Chapter 41: A Different Concubine Tan

Next, only the woman’s voice could be heard. She spoke rapidly, but despite her speed, Linglong and her companions understood every word. The woman was berating the man for his inability to earn money, lamenting the hardship she endured, and claiming that if not for her own talents, they would have starved long ago.

“A shrew, children… this place is indeed fertile ground for rumors!” Linglong remarked, hands behind her back, and strode toward the quarreling household.

Linglong arrived at the doorway, lifted the curtain, and saw a man crouched in the corner, silent and aggrieved, while the woman stood in the middle of the room, hands on her hips, still cursing energetically.

Linglong leaned against the doorframe, watching them—one glance at the man, then at the woman, then back again… The woman cursed for quite a while before noticing Linglong standing there. Still angry, she snapped, “Who are you looking for?”

“I’m hoping to find someone who can help me spread some rumors in the capital…” Linglong hadn’t finished her sentence when the woman’s demeanor changed instantly. Smiling brightly, she pulled Linglong inside. “Come, young lady, please sit.”

“Go brew some tea!” Turning back to the man, she resumed her fierce expression.

Linglong cradled her face and watched them with amusement.

“What do you want to spread? Let me tell you, in this area, I am the fastest at circulating rumors!” The woman seemed proud of her profession, speaking with animated gestures.

Linglong scratched her eyebrow, feigning embarrassment. “It’s a bit awkward to say…”

“What’s there to be shy about? I’m the one spreading the rumor, not you!” the woman encouraged.

Linglong pretended to fall for it, saying, “I want you to tell everyone that Feng Linglong is the most beautiful woman in the world.”

“Feng Linglong? That name sounds familiar. Yesterday someone asked me to spread the word that Feng Linglong is a murderer… Feng Linglong, eldest daughter of the Feng family? You… you…”

The woman seemed to realize something was wrong, trembling as she pointed at Linglong, as if she saw Linglong sharpening a knife for her.

“Yes… yes, that’s me. I just want to experience what it feels like to hear others call me a beauty. Do you think you can do it?” Linglong mimicked the woman’s tone, acting mischievous.

The woman swallowed hard, not daring to answer.

Since the woman didn’t respond, Linglong continued, talking to herself. “I think it’ll work. Otherwise, why would Lord Xiang shamelessly try to take me as his princess? But honestly, he’s truly foolish, falling for a murderer like me. Don’t you think Lord Xiang is stupid?” Linglong looked calmly at the woman, who was so frightened she knelt, shaking, while Linglong laughed happily.

The woman dared not meet Linglong’s gaze, shrinking away.

“Have you ever seen me kill anyone?” Linglong asked again.

Oh dear!

“Miss Feng, please don’t kill me! I didn’t mean it, someone gave me silver, I had no choice but to spread the word,” the woman cried, collapsing to the floor.

Linglong stood up, intending to help her, but the woman rolled under the table in terror.

“I didn’t expect you’d like to conduct business under the table. Come, let’s talk!” Linglong took out a dagger, bent down, and asked, “Was it a man or a woman who hired you to spread rumors? Do you know them?”

“I don’t know them, but there was a man and a woman—both fair and refined. The woman had a large mole on her neck.” The woman pointed to the left side of her own neck.

A large mole on the neck?

Xiaocui!

Good!

Linglong put away the dagger and tossed a silver coin at the woman’s feet. “Now, I want you to spread that the second madam of Xiaoyao Manor, Tan Xiyin, has been secretly involved with several servants. Make it spicy, and if I’m satisfied, I’ll have more silver sent your way. But be clever about it.”

With that, Linglong left. As she reached the doorway, she looked back to see the woman biting the silver to check its authenticity. Seeing Linglong glance back, she quickly hid the coin in her hand, too scared to smile or cry.

“If I don’t hear the rumor, you should know—even if you flee to the ends of the earth, Xiaoyao Manor will find you.” Linglong declared, then truly departed.

Hmm!

From inside, the woman’s bitter wailing echoed.

Linglong emerged to find the man huddled at Qin Daofei’s feet, while Qin Daofei stood tall and elegant, smiling at her.

Linglong shot him a contemptuous look. “Must you use someone’s short stature to accentuate your own height? Shameless!”

“Did you have her spread a rumor that I’m head over heels for you, scared of you like a cat fears a mouse?” Qin Daofei walked over, took Linglong’s hand, and led her away.

The woman pressed herself to the window, jotting down Qin Daofei’s words in her heart.

After leaving, Qin Daofei took Linglong straight to the home of the medicine seller.

The man, having traveled between the Western regions and the Central Plains for years, lived alone. After his death, nobody cared for his scattered herbs; the bloodstain on the floor was still fresh, its scent sharp as if splashed only moments ago.

Qin Daofei immediately began searching the place.

“This place has been searched by at least two groups already. Do you really think there’s anything left to find?” Linglong folded her arms and didn’t move.

Qin Daofei, rummaging, replied, “As a man who lives by trading information, if I can’t find something others missed, how could Xiaoyao Manor remain undefeated in the martial world?”

“Yes, yes, you’re the best!” Linglong replied without sincerity.

Qin Daofei didn’t bother responding. After searching the floor, he scaled the walls, then climbed onto the roof.

Unexpectedly, he pried two small wooden boxes from beneath the tiles.

Qin Daofei set the boxes in front of Linglong, and her eyes lit up.

But as she reached for them, Qin Daofei grabbed her wrist. “Praise me!”

Pfft!

“Lord Qin, you’re so handsome, I adore you!” Linglong’s words lacked any real feeling; her mind was only on whether the boxes contained valuable secrets.

Qin Daofei tucked the boxes away. “When you’re sincere, I’ll let you see.”

In truth, Lord Qin intended to use these as leverage for Linglong to agree to something he’d long wanted, something outrageously mad.

“Lord Qin, I really do adore you, you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, please!” Linglong clung to his sleeve, pretending to be coquettish, but with such force she could have torn his clothes.

Qin Daofei raised an eyebrow and led her home.

Walking down the street, they overheard gossip: the Qin family’s second madam, supposedly pure and lovely, was a wanton woman, sleeping with every servant in the house.

Pfft!

Hearing this, Linglong gestured, indicating a height as tall as herself, and gleefully said, “Lord Qin, your green hat must be this high by now!”

Qin Daofei gritted his teeth, ignored Linglong, and strode away.

Linglong, unwilling to let things go, scampered after him, tugging his sleeve. “Lord Qin, your face has turned green as well!”

Qin Daofei nearly bit through his silver teeth in rage, then scooped Linglong into his arms and sped toward the city’s east.

At Old Zhu’s Pig Trotter Shop in the east city.

Qin Daofei burst in like lightning, left a brief “Borrow a room,” and carried Linglong inside.

Old Zhu tossed his cleaver onto the chopping block, fat fingers greasy, complaining, “Be quick, don’t stain my sheets with blood—I just changed them.”

Once inside, Qin Daofei pinned Linglong to the wall and kissed her fiercely, finally feeling satisfied.

“What did you have them spread?” Qin Daofei asked, breath uneven in Linglong’s ear.

Linglong hadn’t recovered from his stormy kiss, murmuring incoherently. Qin Daofei’s whispered words sent tingles down her spine, making her softly moan.

Her unintentional murmur awakened the beast in Qin Daofei.

He embraced her, tossed her onto the bed, and, without another word, sealed her lips with his. In the briefest pause, he growled, “Today, no matter what you say, I won’t let you go!”

Linglong protested!

Qin Daofei grabbed her hand, directly attacking her chest.

“Um…”

“No talking!” Qin Daofei glared domineeringly. Linglong sulked for a moment, then lifted her smiling face and flirted back.

This excited Qin Daofei even more; he embraced Linglong and ravished her.

Linglong cooperated fully. As they reached the final step, Qin Daofei glared at Linglong, his face twisted, as if only killing her would satisfy him.

Hahahaha!

Linglong pounded the bed, laughing until she was breathless.

Qin Daofei stood up and paced in circles, struggling to suppress his urge to strangle Linglong.

“Oh dear, you’ll be the death of me!” Linglong was utterly unafraid of his murderous expression, clutching her stomach, laughing uncontrollably.

Qin Daofei hauled her up, carried her out, and kicked the door open. The sturdy door, battered by his force, wobbled and then crashed to the ground.

On the bed, a splash of blood was glaringly conspicuous.

Seeing him truly angry, Linglong hooked her arms around his neck to soothe him. “I wanted to tell you, but you told me to shut up, so you can’t blame me!”

Qin Daofei ignored her, went outside, and called, “Old Zhu, wrap up some pig trotters for me.”

Old Zhu quickly packed some pig trotters. Qin Daofei, without so much as a thank you, threw down a silver note and whisked Linglong away.

Old Zhu looked at the note—fifty taels!

“Lord, that’s far too much… never mind, I’d better check!” Old Zhu’s burly frame moved with surprising speed, and when she emerged from the room, she slapped her thigh in fury. “Those two little rascals—next time, if I don’t kill them, I’m not Old Zhu!”

But they were already gone.

Returning to her room, Qin Daofei dumped Linglong onto the bed, tossed the pig trotters on her, and left.

Linglong laughed uproariously, then cleaned up and took the pig trotters next door to see Hua’er.

Linglong entered to find only Fang Qing with Hua’er. She set down the pig trotters and cheerfully went to fetch bowls from the kitchen.

“She seems in a particularly good mood?” Fang Qing observed. Hua’er, lying on the bed, pondered, “She probably bullied someone again.”

“Mm!” Fang Qing agreed.

The two shared a wry smile.

Linglong took bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen and walked back happily. At the fork by Miaoyin Pavilion, Xiaocui rushed in carrying a basket. Seeing Linglong, Xiaocui shot her a resentful look and hurried toward Miaoyin Pavilion.

Linglong’s eyes darted, and she detoured back toward the kitchen, then returned, pacing the stretch as she waited.

Soon, Tan Xiyin, veiled and supported by Xiaocui, hurried out.

Linglong, holding her bowl, followed, only to see Tan Xiyin stopped at the gate.

“Second madam, the lord has ordered that no one may leave Xiaoyao Manor without permission. Earlier, Miss Xiaocui said she was fetching medicine for you, so we let her pass, but this already violated the lord’s rules. Please, don’t make things difficult for us,” the gatekeeper said politely.

Tan Xiyin pleaded tearfully, “Brother, the doctor said if I don’t treat my face properly, it will be ruined. Please let me out. If Lord Daofei blames anyone, I will take responsibility.”

“I’m sorry, Second Madam!” The gatekeeper’s eyes flashed with disdain, but he remained outwardly respectful.

Recently, Tan Xiyin had a servant cane Hua’er. When the lord questioned her, she blamed the old madam and the servant. Everyone saw through her. Now, few believed Tan Xiyin.

Tan Xiyin and Xiaocui, supporting each other, stared helplessly at the door they once crossed freely, never realizing the distance could feel so vast.

As they hesitated, Qin Daofei entered.

“Daofei brother, you’re finally here! The gatekeeper won’t let me out.” Tan Xiyin choked.

Qin Daofei glanced at the gatekeeper, then said, “I gave the order, did you forget?”

“Daofei brother, I need to see the doctor. My face hurts terribly. Xiaocui just asked the doctor, he said I must wash it with medicine or it will be ruined.” Tan Xiyin spoke timidly, evoking pity.

Qin Daofei remained unmoved. “Isn’t there a doctor in the house?”

“The house doctor isn’t good enough. I’m anxious. I’ll just go briefly, please?” Tan Xiyin clung to his sleeve, begging.

Qin Daofei hesitated, then relented. “Fine, but be careful.”

“Thank you, Daofei brother!” Tan Xiyin released his hand and hurried out.

Linglong saw Qin Daofei head inward, quickly hid, and decided to follow Tan Xiyin.

Despite hugging the wall, Qin Daofei spotted her easily. He walked over, grabbed Linglong’s collar, and turned her to face him. “What are you doing?”

“I… I went to the kitchen for a bowl to eat pig trotters!” Linglong offered the bowl.

Oh?

Qin Daofei raised a brow. “You walked from the kitchen all the way here? Don’t you know the way?”

“I do! But seeing Tan Xiyin so anxious, I wanted to show concern… Just a quick look!” Linglong tossed the bowl to Qin Daofei and dashed outside.

Qin Daofei didn’t catch the bowl but grabbed Linglong’s hair, reeling her in inch by inch. Linglong wasn’t scared, but with her hair pulled, she couldn’t go anywhere.

In truth, Qin Daofei used no force.

“Take the bowls to Linglong Pavilion,” Qin Daofei ordered a passing servant, then switched to holding Linglong’s wrist as he led her to Linglong Pavilion.

Linglong, annoyed, tried to kick him, but her legs were too short, making the passing servants laugh.

“Qin Daofei, let me go!”

Her protests were heard by Hua’er and Fang Qing. Fang Qing came out, saw Qin Daofei dragging Linglong inside, and shook her head, smiling as she returned.

“What’s our young miss up to this time?” Hua’er asked.

“Your lord dragged her back by her pigtail,” Fang Qing replied. Even though she hadn’t seen it, just imagining it was hilarious.

Hua’er laughed without mercy, but the pain from her wound made her grimace as she waited for the show.

Back in Linglong Pavilion, Linglong realized resistance was futile and gave in.

“Let me go, this is embarrassing!”

Tsk tsk, she actually cared about her image now—unheard of!

Qin Daofei looked at her. “Now you care about your reputation?”

“I always have!” Linglong straightened her clothes, shook off Qin Daofei’s hand, and headed to Hua’er’s room.

Since it was Hua’er’s room, Qin Daofei didn’t follow but returned to Linglong’s room, as if their previous days of cold war had never happened.

The servant delivering the bowls encountered Tang Li on the way.

“Where to?” Tang Li inquired.

“The lord asked me to bring bowls to Madam in Linglong Pavilion!” the servant replied. Tang Li looked at the dishes, then said, “I’m going to Linglong Pavilion. Let me take them.”

The servant handed them over and ran off, not lingering a moment.

Truthfully, the servants of Xiaoyao Manor disliked going to Linglong Pavilion. Although Feng Linglong never shouted at them, seeing how she dealt with Tan Xiyin and Qin Wang Xiangyu made everyone shiver, keeping their distance.

Tang Li, instead of taking the dishes to Linglong’s room, went straight to Hua’er’s room.

Originally, the three women—who should have been teasing Linglong—fell silent when Tang Li entered.

Fang Qing maintained her decorum around outsiders, but Hua’er… that was open to interpretation.

“Oh, Tang Li, you’re here?” Linglong smiled amiably. Tang Li always felt as if he’d met a madam from a brothel—unnerving.

He placed the bowl before Linglong, trembling. “Madam, here are your bowls and chopsticks… I’ll be going…”

Bang!

Tang Li bumped his head against the doorpost. Linglong felt sorry for the doorpost.

“Tang Li, don’t run—you damaged my doorpost. Your punishment is to feed Hua’er!” Linglong placed a piece of pig trotter in the bowl and handed it to Tang Li.

Hua’er gritted her teeth, “I can eat myself, Tang Li, if you’re busy, go ahead.”

“I’m… not busy!” Tang Li replied, going to the bed and feeding Hua’er a small piece.

Linglong tapped Fang Qing’s forehead playfully, “You’re so annoying!”

“So annoying!”

Aifei, drawn by the smell, drifted down from the beam, mimicking Linglong’s coquettish tone in her chilly voice, making everyone shudder. She, oblivious, took a piece of pig trotter and began eating.

“Aifei, when did you come back?” Linglong was nervous; if she remembered correctly, someone should have left with a certain person, so why was she back?

“That little rascal left. For his safety, I decided to stay far away!”

Such murderous intent!

Linglong nestled up to Fang Qing, feigning fear.

Fang Qing, suppressing her disgust, carefully said, “I’m eating meat!”

“I’m eating meat too, what a coincidence!” Linglong laughed it off, seemingly oblivious to Fang Qing’s sarcasm.

Fang Qing was at a loss for words.

After a hearty meal, drowsiness followed. Linglong returned to her room, only to find Qin Daofei sitting there.

Jifeng was across from him, speaking softly; Qin Daofei’s expression was grim.

Seeing Linglong enter, Jifeng bowed and left through the window.

Linglong slumped over the desk, asking lifelessly, “What’s wrong?”

“Sleep if you’re tired. I’ll be out for a while and return soon,” Qin Daofei said, preparing to leave. Linglong, hearing he would go out, widened her eyes, ready to sneak away.

Qin Daofei left, then returned, teasing, “Are you thinking you can slip away once I’m gone? Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.”

Linglong felt as though a fly was stuck in her throat—wanting to vomit but unable, wanting to curse but not daring. She felt aggrieved, disgusted, and exhausted!

“You drugged me again!” Linglong said, then promptly passed out on the desk.

Qin Daofei carried her to bed, settled her, and left.

Now to Tan Xiyin.

After leaving Xiaoyao Manor, she and Xiaocui went straight to the gossip-spreading woman’s house.

Seeing Xiaocui and the veiled Tan Xiyin, the woman greeted them warmly. “What brings you here today?”

“I’m here to ask about the rumors concerning the Qin family’s second madam… about… you know.” In front of Tan Xiyin, Xiaocui dared not utter “debauchery.”

Though only a gossipmonger, the woman understood the situation. Tan Xiyin’s silence made it clear she was the Qin family’s second madam.

Truth be told, she dared not offend either madam.

“Oh, young lady, yesterday I spread some things about the first madam, but I know she’s not favored in the Qin family. As for the second madam, she’s the lord’s golden treasure—I wouldn’t dare spread anything bad about her!”

Perhaps the woman’s words pleased Tan Xiyin. She tugged Xiaocui’s sleeve, saying, “Let’s go.”

Xiaocui glared at the woman and helped Tan Xiyin out.

“Second madam, all intentional rumors in the capital start from here. Do you believe her?” Xiaocui asked, puzzled.

Tan Xiyin replied, “I don’t believe her. I just know that powerless people wouldn’t dare offend the Qin family’s madams. Perhaps it really wasn’t her.”

With that, Xiaocui was at a loss for words.

As they reached the courtyard, a group of children surrounded them, singing blessings in hopes of coins. Tan Xiyin, in a bad mood, snapped, “Go away!”

“Hmph, stingy! Earlier, that gentleman and madam were so friendly. Ugly, nobody loves you!” a child jeered.

Tan Xiyin suddenly grabbed the child’s collar. “What did you say? Was the gentleman handsome? Was the lady’s hair adorned with only one hairpin?”

“Why should I tell you?” The child retorted and left with the others.

Tan Xiyin clenched her fists, muttering in fury, “It must be them, it must be!”

“What should we do, madam?” Xiaocui asked, trembling.

Tan Xiyin glanced back and strode toward the woman’s house.

Returning, Tan Xiyin’s presence made the woman retreat in terror.

“Did Feng Linglong come earlier? Did she have you spread those rumors?” Tan Xiyin uncovered her hat, her face twisted with scars.

The woman shrieked and backed away at the sight of Tan Xiyin’s disfigured face.

Xiaocui stepped forward and slapped the woman twice. “How dare you spread rumors about our madam? Are you tired of living?”

In front of Tan Xiyin, the woman dared not be brash, only murmuring as she clutched her face, “Outsiders say the lord favors his concubine, but I don’t see it. I heard him say with my own ears that he only loves the first madam, and he’s even afraid of her. What can you use to compete with her?”

“You mean Daofei brother said he loves Feng Linglong most?” Tan Xiyin’s eyes bulged, her thin hands clenched, veins standing out, making her look grotesque.

Seeing Tan Xiyin’s instability, the woman thought, “It seems the lord spoke the truth—this second madam is already out of favor. An abandoned second wife trying to harm the first… why should I fear her?”

“Yes, the lord said so himself. He’s very attentive to the first madam,” the woman dared to reply.

Hearing this, Tan Xiyin shoved the woman aside, pressed a golden hairpin to her neck, and demanded, “Tell me—what else has Daofei brother done with that bitch? Or I’ll stab you right now!”

“In broad daylight, would you dare?” The woman was frightened, but thought Tan Xiyin too weak to kill.

Heh!

Tan Xiyin sneered, “I am still Xiaoyao Manor’s second madam. Even if I’m no longer favored, killing a gossip won’t stop Daofei brother from protecting me.”

The woman thought this reasonable and, not daring to hide, told Tan Xiyin everything Linglong had entrusted her.

At that moment, the woman’s husband entered.

Tan Xiyin regarded him coldly, took a silver note from her purse, and placed it in his hand. “I have five thousand taels here. If you kill this wretch, the note is yours. If you don’t, I’ll do it myself—you get nothing, but the murder charge will still fall on you.”

“Who are you?” The man looked at Tan Xiyin, uneasy.

Tan Xiyin sneered, “I am Xiaoyao Manor’s second madam. Your wife spread rumors that I’m a wanton. If I don’t kill her, my anger won’t subside.”

“If I kill her, will you really give me the money?” The man eyed the five thousand taels, his gaze turning cruel.

Tan Xiyin took out another note for five hundred taels, speaking coldly, “All you need to do is suffocate her until she’s half dead, then hang her from the beam. It’ll look like suicide. Tomorrow, spread a rumor that she killed herself after being pressured by Xiaoyao Manor for helping Feng Linglong spread rumors. That ends it.”

Tan Xiyin explained every detail. The man, tempted, agreed.

His wife had bullied him for years; now, he could kill her, escape blame, and live as a wealthy man. Without hesitation, he walked over and strangled the woman, who was already weak.

Tan Xiyin handed him a wet cloth. “Use this, it’s quicker!”

The man covered the woman’s mouth and nose. She struggled, never imagining her meek husband could be so cruel, but soon her strength faded, and she could no longer breathe.

At last, she ceased to move.

Tan Xiyin watched coldly throughout, her lips curled in a cruel smile that, paired with her twisted face, was chilling.

“She’s not moving!” the man said, seeking approval.

Tan Xiyin replied, “Tie her up and hang her quickly, while she’s not quite dead, to fool others.”

The man searched for a rope.

Xiaocui helped prepare it, and the man hung the woman. She suddenly thrashed violently, but hanging only made her breathing weaker—the struggle ended with her eyes fixed in unwillingness upon the world.

When all was done, Tan Xiyin turned away with elegance, as if she’d merely attended a ladies’ banquet.

After Tan Xiyin left, the man hid, planning to wait until she was far away, then spread word to divert attention and flee.

But unexpectedly, a black-clad youth dropped from above, staring coldly.

“Who are you?” The man trembled.

The youth smiled. “Me? I’m Xiaoyao Manor’s Reaper.”

Xiaoyao Manor’s Reaper—Jifeng!

“Ah!” The man hadn’t expected the mantis to be caught by the sparrow; his scream was cut short as Jifeng knocked him out with a knife hand. Jifeng glanced at the woman hanging, murmuring, “You brought this on yourself. Death suits you, but I’ve avenged you—next life, be a good person, marry a good man.”

Returning, Jifeng reported everything to Qin Daofei.

If not for Jifeng’s detailed account, or witnessing it himself, Qin Daofei would never have believed the woman who had been by his side for years could be so monstrous.

Perhaps, he had simply refused to see her true nature.

After all, the girl in his memory was gentle, dignified, educated—so good in every way.

Once Linglong was sound asleep, Qin Daofei finally left.

No sooner had he gone than Aifei descended from the beam, pricking Linglong’s neck with a silver needle several times.

“How many times did you stab me?” Linglong opened her eyes to find Aifei waving the needle before her. It hadn’t really hurt until seeing Aifei’s cold face and the needle, at which point it felt unbearably painful.

Aifei put away the needle, saying mischievously, “Unskilled hands, just practicing!”

Pfft!

Linglong almost coughed up blood.

“Today, Qin Daofei got a box from the medicine seller’s place. I don’t know what’s inside, he won’t let me see,” Linglong muttered after a while.

Aifei rolled her eyes. “I can’t help with that—I couldn’t snatch it from him.”

“One more thing… Today, we were ambushed on the street. I heard Little Shrimp’s voice.” Linglong said, her gaze deep as she looked at Aifei.

Aifei met her gaze, equally deep.

“You suspect he wants to kill you?” Aifei’s tone was cold, almost disapproving.

Linglong hung her head, lost. “I don’t know. Hearing Little Shrimp’s voice made me feel awful.”

“I’ll ask him. He might kill anyone, but he’d never kill you. I don’t believe it was him.” With that, Aifei vanished from Linglong’s room.

Linglong stared after her, feeling desolate.

Unable to sleep, Linglong took down her dice, staring at it blankly.

Two years ago, after being rescued from a sea of fire, her whole body hurt so much she lost all feeling. When she awoke, her toe bone was placed in a delicate tray.

Did it hurt?

She felt nothing then, only a sense of disgust seeing the bone in the tray.

Later, someone asked her how she wanted to handle it. Linglong remained silent, then half a day later said, “Can you make it into dice for me?”

The person said nothing, took the tray away, and five days later returned with a dice inlaid with a red bean.

“Feng Linglong, I hope you remember your injury, never forget it in this life.”

Those words lingered in her mind, but Linglong thought bitterly—life is long, and as she walks, she will forget so much.

Linglong shook her head fiercely, refusing to be trapped in that dark past. She reattached the dice to her waist, tidied herself, and went to find Hua’er.

“Miss, shouldn’t you be napping now?” Hua’er asked.

Fang Qing, embroidering at the table, put down her work and smiled, half amused, half not.

Though she said nothing, Linglong always felt Fang Qing knew more than anyone.

But she never asked, never mentioned it to Qin Daofei, making Linglong feel at ease.

“I can’t sleep. Fang Qing, don’t you find it awkward embroidering with your sword hand?” Linglong sat opposite, elbows on the table, chin cupped in her hands, bored.

Hua’er, lying on the bed, guessed her mistress was troubled, though she didn’t know what.

Fang Qing looked up, speaking quietly, “People are contradictory—like loving someone but always doing things behind their back, yet if the paths converge in the end, diverging routes are inevitable.”

See? She knows everything.

Linglong slumped on the desk, sighing, “Life is too calm—I suddenly want to do something bad.”

Pfft!

See? She’s troubled!

Hua’er, stifling a laugh, said, “Miss, if you’re bored and want to go out, just go. Don’t worry about me.”

“I’d love to, but Qin Daofei is restricting movement—without his order, nobody can leave. I haven’t been out in ages.” Linglong truly couldn’t stand idleness; from childhood, she’d go crazy if she had nothing to do.

Pfft!

Hua’er and Fang Qing burst out laughing, mercilessly exposing her. “Weren’t you out with the lord today?”

Uh!

Linglong scratched her head in frustration. “Forget it, we have nothing in common. I’m going back to sleep.”

And with that, she left.

Hua’er watched Linglong’s departure, worried. “I think Miss really has something on her mind.”

“It’s all right. Everyone has their trials. You focus on healing. Your Miss is clever—she’ll handle her problems herself.”

“Let’s hope so.” Comforted by Fang Qing, Hua’er still felt uneasy.

Back in her room, Linglong kicked off her shoes, wrapped herself in the quilt, rolled a few times, and fell asleep.

When Qin Daofei returned, he found Linglong bundled like a dumpling, sweating profusely. He frowned, checked the room, then pulled back the quilt, exposing her face.

Linglong groggily opened her eyes, saw Qin Daofei, and reached out to touch his face.

“What are you doing?” Qin Daofei’s face was squished, his tone unfriendly.

Linglong giggled foolishly. “I never had the chance to torment your handsome face—now I can, so I’ll remember it forever.”

“We’ll be together for life—you have plenty of time to get familiar.” Qin Daofei, though disliking her actions, didn’t push her away.

Heh!

“For life, huh?” That’s a long time.

Qin Daofei took her hand in his, saying softly, “Liu Fengying asked me to meet. Would you like to go?”

Liu Fengying?

Linglong searched her memory and suddenly recalled—they had planted Liu Fengying in Lord Xiang’s manor, but hadn’t really used her yet.

“If I go, will she ignore you?” Linglong remained curled up, adorably reluctant to wake.

Qin Daofei brushed her hair aside. “Liu Fengying says Lord Xiang’s princess is pregnant.”

“She wants to kill the child in her belly?” Linglong sat up, clutching Qin Daofei’s collar. “Is that it?”

“It’s possible.” Qin Daofei didn’t avoid her gaze.

Linglong whispered, “Will you help her?”

“No. I only want Lord Xiang dead. As for others, I’ll spare them if possible.”

Hearing this, Linglong chuckled foolishly, gently releasing his collar. “You go ahead. I’m very busy.”

A moment to remember the site address: Mobile reading address: m.