Chapter 33: Infuriating Tiny Characters
Linglong smiled faintly, withdrew a dagger from her pouch, and sneered, “Let me tell you about the past two years. When I fled to the borderlands, do you know what I ate when hunger gnawed at me?”
“I do not know, madam!” The little maid trembled all over, not daring to look at Linglong. They had always feared the methods of this lady.
Linglong laughed softly. “Out there, corpses are the most plentiful thing. It was with this dagger that I carved flesh from them to eat.”
“Please… stop!” The little maid was so terrified she collapsed to the ground.
Linglong laughed heartily. “Why not let me continue? After all, I might soon use this very dagger to carve the most tender flesh from your body…”
“Feng Linglong, are you threatening her?” The Princess of the Qin clan, Xiangyu, was so unsettled by Linglong’s grisly account that her face turned pale, and she hurried to intervene.
Linglong merely smiled. “Madam, the most valuable lesson I learned in these past two years is ruthlessness. I have said before, if you don’t provoke me, I won’t trouble you. But since someone wants me and Hua to die, why shouldn’t we all perish together?”
With these words, Linglong seized the maid’s arm and moved to stab her.
From the moment Linglong described eating human flesh, Qin Daofei had been watching her with fathomless eyes.
“Ah! Ah!” The little maid, seeing that Qin Daofei did not stop Linglong, clutched Linglong’s skirt in terror. “Madam, I was wrong! Someone gave me silver to do this—my brother is ill, I needed the money. Please, have mercy, spare me!”
“Go on, then,” Linglong said, releasing her grip and speaking coolly.
The maid trembled, “Someone left silver in my room, telling me to tamper with your handkerchief. As I passed Linglong Pavilion, I needed to relieve myself and asked Miss Hua to hold it for me. When the scheme was exposed, I tried to blame her…”
“So, there really is someone targeting me,” Linglong said with a faint smile.
Tan Xiyin, her eyes still unable to open, asked in a desolate voice, “Does madam suspect me?”
“No, no, Concubine Tan. As the virtuous helper of Master Qin, how could you do such a thing? It must be the wretch who poisoned the handkerchief. Don’t you agree?” Linglong countered.
Tan Xiyin replied sorrowfully, “I think so too!”
“Someone, drive this maid out—never to be employed again,” ordered Qin Daofei.
The girl wept, still clutching Linglong’s skirt. “I’ll pay with my life, just save my brother, please!”
“Hua, give her some silver and see her off,” Linglong said calmly.
The maid knelt, banging her head until blood streamed down her forehead, but Linglong did not even glance at her, her gaze resting coldly on Xiangyu.
Xiangyu said coldly, “We owe you, and Xiaoyao Manor will give you an account. But should you not explain the disgrace you brought my son yesterday by causing a scene at Lord Xiang’s mansion?”
“Oh?” Linglong replied with a soft smile. “Madam, you’d best be clear in your accusations, as my temper these days is not what it used to be.”
“You—” Xiangyu glared at Linglong, but at the sight of the dagger in her hand, dared not act rashly.
“Xia He, sing that rhyme for Madam Feng,” Xiangyu ordered.
“There was a girl from the Feng family named Linglong, who quarreled at Lord Xiang’s wedding feast, sent chrysanthemums, snatched silver, and made Lord Qin wear a green hat.”
After Xia He finished, the room fell silent.
Linglong looked at Qin Daofei and laughed, “Master Qin, everyone says that in life, you must wear a bit of green on your head to get by. I trust you won’t mind?”
“My uncle told me what happened. If mother is unclear about the events, she can ask him—he was there and even praised Linglong for being a worthy wife to Xiaoyao Manor, saying she knows how to make money,” Qin Daofei replied blandly.
Xiangyu suppressed her anger and said icily, “Even if she did nothing improper at the wedding, why did Lord Xiang reward the children who sang this rhyme when he heard it?”
“He’s a fool,” Linglong declared with confidence.
Qin Daofei could only look skyward in exasperation.
Xiangyu fixed Linglong with a cold stare. “Since you know his intentions are not honorable, can you not keep away from him in the future?”
“I cannot. If you dislike it, madam, then send me away,” Linglong said, turning to leave without leaving room for negotiation.
Xiangyu watched her go, then turned to glare at Qin Daofei. “Are you just going to let her be?”
“I’ll go after her,” Qin Daofei replied, hurrying after Linglong.
This left Xiangyu and Tan Xiyin in the stifling room.
“Mother-in-law, perhaps you should arrange another marriage for Brother Daofei,” Tan Xiyin suggested, resigned but sincere.
“Hmph! I didn’t expose you just now, but don’t take advantage of my leniency. If you dare to stir trouble at my banquets again, get out of Xiaoyao Manor!” Xiangyu declared, letting Xia He help her inside, leaving Tan Xiyin alone in tears.
In the garden, Hua tugged at Linglong, choking back sobs. “Did you really eat human flesh in the borderlands to survive?”
Qin Daofei, who had followed quietly, hid behind a pillar, fists clenched, watching Linglong intently.
Linglong sighed with a smile, “Silly girl, I said that to scare them. If I hadn’t, Madam Qin would have torn me apart tonight. Now, feeling guilty and intimidated, they won’t dare bully me so brazenly.”
“You scared me to death!” Hua stamped her feet, torn between tears and laughter.
Linglong pinched her cheeks. “And to think my personal maid is so timid?”
“Enough of that. We missed dinner—I’ll make you a bowl of beef noodles,” Hua said, wiping her tears away.
“Don’t give any to Qin Daofei!” Linglong called after her.
“Of course, all for you!” Hua replied, heading to the kitchen.
Linglong stood alone in the dim courtyard for a moment before departing, leaving only a faint sigh in the air.
Tang Li followed behind Qin Daofei, hesitating. “Master…”
“I know. Many had to eat human flesh in the borderlands to survive… Send funds to build a charity house there. Let them gather information for me; I’ll provide for them,” Qin Daofei said heavily.
Tang Li bowed in the direction Linglong had gone. “Yes, master!”
When Qin Daofei reached Linglong Pavilion, she was eating beef noodles. Seeing him enter, she clutched her bowl protectively, not even sparing him a glance.
He walked behind her and gathered her into his arms, murmuring gently, “I won’t take it from you—eat up!”
“I’m done. Only the broth is left. How am I supposed to drink it with you holding me like this?” Linglong rolled her eyes.
Qin Daofei laughed, exasperated. “Do you guard even the soup so fiercely?”
“Exactly! You’re not getting any!” Linglong declared, gulping down the broth.
Afterwards, she patted her round belly. “A full stomach makes me want to sleep. Life is perfect only under Master Qin’s protection.”
With that, she wiped the soup from her mouth onto his clothes and then nestled against his chest, falling asleep.
Soon, her breathing became even and soft.
After a long while, Qin Daofei tightened his arms and whispered in her ear, “Then stay in my embrace forever. I promise you a lifetime free of worries.”
“Bullshit!” Linglong slapped him across the face.
Were it not for her deep sleep, Qin Daofei would have thought she meant to hit him.
He grasped her small hand, pressing it to his cheek, unwilling to let go.
Hua brought warm water to wash Linglong’s face, but seeing them together, she withdrew quietly, not wishing to disturb the peaceful moment.
“Bring the water in,” Qin Daofei said without looking up, then carried Linglong to the bed and laid her down.
Hua placed the basin on the stand, and Qin Daofei took the towel from her. “You may rest; I’ll handle this.”
Hua smiled and excused herself.
Qin Daofei wrung out the towel and gently washed Linglong’s face, then carefully wiped each finger clean.
Noticing the scars on her palm, he took a balm from his pocket, held it under her nose for a few breaths, then called softly to the shadows, “Fang Qing, drive that woman out.”
Soon, the sounds of fighting could be heard above the rafters, fading into the distance until all was quiet.
After a moment’s thought, Qin Daofei pulled off Linglong’s socks, exposing the feet she never let anyone touch.
Her feet were unscarred, except for her right big toe, which had been severed at the base.
Qin Daofei stared in shock, then grasped the dice at her waist, his usually calm eyes turning blood red.
“Linglong’s dice, red beans within—longing to the bone, but none know her sorrow!”
So, it was only her longing, etched into her flesh.
He cupped her delicate foot, resting his forehead on it, not raising his head for a long time.
When he finally did, he saw a line of blood-red seal script appear on her foot: “If you look at it without permission, may your sons be born without an anus.”
“Feng Linglong, you little wretch!” Qin Daofei hugged her tight, his eyes finally moistening.
When the script faded, he dressed her foot as though he had never seen her secret.
But he failed to notice that the same words now appeared perfectly on his own forehead.
A criminal mark he could not erase.
After settling Linglong, Qin Daofei left the room and told Tang Li, “Come drink with me.”
“Master, your—” Tang Li pointed at his own forehead, struggling not to laugh.
Qin Daofei glared coldly. “Speak plainly!”
“Wait—” Tang Li drew his sword and used it as a mirror for Qin Daofei.
Seeing the wild seal script, Qin Daofei ground his teeth. “Feng Linglong, if I don’t kill you, I’ll take your surname!”
It was the first time Tang Li had seen Qin Daofei so flustered and furious.
And it felt quite satisfying.
Back in his room, Qin Daofei scrubbed his forehead with the towel he had used so tenderly on Linglong, but the script would not come off.
“Bring me a bamboo hat—I’m going to Old Zhu’s place!” His expression was as dark as thunder.
Tang Li ran off and, after a hundred paces, burst into wild laughter.
Qin Daofei squinted after him, muttering, Laugh while you can. We’ll see who laughs last.
As it turned out, Tang Li was being merciful.
When Old Zhu and Kang Juncai saw the script on Qin Daofei’s forehead, they laughed until they could hardly breathe.
“Finished?” Qin Daofei asked coolly.
Kang Juncai managed to restrain himself, but Old Zhu kept slapping his thigh and laughing until he collapsed.
“Young master, was this written by Madam herself?” Kang Juncai asked, trying to look serious.
Qin Daofei glared. “Can you remove it?”
“It’s probably a plant-based powder. Best see the ghost doctor,” Kang Juncai suggested helplessly.
See Ye Lishang? He’d rather wear the script than endure that.
But if Linglong found out he had seen her secret, who knows what that little devil would do.
“Tang Li, go to Ye Lishang for a remedy and warn him if he so much as asks, I’ll break his legs!” Qin Daofei commanded.
Tang Li left, still holding back laughter.
Kang Juncai, unable to look at Qin Daofei’s pitiful state, said, “Young master, we have some matters to discuss. Please wait.”
He dragged Old Zhu inside.
Laughter echoed from within.
Qin Daofei swallowed his anger.
Late that night, Tang Li returned with a jar of black ointment. Old Zhu and Kang Juncai, now laughed out, were nervously keeping Qin Daofei company.
“Did the ghost doctor make the medicine?” they asked hopefully.
“He did, but he said it may or may not work. He’d rather see the writing to be sure…” But that was out of the question.
Qin Daofei fixed Tang Li with a deep look. “Give it here. I’ll try.”
Old Zhu thoughtfully handed him a small mirror. Seeing his reflection, Qin Daofei closed his eyes in distress.
He had to restrain himself from strangling Linglong.
Tang Li, seeing his master’s mood, volunteered to apply the ointment.
“Leave me. I’ll do it myself,” Qin Daofei said, knowing it would look ridiculous.
The three left quietly.
Resigned to sleeplessness, Old Zhu fetched some fine cured meat and a pot of wine. The three drank as they waited.
Qin Daofei sat alone, lost in thought.
Half an hour later, he washed off the ointment. The script had faded but not disappeared.
“Feng Linglong!” Qin Daofei muttered for the one hundred and thirty-eighth time that night.
He reapplied the balm. After a while, he joined the others, face dark as thunder.
Tang Li rose, but Qin Daofei said, “Sit. Drink.”
Old Zhu and Kang Juncai exchanged glances, then both looked at Tang Li.
Tang Li ignored them and poured Qin Daofei some wine. Qin Daofei swirled the cup with long fingers and said, “Drink.”
He drained it himself. The fiery spirit warmed his belly but could not thaw his heart.
He drank cup after cup.
Old Zhu dared not speak, nor did Kang Juncai or Tang Li.
After three rounds, Qin Daofei was calmer. Touching his dried ointment, he said, “I’ll go clean up. Do as you like.”
As soon as he stood, Old Zhu leaned over the table and grabbed Tang Li’s collar. “What’s with the master tonight?”
They all knew the iron-willed Qin Daofei would not be so troubled by a mere prank.
“I’m not sure. Tonight, the old madam prepared a banquet to settle scores with Madam for yesterday’s scene at Lord Xiang’s. Someone tampered with Madam’s handkerchief, and she unwittingly gave it to the second wife, making everyone suspect her. Later… Madam threatened the little maid, saying she’d survived by eating human flesh in the borderlands, and the maid confessed. Master was unsettled from then on. I think both events together weighed heavily on him.”
“Eating human flesh… that’s common in the borderlands, but I never thought such a noble lady as Madam had endured so much,” Kang Juncai said gravely.
Old Zhu’s expression was odd. After a long pause, she said, “It seems she wasn’t behind the poisoning years ago. Otherwise, Master wouldn’t indulge her so, nor be so pained.”
“You don’t understand. The master has loved Madam for a long time,” Tang Li said heavily.
They all sighed, but none knew how to comfort Qin Daofei.
Fortunately, when he returned, the script was gone.
“Back to the manor,” he ordered, striding out.
At dawn, in Linglong Pavilion, Linglong hugged her quilt, sleeping sweetly. She scratched her leg, stretched out, and called without opening her eyes, “Hua, I’m hungry!”
Next door, Hua heard and hurried to her, but Tang Li blocked her at the door. “Go prepare food in the kitchen,” he whispered.
“Oh…” She didn’t know why, but Tang Li standing guard meant Qin Daofei was inside.
After Hua left, Tang Li went downstairs.
Linglong, after waiting, finally opened her eyes—only to see Qin Daofei’s face looming above her.
Startled, she patted her chest. “Master Qin, people can die from being startled!”
Without a word, Qin Daofei pressed her down and showered her with wild, passionate kisses, so fierce that Linglong could not fend him off.
She fumed inwardly—how desperate was this man? She’d just woken and must taste terrible, yet he was undeterred.
But his actions grew ever more heated. When his hand slipped beneath her clothes, Linglong’s patience snapped. She kicked him in the stomach. Though he didn’t fall, he did pause.
“Ahem… I’m getting old. Don’t scare me first thing in the morning,” Linglong said, her eyes limpid but her expression provoking.
Qin Daofei, burying his head at her collarbone, growled, “Feng Linglong, I swear I’ll have you within a month.”
She nearly choked.
The refined Master Qin, spouting obscenities?
What had she done to offend him?
“If I let you have me within a month, I’ll change my name!” she shot back. She had to resist, or he’d think her easy prey.
“Is that so?” Qin Daofei arched a brow, lips curving wickedly. He drew close and whispered seductively, “Let’s wait and see.”
The reek of wine was strong.
Only now, catching her breath, did Linglong notice the heavy scent.
Qin Daofei gripped her chin and bit her lower lip until the taste of blood filled their mouths, then released her and left.
“Qin Daofei, you damned dog!” Linglong hurled a pillow after him.
The pillow slid harmlessly down the doorway—she hadn’t even touched his coat.
Rubbing her lips, Linglong went to the dressing table. In the mirror, she saw a fresh wound on her lower lip.
Beast! she cursed.
Hua entered with breakfast, saw the wound, and tried not to laugh. No wonder Tang Li wouldn’t let her in earlier—things must have been intense.
“If you laugh, I’ll marry you off to that fool next door!” Linglong threatened.
Hua stifled her giggle. “Please eat, miss. I’ll go buy groceries.”
After she left, Linglong looked up at the rafters and called softly, “Woman, what did Qin Daofei do last night?”
“Spent the whole night chasing the woman he hired to protect you!” the black-clad woman replied coldly.
Startled, Linglong hurriedly checked her feet—no sign of tampering. Only then did she relax.
“Put your hooves away, or I’ll kill you!” the woman threatened.
Linglong sheepishly put on her socks and shoes. “Between you and her, who’s stronger?”
“One finger could finish you. Believe it?”
Oh dear, she’s angry!
Linglong grinned, baring her teeth.
At noon, Qin Daofei arrived uninvited.
Given his beastly behavior that morning, Linglong ignored him.
He ignored her in turn, taking her bowl and chopsticks without ceremony.
Linglong stared, noticing his haggard eyes, the dark circles, and realized he hadn’t slept.
“So many years and only now do I notice how fine your hands are,” Linglong said shamelessly, examining his fingers.
Qin Daofei knew her intent but let her look.
“Not only are my fingers pretty, they’re useful too,” he quipped solemnly.
She choked on her drink. “Scoundrel!”
He caught her hand. “I’m going to Suiye for two days. Behave while I’m gone.”
“When have I ever not behaved?” she retorted brazenly.
He rolled his eyes, left a purse on the table, and said, “If you don’t want to eat at home, go to Old Zhu’s or Madam Liang’s. Don’t go hungry.”
“My, Master Qin, you’re so considerate. Safe travels!” She clutched the purse, already plotting her next mischief.
He walked away, then turned back with a meaningful look. “Above all, stay away from Lord Xiang.”
“Yes, mother!” Linglong secured the purse, eager for him to leave.
He ground his teeth but had no choice but to go.
Outside, Fang Qing waited. Seeing Qin Daofei, she smiled serenely, as if the recent laughter had not been hers.
“Keep an eye on her the next two days,” Qin Daofei instructed before leaving.
As soon as he was gone, Linglong dashed out. Seeing Fang Qing, she grinned, “Miss Fang, let’s go listen to music?”
“Master hasn’t left yet. Aren’t you afraid he’ll kill you?” Fang Qing leaned on the railing, beauty incarnate.
Linglong took her arm, smiling confidently. “Don’t worry. He’ll kill you all first. Only if desperate will he kill me.”
“Thank you for your honesty,” Fang Qing said, rolling her eyes.
Linglong pulled her along, catching Hua as she came up the stairs. “Come, I’ll show you how mesmerizing the tunes at Listening Snow Pavilion are!”
Just as they left, they saw Tan Xiyin, red-eyed, supported by Xiaocui, heading for Pine-Cypress Residence.
At first glance, Tan Xiyin noticed the wound on Linglong’s lip. A woman well-versed in such matters, she knew its cause.
“Well, didn’t sleep last night, Concubine Tan? Or have you been crying?” Linglong circled her, hands behind her back, all mischief.
Tan Xiyin bit her lip, silent.
But Xiaocui, unable to endure Linglong’s arrogance, snapped, “Madam, you’re shameless!”
“Why shouldn’t I be? Concubine Tan gave me a gift, I’m merely returning the courtesy. If it were me, I wouldn’t use chili water—I’d use green vitriol,” Linglong said with a smile, though her tone was chilling.
Xiaocui tried to retort, but Tan Xiyin gently pulled her away. “Let’s go pay our respects to Mother.”
Linglong clapped her hands, eyeing their retreat coldly.
“So, that handkerchief with chili water was originally intended for you?” Fang Qing asked.
Linglong smiled without answering.
“How did you guess?” Hua asked.
“By the scent. And the color of the cloth was a little redder than usual. So I guessed it was tampered with.”
“So you deliberately threw the ribs at Tan Xiyin’s face to test it?” Fang Qing said, helpless.
Linglong fanned herself coyly. “I couldn’t just use my own face as a test, could I?”
“I truly admire you. You already calculated your counterattack while the old madam was still raging. Does your husband know how formidable you are?” Fang Qing’s praise was tinged with irony.
Linglong only linked arms and hurried out with them. “We’ll discuss that later or there won’t be any seats left!”
After they left, Qin Daofei and Tang Li emerged from the shadows, leading their horses. Qin Daofei frowned deeply as he watched Linglong go.
“What a troublesome little imp!”
“Should I fetch Madam back?” Tang Li asked, bowing.
Qin Daofei shot him a look. “Could you succeed?”
“Probably… not,” Tang Li scratched his head. If he could give her a beating, maybe, but could he really hit Linglong? Of course not.
“Let’s go. The sooner we leave, the sooner we return,” Qin Daofei said, mounting up.
With Qin Daofei gone, Linglong ran wild in town all day, only returning at dusk with Hua and Fang Qing.
At Xiaoyao Manor’s gate, Xiangyu stood on the steps, supported by Tan Xiyin, looking down at Linglong.
“Oh, is madam here to welcome me?” Linglong smiled as if oblivious to Xiangyu’s grim face.
Xiangyu looked down at her. “Where were you all day?”
“Out eating, drinking, having fun!” Linglong replied, smiling.
Xiangyu snorted. “Feng Linglong, you ought to know shame…”
“Please give me an example, Madam Qin, so I can correct myself,” Linglong cut in, mounting the steps.
With each step Linglong took, Xiangyu and Tan Xiyin instinctively retreated, until their heels pressed against the manor’s high threshold.
“Feng Linglong, how dare you show such disrespect to your elders!” Tan Xiyin interposed herself protectively, hoping to atone for her earlier misstep.
Linglong shrugged. “Lucky I didn’t try to help you, or I’d be accused of murder again.”
Xiangyu pushed Tan Xiyin aside and said coldly, “As the daughter-in-law of the Qin family, you must kneel in the ancestral hall for your faults.”
“Are you sure you want me to do that?” Linglong interrupted, her tone icy.
Seeing her ambiguous smile, Xiangyu suddenly remembered the last time Qin Daofei punished Linglong to kneel in the ancestral hall—she’d nearly burned the ancestral tablets for firewood.
“Go reflect in your room,” Xiangyu said, turning away.
Tan Xiyin’s gaze flashed with calculation; she looked deeply at Linglong before following Xiangyu.
“What’s up with those two?” Hua muttered.
Linglong shrugged. “Simple. Xiangyu has her lines—she won’t act unless they’re crossed. And Tan Xiyin, though she wants to use Xiangyu, won’t find it easy. Madam Qin dislikes her as much as she dislikes me.”
“Aristocratic families are deep as the sea!” Fang Qing sighed, resolving to marry a man without parents so she’d never have to please a mother-in-law.
Linglong smiled at the manor’s plaque. “Aren’t they just?”
Later, soaking in her bath, Linglong recalled Qin Daofei’s morning behavior.
Such a reserved, deep man, cursing with abandon—what had shaken him so?
As the culprit, she could only speculate—who could fathom a man’s mind?
Suddenly, she heard a subtle noise, like a dagger prodding the window latch.
Linglong sat up, rolling her towel into a tube as a precaution, watching the door warily.
The black-clad woman dropped behind her, motioning for silence and pressed herself against the screen, listening.
Outside, Fang Qing also noticed something amiss and climbed up to the rafters.
The black-clad woman gestured for Linglong to continue bathing, so as not to arouse suspicion.
Understanding, Linglong slowed her movements, got out, dressed, and played with the water to mimic bathing.
At the window, one after another, five black-clad figures slipped inside.
They did not search the room but quietly gathered near the screen.
Both women sensed the intruders’ skill.
After the men locked the doors and windows to prevent escape, Fang Qing had already reached the rafters unnoticed.
Hearing water behind the screen, the leader signaled for silence, and they crept forward.
Just as they reached the screen, the window opened again—Fang Qing, in white, slipped inside to join the black-clad woman and surrounded the intruders.
As the leader peeked past the screen, he was struck in the nose by a wet towel, blood gushing as the black-clad woman attacked.
Simultaneously, Fang Qing drew her sword and attacked from behind.
In moments, the two had subdued all five.
“Not bad,” said the black-clad woman, rare appreciation in her eyes.
Fang Qing bowed. “For a master like you to serve my lady, I am the one in awe.”
Linglong emerged to find the five men sprawled unconscious.
“Tsk, tsk, you two are ruthless!” Linglong remarked. “No mercy at all.”
The black-clad woman ignored her and stripped the mask from one man’s face. “Recognize him?”
Linglong shook her head.
She continued, undressing him further. Linglong watched with interest. “Maybe there’s silver on them?”
Fang Qing covered her face.
On the man’s chest was a strange tattoo—some kind of totem.
“Nether Hall,” both women said at once.
Nether Hall? The infamous assassin organization, shrouded in mystery.
Linglong stared, stunned, as the black-clad woman gazed impassively at the mark.
Suddenly, the man awoke, terrified. “A… a…”
The black-clad woman seized his throat. “Who hired you?”
The man grinned eerily, blood seeping from his eyes. In a blink, he was dead.
The other four also bled from their eyes and died.
“Just like that?” Linglong could not believe it.
“They are disciples of the Shura Sect. Whenever they take a mission, the poison in their bodies is triggered. If they don’t return to their master in time, they die,” the woman explained.
“So, hiring them must be expensive?” Linglong, ever the merchant’s daughter, thought first of the price.
A cold smile. “Ten thousand taels of gold per kill.”
“Damn, I’m worth that much?” Linglong looked almost proud.
Fang Qing bowed. “Since you’re so valuable, we’ll leave the rest to you!”
With that, she departed to her own room, as if she’d never appeared.
The black-clad woman smirked. “From tomorrow, the price goes up.”
“Are you a friend or not?” Linglong fumed, but the woman ignored her, leaping to the rafters and vanishing.
Staring at the five corpses, Linglong stomped her foot, hands on her hips, then bellowed, “Help! Murder!”
Her piercing cry reverberated through the silent night, and soon, all the servants of Xiaoyao Manor came running.