Chapter 86: Linglong Drinks with a Smile, Then Receives a Confession

In the exquisite room, everyone sat quietly, waiting.

After Gale entered, Linglong asked, “How is it?”

“She’s clever—she set a trap first and didn’t rush to send a message. I didn’t touch her things. Tomorrow, once she notices nothing’s been moved, she’ll definitely make a move,” Gale said.

Effie kicked Gale lightly. “Then why did you come? Aren’t you afraid she’ll turn around and send the message anyway?”

“There are others involved!” Gale was in no hurry.

Since Liu Fengying wasn’t anxious, Linglong and the others were even less so. The group spent their days lounging in the courtyard, joking around, teasing Feng Yixiao, living a carefree life.

The next noon.

Ye Lishang lay on the rooftop drinking. Seeing him alone, the Second Prince leapt up to sit beside him and asked quietly, “Why are you hiding here, pretending to be so profound?”

“I’ve always been steady and composed, with the bearing of a great general. Didn’t you notice that before?” Ye Lishang handed over his wine. The Second Prince took a sip without hesitation.

After finishing, the Second Prince said leisurely, “My apologies, maybe your acting isn’t obvious enough for me to notice.”

Ye Lishang snatched the wine jug. “I’d rather feed it to dogs than let you have it, you bastard!”

“You eat my food and drink my drink, but won’t share with me? Ye Lishang, who gave you the guts?” The Second Prince gave him a sidelong glance.

Ye Lishang grinned like a fool. “It was you! Forgot already?”

The Second Prince pursed his lips, silent.

Like a big tiger, Ye Lishang wriggled and climbed onto the Second Prince’s lap. The prince was startled, his muscles trembling.

But he didn’t push him away; instead, he placed a hand on Ye Lishang’s shoulder, making him more comfortable.

“I really wish we could just live in Suiye City forever, not thinking about anything, living simply like this.” Ye Lishang took a proud sip.

The Second Prince’s eyes burned as he said calmly, “To live peacefully, we must ensure the person who ascends the throne isn’t Cheng Xiang. He’s too cruel. If he becomes emperor, it won’t just be the people who suffer; the first person he’ll target is probably me. I’ve openly opposed him, so I must return and contest him. Life or death depends on this one battle.”

“Cheng Jie, if you become emperor, will I never be able to lie on your lap like this again? Will you have thousands of concubines, become a true king, and never joke around with us?” Ye Lishang, perhaps drunk, dared to say these words to the prince.

The Second Prince frowned, murmuring, “I’m still me… I…”

He didn’t know what he would become in the end. If he didn’t fight for the throne, with his temperament and distant relations with his brothers—each ruthless and dangerous—it would be hard for him to survive. None would tolerate such a threat nearby.

Yet, becoming emperor meant many things would no longer be within his control, including his marriage.

So, he couldn’t answer Ye Lishang.

Ye Lishang closed his eyes heavily, a hot tear sliding down and dripping onto the prince’s leg. The prince stirred, perhaps sensing the tear.

Before the prince could move, Ye Lishang patted his own leg and cursed, “Damn it, I was just joking! Look at you, we’re all men—what’s there to be shy about? If I were emperor, I’d sleep with every beautiful woman I see!”

“What did you say?” The Second Prince suddenly grabbed Ye Lishang’s collar, lifting him up, glaring fiercely.

Ye Lishang, inexplicably, became overly dramatic, clawing, biting, scratching at the prince. Finally, choked up, he said, “You can sleep with other women, but I can’t?”

“We don’t sleep with anyone!” The prince blurted out, then immediately regretted it.

His obvious remorse pierced Ye Lishang’s chest like a cold, venomous sword. He felt numb, no pain, but a chill surged from his feet through his entire body. His hands and feet turned icy cold.

“What’s wrong?” The prince noticed and asked with concern.

Ye Lishang shook his head. “I’m fine… just craving some pork trotters.”

With that, Ye Lishang scrambled down the roof like a chased dog, rushed inside, and slammed the door.

The Second Prince stared at his empty hands, feeling lost, then took large gulps of wine.

Meanwhile, in the backyard.

Linglong and Hua’er were vying for Feng Yixiao’s attention. Feng Yixiao thought they wanted to play, happily waving her arms.

“Tang Li, if you don’t take her away, I’m going to unleash my big move!” Linglong rolled up her sleeves and glared at Hua’er.

Hearing this, Tang Li hurriedly scooped up Hua’er. “Sorry, Hua’er!” He carried her away immediately.

Linglong successfully grabbed Feng Yixiao and ran off with the child.

“Miss, if you dare give Feng Yixiao wine, I swear I’ll kill you or take your surname!” Hua’er fumed, punching Tang Li’s arm.

Tang Li was speechless.

“Did the lady take Qin Yixiao to drink?” He thought the lady was beyond reason.

Hua’er stomped on Tang Li’s foot. “Her name’s Feng Yixiao! How many times do I have to tell you?”

“Don’t stomp or you’ll ruin my shoes!” Tang Li tried to shift her attention to his footwear.

The shoes looked familiar.

Hua’er looked closely, surprised. “I made those shoes for you. You’ve been wearing them all this time?”

Tang Li nodded, releasing Hua’er’s foot, carefully patting the part she’d stepped on. Women were all the same—gentle yet fierce.

“You… these shoes have thin padding. Good for winter, but it’s already summer. Aren’t they hot?” Hua’er’s eyes reddened.

Tang Li smiled. “They’re hot, but these shoes fit well. Others don’t feel right, so I just keep wearing these.”

Tsk tsk! Tang Li’s charm was not weak.

“Annoying!” Hua’er pushed him away and went inside.

Tang Li didn’t follow, sitting on the porch whistling happily.

“Li-ge, everyone gets a share when they see something. Otherwise, I’ll rat you out!” Gale slid down from the beam, grinning mischievously as he bumped Tang Li’s shoulder.

Tang Li gave two words: “Looking for death!”

“I’ll tell Hua’er you did it on purpose, just to gain sympathy!” Gale’s words were cut off when Tang Li covered his mouth, whispering a threat, “The lady took Miss to drink. If the lord returns and finds out a child was taken to drink, watch your skin.”

“Wu Ying is gone, and the lady couldn’t drink. Let’s discuss how to keep this quiet?” Gale rubbed his hands eagerly.

Tang Li said coldly, “How about I just kill you?”

“Can’t do that. Either Hua’er makes me a pair of shoes, or ten taels of silver to shut my mouth?” Gale was set on blackmail.

Tang Li smiled slyly. “Smart people know only the dead shut their mouths.”

“Hua’er…” Gale shouted.

Inside, Hua’er was searching for needles and thread. Hearing her name, she opened the door quickly but saw no one. Confused, she returned to her search.

Above on the beam, Gale was gagged by Tang Li, whose long legs entwined around Gale’s waist in an intimate, tantalizing pose.

Effie passed by, glanced at them indifferently, then walked away. After a few steps, she turned back, hands behind her back, smiled slyly, “You two are quite uninhibited, huh?”

Gale panicked, pushing Tang Li away and landing firmly before Effie. Pointing at Tang Li, he said, “Not what you think! We’re fighting!”

“Really? You just said you wanted to go to bed with me, now you say you’re fighting?” Tang Li sat on the beam, sneering at Gale.

Gale blushed, waving at Effie, “Don’t listen to him, we’re pure!”

“Yes, very pure,” Effie nodded. Gale’s relief was instantly choked off when she added, “Pure enough to roll around on the beam—tsk, tsk, how pure!”

Then Effie left.

Gale wanted to retort fiercely but saw Effie’s retreating back and dashed after her.

At Suiye City’s largest inn, the Jingcui Pavilion.

Linglong sat by the window holding Feng Yixiao. The mother and daughter’s wide eyes followed the passersby. When something funny appeared, they laughed together, utterly adorable.

On the street, Hu Hanzhi in white glanced up at Linglong’s window, smiling faintly.

Linglong saw him and happily waved. Under the sunlight, Hu Hanzhi’s eyes were mesmerizingly enchanting. With his stunning smile, local girls couldn’t help but wonder who this man belonged to.

Compared to the capital’s people, Suiye City’s residents were more accepting of Hu Hanzhi’s exotic appearance—it was a gateway to the frontier, where foreigners passed freely, so they were used to such sights.

Linglong pointed to Hu Hanzhi and said to Feng Yixiao, “Yixiao, watch him. Don’t fall for such a demon—too troublesome.”

No sooner had she spoken than Hu Hanzhi flew up to sit opposite them, reaching to hold Feng Yixiao.

Feng Yixiao immediately rushed to him, nuzzling happily.

“Feng Yixiao is still good to me. Your mother’s heartless—almost forgot who I am, right?” Hu Hanzhi held Feng Yixiao, giving Linglong a half-smile.

Linglong wanted to spit blood.

She pointed at Feng Yixiao. “You little ungrateful brat, forgetting your own mother at the sight of a handsome man. I’ve wasted my love on you!”

“Then I’ve wasted my love on you too!” Hu Hanzhi said, holding Feng Yixiao with one arm, sipping tea.

Linglong kicked Hu Hanzhi. “Why are you here?”

“Some business to handle. Aren’t you worried Xiang Wang might send someone to kidnap you when you take Yixiao out alone?” Hu Hanzhi said, feeding Feng Yixiao tea.

Linglong slapped his hand away. “Don’t give tea to a child!”

“What then?” Hu Hanzhi smiled gently.

Linglong thought carefully. “Wine!”

Smack!

Hu Hanzhi tapped Linglong’s head with a chopstick, scolding, “How can you be a mother? A child this small, no tea, but wine?”

“Ye Lishang said a little wine is good for Yixiao!” Linglong reached to take Feng Yixiao back, but the child clung to Hu Hanzhi’s collar, refusing to let go.

Hu Hanzhi laughed brightly. “Yixiao, since you like me so much, how about I be your godfather?”

“Alright, give a gift first, then I’ll consider if you’re fit!” Linglong smiled, reaching out.

Hu Hanzhi tried to tap Linglong again with chopsticks; she dodged quickly. He continued scolding, “When will you stop asking for money all the time?”

“Not in this lifetime!” Linglong laughed.

Just then, a waiter brought the food Linglong ordered. Noticing an extra person in the room, he was surprised but politely asked, “Do you need extra chopsticks?”

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Yes!” Naturally, Hu Hanzhi said yes; Linglong said no.

The waiter didn’t know whom to listen to. Hu Hanzhi gave him a silver ingot and said with a smile, “No need for change. Thank you!”

“Thank you, sir!” The waiter happily ignored Linglong and brought chopsticks to Hu Hanzhi.

Linglong gnawed her teeth. “Money really can move mountains, huh?”

“Don’t you want me to treat you?” Hu Hanzhi poured wine.

Linglong tried again to pick up Feng Yixiao, but the child buried her head in Hu Hanzhi’s arms, pretending not to see her.

Linglong was frustrated; Hu Hanzhi laughed heartily.

Fine, Linglong was speechless.

She took a sip of wine, surprised, then frowned, slapping the table. “Waiter! What kind of wine is this? I ordered Western Wind烈 (Strong), why did you bring sweet wine?”

The waiter bowed and explained, “Madam, a young gentleman told me not to sell you wine, or he’d cause trouble for Xiao Yao Manor.”

Pfft!

Again with Xiao Yao Manor!

Linglong scowled. “Then why is this sweet wine?”

“This is sweet wine, good for women. You can drink more… and it’s fine for the little lady too!” The waiter looked at the tiny Feng Yixiao, puzzled how a mother could give such a young child alcohol.

“I don’t want this! I want Western Wind烈!” Linglong threw a tantrum.

The waiter joked, “Madam, don’t make this hard for me. I dare not offend Xiao Yao Manor. How about I treat you this time? No charge?”

“I won’t come back!” Linglong huffed.

The waiter laughed. “Madam, wherever you go, if Xiao Yao Manor says no, you won’t get wine in all of Suiye City!”

Ah!

Linglong gritted her teeth. Feng Yixiao was amused by her mother’s tantrum.

Linglong pointed at Feng Yixiao. “You little ungrateful one, your mother’s being bullied and you don’t care. You and your father really are one heart!”

When she said “father,” a fleeting sadness flickered in Hu Hanzhi’s eyes before he quickly masked it.

After dinner, Linglong took Feng Yixiao back to the garrison.

From afar, Gale and Tang Li watched Linglong with smiles. Linglong was furious and planned to ignore them.

“Good day, madam!” They bowed as Gale snatched Feng Yixiao from Linglong, lifting her high. “Qin Yixiao, did your mother give you sweet wine? Was it good?”

Feng Yixiao didn’t know about the wine but was happy being lifted by handsome brother Gale, kicking her small legs with joy.

The contrast with her mother’s misery was stark.

Linglong clutched her chest, muttering, “I’m done for. I’m giving you the child. I’m going to sleep, and no one’s to disturb me!”

“Farewell, madam!” Tang Li bowed properly to let her pass.

Linglong reached her room, feeling uneasy, and detoured to Hua’er’s room.

“Get out!” Hua’er glared, displeased.

Linglong clung to her neck. “Sister Hua’er, that ungrateful Feng Yixiao rushes to handsome men and forgets me. Do you not want me either?”

“That’s because you taught her. Whom else can you blame?” Hua’er smelled sweet wine on Linglong and laughed. “Could it be no one in Suiye City sells you wine either?”

Humph!

Linglong was annoyed. “Qin Daofei and I have a big grudge!”

“What are you doing?” Hua’er held a man’s shoe last and switched topics.

Hua’er blushed lightly. “Someone asked me to make shoes. I charge for that!”

“Trying to hide something!” Linglong smiled wickedly and teased, “You’re so virtuous, I’d hate for you to fall for someone else!”

Indeed, Qin Daofei was right—Linglong became quite frivolous after drinking.

Hua’er pushed Linglong’s hand away. “Go to sleep now. We’ll settle accounts later!”

Hearing this, Linglong rolled onto Hua’er’s bed and lay down obediently.

Experience told her if she slept well, Hua’er’s anger would subside.

That night.

All was silent.

Liu Fengying, dressed in black, quietly slipped out of her room. She was careful not to make a sound when closing her door and hurried to the pit she had dug the day before.

The pit remained unchanged.

Pleased, Liu Fengying took a round pearl from her belt, placed it into a wall hole, drew a sun-like symbol outside, and quickly left.

Soon after, a man in black emerged from the shadows, retrieved the pearl, examined it, gently tapped it, and saw it split like a shell, revealing a thin, delicate note inside.

It read: “Qin not dead, warehouse abnormal, Feng not resigned, seek opportunity to kill!”

The man returned the note and left silently.

Not long after, another black-clad man appeared on the wall. Unfamiliar with the garrison, he searched the courtyard thoroughly, finally finding Liu Fengying’s message stash and the pearl.

After taking the pearl, he sneered and tried to leave.

But as he jumped onto the wall, Gale kicked him down into the courtyard.

The man scrambled up, tried to escape over the opposite wall, only to be kicked down again. There stood Tang Li holding a sword, coldly watching.

The man gritted his teeth and fled into the mansion.

In the corridor, Effie held her sword coldly and said, “If I were you, I wouldn’t escape here—few can beat me!”

Quite arrogant.

“You…” The man panicked.

Effie coldly said, “We didn’t do this intentionally, but since you’re here, help us with one thing?”

“What do you want me to do?” The man gripped his sword tightly.

Hehe!

Linglong dragged Liu Fengying out of hiding, squinting and smiling, “I’m kind-hearted and hate killing. How about you help me kill this woman?”

With that, Linglong pushed Liu Fengying forward.

Liu Fengying fell, angrily pointing at Linglong. “Feng Linglong, I am Xiang Wang’s consort—you dare kill me?”

“You said you’re no longer Xiang Wang’s consort, a traitor colluding with the enemy. Besides, I didn’t kill you,” Linglong sneered.

Liu Fengying was uneasy. “How did you find out I was faking allegiance?”

“Liu Fengying, sometimes I pity you. You killed your own sister to become Xiang Wang’s consort, but stupidly tried to take the blame for him. However, I must tell you: when you and Xiang Wang planned to take the blame, the plan was already known throughout the capital. So, when Xiang Wang paraded you in the streets, he knew there was no turning back, yet he still sent you to your death without hesitation,” Linglong said calmly.

Liu Fengying, disbelieving, lunged at the assassin, grabbing his sleeve. “Is this true?”

“I don’t know,” the man said.

Gale leapt up, slapped the assassin several times, and said coldly, “Dying and still siding with your merciless master? He knew your plan was exposed via Xiao Yao Manor, yet sent you both to Suiye City to die. You’re the most loyal assassin I’ve seen.”

“No, the most loyal assassin is over there!” Linglong pointed at Effie and smiled.

Gale was speechless. Could the madam be serious for once?

“Tell me, is it true Xiang Wang sent us to die?” Liu Fengying shook the man fiercely.

His eyes darkened. He slapped back, “We’re all doomed. Why ask now?”

“That’s not certain!” Linglong smiled. “If you tell Liu Fengying the truth, I might spare you.”

“Really?” The man’s eyes gleamed with hope.

Linglong smiled sweetly. “I have no grudge with you. I don’t like killing. Look at Xiang Wang—he’s nearly killed himself many times. If I wanted him dead, he’d be gone. Liu Fengying has harmed me repeatedly, but I haven’t killed her. They must never touch those I care about.”

When Linglong spoke of “those I care about,” her eyes radiated cold killing intent.

“Yes. Before bringing you to Suiye City, Xiang Wang told me you’d be sent to die here, taking the blame for treason. Then he’d blame Xiao Yao Manor and the Marquis Liu family, asking them to help him seize the throne. Once crowned, he plans to annihilate the Liu family, accusing them of treason because you, as Xiang Wang’s consort, are a traitor.”

The man bit his lip and revealed all Xiang Wang’s plans.

Ah!

Liu Fengying howled to the sky, despair, hatred, and unwillingness in her cry.

At that moment, the man suddenly pulled a sharp dagger from his sleeve, slashing Liu Fengying’s neck. She felt a chill, touched the wound in shock, but he precisely cut her carotid artery. Blood poured out, unstoppable.

“You… you…” Liu Fengying stammered, then collapsed, moving a few times before going still. Her mournful eyes were full of regret.

The man bowed. “I’ve solved your problem. Please spare me.”

“Get lost!” Linglong spat at him.

At that moment, a soldier in the shadows witnessed everything and quietly slipped away.

Linglong glanced at Liu Fengying and closed her eyes heavily. “Find a place to bury her and clean this place up.”

Then she left.

Afterwards, the group gathered in Linglong’s room.

“Was that man really a Liu family spy in the garrison?” Ye Lishang hadn’t participated but observed from the shadows with the Second Prince.

Tang Li nodded. “We know who’s loyal to whom in the prince’s camp. That man was specially assigned to patrol and report everything to the Liu family. Soon, Xiang Wang will start a war with the Lius.”

“Feng Linglong, you pretend to be naive daily but strike as ruthlessly as Qin Daofei!” Ye Lishang admired Linglong’s counterintelligence.

Linglong looked at her hands. “These hands are already stained with blood!”

“You gave them so many chances. They didn’t cherish them. No need to blame yourself,” Effie held Linglong’s hand.

Ye Lishang added, “Xiang Wang and you are mortal enemies. If you strike, you strike. A gentleman repays kindness and enmity alike. You’re not wrong.”

Hehe!

“You flatter me so much, I’m almost embarrassed. Stop it, won’t you?” Linglong smiled awkwardly, her pride barely concealed.

Ye Lishang gritted his teeth, trembling hand pointing at the door. “You—get out!”

“This is my room!” Linglong calmly stated.

Ye Lishang stomped. “Fine, I’m leaving. Qin Daofei must be haunted, obsessed with a… monster like you!”

With that, Ye Lishang left.

The Second Prince calmly gave Linglong a thumbs-up. “A female Zhuge!”

Then he chased after the furious Ye Lishang.

“Anyone else want to praise me? Say it now, or I’m going to sleep!” Linglong boasted unabashedly.

Effie cleared her throat and coldly spat three words, “Shameless!” Then she left.

Gale and Tang Li dared not speak openly and bowed out.

Linglong stomped, furious and alone. “I’m so clever and witty! Would it kill you to praise me once?”

News of Liu Fengying’s death soon reached the Liu family. Enraged by the news that Xiang Wang deliberately killed Liu Fengying and planned to attack the Lius, they smashed everything in their house.

But instead of attacking Xiang Wang immediately, they ordered their forces to gather evidence of his treason, waiting for the right moment to expose him.

Several days later, Tang Li appeared pale outside Linglong’s door.

“Madam, something’s wrong!”

Linglong’s heart sank, fearing Qin Daofei was in trouble at the demon city. She trembled, “What happened?”

“Last year at this time, the master made a deal with the frontier merchant Hu Hanzhi for a thousand-year blood ginseng to treat madam’s condition. You know this, right?” Tang Li asked.

Linglong was stunned. “He did it for the blood ginseng?”

“Yes. The ghost doctor said only that herb could make the medicine for your illness. Hu Hanzhi came with the ginseng as bait, asking the master to investigate his biological father. He promised to deliver results within a year, or Xiao Yao Manor would pay a huge compensation. But while investigating Hu Meinang, we faced obstacles, and after the master’s accident, the matter stalled. Just now, Hu Hanzhi sent a message demanding the results or the compensation must be paid.”

The compensation was enough to bankrupt Xiao Yao Manor.

Linglong looked calmly at the door. “Don’t worry about this. Leave it to me.”

“Yes, madam!” Tang Li bowed and left.

Linglong stood, adjusted her dress, and told Hua’er, “I’m going to see Hu Hanzhi. Take good care of Yixiao at home.”

As Linglong stepped out, Effie grabbed her into her room and said seriously, “You really want to beg Hanzhi?”

“I can’t just watch his family fall apart,” Linglong said bitterly.

Effie frowned, looking at Linglong with concern. “Linglong, Hanzhi is doing this because of you. You must consider his feelings too.”

“I know!” Linglong said and tried to leave.

Effie wanted to stop her but hesitated, only watching her go with worry.

Last time they parted, Hu Hanzhi told Linglong he had property in Suiye City—a residence called Wenren Ju in the east part of town where he would stay for a while.

Linglong came alone to Wenren Ju, staring at the signboard, unsure whether to enter.

As Effie said, Hu Hanzhi’s plans were to help Linglong revenge her enemies, but now Linglong had changed sides and asked him to stop, which was unfair.

As she hesitated, the door opened automatically.

Hu Hanzhi stood in light blue robes, gentle as jade, looking at Linglong. “Why not come in? Why just stand there dazed?”

“I’m afraid you’ll hit me!” Linglong said, though she wasn’t really afraid.

Hu Hanzhi smiled. “Why would you think I’d hit you?”

“I’m here to plead for Qin Daofei,” Linglong said bluntly.

Upon hearing this, Hu Hanzhi closed his eyes slightly and said softly, “So you really came.”

“Can I come in?” Linglong asked.

Hu Hanzhi moved aside. “In my place, you’ll never be turned away.”

Inside, Hu Hanzhi didn’t bring Linglong to the parlor but to the backyard. It was the season when roses bloomed perfectly, and his garden had even more roses than Xiang Wang’s mansion.

From afar, Linglong smelled the fresh rose fragrance.

“You planted many roses too?” she asked.

Hu Hanzhi smiled. “This was meant to be your garden after your revenge. You like roses, so I planted some.”

They sat in the pavilion in silence.

Hu Hanzhi poured a cup of hot tea and said softly, “Why so quiet? That’s not like you.”

“Hanzhi, I know you set Qin Daofei up to help me. It’s just…” Linglong trailed off.

Hu Hanzhi finished her sentence. “You didn’t expect things to turn out like this. After you returned, Qin Daofei seemed like a different person, showing he cared about you, hinting that past events were beyond his control. He even created the illusion he always loved you, making you believe your devotion wasn’t wasted, softening your heart, making you want to spend your life with him. Is that right?”

This was the first time Hu Hanzhi spoke so coldly and sharply to her.

Linglong was speechless.

Seeing her silence, Hu Hanzhi continued, gazing deeply, “Have you forgotten everything you suffered in the capital prison? The big ‘traitor’ branded on your chest? The scars on your hands? Your broken toe bones? How you barely survived death nine times?”

“Sorry, Hanzhi,” Linglong said guiltily.

Hu Hanzhi sneered, “You’re not sorry for me—you’re sorry for yourself.”

“I…” Linglong was cut off.

Hu Hanzhi said, “Even if you know he was probably just acting to win your sympathy and forgiveness, would you still let him go?”

“Hanzhi, though what you say is true, I feel more for his kindness. I think he doesn’t truly want to hurt me. So please don’t bring this up for now. Wait until he returns and regains his memory. Give him time. If he still can’t find out about your father, then you can deal with him.”

“You truly believe he has this ability?” Hu Hanzhi’s tone softened.

“Yes. I believe he can fulfill your long-held wish and keep his promise.”

Hu Hanzhi closed his eyes, struggling. “Linglong, leave. I’m not in the mood to talk about this today.”

Linglong felt pained, as if hit by a blow, hurting but powerless.

“Hanzhi!” she called after him.

He opened his eyes, looked coldly at her, disapproving, and said coldly, “You know Qin Daofei knows why you came, yet never mentions it, so he must have his own plans. You know he investigated us, had someone imitate a little shrimp’s voice to make you think I wanted to kill you. He tested and doubted you, but you chose to forget. You trust him above all. So, Linglong, you can’t treat a man who loves you this way. I, Hu Hanzhi, am the one who truly loves you!”

This was Hu Hanzhi’s first open confession.

Linglong was stunned, uneasy. When he looked, she instinctively avoided his gaze.

Hu Hanzhi sneered, “Feng Linglong, you’re no fool. You know why you escaped Crescent Moon Manor safely. You know why I pamper you unconditionally. It’s because I love you. You know that. I’ll give you time to think—do you want a man with ulterior motives, or me?”

Linglong didn’t move.

Hu Hanzhi left decisively, disappearing before her.

Leaving Linglong alone amid the sea of flowers.

How she returned to the garrison, Linglong didn’t know—only that Hu Hanzhi had confessed to her!