Chapter 49: The Indestructible Cockroach, Tan the Ever-Present Concubine

"Thank you, Your Highness!" The voice came from nowhere, and after speaking, the person vanished as silently as they had come.

All night long, Qin Daofei sifted through various pieces of information, searching for clues about the mastermind behind the scenes. Yet, after a night of investigation, not a single trace pointed toward the true culprit.

He endured the night, his eyes reddened with exhaustion.

At dawn, Tang Li accompanied Hua’er, who carried a tray as she entered. "Master, Miss Hua’er has brought you some beef noodles. Why don’t you take a break?"

"Mm. Tang Li, close the door. I need to speak with you," Qin Daofei said, gesturing to Hua’er to take her leave.

Hua’er set down the bowl and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind her. Thoughtfully, she remained on guard outside.

Qin Daofei picked up the bowl and made his way toward the secret passage.

As he entered, Linglong was just waking. The aroma of beef noodles Hua’er had made filled the room, and she hurried over eagerly.

"It seems even I can’t compete with a bowl of Hua’er’s beef noodles for your attention," Qin Daofei grumbled.

Linglong finally looked up, noticing his bloodshot eyes. Pity stirred within her. "Did you not sleep at all last night?"

"No," he replied, avoiding her gaze and not telling her what had transpired outside.

Seeing his reticence, Linglong did not press further. She simply took his hand and guided him to the table, cooling the noodles herself before feeding him.

"Aren’t you the one who treasures Hua’er’s beef noodles the most?" Qin Daofei pushed the chopsticks back to her.

Linglong said nothing, forcing the chopsticks back into his hand with a stubborn expression.

He took a bite. "You eat. I can manage with just a little."

"You need strength," Linglong insisted, feeding him one mouthful after another.

Eventually, they fed each other in turn, and a single bowl of noodles proved enough for the both of them. Linglong couldn’t help but complain about Hua’er, suspecting she had done this on purpose.

In truth, Hua’er had only made enough for Linglong alone.

Chirp, chirp, chirp!

A flurry of anxious birdsong sounded from outside. Qin Daofei stood, bowl in hand, and said calmly, "Tan Xiyin is here."

"You go handle her," Linglong urged, quickly tidying the dishes onto the tray for Qin Daofei to take away.

Outside the study—

Tan Xiyin, clutching her skirts, scolded Hua’er furiously: "Your mistress is gone, yet you strut around as if you own the place. I want to see Brother Daofei. Since when do I need to wait for someone to announce me?"

"Second Madam, Master did not sleep at all last night. Are you sure you wish to make a scene here?" Tang Li asked in a deep voice.

Tan Xiyin scoffed, "So what? I must see Brother Daofei today."

"Out of my way! I may not be able to strike you, but don’t think you can lay a finger on me!" With that, she shoved Hua’er aside.

"Ah!"

Hua’er, still recovering from a serious injury, was knocked down the stone steps, her forehead scraping open.

Tan Xiyin pushed open the door to find Qin Daofei seated at his desk, seemingly dozing, his finger pressed to his temple. Beside him sat a bowl of steaming noodle soup, and a trace of broth lingered at the corner of his lips.

Seeing Hua’er fall, Tang Li rushed out, helping her up anxiously. "Are you all right?"

At that moment, Qin Daofei opened his sharp, cold eyes, fixing Tan Xiyin with a frosty gaze.

At the instant his eyes met hers, Tan Xiyin recoiled two steps in fright.

But she soon moved forward again, concern in her voice as she grasped his shoulder. "Why are your eyes so red? Did you stay up all night?"

"I had just closed my eyes when you arrived, causing such a commotion. Was there something you needed from me?" Qin Daofei asked coldly.

A hint of grievance colored Tan Xiyin’s face. "Brother Daofei, must I have a reason to seek you out now?"

"You’ve seen it yourself—Prince Xiang clings to me relentlessly, scheming and setting traps at every turn. I have much to handle these days. If there’s nothing urgent, let’s leave it at that." Qin Daofei clearly had no desire to converse further.

Seeing how haggard he looked, Tan Xiyin faltered. "Then I won’t disturb you. Rest well, I’ll make something for you to eat later."

"No need. Hua’er takes good care of me. In the future... please do not lay hands on her. She is someone Linglong values." Qin Daofei’s words were forthright.

Tan Xiyin’s expression shifted repeatedly. At last, she lowered her head, wounded. "I understand, Brother Daofei."

"Tang Li, escort Hua’er back to rest. I need to sleep. No one is to disturb me before noon." With that, Qin Daofei closed the door in Tan Xiyin’s face.

Returning to the Miaoyin Pavilion, Tan Xiyin vented her anger. "Feng Linglong is dead, yet her shadow remains. Now I can’t even admonish her maid. This is infuriating!"

Xiaocui, still pale after her recent ordeal in the water, asked, "Second Madam, what is it now?"

"Nothing!" Tan Xiyin fumed. Just then, a figure dressed in black appeared openly at her window, speaking coldly, "Why are you so certain Feng Linglong is dead?"

"What!"

Tan Xiyin and Xiaocui both cried out in shock.

The figure continued, "Yesterday, after Xiaocui fell into the water, the people of Xiaoyao Manor grew tense, acting suspiciously, as if they were hiding something. What do you think is the manor’s greatest secret right now?"

"You mean Feng Linglong is at the bottom of the lake?" Tan Xiyin thought either she or Prince Xiang must be mad.

The figure sneered. "The house of Xiaoyao Manor deals in espionage. Would it be worthy of its name without secret mechanisms and hidden passages?"

"So, you’re saying there might be a hidden chamber under the lake?" Tan Xiyin could hardly believe it.

He nodded. "Your task from His Highness is to investigate the lake bed."

"But... there are poisonous insects in the lake," Xiaocui said fearfully.

The man laughed coldly. "Precisely because of the insects, you should find an opportunity to persuade Qin Daofei’s mother to drain the lake. Once the water is gone, the truth will be revealed."

"She would never listen to me!" Tan Xiyin protested.

"Then arrange for someone she cares about to fall into the water. Once that happens, she’ll take it seriously," the figure replied coldly.

"But..." Tan Xiyin was still reluctant to provoke Lady Xiangyu.

"If you hesitate further, His Highness will reveal everything you’ve done to Qin Daofei." With that, the figure vanished.

Tan Xiyin was left in despair.

An opportunity soon presented itself—barely half an hour later, at Xiaoyao Manor.

The young lady from the Wang family, whom Lady Xiangyu had once tried to betroth to Qin Daofei, was invited by her to the manor as a guest.

Upon hearing this, Tan Xiyin hurried over eagerly.

"Mother-in-law, I heard the young lady from uncle’s family is here. Why won’t you let me accompany you?" Tan Xiyin’s enthusiasm was grating to Lady Xiangyu.

But with her niece present, she could not say anything harsh, so she simply snorted and said no more.

The Wang family’s young lady, innocent and unaware of the dangers of the world, was drawn to Tan Xiyin’s youth and beauty and clung to Lady Xiangyu, pouting, "Auntie, Xiaoyao Manor is so large. I want this elder sister to show me around, may I?"

"If you wish to go, take Nanny Xiahe with you. I can accompany you as well," Lady Xiangyu replied, wary of Tan Xiyin.

But the young lady stomped her foot in protest. "Auntie, I won’t have much to say if you come with us. Please let me go with this elder sister!"

"All right, all right. Go then. Xiyin, be sure to look after Miss Wang. If anything happens to her, you alone will be held responsible." Lady Xiangyu’s tone was laced with warning.

Tan Xiyin immediately promised, "I will take good care of her."

After showing Miss Wang around the manor, Tan Xiyin was determined to avoid the lake.

"Miss Wang, let me tell you, the lake in the front courtyard may look beautiful, but it's actually very dangerous. You mustn’t go near it!" Tan Xiyin’s constant warnings only piqued Miss Wang’s curiosity.

Hearing there was a lake she was forbidden to visit, the young lady grew all the more eager and insisted on seeing it.

Tan Xiyin pretended to be troubled. "There are dangerous insects in that lake. You really shouldn’t go!"

"What does it matter? I just want to look. I promise not to do anything. Please, take me there!" Miss Wang was so innocent she had no inkling of the malice in others.

Tan Xiyin sighed. "Very well, but just a quick look. We’ll come right back."

"All right, I promise," Miss Wang agreed cheerfully. Both Tan Xiyin and Xiaocui exchanged cold smiles, inwardly satisfied—this was exactly what they needed.

"Wow, ever since I grew up, Father wouldn’t let me visit Cousin’s manor, saying girls should be reserved, but I never knew there was such a beautiful lake here. If only I could take a boat out, feeling the breeze across the water—how delightful that would be." Clearly, this naive Miss Wang possessed a poetic soul.

Xiaocui took the chance to frighten her. "Miss Wang, please don’t joke. The poisonous insects in there bite terribly. I was bitten and fell unconscious for an entire night."

"Are they really that dangerous?" Miss Wang leaned over the water, curious.

Xiaocui nodded, pointing. "Look, that one swimming there—that’s it."

"I don’t see it. Where?" Miss Wang craned her neck to look closer.

"Be careful, Miss! It’s too dangerous," Tan Xiyin urged anxiously.

Just then, a stone flew from nowhere, hitting the back of Miss Wang’s knee. With a cry, she toppled into the lake.

"Heavens!"

"Help! Someone, save her! Miss Wang has fallen into the water!" Their cries for help startled Linglong, who, since her injury, had kept her curtains drawn. Worried, she went to a peephole to observe.

She saw a stranger struggling in the water, then a servant leapt in to save her.

It seemed an ordinary accident, yet Linglong could not settle her nerves. She had a vague sense that Tan Xiyin’s presence was no coincidence.

But with Qin Daofei absent, she had no one to consult, so she could only wait anxiously.

In Xiaoyao Manor, after Miss Wang was rescued, she was found to have several bite marks and fell into a coma.

Upon hearing what happened, Lady Xiangyu flew into a rage. "Tan Xiyin, you malicious woman! You didn’t want my niece to become mistress of this house, so you pushed her into the lake? Someone, throw Tan Xiyin in after her!"

"Mother-in-law, it wasn’t like that! I kept warning Miss Wang about the poisonous insects and told her not to go near the lake. If you don’t believe me, ask her maid!" Tan Xiyin, terrified at the thought of being thrown into the lake, knelt and begged.

Miss Wang’s maid quickly recounted the events, and though Lady Xiangyu was still displeased, she could not punish Tan Xiyin in front of the maid.

Her niece was notoriously headstrong; if she heard of any mistreatment, she would refuse the marriage, no matter what Qin Daofei thought.

"Mother-in-law, the poisonous insects in the lake are truly terrifying. Anyone who falls in is in grave danger," Tan Xiyin said, still mindful of Prince Xiang’s instructions.

Lady Xiangyu considered this, then ordered Nanny Xiahe, "Go summon Steward Zhang."

Soon, Steward Zhang arrived, wiping his brow upon hearing of the incident, unsure how Lady Xiangyu would react.

"Since there are poisonous insects in the lake, open the sluice and drain the water. Once the insects are eliminated, refill the lake," Lady Xiangyu commanded.

"Yes, yes, I’ll see to it at once!" Relieved not to be scolded, Steward Zhang hurried away.

As soon as he left, he ordered the lake to be drained.

Hua’er and Fang Qing soon heard of this and, worried, joined the crowd at the lake. Before they left, Fang Qing whispered, "Whatever happens, keep your composure. Don’t let anyone see through you."

"All right." Nervous as she was, Hua’er insisted on seeing for herself.

Soon, the entire household gathered by the lake to watch as Steward Zhang drained the water.

As the water receded, the muddy lakebed became visible.

Hua’er gripped Fang Qing’s hand tightly, her breath quickening with anxiety.

"Do you think there are fish in the lake?" Fang Qing tried to ease her nerves with idle chatter.

Hua’er shook her head and, after a moment, replied, "Even if there are, they wouldn’t be edible—not with the poisonous insects."

"True. I was just thinking, if there were fish, we could have some sweet-and-sour fish," Fang Qing joked.

Hua’er managed a smile. "If you want, we can go to the market early one day and buy fresh river fish. I’ll cook for you."

"Mm!" Fang Qing nodded sweetly. The two looked every bit the casual onlookers, hardly like spies—leaving Tan Xiyin and Xiaocui secretly unsure of themselves.

Below the lake, Linglong could neither sit nor stand for her anxiety.

Watching the last of the water drain away, she collapsed in despair—half a month’s effort wasted.

Yet, from the dried riverbed, nothing seemed amiss; it looked like any other lake.

Tan Xiyin and Xiaocui frowned but could say nothing in front of everyone, thinking only that the steward would poison the insects and they could check again at night.

"What’s going on here?" Tang Li arrived.

His presence meant Qin Daofei had come as well.

Indeed, Qin Daofei, clad in deep purple robes, strolled along the pebble path, frowning at the crowd by the lake.

"Is everyone so idle?" With a single, languid remark, he dispersed the servants.

"Master, the young lady from uncle’s family was visiting when she fell into the lake. Lady Xiangyu ordered the lake drained and the insects killed. As you were out, I didn’t report it," Steward Zhang explained hurriedly.

Qin Daofei nodded. "Such trivial matters don’t require my input. If Mother said to eliminate the insects, so be it. How is my cousin?"

"The physician has seen her. Though injured, her life is not in danger. She should awaken soon," Steward Zhang replied.

Qin Daofei glanced at Tan Xiyin and Xiaocui, who were still hovering nearby, then asked the steward, "How did Miss Wang fall in, knowing there were poisonous insects?"

"Brother Daofei, it was my fault. Mother-in-law had me accompany Miss Wang because we’re near in age. I warned her not to approach the lake, but she insisted on seeing it, and then she fell in," Tan Xiyin recounted, her story flawless.

Qin Daofei nodded indifferently. "Disperse. Steward Zhang needs to administer the medicine, and you’re too frail to handle the fumes."

His words of concern brought Tan Xiyin to tears.

"Thank you for worrying about me, Brother Daofei!" she said, then left with Xiaocui.

Once they were gone, Qin Daofei returned to his study.

"Master, why was there nothing unusual about the lake from the outside?" Tang Li asked, puzzled.

Qin Daofei sneered. "It seems last night did not allay their suspicions. My father’s ingenuity is not so easily fathomed."

"Indeed, Master is formidable—your father as much as yourself!" Tang Li replied, quick to flatter.

Qin Daofei shot him a look, then called for Gale.

"Well? What happened?"

"Your concubine Tan spent the entire time talking about the lake, warning Miss Wang to stay away. In the end, Miss Wang grew more curious and went close. Then someone hit her behind the knee with a small stone and she fell in," Gale explained, illustrating the event with an unrefined gesture.

"You kept watch on Xiaocui the whole time?"

"Uh..."

Gale bowed. "Master, I really did. She was unconscious the entire time. I can’t explain it..."

"Go reflect on your failure. Tang Li, guard the door. I’m going down to check on her." Qin Daofei, concerned for Linglong, had no time to punish Gale, who patted his chest, relieved to have escaped.

In the underground chamber, the sound of the door opening startled Linglong, who pressed herself to the wall and drew a dagger from her hairpin—prepared to use it if anyone tried to harm her.

The moment Qin Daofei entered, a sharp blade greeted him.

He reacted quickly, seizing Linglong’s wrist and pinning her to the wall, teasing, "Your enthusiasm is overwhelming."

"Scoundrel! You nearly scared me to death. What’s happening outside?" Linglong demanded anxiously, even as he joked.

Qin Daofei smiled faintly. "Don’t worry. They’ll never find any flaw."

"Didn’t you say Xiaocui would forget everything?" Linglong, reassured of her safety, began to complain.

Qin Daofei frowned. "Something’s off. I sense Gale isn’t telling the truth."

"What? He’s betrayed us?" Linglong’s anxiety spiked.

Qin Daofei glanced at her. "He wouldn’t betray me—perhaps just a small personal matter involving a woman."

"Pfft! Should I understand that your Gale is in heat?" Linglong grinned wickedly.

Qin Daofei leaned in, rubbing his nose against hers. "It’s normal for a man."

See? Even I’m affected.

"Oh, it’s too hot for this nonsense. Go away!" Linglong pushed him aside and went back inside.

Qin Daofei’s lips curled with a roguish charm. After comforting Linglong, he said, "I need to settle things with Gale. Wait here—I’ll bring you something good to eat later."

"Master Qin, remember to punish him severely—don’t hold back!" Linglong, ever the instigator, fanned the flames.

Back in the study, Qin Daofei summoned Gale again.

"Master, what is it?" Gale asked.

Qin Daofei regarded him coolly. "Did you really watch Xiaocui the entire time last night?"

"Well..."

"No. There was a period when a person in black appeared. I suspect she was..." Gale whispered a name in Qin Daofei’s ear, then continued, "It was only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. When I returned, Xiaocui was still unconscious, so I thought nothing of it."

"If we hadn’t made preparations, have you considered what could have happened?" Qin Daofei demanded.

Gale knelt. "This is my fault, Master. Please punish me."

"Half a year’s wages. Go keep watch on Miaoyin Pavilion—they won’t give up easily." With that, Qin Daofei turned away, saying nothing more.

After Gale left, Qin Daofei spent a long time calculating in silence.

At night, Qin Daofei held Linglong as they watched through the observation slit.

Sure enough, a nimble figure in black appeared in the dried lake, searching their direction with practiced precision.

Hmph!

Qin Daofei closed the observation port.

"What’s happening?" Linglong mouthed.

He gestured, indicating a masked intruder.

"Is it dangerous?" she asked.

Qin Daofei shook his head, but nonetheless covered the luminous pearl with a black cloth.

In the darkness, deprived of sight, their other senses heightened. Linglong, pressed close to Qin Daofei, was surrounded by the sound of his heartbeat and his crisp, reassuring scent—a masculine fragrance that brought her comfort.

If only they could remain like this forever, leaving the world behind—how wonderful that would be.

The thought startled her, and she slapped herself lightly on both cheeks.

"Are you mad?" Qin Daofei’s voice, cold as ice in the darkness, was terrifying.

Linglong shrank, offering a feeble excuse. "There was a mosquito..."

"Want me to help?" Though he didn’t expose her lie, Qin Daofei’s tone was mocking.

Linglong bared her teeth. "Go ahead and try!"

Qin Daofei promptly laid her down on the bed, his hands roaming as he pleased, leaving Linglong helpless but to protest.

In the lake, the prowler searched fruitlessly for clues and soon departed.

Hidden in the shadows, Gale snickered. "You want to outwit my master? Hmph! I’ve already lost my wages over this—serves you right!"

It seemed some people, after being punished, could only take pleasure in others’ misfortunes.

At Prince Xiang’s residence—

The figure in black reported, "Your Highness, we searched the lake bottom and found nothing amiss."

Bang! Prince Xiang knocked over his teapot. "Again and again! Do they really take me for a fool?"

The figure said nothing, quietly withdrawing.

Prince Xiang gazed at a vase of chrysanthemums on the windowsill, sighing, "Linglong, have you truly left?"

Achoo!

Back in the secret chamber at Xiaoyao Manor, Linglong sneezed inelegantly. "Someone is cursing me," she grumbled.

"Plenty of people do. Don’t let it get to you," Qin Daofei teased, pinching her waist with a wicked smile.

Linglong, torn between laughter and tears, grabbed his hair. "Qin Daofei, I’m breaking up with you!"

"Hmm, all right," he agreed without hesitation.

Linglong felt as if a heavy stone pressed on her chest.

"I thought to send you to Yuanyang, but it seems here is safest. Linglong, can you wait a little longer?" His voice was helpless, tinged with reluctance to part.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, Linglong’s heart softened.

"Well, it’s nothing, really. As long as you compensate me for the necessary emotional distress, I won’t hold it against you," she said, though her softened heart belied her words.

Perhaps, habits can change a person’s outlook.

Qin Daofei was left exasperated.

He gritted his teeth. "Shall I pay you with my body?"

Linglong pushed him away disdainfully. "Gold interests me more. Don’t talk about flesh—pork’s not worth much either."

"Feng Linglong, though the month is nearly up, you provoke me like this. Should I take it as a sign that you actually want me to do something?" Qin Daofei’s voice dropped, velvet-smooth and laced with tension, winding around Linglong’s heart and squeezing tight.

"Master Qin, Lord Qin, Young Master Qin, Brother Qin—I was wrong!" In the utter darkness, Linglong gave in.

Qin Daofei pondered, then said quietly, "Don’t call me ‘Master’ anymore—it makes you sound like a courtesan. Call me Brother Qin, I like it."

Like you, my foot!

Linglong kicked at his belly in protest.

"Have you no shame? No shame at all?" Her temper flared instantly.

Qin Daofei caught her foot, slowly drawing her into his arms.

"Brother Qin, I’m tired, sleepy, and hungry. Could you fetch me something to eat? I suddenly crave a big, chilled watermelon."

No matter how many times Linglong cried hunger or exhaustion, whatever designs Qin Daofei had on her would always dissipate into nothing.

And so it was now.

He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to calm down, and once certain of himself, left to find food.

Linglong could sense his desire for her, but his repeated restraint left her unable to read his heart.

He once never hid his desires; even if he hadn’t liked her, he always indulged, responding to her teasing with his own. But now, he held back.

Linglong could not fathom his reasons. She could only assume...

He was keeping himself chaste for Tan Xiyin’s sake.

But perhaps, it didn’t matter.

Linglong felt defeated, dispirited—and genuinely hungry.

After leaving, Qin Daofei was intercepted by Lady Xiangyu in his study.

Just seeing her gave him a headache. He’d often wondered how someone as shrewd as himself could have such a... obtuse mother.

"Mother, what is it?" he asked coldly.

Lady Xiangyu, seeing how much he’d wasted away, was filled with pity. "My son, you’ve grown so thin. I know you’re grieving Feng Linglong’s death, but life must go on. Listen to your mother and find someone else to marry, all right?"

"Mother, if you feel lonely, I don’t mind you seeking a second spring. But please, don’t involve me." Anyone thinking he was merely being contrary would be mistaken—he truly wouldn’t mind her remarrying.

Lady Xiangyu’s tears fell at once. "Ungrateful child! Before, you insisted on being with Feng Linglong and I tolerated it. Now she’s gone, but you can’t mourn her forever!"

"So you brought my barely-of-age cousin here to marry me? Did it occur to you that unless she’s Linglong, even the most beautiful woman would not interest me?" His tone went from aggrieved to desolate.

Lady Xiangyu was speechless.

"Mother, I’m tired. Please, stop forcing me."

Qin Daofei had always been composed, never once complaining of fatigue, even as a child inheriting the family estate.

The first time he confessed exhaustion was two years ago, when he searched the world for Linglong’s whereabouts, while Lady Xiangyu busied herself matchmaking for him.

Now, once again, he found himself in the same situation.

Lady Xiangyu felt her good intentions thwarted, while Qin Daofei felt suffocated, as though a hand gripped his throat.

One tried to bind, the other to break free—inevitably, both were wounded.

"If I insist you marry, will you truly drive me away?" she asked bleakly.

He hesitated, not replying.

After a long silence, he spoke. "Mother, you forced Linglong into my life. I resisted, even hated her, but ultimately I fell for her and wanted to spend my life with her. Yet I resented her for binding me, for making me feel small and unhappy. I struggled, loving and hating, until I lost her again and again. I’m truly exhausted. Can you let me go?"

For the first time, he openly admitted to his tangled feelings for Linglong—love, hate, and all the complicated past.

Seeing his pain and regret, Lady Xiangyu did not relent.

Instead, she thought, If I could make you love one woman, I can make you love another. The heart is flesh, and with time, affection will grow.

But she didn’t voice this, choosing to wait for the right moment, believing she could eventually make him love someone else even more than Feng Linglong.

"Let’s not discuss this now. You’re tired—get some rest," she said, turning to leave.

"Mother... I’ve already sent my cousin back to her family. To me, she’s not only my cousin—she’s just a child," Qin Daofei called after her.

A child! How cutting a remark.

Lady Xiangyu snorted twice and left.

Qin Daofei watched her go, his eyes clouded with impatience and complex emotions.

The blazing days of July slipped quietly by amid the seemingly uneventful struggle between Qin Daofei and Prince Xiang.

One day, Qin Daofei was invited to a banquet at the Second Prince’s residence.

Many of the prince’s friends were also present.

Unexpectedly, Prince Xiang, having somehow gotten wind of the event, attended uninvited.

The moment Qin Daofei saw him, a flash of murderous coldness crossed his eyes, but he masked it well, sipping his tea before looking up, his expression composed.

Prince Xiang, meanwhile, stared at him openly, his hostility undisguised.

Compared to Qin Daofei’s restraint, Prince Xiang’s passions were far more blatant. He never took his eyes off Qin Daofei.

The two men locked gazes, sparks flying—enough to chill the room.

"Today I invited you all to share a delicacy brought by official ships from across the sea. Since you are all my friends, please, enjoy yourselves," the Second Prince announced, seemingly oblivious to the tension.

Only then did Prince Xiang turn away, no longer looking at Qin Daofei.

Someone asked, "Your Highness, what kind of delicacy did you bring? I can hardly wait."

"Bring it in!" the Second Prince commanded. Servants carried in a large chest, opening it to reveal a massive fish laid on a bed of ice.

As the box opened, Qin Daofei detected a familiar scent, but he kept his composure, watching quietly.

"Master Qin, do you recognize this fish?" the Second Prince asked with a smile.

Qin Daofei smiled, rising to circle the chest, placing his hands with precision before saying, "Is this an ocean trout? I’ve heard the people of Wa eat it raw, though I’ve never tasted it myself."

"As expected of Xiaoyao Manor’s master, the most well-informed man in the land! I had hoped to surprise everyone, but you saw through it," the Second Prince laughed.

Qin Daofei bowed. "I am flattered—merely hearsay, never seen until now."

"Well then, let us all enjoy this delicacy together!" At his words, a woman dressed in exotic clothes and wooden clogs emerged from behind a screen.

Her attire and gait were both unusual.

She entered the hall, bowing deeply to the Second Prince, then to the guests, her manner dignified and precise.

She drew a large knife from the ice and began to skillfully prepare the fish.

As all eyes turned to her, Qin Daofei discreetly transferred something from his hand to a handkerchief, slipping it into his sleeve without drawing notice.

Everyone was captivated by the woman’s deft movements.

Soon, she had sliced the best part of the fish into evenly thin pieces, first serving the Second Prince, then Prince Xiang, then Qin Daofei, and finally the rest of the guests.

Each plate was arranged with the pink flesh in the shape of a flower. The woman took her place in the center, picked up a piece with chopsticks, dipped it lightly in sauce, and placed it in her mouth.

Accustomed to the rough ways of the military, the Second Prince was unperturbed, eating first.

Qin Daofei picked up his chopsticks, dipped a slice of fish, and tasted it.

Not to be outdone, Prince Xiang did the same, swirling a piece in the sauce before eating it. Instantly, tears streamed down his face.

"Sixth Brother, the fish is good, but is it really so moving?" the Second Prince teased.

Never one for jokes, Prince Xiang set down his chopsticks with a cold snort. "I can’t appreciate such delicacies. Second Brother, I’ll take my leave."

"Sixth Brother?" The Second Prince’s tone was displeased.

But Prince Xiang cared not, rising and striding out.

Among the princes, the Second was most favored by the Emperor, but Prince Xiang, pampered as he was, cared little.

Thus, the banquet began awkwardly with Prince Xiang’s uninvited presence and ended just as awkwardly with his abrupt departure.

After the banquet, the Second Prince kept Qin Daofei behind.

"May I show Your Highness something?" Qin Daofei asked, standing and handing over the handkerchief.

"What is it?" The prince brought it to his nose, but after one sniff his face changed dramatically.

"This is..."

"So, if you’re interested, Your Highness, you may wish to investigate further—you might uncover something unexpected." Qin Daofei took back the handkerchief, folding it carefully as if nothing had happened.

The Second Prince asked, "Do you plan to stand aside?"

"This concerns the official ships. As a prince, you can investigate more easily than a commoner like me. I can look into peripheral matters, but as for who controls the ships and where the goods end up, that will require your discreet inquiry," Qin Daofei replied, preparing to leave.

The Second Prince sighed. "Am I to play the fool, then?"

"Have you considered what might happen if this thing is used in the struggle for power?" Qin Daofei countered.

The prince clapped him on the shoulder. "You’ve nursed this grudge for a month and a half—how is it not gone yet?"

"So long as he lives, I will not rest," Qin Daofei replied coolly, and strode away.

And thus, the story continued.