Chapter 54: Linglong Wishes to Share Murong Xiao with Fang Qing, Lord Qin Is Furious

Yet it was at this moment that Linglong made her move. She drew a dagger from her hairpin and stabbed it fiercely into Lord Xiang's shoulder. With a cry of pain, Lord Xiang was forced to let go of his sword. Linglong kicked his blade aside, and Fang Qing swiftly darted over to pull both the King of Qin's daughter Xiangyu and Linglong away.

Lord Xiang's assassins made to strike, but the guards of the Freewill Manor quickly shielded Linglong and the others, ready to fight to the death.

Linglong brushed aside one of the guards and stepped forward herself, gazing coolly at Lord Xiang. “Cheng Xiang, perhaps we should end this today?”

Lord Xiang pulled out the dagger, which still bore the shape of a hairpin, and held it in his hand. His voice was cold. “Linglong, I will not risk my life against you. We have many good days ahead of us yet—I cannot bear to die, nor can I bear for you to die.”

“That’s not your choice,” Linglong replied. Her fingers curled into eagle talons, ready to strike.

But just as she was about to attack, Fang Qing stepped up and gripped her shoulder, shaking her head to hold her back.

Linglong stayed her hand, but Lord Xiang did not. He rose and shot forward, aiming straight for Linglong’s slender waist.

Fang Qing saw and pulled Linglong up into the air, narrowly avoiding Lord Xiang’s blow.

Thwarted, Lord Xiang struck again, vowing to seize Linglong for himself.

Meanwhile, the assassins of Lord Xiang’s manor clashed with the guards of the Freewill Manor in a fierce melee.

Lord Xiang focused all his ferocity on wresting Linglong from Fang Qing, his every move deadly. Fortunately, Fang Qing was a formidable martial artist; though she shielded Linglong, she handled Lord Xiang with ease. Several times, when it seemed Lord Xiang would succeed, Fang Qing would deliberately expose a weakness, only to injure him the moment he drew near.

After a prolonged struggle, Lord Xiang was wounded, while Fang Qing and Linglong remained unharmed.

“I never expected Qin Daofei would send such a martial master to protect you,” Lord Xiang said. “But Linglong, if I cannot have you today, I will set fire to this Freewill Manor. Qin Daofei won't have you either.”

As he spoke, archers suddenly appeared atop the walls, each arrowhead coated in whale oil—impervious to wind.

Linglong narrowed her eyes at the archers. “Fang Qing, their arrows are soaked in whale oil. That kind of fire cannot be extinguished by wind. If he truly gives the order, Freewill Manor will not survive.”

Fang Qing saw the torches on the arrows and nodded. “I see. But what can we do now?”

“Don’t do anything. I’ll go capture Lord Xiang. Isn’t there a saying: ‘Capture the ringleader first to seize the bandits’?” Fang Qing handed Linglong a silk handkerchief. “Bandage your wound.”

Linglong shook her head. “Let Effie do it!”

She signaled to Effie, hidden in the shadows, to seize Lord Xiang. Effie was about to make her move when a mocking voice rang out.

“Well, with Master Qin away, the Freewill Manor has become lively indeed! I wonder—is this a squabble between concubine and mistress for family property, or is it for a man?”

The newcomer entered with a leisurely smile, a folding fan in his hand, swaying it idly as he strolled unhurriedly inside. Four elegant characters were inscribed on his fan: “Young Master Zheyan.”

“Young Master Zheyan, Murong Xiao!” Fang Qing narrowed her eyes, her pupils constricting sharply as her grip on Linglong’s arm tightened uncontrollably.

“Hiss!” Fang Qing, restrain yourself! Linglong joked, “Fang Qing, don’t get so excited at the sight of a handsome man. My old bones can’t take this kind of rough treatment.”

Fang Qing shot her a sidelong glance. “You’re incorrigible.”

Anyone who could make Fang Qing so nervous piqued Linglong’s interest.

“Miss Fang!” Murong Xiao approached, bowing courteously as a true gentleman would—though only Fang Qing knew he was nothing of the sort.

Fang Qing turned her face away, refusing to look at him.

Linglong sensed an unusual atmosphere.

One of Lord Xiang’s men whispered in his ear, “Your Highness, that man is Young Master Zheyan of the Murong family—one of the most feared men in the martial world. He called that woman Miss Fang, which means she must be the eldest daughter of the famed Fang family of Jiangnan. The Murong family, the Fang family, and the Freewill Manor are the three major forces in the martial world. If we offend them all at once, even the imperial court might tremble.”

Lord Xiang was well aware of the power these three families wielded together, but he had not expected Qin Daofei to call the Fang family's eldest daughter to serve as Linglong’s maid.

“Hmm? How has Qin Daofei grown uglier and uglier?” Young Master Zheyan fluttered his fan dismissively, as though Lord Xiang were an eyesore.

Poof! For some reason, Linglong found this Young Master Zheyan rather dashing.

“Tsk tsk tsk, this Young Master Zheyan is bold indeed. That is His Highness Lord Xiang—shouldn’t you be showing respect?” Linglong, fearing there wouldn't be enough sparks between Murong Xiao and Lord Xiang, began to stir trouble.

Murong Xiao mimicked her, tsked three times, then pointed at Linglong. “The great lady of Freewill Manor, once the eldest daughter of the Feng family—Feng Linglong!”

“Yes, Young Master Zheyan, you really are handsome!” Linglong praised him without reservation.

Doomed! Fang Qing covered her forehead, too embarrassed to watch.

“Is that so? You really think so? Yet Fang Qing never gives me the time of day. Tell me, with my looks, how can she not be interested? Let me tell you, I’m ranked just below your husband in the martial world. I take care of this face every day just to win Miss Fang’s heart, and I’ve withered away over these past two years.” Murong Xiao, it turned out, was quite a character.

Linglong covered her mouth in surprise. “Heavens! How can you be ranked just below that scoundrel Qin Daofei? You’re much better looking, and I bet you fight better, too!”

“Hmph, I’m a refined gentleman—I don’t fight,” Murong Xiao replied, smiling slyly.

Linglong eyed him. “And if someone attacks your Fang Qing, you’d do nothing?”

Snap! Murong Xiao snapped his fan shut and, quick as lightning, darted forward, pushing Linglong aside so abruptly she staggered several steps to regain her balance.

“Qing’er, who hurt you?” Murong Xiao seized Fang Qing’s hand, examining her anxiously.

Fang Qing ignored him.

Linglong came over and pointed at Fang Qing’s torn sleeve. “Look at this—such savagery! If Fang Qing is scarred, how will she bear it?”

“Who hurt my woman?” Murong Xiao’s wrath flared as his gaze turned murderous toward the opposing side.

His aura was so fierce that Linglong shivered, but she managed to point gleefully at Lord Xiang. “He did—it was brutal.”

“You bastard!” Murong Xiao attacked, swift and precise.

Linglong applauded him, but Fang Qing dragged her aside. “Are you mad, provoking that lunatic?”

“I think it’s great. Anyone with eyes could see you thrashed Lord Xiang just now. No way Murong Xiao missed it. But the moment you tear your sleeve, he’s ready to kill for you. A man like that—marry him! I’ll bring a lavish gift.” Linglong watched the drama, offering advice.

Fang Qing rolled her eyes. “You just want to benefit yourself.”

“Oh, you narrow-minded woman. A good man like this—won’t share him? So stingy!” Linglong playfully thumped Fang Qing’s shoulder.

“A good man? Share him?” A cool voice sounded.

Without looking, Linglong nodded. “Of course. Want to join? Fang Qing is generous.”

Poof! Fang Qing, unfazed, walked away from the battlefield.

“Feng Linglong!” someone ground out.

“Yes?” Linglong replied sweetly, then felt something amiss and turned to see Qin Daofei, dressed in black, glaring at her, face dark as thunder.

“Heavens, you nearly frightened me to death.” Linglong patted her chest.

Qin Daofei ground his teeth, ignoring her.

“Um, do you want to go fight instead?” Seeing his stormy expression, Linglong suggested he take over from Murong Xiao.

Qin Daofei sneered at her, as if she were talking nonsense.

“Hmph, Fang Qing, did you see? Murong Xiao cares so much—he’ll fight over a torn sleeve, but when Lord Xiang tramples his beloved, he stands by. Look at my wound!” Linglong deliberately exposed her injury for Qin Daofei to see.

He pretended not to notice.

Then, drawing his sword, he charged into the fray.

“No suspense left—let’s go rest!” Linglong yawned, pulling Fang Qing and Hua’er away.

Sure enough, soon after, Qin Daofei and Murong Xiao returned together.

“Brother Qin, your wife just said I’m better looking than you—ha ha ha!” Murong Xiao fanned himself, smug.

Qin Daofei replied icily, “She’s been locked in a dark cellar for months—her eyes are ruined.”

“No, I think her eyesight is excellent. Brother Qin, admit it—there’s no shame in not being as handsome as I am.” Murong Xiao was hopelessly vain, unfazed by Qin Daofei’s frosty glare.

Qin Daofei’s voice was cold. “Is someone who’s always second best qualified to talk?”

“Want to fight, Qin Daofei?” Murong Xiao bristled, ready to brawl.

Qin Daofei replied, “Fang Qing and I get along well. I could help her travel the world.”

“Oh, Brother Qin, don’t take it so seriously—I was only joking! Come now, Brother Qin, please!” Murong Xiao instantly turned sycophantic.

Inside the room.

The moment Fang Qing heard Murong Xiao’s voice, she tried to leave—head throbbing.

Linglong held her back, smiling like a madam in a brothel. “Miss Fang, tell us about your adventures with Young Master Murong?”

“I support you in killing her!” Effie poked her head down from the rafters, offering Fang Qing a dagger.

Fang Qing accepted it, set it on the table, and said coolly, “That man’s insane. I don’t want to talk to him.”

“It’s all right—even the craziest people seem normal in front of me. Let me take a look. If he’s suitable, you should marry him—I really think he’s decent.” Linglong, ever reckless, persisted.

Fang Qing tried to leave.

But it was too late. Murong Xiao bounced in, and upon seeing Fang Qing, hurried over to boast, “I just dislocated that dog prince’s arm!”

“Congratulations,” Fang Qing said and tried to break free from Linglong’s grip.

Seeing her about to leave, Murong Xiao blocked her path with his fan. “Qing’er, I barely escaped—won’t you even look at me?”

“……”

Fang Qing had no words.

Linglong watched with her chin in her hands, relishing the spectacle.

Qin Daofei seized Linglong’s wrist, wanting to drag her away, but she refused, too absorbed in the show.

With no choice, Qin Daofei grabbed her by the collar and carried her out.

“Cheng Xiang says once he’s recovered, he’ll return. I think that man’s lost his mind. You’d best avoid him for a while—don’t go out,” Qin Daofei said, watching Linglong peer back inside, exasperated.

Linglong replied dismissively, “I know what he’s like, but I’m not worried. I might even go be his mother.”

“Feng Linglong, anything is possible—except leaving me. Anything else, even tearing down Freewill Manor, is fine,” Qin Daofei said with gravity.

Uh!

Linglong glanced away. “Tearing down Freewill Manor isn’t in my interest.”

“In the coming days, I’ll increase the pressure on Lord Xiang. Just…be careful.” Qin Daofei understood Linglong’s desire for revenge—after all, Lord Xiang had murdered both their child and her father.

Because he understood, he couldn’t rest easy.

“I won’t stop. As long as he and Tan Xiyin go unpunished, I won’t let go!” Linglong replied solemnly, chin raised.

Qin Daofei longed to embrace her, but knowing Linglong resisted him now, he dared not.

Yet she truly needed a hug.

Since he wouldn’t offer one, Linglong would never ask.

And so, silence hung between them.

After a while, Qin Daofei took Linglong’s hand, whispering in her ear. At last, a faint smile appeared on her face. “Truly?”

“Yes. She said she wants to see you. I’ll arrange a meeting, but you must be patient,” Qin Daofei said.

Linglong nodded obediently.

“For you.” Qin Daofei placed a piece of candy in her palm.

He knew that when Linglong felt bitter inside, she craved something sweet, so he gave her candy.

Linglong clutched the candy, silent.

Soon after, Fang Qing stormed out of Linglong’s room, furious. “Qin Daofei, if you don’t get rid of that madman, I’m going home!”

And so…

Qin Daofei went to chase away the madman.

Fang Qing was so angry her eyes filled with tears. Linglong watched her, studying her seriously.

“Don’t look!” Fang Qing shoved Linglong.

Linglong sighed softly. “You must have a story—why else can’t you open your heart to Murong Xiao?”

“Me?” Fang Qing was silent for a moment, then softly said, “I’ve forgotten.”

So there was a story.

Linglong patted her shoulder. “To have someone love you so much—that’s a rare thing.”

“Qin Daofei loves you too,” Fang Qing retorted.

Linglong rolled her eyes. “We have nothing in common.”

“Deny it all you want, but the truth is, you still love him. You just don’t think you can win Qin Daofei’s heart, so you refuse to face it. But a man like him—if he treats you this way, what more could you need? The time two people have together is short. Cherish it.” Fang Qing said her piece and left alone. Linglong couldn’t quite find words to describe Fang Qing’s departing figure, but the sorrow she carried weighed heavily upon her small frame.

Indeed, everyone has their own story—a story almost unbearably heavy.

Later that day, at the Second Prince’s residence.

Qin Daofei landed soundlessly by the window, as if the window were the main entrance.

The Second Prince propped his chin on his hand, smiling wryly. “Only you, Brother Qin, can make entering by the window look so effortless.”

“Ye Lishang does it with even more style,” Qin Daofei’s tone was cool.

The Second Prince looked slightly awkward, then laughed. “You didn’t come here just to drink with me, did you?”

“Cheng Xiang went to my house today. He had Murong Xiao of the Jiangnan Murong family dislocate his arm. He was clever—not bringing soldiers, but sneaking in with assassins. He meant to burn Freewill Manor. Guess what he used?” Qin Daofei’s voice was icy, his gaze cold as a blade.

The Second Prince poured tea for Qin Daofei, his voice calm. “Surely he didn’t use whale oil?”

“You guessed right.” Qin Daofei took the cup, sipped, and set it down, looking at the Second Prince.

The Second Prince slammed his teacup down. “His obsession with Feng Linglong runs deep.”

“I once thought that if I couldn’t be with Linglong, I’d let him have her. But now I realize how dark he truly is. He will stop at nothing to possess what he wants. Linglong would never be happy with him,” Qin Daofei said softly.

The Second Prince smiled. “So you liked Feng Linglong all along, didn’t you? Otherwise, with your methods, who could ever force you into marriage?”

“I came to discuss Cheng Xiang and the whale oil,” Qin Daofei refused to talk about Linglong.

Heh.

Evasive, huh?

The Second Prince chuckled. “Very well. Let’s talk about my unruly royal brother and his whale oil.”

“Do you believe my father doesn’t know what Cheng Xiang has done? He does. But he won’t stop him. In his eyes, Cheng Xiang’s ambition is the hope of the royal house. If he’s so crazed for a woman, perhaps he’ll be just as obsessed with expanding the empire. If not for treading on my father’s sore spots, he’d let Cheng Xiang run free.”

There was sadness in the Second Prince’s tone. He had seen too much since childhood.

Qin Daofei frowned. “Cheng Xiang is too ruthless—he could never be a wise ruler. Since the emperor refuses to act, we’ll force his hand. If Cheng Xiang starts ruling over him, let’s see if he’ll intervene.”

“Hey, that’s still my father. Don’t go too far,” the Second Prince said, glancing at him.

Qin Daofei paused, then said quietly, “I should go.”

“Still haven’t soothed your lovely wife?” the Second Prince teased.

Qin Daofei frowned. “I intend to spend a lifetime making amends to one person.”

“As long as you’re happy, Master Qin,” the Second Prince replied, his tone tinged with sorrow. His enigmatic gaze held a depth of feeling no one could fathom.

It was a sorrowful, heartrending kind of intensity.

“To spend a lifetime making amends—that’s a blessing,” the Second Prince murmured, turning into his study and never reemerging.

Ten days later.

Autumn swept through the capital like a storm. The weather turned cold, leaves fell, and the drizzling rain made the city and its people seem desolate.

At Melody Pavilion.

Linglong sat beside Tan Xiyin’s sickbed, watching her with a faint, distant gaze.

Tan Xiyin kept her eyes lowered, avoiding Linglong’s gaze. Linglong smiled. “Don’t worry—I haven’t come to frighten you today.”

Tan Xiyin didn’t reply.

Linglong looked out at the rain. “I don’t know why, but weather like this makes me want to talk to you.”

“What does the Lady wish to discuss?” Tan Xiyin’s wary eyes were full of defense.

Linglong toyed with the dice at her waist, her tone calm. “How about Qin Daofei?”

“Very well, let’s talk about him.” Tan Xiyin struggled to sit up, meeting Linglong’s gaze.

Linglong looked back at her.

“Back then, you and Qin Daofei were deeply in love—I didn’t know. Had I known, I wouldn’t have pursued him. He never told me, so I always thought he was just a shy young gentleman. I recklessly tried to win him. Tell me, if it weren’t for that fleeting glimpse of him on horseback, would all our lives be different now?”

She finished, propping her head lazily as she looked at Tan Xiyin.

A trace of embarrassment flickered in Tan Xiyin’s eyes. Qin Daofei—ha!

She would never tell Feng Linglong that what bound her and Qin Daofei was nothing like what others imagined.

“Yet you still destroyed us,” Tan Xiyin’s eyes flashed with malice. “Because of you, I became someone I fear—even raising my blade against my dearest kin.”

“To you, they were only dear ones, not the ones you loved most, right? I want to know, in this grand conspiracy, what role does Lord Xiang truly play? What did you each intend?” Linglong’s gaze was lazy but sharp.

Tan Xiyin’s face was more than just embarrassed.

“Feng Linglong, you’re trying to trick me. You’re not here to chat,” Tan Xiyin sneered.

Linglong spread her hands. “You’re right. I could never be certain of Lord Xiang’s role. If he’s the mastermind, I might just change my face, seduce his father in the palace, and have his father kill him.”

“You’re too naïve, Feng Linglong! The emperor isn’t someone you can toy with!” Tan Xiyin retorted.

Linglong smiled. “For those seeking vengeance, nothing is impossible. I’ve survived countless times, crawled from the capital to the frontier and back again. Who would have thought the Feng family’s eldest daughter could be so resolute?”

“Do you really…want revenge on Cheng Xiang?” Tan Xiyin whispered.

Linglong’s eyes glinted. “I’m not like you. My feelings for Old Man Feng are deeper than the seas. He died at Lord Xiang’s hand—how could I let him go?”

“Then go kill him. It was he who came to me back then, gave me the address of the person selling Two-Life Paste, and silver. Every scheme was his. I remember he said, ‘If you want Qin Daofei, you must sacrifice something; otherwise, you’ll never bring Linglong down.’” Tan Xiyin twisted her fingers, lowering her head, voice growing faint.

Linglong sneered. “So you thought of your parents and sister. You believed that by framing me for poisoning them, Qin Daofei would send me to prison without question—no one could believe a gentle, refined woman would murder her own family. And by accident, you cost me my child as well.”

“Killing you and my parents was premeditated, but I never meant to harm Daofei’s child—never.” If Tan Xiyin had known Linglong was pregnant, perhaps she truly would not have acted—at least, not until after the birth.

She had no children. If she had cared for Qin Daofei and Linglong’s child, her status would be more secure.

But…

Everything ended with that conspiracy.

She schemed so much, but still failed to win Qin Daofei.

How laughable.

“Tan Xiyin, let’s take things slowly, one step at a time.” Linglong rose and left.

Hahaha!

After Linglong was gone, Tan Xiyin laughed maniacally as tears fell onto her bed. The more she laughed, the deeper the hatred in her eyes.

“Feng Linglong, I dwell in hell—do you still dream of heaven?”

Tan Xiyin, like a viper lurking in the night, watched Linglong’s retreating figure with venomous intent, readying herself for a perfect strike.

Yet before Tan Xiyin could act, the King of Qin’s daughter, Xiangyu, made her move.

Even after learning from Xia He that Linglong had saved her, the humiliation Linglong brought her was too great to forget. Unable to reconcile her anger, she finally acted after careful thought.

That day, she and Xia He came to the front courtyard.

Linglong lay lazily on a stone table, basking in the rare autumn sun. When Xiangyu approached, Linglong was asleep—these days, she felt increasingly tired.

Autumn lethargy, indeed.

“Lady!” Xia He curtsied, not very respectfully.

Linglong opened drowsy eyes and muttered, “If it’s not something earth-shattering, don’t disturb me.”

“Feng Linglong, last time I asked for a divorce, you said I must give you twenty thousand taels of silver. Today, I’ve brought both the money and the paper and brush,” Xiangyu said, sitting across from Linglong with a cold tone.

Linglong opened her eyes, empty yet chilling.

Xiangyu had Xia He lay out the paper before Linglong, then placed the brush in her hand and began grinding ink.

“Here’s the twenty thousand and the hush money you demanded!” Xiangyu handed over the banknotes.

Linglong did not take them. She smiled. “I’ve discovered something amusing lately.”

“Are you going to write or not?” Xiangyu asked.

Linglong shook her head, smiling. “Old Lady Qin, I’ve found that Qin Daofei likes me. If I stay at Freewill Manor, the fortune here is far more attractive than your twenty thousand taels. Whenever I reach out, Qin Daofei gives me fifty thousand or even a hundred thousand taels. Why would I give up this gold mountain for your paltry sum?”

“Feng Linglong, can you be any more shameless?” Xiangyu trembled with rage.

Linglong shrugged. “Depends on your perspective. If you really want it, I could oblige.”

“You really don’t know your own worth. Do you think my son would fall for a shallow, frivolous woman like you? He’s just using you. How could a venomous woman like you be worthy of my son?” Xiangyu cursed.

Linglong remained calm. “Madam, are you forgetful, or is something wrong with your head? The poisoning case was solved—Tan Xiyin did it. It was she who killed your grandson. Yet you call me vicious?”

Linglong picked up the teapot. Xiangyu, thinking she would be struck, raised her hands to defend herself.

But Linglong poured the tea over her own hand, then wiped off her rouge and powder with the paper, exposing the hideous scars.

“Take a good look—these scars are from your abuse of power, using your position as Wang Liushu’s wife to torture me. I have many more like these. Do you want me to settle accounts?” Linglong stood, her eyes cold and pressing.

Xiangyu, at her limit, slammed a thin sheet of paper before Linglong. “You can kill me if you can, but I tell you, a shameless woman like you is unfit to be my son’s wife. Fortunately, he knows it too—see, the marriage contract with my niece is already signed and sealed.”

She waved the contract, stamped with Qin Daofei’s seal, almost throwing it in Linglong’s face.

Linglong laughed.

“All the better. I’ll no longer bear any burden, nor owe him anything.” She raised her head, letting her tears flow inward, bitterness spreading through her heart.

Then, lowering her gaze, she said, word by word, “The more you want me to leave Qin Daofei, the less I want to. I love seeing you hate me but fail to get rid of me. If you’re so capable, have Qin Daofei ask for divorce himself.”

With that, Linglong brushed past Xiangyu and locked herself in her room.

“You should have slapped her,” Effie said, standing coolly inside.

Linglong walked over and collapsed into Effie’s arms, trembling.

Effie didn’t push her away. Once Linglong calmed, Effie sat her down and trimmed her lovely nails into jagged points. “Next time she acts up, scratch her face. If Qin Daofei dares make you suffer, we’ll leave. We have plenty of ways to get revenge—any way you want.”

Linglong examined her sharp nails in the sunlight. “The person I most want to scratch right now is Qin Daofei.”

“Scratch him!” Effie said, and left.

Linglong sat in silence all afternoon before Qin Daofei returned.

Seeing her there quietly, Qin Daofei felt both curious and concerned. Yet their relationship was cool and distant—since Linglong said nothing, neither did he.

He sat down and looked at her thin face, worry in his heart.

“Give me your hand,” Linglong said, glancing up lazily.

Qin Daofei offered his hand. Linglong straightened, smiling sweetly, but her words were mischievous. “Qin Daofei, I’m in such a foul mood I could explode, so I’m going to scratch you.”

She pressed her nails into his hand, dragging down hard, leaving bloody marks.

Linglong lifted her hand, gazing at the blood beneath her nails, and laughed.

Qin Daofei didn’t even frown, but after a moment’s hesitation, he pulled Linglong into his arms, pressing her head to his chest. “Linglong, if you’re upset, take it out on me. But when I miss you, will you let me hold you?”

“All right—five thousand taels for a hug!” Linglong demanded.

“I’d give you my life if you wanted it,” Qin Daofei replied.

“Your life? Better keep it—you need it to enjoy your lovely wife and a happy life.” Linglong nestled into his arms.

Qin Daofei couldn’t guess her meaning, and only frowned.

Linglong soon fell asleep in his embrace.

He laid her gently on the bed, fetched a cloth, and carefully cleaned the blood from her fingers, then stepped outside.

“Whom did the Lady see today?” he asked.

From the shadows, a black-clad figure replied, “Madam came. The two argued.”

Qin Daofei gave a faint response and walked toward Pine and Cypress Residence.

There, seeing Qin Daofei, Xiangyu put down her teacup. “Fei’er, I have something to discuss with you.”

“What happened, Young Master?” Xia He took his hand, blurting out ‘Young Master’ in her worry.

“Nothing,” Qin Daofei answered coldly.

“Nonsense! Feng Linglong scratched you, didn’t she? That wretch—”

“Mother, mind your words,” Qin Daofei interrupted coldly.

Xiangyu snorted. “Still defending her? Don’t you see, she’s come back just to drain your wealth?”

“That’s the family business I built. My wife is entitled to enjoy it—what’s the problem?” Qin Daofei never minded Linglong’s love of money.

“Hmph! Why are you so bewitched? That woman doesn’t love you. Wake up!” Xiangyu burst into tears.

Qin Daofei’s heart ached—at last, someone had voiced that thought.

“Mother, don’t forget—it was all of us, bit by bit, who drove her to cut me out of her heart. We can’t blame her,” he defended Linglong.

“Haha! Xia He, look at the son I raised! Look!” Xiangyu was beside herself, babbling incoherently.

Qin Daofei’s gaze grew cold. “Mother, you’re upset. Please rest.”

“Don’t leave!” Xiangyu called. “Look—this is the marriage contract between you and your cousin, stamped with your seal. It’s been registered with the authorities. Ten days from now is an auspicious date. I’ve arranged everything with your uncle. That day, you will marry her.”

Qin Daofei snatched the contract and examined it, finding the seal genuine.

But he always kept his seal with him—how had it ended up with Xiangyu?

“Mother, why did you do this?” Qin Daofei’s voice was full of restrained anger.

“Whether you admit it or not, the marriage will happen,” Xiangyu declared.

“Are you trying to force us both to our deaths?” Qin Daofei used the word ‘death’—Xiangyu and Xia He’s faces turned pale.

Especially Xiangyu—she stood and beat his chest. “You’d die for that woman? A man like you, talking of death?”

“Mother knows I’m not one for melodrama. But if you force Linglong to her death, I won’t want to live either. Marry her to whomever you wish—I won’t do it.” He flung the contract to the floor and turned to leave.

Xiangyu huffed, “Don’t forget, Feng Linglong has been barren these five years. I can invoke the Seven Dismissals and demand a divorce.”

“Go ahead, Mother. If you want a grandson, marry your niece to anyone in the manor and have her bear a child. That way, you’ll become a grandmother.” With that, Qin Daofei strode out. After a few steps, he turned back, eyes fierce. “If you can’t bear it, I’ll do it for you—I’ll have her sleep with every man in the manor, but she’ll never touch me.”

Pfft!

Xiangyu was so infuriated she coughed up blood.

“Oh, what sin have I committed? My son, whom I thought so exceptional, is a scoundrel after all, and the man I married never loved me…” Xiangyu wept bitterly.

Soon, word of the quarrel between Qin Daofei and his mother spread everywhere.

Linglong had little appetite. Hua’er, worried for her health, tried to cook the foods Linglong enjoyed as a child.

But upon entering the kitchen, Hua’er noticed odd looks from everyone.

She was puzzled, but dared not ask—after all, the maids, matrons, and servants at Freewill Manor were not close to them.

She hurried back, overheard two maids gossiping in a corner, and, after listening, returned delighted.

“Miss, get up and eat—I have good news!” Hua’er pulled Linglong up.

Linglong sprawled lazily on the bed, eyes blank. “Unless it’s silver, nothing can make me happy.”

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