Chapter Fifty-Two: Striking at the Weak Spot

As soon as Yu Yang entered, she saw Gu Li sitting at the table, quietly gazing at the white jade hairpin in her hand. Resting on the table was also a skewer of candied hawthorn, seemingly too precious to eat.

Yu Yang knew well that the white jade hairpin had been bought by Lie Chang’an as a gift for Gu Li. Now, seeing the thoughtful look on Gu Li’s face, and recalling her observations over the past few days, Yu Yang understood that while Lie Chang’an was usually reserved and indifferent, he was anything but that with this princess.

Having roamed the martial world for years, Yu Yang was perceptive and shrewd; she could not fail to notice the subtle affections blossoming between Gu Li and Lie Chang’an. This troubled her greatly.

After all, such feelings would seriously undermine her plans.

If Lie Chang’an truly harbored feelings for Gu Li, then her intention to win his trust through a feigned romance, so as to confirm his true identity, would be thwarted.

Never mind whether Lie Chang’an really was Gao Lie; if he was not, then their love was no concern of hers. But if he was...

There could never be anything between the two of them.

With this thought, Yu Yang’s mind grew calm. She took a seat opposite Gu Li, watching her in silence.

Gu Li sensed the unfriendly intent in Yu Yang’s gaze. She lifted her eyes and asked, “Is there something you want?”

Yu Yang’s lips curled beneath her veil, her eyes colder still. “You two are not suited for each other.”

Gu Li’s hand tightened around the white jade hairpin, at last understanding the source of Yu Yang’s animosity.

She stared intently at Yu Yang, then suddenly let out a cold laugh. “And you are?”

“At any rate, more suited than you,” Yu Yang replied.

“You—!” Gu Li bit her lip in anger, her pride forbidding any sign of weakness. She retorted with a sneer, “And how are you more suited than I? From what I’ve seen these days, Chang’an seems rather indifferent to you.”

Yu Yang was unbothered. She smiled faintly. “There’s plenty of time.”

Gu Li was left speechless with frustration.

Indeed, with her status, Gu Li had never been contradicted before. Now, being challenged, and on the subject of her most painful vulnerability, she found herself defenseless.

“There’s too great a gap between your stations. Though a general and a princess might be a fitting match—General Chang’an is young and accomplished, with many military honors—yet you, the princess, are far too cherished. With the general’s humble background, I doubt the emperor would ever approve.”

Gu Li froze, staring warily at Yu Yang, astonished by her choice of words.

Yu Yang had expected this reaction. She smiled lightly. “No need to be on edge. I mean you no harm.”

Gu Li asked seriously, “How do you know who we are?”

“That night at the inn, when the fire broke out, I overheard your maid call out ‘General Chang’an’ in her panic.”

Yu Yang would not admit she had long since investigated everything. She merely said, “Only the emperor’s dragon and phoenix heirs would merit such devoted protection from the famed General Chang’an—the Crown Prince and the Princess Danqing of this dynasty.”

Gu Li asked, “Since you know, what is your purpose?”

“My purpose?” Yu Yang laughed, her icy gaze taking on a hint of intrigue. “As I said, I mean you no harm.”

Of course, Gu Li did not believe her. Still, she pressed no further.

Given the circumstances, she knew Yu Yang would not answer even if she asked.

Judging by Yu Yang’s injuries, it seemed she would not be able to leave them behind anytime soon.

So be it. Gu Li was curious to see just what game Yu Yang intended to play.

Yu Yang gazed at Gu Li’s delicate face. Her bright, shining eyes seemed untouched by trouble; if any worries did arise, they would vanish in an instant, swept away by a heart untainted since childhood.