Chapter 38: A Divorce Letter and Twenty Thousand Silver Taels

"I will do my best to ensure you have no regrets, but this heartless woman—are you certain she still belongs to you?" Night Lishang mused, convinced that Linglong had far too many suspicious aspects, and Qin Daofei couldn't possibly have missed them.

Qin Daofei smiled. "As long as I have chosen her, she can only be mine."

"Such confidence," Night Lishang replied, turning to continue treating Linglong.

Half an hour later, Night Lishang removed all the silver needles and spoke softly, "From now on, at this time every day, make her sleep. Continue for five days, then it's up to your care. Don't let her experience extreme joy or sorrow; regulate her diet and sleep well. If she is properly nurtured for a year, she'll be normal. Otherwise, with her current depletion, survival will be difficult."

Qin Daofei said nothing. Night Lishang, finding no interest in continuing, shrugged and left, accustomed to Qin Daofei's indifference.

Qin Daofei held Linglong's hand for a long time before letting go, closing the door as he departed.

Harmony Pavilion.

Qin Daofei stood at the entrance, quietly watching Tan Xiyin, who leaned on the railing lost in thought.

Though the distance between them wasn't far, it felt as if mountains and rivers stretched between them. Tan Xiyin tried several times but couldn't summon a smile to her face.

Eventually, she gave up. Large, glistening tears rolled down her cheeks. She no longer cared about propriety, burying her face in her arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Qin Daofei ascended step by step, his heavy footsteps piercing Tan Xiyin's heart like an awl.

"I know, Brother Daofei, you've discovered my alliance with Prince Xiang. You're here to question me, aren't you?" Tan Xiyin did not look up, her voice muffled and choked with emotion.

Qin Daofei was slightly surprised; he hadn't expected Tan Xiyin to confess so readily.

"I admit, after Feng Linglong returned, jealousy consumed me. I lost all reason, and so I collaborated with Prince Xiang. He always coveted Linglong. I knew that if Feng Linglong fell into his hands, she'd never return, and then I could go back to how things were with you, Brother Daofei. For the sake of staying with you, I could even forsake revenge..."

So that's how it was!

Qin Daofei curled his lips in a mocking smile, speaking softly, "I've told you before, Linglong had nothing to do with your parents' deaths. She too was a victim of that tragedy."

"That's merely your assumption. In truth, you have no evidence, do you?" Tan Xiyin laughed at herself. "What use is it to talk to you about this? I did help Prince Xiang plot against Feng Linglong. If you want to give her justice, send me to prison."

"That's unnecessary. I've only come to tell you I've discovered something odd these past few days." Qin Daofei paused, observing Tan Xiyin to see how she would react.

Tan Xiyin still lay across the railing, never once looking him in the eye.

"Go on. When did it become so awkward between us that even speaking feels estranged?" At last, Tan Xiyin glanced at Qin Daofei.

"I found out that the poison called Double-Life Balm comes from the Western Regions. Its most unique feature is that after death, the victim's face remains unchanged—delicate as a painting, as if still alive. That's why it's called Double-Life Balm. This poison is rare in the Central Plains, and reportedly, only one person sells it. Yet, I discovered that two years ago, on the night of the Ghost Festival, a woman purchased Double-Life Balm. That same night, Linglong's father perished. All of the capital saw her kneeling at the entrance of the Feng residence, not leaving until deep into the night."

He remembered that Ghost Festival so vividly!

He had never seen Linglong so hopeless; in those few days, she lost her child as well, and in the end...

But when she returned, it was as if none of it had happened. She never spoke of it, nor showed sorrow.

Still, the scars on her body reminded Qin Daofei that all Linglong's suffering stemmed from his arrogance and neglect.

"Why couldn't she have bought the poison herself, using it as a cover? At the time, her hair was disheveled, her appearance dreadful—no one could recognize her." For the first time, Qin Daofei saw Tan Xiyin's harsh side.

Perhaps, this was her true nature.

"Xiyin, now your face is truly dreadful. If you keep letting your so-called hatred control you, one day you'll become someone even you despise." Linglong had been so pitiful then, yet Tan Xiyin depicted her as contemptible. Qin Daofei, usually composed, finally lost his temper.

Tan Xiyin raised her ruined face, her voice bitter. "So, you hate me and want to cast me aside, is that it?"

"You should know, I—" Qin Daofei began, but Tan Xiyin suddenly lunged, clutching him and sobbing, "Please, don't say it. I beg you, don't be so cruel to me!"

Qin Daofei calmly pushed Tan Xiyin away and descended the pavilion as resolutely as he had come.

If Tan Xiyin wished to act, he would simply provide the stage for her performance.

After leaving Harmony Pavilion, a figure clad in black emerged from the shadows and whispered in Qin Daofei's ear, "Master, I can't find any direct connection. I've always suspected there's someone behind them."

"A hot-tempered, impatient Prince Xiang and a jealous Xiyin could never fully evade the eyes of the Carefree Manor. It's almost impossible. If you suspect someone behind them, lay low and let them panic first," Qin Daofei replied coldly.

The black-clad man spread his hands. "How will you make them reveal themselves?"

"I just hinted to Xiyin that there's a clue about who bought the poison years ago... If she really did it, she'll warn the seller. As for Prince Xiang, after I played the King Shun card today, he's lost his composure. In chaos, he'll seek the person who's been plotting for him. Starting now, monitor them around the clock. Apply constant pressure—I don't believe they won't act!"

He clicked his tongue. "Master, you're harsh even to your own concubine?"

Qin Daofei glanced at him, and Tang Li suddenly appeared, grabbing the black-clad man's neck as he dragged him away.

"Are you courting death?" Once in a secluded spot, Tang Li scolded.

The black-clad man remained indifferent. "Master isn't stingy!"

"But failing to save the child in the Lady's womb, that's Master’s lifelong pain. Let me tell you, I know him best—even if it's the Lady, if she hurts him, he'll show no mercy." Especially you.

The black-clad man hadn't been in the capital before and hadn't investigated old matters, so he wasn’t familiar with Qin Daofei’s situation. He only sensed Qin Daofei was unhappy when assigned to the capital.

"Fine, I'll apologize!" Though childish, the black-clad man was responsible; he admitted his mistakes.

Tang Li said frankly, "Forget it. You'd better solve this quickly. Second Lady is in real danger this time!"

Tang Li had followed Qin Daofei since childhood, always knowing that Qin Daofei was like a solitary wolf: anything he targeted, he controlled life and death—no one escaped.

That night, Qin Daofei left Carefree Manor alone.

Dressed in black for convenience, he quickly vanished into the darkness.

In the wilderness outside the capital.

Qin Daofei stood with a black-clad figure, whose cloak was so large it obscured his head, making him unrecognizable.

Only a white chin was visible, marked by a hideous scar.

"Here’s the information you wanted about Hu Meiniang. Investigate it yourself," the figure tossed Qin Daofei a name tag and melted into the night.

Qin Daofei glanced at the name tag, but suddenly a gust of wind swept toward him.

In haste, Qin Daofei clenched the name tag in his palm and engaged the black-clad figure.

"Hey, you two can fight, but don't kill each other, alright?" Unbeknownst to them, a petite woman in a thin nightgown sat on a rock, holding her face as she watched.

Distracted, Qin Daofei was struck on the wrist by the black-clad figure.

The name tag fell from his hand. The figure reached for it, but Qin Daofei kicked him in the stomach, causing him to stagger back.

Meanwhile, Qin Daofei gripped the name tag, exerted a little force, and it crumbled to dust in the wind.

"Fei, stop fighting!" Linglong chuckled.

Qin Daofei stared coldly at Linglong. "Weren't you supposed to be asleep? Why did you follow me?"

"I was afraid you'd discover who poisoned my child and framed me, then destroy the evidence out of pity. Seems I was right!" Linglong gazed at him, half-smiling, her reasoning so flawless that Qin Daofei couldn’t refute it.

Qin Daofei walked over, draping his coat over her shoulders, speaking softly, "It has nothing to do with that incident. I was entrusted to investigate something else."

They looked at each other, failing to notice the strange look in Fei's eyes.

Suddenly, Qin Daofei sensed something and looked at Fei. "Master of the Life Gate, Nether Hall... your tracking skills are indeed impressive!"

Fei said nothing, knowing that if Qin Daofei hadn't allowed it, she wouldn't have been able to follow him.

But by the time she realized, it was too late.

"Blame me if you want—I insisted on coming," Linglong said boldly.

Qin Daofei glanced at her coolly, voice cold. "Feng Linglong, my words always count!"

"What words?" Linglong feared Qin Daofei's indifferent tone, knowing it meant he was about to make a move.

Qin Daofei looked mischievously at her, lowered his head, and whispered in her ear, "I said, if I don't sleep with you in a month, my life is wasted!"

Startled, Linglong curled up, almost forgetting about it!

"If you're going to bully me, just do it—I'm already so pitiful, one more time won't make a difference." Linglong spread her arms, sprawling on the stone slab, resigned to her fate.

Unexpectedly, while she was saving lives, Fei slipped away.

She disappeared right under Linglong's nose.

Linglong spat a mouthful of blood, helplessly watching Qin Daofei draw nearer.

"I've never tried it outdoors; I imagine it's quite exhilarating," Qin Daofei's deep voice carried a seductive undertone, caressing Linglong's face. Her ears, cheeks, and neck flushed crimson.

Yet she refused to be outdone.

"Fine, if you like, come on!"

Linglong closed her eyes in resignation, but waited for ages without Qin Daofei making a move. Curious, she opened her eyes—only to find no one around.

As if it had all been a dream!

Ah! Overwhelmed by the night's fear, Linglong could no longer control herself, screaming loudly.

"Daofei, don't leave me—I’m scared!" After yelling, she hugged herself, wrapping herself tightly in Qin Daofei's coat, as if his lingering scent could give her courage.

Qin Daofei emerged from behind a rock, his face cold, the bleak night mirroring his mood.

"Wasn't that brave of you?" he gritted out.

Sometimes, Qin Daofei hated who he had become. In the past, if someone plotted against him, at most he'd leave Linglong half a life to linger. Now, he couldn't bear to.

Linglong cried, nose, mouth, and tears flowing together, throwing herself at Qin Daofei and shaking her head, "I won't dare follow you without permission again, don't leave me!"

Her words pierced Qin Daofei's heart like sharp arrows.

"I permit you to follow me—never leave my side for the rest of your life. As long as you don't abandon me, I won't abandon you!" Qin Daofei vowed, each word burning with fierce emotion.

Under the moonlight, Linglong gazed at his bloodshot eyes, stunned for a moment before wrapping her arms around his neck, offering him her lips.

Almost at the point of no return, Qin Daofei abruptly withdrew.

Linglong opened her blurry eyes, their watery depths full of grievance. She said nothing, but Qin Daofei stopping midway left her annoyed.

Qin Daofei, as if regaining the upper hand, gently straightened Linglong's disheveled clothing, speaking softly, "I prefer the feeling of force—it’s more rewarding."

"Damn you, Qin Daofei, I won't let you get away with this!" Linglong leapt up, biting his arm like a wild dog.

Qin Daofei watched her, as one might observe a fluffed-up kitten.

It hurt a little, but nothing he couldn't bear.

However, it was late and Linglong's clothes were thin. No matter how much fire he had, he wouldn't vent it now.

Qin Daofei picked up Linglong, letting her expend her energy on him, then with a light step, swept toward Carefree Manor.

Linglong Pavilion.

Linglong clung to Qin Daofei all the way back; as they reached the corridor, she hung from him, leaving him disheveled and wild-looking.

The three—Tang Li, Hua'er, and Fang Qing—waiting at the door burst out laughing at the sight.

Hearing the laughter, both Linglong and Qin Daofei looked at them. Linglong quickly slipped off, straightened her robe to cover the marks on her chest, and, feigning composure, stumbled into her room, slamming the door and screaming.

Qin Daofei calmly tidied his hair and clothes, and, under their gaze, kicked at Linglong's door. Unexpectedly, he missed, nearly plastering himself against it, but with quick thinking managed to recover. Then...

With strong nerves, Master Qin kicked again, successfully entering and closing the door.

Outside, the three finally erupted into raucous laughter. A crash followed—the sound of porcelain breaking at the door. The three covered their mouths and hurried quietly to their rooms.

"This is all your fault—they’ll laugh at me to death!" Linglong blamed Qin Daofei as soon as he entered.

Qin Daofei stared at the ceiling, speechless. He was the most embarrassed, after all—never had he been so humiliated.

Regardless, Master Qin consoled Linglong.

"Don't worry. I guarantee they'll be silent tomorrow."

Linglong believed him; that sly fox was capable of anything.

Next morning.

The three who had mocked Qin Daofei and Linglong lost their voices mysteriously and couldn't utter a word all day.

In the afternoon, Fei gave each a pill with Master Qin's message: "Next time, for life!"

Such authority!

Everyone, intimidated by Qin Daofei's tyranny, nodded and swallowed their bitter fate.

That night.

The Carefree Manor's Yuanyang branch was massacred; not a soul survived.

Yuanyang was only fifty miles from the capital. By midnight, news reached the capital's Carefree Manor. Qin Daofei rushed to Yuanyang overnight to handle the aftermath.

Meanwhile, Tang Li had the capital's Carefree Manor sealed tight—not even a fly could get in.

Next day.

Linglong awoke to find Qin Daofei gone. After inquiring with Tang Li, she learned the Yuanyang branch had been massacred. She said nothing, but her expression was oddly disturbed.

Yuanyang.

Qin Daofei and Fei rode fast, arriving at the branch while the streets were still empty. Their urgent hoofbeats woke many from sleep.

The Carefree Manor at Yuanyang presented a grim scene: a battered white lantern swayed at the gate, inscribed with "Life Gate."

Life Gate was a Nether Hall branch. Before killing, its women would hang a lantern at the victim's door.

Fei, from Yuanyang, recognized the lantern. He leapt up, tore it down, and peeled off the "Life Gate" inscription, tucking it into his chest.

Qin Daofei frowned, climbed the steps, and pushed open the heavy door. Inside were corpses and blood everywhere.

Children, women, men—all slaughtered.

Qin Daofei clenched his fists, his face devoid of emotion, yet those who knew him understood his fury could destroy worlds.

"Could it be Prince Xiang searching for King Shun?" Fei asked.

Qin Daofei laughed coldly, removed his cloak, and covered a child's body beside him. "It seems Prince Xiang acted for King Shun, but look closely—every part of the branch was searched. It's not just about finding a person."

"So, Master means..." Fei trailed off, his eyes furious.

Qin Daofei said quietly, "Find someone to gather their bodies. If there are spouses or children, provide generous compensation so they can live well. If they have no family, bury them properly."

Qin Daofei bowed deeply to the dead, solemnly declaring, "I, Qin Daofei, will not let your deaths be in vain."

Fei summoned officials to collect the bodies, and locals took over the aftermath. Qin Daofei and Fei hurried back to the capital.

Upon returning, Qin Daofei didn't go to Carefree Manor, but visited the home of a cultured gentleman known for his art.

"Please inform your master that Qin Daofei of Carefree Manor seeks an audience," Fei handed a calling card to the servant.

The servant shook his head. "If you seek a keepsake, it's too late. We're about to hang mourning cloth."

Mourning cloth?

As Qin Daofei expected, the man had died.

"I recently shared tea and conversation with your master. How could he pass so suddenly..." Qin Daofei frowned, deeply pained.

The servant shook his head. "A sudden illness took him."

A sudden illness?

Qin Daofei left, sneering. "They acted quickly!"

"Master, what’s..." Fei was confused.

Qin Daofei glanced back at the house, voice icy. "That man was one of Hu Meiniang's close companions. He likely knew who Hu Meiniang favored most years ago. I just learned of him last night, and immediately the Yuanyang branch was massacred, and this man died inexplicably."

"So, someone doesn’t want us to find Hu Meiniang," Fei finally realized the connection.

Qin Daofei nodded. "Let’s go."

Back home, Qin Daofei didn't seek Linglong but shut himself in his study, seeing no one.

Linglong, too, made no move. Upon learning he had returned, she sat alone in the corridor, gazing distantly toward his study.

Fei, being impatient, returned to Carefree Manor and immediately cornered Fei at the back hill, thrusting the Life Gate mark torn from Yuanyang branch in her face.

Fei caught the scrap coldly, opened it, then tossed it on the ground. "Anyone could hang a lantern there. You think my Life Gate people are so stupid?"

"Woman, I've investigated countless Life Gate murders. The methods and habits can't be imitated elsewhere. More importantly, yesterday you followed my master, who held this very clue. Coincidentally, Yuanyang branch and the informant died." Fei laughed coldly, suddenly drawing his sword at Fei.

Fei caught the blade, voice frost. "I understand your mood, but don’t push your luck."

"Today I will push my luck—what will you do?" Fei missed his strike, stepped back, and attacked again.

Fei advanced, seized Fei by the throat. "I don't mind killing if forced—I'm an assassin, killing means nothing."

With that, she threw Fei far, who crashed into a tree, fell, clutching his chest and vomiting blood.

When he looked up, Fei had vanished.

Fei pounded the ground in frustration, vowing, "I will find evidence—it's life or death!"

Two days later, Linglong couldn't bear it, and went to Qin Daofei's study.

But he wasn't there, leaving her disappointed.

Tan Xiyin also arrived in vain.

The two met at the study door. Tan Xiyin, supported by Xiao Cui, had recovered somewhat from her injuries. She smiled bitterly at Linglong.

Linglong knew Tan Xiyin was like a mad dog now, ready to bite. Though unafraid, she was in no mood to spar.

So she turned to leave.

Xiao Cui blocked her, and Tan Xiyin laughed maliciously, "I heard Brother Daofei has neglected you for three days. Linglong, Yuanyang branch’s matter is surely connected to you, isn’t it?"

"Tan Xiyin, don't assume everyone is as hypocritical as you," Linglong replied coldly.

Tan Xiyin strode over, grabbing Linglong's arm. "Do you think you’re innocent? You came back for revenge, didn’t you?"

"So you know?" Linglong asked, half-smiling.

Tan Xiyin's face hardened. "Prince Xiang killed your father, turning you from the revered Miss of the Feng family into the nominal Lady of Carefree Manor. Would you accept not taking revenge? We're alike—I, too, seek revenge."

"Concubine Tan, you’ve got it wrong. Humans and vipers are not the same," Linglong wrenched free, seemingly effortlessly, yet Tan Xiyin was thrown against the wall, crashing down heavily.

Tan Xiyin spat blood into her palm, trembling. "Feng Linglong, you want to kill me?"

"Vile woman," Linglong spat, then walked out.

Unexpectedly, Qin Daofei stood at the door.

His expression was blank, his gaze coldly sweeping over both women. As he was about to speak, Linglong threw herself into his arms, pounding his chest. "Qin Daofei, you bastard, where have you been these days?"

"Busy," he said simply—enough for Linglong to know his mood was dark.

Time seemed to rewind to years ago.

His coldness stirred Linglong’s deepest fears, draining her color in an instant.

Tan Xiyin rushed to grab his left hand, whining, "Brother Daofei, she hit me!"

"Did you hit her?" Qin Daofei asked quietly.

Linglong shook her head vigorously. "No, she came to mock me, saying you abandoned me. I got angry and tried to shake her off, but somehow she hit the wall herself. I’m so frail—could I really throw her?"

Seeing Linglong's impishness, Qin Daofei recalled the past.

Before, if Tan Xiyin accused Linglong of hitting her, Linglong would brazenly stand hands on hips, cursing, "Little tramp, so what if I hit you? Say it again, I'll hit you!"

But now, Feng Linglong was too calm, too clever.

Both women waited expectantly for Qin Daofei’s reaction, but he merely stood there, dazed.

"Brother Daofei!" Tan Xiyin coughed, pretending.

Qin Daofei came back to himself, quietly telling Xiao Cui, "Your mistress is hurt—take her to see a doctor."

Xiao Cui glanced at Tan Xiyin, who subtly shook her head.

So Xiao Cui helped her away.

Linglong and Qin Daofei were left alone, the atmosphere awkward.

Linglong couldn’t bear it, muttering, "I'll go!"

Qin Daofei sighed so softly it was nearly inaudible, then grabbed Linglong’s wrist, asking gently, "Night Lishang has been treating you these days. Have you taken your medicine?"

"I wondered why Fang Qing’s tea made me so sleepy every day—it was that little scoundrel Night Lishang playing tricks!" Linglong stamped her foot in protest.

Qin Daofei rolled his eyes.

"He's at least five years older than you—stop pretending to be the elder." He released her arm in disdain.

Linglong, seeing his mood improve, hooked his finger, "Believe it or not, Yuanyang’s matter has nothing to do with me!"

Qin Daofei gazed deeply at her, saying, "Yuanyang is complicated. I’ll be busy these days; Prince Xiang is restless. You’d best stay home, lest he take advantage."

He avoided her question!

Linglong felt chilled—she hadn't expected him to sidestep.

"Fine, do as you please, take care of yourself. I’ll manage on my own, no need to worry!" She thought, may you never see me again.

Linglong stomped away in anger.

Watching her stubborn figure, Qin Daofei's eyes flickered with an unfathomable mix of helplessness, affection, vastness, depth, exhaustion, and sorrow.

Soon after returning to her pavilion, Lady Qin Wang Xiangyu arrived.

This time, she brought pen, ink, and paper.

Entering, she looked at Linglong coldly. "Feng Linglong, I have no evidence connecting you to Yuanyang, but can you truly say it has nothing to do with you?"

Linglong opened her mouth but couldn’t utter a word.

"Seems the old madam learned interrogation from the magistrate—here to force me to sign, are you?" Linglong quickly resumed her usual playful demeanor.

Qin Wang Xiangyu eyed her with disdain. "Don't play games. I have only one purpose—to get a divorce letter from you."

Divorce?

Such one-sided coercion could hardly be called a divorce.

Linglong smirked, "Are you in such a hurry because you found a suitable girl?"

"I’ll be honest. Daofei hasn’t seen you these days because he’s been staying at his uncle’s house, listening to his cousin play music. She just came of age yesterday, and Daofei gifted her a guqin. Their engagement is approved—they’ll marry next month. If you’re sensible, you should give up your position as Lady Qin."

Qin Wang Xiangyu's words made Linglong grip her dice tightly.

He was busy?

Truly busy—lost in love. No wonder.

"Fine, since Qin Daofei has found a match, I should offer my blessings. We can’t go back, but if Lady Qin wants a divorce, at least show some sincerity." Linglong, unfazed, even stretched out her hand for money.

Qin Wang Xiangyu was notoriously stingy; extracting money from her was nearly impossible.

She glared, "What, you want to extort me?"

"Aren’t you a bit immature?" Linglong replied coolly, and before the old lady could get angry, she whipped out her golden abacus, rattling off, "I’ve been married three years, never used a penny of Qin family money. By custom, I should get at least five thousand taels. My child was lost in the Qin family, who sent me to prison—never mind the child’s value, my losses alone are five thousand taels. The Qin family wrongly accused me, the old madam ordered torture, I suffered greatly, wandered for two years. That’s at least ten thousand taels. So, twenty thousand taels seems fair."

"You... you..."

Qin Wang Xiangyu nearly fainted; this woman never missed a chance to demand outrageous sums.

"Feng Linglong, you’re obsessed with money!" She lost all composure, scolding Linglong.

Linglong shrugged. "Also, Lady Qin divorcing on her own, hush money should be one hundred twenty taels—auspicious number."

"Feng Linglong, you shameless wretch!" Qin Wang Xiangyu was beside herself.

Linglong sneered, "I’m not Tan Xiyin, I won’t let you insult me. You want to divorce your son’s wife so your niece can enjoy the wealth of Carefree Manor—aren’t you shameless? When Carefree Manor was in trouble, who secretly supported my father? I admit I’m shameless, but you’re not much better!"

Linglong made it clear—if you want a divorce, pay up.

Madam Xia He tugged at Qin Wang Xiangyu’s sleeve, but she angrily shook her off. "Fine, wait here. I’ll fetch the silver!"

With that, she stormed off with Xia He.

Linglong watched the empty room, collapsing as if drained.

"Still breathing?" Fei emerged from the shadows.

Linglong snorted, "They’re all gone, but I’m alive and well. Fei, you go..."

Linglong pulled Fei close, whispering her plan. Fei’s face grew darker as she listened.

"You’re quite something!" Fei said, then vanished.

Linglong lay on the floor, closing her eyes in peace.

Not long after, Qin Wang Xiangyu returned, hair disheveled, furious.

Fang Qing and Hua’er already sat with Linglong.

Seeing Qin Wang Xiangyu, Fang Qing grabbed her arm to "comfort" her. "Madam, what’s happened?"

Qin Wang Xiangyu, restrained, shouted, "Qin Daofei, if you don’t deal with this woman, I’ll die right here and stain your reputation forever!"

Linglong laughed.

"How would you like to die? If you burn yourself, your skin melts, you can’t breathe, the black smoke makes you vomit, but you won’t die easily—it’s rather unpleasant. Hanging is worse, painful and ugly; poison works, but must act quickly or it’s torture. Or you could slit your wrists—blood gushes, done in fifteen minutes."

The colder Linglong spoke, the more chilled Qin Wang Xiangyu felt, unable to cry.

Hua’er covered her face, unable to watch.

Her mistress was truly outrageous!

Qin Wang Xiangyu stared at Linglong, shaken by her words, unable to weep.

Linglong smiled faintly, never afraid of tantrums.

Study.

Fei rushed in, reporting the situation at Linglong Pavilion. Qin Daofei listened, frowning in headache, reluctant to act.

Fei had followed him for years, never seeing him troubled—yet every time Linglong caused trouble, Qin Daofei was tormented.

"Master, the old madam seems truly upset. Aren’t you going to check on her?" Fei probed.

Qin Daofei asked quietly, "Who did my mother see before Linglong?"

"Your concubine," Fei replied without hesitation.

Qin Daofei’s gaze turned cold. "Let’s go—before she tears the house apart, we’d better pacify her!"

Pacify whom? Concubine Tan? The old madam? Feng Linglong?

Fei scratched his head, unsure, but seeing Qin Daofei’s icy face, realized he wouldn’t answer.

Linglong Pavilion.

Qin Wang Xiangyu recovered, pointing and cursing, "Feng Linglong, did you send someone to steal my banknotes?"

Over twenty thousand taels, robbed inside Carefree Manor!

Linglong snorted, "Madam, you’re hilarious. The only person I control here is Hua’er. Fang Qing is Master Qin’s, so unless Hua’er did it, why suspect me? Besides, Carefree Manor is vast—why single me out?"

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