WBSGVS Chapter 202 V1

When Qing Li finished lunch at Prince Duan’s manor and was driven back to the palace by Lu Pingyuan, some people who had previously remained on the sidelines could no longer sit back and do nothing.

“It seems Princess Leyi has some ability!”

“Prince Duan invited her over. You know, previously the prince only invited masters with a great reputation!”

“I saw it myself during the incident with Elder Zhao the other day. Princess Leyi is no ordinary person. Otherwise, how could a ten-year-old princess and her five-year-old brother survive under Consort Shu’s control after losing their mother’s protection? Consort Shu isn’t a kind or soft woman!”

“It’s not strange that Princess Leyi lived… what’s strange is that Fourth Prince made it through alive, too. I heard when the two left the palace, Consort Shu’s palace was filled with newly replaced porcelain!”

“Recently, I’ve been feeling a bit unlucky myself. Maybe I should visit Princess Leyi, see if she can help me turn things around.”

More and more people were eager to try their luck. Even concubines in the harem, who previously avoided her for fear of touching anything related to witchcraft, came forward, wondering if there might be a way Princess Leyi could make Emperor Sima Heng view them more favorably.

Qing Li, however, turned them away. She studied mysticism and fate; her skills were not about solving problems with a piece of talisman paper. She could help people avoid disasters or clear up doubts, but she couldn’t change their fates.

Her frankness made her all the more popular.

The invitations kept pouring in.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Qilin Hall grew heavier by the day.

Today, Sima Yan came bouncing in after a good report from his teacher. His mood was light, and a eunuch followed him in. But just then, Sima Chang walked past him, hands behind his back and eyebrows knotted in a deep frown.

Sima Yan faltered for a moment, then called out, “Imperial Brother.”

Sima Chang glanced at him, and a feeling of restlessness rose in his chest. There was a strange mixture in his expression — a bit of envy and a bit of irritation — when he looked at this naïve child.

He was already ten years old. At that age, Sima Chang had teamed up with Consort Wan to resist Consort Shu. But this kid was sheltered, with a powerful older sister protecting him. Why hadn’t Sima Chang gotten that kind of luck?

He forced a weak smile and said, “Fourth Brother, you must be worn out from your studies. Go back and rest. The days are still quite hot.”

“Okay.” Sima Yan nodded and darted back toward his room.

Blocks of ice were already placed there. As soon as he entered, a rush of icy air made him shiver, but it also made him close his eyes in contentment.

Outside, Sima Chang pressed his lips together; the oppressive, humid air seemed to weigh more on him. Shortly after, Fu Cheng, Yi Han, and Sima Qinghe arrived. After entering and dismissing the servants, Sima Chang immediately said, “I think… we may have gotten it all wrong!”

Silence fell across the room.

They weren’t fools; it was clear the person they’d thought was easily manipulated was, in reality, a formidable wall.

The more powerful Qing Li became, the more threatening her presence was — a pressure none of them could ignore.

Yi Han closed his eyes briefly. He and Fu Cheng remained outside the palace and were able to observe firsthand the change in attitude from court ministers toward Qing Li. His clan was already pressuring him to apologize to her and resolve the marriage dispute.

He said quietly, “But we’ve crossed the point of no return. Do you think she’d pretend it all never happened?”

Sima Chang’s face tightened briefly and then smoothed over again. His fear came from the knowledge that Qing Li had gotten rid of two servants who had cared for her for years without a hint of softness. She was not someone who acted impulsively; she held grudges.

If she were to rise in power, their future would be in danger.

Sighing quietly, Sima Chang said, “Prince Duan invited her over. Once he endorses her ability, this marriage might be called off!”

He wished, in that moment, that he hadn’t gotten involved in this mess on Sima Qinghe’s account. There were other choices… Why hadn’t he made a different move?

As soon as these words fell, a eunuch rushed in to report: “Your Highness, our people saw Princess Leyi being personally walked back by Prince Duan. His attitude toward her was extremely respectful.”

The four men turned pale. The worst-case scenario was already happening. Princess Leyi might be able to consolidate her power and connect herself to nearly all the ministers in the court. Once that happened, the marriage would surely be called off.

For those who had crossed her, the future seemed bleak.

This was especially true for Third Prince Sima Chang, who had prepared for the throne for years.

As the men were discussing their options, a small voice interrupted their conversation. “Maybe… I should go instead…”

The men fell silent and turned their heads. There stood Sima Qinghe, head lowered, tears falling quietly from her cheeks.

Who would have thought the previously sheltered Princess Sima Qinghe would show such a vulnerable side?

Sima Chang felt a spark of compassion, but now, afraid of Qing Li, he remained silent. If it were in the past, he would have boldly said: Anyone can go… just not my Royal Sister. But now, he kept his peace.

Fu Cheng and Yi Han were less cautious. They cared for Sima Qinghe and couldn’t bear the thought of her suffering, especially Yi Han, who hadn’t forgotten the punishment Yi Yue received previously.

Both of them spoke in unison: “No!”

Sima Chang furrowed his brows, remained silent.

Sima Qinghe raised her head slightly, a bitter smile touching her lips. “But… she’s already gotten close to so many people. What can we do now?”

Yi Han said coldly, “I have a way!”

“Quick, tell us!” Fu Cheng pressed.

Sima Qinghe’s eyes glimmered with nervous hope, as if all her future depended on Yi Han.

This made Yi Han’s expression grow more solemn, because his plan was: “We should team up with Zhou Xing. He doesn’t want a war, and we don’t want Princess Leqin’s marriage. If Princess Qing Li finds refuge in Prince Duan, Zhou Xing might be the only person who can keep her in check!”

“That’s… making a deal with the devil.” Fu Cheng furrowed his brows.