Chapter 45: War on the Verge Thank you all for your generous rewards—here’s an extra chapter for you!

At the same time, the cries of panic rose from the commoners passing by. With a metallic clang, the long sword dropped to the ground, ringing out clear and sharp, like a funeral dirge bidding farewell to the dead. Immediately after, Linglong collapsed onto the ground, fixing Liu Zitong with a cold, resentful gaze. In her eyes shimmered the most venomous curse in the world, making Liu Zitong’s limbs turn to ice.

At that moment, only one thought filled his mind: if Feng Linglong died, Xiang Wang would surely kill him.

“Linglong!” Qin Daofei rushed in from outside. Seeing Feng Linglong lying in a pool of blood, he was so enraged that he shoved Liu Zitong aside, slamming him into the brass qilin by the door, causing blood to pour forth on the spot.

Qin Daofei gathered Linglong into his arms, pressing her head to his chest. His low, agonized howl was accompanied by scorching tears.

Yes, Qin Daofei was weeping.

Tan Xiyin looked at him blankly and muttered, “You’re crying for her?”

Qin Daofei seemed deaf to the world. Holding Linglong close, he rose to his feet, his bloodshot eyes turning to glare fiercely at the soldiers Liu Zitong had brought. “Anyone—anyone at all—who dares try to take her, will die.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than several hundred martial artists landed at the gates of Xiaoyao Manor, swords drawn and eyes blazing, confronting the soldiers in a tense standoff.

Liu Zitong had fainted by the door; the soldiers dared not act rashly. They looked to each other, but no one dared step forward.

After a short while, someone called out, “Take Lord Liu back to the Capital Prefecture, report to the court! We will accuse Xiaoyao Manor of defying the law and attacking an imperial official in broad daylight.”

At this, Tang Li stepped forward, bowing to the townsfolk gathered on the street. “Good people, our Madam—eldest daughter of the Feng family—is kind and just. Over the years, many have benefited from her charity. I implore you all to speak fairly for her. They want to condemn our Madam based on mere street gossip; she has suffered repeated humiliations and finally, in despair, took her own life at our very gates. I beg you to judge for yourselves who is right and who is wrong.”

No sooner had Tang Li finished than someone produced a petition. Before the soldiers, one person after another signed their names, and the soldiers, terrified, fled at once.

On the way back to the Capital Prefecture, Liu Zitong regained consciousness. He frantically lifted the carriage curtain and barked, “Is Feng Linglong dead?”

“My lord, she cut her own throat. It’s unlikely she’ll survive,” a soldier replied.

Liu Zitong slumped, his voice trembling, “It’s over. Everything is over.”

News of Linglong’s suicide soon swept the capital. Xiang Wang, too, received word. At the time, he was at home, daydreaming about how, when he saw Linglong again, he would finally possess her and savor the taste of longing.

But—

“Did you see her die with your own eyes?” Xiang Wang demanded, seizing the messenger by the throat.

The man trembled all over. “I—I don’t know, but she slit her own throat. Blood spattered all over Tan Xiyin’s face and clothes. With so much blood lost, she should…”

“No, no, no! She’s a cat with nine lives—she can’t die! My Linglong can’t die!” Xiang Wang collapsed to the floor. He had imagined many endings, but never this—that Linglong would take up a sword and kill herself.

So, she would rather die than ever be with him?

Very well!

Xiang Wang sat heavily, then ordered coldly, “Dead or alive, bring her back to me.”

“Your Highness, Xiaoyao Manor is gathering a petition from the people. If this is investigated, Liu Zitong won’t withstand the pressure and will surely implicate you. If he does, all your years of effort will be for nothing.”

“Don’t you understand? Everything I’ve done has been for her! I must have her—even her corpse belongs to me, and no one else! Go—bring her back!”

Xiang Wang’s expression twisted with rage. The messenger had originally followed him for the promise of power and glory, but now, for the sake of a woman, was he to lose everything?

“My lord, please reconsider—” the man tried again.

But Xiang Wang leveled his sword at him. “If you fail, I’ll execute your entire clan!”

“Yes, sir!” The man had no choice but to obey.

That night seemed destined to be restless.

The martial masters guarding the gates of Xiaoyao Manor did not withdraw. They kept constant vigil around the manor, and the street was eerily quiet—the calm before a storm.

Outside Linglong Pavilion.

Tan Xiyin, now dressed in clean clothes, stood by the door arguing with Gale. “Madam is gravely injured. I ought to tend to her—why do you bar me from entering?”

“The Master has decreed that anyone trying to check on Madam’s condition will be executed on the spot. I advise you not to provoke him, Second Madam.” Though Gale’s tone was light, his manner was far more hard-edged than Tang Li’s, which was why Qin Daofei trusted him with guarding Linglong Pavilion—even Lady Xiangyu couldn’t enter.

Seeing Gale’s firmness, Tan Xiyin changed tactics. “At least tell me—is Madam out of danger? Does she need food or anything else? I wish to help ease Daofei’s burdens.”

“The Master said Madam’s affairs are his alone. Anyone wanting to share his burden should leave Xiaoyao Manor—anyone!” Gale bit out the last word.

Tan Xiyin’s face went ashen. She dared not argue further.

But still she did not leave. She stood anxiously at the door, hoping for the slightest sign from within.

But Linglong Pavilion was silent, so silent it seemed uninhabited. The quieter it became, the more Tan Xiyin feared for Qin Daofei.

After a while, Lady Xiangyu appeared.

Tan Xiyin felt a glimmer of hope and hurried forward with a smile. “Mother, it’s late. Why are you out here?”

“With that wretch inside, how could I not come and see for myself?” Lady Xiangyu cast Tan Xiyin a frosty glance.

Tan Xiyin was unfazed, only turning to exchange a look with Gale.

Gale met her gaze, eyes brimming with menace.

Frightened, Tan Xiyin lowered her head, twisting her handkerchief, thinking, “If only Feng Linglong would die—if only Daofei would return to me—none of you who side with her would live long.”

Gale seemed to read her thoughts. He shifted, his sword suddenly flashing out, the cold blade glinting at Tan Xiyin’s throat.

She froze, paralyzed with fear.

Then Gale blocked Lady Xiangyu’s path as she tried to enter. “Madam, the Master’s orders are clear: no one is permitted entry. Please do not make things difficult for me.”

“So, Qin Daofei’s wings have hardened? He dares to bar his own mother?” Lady Xiangyu tried to force her way in.

Gale’s hand moved so fast it was unseen; his sword switched from left hand to right, barring her path.

“Madam, the inner courtyard is not in my jurisdiction. I answer only to the Master. His command is that no one enters Linglong Pavilion, and I will obey. If you insist on going in…”

“What, will you kill me?” Lady Xiangyu interrupted furiously. If not for her upbringing, she might have slapped Gale then and there.

But Gale only smiled. “You are the Master’s mother. I would not kill you—but I would knock you out.”

“You!” Lady Xiangyu trembled with rage, but Gale stood immovable, ready to act at the slightest provocation.

She knew well that Qin Daofei’s elite would never obey her orders. If she forced her way, he would not hesitate to harm her.

So, she did as Tan Xiyin had—she changed tack.

“How is Linglong? Is she out of danger?”

Gale stood motionless at the door. “The Master only ordered me to guard Linglong Pavilion. He gave no instructions to report what happens inside, so I have nothing to say. Please, Madam, return.”

“Gale, you go too far!” Lady Xiangyu was incensed—even her right to inquire about Linglong’s life or death was denied.

Gale only shrugged, an expression of utter indifference, driving Lady Xiangyu to fury.

At that moment, the steward hurried over and whispered something in Lady Xiangyu’s ear. Her face changed. “Is this true?”

“It is,” the steward replied, glancing at Gale.

Lady Xiangyu, forgetting her quarrel with Gale, allowed Nurse Xiahe to support her as she hurried toward the front courtyard.

Tan Xiyin, seeing this, quickly followed with Xiaocui.

A whistle sounded from atop Tongtian Pavilion. Hearing it, Gale smiled faintly. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a proper bloodletting.”

He swept out like an eagle, while Fang Qing drifted quietly to the door of Linglong’s room, leaning on the railing to watch the front courtyard.

At the gates of Xiaoyao Manor.

The soldiers had the manor surrounded three-deep, enclosing both the martial artists of Xiaoyao Manor and their own hired mercenaries.

Lady Xiangyu emerged to find Liu Zitong, head wrapped in white gauze, grinning menacingly at the manor.

“Liu Zitong, you come here time and again with your men, colluding with outlaws. Do you take Xiaoyao Manor for a house of cowards?” Lady Xiangyu demanded sharply.

Liu Zitong spread his hands and laughed, but the movement pulled at his wounds, making him wince in pain.

“Madam, these martial artists are not here at my behest. They came of their own accord. Don’t malign an innocent man. I’m only here to prevent a bloodbath and protect the innocent—that’s why I’ve come to defend Xiaoyao Manor.”

How grand and righteous his words sounded.

Lady Xiangyu was so furious she could not speak.

Gale appeared silently, standing in front of Lady Xiangyu. Seeing him, Tan Xiyin quietly slipped away.

She hurried inside, making for Linglong Pavilion, but as she reached the second-floor landing, she found Fang Qing standing at the staircase, delicate but holding a sword.

“So, even a mere maid will bar my way?” Tan Xiyin asked coldly.

Fang Qing shrugged. “The Master put me here, and I will not disobey his orders.”

Tan Xiyin let out a bitter laugh and lifted her skirts to go up, but Fang Qing’s sword trembled, its keen edge humming. “Second Madam, I’m not as skilled as Gale, but once my sword is drawn, it does not return empty. If you force your way, I’ll cut you down—it’s the Master’s command.”

“Daofei, come out and let me see you—I’m worried for you!” Tan Xiyin was helpless, forced to shout through the barrier.

Fang Qing stood firm, unmoved.

“Daofei, I beg you, don’t do this to yourself. I can’t live without you.”

Two years ago, when Linglong was trapped in the inferno of the Capital Prefecture’s prison, the ordeal had filled Tan Xiyin with dread. Now, with Linglong’s blood spraying like a fountain, survival seemed impossible. Tan Xiyin cared little for Linglong’s fate—her worry was that Qin Daofei might do something extreme.

Would she, after years of bitter struggle, win nothing but a memorial tablet in the end?

“Daofei!” Tan Xiyin called his name again and again.

After a while, Qin Daofei emerged, his face cold and dark. Every step he took seemed to trample on fate itself, radiating an aura of bitter hate.

“Don’t make me say something cruel. Leave!” he ordered, and turned back to his room.

Tan Xiyin covered her face, sobbing. “Why do you treat me this way? I only care for you!”

He did not reply. Unwilling for the maids to see her so distraught, Tan Xiyin ran downstairs, hands pressed to her face, toward the front courtyard.

There, the situation was on a knife’s edge.

The two sides’ sword tips were already crossed, yet Liu Zitong, the so-called protector of Xiaoyao Manor, made no move to intervene.

Gale struck first, leaping down and slitting the throat of the martial artist directly across from him, quick as lightning.

Instantly, both sides drew swords and began to fight.

Suddenly, a clear, commanding voice rang out from the rear of the crowd.

“What, has my authority as Commander of the Capital Guards ceased to matter? Even outlaws dare to cause trouble under the Son of Heaven’s very nose?”

Commander of the Guards?

Liu Zitong’s face grew ugly—why was he here?

This Commander was a favorite of the Emperor and remained unswayed by all princes, loyal only to the sovereign.

“Yes, yes! You bandits dare cause trouble in the capital! Arrest them all!” Liu Zitong shouted, urging his soldiers to act.

Then, bowing to the Commander, he said, “Thank heavens you’re here, General. Otherwise, I’d have had no idea how to control this mob. Look at Xiaoyao Manor’s arrogance—gathering outlaws to brawl here. What if innocents are harmed?”

Lady Xiangyu was livid. She had seen shameless men before, but never one as shameless as Liu Zitong.

The Commander only smiled, saying nothing.

And so, the night wore on.