Chapter 28: Concubine Tan Schemes, Linglong Loses Her Golden Abacus

“What are you doing here?” Old Zhu asked anxiously.

The young woman lowered her head and deliberately softened her voice. “I was worried…”

“None of this is your concern. Go back at once. The manor lord is sharp; even the slightest hint and he’ll investigate immediately. Don’t come to me again unless absolutely necessary. Go.” With that, Old Zhu shoved the woman in white out the door and pointed at her, cursing, “Little hussy, next time you try seducing my husband, I’ll slaughter your whole family.”

The neighbors all knew Old Zhu was notoriously jealous, and her husband happened to be the head steward at Xiaoyao Manor—handsome, distinguished, and powerful, naturally surrounded by admirers.

The spectacle made everyone laugh.

The woman in white, mortified and furious, ran away.

Old Zhu threw a large knife onto the chopping board, its upright stance and murderous aura stifling further amusement.

On the way back, Linglong left Qin Daofei behind and walked alone into Feng’s Bank. She hadn’t been inside long when the manager emerged with several clerks.

“Master Qin, it’s been a while… The young lady wishes us to convert her entire dowry into silver. What do you think…” The manager hesitated, glancing at Qin Daofei.

Qin Daofei looked deeply at Linglong, his voice calm. “It’s hers. Let her do as she pleases.”

“Forgive us, then!”

“What is there to forgive? It’s my dowry, my father’s gift!” Linglong toyed with a die, strolling leisurely toward them, eyeing the manager. “Don’t call me ‘Miss’ anymore. The Feng family’s young lady is dead. I am Linglong.”

“Madam… This…” The manager was clearly troubled.

Linglong sighed. “You’ve watched me grow up. Just call me Linglong, won’t you?”

The manager wanted to persist, but Qin Daofei gave a barely perceptible shake of his head. The manager yielded, bowing. “Miss Linglong.”

“Come on, and give me a good price for old times’ sake!” Linglong squinted at the sky, hands clasped behind her back, heading toward Xiaoyao Manor.

Qin Daofei said nothing, watching her slender form in silence.

Linglong Pavilion.

Linglong had the bank manager inventory her dowry. Seeing this, Hua’er lunged to guard the chest, choking back tears. “Miss, when Xiang Wang killed your father and Feng’s Bank was on the brink, you couldn’t bear to use your dowry to save it. How can you pawn it now?”

Linglong gazed at Qin Daofei, who stood with his back to them at the door, and said quietly, “I was foolish then. If I stayed that foolish all my life, I’d have died a thousand times by now, wouldn’t I?”

“You’re not wrong, but you can’t sell your dowry!” Hua’er insisted.

Linglong pointed at Hua’er and asked the manager, “How much do you think this girl is worth?”

The manager nearly choked. “Miss Linglong, if you’d part with Hua’er, I’d be happy to buy her, but your dowry—your father spared no effort to prepare it for you. Are you sure you want to sell?”

“Yes, sell me to the manager, but don’t sell the dowry!” Hua’er, stroking the dowry chest, was already teary-eyed.

Linglong crouched, gently caressing the chest. “Hua’er, keeping it makes me miserable.”

“Miss…” Linglong rarely admitted misery; now she’d said it countless times since her return, and Hua’er hesitated, thinking of the hardships Linglong had endured these past two years.

“There, I got a big pork knuckle from Old Zhu—delicious! Let’s eat.” Linglong suddenly brightened, chatting cheerfully with Hua’er.

Hua’er realized Linglong was truly suffering.

Reluctantly, she stood up. Linglong glanced at her dowry, her voice flat. “You can inventory it. Send me the banknotes later.”

“Alas!” the manager sighed.

Linglong strode out lightly, patting Qin Daofei’s shoulder. “I’m about to bully someone. Will you allow it?”

“Who?” Qin Daofei asked.

“That cheeky brat who follows you,” she meant Jifeng, but Qin Daofei seemed not to understand and called, “Tang Li, since you’ve offended Madam, let her have her revenge.”

Tang Li grimaced. When did I offend Madam?

“Fine, I’ll go bully Tan the concubine!” With that, Linglong thumped down the stairs.

Tang Li looked at Qin Daofei, uncertain. “Master…”

Qin Daofei said nothing, but vaulted gracefully to land in front of Linglong, blocking her path. “I admit, the hundred thousand taels promised to you—I had them stolen. If you don’t want to sell your dowry, I’ll return the hundred thousand taels. You needn’t sell it.”

Linglong smiled, extending her hand. “Should have known Tan the concubine would be so useful. Trouble yourself, Master Qin, for a hundred thousand taels!”

“Tang Li, bring Madam a banknote for one hundred thousand taels!” Qin Daofei handed it over without batting an eye.

Linglong muttered, “Tan the concubine is truly valuable. Thank you, Master Qin!”

Qin Daofei regarded her intently—the same smiling eyes as always.

“Hua’er, come down. Let’s go shopping. Manager, remember to send me the banknotes after you finish.” Linglong rubbed her hands, squinting at Qin Daofei. “Master Qin’s generosity leaves me a bit embarrassed!”

Qin Daofei took her hand, opening her fingers and interlacing them with his own. “I’ll repay what I owe you.”

“Master Qin, you’re being sentimental. That scares me!” Linglong yanked her hand free, took the banknote from Tang Li, and led Hua’er away.

Cloud Pavilion.

Hua’er watched Linglong order a table full of dishes and wine, feeling anything but happy.

Linglong ate and drank in large gulps, with none of the joy one might expect, devouring food ravenously.

“Miss, please stop!” Hua’er tried to restrain her.

Linglong smiled. “I haven’t had a proper meal at Cloud Pavilion in two years. I’ve missed it. Don’t you?”

She handed Hua’er a drunken crab from the South Sea.

Hua’er peeled the crab for Linglong, who smiled, eyes closed, sharing a bite with Hua’er.

“Cloud Pavilion’s pear blossom wine and drunken crab—truly a match made in heaven!” Linglong sipped, smacking her lips.

Hua’er paused, her voice gentle. “As long as Miss is happy.”

In the end, Hua’er ate with Linglong, but the two jars of wine were consumed solely by Linglong.

Drunk and hazy, Linglong shook Hua’er’s hand, mumbling, “Hua…er, don’t shake me… My head’s spinning!”

“Miss, you’re drunk!” Hua’er supported her.

Linglong pondered, shaking her head. “I think I really am drunk. Hua’er, don’t let anyone see me like this—not anyone.”

“All right.”

“Especially… him.” Linglong said, then collapsed, fast asleep.

Hua’er cradled Linglong’s head, laying her on a soft cushion.

Bang!

The door to the private room swung open. Hua’er, lifting her skirt, hurried out to stop the visitor, only to see Qin Daofei entering, his gaze cold.

“Master!” Hua’er bowed, but still blocked him. “Miss said she’ll see no one today. Please understand.”

Qin Daofei’s mere glance made Hua’er’s legs weaken, and she moved aside.

After Hua’er withdrew her arm, Qin Daofei entered, surveyed the empty wine jars, and said darkly, “You’ve got nerve!”

Aside from Linglong, no one had seen Qin Daofei so exasperated.

“Sir, Miss is suffering…” After Qin Daofei’s earlier defense of Tan Xiyin, Hua’er was unsure of his feelings and dared not speak further.

Qin Daofei bent easily, lifting Linglong. As he did, the sudden movement roused her. She opened bleary eyes, catching sight of his handsome profile.

“Qin Daofei… bastard!” Linglong, upset, slapped his face. Hua’er trembled in fear but didn’t dare intervene.

Qin Daofei didn’t retaliate, carrying her downstairs.

“I won’t go with you. I want… I have no home. Damn Xiang Wang, he killed my father. Damn Qin Daofei, damn Tan Xiyin, damn you all! You killed my child. You’re all bastards, all murderers!” Linglong clung to Qin Daofei’s collar, crying.

The patrons heard her cries, turning to stare.

But Qin Daofei’s icy gaze silenced any curiosity.

Linglong wept inconsolably. Tang Li, driving the carriage, recalled the day more than two years ago when Feng Linglong’s father died—she drank herself senseless, soaking the master with tears and snot.

It was the most disheveled Tang Li had ever seen Qin Daofei; he’d thought such a scene would be a once-in-a-lifetime event, but history had repeated itself.

Qin Daofei’s cold eyes betrayed a hint of red as he placed Linglong in the carriage. “Return to the manor.”

“No! I won’t go with you. I want to stay at an inn!” Linglong, clinging to his collar, smeared tears and snot all over him.

A flicker of something—helplessness, pity, sorrow—passed through Qin Daofei’s eyes, but in the end his arm tightened around her waist. He leaned close to her ear, resigned. “You don’t understand anything. Nothing.”

As he withdrew, his eyes were tinged with blood.

“You’re evil. I’ll never—” Linglong’s words were swallowed as their lips met.

In her drunken haze, Linglong tasted despair.

The carriage swayed violently. Linglong, struggling, pushed Qin Daofei away as he tried to pull her back.

And then, disaster struck.

Linglong vomited all the delicacies she’d consumed, spilling them onto Qin Daofei’s expensive brocade robe.

“Feng Linglong!” Qin Daofei growled through clenched teeth.

Outside, Hua’er, worried Qin Daofei might lose his temper and harm Linglong, tried to go in but was stopped by Tang Li.

Tang Li shook his head; though Hua’er was anxious, she dared not interfere.

At that moment, a man at the street corner threw down his things in anger and strode off.

The ground was scattered with chestnut pastries.

Inside the carriage, Qin Daofei, defeated, raised his hands and looked at Linglong lying by the mess. Resolutely, he lifted her face and set her aside, making sure she wouldn’t fall, before undoing his sash.

“Beast!” Linglong lunged to choke him.

Qin Daofei dodged easily, and seeing Linglong about to collapse, had no choice but to catch her.

“Feng Linglong, if you keep moving, I’ll show you what ‘beast’ really means!” His voice was thick with anger.

Outside, Tang Li and Hua’er exchanged uneasy glances.

But Linglong, chin resting in Qin Daofei’s broad palm…

Fell asleep, utterly and soundly.

“You really are something,” Qin Daofei muttered, removing his outer robe and tossing it aside, then reluctantly held Linglong so she could sleep more comfortably.

Xiaoyao Manor gates.

Tan Xiyin supported Qin Wang Xiangyu at the entrance, watching the approaching carriage with expressions far from happy.

“Master… the old madam and second madam are at the door!” Tang Li spotted the two women and sensed a murderous atmosphere.

Qin Daofei acknowledged him, but worried about Linglong. If she woke now, there’d be no peace tonight in Xiaoyao Manor.

Tang Li stopped the carriage. Tan Xiyin and Qin Wang Xiangyu hurried over.

Hua’er lifted the curtain, anxiously watching Linglong and Qin Daofei.

Qin Daofei calmly carried Linglong out, and seeing the two madams, said, “If you’re unafraid of her tantrums, go ahead and make trouble.”

Qin Wang Xiangyu’s rising anger was stilled by his emotionless words.

Who wasn’t afraid of Linglong’s tantrums?

No one, probably.

This usually cheerful woman’s fits were indescribable.

Qin Daofei, satisfied by their reactions, carried Linglong to Linglong Pavilion.

As soon as Linglong was settled, Jifeng approached and whispered, “Master, the yellow lantern at Cloud Pavilion is lit!”

“She’s quick,” Qin Daofei sneered, glanced at the rooftop, and said, “Since you’re here, guard her well.”

The woman in black lurking in the shadows gritted her teeth. Treating me like your household guard?

Qin Daofei gave Linglong some ointment to help her sleep, then left.

The woman in black tried to follow, but Jifeng laughed. “Miss, if you leave, I guarantee something will happen to Feng Linglong tonight!”

“Get lost!” Her voice was icy, thick with murderous intent.

Jifeng shrugged and left.

Liu family residence, Ministry of War.

Qin Daofei dropped from the rooftop into Liu Fengying’s chamber, closed the window behind him, and turned to find Liu Fengying waiting.

Her heated gaze was unabashed; she stepped forward to take Qin Daofei’s hand.

He sidestepped, avoiding her touch. “Second Miss Liu, since you summoned me, you must have made up your mind.”

“You’re right, Master Qin. I need to plan for myself.” Liu Fengying smiled bitterly.

Qin Daofei glanced at her. “Three days from now, at the first quarter of the evening, go to Xiang Wang’s room. Success is guaranteed.”

With that, he leapt out the window.

Watching his departing figure, Liu Fengying clenched her fists, eyes burning with determination.

The next morning, a cry of pain echoed from Linglong’s room.

Qin Daofei, reading ledgers outside, didn’t even raise an eyebrow. Hua’er, waiting nearby, saw Linglong rolling in bed clutching her head, torn between amusement and exasperation. “Now you know what regret feels like?”

“I’m hungry!” Linglong whimpered.

Hua’er popped a candy in her mouth, grumbling, “You’ve got nerve to be hungry. Everything you ate yesterday ended up on Master’s clothes.”

Linglong froze, horrified, repeating, “You mean… I threw up all over Qin Daofei?”

“Mm. Not a drop wasted!” The carriage was spotless afterward.

Linglong rolled, covering her face. “How did I survive?”

“By throwing tantrums!” Qin Daofei replied coolly.

Linglong, rolling to the edge of the bed, panicked and forgot to roll back, tumbling straight to the floor.

Qin Daofei moved like lightning, catching her before she hit the ground.

“Well done!” Linglong laughed, unconcerned.

Qin Daofei tossed her back onto the bed, telling Hua’er, “Go bring the food.”

“Yes!” Hua’er smiled and left.

Alone with Qin Daofei, Linglong was uneasy. She edged toward the corner, hoping to diminish her presence.

Qin Daofei ignored her, walking out. Out of sight, his lips curled in the faintest hint of a smile.

After eating, Linglong lazed about, clinging to her bed. When Qin Daofei entered, he saw her snuggled like a kitten in the sunlight, the fine down on her neck illuminated.

For a moment, a poetic thought crossed his mind.

This is the tranquility of time.

“Miss, I’m going out to shop. Do you…” Hua’er’s arrival broke the spell.

Linglong turned, seeing Qin Daofei silently watching her.

Her cheeks flushed, eyes uncertain, not knowing where to look.

“Um… I wasn’t here!” Hua’er sensed the tension and quickly retreated.

Linglong, teary-eyed, vowed never to drink again.

No, never to get drunk again!

“Last night, Liu Fengying contacted me,” Qin Daofei leaned against the door, watching Linglong.

Liu Fengying?

Who?

“Xiang Wang’s sister-in-law,” Qin Daofei prompted, knowing Linglong wouldn’t recall.

At the mention of Xiang Wang, Linglong perked up, running over with just socks on, gripping Qin Daofei’s sleeve. “What happened? What did she say?”

“I told her to go to Xiang Wang’s estate the day after tomorrow. She’ll succeed,” Qin Daofei replied.

Linglong grinned mischievously, “Master Qin, you’re acting like a madam at a brothel!”

“I think you’re more like one,” he retorted.

Linglong bared her teeth. “If I were, I’d sell you and count silver at the door.”

“Are you sure?” Qin Daofei advanced.

Linglong eyed him warily, smiling, “Just joking. Why take it seriously?”

“I take everything you say seriously,” he said solemnly.

Linglong’s legs went weak. “Were you frightened by Second Miss Liu last night? You seem off.”

“Are you sure it’s not you who vexed me?” He flicked his robe, annoyed.

Linglong stifled a laugh. This man had no sense of humor!

“Well, the weather’s nice today!”

Boom! Thunder rumbled, making Linglong’s cheeks burn, yet she feigned composure. “How can the sky thunder when it’s so sunny?”

The heavens obliged, clouds gathering, lightning flashing, and rain pouring down.

“Rain! Master Qin, check for leaks in your eaves. I have nothing to do, so I’ll go back to sleep.” Linglong pushed him, but he didn’t move.

She pushed again; Qin Daofei caught her hand. “Go pay respects to my mother.”

“Fine, but if she dies of rage, don’t blame me!” Linglong scoffed.

Qin Daofei rubbed his brow. “Where’s your enthusiasm for pleasing her gone?”

“I’m getting old; no energy for foolishness.” Linglong glanced at the sky. “This wretched weather!”

Qin Daofei looked deeply at her, silent.

“Feng Linglong, have you ever thought that since the day you provoked me, you could never be as free as you were at Feng’s?” After a long pause, he spoke.

He left. Linglong waved after him, “Master Qin, I’ll be proud of that!”

After the hangover and Qin Daofei’s stirring words, Linglong felt like parched grass, drained of strength, and collapsed into bed.

Xiaoyao Manor gates.

Hua’er had just stepped out when someone dragged her into an alley.

“Help—”

“Don’t shout, it’s me!” A medium-built man covered her mouth.

Hua’er’s hand trembled, her basket falling.

“How did you find me?” Her voice quivered, eyes full of despair.

The man snorted. “If I hadn’t seen you flirting with the steward on the carriage while buying chestnut pastries, I wouldn’t know where to look.”

“Watch your mouth! I have nothing to do with him!” Hua’er clutched her skirt, voice cold.

He sneered, “I always knew you weren’t ordinary. So you’re from Xiaoyao Manor. If your master learns what you did years ago, will he…”

“Don’t tell him!” Hua’er grabbed his arm, pleading.

Seeing her fear, he grinned wickedly. “I won’t tell, but I want a job at Xiaoyao Manor. My woman can’t be entangled with another man.”

This man was Hua’er’s husband!

“You’re lying! I have nothing with Tang Li. Xiaoyao Manor is the top estate in the land; someone with your record can’t get a job here!” Hua’er refused without hesitation.

He wasn’t angry, just smiled. “Then don’t blame me for being rude.”

He walked toward the manor. Hua’er, frightened, stopped him. “Wait at the gate. I’ll ask Miss for help.”

“I’ll wait for you then,” he smirked, patting her, making Hua’er furious but afraid to retaliate.

Linglong Pavilion.

Knock, knock, knock!

Linglong had just lain down when she heard the door.

Thinking it was Qin Daofei, she angrily pulled the covers over her head, determined to ignore everything.

“Miss, are you asleep?”

Hua’er?

Linglong uncovered herself and sat up. “Come in. I thought it was Qin Daofei.”

“Miss…” Hua’er was distressed, unsure how to begin.

Linglong smiled. “What is it? Just say it.”

“My husband’s here. He wants a job in the manor,” Hua’er bit her lip.

Linglong smiled, “I can’t decide manor affairs, but I can ask Qin Daofei to let him work in Linglong Pavilion as my helper. I’ll pay him myself.”

“But his character… isn’t great,” Hua’er said, troubled.

Linglong looked at her deeply. If there were problems, Hua’er wouldn’t have avoided the subject.

“No matter. With me here, he can’t cause trouble,” Linglong said quietly.

“I’ll wait outside with him for your answer,” Hua’er said, hurrying off. Linglong watched her anxious steps, then said, “Have him investigate what Hua’er has been through these past two years.”

“Pay me,” came a cold voice from the woman in black.

Linglong rolled her eyes, tossing a hundred-tael banknote on the table. The note vanished, though the woman never appeared.

Linglong thought for a moment, dressed, and went out.

Looking at the sprawling front halls of Xiaoyao Manor, Linglong felt lost, unsure where to find Qin Daofei.

“Where’s Master Qin?” she asked a passing maid.

The maid shook her head. “I don’t know, Madam. Ask Steward Zhang; he knows Master’s whereabouts.”

“What do you want with Brother Daofei?” Tan Xiyin’s voice made Linglong roll her eyes. Her headache was severe and she had no desire to quarrel.

The maid bowed to Tan Xiyin and withdrew.

Linglong fiddled with her golden abacus, about to leave when Tan Xiyin blocked her in the corridor. Her gaze was chilly. “Brother Daofei is busy. He can’t always be at your side.”

Linglong suddenly recalled her own self two years ago. Now, she felt oddly displaced, as if she and Tan Xiyin had switched lives.

Yet she knew clearly: in Qin Daofei’s eyes, Tan Xiyin mattered more than she did.

“I’m busy too!” Linglong stepped past Tan Xiyin and headed for the gates.

Tan Xiyin hurried after, blocking her in the corridor.

Linglong, seeing the newly sprouted lotus leaves, spread her hands. “Tan Xiyin, I really don’t want to bully you today. Don’t seek trouble.”

“Feng Linglong, don’t go too far!” Tan Xiyin’s eyes lingered on Linglong’s abacus and she lunged for it.

The abacus was Linglong’s father’s coming-of-age gift, always treasured. Seeing Tan Xiyin’s attempt, Linglong tried to snatch it back, but failed, sending it into the lotus pond.

“Tan Xiyin…” Linglong, gritting her teeth, slapped Tan Xiyin so hard her lips bled.

“Feng Linglong, you’re too much!” Xiao Cui shouted.

Linglong, worried only for her abacus, ignored Xiao Cui and waded into the pond, skirts tied, shoes off, searching for it.

“Madam, it’s dangerous!” Tan Xiyin, pale-faced, urged Xiao Cui, “Get Steward Zhang, quick!”

“But Madam—” Xiao Cui was silenced by Tan Xiyin’s look and went to find Zhang.

“Madam, please come out. It’s dangerous.” Tan Xiyin begged, but Linglong remained cold-faced, searching.

Steward Zhang arrived to see Tan Xiyin anxiously advising Linglong, noticing her injured lips and feeling sympathy.

“Second Madam, should I call a doctor?” he asked, concerned.

“Steward Zhang, my maid Hua’er and a man are at the gate—please bring them in. I have something to find.” Linglong eyed Tan Xiyin coldly.

Zhang hesitated, then ordered two servants, “Bring them in. Find the master and tell him to return.”

He then tried to persuade Linglong. “Madam, please come out. The pond is deep; if you’ve lost something, I’ll have someone retrieve it.”

Linglong ignored him, moving deeper.

He turned to Tan Xiyin, “Madam, what did she lose?”

Tan Xiyin replied tearfully, “We were talking. I tried to take her hand, but she pulled away, dropping her abacus in the pond. It’s my fault for reaching out.”

Zhang thought, all this over an abacus?

Soon, Hua’er arrived with her husband.

Seeing Linglong in the pond, Hua’er turned pale and rushed to help, shoes still on. “Miss, what’s wrong? What did you lose?”

“Don’t go in. The pond is deep; it’s dangerous,” her husband stopped her.

Linglong, face muddy, replied pitifully, “My father’s abacus fell in!”

“You, help Miss find it,” Hua’er ordered.

He scoffed, “Dirty and deep—no way to find it. Why bother?”

“Steward Zhang, please have someone help. If anything happens to Madam, Brother Daofei will be furious,” Tan Xiyin said, adding, “Get more people.”

“Yes!” Zhang beckoned, “You, help Madam search!”

“Wait, I can do it. No need for help,” Linglong smiled.

The servants looked to Zhang, who signaled them not to act.

“Miss, I’ll help you!” Hua’er shoved her husband aside and waded in.

Linglong smiled, “Careful. It’s in this area.”

She pointed out where it fell, and Hua’er joined her search.

“Feng Linglong, what are you doing?” Qin Daofei strode over, seeing her muddy and wading deeper, shouting angrily.

After two years, hearing his shout again, the manor staff all glanced sympathetically at Tan Xiyin.

They realized only with Linglong did their young master show human emotion.

Tan Xiyin maintained her dignified composure, leading everyone to bow.

Qin Daofei ignored her, going to the pond’s edge. “Feng Linglong, come out!”

Linglong didn’t hear at first, but his furious tone made her stumble, nearly falling headfirst into the mud.

“Careful, Madam!” Zhang clutched his chest in fright.

Qin Daofei, gritting his teeth, stepped onto a bush at the bank and, like an eagle, lifted Linglong out by her roots, flying to the shore.

Her mud smeared his white robe, but he scolded her, “If you want to die, don’t do it in my garden.”

“Hmph! Where should I die then?” Linglong retorted, challenging him.

Qin Daofei wished he could grind his teeth—or her—into dust to swallow his rage.

Linglong pushed him away, glaring. “My abacus fell!”

He paused, thinking before his tone softened. “Go wash and change. I’ll help you retrieve it.”

Who needs you!

“I can handle it myself!” Linglong turned away.

Qin Daofei addressed Hua’er, “Take your Miss to wash.”

Linglong stomped, “I can—”

Qin Daofei glared coldly, “If you go in again, I’ll break Hua’er’s leg!”

“Break mine instead!” Linglong snapped.

He looked at her, then gracefully removed his sash and outer robe, entering the pond himself.

“Brother Daofei… let the servants do it,” Tan Xiyin called.

Linglong shot her a glance, making Tan Xiyin retreat behind Xiao Cui.

Linglong grinned, leading Hua’er and her husband back to wash.

After washing, Linglong returned to see Qin Daofei still searching, his white robe muddied and brows knotted, yet refusing to give up. Her heart ached, the pain growing until she could barely breathe.

This proud, fastidious man, searching for a tiny abacus in the mud—something meaningless to him.

She lowered her gaze, unable to watch.

Tan Xiyin, seeing Linglong’s indifference while Qin Daofei searched, was furious but powerless.

Linglong’s eyes met Tan Xiyin’s, sparks flying, but then Linglong smiled.

She walked over, whispering to Tan Xiyin, “Tan concubine, when you harmed me, did you ever think you’d harm your beloved Daofei in the end?”

“Feng Linglong…” Tan Xiyin glared coldly.

Linglong patted the jade at her waist. “Be careful. Don’t let him see your true face.”

Tan Xiyin composed herself, turning to watch Qin Daofei.

“I’ll settle this with you, Tan concubine. If you really care for him, help him. Don’t pretend to worry—it won’t show your sincerity.” Linglong whispered the first part, then, seeing Zhang look over, said the rest loudly.

Poor Tan Xiyin, full of rage yet forced to maintain her poise.

Two hours later, Qin Daofei finally retrieved Linglong’s abacus.

“Thank you!” Linglong gripped the abacus, sincerely grateful.

Qin Daofei raised an eyebrow. “Is that all your thanks amount to?”

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