister, you have rendered great service this time. How should I reward you?" Li Wen Jun replied, "Grant me a suitable husband." Li Wanxue marveled. If people truly felt this way in their hearts, it would indeed drive them to be increasingly brave! Li Yi Dao said with great affection, "Jun and Sheng have long cherished each other. When His Highness's visit concludes, we shall arrange the wedding." Li Wen Jun's eyes flickered, as if grateful that her great-grandmother had absolved Young Master Lin of the sin of coveting his sworn brother's love. Hela laughed, "I shall bear all the expenses for the dowry."
The grand and dazzling wedding was swiftly arranged within half a month. Before the wedding, Lin Xing Sheng was also appointed by Li Yi Dao as the Captain of the Silver Wing Guard, which was truly commendable. Alas, those demonic curses also spread in secret. "According to Chi Qian Yue's words, Li Wen Jun had already been intimate with him, and then she hooked up with Fatty Lin. When their affair was exposed, they framed her husband." "That woman is a fallen flower, lustful to the extreme. That man is even more of a snobbish villain, abandoning righteousness for profit and stealing wives to betray friends!" "That woman has slept with countless men. When she met a towering figure skilled in seduction, even a divine husband would be fiercely cast aside. They say usefulness matters more than appearance, ha!" Not long after the marriage, the joyous news of pregnancy spread, only further inciting the demons to dance wildly. "It must be the bastard child of the one surnamed Chi. That fatty has lost out big time." "That scavenger picked up a cheap item." "No wonder she shamelessly asked for marriage and rushed to finish the wedding within half a month. It turns out she committed shameless filth." Finally, her stubbornness and his tolerance, the accumulated distance and contradictions were triggered.
After his marriage, Lin Xing Sheng was granted the name Li Wang Zi. He petitioned to replace Chen Ti Yu in patrolling the winter defense equipment of the garrison stationed outside. Upon his return, he remained in the Silver Wing Guard barracks to stay overnight, and the rumors gradually subsided. A casual remark from his grandmother stirred Li Wanxue's thoughts. After all, they had been living separately for over four months. Although her daughter appeared calm and even comforted her, as a mother, how could she stand idly by? She arrived at the camp entrance. Under the setting sun, with spring rain falling, the wind rippled the pond, making the jade tree appear gaunt. He had lost a lot of weight, his cheeks now devoid of those "two fleshy bits," making him handsome and dashing, yet also losing his approachability. Li Wang Zi discovered Li Wanxue and stepped forward to salute, "I wish Mother peace and longevity." Li Wanxue glared at him and said, "If you miss her, why don't you go see her?" Li Wang Zi sighed and said, "I fear that once I see her, I will not be able to fulfill my original promise." Li Wanxue could not fathom his words. Seeing him in contemplation, she could only wait patiently. Li Wang Zi said with a hint of shyness, "At the time of our engagement, I promised to make her smile ordinarily every day." Ah! I, too, am moved by you. To be able to live ordinarily is already remarkable... Li Wanxue suddenly realized. He was orchestrating this play to allow her Jun'er to peacefully and happily nurture her pregnancy. Li Wang Zi frankly stated, "Indeed, there were disputes while investigating or trying to pacify the situation. Later, I realized this matter was not mere slander, so I decided to go with the flow, exposing them while we secretly investigated and then devised a plan."
Tomorrow, they would celebrate her grandson's "full moon" ceremony. Li Wanxue arrived at the residence a day early to make arrangements. Gazing at her daughter, who was watching the increasingly plump baby with eyes full of happiness and pride, Li Wanxue felt a pang of guilt. When she learned of her pregnancy back then, she had been suddenly filled with disgust and shame. She also felt ashamed that while her daughter was in labor late at night, Fatty Lin only returned from the barracks the next morning. Although she understood that he had rushed back as quickly as possible, seeing her daughter suffering so intensely and the person who could comfort her the most absent, her resentment was inevitably directed at him. Such scolding was a thing of the past... towards that wooden man. She waited until they were all squeezed together as a family of three, then found an excuse to hide in a dark corner, lest others see her expression and she lose face again.
At that moment, a servant announced that Chen Ti Yu requested an audience with Li Wen Jun. Li Wanxue advised her to refuse the meeting on the grounds of propriety. Since undertaking the task of mediating between Chi Chen's two men under her great-grandmother's orders, his attitude had been quite perfunctory, as if he considered himself already in possession. After being exposed for being in love with Young Master Lin, there had been no further contact. Li Wen Jun curiously asked, "His sudden visit, and so early in the morning. What is his intention?"
Li Wen Jun met Chen Ti Yu at the Shuixin Pavilion, with the maid Jing Bo attending. Chen Ti Yu presented a brocade box with both hands, saying, "The silver-inlaid agate璎珞圈 in the box is to congratulate your daughter on her 'full moon' tomorrow." Li Wen Jun nodded her thanks and gestured for Jing Bo to come forward and receive it.
At such a crucial juncture, he still disregards me? Chen Ti Yu added, "Put it on your daughter immediately. She will look very beautiful!"
Li Wen Jun still did not understand his intentions, but she could not tolerate his attitude and tone. She calmly said, "Alright."
Whether you listen or not, my heart is already laid bare. If you hate me in the future, then hate me... To receive your hatred is better than nothing.
Li Wanxue, who was monitoring from a distance to prevent further gossip, noticed that Chen Ti Yu seemed to have something to say but couldn't. However, when she later examined it with her daughter, Jing Bo could find no trace of anything inside or outside the brocade box placed on the table. Subsequently, congratulatory gifts from various parties poured in, and the preparations for the "full moon" ceremony the next day were also cumbersome, keeping her busy until late at night. On the bed, past joys and sorrows surged forth, becoming uncontrollable. Unable to sleep, Li Wanxue simply went out for a night stroll and wandered to the pond in the courtyard. Once her thoughts settled slightly, she began to ponder the matter of Chen Ti Yu. He intended to report it, but why hide it so discreetly? Or did she overlook something? Who else wanted to harm this young couple? Her grandmother had been in high spirits recently, painstakingly choosing a name for her little great-grandchild... Was it Jiang Chu Dao? Or...
Before long, it was dawn. Li Wang Zi returned home in a hurry, strode past the pavilions, and met Li Wanxue, saying flusteredly, "I wish Mother peace and longevity. Commander Chen replaced me on military duty, which allowed me to return so early. I rushed back as quickly as possible." Hey, you silly fatty, am I really that fierce? Li Wanxue inwardly scoffed, unable to help but laugh, and said, "Did Chen Ti Yu mention anything else?" Li Wang Zi shook his head and said, "He only spoke about the first batch of Silver Wing Guards deployed to the Jin state. He merely said he sent an璎珞圈 before returning to the camp. Is something amiss?" Li Wanxue told him everything about Chen Ti Yu's early visit and their mother-daughter speculation. She felt he was a bit distracted, likely due to missing his wife and daughter dearly, and the fatigue from his journey, so she urged him to rest in his room first.
Li Wang Zi woke up early the next day. Before he could even step out of his room, a servant came to inform him that Li Yi Dao's carriage was not far from the residence and would arrive soon. He accompanied Li Wanxue to greet her at the main gate, and then their eldest grandson happily went to Li Wen Jun's room to visit the infant and enjoy family time. Soon, guests began to arrive one after another. This child was ranked as the third generation heir of the Li Prime Minister's family. Who in the Alliance of Peaks and its vicinity would dare not be diligent?
Accompanied by Li Wanxue and Li Wang Zi on either side, Li Yi Dao mingled with guests in various parts of the hall. In the blink of an eye, the auspicious hour of noon approached, and everyone slowly took their seats, preparing to begin the "naming ceremony." Li Wen Jun emerged from the inner courtyard cradling her daughter, like two pieces of jade illuminated by the sun, drawing admiration from the entire hall.
Li Wanxue noticed her grandmother's gaze drifting into the distance. Following her gaze, she saw He Shui Qing, the head of the Qing Ji Institute responsible for security within the Alliance of Peaks, and wearing a vermilion uniform, entering. He Shui Qing, leading four institute members, reported to Li Yi Dao, saying, "I wish the Prime Minister's family peace and comfort. We have discovered a list of anti-Shun individuals among the congratulatory gifts." Li Wang Zi's face turned ashen. He cupped his sleeves and pleaded guilty, "One person's actions are their own responsibility." Before Li Wanxue could speak to help him, she heard the guests on both sides clamoring. She saw his sleeves gradually becoming stained with crimson droplets.
While I feigned amicability with Chi Qian Yue and Chen Ti Yu, you sincerely comforted me and promised, "I will make you smile ordinarily every day." When I was attacked by rumors and the enemy's intentions were unclear, and we had to temporarily separate, you promised, "I will definitely make you smile ordinarily every day." Last night, you still held me and the baby, softly saying, "I will definitely make you both smile ordinarily every day." Li Wen Jun pressed her face into her daughter's chest, unable to bear watching her husband slowly collapse.
Li Wanxue hastily turned her head, meeting her grandmother's gaze. This glance reminded her of that look from back then when she had dared to beg for mercy in front of her elders. Ah! How could she not have foreseen today's outcome? Li Wanxue instantly came to her senses and knew how she should "rectify" the situation. "Although Li Wen Jun is not an accomplice, her guilt cannot be absolved. Since that is the case, that little girl should not be granted the Prime Minister's family name. Let's call her Lin Chaoying," Li Wanxue said. After speaking, she faintly heard her grandmother murmuring, "Too hasty."
Alas, since the cold rain arrived in the morning, we can only guard against the wind that comes in the evening. From now on, to protect my children and grandchildren, I must be more patient and more thoughtful!
This is what she thought at that moment. She really didn't want to think about this matter anymore! Think carefully!
A wave of dizziness washed over her. Leaning against the pillar at the end of the corridor, she caught her breath. Li Wanxue opened her eyes and looked up. The sky was still clear, and the clouds were still light. Hey, you are the most formidable characters, whom no one can defeat...
Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Her daughter, who had been confined to bed, finally succumbed to the wind.
Subsequently, her normally robust grandmother fell ill suddenly and passed away on the verge of death.
The autumn scenery of "Golden Maple Canopy and Verdant Bamboo Enclosure" in the mountain villa, which she had longed for, now appeared as "serenity after slaughter" to Li Wanxue. Stepping into the room, she glanced at her on the chrysanthemum pillow and her heart trembled. She had not seen her for only a few days, yet her appearance had changed again... The grandmother who used to tease her and her sister as a child reappeared before her! Sitting by the bed, she let her hands grope several times, unable to bear it, she finally allowed her to grasp her hand. Li Yi Dao took a deep breath and said weakly, "Your hands are so cold. You must take good care of yourself to stay clear-headed." Li Wanxue couldn't help but smile bitterly. Unfortunately, she could no longer see. It was as if even opening her eyelids was an effort. Something was pressed into her hand. Li Wanxue opened her palm to look – it was a ball of wax. Li Yi Dao's index finger moved slightly outwards, and Li Wanxue understood, "They are all listening to you. Retreat outside." Li Yi Dao said, "There is a handwritten order inside. After I pass, send Li Yun Xian to Shi Yin An to pray for the Alliance of Peaks for fifteen years." Shi Yin An was located on a desolate solitary mountain outside the Northern Star Shield Peak. Imprisoning the powerful Li Yun Xian there, she understood that she feared I would be lenient and nurture a tiger that would become a disaster. However, she also set the route I should take.
Li Yi Dao exerted all her strength to convey her last wish, saying, "Lin Xing Sheng did indeed collude with anti-Shun individuals. He is too devoted to friendship and easily swayed, which will inevitably burden you. Conversely, Ying's temperament is suitable. Find an excuse later to restore her title as 'Li Xiang Shi'."
My Jun'er has compensated for my regrets, but alas, it was too brief. Ying, no matter what, you must obtain it. There is no need to hope for the next generation.
Behind the gate with the plaque "Qi Tu Mountain Villa," Li Wanxue looked up at the blue sky with floating white clouds and softly recited, "A solitary rock at the horizon is called three lives, a drunk immortal entrusts a good marriage. May three labors and three lifetimes be hopeful, one wish and one dream to comfort my heart."