In a noble household like the Duke Ding’s, even a divorce for a married daughter was just a matter of saying the word, let alone breaking off an engagement. But because everyone in the family was fiercely loyal to the Empress Dowager, Liang Youyi’s attempt to break the engagement had become nearly impossible.

All because Fu Zhang brought benefits to the Empress Dowager and the Duke Ding’s household.

But she had to end it. She was determined.

Fang Ling saw her eyes red with fury and sighed. She pointed to the two treasures originally prepared for Fu Zhang: The thousand-year red coral from Ningguo and Master Songqing’s painting Ten Thousand Miles of Crimson

“Princess, what should we do with these?”

The coral was a rare spiritual artifact—the largest, heaviest, and oldest red coral ever found on the Eastern Continent. It had once been a national treasure of Ningguo.

But after a disaster struck Ningguo this year, the royal family had to liquidate assets. Liang Youyi acquired the coral by trading a Songqing painting and tens of thousands of bushels of grain with the Minister of Revenue.

Ten Thousand Miles of Crimson was a legendary work by Master Songqing, the first to blend impressionistic and realistic styles. His paintings were priceless and fiercely contested across the continent.

“Take them to Qilin Pavilion and put them up for public auction,” Liang Youyi said. “Starting bid no less than 1,000 taels each.”

Qilin Pavilion specializes in selling the rarest treasures. If auctioned there, the prices would soar. If the conflict couldn’t be resolved, then she would escalate it. Let those with power help her resolve it.

Earlier this year, Fu Zhang had been promoted to Prime Minister by the young emperor and his mother. The Grand Empress Dowager had voiced concerns, saying he lacked the virtue and talent to lead the court.

On the Mid-Autumn Festival, Fu Zhang invited Liang Youyi to East Lake to admire the moon. He mentioned he’d soon travel south to inspect grain transport and salt affairs on behalf of the emperor—and “casually” brought up court politics:

“The Grand Empress Dowager’s faction opposes me at every turn. Though I lead the court, I walk on thin ice.”

“I hear she loves Master Songqing’s paintings. If I could please her, my position would be much more secure.”

Liang Youyi had replied: “Just focus on your trip to Jiangnan. I’ll find a Songqing painting and present it to the Grand Empress Dowager when you return.”

Over the past few months, she’d worked tirelessly—not only securing the painting, but also acquiring the thousand-year red coral. If both treasures were presented to the Grand Empress Dowager, Fu Zhang’s future would be limitless.

But now? She would never give them to him. He wasn’t worth it.

Fang Ling wrapped the coral and painting in black cloth and quietly delivered them to the Qilin Pavilion. On the consignment form, she emphasized: promote the auction heavily, highlight the coral’s rumored longevity-enhancing properties, and ensure everyone in Tianfeng City knew about it.

Qilin Pavilion promised: with enough silver, nothing was impossible.

Liang Youyi then summoned Die Jin to her study.

Die Jin was a martial arts master, unmatched in skill, and her most trusted companion. She had saved his life in Jiangnan, and he’d protected her for ten years.

“Diejin, go to Lingyin Pavilion and commission an investigation. I want everything on Fu Zhang’s background—especially his relationship with Yao Suyi. Leave no detail out.”

The “prophetic dream” couldn’t be mentioned. It had to remain secret. She had never doubted Fu Zhang before. But now, she would uncover everything. She wanted hard evidence. Step by step, she would destroy him—turn him into a discarded pawn, ruined and disgraced. She handed Die Jin a stack of silver notes. Lingyin Pavilion charged by difficulty, and investigating a top court official like Fu Zhang would cost at least 1,000 taels.

“Also, find out why the young lord of Prince Qi’s household returned to the capital now. Did he travel with Fu Zhang? Be discreet.”

Die Jin accepted the task and leapt over the wall. By dusk, he returned with news: “Princess, the Prime Minister has had an accident.”

Fang Zhi immediately asked: “Dead?”

Die Jin: …

“His carriage overturned on the road. It shattered. The Prime Minister, his sister-in-law, and niece were all injured.”

Fang Zhi growled, “Why didn’t he die?”

Die Jin: …

“His head was gashed, one leg broken. His sister-in-law and niece were also badly hurt. The driver walked over ten miles to find help—otherwise they’d have frozen to death.”

Liang Youyi was surprised. She’d only flicked a pearl—how did the crash get so severe?

Fu Zhang couldn’t figure it out either. Why had the horse panicked? Why did the carriage shatter so easily? Why was his head bleeding and his leg broken?

The crash site had no potholes or traps. The snow and mud were no different from anywhere else. The only clue: a rare Eastern pearl was found nearby. Had the horse slipped on it?

“It must’ve been the Princess and her companions galloping past that startled our horse,” Yao Suyi sobbed, her arm in a sling. “Does she even care about Uncle?”

The old madam, incited to fury, shouted: “She’s a troublemaker! Not even married yet, and she’s already disrespecting her sister-in-law and fiancé. If she marries in, she’ll tear the manor apart!”

“She’s a princess. What if she gets angry and breaks off the engagement?” Yao Suyi added, feigning concern.

“Break off the engagement? My son is the Prime Minister! Noble ladies are lining up to marry him! She’s a twenty-year-old spinster—if she breaks it off, who would take her?”

“The late emperor granted this marriage. It cannot be dissolved lightly!” Fu Zhang had been brooding since his return.

Didn’t he want to confront Liang Youyi? She knew he hated her associating with those idle nobles—yet she galloped with them to provoke him! Not only did she mingle with men, but she also caused his injury.

But then, his colleagues came to visit and mentioned Qilin Pavilion’s upcoming auction of two legendary treasures: Ningguo’s thousand-year red coral and Master Songqing’s Ten Thousand Miles of Crimson.

After they left, Fu Zhang sent his guard, Zhao Hu, to investigate. He learned the treasures were already on display and would be auctioned soon.

The Qilin Pavilion manager had exclaimed: “These two treasures—worth more than a prince!”

The words were casual, but Fu Zhang took them seriously. The coral was said to prolong life! If he gifted both to the Grand Empress Dowager, his future would be secured.

He told his mother and sister-in-law, “Don’t mention breaking off the engagement again. These treasures start at 2,000 taels each—the final price will be much higher. The Princess owns a government-sanctioned tavern and has plenty of silver. If she buys them for me, all the better.”

His mother agreed immediately: “Yes! Have the Princess buy them and gift them to you. Your career will flourish—and she’ll benefit too!”

Yao Suyi fretted: “But the Princess seemed upset. What if she refuses to pay?”

Fu Zhang scoffed: “Impossible! All these years, whenever I so much as lifted a finger, she rushed to help. She knows I’m angry—she’ll do everything she can to win me back and deliver the treasures as an apology.”

“She mustn’t be forgiven easily!” His mother slammed her cane on the floor. “Galloping with men, causing my son’s injury—unless she kneels and knocks her head ten times, she won’t be forgiven!”