Chapter 31: The Master Qin’s Counterplay—Infuriating Yet Impressive
Although Qin Daofei didn’t specify who “they” were, Linglong knew very well in her heart.
Not bullying them? That’s simply impossible!
“Then you’d better keep your concubine Tan in check. I imagine a person as resourceful as Master Qin wouldn’t find it difficult to investigate how my abacus ended up in the water yesterday, would he?” Linglong wasn’t in the mood for banter with Qin Daofei.
She admitted that everything today was indeed to retaliate for Tan Xiyin’s scheming against her yesterday.
And it was Tan Xiyin herself who had come to seek humiliation!
She had come knocking, waiting to be bullied—so why shouldn’t Linglong oblige?
“I heard she wants to hand over the household accounts to you?” Qin Daofei raised an eyebrow.
Linglong grinned like a cunning little fox, baring her teeth. “What, are you afraid I’ll empty your coffers?”
“Next time she tries to give them to you, take them. If you really don’t want to manage, hand them to Hua’er.” Qin Daofei’s words carried quite a bit of weight.
Linglong’s delicate brows danced.
Qin Daofei couldn’t be bothered to look at her, closing his eyes to rest.
A-Liang’s Braised Meat Shop.
Hua’er lifted the curtain and spoke warmly, “Miss, we’re at Aunt Liang’s house!”
“Got it!” Linglong tidied her clothes, adjusted her breathing, and stepped off the carriage with a carefree smile.
After Linglong got out, Qin Daofei slowly opened his eyes. Those deep, ancient-well-like pupils held heavy thoughts; no one knew what he was thinking.
Seeing the familiar storefront, Linglong dashed inside, calling out joyfully, “Aunt Liang, I’m back!”
“Miss, you’re back!” Linglong had barely stepped into the shop before a charming middle-aged woman came running toward her with an abacus.
Linglong’s laughter rang clear, like a refreshing morning breeze teasing the wind chimes by the window, pleasant and uplifting.
Watching Linglong’s genuine smile, Qin Daofei couldn’t help but recall the first time he met her as a youth.
It was also at the door of this braised meat shop. Back then, Qin Daofei was fifteen, having managed Xiaoyao Manor for two years. Though he had repeatedly used his abilities to keep the precarious manor afloat amidst wind and rain, he was still young and found it much harder than now.
So, the heavily burdened youth, his face still youthful, had already forced himself to become a cold-blooded, ruthless businessman.
Qin Daofei rode his horse, galloping wildly.
He remembered that day: Linglong wore a light orange embroidered gauze dress, holding a whole pig’s tongue or ear, devouring it ferociously.
His horse reared uncontrollably, and Linglong, bursting out of the shop, ended up right beneath its iron hooves. Qin Daofei jumped off in fright, slapped the horse’s neck, and pushed it aside. Seeing Qin Daofei, Linglong was so shocked she dropped her braised meat.
But she didn’t care. She wiped her mouth greedily and looked up, asking, “Brother, you’re so good-looking. Aren’t you afraid of being bullied by girl wolves when you go out?”
To Qin Daofei, the girl before him was undoubtedly the ‘girl wolf’ herself.
“Flirtatious!” Qin Daofei had always looked down on such women.
Linglong bounced over with a smile bright as a flower. “How did you know that’s my strong suit?”
Qin Daofei glared angrily!
The young him, unable even to care about his horse, nearly fled the shop in embarrassment.
Later…
“Well, Master Qin, such a busy man, gracing my humble shop—it’s an honor!” Aunt Liang, always partial to Linglong, had never liked Qin Daofei.
Qin Daofei nodded slightly, greeting Aunt Liang.
Aunt Liang’s fist landed on cotton—neither painful nor meaningful!
“Aunt Liang, don’t mind him. I’m dying for your braised pig’s head. Give me something to eat first!” Linglong was already sitting properly at the table, holding an empty bowl and chopsticks, gazing expectantly at Aunt Liang.
Aunt Liang, tender-hearted toward Linglong, ignored Qin Daofei and turned to prepare their food.
Qin Daofei and Linglong sat together; Hua’er naturally didn’t dare join them. Aunt Liang arranged a separate table for her and Tang Li so they could also enjoy the delicacies.
When the dishes arrived, Qin Daofei picked out some pig’s tongue and ear for Linglong’s bowl…
Linglong paused. While Qin Daofei reminisced, she too remembered, and now she regretted it—one glimpse of Qin Lang, and her life was lost!
“Are you settling debts?” Linglong instinctively recalled their first meeting, the pig’s tongue that had fallen to the ground before she could bite into it.
What a pity!
If she could do it over, she’d take a bite first—then tease Qin Daofei!
“Eat,” Qin Daofei replied without answering her.
The atmosphere between them was odd, both silent, neither speaking.
It ended up with Linglong eating, and Qin Daofei continuously adding food to her bowl—a strange routine.
After eating and drinking, Aunt Liang pulled Linglong into the backyard.
“Miss, you managed to escape, so why return?” Aunt Liang grasped Linglong’s hand tightly enough to make her wince.
“It’s too hard outside, I can’t take it, so I came back!” Linglong smiled.
Aunt Liang stared at her, then glanced anxiously at Qin Daofei outside. “Why would he be willing to dine with you now?”
“Maybe he feels he owes me too much,” Linglong smiled.
Aunt Liang felt as if talking to Linglong was now as exhausting as dealing with Qin Daofei—powerless!
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing!” Linglong reassured her.
Aunt Liang sighed, saying nothing more.
Linglong lowered her head, somewhat despondent. “I should head back. There are things at home. I’ll visit you again soon.”
With that, she walked away.
“Linglong, I know why you came back. Child, don’t forget—there’s someone in this world willing to risk everything for you, just like your own mother,” Aunt Liang called to her departing figure.
Linglong didn’t turn back, only raised her fair arm to wave, then walked on.
On the way home, Linglong was unusually subdued. Qin Daofei pulled her into his arms, gently stroking her hair. Linglong yawned boorishly, “I’m sleepy!”
“Sleep,” Qin Daofei guided her head onto his thigh and continued to massage her.
Linglong gripped his hand, stopping him. She murmured, “Qin Daofei, if I hadn’t acted so flirtatiously when I first entered your life, would things have been different between us?”
“As long as it’s you, the ending would be the same,” Qin Daofei covered her eyes, keeping her from seeing the deep affection within his own.
Linglong nodded, so tired her eyelids couldn’t stay open, yet still found the energy to tease him, “Once you’ve calmed down this troublemaker, you’ll have to go placate your little concubine and your mother. Good luck, Master Qin!”
“You little imp!” Qin Daofei ground his teeth.
But Linglong neither saw nor felt it—she’d already fallen asleep.
Back at Xiaoyao Manor, Qin Daofei laid Linglong on the bed and told Tang Li, “Go find Ye Lishang for me!”
Soon enough, the eccentric yet otherworldly Ye Lishang descended from the rooftop. He entered and stared at Qin Daofei, “What do you need me for now?”
Qin Daofei gave him a cool glance, instantly making Ye Lishang wilt.
“She sleeps too much,” Qin Daofei stated calmly.
Ye Lishang approached the bed, about to take Linglong’s pulse, but felt a chill down his spine.
Reluctantly, he pulled a silk scarf from his pocket, laid it on Linglong’s wrist, and muttered, “Damn it, so particular—if she’s so precious, don’t call me for medical matters!”
“Unique!” Qin Daofei declared.
Ye Lishang resisted rolling his eyes and focused on taking her pulse. After a long while, he released her wrist, saying, “This woman’s suffered too much; her excessive sleep is self-repair. If she didn’t have such a strong constitution and will to live, she’d be nothing but bones by now!”
“Miss!” Hua’er’s tears flowed uncontrollably.
Qin Daofei clenched his fists, releasing them only after a long pause.
“Can she be cured?” he asked.
Ye Lishang smiled, “Why not? Just pamper her, don’t let her be upset. With the Qin family’s resources, within a year she’ll be plump and healthy again!”
“Do it, whatever the cost!” Qin Daofei didn’t even lift his eyelids.
Ye Lishang glanced at Linglong, then at Qin Daofei, leering, “Isn’t it embarrassing to ask for money?”
“This is your last chance!” Qin Daofei cut him off.
“Ten thousand taels of gold!” Ye Lishang opened his mouth with a grand demand.
Qin Daofei showed no surprise, replying simply, “Deal.”
Ye Lishang was overjoyed, as if he owned the world.
Yet, thanks to Linglong, he ended up not only missing out on the gold but losing his entire fortune.
“Tomorrow, send someone to fetch the medicine,” Ye Lishang said, swaggering out.
After he left, Qin Daofei told Hua’er, “Take care of her. I’m going out.”
“Thank you, sir!” For the first time, Hua’er expressed her gratitude to Qin Daofei, kneeling and refusing to rise.
Qin Daofei glanced at her and strode out.
Miaoyin Pavilion.
Tan Xiyin awoke to Xiaocui’s report that not only had Qin Daofei not blamed Linglong, he’d taken her out to play. Tan Xiyin could only sob bitterly into her pillow.
From a distance, Qin Daofei could hear Tan Xiyin’s cries.
He frowned slightly and walked toward her room. Seeing him, Xiaocui hurried over to complain, “Master, the main lady really bullies people! She used mice to scare the second lady and made her faint!”
Hearing Xiaocui address Qin Daofei, Tan Xiyin’s cries became even more melodious.
Qin Daofei ignored Xiaocui, entering the room and saying lightly, “Let’s talk.”
Last time, Tan Xiyin had sought out Qin Daofei to talk; this time, he requested it. For some reason, Tan Xiyin felt she could no longer hold onto this man.
She sat up with tearful eyes, timidly watching Qin Daofei.
He sighed and said, “Linglong was indeed excessive today, but Xiyin, you know well why she did it.”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. Daofei, why do you always defend her?” Tan Xiyin’s tone was already full of accusation.
Qin Daofei sat on the stool, hands clasped, thumbs circling each other.
“That little golden abacus was a gift from Feng Linglong’s father. You know her temperament: if you don’t kill her, you should expect her to retaliate.”
Tan Xiyin wasn’t sure if Qin Daofei was defending Linglong, but it didn’t sound quite like it.
“You shouldn’t be like this!” If his earlier words weren’t clear enough, now Tan Xiyin was certain Qin Daofei was reproaching her.
She stood, biting her lip in grievance. “Now, in your eyes, whatever she does is right, whatever I do is wrong, isn’t it?”
Qin Daofei did not get angry but smiled, looking at Tan Xiyin. “I won’t ask about right or wrong for yesterday or today. You’re smart enough to understand what I mean… I’m going to check on my mother.”
With that, he stood up and strode out.
Tan Xiyin stared in shock, then burst into tears.
But Qin Daofei didn’t even pause.
Songbai Residence.
Lady Qin Wangxiangyu sat with her head wrapped in white gauze, weakly leaning against her pillow, Xia He feeding her. When Qin Daofei entered, Lady Qin pushed away the bowl and said, “Xia He, leave. I need to speak with him.”
“Mother, are you feeling better?” Qin Daofei showed no concern for her attitude.
Lady Qin snorted angrily, “You still remember I’m your mother? Look at the two women you’ve chosen: one releases mice, the other pushes me into a pillar. If I died, would you be thrilled?”
“As for the mice, mother should not jump to conclusions. As for Xiyin, she acted in a moment of panic. I apologize on her behalf.” Qin Daofei stood, folded his sleeves, and bowed deeply.
Lady Qin feigned to strike him, but Qin Daofei didn’t move.
“Fine, you won’t listen to me anyway. I’ll give you a year—if you don’t give me a grandson, then I’ll…”
“It will happen,” Qin Daofei interrupted.
Lady Qin pressed on, “When exactly?”
“Mother, she’s a person who’s suffered greatly. I have no right to demand this of her.” He firmly believed they would eventually reconcile, but not overnight.
“So you’re just brushing me off.” Lady Qin snorted.
Qin Daofei gazed at her in silence. After a long pause, he spoke quietly.
“Mother, I’ve always wanted to ask: two years ago, when the incident happened, you weren’t in the capital. So how did you send word to uncle after Linglong was imprisoned, instructing him to bribe the guards and beat her?”
Lady Qin looked at him with a dark gaze. “So, you want to settle scores with me?”
“I just want the truth,” Qin Daofei replied firmly.
She knew her son well—if he was determined, she couldn’t hide it for long.
“Bring me my gilded treasure box from the dressing table,” she instructed.
Qin Daofei fetched the box, handing it to her.
Lady Qin opened it, took out her jewelry, then revealed a secret compartment containing a yellowed note.
“Someone informed me,” she said, handing him the note.
Qin Daofei unfolded it, reading the small seal script: “Feng slaughters Tan, implicates self, causes miscarriage, transferred to Jingzhao.”
“When did you receive this note? How?” Qin Daofei’s grip whitened with tension.
Lady Qin saw his distress and softened, recounting, “On the eighteenth, I was at the temple. The note was thrown in wrapped in a stone. Curious, I wrote to your uncle, asking him to investigate. I said if it were true, he must teach Feng Linglong a lesson for me.”
Qin Daofei’s gaze was cold. “She nearly died in prison.”
He stood to leave, but Lady Qin called, “Son, was Feng Linglong truly innocent?”
“You received the note on the eighteenth; the incident happened on the nineteenth. What do you think the sender’s intention was?” With that, Qin Daofei walked away.
Lady Qin, guilt-ridden, dared not continue to blame Linglong or involve her in tormenting Tan Xiyin.
Qin Daofei left Songbai Residence feeling inexplicably heavy.
That night.
A major event occurred at the Xiang Prince’s Mansion—the usually dignified Princess Xiang, enraged, returned to her parents’ home, quarreled fiercely with her father, and left in tears.
When Gale delivered the news, Linglong and Qin Daofei were dining. Qin Daofei’s expression was unchanging, but Linglong laughed gleefully.
“What was Prince Xiang’s reaction?” Qin Daofei asked.
Gale smiled, “He didn’t react much, but now things have reached this point, he’ll likely follow our plan. After all, his father-in-law is the Minister of War.”
“Very well, you may go,” Qin Daofei said.
After Gale left, Linglong set aside her chopsticks, gazing at the bright moon outside. She spoke softly, “Tonight’s moonlight is beautiful.”
“It will only get better,” Qin Daofei took her hand, placing chopsticks back in her grasp, urging her to eat.
Linglong smiled, her eyes curved, and resumed her feast.
The next day.
Someone sent a card, seeking a direct audience with Qin Daofei.
Qin Daofei was in the pigeon loft in the front yard, handling intelligence, when he met a handsome, heterochromatic-eyed young man.
“Master Qin!” The man rose, cupping his hands in greeting.
Qin Daofei nodded slightly in return.
“What business do you have?” Qin Daofei asked indifferently.
The visitor smiled, and after Qin Daofei was seated, placed a box on the table, pushing it forward. He opened it to reveal a lustrous black pearl the size of a pigeon egg.
“My mother is from the Northern Desert. Twenty-three years ago, admiring your country’s culture, she came to learn but met a heartless man. All these years she’s been haunted, wishing for me to acknowledge my ancestry and to ask that man why he deceived her with a nonexistent name, causing her lifelong pain.”
“Events from twenty-three years ago won’t be easy to investigate now,” Qin Daofei wasn’t swayed by the pearl.
The man gave a mysterious smile, stood to brush dust from his clothes, and gazed deeply at Qin Daofei. “My mother was known as Hu Meiniang in your capital. If Master Qin dares take the case, I have a whole chest of black pearls and a thousand-year blood ginseng as payment. I’m staying in the Sky Room at the Yuelai Inn, awaiting your reply.”
With that, he departed.
Qin Daofei stood, not even glancing at the pearl, and headed to the backyard.
Just as he reached Linglong Pavilion, Tang Li rushed over with a prescription.
“Well?” Qin Daofei asked.
Tang Li handed it over. “The Ghost Doctor says we’re short one ingredient.”
“What ingredient?” If even Ye Lishang couldn’t find it, could it be…
Qin Daofei’s handsome brows knit tightly, a trace of worry in his always-confident eyes.
“He says it’s thousand-year blood ginseng. Thousand-year ginseng is easy to find, but blood ginseng is rare. But for the main lady’s condition, it’s necessary.”
Hearing this, Qin Daofei turned his gaze, hands behind his back, thought for a long time, then spoke in a low voice, “Tang Li, go ask the Zhu family if, twenty-three years ago, a foreign woman named Hu Meiniang was well-known in the capital. If they’ve heard of her, bring them to see me.”
“Yes!” Tang Li didn’t know why Qin Daofei suddenly wanted to investigate such a person, but since he asked, there must be a reason.
After Tang Li left, Qin Daofei squinted at Linglong Pavilion, then headed for the front yard.
An hour later.
Study.
Old Zhu’s massive form made the large study feel cramped as soon as he entered.
“Tell me about Hu Meiniang,” Qin Daofei went straight to the point.
Old Zhu bowed. “Hu Meiniang’s arrival caused quite a stir. She was both righteous and mischievous, extremely alluring. Many noble sons in the capital sought her favor, but though her manners were forward, she never did anything outrageous. She came quietly and left just as quietly, vanished without a trace, and no one knows where she went.”
“So many young men interacted with her?” That made the investigation even harder.
Old Zhu nodded. “Yes, but it’s been more than twenty years. Why do you suddenly want to look into her?”
“Business,” Qin Daofei replied tersely, but thought to himself: since she was so famous, it shouldn’t be too difficult to investigate.
He said little more, and Old Zhu didn’t dare press. “Anything else, Master?”
“No, you may go,” Qin Daofei pinched his brow, visibly weary.
Seeing his rare exhaustion, Old Zhu hesitated, then said, “Master, if she makes you so tired, why keep her here? Wouldn’t it be simpler to hand her over to the Jingzhao Prefecture?”
Qin Daofei said nothing, only stared at Old Zhu for three seconds.
Old Zhu’s legs went weak. She bowed, “Master, I was wrong!”
“Out!” Qin Daofei rarely spoke so harshly, but when he did, it meant he was on the verge of violence—only sparing her for old times’ sake.
Old Zhu bowed and retreated.
That night, Qin Daofei didn’t see Linglong.
Linglong lay alone on the bed, suddenly feeling its emptiness as vast as a desert, no sense of belonging.
After tossing and turning for over an hour, she finally thumped the bed board and called, “Hua’er, I can’t sleep!”
“I’m coming!” Hua’er, in the next room, hurried to dress and came to Linglong’s bedside.
Linglong patted the bed. “Sleep with me. It feels too empty alone.”
Hua’er laughed, shaking her head. “Miss must be used to having someone nearby.”
Linglong snorted, “I’ve seen every storm there is—why would I care about him?”
“If sir…” Hearing Hua’er call Qin Daofei ‘sir’, Linglong grew angry. She glared, “Call him ‘sir’ again and I’ll hit you, believe it or not?”
Hua’er rolled her eyes, “He’s not that bad to you—probably just busy and coming back late.”
“Hey, you’re getting bold! Want to climb onto the roof?” Linglong put her hands on her hips, striking a ‘fierce’ pose that, despite her efforts, held no threat.
Hua’er waved her hands, “Alright, I’m scared, okay? My dear Miss, my little ancestor! I’ll go get you something to eat.”
“No!” Linglong pretended to have backbone.
“Really not hungry?” Hua’er asked.
“No!” Linglong held her ground.
“Fine, I’m hungry—so I’ll cook for myself.”
“Hmm, make extra!” Seeing Hua’er wasn’t going to persuade her, Linglong quickly found herself an excuse and decided to eat after all!
“Want scallions?” Hua’er asked.
Linglong considered. “No scallions. Fried eggs—two!”
Hua’er’s laughter faded into the night.
Linglong sprawled out star-shaped on the bed, stubbornly muttering, “As if I can’t live without him—hmph!”
Meanwhile, Hua’er didn’t go straight to the kitchen after leaving Linglong Pavilion, but headed for the study.
At the door, Tang Li was sitting alone on the steps, reading a dossier intently.
Seeing Hua’er, he instinctively stood, somewhat embarrassed.
“Sir, is Master Qin inside?” Hua’er acted as if nothing had happened between them before, treating Tang Li as usual.
Tang Li replied, “Call me Tang Li or Tang big brother. I’m no ‘sir’.”
He went to the door and knocked twice.
“What is it?” Qin Daofei’s cool voice came from inside.
Tang Li paused. “Master, Hua’er wants to see you.”
“Let her in,” Qin Daofei said, tossing his dossier aside.
Hua’er entered, standing opposite Qin Daofei, bowing respectfully. “Master, I apologize for coming uninvited.”
“Speak,” Qin Daofei picked up his teacup, sipping lightly.
“Sir didn’t visit tonight. Miss is restless and can’t sleep. I worry for her health, so I boldly ask you to see her.” Hua’er knew this was a presumptuous request, but for Linglong, she would defy anyone.
Qin Daofei’s cool gaze flicked over Hua’er, who, though nervous, met his eyes without fear.
“I’ll go see her.” Qin Daofei had never realized the little maid by Linglong’s side was so courageous.
After he left, Hua’er’s legs trembled as she exited; descending the steps, she slipped and nearly fell.
“Careful!” Tang Li caught her waist, saving her from a fall.
Hua’er, startled, shoved him away, muttered thanks, and fled toward the door.
Thump!
In her haste, Hua’er crashed into the archway, bounced off, and fell to the ground, stars swirling in her eyes.
“Are you alright?” Tang Li, suppressing a smile, checked her, but didn’t touch her again.
Hua’er kept her head down, so Tang Li couldn’t see her injury, only the deepening color of her ears.
For a moment, a faint flutter crossed Tang Li’s heart—a feeling so fleeting he couldn’t grasp it.
“I’m fine, going to cook noodles for Miss!” Hua’er got up and ran to the kitchen, clutching her head.
Noodles?
Tang Li thought for a moment and followed.
Linglong Pavilion.
When Qin Daofei entered, Linglong was still sprawled out, staring vacantly at the canopy. Hearing the door, she assumed it was Hua’er and grumbled, “Hua’er, your beef noodles don’t smell at all!”
Qin Daofei, unfazed, walked to the bed, gently stroked Linglong’s hair, and asked softly, “Hungry?”
“Damn it, you scared me!” Linglong scrambled up, bumping his nose.
“Ugh!” Qin Daofei groaned. “Feng Linglong, can’t you be less reckless?”
“Sorry, I didn’t expect you!” If I’d known, I’d have hit harder.
Qin Daofei shot her a sidelong glance. “Why aren’t you sleeping so late?”
Linglong laughed awkwardly, trying to ease her embarrassment.
“I always sleep late—got hungry, wanted a snack. Why are you here so late?” she deflected, not daring to look at him.
Qin Daofei saw through her easily. He sighed, “I’m hungry, so I came to find something to eat.”
“My beef noodles aren’t for sharing!” Linglong guarded her food fiercely.
Qin Daofei flicked her forehead. “Linglong, don’t be so stingy.”
“Fine, ten taels a bowl!” Linglong revived at once, intent on squeezing money from him.
Qin Daofei eyed her. “I know a way to make easy money…”
“What, what?” Linglong instantly perked up, almost sticking her tongue out at him.
Qin Daofei raised an eyebrow. “You want money?”
“Who doesn’t?” Linglong looked at him as though he were an idiot.
“Alright then.” Qin Daofei’s lips curled wickedly. He took her hand, slid it under his collar to his abs, and said suggestively, “Serve me, and I’ll earn more silver for you.”
Linglong gritted her teeth, wanting to pinch him, but his abs were rock hard—no skin to grab. So she mischievously moved upward, pinched his chest, pulled, and let go heavily.
“Ugh!” Was this sweet torment?
Qin Daofei rubbed his chest, eyeing Linglong hungrily.
“Don’t get mad—you started it!” The last time he looked at her like that was their wedding night.
He seemed driven by rage, losing reason in his desire.
Recalling that, Linglong instinctively surrendered.
“Miss, the noodles are here!” Hua’er stood at the door with a tray, breaking the spell between Qin Daofei and Linglong.
Linglong, rescued, rushed to let Hua’er in, not even bothering to tidy herself.
Qin Daofei exhaled deeply, calming his inner fire, then strode to the table.
Linglong opened the door to see Hua’er and Tang Li at the threshold. Both stared at her in disbelief but kept silent.
Seeing Linglong’s flushed face and messy clothes, even the purest observer would guess what had happened.
In fact, only a genius would know what really happened!
“Why four servings?” Linglong meant to grab the tray from Tang Li to mask her awkwardness, but seeing four sets of bowls, she lost her composure.
Hua’er froze, unsure how to respond.
Tang Li bowed. “Master said he was hungry, so I went to the kitchen, met Hua’er, and asked her to make more. Surely you won’t begrudge me a bowl?”
“Of course not! Hua’er’s beef noodles are the best. Try them!” Linglong was generous with Tang Li.
After thanking her, Tang Li brought the tray in.
With four people sharing a late-night meal, the atmosphere grew awkward.
Tang Li nudged Hua’er, who quickly rose. “Miss, I’ll clean up in the kitchen. You two rest—it’s getting late.”
“Thank you for the noodles, Lady. Farewell!” Tang Li followed Hua’er out.
Linglong twisted her fingers, hesitating for ages before murmuring, “Go on, I’m going to rest.”
“After eating your noodles, I’ve no money to pay—so I’ll sleep with you, worth ten taels, eh?” Qin Daofei said, scooping her up and heading to the inner room.
Linglong struggled. “Today’s noodles are free. You’re busy—go tend to your work!”
“I, Qin Daofei, never owe debts!” With that, the debt-free Young Master Qin laid Linglong on the bed and joined her.
Linglong realized she’d dug herself a massive pit.
Luckily, Qin Daofei only meant to sleep.
“Go ahead and sleep. I’ll be busy these days… You don’t need to wait for me. No matter how late, I’ll come back.”
Hmph!
Who asked you to come back?
Who cares if you return?
Linglong grumbled inwardly, but didn’t dare provoke the volatile Qin Daofei again.
Still, in his arms—though anxious—she felt unexpectedly safe, and soon drifted off.
Before sleeping, she thought resentfully: tomorrow, without you, I’ll sleep just as sweetly.
The next day, Yuelai Inn.
Qin Daofei stood at the door of the Sky Room, and Tang Li knocked gently.
“One moment!” came a cool voice from inside.
Soon, a graceful youth opened the door, smiling, “My brother has waited for you, Master Qin. Please, come in.”
“Your brother is quite the strategist,” Qin Daofei remarked in a neutral tone.
The youth shrugged. “It’s not that he’s a strategist, but as newcomers to your country, we could think of no one else who’d come.”
Qin Daofei studied him, feeling a strange familiarity.
“Brother, Master Qin has arrived!” The youth led Qin Daofei in, announcing.
The heterochromatic man sat by the table, half-smiling at Qin Daofei, then stood to pour him tea. “Master Qin, you arrived sooner than I expected.”
“I’ll help investigate what you asked, but I have a condition: I want the blood ginseng as deposit.” Qin Daofei stated bluntly.
The man laughed.
“Master Qin is direct—I’m not stingy, but this blood ginseng is a rare treasure. If I give it to you now and you don’t find the answer, wouldn’t I lose it for nothing?”
Qin Daofei’s eyes flashed darkly. “What are your terms?”
“Let’s do this: I’ll give Master Qin a year. If you get results, I’ll pay the rest—the chest of pearls. If not, you owe me three million taels.”
Tang Li frowned, impatience in his gaze at the sum.
Qin Daofei calmly watched him, then said, “You say your mother was Hu Meiniang—people in the capital have heard of her. But whether you are truly her child is uncertain. If I gamble with you, and the results disappoint, I’d lose on all fronts.”
“Xiao Yu’er, bring the blood ginseng for Master Qin, and give him my mother’s portrait. Xiaoyao Manor is famed for knowing everything—just ask in the Northern Desert and you’ll confirm I’m Hu Meiniang’s son.”
With that, Hu Hanzhi gestured to see them out.
Qin Daofei accepted the portrait, glanced at it, and took his leave.
“Brother Hanzhi, do you think he’ll agree?” Xiao Yu’er asked after Qin Daofei left.
Hu Hanzhi spun his teacup, smiling carelessly, “He’ll agree. Send a carrier pigeon to the Northern Desert, have them prepare—Qin Daofei will definitely investigate.”
In a flash, the address was memorized.
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