Chapter 37: A Troubling Couple
In that moment, Hua closed her eyes in silent resignation, feeling as if she had finally been liberated. Yet, the pain she expected did not arrive. Instead, someone caught her mid-air and gently brought her back to the ground.
"Are you all right?" It was Tang Li.
Hearing his voice, Hua gazed up at him with tearful eyes, like a frightened child. "Tang Li, I killed someone!" She clutched his clothes tightly, her voice trembling, helpless.
Tang Li released her gently, speaking softly, "It's all right. Wait here for me; I'll go check."
"No, don’t leave me!" At that moment, Hua was as desperate as someone drowning, and Tang Li was her only lifeline; she could not endure his absence, not even for a second.
Tang Li looked deeply at her, then suddenly reached out, securing her waist and soaring up the stairs with her.
On the floor above, Wen San's eyes bulged in terror, staring hopelessly into the distance, as if unable to accept the fate of his death.
Tang Li glanced coldly at Wen San, tucked the blueprint onto Wen San's body, and had just finished when others arrived, alerted by the commotion.
Upon seeing Steward Zhang, Tang Li spoke coolly, "This Wen San was acting suspiciously, sneaking out to this abandoned courtyard in the dead of night to secretly meet someone. Hua discovered and followed him; he tried to kill her, but I arrived in time and saved her from his blade. In the struggle, I accidentally killed him."
No…
Hua tried to speak, but Tang Li gripped her wrist tightly.
Within Xiaoyao Manor, a slave's crime warrants death!
"Another woman was with him. I overheard their secret, but made a sound and was discovered." Hua believed this woman was the key; if caught, perhaps Linglong's name could be cleared.
Tang Li frowned, his tone cold. "Sound the bell. Gather everyone in the front courtyard!"
Soon, the gathering bell of Xiaoyao Manor rang out.
Linglong, half-asleep, was awakened by the bell and asked Qin Daofei, "What's happening?"
"Shall we go see?" Qin Daofei asked if she wanted to go.
Linglong nodded, "Alright!"
She reached out naturally, and Qin Daofei helped her dress, then carried her out.
When the two arrived, everyone in Xiaoyao Manor was assembled in the front courtyard. People exchanged glances, uncertain why, on such an ordinary night, the bell had been rung to summon them.
"Master..." Tang Li whispered with Qin Daofei, recounting the events.
After listening, Qin Daofei asked calmly, "Is everyone present?"
"Master, my lady, the second madam is unwell and unable to attend," replied Xiaocui.
At such a crucial moment, Tan Xiyin did not attend?
Linglong laughed.
"Then let me see just how unwell Tan concubine is, to dare defy the master’s orders." With that, Linglong headed toward Miaoyin Pavilion.
Xiaocui blocked her way, saying angrily, "I told you, my lady is not well!"
"Fangqing, pull this wretch aside for me!" Linglong shoved Xiaocui away and strode toward Miaoyin Pavilion.
Fangqing stepped forward and pulled Xiaocui aside.
Throughout, Qin Daofei remained silent.
Xiaocui, isolated and powerless, could only watch Linglong enter Miaoyin Pavilion.
Inside Miaoyin Pavilion.
As Linglong pushed open the door and went upstairs, the window of Tan Xiyin's room was opened, and a figure in black unceremoniously threw Tan Xiyin onto the bed before quickly departing.
Tan Xiyin, without much thought, turned her back to the door, pulled the quilt over herself, and hid.
When Linglong entered, she saw Tan Xiyin curled up under the blanket.
"Well, I heard Tan concubine was ill. Looks quite serious, doesn’t it?" Linglong tried to pull the blanket away but failed.
Tsk!
Linglong, unwilling to give up, used both hands to pull the blanket off, and found Tan Xiyin curled up, clutching her head, refusing to let Linglong see her face.
"Hey, we know each other so well, why be so reserved?" Linglong tugged at Tan Xiyin's hand.
"Feng Linglong, don’t go too far!" Tan Xiyin, annoyed by Linglong’s persistence, sat up angrily, glaring at her.
Pfft!
Seeing Tan Xiyin, Linglong laughed without restraint.
Tan Xiyin’s once flawless face was now mottled with bruises, her right eye swollen, and her left cheek red and puffy.
She looked utterly unsightly.
"Tan concubine, did someone deliberately beat your face to a pulp?" Linglong grinned, showing no sympathy.
Perhaps Linglong hit a nerve, for Tan Xiyin stared at her hatefully, large tears rolling down her cheeks.
At that moment, Granny Xiahe entered and bowed to Linglong.
"Madam, the old mistress asked me to see if the second madam can walk. If so, please come along with me."
Tan Xiyin might dare defy Linglong, but not Xiahe, for Xiahe was backed by Prince Qin’s domain.
"Granny, I fell and my face is unfit for anyone to see, I..." Tan Xiyin said timidly.
Granny Xiahe gave Tan Xiyin a cold glance and replied, "It matters not, as long as you’re recognizable as the second madam."
Tsk, tsk.
Linglong sighed, thinking Xiahe was even harsher than herself.
The three left Miaoyin Pavilion, Linglong happily leading the way. Upon seeing Qin Daofei, she dashed over and tapped his shoulder, saying, "Master Qin, your Tan concubine is disfigured—how pitiful!"
"When you say she’s pitiful, can’t you feign a bit of sadness?" Qin Daofei retorted, unfazed.
Linglong was at a loss. "Alright, I’ll try!"
But no matter how she tried, she was still delighted.
"Honestly, I can’t pretend—this is too satisfying!" Linglong admitted boldly.
Qin Daofei took a deep breath, feeling an urge to throttle her.
But as Linglong said, Tan Xiyin was indeed nearly disfigured.
"See, didn’t I say so? Look at her, as if someone deliberately beat her face!" Linglong insisted, pulling Qin Daofei’s hand, demanding his agreement.
Qin Daofei remained silent.
Tan Xiyin, sniffling, came over and took Qin Daofei’s other hand. "Brother Daofei, I fell."
"Mm." Qin Daofei actually responded.
Linglong was unhappy.
"Tan concubine really knows how to fall—her face must have landed first. Why not fall again for me? I’d love to see how much water you can splash." Linglong pressed mercilessly.
Tan Xiyin glared at Linglong but said nothing.
"Did something happen in the manor? Why gather everyone?" Tan Xiyin had barely finished speaking when Steward Zhang led people in with Wen San's corpse.
Tang Li stepped forward, "This man, a servant of Linglong Pavilion, is suspected of stealing Xiaoyao Manor’s defense plans. When discovered by Miss Hua, he tried to kill her. I intervened, but in the struggle, he was killed by mistake."
"With him was a woman—they…well, were lovers." Hua was too embarrassed to say more, but thinking of what Wen San had done to her, she was furious.
Everyone in Xiaoyao Manor knew Wen San was Hua’s husband, yet their relationship was strange: married, but never living together. People suspected there was more to their story.
The scrutinizing looks made Hua uncomfortable.
Linglong and Tang Li moved at the same time, Linglong pulling Hua behind her, Tang Li stepping in front.
"Everyone knows, after the madam was attacked last time, we suspected someone leaked our defense plans to the assassins, allowing them to strike. According to Miss Hua's account, the culprit did it to help a woman in the manor…"
"Tang Li, with your logic, everything is their fault. What if they orchestrated this themselves?" Xiaocui stepped forward, glaring coldly at Linglong.
Slap!
Xiaocui was slapped again, but this time not by Linglong.
Everyone was stunned to see Tan Xiyin strike Xiaocui.
"Xiaocui, I usually let you be, but this is a major matter. What if those assassins harm the old mistress or the master?" Tan Xiyin was evidently enraged, panting after speaking.
Normally, such an action would be beautiful, but today—heh!
Clap, clap, clap!
Linglong stepped forward applauding, "Tan concubine does know her priorities."
Tan Xiyin clenched her teeth, sometimes wanting nothing more than to tear Linglong’s mouth apart.
"Tell me, what were you all doing just now?" Prince Qin spoke.
Linglong shrugged, "I was with your master."
"Doing what?" The black-clad Jifeng asked teasingly.
Tang Li pointed at Jifeng, who shrank back, saying nothing, though everyone understood.
Though misunderstood, Qin Daofei and Linglong, the subjects, made no attempt to correct it—let them misunderstand.
Tan Xiyin, seeing Qin Daofei unwilling to explain, wilted like a flower.
"I can vouch for Miss Hua—she told me she saw Wen San drawing something. I asked her to follow him." Tang Li volunteered the account.
When it was Tan Xiyin’s turn, she sighed and said gloomily, "I fell in my room and couldn’t bear to be seen, so I stayed there with Xiaocui."
The maids of Xiaoyao Manor then explained their whereabouts.
Tsk, tsk.
Linglong laughed, "So, only Tan concubine and Xiaocui lack witnesses for their whereabouts?"
"My lady fell, we were both in the room, we can vouch for each other!" Xiaocui insisted angrily.
Linglong pouted, teasing, "A fall is a fall, no need to get so worked up!"
"Who’s worked up!" Clearly, she was on the verge of tears.
Linglong waved her hand, "Alright, don’t cry, you’re not worked up!"
Hmm!
Xiaocui really cried!
Linglong sniffled, "Did I bully anyone?"
"Come back here!" Qin Daofei pulled Linglong back, holding her tightly, as if grinding his teeth.
Tan Xiyin looked at Qin Daofei with despair, "If you believe I am the one who betrayed you, kill me now!"
Qin Daofei replied calmly, "Don’t be foolish. We’re just investigating."
"But madam doesn’t believe me. She’s targeting me, trying to convict me!" Tan Xiyin sobbed, running toward the Lotus Pond.
Qin Daofei didn’t move, and Linglong wouldn’t let him.
Tang Li quickly caught up, pulling Tan Xiyin back. "Second madam, no need for this. The truth will come out in the end."
"Xiaocui, take your mistress back to rest." Qin Daofei said, giving them a cool glance.
Linglong watched Tan Xiyin, hoping she would jump, but Tang Li stopped her, leaving Linglong disappointed. She muttered, "So reluctant? I really wanted to see whether she’d jump without anyone stopping her."
She was truly curious!
Qin Daofei remained silent, holding Linglong’s wrist warningly.
After they left, Steward Zhang handed Qin Daofei the blueprint found on Wen San. "Master, this man was adept at scouting terrain!"
"Of course, he was a scout in his day," Tang Li said.
Steward Zhang replied, "No wonder. Master, shall I inform the authorities and bury him tomorrow?"
"No need. Send him to Ye Lishang, and fetch my things," Qin Daofei said, pulling Linglong along.
Linglong, worried about Hua, tried to go back to her, but Qin Daofei said calmly, "Someone will take care."
Indeed, Tang Li stood by Hua’s side, as if making sure she could walk on her own.
Sigh.
Linglong sighed, wishing things had been so harmonious earlier.
Back in her room, Hua remained absent-minded. Linglong glanced at Qin Daofei and said, "Tonight, I’ll sleep with Hua."
She expected him to object, but he nodded and left with Tang Li.
Outside, Tang Li spoke quietly, "The master sees it, doesn’t he?"
"That woman gave Wen San the Twin-Life Ointment," Qin Daofei replied, his eyes coolly observing Xiaoyao Manor in the night. To orchestrate so much under his nose—such clever people.
After Qin Daofei and Tang Li left, Linglong gently held Hua’s hand and asked, "Did you see the woman clearly?"
"It was too dark—I couldn’t see!" Hua gripped Linglong’s hand tightly. "Miss, I killed Wen San!"
"Nonsense, it was Tang Li who killed him. Slave’s crimes can be punished, understand?" Linglong scolded sharply.
Hua buried her face in Linglong’s arms and wept.
Aifei descended from the beam above, kicking Linglong and saying coolly, "The result you wanted has come, hasn’t it?"
"Though it’s unclear whether the poisoning case years ago is connected to Prince Xiang, it’s obvious his relationship with Tan Xiyin is improper. Tonight’s events will be investigated by Qin Daofei—Tan Xiyin will never feign weakness again."
Hua, eyes tearful, asked timidly, "What does Miss mean?"
"Today, I provoked Prince Xiang in the street, telling him how I was pursued and nearly killed by assassins on my way back to the capital."
"You mean Tan Xiyin colluded with Prince Xiang, and he wants to kill you too?" Hearing this, Hua forgot to cry.
Linglong smiled, "No, their original plan was for Prince Xiang to have me, for me to leave Xiaoyao Manor, letting Tan Xiyin monopolize Qin Daofei."
"But Tan concubine kept hiring assassins to kill you, and you revealed this to Prince Xiang, so he slapped her face?"
Hua, once in turmoil, suddenly calmed.
"See how clever my Hua is!" Linglong’s bright smile swept away the gloom in Hua’s heart.
That night, the two nestled together as they once had in childhood, seeking comfort in each other.
The next day.
The magistrate of Jingzhao Province arrived again. Qin Daofei handled official business in the front courtyard. Steward Zhang reported, and Qin Daofei, without looking up, said coolly, "If he’s here about Wen San, there’s no need. Wen San signed a slave contract with Xiaoyao Manor; my guard killed him, that’s normal. If it’s about the street thug named Hongtong yesterday, let him bring evidence. If he has proof, he can take them; if not, he shouldn’t trouble my manor."
"Yes, sir." Steward Zhang knew well that Qin Daofei was forceful by nature, and Prince Xiang had long crossed his line.
After Steward Zhang left, Tang Li said, "Master, Prince Xiang has been relentlessly hunting Wang Shun these days."
"What about Suiye City?" Qin Daofei asked.
Tang Li replied, "Same—every business of Xiaoyao Manor has been harassed."
Qin Daofei smiled enigmatically.
After a moment's silence, he said, "Go see if those two are awake yet."
Those two, naturally, referred to Linglong, who had driven him away, and Hua, who had occupied his bed.
"Master, last night I..." Though Qin Daofei hadn’t asked, Tang Li felt compelled to explain.
Qin Daofei interrupted, "You’re the chief guard of Xiaoyao Manor. If a slave investigates the manor’s defenses, you kill him, so be it. Why explain?"
Though Qin Daofei’s tone was mild and his gaze steady, Tang Li felt exposed and hurriedly bowed, "Master, I’ll fetch the madam now."
With that, Tang Li bumped into columns three times, kicked the stone path five times, and staggered toward Linglong Pavilion.
Soon, the steward returned.
"Master, Lord Liu says they’ve found witnesses—people who saw the killer firsthand. Liu Zitong’s expression toward the madam isn’t friendly."
Hearing this, Qin Daofei frowned and said, "Jifeng, take that thing to Prince Xiang. Tell him plainly—if he targets Linglong again, that evidence will be sent straight to the imperial palace."
Jifeng, hearing this, left grim-faced.
In the front hall.
Liu Zitong sat at the guest table, half-smiling as Qin Daofei approached with composed dignity.
"Master Qin is quite the celebrity—had to invite you three times before you appeared!" Liu Zitong’s sarcasm was unrestrained.
Qin Daofei crossed the hall calmly, took the main seat, and looked at Liu Zitong with a gaze that seemed to survey the world before speaking, "Lord Liu, whose rumors have you believed today?"
"Yesterday, that man confessed—he said someone came, claiming to represent Xiaoyao Manor, warning him not to speak. At first, I wondered why his testimony changed. Master Qin, you’re good at such investigations—why not look into it yourself?" Liu Zitong smiled maliciously, probing Qin Daofei.
Unmoved, Qin Daofei paused, then replied, "By procedure, Lord Liu must first file at the counter and pay a fee; we’ll investigate accordingly."
Heh!
"This concerns Xiaoyao Manor’s reputation—Master Qin, aren’t you going to clear your name?" Though annoyed, Liu Zitong was relentless.
"I don’t care. Xiaoyao Manor has been criticized for years. Those who slandered me are all dead, and I’m still alive and well."
If Linglong were here, she might blush at Qin Daofei’s shamelessness.
Liu Zitong’s face twisted in anger, brooding for a while before Linglong arrived.
Today, Linglong wore black, accentuating her slender waist; at her belt hung dice and a soul jade, and she carried her little golden abacus, which jingled crisply as she walked.
She seemed not to notice Liu Zitong, smiling, "This morning has nearly killed me. Qin Daofei, how stingy can you be? Why not hire another accountant?"
"No ordinary accountant can match your skills. I trust you with it!" Qin Daofei, with a casual glance, immediately saw through Linglong’s intentions.
Now Linglong feigned surprise, looking at Liu Zitong, "Oh, Lord Liu came to Xiaoyao Manor for breakfast?"
Uh!
Liu Zitong wished he had the power to make these troublesome spouses disappear.
"Madam is busy; I wouldn’t disturb you, but new witnesses claim they saw Madam commit the crime. If you can’t produce evidence…"
Linglong’s face, once amiable, turned cold. "Lord Liu, have you verified your claims? I’m very busy. If you harass me repeatedly, shouldn’t you compensate me?"
Compensate? How?
Liu Zitong seemed puzzled, or perhaps incredulous—to summon a murder suspect and demand payment?
Indeed, that was Linglong’s intention.
The soldier accompanying Liu Zitong, seeing his hesitation, stepped forward and bowed, "If Madam Linglong comes with us, the payment can be arranged."
Heh!
Calling her Madam Linglong?
Time to extort them properly!
"Mm, officials’ promises are least reliable. If I go with you and you detain me, I’ll lose my payment—and might die. So hand over the payment first." Linglong extended her hand assertively.
Everyone watched her fair hand, wondering where Prince Xiang would draw the line.
But Prince Xiang never disappointed—he had no line when it came to taking Linglong.
The "soldier" placed two silver notes of five thousand taels in Linglong’s hand. She held them up to the sunlight, squinting, "They’re genuine. Hua, keep these safe for me."
"Miss..." Hua wanted to dissuade her, but realized it was impossible, so kept quiet.
Linglong handed the notes to Hua, then looked deeply at Qin Daofei before striding out.
After a few steps, Qin Daofei called, "Linglong, what would you like for dinner?"
Heh!
Perhaps this was the most pleasing thing Linglong had heard in two years, and her smile was the most genuine.
She looked up at the sky, thought carefully, and said, "Let Hua cook two simple dishes. We’ll share a drink."
Liu Zitong, hating Linglong and Qin Daofei, sneered inwardly, "Feng Linglong, you may never see Qin Daofei again."
At Jingzhao Prefecture.
Linglong stood beneath the court, sweeping her gaze over the so-called witnesses.
Old and young, supposedly "solid evidence."
"Raise your heads, all of you—was this the woman who killed Hongtong yesterday?" Liu Zitong asked.
They looked up, scrutinizing her for a long time. An old woman spoke, "Though she’s changed clothes, I remember clearly—it was her."
"Yes, she had blood all over her face—it was terrifying!" Someone echoed.
A child, with innocent eyes, stared at Linglong for a while, then broke into tears.
"Don’t be afraid, child. With the officials here, this wicked woman won’t dare act." A woman hugged the child gently.
Watching these scenes, Linglong actually smiled.
"What color clothes did I wear yesterday—can anyone recall?" Linglong played with her dice.
The old woman looked at Linglong, trembling, but said nothing. The others were silent as well.
Hmm!
Liu Zitong coughed, "Madam Linglong, the court is not yours to question."
"How absurd! You drag random people from the street, claim I’m a murderer. I was at Aunt Liang’s braised meat shop the whole time—didn’t you check? Why can’t I ask? If they remember my face, why not the color of my clothes?" Linglong, when angry, was truly commanding.
Linglong’s forceful words left Liu Zitong momentarily stunned. He knew Feng Linglong was difficult, but hadn’t expected her obstinacy to be so astute.
"I ask you—which hand held the sword, what flowers adorned my dress, was my hairpin gold or silver?" Linglong pointed at the woman, firing questions like arrows. The woman, frightened, fell to the ground, speechless.
Linglong addressed the witnesses, "Who can answer?"
"Madam wore a pale pink gauze dress; the flowers on it were white. She wore a silver hairpin, and held the sword in her right hand." The woman, prompted by someone’s glance, finally stood up to rebut Linglong.
Heh!
Linglong strode over and slapped the woman hard, snapping, "I considered you ordinary and left you alone, but you’ve gone too far. Why should I spare you? Yesterday, all the officials saw—I wore a pink gauze dress, yes, but it was adorned with pearls. My hair has only ever held this hairpin. Where did gold or silver come from?"
"I must have been too far away—I didn’t see clearly," the woman replied, now subdued.
Heh!
Linglong sneered, "Yesterday’s bright sun made the pearls on my dress sparkle. If you missed them, perhaps you didn’t rehearse your testimony well?"
Linglong directly exposed their false testimony.
Now, the crowd began murmuring.
"Order! Order!" Liu Zitong banged the gavel, but couldn’t quiet the crowd—their discussions only grew louder.
At that moment, Aunt Liang entered, bringing her regular customers from the shop.
Linglong recognized someone.
Hu Hanzhi!
When he looked at Linglong, his strange eyes glowed softly.
Heh!
Linglong smiled, thinking things were getting interesting.
"Who are you, barging into the court uninvited?" Liu Zitong paled at Aunt Liang’s arrival.
But he quickly regained composure.
Aunt Liang stood before Linglong, speaking coldly, "I’m the owner of the braised meat shop where Feng Linglong dined yesterday. I and these patrons can testify—Feng Linglong and her servants ate at my shop, then Master Qin came and took her home. Many witnessed their departure."
"Aunt Liang? If I recall, you were close to Linglong’s father," Liu Zitong sneered.
Heh!
Aunt Liang sneered back, "Indeed, but what does that prove? We were detained, barred from testifying—shouldn’t that be addressed?"
The crowd, quiet at first, now erupted again.
There was so much information, even the dullest could sense intrigue.
"Silence!" Liu Zitong shouted, then looked impatiently at Hu Hanzhi. "Who are you?"
"I sat next to this madam yesterday. I’m sensitive to time—she left at quarter past noon. The thug was killed at noon. The shop is in the city center, the thug died in the west. Even if this madam is a martial expert, she couldn’t move that fast."
Hu Hanzhi’s words hit the mark.
Liu Zitong replied coldly, "Why couldn’t you have seen wrong? Or perhaps the woman beside you wasn’t Feng Linglong, but someone disguised?"
He was determined to take Linglong down.
"Why couldn’t the assassin be disguised?" Linglong retorted.
The court fell into a dreadful silence.
After a moment, Liu Zitong announced, "Since both sides claim differently, let each find more evidence. But…Feng Linglong must be detained in Jingzhao Prefecture’s jail tonight."
Detained in Jingzhao Prefecture jail?
Linglong closed her eyes heavily; when she opened them, they were filled with cold fury.
"What if I refuse?"
"Feng Linglong, this is Jingzhao Prefecture, not your garden!" Liu Zitong ordered, "Guards, take Feng Linglong away!"
Just then, Prince Xiang’s steward hurried in, whispered to Liu Zitong. Liu Zitong looked at Linglong—first shocked, then furious, finally helpless.
"Since there’s insufficient evidence…you may leave." With that, Liu Zitong stormed off.
Linglong exhaled deeply; honestly, she had no desire to enter Jingzhao Prefecture’s jail again.
Aunt Liang, seeing Linglong pale, hurried over and supported her, "Miss, are you all right?"
"I’m fine. Where were you all detained yesterday?" Linglong patted Aunt Liang’s hand, concerned.
Aunt Liang shook her head. "Let’s go home."
Her expression hinted at some unspeakable secret; Linglong pondered, then nodded, saying no more.
After some distance, Linglong returned, bowing to Hu Hanzhi, "Thank you, sir, for speaking out."
"Madam Qin, you’re too polite," Hu Hanzhi replied with a faint smile, then departed.
At the gate.
The Qin family carriage was parked outside Jingzhao Prefecture. Seeing Linglong emerge, Tang Li jumped down and bowed, "Madam, I’m here to escort you home."
Linglong nodded, took Aunt Liang’s hand, "You helped Qin Daofei outwit Prince Xiang; he will surely seek revenge…"
"Miss, I won’t let you fall into his hands. He’s a venomous snake, a venomous snake!" Aunt Liang wept.
Linglong hated to see her cry. She released Aunt Liang’s hand and handed her a silver note for ten thousand taels, whispering, "That Mr. Hu will help you—tell him I sent you."
Aunt Liang was puzzled, but Linglong had already pushed her away.
Linglong then boarded Xiaoyao Manor’s carriage. As she reached to lift the curtain, a strong force pulled her inside.
"Can’t you be more ladylike?" Linglong settled in Qin Daofei’s arms, rolling her eyes.
Qin Daofei tightened his grip, for once not arguing with Linglong.
"Aunt Liang and the others—you had them taken away first, didn’t you?" Linglong knew Prince Xiang would not miss that step; but if Qin Daofei hid Aunt Liang and her patrons, then produced them at the critical moment, Prince Xiang was powerless.
Qin Daofei glanced at Linglong, "You said you wanted to drink with me tonight."
"Uh, it’s just drinking—anyone can do that!" Linglong lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.
No tricks this time!
Dong, dong, dong!
At that moment, the drum for grievances sounded outside Jingzhao Prefecture. Linglong lifted the curtain to look, but Qin Daofei pulled her back, "It’s time to go home."
Outside, Tang Li heard Qin Daofei and chuckled softly. The carriage rolled away.
Faintly, Linglong heard someone say, "I am the killer of Hongtong. I am here to surrender!"
Linglong wasn’t sure she heard correctly and tried to look, but Qin Daofei suddenly pressed her down on the carriage floor, kissing her stubborn lips fiercely.
Linglong Pavilion.
Linglong paced restlessly, while Qin Daofei calmly brewed tea.
"Qin Daofei, I won’t comment on you playing the Wang Shun card, but why let an innocent person take the blame? She’s innocent!" Linglong confronted him, hands braced on the table, voice hard.
Qin Daofei moved the teapot elegantly aside, "Not easy to open—if she’s disfigured, she truly can’t be seen!"
"You..." Linglong ground her teeth, grabbing Qin Daofei’s sleeve, "Go get that woman out!"
"She was the real killer of Hongtong—why save her?" Qin Daofei allowed Linglong to pull his sleeve, and with a gentle tug, drew her into his arms.
Ah!
Linglong instantly smiled, eyes squinting, "Master Qin, truly unmatched—like a living strategist. Come, let me make you tea!"
She eagerly reached for the teapot, but before she touched it, Qin Daofei grabbed her wrist, "I need someone to warm the bed."
"Then, turn left, go downstairs, straight to the brothel, or head west to find your gentle Tan concubine." Linglong sprawled on the lounge chair, closed her eyes, and pretended to sleep.
Qin Daofei stayed where he was, placed tea leaves in the pot, waited for them to unfurl, then poured green tea into a white jade cup, where a small, tender bud floated prettily.
He took a sip, then walked to Linglong, squatted down, held her chin, and transferred the tea to her mouth.
Linglong wanted to spit it out, but Qin Daofei shot her a threatening look—wordless but unmistakable.
Gulp.
Linglong drank reluctantly.
"This tea has a medicinal aroma," she remarked, smacking her lips.
Qin Daofei ignored her, "There’s more—you must finish it. Will you do it yourself, or shall I?"
Linglong bounced a bit on the chair, then sighed, "Maybe you should do it. This chair insists on holding me—I can’t get up."
Little rascal!
Qin Daofei brought the teapot over, sat beside her, cooled the medicinal tea, and fed it to Linglong.
Cup after cup, until she emptied the pot.
Soon after, Linglong fell asleep.
Once she was asleep, Ye Lishang emerged from the shadows, placed his medicine chest before the chair, and teased, "Master Qin makes a convincing servant."
"I make an even more convincing assassin—want to see?" Qin Daofei packed up the tea set, handed Linglong’s wrist to Ye Lishang, "Touch it, and I’ll break your precious toy."
Pfft!
Ye Lishang nearly coughed up blood, uncertain whether to spit it out.
But to protect his precious toy, Ye Lishang carefully checked Linglong’s pulse, then inserted a silver needle into her Baihui acupoint, looking up at Qin Daofei.
"She miscarried years ago, never recovered, her womb is cold and weak—hard to conceive. If she keeps taking this medicine, it will only worsen." Ye Lishang watched Qin Daofei.
Qin Daofei’s handsome brows knitted tightly. After a moment, he said, "If I, Qin Daofei, am fated to have no children, so be it."
He paused, holding Linglong’s hand, "But I cannot do without her."
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