Chapter 26: Testing Lady Tan, Perfectly Tormenting Her Heart

At that moment, the King of Xiang, unable to find Linglong, gathered his guests and led them into the rear garden to search for her. After a fruitless search, he addressed the young gentlemen present: "Master Qin has drunk too much and insists that I return Linglong to him. Why don't you accompany me to let him know that Linglong is indeed not in my garden, lest he later accuse me of harboring his cherished wife."

In truth, his real intention was not to clear himself of the accusation of hiding Linglong, but rather to ensure that the entire city would witness Qin Daofei disgracing his own sister-in-law, leaving him no room for denial.

The guests all thought to themselves: Linglong vanished in your rear garden—who else would he suspect, if not you? If you didn't hide his wife, would she have gone missing on her own? Yet, as he was the King of Xiang, even if they saw through his scheme, none dared to expose him.

Thus, the King of Xiang led the group toward the small pavilion where Liu Fengying and Qin Daofei had gone together. As they walked, he chatted cheerfully with the others, the atmosphere lively and pleasant.

At the pavilion door, the King of Xiang laughed as he pushed it open. "I wonder if Master Qin has fallen asleep yet?"

As the door swung open, all present saw Qin Daofei entwined with a woman on the couch. The woman's clothes were half undone, her face buried against Qin Daofei's chest, making it impossible to discern her appearance.

"My, Master Qin, this is…" The King of Xiang's surprised exclamation caused everyone to crane their necks, eager for a spectacle.

"Oh, you bunch of louts! Do you not know to knock before entering?" Linglong, flustered, lifted her face from Qin Daofei's chest, clutching her disheveled gown and glaring at them in outrage.

Uh!

"Linglong?" The King of Xiang was taken aback to see her, someone who should not have been there. Noticing her disarray, he quickly grasped the situation and shouted fiercely, "All of you, get out!"

None of the young gentlemen dared offend the favored young prince; they scrambled to retreat outside.

Linglong leisurely adjusted the fabric slipping from her left shoulder, then cast a sidelong glance at the King of Xiang and demanded, "Your Highness, just how much did you make my husband drink?"

"I'm not drunk, Linglong, let us continue!" Qin Daofei, pulling at Linglong's hand, tried to lay her back on the couch.

Linglong slapped away his hand in annoyance, denying him, and scolded, "Continue, you scoundrel! Can't hold your liquor and still misbehave. If you accidentally mistook some pampered lady of the prince's household for fun, the King of Xiang would have your paws chopped off!"

Indeed, the King of Xiang felt exactly like chopping off Qin Daofei's paws at that very moment!

"I want only you, only Linglong!" Qin Daofei leaned against her shoulder. Seeing the King of Xiang at the bedside, he staggered to his feet and patted the prince's shoulder, saying, "Why is Your Highness in my house?"

Pfft!

Those outside could not help but stifle their laughter.

The King of Xiang gritted his teeth and barked, "Guards, escort Miss Linglong and Master Qin back to Xiaoyao Manor!"

"Many thanks, Your Highness, for your warm hospitality!" Linglong smiled with narrowed eyes.

The King of Xiang watched resentfully as Qin Daofei clung to Linglong, wishing he could break Qin Daofei's hands to ease his anger.

With the help of the young gentlemen, Linglong supported the drunken Qin Daofei out of the prince's residence. The servant who had been waiting outside hurried over and asked, "How did Master get so drunk?"

"Fine wine, fine food, and beautiful company—it's a blessing he survived the night!" Linglong replied with the air of a jealous wife.

The servant was left speechless. Was his master really such a man?

After settling Qin Daofei in the carriage, Linglong lifted the curtain, her smile radiant, and said to the King of Xiang, "Your Highness, you were so enthusiastic today. I'll be sure to repay you with an even more passionate banquet another time!"

Without waiting to see the prince's dejected expression, Linglong let the curtain fall and called sweetly, "Husband, let's go home!"

"Yes, let's continue at home!" Qin Daofei lunged for a kiss.

With the King of Xiang watching, Linglong had no choice but to let him have his way. Once the carriage drew away, she grabbed Qin Daofei's face and pushed him aside, saying, "If you're drunk, go to sleep!"

"Sleep with you!" Qin Daofei latched on again, squeezing her waist and kissing her.

Outside, the servant sighed: Even when the master acts like a rogue, he does it with style!

The two bantered all the way home. By the time they reached Xiaoyao Manor, Linglong's hair was in disarray, her clothes askew. The attentive servant waited outside, announcing, "Madam, we have arrived."

Linglong kicked aside the drunken Qin Daofei, straightened her clothes as best she could, and slipped away into the manor, leaving Qin Daofei in the carriage.

When the servant lifted the curtain, he found Qin Daofei sitting upright inside, fixing his clothes with a sly smile. As soon as he noticed the servant, Qin Daofei composed himself, alighted from the carriage, and strolled leisurely into the house.

The servant scratched his head—was the master drunk or not? Perhaps he had sobered up from sweating on the road. Yes, that must be it. The master was such an upright man, how could he possibly have feigned drunkenness to tease Madam? Satisfied with this explanation, the servant cheerfully followed him inside.

The next day.

The Dowager Madam Qin, who had narrowly avoided being poisoned the day before, heard that Qin Daofei and Linglong had returned late in the night. She immediately had her sedan chair brought around and was carried to Qin Daofei’s chambers.

Qin Daofei, looking vigorous and well-dressed, was just about to set out when he saw his mother being carried in. His handsome brows knitted tightly.

"What, is this the face you show your mother?" the Dowager demanded.

Qin Daofei hung a jade pendant at his waist and replied coolly, "Mother, your health isn't yet restored. Why come out?"

"If you won’t come pay your respects to me, then I must come pay my respects to you!" she snapped, her temper rising as if she had swallowed gunpowder.

Qin Daofei approached and bowed, "Last night at the Prince of Xiang’s, I was plied with wine and only just woke. If you think I’m not diligent enough, I’ll rise at dawn every day to greet you. Is that sufficient?"

"It was better when you didn’t mention the Prince of Xiang. That Feng Linglong and the prince have caused you no end of ridicule, and yet you still took her to his banquet. What were you thinking?"

"Yesterday’s banquet was a trap laid for me. He arranged for a woman dressed exactly like Linglong, nearly costing me my reputation. If Linglong hadn’t been there, today you might have had a schemer for a daughter-in-law," Qin Daofei explained patiently.

Qin Wang Xiangyu glanced at him askance. "That would be just as well. Whoever gives me a grandson, I’ll accept!"

"A woman who so casually climbs into a man’s bed—who knows if the child would even be yours?" Qin Daofei replied coldly.

Ah!

The Dowager pounded her chest, nearly beside herself with anger.

"Has that Feng Linglong been carrying on with the Prince of Xiang?"

"Mother, the prince killed her father and destroyed the Feng family’s business empire. Do you think Linglong has no pride?" Qin Daofei’s tone was calm, but his mother knew he was angry.

She hesitated, then said, "Well… you be careful."

"See the Dowager back to her room," Qin Daofei said, his manner distant, so much so that his mother dared not say another word.

Just then, Qin Daofei was about to leave when Jifeng returned.

"Master, the one who bribed the capital’s magistrate years ago to have Madam severely punished was—" Jifeng began, but Qin Daofei cut him off with a sigh, "My mother, wasn’t it?"

"But there’s something odd. Two years ago, the day Madam was arrested, the magistrate received a letter and a banknote for ten thousand taels, urging him to extract a confession and sentence her to death," Jifeng continued. While he didn’t deny Madam Xiangyu’s involvement, he was more puzzled that there seemed to be two separate parties at work.

In fact, there was more than just two.

"What about the confession?" Qin Daofei asked.

"It’s said they beat Madam unconscious and forced her to sign, but whether the confession was destroyed in that fire is unknown," Jifeng replied.

"And the Prince of Xiang’s attempt to have Linglong killed?" Qin Daofei pressed.

At this, Jifeng chuckled. "Master, just how many people has your lady offended? There always seem to be two factions targeting her!"

Qin Daofei ignored his schadenfreude. "The prince only wanted her kidnapped, but the assassins, bribed by someone else, insisted on taking her life, is that right?"

"Exactly. But Madam wasn’t wrong about one thing: that Wang Shun was intercepted while fleeing by an assassin named Aifei, who seems quite close to your lady. Such a hard-to-handle woman, and she just handed Wang Shun over to her."

"Now that Wang Shun was returned by Linglong, what is the prince’s intent?" Qin Daofei asked.

Jifeng was momentarily stunned. Qin Daofei shot him a look, and he immediately wilted. "Wang Shun was taken by Madam, so the prince wasn’t bothered. But the assassins failed to deliver her, and he killed several of them in a rage."

"I see. Let no one else know of this. As for that one lurking at her side, see if you can probe him," Qin Daofei instructed before heading out.

Linglong Pavilion.

When Qin Daofei arrived, Linglong was staring listlessly at a spot, her dark eyes rimmed with shadows, her gaze unfocused.

He sat across from her, his expression inscrutable. "Last night, were you…"

"I wasn’t thinking of you, I was just wondering when you’ll repay my hundred thousand taels!" she blurted out, only to see him watching her with a half-smile. In frustration, she knocked her head against the desk.

Qin Daofei swiftly placed his palm on the desk, cushioning her.

The warmth puzzled Linglong, and as she looked up into his deep gaze, she couldn’t help recalling his words from the previous night.

Ugh!

Linglong shoved his hand away and berated herself inwardly, "How can I be like this? Pull yourself together!"

"Last night—"

"Nothing happened! You were drunk, it was humiliating!" Linglong confessed again.

Ha!

Qin Daofei couldn’t help but laugh.

"Laugh all you want—serves you right! I should have let the prince’s sister-in-law have her way with you last night!" she fumed.

Qin Daofei pinched her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Want to stir up trouble at the prince’s residence?"

"Of course! Murky waters make for the best fishing," she replied eagerly.

Qin Daofei stood leisurely and adjusted his sleeves. "Then come with me."

"Can we take the carriage? I’m so tired," Linglong yawned.

" Tang Li, prepare the carriage. Hua’er, bring food for your mistress," Qin Daofei ordered.

"Yes, sir!" With the servants gone, Linglong lay on the table to rest.

Qin Daofei toyed with her hair. "You like the roses at the prince’s residence?"

"I like the prince’s life," she replied coldly, snatching her hair away.

Qin Daofei refused to let go. She tugged harder, as if it weren’t her own hair, until he relented when he saw it begin to break.

After breakfast, Qin Daofei took Linglong for a stroll through the city. She gazed at the rows of shops, a trace of sadness in her eyes.

"Once, half of this was my property. Now it all belongs to others," she said, glancing at him.

Qin Daofei looked at the spirit jade at her waist. "What is yours will return to you in the end."

"What is mine? I hardly have anything left," she laughed bitterly.

Seeing her dejection, Qin Daofei said, "Your murky waters are here."

Sure enough, Linglong perked up as she saw Liu Fengying approaching, looking pale and downcast. She smacked Qin Daofei. "Time for your charms, Master Qin!"

"How much will you pay?" he asked.

She tossed the spirit jade to him. "I’ll give you the whole Xiaoyao Manor!"

Qin Daofei calmly returned the jade to her belt. As his hand brushed her dice, she slapped it away. "No stealing my money!"

He ground his teeth. "Aren’t you going? She’s leaving!"

Linglong, anxious, watched Liu Fengying pass by the carriage. "If I had the means, I’d have gone already!" she retorted.

Qin Daofei scowled, pulled back the curtain, and ordered the driver, "Follow her."

They entered a secluded alley, where Linglong heard cries for help. Peering in, she saw Liu Fengying cornered by two ruffians, struggling.

"Tsk, tsk," Linglong shook her head. "Such a beautiful woman—if I were you, I’d have some fun first."

"Be my guest," Qin Daofei replied coldly, stepping down and heading into the alley.

Liu Fengying, grappling with the ruffians, caught sight of Qin Daofei in white, the sunlight glinting off the silver thread of his robe, lighting up the alley and her spirits.

"Master Qin?" she cried, shoving the ruffians aside and running into his arms.

The ruffians, hearing his name, fled in terror.

Linglong sauntered over, watching the two embrace, and teased, "Such affection!"

"Madam Qin?" Liu Fengying was surprised to see Linglong, but did not leave Qin Daofei’s arms.

"Just pretend I was never here," Linglong said, fanning herself.

"Linglong, there’s nothing between me and Miss Liu," Qin Daofei hastily explained, grasping Linglong’s arm.

She eyed him and said, "Of course not. I’ll wait in the carriage. You comfort Miss Liu."

With that, she stomped off in mock anger.

Qin Daofei glanced after her, then back at Liu Fengying. "I’ll go calm her down. Wait here."

Watching his hurried retreat, Liu Fengying sighed, "To have a man like Qin Daofei wholly devoted—what must that feel like?"

Qin Daofei returned to the carriage, waited a few moments, then returned to Liu Fengying. "Don’t mind her—she’s childish."

Even a woman like Liu Fengying could hear the fondness in his voice for Linglong.

"Master Qin is so good to your wife," she said.

Qin Daofei smiled. "Miss Liu could have a good life too."

"Me? How?" she replied wistfully.

"Women, like men, must first have power before love. Once you have power, love will follow. In the beginning, I didn’t care for her, but she was the eldest Miss of the Feng family, so I wed her. Only after did I realize I could not live without her."

"I have no Feng family fortune—how could I win a true love?" Liu Fengying said, wanting to add, "—with you," but biting her tongue.

Qin Daofei smiled, "How hard could power be for Miss Liu? The Prince of Xiang is the emperor’s favorite son. You might become a consort, even an empress."

"No, he’s my sister’s husband!" Though her eyes shone, she protested feebly.

Qin Daofei just smiled. After a pause, he said, "If you change your mind and need my help, just hang a yellow lantern on the third floor of Yunwai Pavilion. I’ll come find you."

"Thank you," Liu Fengying replied.

Qin Daofei bowed and left.

Linglong leaned against the carriage. Seeing him enter, she asked with a smile, "Did your charms work?"

"Back to the manor," Qin Daofei instructed the driver, ignoring her.

Linglong shrugged and closed her eyes.

Qin Daofei remembered how energetic Linglong used to be—never idle, always brimming with life. Since her return, she often slept, looking exhausted.

The carriage rocked gently, lulling Linglong to sleep. She dozed off, slumping to one side, but Qin Daofei caught her, settling her head on his shoulder.

She murmured, found a comfortable spot, and clung to his robe as she slept.

Qin Daofei gazed at the burn on her chest and whispered, "One day, I’ll uncover the truth behind all this."

That night.

Xiaocui waited outside Linglong Pavilion and bowed, "Master, Second Madam has prepared a banquet. She invites you and First Madam to attend."

Pfft!

"Concubine Tan is so dutiful. Would it be rude if I declined?" Linglong feigned hesitation.

Xiaocui’s face was frosty. Who wanted her to go anyway?

Qin Daofei glanced at Linglong and said, "If you want to, let’s both go. After all, Xiyin invited us together."

"Alright!" Linglong grabbed his arm, playing the excited guest, and skipped toward Miaoyin Pavilion.

Seeing Linglong, Tan Xiyin’s mouth dropped open.

Linglong trotted around the exquisite dishes, her eyes smiling, and said, "Concubine Tan is so thoughtful, preparing just two sets of utensils. I suppose she means to serve you herself, Qin Daofei—you’re so fortunate!"

Tan Xiyin was at a loss for words.

"Not everyone is like you, ignoring decorum," Qin Daofei said, confirming that Tan was there to watch them eat.

Concubine Tan suffered in silence.

She sat obediently beside Qin Daofei, serving him food and wine, while Linglong sat down, sniffed her cup, and asked, "Is there anything special in this?"

"What are you implying?" Xiaocui snapped.

Linglong grinned, "I thought Concubine Tan, parched for so long, might need something nourishing."

As she spoke, she watched Tan Xiyin’s reaction. Predictably, Tan trembled all over but forced herself to endure.

"Can’t food silence you?" Qin Daofei offered Linglong a piece of braised meat. "Xiyin’s braised meat is excellent—try it."

Linglong smiled, "Thank you!"

"Xiaocui, bring another set of utensils. The three of us have never sat together for a drink. Since we’re here, let’s have one," Qin Daofei said.

Linglong eyed him with disdain. "Trying to emulate the ancients and enjoy blessings from all sides, Master Qin?"

"Do you dare drink?" he challenged.

Tan Xiyin, in a burst of defiance, grabbed Qin Daofei’s cup and downed the strong liquor in one gulp, tears streaming down her cheeks from the burn.

Qin Daofei smiled, "I won’t fight you for it."

He never reached out to comfort her.

Linglong pondered his meaning. Did he know she was deliberately provoking Tan Xiyin?

Her thoughts ran in circles, but Qin Daofei seemed unconcerned. After Xiaocui set the table, he poured wine for Tan and said, "The events with your family left a rift between you two. Tonight, let’s speak openly…"

Crash!

Linglong slammed the table, upending it and sending all the food crashing onto Tan Xiyin.

"Feng Linglong, I’ve tolerated you time and again, but you keep pushing! I ought to appeal to the authorities and have them take you away!" Tan Xiyin shouted.

Linglong grabbed an untouched wine jug, poured it over Tan’s head, and said coldly, "I haven’t sought retribution for my child’s death, and yet you dare bring up false accusations. I now have proof of certain things—just wait."

With that, she threw down the jug and stormed out.

"How could she treat me so?" Tan Xiyin sobbed in Qin Daofei’s arms.

He gently pushed her away. "Xiaocui, fetch water to help your mistress wash up."

"Yes!" Xiaocui bowed and left.

Qin Daofei made a subtle gesture, and Jifeng emerged from the shadows. "Master…"

"Is it true?" Qin Daofei stood, then hesitated, glancing at Tan Xiyin. "Xiyin, I…"

"Your business is important, go ahead. I can manage," she said.

Qin Daofei nodded. "Tomorrow, get a fine set of jewelry from Caihe Manor for Second Madam."

With that, he left with Jifeng.

After they were gone, Tan Xiyin said to the shadows, "Follow him. See if he goes to Linglong Pavilion."

A whisper of robes in the air, then silence.

Qin Daofei and Jifeng reached the manor gate when a thick fog rolled in. When it cleared, they had vanished.

The black-clad spy searched but found nothing, and eventually returned to Miaoyin Pavilion.

Once he left, Qin Daofei stepped from behind a wall. "Did you see his technique clearly?"

"No, shall we head to Linglong Pavilion?" Jifeng asked.

Qin Daofei chuckled coldly. "Of course. Otherwise, how would it be a show? Have Wuying keep an eye on Miaoyin Pavilion."

He strode home and entered Linglong Pavilion.

As soon as he entered, the mysterious figure left quietly for Miaoyin Pavilion.

He murmured to Tan Xiyin that Qin Daofei had indeed returned to Linglong Pavilion, and she smashed something in a rage.

"How could he treat me this way?" she cried at her dressing table.

The black-clad man said coldly, "His Highness the Prince hopes you’ll cooperate. This is a win-win."

"Get out!" she snapped.

He left without protest.

Meanwhile, in Linglong Pavilion.

Qin Daofei entered to see Linglong’s delicate profile, her skin glowing in the candlelight, though her expression was forlorn.

Seeing this usually carefree woman so despondent, Qin Daofei felt a strange pang.

"Linglong…" He patted her shoulder.

She jumped in fright, pounding her chest. "You scared me to death! Are you a cat, creeping about without a sound?"

"Stop hitting yourself. It won’t make you any bigger," he retorted, discomforted by the force of her blows.

Linglong paused, realizing his meaning.

She leapt up, pointing at him. "Aren’t you with your concubine? What, come to settle scores? Fine, I’m not afraid of you!"

"Truly unafraid?" He loomed over her, using his height to intimidate.

Linglong, undaunted, planted a foot on the chair, only to find she was still half a head shorter. She stood on tiptoe, glaring up. "Whoever’s afraid is a dog!"

"Such spirit!" Qin Daofei gripped her slim waist, tossed her onto the bed, and started undressing.

"Wait!" Linglong retreated, trembling, "Weren’t we settling scores? What are you doing?"

He glanced at her. "To settle scores, I must choose the method you fear most."

"Who’s afraid? It’s just that! I’ll pretend I was bitten by a dog—go ahead!" She lay spread-eagle on the bed, feigning bravery, though inside she was terrified.

Qin Daofei’s anger flickered, then faded. With a wicked smile, he loosened his belt, letting it fall to the floor, then his robe…

He climbed onto the bed in only his white underclothes.

The bed sank under his weight, making Linglong tense, her fingers and toes clenched. She was gambling on his past disdain for intimacy with her—surely he hadn’t changed.

"Scared?" He hooked her belt, and with a tug, her gown slipped open.

Her lashes fluttered like butterfly wings; her hands gripped her skirt so tightly her knuckles whitened, but she stubbornly kept silent.

"Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle," he whispered, bending to kiss her.

"Angry!" she cried, suddenly kicking him in the stomach. He caught her ankle, spread her legs, and pressed her down, pinning her with his own.

Ha!

Qin Daofei laughed.

"What’s so funny?" Linglong, unable to use her feet, tried scratching him.

He seized her hands. "Are you truly provoking Xiyin because you have evidence?"

"Then why are you provoking her?" She knew he was doing the same.

She turned away, refusing to look at him. Blushing, she exposed her vulnerable ear, which he bit gently, voice hoarse, "Little one, you know and still quarrel with me?"

She shivered, unsettled by the tingling sensation.

"You suspect she poisoned your family?" she blurted, his actions clouding her thoughts.

He frowned. "Xiyin is extreme, but not to the point of poisoning her own kin."

Hmph!

Linglong shoved him away. "Yes, who else but me would be so vicious, to poison my own child, all for a love I can never have?"

"That’s not what I meant. I know Xiyin’s behavior has been odd since you returned, but..." He could not believe Tan Xiyin capable of such wickedness.

She curled her lips in a mocking smile. "Why don’t you go back to your concubine?"

"Feng Linglong!" He seized her arm, glaring coldly.

She picked her ear. "I’m not deaf!"

Whenever she acted up like this, he found himself helpless.

"I’m tired. Do as you like," she said, closing her eyes and soon breathing evenly.

As a martial artist, he could tell she was truly asleep.

All his life, she was the only one who ever left him feeling defeated—this wild, explosive little cat.

After a while, he undressed her, but when he tried to remove her stockings, she shrank away in fear, whispering, "Don’t look!"

That terror seemed to come from her very soul.

He relented, letting her sleep with her stockings as always.

As he tidied her clothes, he took a small balm from his pocket, let her sniff it, sending her into a deep sleep, then took her dice from her belt and left.

Cloaked in his robe, he stood outside. Soon, Jifeng emerged from the shadows.

"Is she gone?" Qin Daofei asked.

"That woman is troublesome, but shouldn’t return for now," Jifeng replied.

"What do you think this is?" Qin Daofei handed him Linglong’s dice.

Jifeng examined it. "It’s bone—but what kind, I can’t tell."

"Linglong, dice, Red Beans, love etched into the bone—do you understand?" Qin Daofei’s gaze was cold, a storm brewing in his eyes. "I want to see who’s behind this, making her so afraid to come near me."

Jifeng was silent.

Thunder rumbled across the night sky, heavy as Qin Daofei’s heart. He clenched the dice and returned to the room.

Jifeng watched his tall figure, sensing the desolation and loneliness unique to a man.

The next morning.

Linglong woke, rubbing her stomach and tugging Qin Daofei’s robe. "I’m hungry!"

He had expected her to sulk for days after last night, but she recovered quickly.

"Really hungry!" she said, already shivering, sweat beading on her brow. Her vision blurred, and she clung to him. "Give me sugar—"

Before she finished, she fainted.

"Tang Li, fetch the doctor!" Qin Daofei shouted.

Tang Li, unaware of the situation, rushed to summon the resident physician.

Hua’er, in the neighboring room, heard the commotion and hurried over.

"What’s wrong with Miss?" she wept at Linglong’s bedside, her mistress pale and drenched in cold sweat.

Qin Daofei frowned. "She said she was hungry, then this happened. Has she ever had such symptoms?"

"No, she’s always been healthy. The miscarriage was the only time she fell ill," Hua’er sobbed, trying to warm Linglong’s hands.

Qin Daofei fell silent.

Soon the doctor arrived.

"What happened?" he asked after checking her pulse.

"She’s simply too hungry. Give her some sugar, then a proper meal," the doctor said.

Hua’er ran to the kitchen for sweets.

Qin Daofei frowned. "Can hunger cause this?"

"She’s suffered greatly—long-term hunger has weakened her. Even a little hunger can cause these symptoms."

Suffered greatly?

The eldest Miss of the Feng family had never wanted for anything, nor had he ever left her hungry at home.

"What have you gone through these past two years?" he murmured, stroking her hair.

Even Xiaoyao Manor had failed to trace her whereabouts during those two years, leaving Qin Daofei feeling truly defeated.

"Don’t worry, Master. Just make sure she eats regularly and keep sweets on hand. I’ll write a prescription to nurse her back to health," the doctor reassured him.

Qin Daofei remained silent.

Hua’er returned with sweet soup. Qin Daofei took it, tested the temperature, and fed it to Linglong.

"Hua’er, see the doctor out, ask what foods she needs, and prepare them," he instructed.

Though puzzled by his concern, Hua’er obeyed.

Linglong awoke, her hands so weak she could barely move. A warm hand rested on her forehead.

"I want pork knuckle," she groaned.

Its owner glared at her, "Not hungry enough, it seems?"

Ugh!

Linglong covered her face with her sleeve, mortified to have fainted from hunger—especially with Qin Daofei as witness.

"Miss, I made you wonton noodles..."

"I want them, and pork knuckle too!" she whimpered, trying to get up but too weak.

Qin Daofei carried her to the table. "Eat a little first… Then I’ll take you for pork knuckle."

With that, he strode out—almost as if fleeing.

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