TSWRLM -Chapter 284 Can the Wei Family’s Ancestors’ Coffin Lids Still Hold Him Down?

The first flower-picker finished their performance, and the crowd began bidding. Princess Hengyang tilted her head and asked Xiao Qinghe, “He’er, what do you think of him? Shall we call him over for a closer look?”

Xiao Qinghe quickly shook her head. “Thank you for your kindness, Princess, but it’s fine. Watching from here is enough for me.”

Princess Hengyang assumed she was shy and reassured her: “Since we came all this way, just looking wouldn’t be enough fun. Your little aunt and I couldn’t, being pregnant, but now you’re free. You can do whatever you like.”

Princess Hengyang spoke bluntly and boldly, making Xiao Qinghe blush. She glanced at Chun Xi for help, and Chun Xi lightly cleared her throat to explain: “Princess, I actually adhere strictly to the ways of a proper woman.”

Even if she weren’t pregnant, she was just here for the fun, without other thoughts.

Chun Xi then asked, “Princess, why suddenly feel like seeking amusement? Did the prince consort do something to upset you?”

At the mention of the prince consort, Princess Hengyang’ expression faltered. She lowered her gaze, avoiding Chun Xi’s eyes, and answered stiffly, “I am pregnant now. He would treat me like a goddess, so how could he dare do anything to make me unhappy?”

It was just that previously she had said she wanted to preserve her father’s line, and that dog of a man seemed to take her seriously. A few days ago, she had accidentally discovered a divorce decree in the study, sealed with a private stamp.

That dog actually planned to request a divorce after she gave birth!

Princess Hengyang felt a bit panicked but could not bring herself to beg him to stay.

The princess’s residence had plenty of people eager to care for the child. She didn’t need this dog of a consort; even if divorced, her status would allow her to marry a young, handsome prince easily.

It was just that this dog’s appearance was so good that finding someone better-looking wouldn’t be easy.

Chun Xi already knew Princess Hengyang’ habit of saying one thing and meaning another, but she didn’t want to press the matter and didn’t pursue it further.

Soon, several more young men came out in turn to perform their talents, singing or dancing. Each had their strengths and were pleasing to watch, though perhaps because the prince consort’s beauty had raised her standards, Chun Xi was not particularly impressed.

Just as boredom and drowsiness began to set in, a masked man in black appeared, holding a sword.

Chun Xi, mid-yawn, froze and instinctively looked at Xiao Qinghe, catching her equally astonished gaze.

Princess Hengyang whispered: “Huh? Didn’t Lanshu just say their pavilion master rarely performs? Why is he out again?”

This person was not Xiao Yecheng!

Both Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe denied it in their minds.

Though the mask covered the entire face except the eyes, his posture and gait made it clear—the man before them was Wei Lingze.

The performers from Wuyou Pavilion displayed talents and picked flowers to entertain guests and fetch high bids. Even if Wei Lingze had suffered setbacks, he wouldn’t need to sell his charm here, right?

Though Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe recognized him, the situation was so surreal that they could hardly believe it.

Among the flowers, Wei Lingze swiftly began his sword dance.

Though he had lost miserably at the winter hunt, his aura far surpassed the Wuyou Pavilion performers. Without competition pressure, his swordplay was fluid and graceful, branches and petals swirling around him—it was mesmerizing to watch.

“I knew it, the others are far inferior.”

Princess Hengyang clicked her tongue, and without waiting for Wei Lingze to finish, she shook her bell to place a bid.

Xiao Qinghe instinctively tried to stop her: “Your Highness, you mustn’t!”

Although she had divorced Wei Lingze, meeting him in such a setting could not only be awkward but might also cause trouble.

Princess Hengyang had not recognized Wei Lingze and, seeing Xiao Qinghe’s objection, asked curiously, “What’s wrong? Are you quarrelling with the pavilion master? He wasn’t good to you before? Do you disdain him for his low status?”

“I don’t disdain him…”

Xiao Qinghe denied it, unsure how to explain. Chun Xi stepped in: “Princess, you’re mistaken. This person isn’t the pavilion master. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Lanshu.”

Princess Hengyang waved it off: “No need for Lanshu. I’ll just pay to call him over and ask myself.”

At that moment, Wei Lingze finished his dance. In his final pose, he flipped his wrist and the sword tip gently plucked a budding rose.

The finishing pose was stunning. Several guests immediately bid, and Princess Hengyang did not dare fall behind—raising her bid to five thousand taels. Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe’s eyes twitched, hesitating whether to reveal the truth. But a bell rang—a bid of ten thousand taels came in.

“Heh, someone’s even richer than me,” Princess Hengyang muttered stubbornly, ready to bid higher.

Chun Xi quickly stopped her: “Princess, he’s just a performer. Spending ten thousand taels is not worth it. Besides, he’s wearing a mask—he might be ugly.”

“But his sword dance is beautiful. If he’s ugly, he can put the mask back on afterward.”

Princess Hengyang was unfazed. Chun Xi tried to intervene again, but in the flower cluster, Wei Lingze turned to leave.

He didn’t intend to serve guests—he just wanted to prove that his charm remained and that many women were still infatuated, and that He’er would eventually return to him.

But after two steps, seven or eight guards surrounded him: “Our master has taken a fancy to you and already bid ten thousand taels. By the rules, you must meet our master.”

Lanshu appeared just in time: “Everyone, this is our pavilion master. He came just for fun, to entertain, not to receive guests.”

“The last time you gave us the same excuse. Our master said, if he comes to perform, he must follow Wuyou Pavilion’s rules!”

The guards drew their swords, clearly ready to forcibly take him if he refused.

“Everyone, don’t rush. Today’s matter is entirely my fault. How about this—I’ll go with you to apologize…”

Lanshu tried to mediate, but Wei Lingze had grown impatient. He pushed Lanshu aside, drew his sword, and engaged the guards.

Unlike the graceful swordplay earlier, his attacks now surged with deadly intent. In moments, one guard lay dead under his blade.

The remaining guards, shocked that Wuyou Pavilion’s people dared kill, attacked without holding back. Wei Lingze’s mask was soon struck off.

At the moment his face was revealed, Chun Xi heard exclamations from multiple directions. Princess Hengyang, stopped from bidding further, widened her eyes.

“Wei Lingze? Are my eyes failing me? Wei Lingze actually came to Wuyou Pavilion to perform! Can the Wei family’s ancestors’ coffin lids still hold him down?”

Chun Xi: “……”

Xiao Qinghe: “……”