Chapter 32: A Pot of Chrysanthemums in Honor of Lord Xiang

"Alright!" Little Fish backed out.

Hu Hanzhi picked up a black pearl, rolling it in his palm, his eyes full of scheming laughter.

After leaving the Yu Lai Inn, Qin Daofei glanced back at its signboard, a cold, sharp smile curling at his lips.

"Master, are you really going to agree to him?" Tang Li asked anxiously.

Qin Daofei wiped away his smile and spoke quietly, "To Old Zhu's!"

Old Zhu's Braised Pork Shop.

Speaking of Old Zhu, one must mention Old Zhu's gentle and scholarly husband. The two of them standing before Qin Daofei looked like a mother with her child, or a bear with a monkey.

Old Zhu's husband was called Kang Juncai. He was fair-skinned, refined, and slender, yet for some reason, he was utterly devoted to Old Zhu. If anyone dared speak ill of her, Kang Juncai would brandish his abacus and fight them.

"Young Master, you..." Kang Juncai had followed Qin Daofei's father since the beginning of his business, so while others called him Master, only true elders called him Young Master.

Qin Daofei handed Kang Juncai the portrait of Hu Meiniang given by Hu Hanzhi, asking calmly, "Take a look. Do you know this woman?"

As the scroll unfurled, Kang Juncai and Old Zhu exchanged glances, exclaiming in surprise, "How do you have Hu Meiniang's portrait?"

"A certain gentleman has commissioned me to investigate which young talents in the capital Hu Meiniang once had an affair with. Since you two know of her, have you heard anything about her past?" Qin Daofei looked at the couple, his gaze intense.

Kang Juncai shook his head, "That beauty caused a sensation in the capital back then, but she came and went quickly, and I've never heard of her having a secret affair... Wife, have you?"

"Of course not. If I had, wouldn't I have told the Master ages ago?" Old Zhu's booming voice echoed around the room.

Qin Daofei rolled up the scroll and said mildly, "No matter, we'll investigate slowly."

With that, he rose to leave.

Old Zhu glanced at Kang Juncai, who subtly shook his head, so Old Zhu reluctantly went to the kitchen, brought out a food box, and said sheepishly, "Here, prepared for that wild monkey Feng Linglong."

Pfft!

Tang Li laughed, unable to help himself—it was a fitting description.

Qin Daofei did not refute her, just smiled and lifted the food box: "You treat her so well. When she clings to you and pesters you every day, you're not allowed to drive her away—I can't bear to see her wronged."

Tsk tsk tsk!

Old Zhu looked at Qin Daofei with disdain, "If anyone can wrong her, I'll burn incense in gratitude."

Qin Daofei smiled but said nothing, taking the food box and leaving.

Kang Juncai escorted Qin Daofei to the door, apologetically bowing, "Young Master, that's just her nature. Please be tolerant!"

"Uncle Kang, don't worry. As long as she isn't wronged, even if Old Zhu beats her, I won't mind."

Heh!

Kang Juncai laughed insincerely—if a beating didn't matter, Linglong wouldn't be tearing the tiles off the roof of Xiaoyao Manor or fishing in the sea.

"Take care, Young Master!" Kang Juncai unceremoniously ushered Qin Daofei out.

Qin Daofei and Tang Li carried the food box toward Linglong Pavilion. As they passed the rear courtyard gate, Tan Xiyin suddenly darted out from the shadows, brandishing a thorny branch and kneeling before Qin Daofei, pleading, "Daofei, I know I was wrong. Please punish me, don't ignore me!"

Servants in the courtyard bustled about, seeing Tan Xiyin pitifully kneeling before Qin Daofei, whispering among themselves. Since Linglong returned, Tan Xiyin was truly pitiable.

Tang Li quickly drove them away, scolding, "The Master's affairs with the First and Second Ladies are not for you to discuss. If you want to keep your jobs at Xiaoyao Manor, don't gossip."

Though the crowd fell silent, they were convinced Linglong was abusing her power.

Qin Daofei looked at Tan Xiyin coolly, "Are you trying to slap my face or Linglong's?"

"I don't mean that!" Tan Xiyin looked up, tearful, "I admit I schemed against Linglong that day. I couldn't accept it. My parents and kin's bodies are not yet cold, and as a suspect, she openly returns to steal my husband, steal everything from me. I... can't accept it!"

Qin Daofei smiled coldly, "If you have evidence Linglong poisoned your parents and sister, call the magistrate now and have her arrested."

"But you have no evidence either!" Tan Xiyin retorted in desperation.

Yet Qin Daofei showed no anger.

He stepped closer, eyes dark as he looked at her, "If I knew the woman sleeping beside me was a murderer, I'd be the first to kill her."

"Fine!" Tan Xiyin lowered her head, avoiding his gaze. After a moment, she looked up, gripping the thorny branch, "For you, I can wait. But you can't ask me to pretend nothing happened—it's not fair to me."

With that, Tan Xiyin threw the branch aside and ran back to Miaoyin Pavilion, covering her face.

Qin Daofei glanced after her, expressionless, and stepped over the branch, snapping it in two as it lay abandoned on the ground.

Linglong Pavilion.

Linglong leaned on the railing, smiling brightly at Qin Daofei.

"Master Qin, you don't seem in a good mood, do you?"

Qin Daofei shot her a cold look, then brushed past as if she were air, heading upstairs.

Moments later, he stood before Linglong.

"You seem to be in good spirits," he said mildly, betraying no emotion.

Linglong spread her hands and laughed, "Of course! I heard Lord Xiang is marrying tomorrow. He didn't invite me, but just thinking of drinking his wedding wine makes me so happy. What do you think I should give him?"

Qin Daofei gazed skyward, speechless.

Linglong was exuberant, even pulling Qin Daofei into the room by the hand.

"I've picked out several things, but none seem suitable. Help me choose—you and Lord Xiang are friends, you must know his tastes!" Linglong earnestly dragged Qin Daofei in, showing off her gifts.

The first was dried chrysanthemums in a rosewood box.

The second was a pot of fresh chrysanthemums.

The third was a vase of fresh chrysanthemums.

Qin Daofei ground his teeth—she really was a little tormentor.

"You and Lord Xiang are close; send all three. No use keeping them at home," he said, pointedly ignoring Linglong's comment about him and Lord Xiang being "of one mind."

Oh!

Linglong clapped her hands, "No way. The rosewood box is borrowed from Feng's shop—I only planned to give the dried chrysanthemums. The vase is imperial kiln porcelain, from your house, but giving it to Lord Xiang doesn't seem right. This pot of fresh chrysanthemums, I moved from your study's door—I'll give this, since it's free."

"Why make me choose then?" Qin Daofei felt all his cleverness in dealing with outsiders was nothing compared to sparring with Linglong—it drained him utterly.

Linglong rolled her eyes, "I just wanted to see your reaction on seeing your own chrysanthemums!"

"Linglong Feng, do you really think I can't do anything about you?" Qin Daofei was genuinely annoyed.

Linglong laughed, patting his shoulder and stomping playfully, "Fine, I'll return it to you. I'll buy one that hasn't bloomed myself—it shouldn't cost more than a few coins."

"Linglong," Qin Daofei suddenly softened, smiling at her.

Linglong's scalp tingled. She quickly called to Hua'er, "Hua'er, let's help Master Qin return his flower. He's so stingy, we don't want it!"

Pfft!

Tang Li, guarding the door, sympathized with his master for three seconds!

"Forget it—the flower suits Lord Xiang's temperament anyway. I'll give it to you," Qin Daofei said generously.

Tang Li stared at Hua'er, who was holding back laughter so hard her shoulders shook.

Tang Li whispered to Hua'er, "Truly a couple!"

Hmm!

"You shouldn't speak of my lady!" Hua'er agreed with Tang Li but still defended her eccentric mistress.

Their whispered exchange was caught by Wen San, whose sinister gaze gleamed with malice before vanishing into the shadows.

The next day.

Tang Li brought a tall woman to Linglong Pavilion.

Her gaze was gentle as spring water, her hair black as silk, lips like cinnabar, and her figure graceful.

"Madam, this is the personal maid Master chose for you. Today, you're going to Lord Xiang's residence... Master worries he might bring you trouble, so it's safer to take her along," Tang Li wanted to say Linglong was courting trouble, but dared not.

The woman's bearing was exceptional, hardly resembling a maid. She stepped forward and bowed, "Madam, my name is Fang Qing."

The light on the water is best when the weather is clear; the mountain's mist is wondrous in the rain. If one compares West Lake to Xi Shi, whether richly adorned or simply dressed, she is always beautiful.

Linglong recited this verse, then squinted and smiled, "Miss Fang Qing, such a remarkable lady—calling yourself a maid would be a disservice. If you wish to protect me, I am already very grateful; no need to call yourself a maid, for I am no madam either."

This...

Fang Qing had never expected the famous Miss Feng, Qin family's First Lady, would be such an amusing character.

"How could that be?" Fang Qing's voice was gentle as a spring breeze.

Linglong took her hand, standing beside her, and said seriously, "I'm going to Lord Xiang's residence today to get beaten up; you must protect me well."

Pfft!

Tang Li was floored!

Fang Qing was speechless, thinking, what kind of person has Qin Daofei assigned me to?

Hua'er scolded, "You know you're courting trouble, yet you go anyway?"

"I must go! Such excitement—I wouldn't rest in peace if I didn't see it myself."

Is this the legendary troublemaker?

"Hua'er, bring the chrysanthemums I've prepared, let's go!" Linglong dragged Fang Qing, afraid she might change her mind.

For a moment, Fang Qing really didn't want to go.

"Madam, Lord Xiang is merely marrying a concubine, yet you bring chrysanthemums... Are you sure you're crashing the event?" Fang Qing couldn't help herself—her idea of a proper lady was nothing like this.

Linglong raised an eyebrow and smiled mischievously, "You see right through me! How did you guess?"

"Even an outsider like me wants to hit you; don't ask how I guessed!" Fang Qing thought privately.

But Hua'er voiced it aloud.

Linglong waved dismissively, "I'm not afraid; Fang Qing will protect me!"

Then, three women marched off, carrying a pot of chrysanthemums to Lord Xiang's banquet.

At Lord Xiang's gate.

The steward, responsible for welcoming guests, saw Linglong with her chrysanthemums and blocked her with a forced smile, "Miss Linglong, today is the Prince's wedding. Without an invitation, you cannot enter."

Heh!

"I know it's your prince's wedding. What, Lord Xiang doesn't welcome me?" Linglong deliberately spoke loudly so Lord Xiang would hear.

The steward sneered, "Miss Linglong, you can't act so recklessly just because the prince favors you." He pointed at the chrysanthemums in Huaer's arms.

"Cheng Xiang, come out!" Linglong suddenly shouted, startling the steward so much he nearly knelt.

Fang Qing tilted her head and asked Hua'er, "Is she always so dramatic when visiting Lord Xiang's residence?"

"There are even more dramatic scenes..." Before Hua'er finished, everyone saw Lord Xiang, dressed in wedding finery, bustle out. Seeing Linglong barred at the gate, he pointed at the steward, "Do you want to die?"

"Prince, she... she brought a pot of chrysanthemums. She can't enter!" The steward was loyal, even as Lord Xiang grew angry, he persisted.

Lord Xiang glanced at Linglong, then at the chrysanthemums in Huaer's hands. His cheerful face instantly fell.

"What, Lord Xiang doesn't welcome me?" Linglong saw his expression drop and, far from being intimidated, moved forward aggressively.

Lord Xiang loved seeing Linglong act so brash—it made him more determined not to give up on her.

Ah! But bringing a pot of chrysanthemums—what is she up to?

"Linglong, how could I not welcome you?" Damn, he welcomed her more than anyone.

Humph!

Linglong sneered.

Seeing her displeased, Lord Xiang fired up at the steward, "Chrysanthemums blooming this season are rare treasures. From now on, even if Miss Linglong arrives with a knife, do not bar her."

He then descended, trying to take Linglong's hand.

Linglong sidestepped him, squinting with a smile, "Lord Xiang is indeed learned, but your residence is hard to enter."

"Auntie, please, come in!" Lord Xiang bowed and gestured invitingly.

Linglong tossed her hair proudly, "Eunuch Xiang, you're too polite!"

She then led Hua'er and Fang Qing inside.

Lord Xiang resembled an eager eunuch, trailing behind Linglong.

Fang Qing was stunned by the scene, muttering, "Is this... allowed?"

Linglong just smiled, not answering.

Lord Xiang followed Linglong inside. All the guests in the main hall watched the chrysanthemums in Huaer's hands, the atmosphere instantly silent.

Linglong felt proud—she finally experienced the grandeur Qin Daofei enjoyed at his entrances. Not bad!

Linglong took the chrysanthemums, handing them to the ceremonial eunuch.

The poor eunuch's face wrinkled like a chrysanthemum.

"Oh, so Lord Xiang still looks down on my gift?" Linglong smiled slyly.

Lord Xiang knew Linglong was provoking him, but all his efforts in life revolved around her. Even knowing she was here to cause trouble, he couldn't bear to be angry.

At least, Linglong was here!

"Announce!" Lord Xiang personally took the chrysanthemums, forcing the eunuch to continue.

"Miss Feng, eldest daughter of Feng's, Miss Linglong..." The eunuch began, but Linglong interrupted, "Qin Manor's First Lady, say it again!"

Hmm!

The eunuch was aggrieved.

Under Lord Xiang's signal, the eunuch ignored Linglong and persisted, "Miss Feng, eldest daughter of Feng's, presents a pot of rare chrysanthemums."

Now, all the guests held their breath, afraid to offend Lord Xiang.

Lord Xiang, appearing happy, took the chrysanthemums to his bride, "These are precious; keep them in my room."

"Yes, Prince!" The bride disliked Linglong, but now she felt relieved.

Heh!

Linglong laughed crisply, addressing the guests, "Don't be afraid, I don't bite!"

"Oh, Miss Linglong is truly skillful. To make chrysanthemums bloom this season—they must be rare. I am fond of flowers myself; if given the chance, I'd learn from you," Liu Zitong quickly spoke to ease the tension.

Linglong remembered clearly—he was the newly appointed magistrate after her escape. On her first day back at Xiaoyao Manor, he came to arrest her.

"Fine, next time you visit Xiaoyao Manor, stay in the servants' quarters for a few days. Our gardener is truly exceptional," Linglong laughed.

Liu Zitong's face alternated between pale and flushed.

Lord Xiang's marriage meant Wang Liushu was among the guests.

Seeing Linglong bring chrysanthemums as a wedding gift, he felt his face burn, but watching her easily handle Liu Zitong, he felt vindicated.

To order a government official to stay in the servants' quarters—only Linglong would dare.

Lord Xiang gave Liu Zitong a deep look, hoping he'd avoid Linglong's sharpness. He knew she was here to stir trouble, but would not allow anyone to confront her.

Liu Zitong received the signal and retreated, not daring to speak again.

He fell silent, Lord Xiang fell silent, but Linglong would not let them off.

Linglong walked a few steps, then suddenly turned to Liu Zitong, her gaze cold, "So it's Lord Liu! I thought you looked familiar."

She then turned to Lord Xiang, "The day I returned, Lord Liu tried to arrest me. Was it at your behest, or did he act on his own?"

Fang Qing and Hua'er exchanged glances—Fang Qing finally understood Linglong's earlier words.

Indeed, she was here to court trouble.

Liu Zitong, once arrogant at Xiaoyao Manor, now shrank behind the crowd.

A sensible woman would drop the unpleasant topic, but Linglong was no ordinary woman.

She approached Liu Zitong, insisting he explain himself.

Lord Xiang massaged his brow, suffering a headache.

"Oh, so Lord Xiang had a hand in this?" Linglong spun around, glaring at him.

Lord Xiang rubbed his nose, pointing at Liu Zitong, "Lord Liu, step forward!"

Liu Zitong shuffled out, bowing, "Prince, I acted on a report and sought Miss Linglong to clarify matters."

Most importantly, he never actually arrested her!

"Did you trouble her?" Lord Xiang asked coldly.

Liu Zitong immediately shifted blame, "No, Prince, I absolutely did not trouble Miss Linglong. She refused to come, so I left!"

"You left because I refused to come? You had no evidence, didn't dare take me!" Linglong pressed on.

Lord Xiang pondered, then said, "Liu Zitong, you went to bother Miss Linglong without evidence. I fine you half a year's salary as compensation. Any complaints?"

"None, Prince!" Though he resented it deeply.

Heh!

Linglong beamed at the mention of money.

"Please send banknotes—easier to carry!" She was not shy at all.

For reasons unknown, Lord Xiang adored her greedy, unruly ways. Seeing her smile, he was finally content.

Liu Zitong, suffering a loss, looked as black as charcoal.

After the banquet, Linglong stuffed five thousand taels of silver notes in her pouch, full and satisfied, leisurely leading Hua'er and Fang Qing home.

"Madam, is she always so brazenly robbing people?" Fang Qing couldn't resist her curiosity.

It was her first time seeing someone bring chrysanthemums to a wedding, not get beaten, and earn five thousand taels.

Hua'er looked skyward, "You'll get used to it!"

Well!

She rather liked Linglong's character—full of flavor!

After escorting Linglong home, Fang Qing found an excuse to leave, heading alone to Qin Daofei's study.

She entered. Qin Daofei merely glanced up, then returned to his work, not greeting her.

"Has Linglong always been this way since marrying you?" Fang Qing waited, then spoke.

Ah!

Qin Daofei sighed almost inaudibly, massaging his brow, "What did she do at Lord Xiang's?"

Fang Qing recounted all Linglong's antics.

She expected Qin Daofei to be angry—his wife's public attention was surely embarrassing.

Yet Qin Daofei wasn't angry; he smiled.

"Good. My woman should be like this!" He seemed proud.

Fang Qing face-palmed, "Are you just going to let Lord Xiang do as he pleases?"

"No choice—he's a prince," Qin Daofei said quietly, smiling, showing no intention of stopping him.

"I give up on you," Fang Qing muttered, turning to leave.

After she left, Qin Daofei put aside his work, standing at the window. No one knew that from this angle, he could see Linglong's rooms perfectly.

This habit had formed unconsciously, long ago.

Even in the years Linglong was absent, Qin Daofei never changed it.

The next day, at noon.

Lord Xiang and Liu Fengying were returning home.

"A girl from the Feng family called Linglong, Lord Xiang's wedding ended in chaos, after gifting chrysanthemums she grabbed silver, Qin Lang wore a green hat!"

On the long street, a group of children surrounded a little girl, singing a rhyme.

Heh!

Hearing the gossip, Lord Xiang wasn't angry—instead, he called, "Stop!"

"What's wrong, Prince?" Liu Fengying had also heard, but she was clever. Even knowing Lord Xiang loved Linglong, she never showed dissatisfaction.

Lord Xiang closed his eyes and smiled, "Don't you find it pleasant?"

"Heh, as long as Prince is happy, I only hope you'll soon achieve your wish."

Hearing her, Lord Xiang opened his eyes, looking at Liu Fengying coldly, "Since meeting her at thirteen, I swore I'd win her. If you help me, I'll guarantee your position as Princess will never change."

Lord Xiang knew Liu Fengying married him not for love.

Liu Fengying smiled, displeased, "Prince, how could I compete with Sister?"

"You can compete," Lord Xiang said.

He closed his eyes, quietly listening to the children's song.

Liu Fengying glanced at him, pride shining in her eyes.

With his words, she felt secure.

"Coachman, reward them!" After the song, Lord Xiang spoke.

Wishing to please him, Liu Fengying got out, handing coins to the singing children.

Thus, rumors quickly spread throughout the capital.

Xiaoyao Manor.

Miaoyin Pavilion.

Tan Xiyin dressed carefully, smiling to Xiaocui, "I hear Hongxiu Studio has new fine powders. Since I'm idle, I'll see if Mother wants to join me."

"Yes!" Xiaocui replied.

They went to Songbai Residence.

Lady Qin Wangxiang saw Tan Xiyin and felt displeased, showing her no kindness.

Tan Xiyin never minded; she'd been married five years and never received kindness.

"Mother, I was frightened that day and caused you harm," Tan Xiyin knelt in apology.

"Hmph! Useless!" Lady Qin Wangxiang showed undisguised contempt.

Still kneeling, Tan Xiyin said, "I heard Hongxiu Studio has the powders you like. I wanted to buy them to apologize, but my taste isn't as refined as yours—would you join me in choosing?"

The last batch of powders was indeed exceptional; coincidentally, Lady Qin Wangxiang's were broken by a maid today. Hearing Tan Xiyin, she was tempted.

"Madam, Hongxiu's powders are in high demand—if you go late, there'll be none!" Xiaocui added persuasively.

"Hmph! If my powders hadn't been spilled, who'd care for yours?" Though she complained, Lady Qin Wangxiang honestly rose, letting Granny Xiahe support her out.

They shopped happily at Hongxiu Studio, and on leaving, heard the children singing the rhyme, saw Lord Xiang's people rewarding them.

Lady Qin Wangxiang was so furious she left at once.

Tan Xiyin struggled to catch up.

That night.

Lady Qin Wangxiang demanded the whole family dine together at Songbai Residence.

She "especially" insisted Linglong attend.

After Granny Xiahe left, Hua'er worried, "Miss, the old lady must be plotting something!"

"I know. I'm not silver—if she liked me, I'd suspect she's bent," Linglong lazily rested her chin, smiling at Hua'er.

Hua'er scowled, "If you weren't my miss, I'd tear your mouth!"

"Go ahead!" Linglong pulled her light green shawl to her arm, exposing her shoulder grandly.

Unfortunately, Qin Daofei happened to see this, leaving Linglong petrified.

Qin Daofei eyed her exposed collarbone, commenting, "Very seductive pose!"

Scoundrel!

Linglong angrily covered up, rolling her eyes, "Master Qin, what do you need?"

Qin Daofei glanced at Hua'er, who wisely exited, closing the door.

He looked at Linglong, gently lifting her shawl and tugging at her inner garment, "Keep that pose while talking to me—I'll tell you what I want."

Linglong felt he emphasized "want" heavily.

"Why should I listen? I'm not interested!" Linglong shifted, wishing to stay safe and away.

Qin Daofei smiled enchantingly, "If you don't want to listen, don't blame me later."

"Wait!" Linglong was determined not to listen, but her mouth betrayed her, and her hand clung to his sleeve, stopping him.

Qin Daofei smiled wickedly, showing white teeth.

"Keep the pose," he insisted.

Linglong glared, "Go away, I'm a performer, not a courtesan!"

Heh!

Qin Daofei looked at her contemptuously, "I know you have nothing to sell but your art—I haven't seen it yet, let me witness it?"

"Qin Daofei!" Linglong was truly angry.

Qin Daofei shrugged, leisurely stood, straightened his clothes, and resolutely turned to leave.

"Hey, you haven't finished speaking!" Linglong grabbed his sleeve, rolling on the floor like a rascal.

Qin Daofei ignored her, dragging her forward.

"Fine, I'll show you!" Linglong lowered her shawl, exposing her collarbone, as dramatic as a martyr.

Qin Daofei squatted, looking down at her, "Nothing, just thought your pose... was especially good! Makes me want to do something!"

He rose and walked out.

"You damn bumpkin..." Linglong scrambled after him, but he stopped abruptly; she crashed into his solid back, tears welling up.

Qin Daofei turned, holding her arm, "Still alive?"

"Basically dead!" Linglong cried, but still joked.

Qin Daofei looked skyward, speechless.

"Let's go, Mother told us to dine at Songbai Residence," he said, taking her hand.

Linglong shook his arm, "Why did your mother call me? What's she planning?"

"Eat," Qin Daofei replied succinctly.

Humph!

Linglong sneered, "No banquet without ulterior motives. If I make your mother faint, don't get mad!"

Qin Daofei looked skyward at a forty-five degree angle, melancholy—this wasn't the first time; he was used to it.

"She's still my mother. Go easy," he said.

Linglong grinned like a fox, "Since Master Qin has pleaded, I'll reluctantly spare her a little."

"Should I thank you?" Qin Daofei asked coldly.

Linglong bared her teeth, "Don't mention it—fifty taels, please!"

"Repay with flesh tonight," Qin Daofei said boldly.

"Who cares!"

Linglong was displeased, breaking free and walking ahead.

Songbai Residence.

Linglong led, Qin Daofei followed at a leisurely pace.

"Good evening, Madam!" Linglong greeted politely. After her, Tan Xiyin stood and smiled, "Good evening, First Lady!"

"My, Concubine Tan is in good spirits!" Linglong smiled, sitting beside Tan Xiyin.

Qin Daofei glanced at them, then sat by Lady Qin Wangxiang.

After the dishes were served, Lady Qin Wangxiang said, "Everyone, start eating."

Linglong had just picked up a sweet-and-sour rib when Lady Qin Wangxiang suddenly slapped the table, startling Linglong so the rib flew onto Tan Xiyin's face, splattering her with sauce. The hapless rib slid down her face—a comical sight.

"Oh dear, sorry, sorry!" Linglong grabbed a wet towel to wipe Tan Xiyin's face.

"Spicy, spicy!" Tan Xiyin pushed Linglong away, who "unprepared," fell backward.

Qin Daofei, lightning-fast, moved from across the table to catch Linglong, preventing her from falling.

Xiaocui saw Tan Xiyin weeping, rushed over and snatched the towel from Linglong, snapping, "First Lady did it on purpose—this towel was soaked in chili water."

Hmm!

Linglong "fragilely" leaned in Qin Daofei's arms, pitifully, "This is Madam's banquet. Aside from Hua'er, who would help me prepare chili water towels? Besides, the towel was meant for me... Since you all dislike me, I'd better leave."

With that, Linglong stomped on Qin Daofei's foot, grinding it, then "tragically" pushed him aside, leading Hua'er away.

"Wait!" Qin Daofei and Lady Qin Wangxiang called together.

Linglong, weak as a sick beauty, leaned at the threshold, watching the room.

"Tonight's banquet was my doing, but the towel incident must be investigated. Anyone scheming at Xiaoyao Manor is courting death," Lady Qin Wangxiang looked coldly at Linglong and Tan Xiyin.

She trusted no one!

Tan Xiyin's eyes burned from the spice, seeking comfort from Qin Daofei.

Qin Daofei stood with his hands behind his back, "Someone, summon the one who prepared the towels."

Soon, a young maid nervously knelt before them.

Lady Qin Wangxiang asked, "You prepared the towels tonight?"

"Cook Wu told me to. She said with ribs and prawns, the masters would need wet towels for clean hands," the maid replied.

Granny Xiahe ordered, "Go fetch Wu."

Soon, Wu arrived.

Her account matched the maid's, showing no flaws.

"Did you prepare the towels from start to finish?" Qin Daofei asked.

The maid bowed, "When I brought the towels, I met... I don't know, please investigate, Master."

"Who did you meet?" Lady Qin Wangxiang demanded.

Hua'er stepped forward, "She said she had a stomachache, so I carried the tray outside, waited for her to return, then she took the tray and left. I stayed to wait for my miss and Master."

"So it's clear. First Lady killed my master's wife and second miss, yet our madam tolerates her, letting her act high and mighty. Why can't First Lady tolerate Second Lady?" Xiaocui sneered.

Heh!

Linglong smiled, pulling Hua'er to Xiaocui, "Slap her!"

Pa pa pa!

Hua'er stepped forward, mercilessly slapped Xiaocui several times, then returned to Linglong's side, "I did carry the tray, but I was waiting for my miss. I didn't know when she'd arrive or hand over the tray. This obvious framing is just like when I returned and someone accused me of poisoning. I believe Master has a scale in his heart to weigh right and wrong."

Xiaocui covered her cheek, looking pitifully at Lady Qin Wangxiang, who ignored her.

Linglong smiled, circling the maid, "Why did you linger at Linglong Pavilion?"

"I needed the restroom, couldn't hold it," the maid replied.

Linglong smiled.

"Indeed, just needed the restroom, just handed the tray to Hua'er, you calculated she'd add chili water, then I calculated Madam would get angry, I'd scare her, the rib would hit Concubine Tan's face, then I'd use the chili water towel to harm her—is that it?" Linglong calmly recounted the incident, asking the maid.

The maid trembled, unable to answer.

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