Chapter 97: Linglong Devises a Clever Plan to Retrieve the Antidote for Hua'er
“Please don’t forget, you’re an assassin!” Qin Daofei felt that Effie was starting to become a bit effeminate.
Effie rolled her eyes to the sky, speechless.
“When we were beyond the frontier, at first she never mentioned you to me. Every time she was schemed against by those around her, she wouldn’t speak during the day. But at night, when resting, she would call your name in her dreams, heart-wrenchingly begging you not to kill her, not to treat her that way. That’s when I realized she was the famous eldest daughter of the Feng family in the capital, the first madam of the Xiaoyao Manor, and your woman, Qin Daofei.
She’s very strong, the strongest person I’ve ever seen. When we first entered the Crescent Moon Manor, she didn’t even dare to hold a knife. Seeing others raise blades to kill her, she just froze, waiting to die. I had no idea what was going through her mind then, so I asked her, ‘Linglong, do you want to go back and seek revenge?’
Linglong answered, ‘I want revenge, but what I fear most is that if I return there, I’ll lose the ability to do so.’ I told her, ‘Then you have to learn to strike those around you. Only if you can bring yourself to harm those close to you can you return and drive your blade into Qin Daofei’s heart without hesitation.’
She was terrified at that moment. She said, ‘I don’t want to kill him. I’m unwilling to kill him.’ I asked, ‘Then what about him?’ It was the first time I saw Linglong cry, helpless like a child. She told me about the joy she felt for you in her youth. I could feel that joy slowly worn down, tucked away into some nameless corner of her heart. The next day, she killed someone.
After that, even the girl who just yesterday cuddled up to her for comfort—if that person drew a blade, Linglong would kill her without hesitation. She’s smart and learns martial arts quickly, practicing while fleeing. I know she wants to come back for revenge.
But during that competition where ten were narrowed to five, a woman skilled in illusion used her magic to confuse Linglong. She probed Linglong’s heart and hypnotized her into believing that woman was you. Linglong couldn’t bring herself to strike, and that woman slashed her more than ten times without retaliation. I thought she was doomed. Yet in her dying moments, Linglong did something unexpected—she embraced that woman, and that very embrace saved her, for in that moment, she killed her.
I asked why she waited until the last moment to act. Linglong didn’t answer but sat alone in the corner for a long time. Later, she told me the woman’s scent was wrong.
Qin Daofei, what kind of love is it that makes Linglong willing to die by your hand without harming you, yet through a single embrace can determine that woman isn’t you? So even if she’s sulking now, don’t you have to bear with it?”
Qin Daofei said nothing. Not a flicker of expression crossed his face, but his tightly clenched fists betrayed every emotion he felt.
“She should sulk. That’s Linglong’s nature. Only when she acts that way is she truly endearing. But I don’t want her to bottle it up. She’s too extreme—usually throwing tantrums and rolling around, but when it really matters, she’s the best at hiding her feelings!”
Hearing Qin Daofei, Effie raised her head slightly. After a long pause, she said, “Women don’t ask for much—just a hug, some company, and a sincere sweet word.”
Qin Daofei fell into thought upon hearing Effie.
After a while, he rolled off the rooftop and headed toward Linglong’s room.
Effie saw his change of heart and felt assured, curling up to sleep—after all, she was quite easily tired.
When Qin Daofei entered, Feng Yixiao had just woken. Perhaps from being around Linglong so long, Feng Yixiao knew Linglong’s sleep was deep. She didn’t cry or fuss upon waking but busied herself nibbling on her own hands and feet. Seeing Qin Daofei approach, she squinted her eyes, silently begging for a hug.
Qin Daofei hadn’t liked children before, even somewhat dismissive of Feng Yixiao. But since Linglong cared for her, now seeing Feng Yixiao was like seeing the old Linglong, and Qin Daofei found himself liking her more and more.
He scooped Feng Yixiao up, and she cupped his face, calling, “Daddy!”
“When your mother wakes, we’ll handle some matters and then take you both to Yunwai Pavilion for drunken shrimp and crab!” Qin Daofei teased Feng Yixiao.
Linglong, still half-asleep, heard the mention of drunken shrimp and crab, turned over, and sat up drowsily, saying, “Anyone who doesn’t go is a dog!”
“Can’t you ever speak properly for a day?” Qin Daofei sat beside Linglong, holding Feng Yixiao, and Linglong naturally collapsed onto him, mumbling, “I thought you forbade me from eating that, why the change?”
“You like it, so you can eat, but not too much. Afterward, drink three bowls each of ginger soup and yellow wine!” Qin Daofei placed Feng Yixiao into Linglong’s arms.
Linglong stroked Feng Yixiao’s hair and asked, “You said there are other matters. What are they?”
“Just now, Tan Xiyin went to find Hua’er,” Qin Daofei said, watching Linglong’s reaction. Predictably, she didn’t disappoint. Upon hearing Tan Xiyin went to see Hua’er, Linglong rolled up her sleeves. “Tan Xiyin is really shameless, isn’t she?”
“Calm down!” Qin Daofei pointed at Feng Yixiao, “You’re carrying a child in your arms!”
Linglong hugged Feng Yixiao and asked, “What did she want?”
“She told Hua’er that although Hua’er’s poison seemed cured, the roots weren’t truly detoxified. She probably plans to use this to blackmail Hua’er, but Hua’er is fierce and didn’t let Tan Xiyin bully her this time!” Qin Daofei’s praise made Linglong even happier than being praised herself.
She gently swayed Feng Yixiao, “Of course! My Hua’er is the best! But that poison was cured by Ye Lishang, right? There shouldn’t be any problem?”
“Can’t say for sure. The Netherworld Hall is always a mystery! But I sent Jifeng to find Ye Lishang, and Tang Li went after Hua’er. We’ll know soon.” Qin Daofei finished speaking just as Ye Lishang drifted in.
“What are you two doing here in broad daylight instead of wandering outside?” Ye Lishang sat at the table, teasing.
Linglong was thinking of when to bring Ye Lishang to Xiaoyao Manor herself, but he showed up on his own. She remained calm, waiting for Ye Lishang to treat Hua’er.
As for Hua’er—
After leaving Xiaoyao Manor, she went to the clinic. The doctor noticed her troubled expression and kindly had his female apprentice take Hua’er to a private room. The doctor said, “Don’t be afraid. Our clinic never gossips about patients. No matter what, we keep your secrets. Rest assured!”
“Doctor, can you check my pulse?” Hua’er’s heart was in turmoil, so she missed the meaning behind the doctor’s words.
The doctor nodded, “Alright, don’t worry. I’ll check.”
“Miss, you have nothing wrong with your pulse!” The pulse the doctor checked wasn’t the one Hua’er wanted to know about.
Hua’er happily grabbed the doctor’s hand, “So you mean I’m not poisoned?”
Uh…
The female doctor couldn’t bear it and said, “My master said you have no pregnancy pulse.”
Pregnancy pulse!
Hua’er blushed deeply. The doctor was also embarrassed and didn’t know what to do. But since the doctor had seen much in life, he waved his hand and said, “Earlier, I saw you looked unwell and overthought. Please forgive the misunderstanding.”
“It’s okay. I was just flustered and didn’t explain well,” Hua’er also felt awkward.
The doctor checked again and shook his head, “Miss, your pulse is indeed a bit weak and floating, but I find no signs of poisoning.”
Oh!
Hua’er was at a loss.
“Thank you, doctor. I just feel unwell and anxious,” Hua’er said, then left.
The apprentice asked curiously, “Master, if she’s not poisoned, why does she think she is?”
“There are always strange things in these old mansions. Her pulse is abnormal. Maybe she is poisoned, but I can’t detect it,” the doctor said gravely.
Hua’er, not far away, heard this and tears streamed down her face.
But embarrassed to cry in the clinic, she hurried away. Just outside, Tang Li anxiously sought her on the street.
Seeing Tang Li made Hua’er feel worse and want to avoid him even more, so she quietly walked the opposite way.
But Tang Li seemed to share a mental connection with her and turned to see her quickly leaving.
He hurried over, grabbed her wrist, and said, “Where are you running off to again? You haven’t even made the pancakes you promised me!”
“Um, I feel a bit unwell. Can we wait a bit?” Hua’er kept her head down, not wanting Tang Li to see her crying.
Tang Li held her hand, intertwined fingers, and softly said, “Alright, don’t cry. Let’s go home. The manor master has invited a ghost doctor to look after you.”
“You all know?” Hua’er looked up, her teary eyes making her look pitiful.
Tang Li held her hand and headed to Xiaoyao Manor. “Don’t underestimate the manor master. He knows everything. He didn’t deal with Tan Xiyin because the time wasn’t right.”
“Isn’t it because Tan Xiyin has the favor of her brother Tan Jian, so the son-in-law wouldn’t touch her?” Hua’er knew a little but thought Qin Daofei might have his own reasons for not acting.
Tang Li smiled, “The manor master gave her many chances. Poisoning his child erased all those favors. The person behind Tan Xiyin is too clever. The manor master holds back on Tan Xiyin for that reason. Now that King Xiang is dead, Tan Xiyin is the only link to that person. So no matter how she threatens you, don’t hide it alone. That will only make the madam and me scold you!”
“Are you going to scold me?” Hua’er sounded a bit wronged.
Tang Li nodded, “If you wrong yourself, I will scold you!”
Hua’er said nothing but felt a sweet warmth in her heart, as if wrapped in honey.
When they returned to Xiaoyao Manor, from the moment they entered, Linglong glared at Hua’er as if they were enemies. Feeling guilty and hurt, Hua’er tugged on Linglong’s sleeve, “Miss, please don’t be angry.”
“Didn’t I tell you last time? Don’t be afraid. Whatever she does to you, you do the same to her. Don’t hide and solve it alone. Forgot?” Linglong’s anger was terrifying.
Hua’er tried to coax her, shaking Linglong’s arm and whining, “I didn’t let her bully me this time. I just worried and went to see a doctor.”
“Is there a better doctor than me in the capital?” Ye Lishang was displeased.
Uh…
“Sorry for worrying everyone!” Hua’er dared not argue further. She seemed to have aroused public anger.
Ye Lishang grabbed her wrist, “Come, let me feel your pulse!”
Swish! Tang Li drew his sword, looking imposing.
Pfft! Linglong couldn’t help but laugh. Ye Lishang was furious, “Do you all think I’m a pervert? I’m a doctor! I only see patients, not men or women!”
“Then what about Chengjie?” Qin Daofei asked.
Ye Lishang replied softly, “A turtle, a bastard, a dog, a big pig’s foot!”
Everyone burst out laughing.
After feeling Hua’er’s pulse, Ye Lishang said mildly, “Tan Xiyin didn’t exaggerate. Hua’er’s body does contain toxins!”
“I’ll go find her!” Tang Li wanted to confront Tan Xiyin, but Linglong grabbed his arm. “Don’t go. I’ll go!”
Tang Li looked at Qin Daofei, who nodded faintly. Linglong then dashed out.
She flew through Xiaoyao Manor, startling many guards. Jifeng quietly signaled everyone to calm down and followed Linglong.
Linglong arrived at Miaoyin Pavilion and kicked the door open without a word.
Bang! The main door shook twice and fell off its hinges.
Tan Xiyin sat before a dressing mirror. Seeing Linglong enter, she wasn’t surprised but smiled faintly, “Feng Linglong, barging in like this—are you here to kill me?”
“Why would I kill you?” Linglong stepped over the fallen door panel and sat before Tan Xiyin. She fingered Tan’s silky hair, tugging slightly until Tan Xiyin had to tilt her head back in pain without moving.
Linglong didn’t hit her but pinched in sensitive places, asking, “Is there an antidote for the poison inside Hua’er?”
“Feng Linglong, if you can kill me by pinching, I still won’t give you the antidote!” Tan Xiyin shouted fiercely.
Tan Xiyin’s maid heard the voices and came over, only to see Linglong brushing Tan’s hair gently like a caring older sister.
But only Tan Xiyin knew how much force Linglong used; the pain brought tears to her eyes.
“Second Madam, are you alright?” the maid squinted.
Linglong glanced back at her with a smiling face, “Do you think your mistress looks like she’s hurt?”
“What’s going on? I heard her mumbling from afar. Did she get hurt…” Steward Zhang arrived, saw Linglong, and awkwardly stepped back to the door, respectfully saying, “So it’s the madam?”
Linglong smiled, “Steward Zhang, you’re quite concerned for Tan Xiyin, rushing over at the slightest sound. I’m just visiting; is that not allowed?”
She continued brushing Tan Xiyin’s hair.
Tan Xiyin looked at Steward Zhang pitifully, but he avoided her gaze, “It’s a blessing your ladyship is kind to Second Madam. How dare I say otherwise? Please continue!”
“Mm, I’m just looking around. I’ll leave soon!” Linglong tossed the comb on the table and said coldly, “I hope Tan’s concubine behaves herself and stops troubling Hua’er.”
With that, Linglong left.
Tan Xiyin trembled, clutching the comb Linglong had left, and threw it violently out the window.
Steward Zhang dared not linger and left alone.
The maid said, “She’s already angry?”
“Feng Linglong is so easy to talk to, don’t you find it strange?” Tan Xiyin asked the maid.
The maid smiled, “She wants the antidote but doesn’t want to be accused of bullying. Nothing strange.”
“Sometimes I really don’t understand what kind of person you are. King Xiang is dead. I can’t give you much silver. Why stay with me?” Tan Xiyin suspected the maid was hiding something.
A cold light flashed in the maid’s eyes. “I’m someone who finishes what I start. Since I’m by your side, I’ll help you to the end. Either you die or you succeed; only then will I leave.”
“Fine, I’ll show you success. Those who offend me end up like this!” Tan Xiyin said coldly.
Soon, the maid pushed Tan Xiyin to the back door. As usual, the maid didn’t follow. As soon as she left, a carriage appeared, taking Tan Xiyin away.
The carriage stopped in a small grove outside the city. A man dragged Tan Xiyin into a rundown cottage. Though the place was shabby, their spirits were high. After much fuss, they were done.
Suddenly, Tan Xiyin shouted, but the man ignored it, tidying his clothes before turning and coldly asking, “What?”
“I was bitten by a spider!” Tan Xiyin pouted, showing her injured arm. From the man’s angle, he glimpsed her exposed bosom beneath half-open clothes. He grinned wickedly, tore off her clothes, and said, “This little wound? Don’t be so delicate. I’m not finished yet—again!”
They indulged once more.
“Things are going too smoothly for the Qin family. Find a way to help me deal with Qin Daofei. Anything that makes him miserable will please me!” Tan Xiyin said coldly, fixing her clothes.
The man frowned, “Aren’t you reluctant to deal with Qin Daofei?”
“With a man as powerful as you by my side, what is Qin Daofei?” Tan Xiyin coquetted, nestling into the man’s arms. Her sinful hands sent him into rapture.
Ha! The man laughed proudly, “You’re a venomous scorpion, sleeping with me while scheming against your man. You won’t leave him face or dignity!”
“He didn’t leave me face, why should I for him?” Tan Xiyin saw no problem.
The man paused, “I quite fancy you, little demon. I’ll help you, but how it turns out isn’t up to me. Don’t say you won’t come out because things weren’t handled when I want it done.”
“Do as you please,” Tan Xiyin smiled.
Outside, a young man stood in the courtyard, coldly saying, “Master, it’s time to leave!”
They had no choice but to leave.
Back at Xiaoyao Manor, the maid awaited Tan Xiyin’s return in a wheelchair at the back door. The young man carried her down before driving off.
Tan Xiyin, refreshed and helped by the man, smiled, “Push me back…”
Before she could finish, she foamed at the mouth and collapsed convulsing.
The maid was stunned. The gate guards, used to favors from Tan Xiyin, never mentioned her frequent disappearances and returns. Now, seeing her collapse, one guard feared Qin Daofei’s investigation and his own responsibility, shouting, “Someone! The Second Madam has fainted!”
The maid tried to stop him but was too late. She helped Tan Xiyin up and warned the man, “You’ve taken many favors from the Second Madam. If you betray her now, we’ll expose you too. Think carefully before deciding to sell her out!”
Just then, others came running to carry Tan Xiyin inside.
The doctor examined her and shook his head, “The Second Madam seems to have been bitten by a poisonous spider. Such things only exist deep in the mountains. How could she be bitten in the inner courtyard?”
“Doctor, can this be treated?” the maid anxiously asked.
The doctor nodded, “It’s just a poisonous spider bite. No problem; I’ll prepare some medicine. But this bite requires abstinence from intimacy, or the man will suffer severe damage.”
Uh…
“How bad?” The maid groaned.
The doctor thought a moment, “Almost like a cripple.”
The maid’s face turned pale.
After a long time, Tan Xiyin woke. The maid immediately grabbed her collar, asking, “After being bitten, have you been intimate with that man?”
“How do you know I was bitten?” Tan Xiyin still didn’t grasp the severity.
The maid hissed, “I asked if you did!”
“Yes,” Tan Xiyin admitted.
The maid gritted her teeth, “You’re courting death!”
“What happened?” Tan Xiyin was angry at being scolded unfairly.
The maid repeated the doctor’s words. Tan Xiyin shrank back, “He wants this. If he knew he was useless after being with me, he’d kill me!”
Hmph!
The maid sneered inwardly, then said coldly, “You need to weigh this yourself.”
How was Tan Xiyin to weigh? She could only wait.
No news came, but rumors spread that a woman bitten by a spider in a ruined cottage outside the city had returned and, after intimacy, her husband was ruined. The whole capital knew about the poisonous spider with severe consequences.
Tan Xiyin’s maid rushed back to tell her. Terrified, Tan Xiyin stared at the door, fearing death.
“Don’t you find this coincidence terrifying?” the maid squinted.
Tan Xiyin, dazed, asked, “What do you mean?”
“You were with that man in the cottage, right?”
“Yes.”
“You were just bitten, and rumors spread immediately. It looks like someone’s setting you up. Feng Linglong came but did nothing. Does that seem reasonable?” The maid’s analysis made Tan Xiyin grit her teeth.
“I’ll go find Feng Linglong!”
Accompanied by the maid, Tan Xiyin came to Linglong’s pavilion. Qin Daofei deliberately left to give them space, fearing Linglong might not perform well.
“Feng Linglong, come out!” Tan Xiyin shouted downstairs.
Linglong stretched lazily and said coldly, “What do you want?”
“I want to talk to you.” Tan Xiyin’s tone lost its arrogance.
Linglong thought a moment, then leisurely went downstairs with hands behind her back.
“What do you want to talk about?” Linglong asked.
Tan Xiyin pushed her wheelchair under the rose arbor. Linglong followed.
“You poisoned me with a spider bite, didn’t you?” Though a question, Tan Xiyin was certain Linglong was the culprit.
Linglong grinned, showing no denial.
“What do you want?” Tan Xiyin glared fiercely.
Linglong scratched her head, “I want Hua’er’s antidote.”
“I’ll give it if you help me cover this up!” Tan Xiyin said with hatred.
Heh!
Linglong sneered, “With Ye Lishang and his master here, why should I be controlled by you? I don’t think you have the right to bargain.”
“That poison even Ye Lishang’s master can’t cure. If Ye Lishang could, he would have known when treating Hua’er. So, Feng Linglong, it’s useless,” Tan Xiyin said confidently.
Linglong didn’t know why Tan Xiyin was so sure. She knew Tan Xiyin herself wasn’t capable of such long-term plotting. The real schemer was behind her. Linglong knew she might have to trade with Tan Xiyin in the end, but she wasn’t willing to let her have it so easily.
“Tan Xiyin, did I forget to mention? Someone with me is the head of the Living Gate of the Netherworld Hall. The Netherworld Hall is a business. As long as I have money, why worry about buying an antidote?” Linglong said coldly.
Tan Xiyin sneered, “I know you hide the Living Gate’s head with you. You can ask her to try getting the antidote.”
Hearing this, Linglong’s eyes narrowed slightly. She immediately thought of many things.
“Tan Xiyin, your time is short, but I can keep playing.”
Tan Xiyin was terrified, squinting at Linglong, then kneeling before her, “I beg you!”
For some reason, Linglong felt immensely satisfied.
She looked at Tan Xiyin calmly, “Speak.”
“Stop the rumors!” Tan Xiyin said only four words.
But Linglong laughed, “No, no, no. I’ll help that important person cure his illness. Then… Tan Xiyin, he won’t bother you anymore, but he won’t help you either. Ha ha!”
Linglong found a rule: to deal with Tan Xiyin, isolate the people around her. When she’s left helpless, she’ll go to the mastermind herself.
Tan Xiyin looked defeated at Linglong. She’d fought her fiercely, never winning once. The best result was mutual destruction.
But she didn’t want mutual destruction. She refused to be forever suppressed.
Linglong ignored Tan Xiyin and left calmly.
Elsewhere, at a side gate in Wuyi Alley, Ye Lishang stopped a luxurious carriage. The occupant said, “How dare you stop the prince consort’s carriage?”
“I’m stopping the prince consort. If it weren’t his carriage, I wouldn’t bother,” Ye Lishang said flatly.
The prince consort was stunned, then coolly said, “Invite him in?”
“Yes!” The coachman reluctantly gestured.
Ye Lishang cheerfully boarded.
The prince consort was the one involved with Tan Xiyin.
Seeing Ye Lishang, the prince consort was surprised, “You’re the divine doctor close to Chengjie?”
“Right. If not for Chengjie, I wouldn’t bother. You’re his uncle, acting shamelessly,” Ye Lishang mocked.
The prince consort coldly stared, “What do you know?”
Heh!
“Do you think Qin Daofei knows nothing? He doesn’t speak because Tan Xiyin never mattered to him. But if you’re smart, play with Tan Xiyin, but never help her against Qin Daofei. Even the emperor fears Qin Daofei. Chengjie said the princess is important to him. He won’t watch you be killed. So I’m warning you.” Ye Lishang spoke while taking the prince consort’s pulse.
“You mentioned Chengjie? Why help me?” The prince consort asked, puzzled.
Ye Lishang glanced coldly, “Chengjie isn’t helping you. He just doesn’t want his aunt sad. The princess told him she’s happy with obedient children and a steady husband living a peaceful life. Before Qin Daofei cared about you, you still have time to stop.”
“Can my illness be cured?” the prince consort asked.
“There’s no illness I can’t cure, only whether I want to.” Ye Lishang said.
“Please cure me. I’ll reward you greatly!” The prince consort seemed truly desperate.
Ye Lishang coldly said, “Reward is natural, but should you promise me something?”
“As long as you cure me, I won’t associate with Tan Xiyin, won’t betray the princess, and will help Chengjie gain all he wants!”
“Good.” Ye Lishang nodded.
He took a silver needle and pricked the prince consort’s hand, then said coldly, “You’re obsessed with that because someone poisoned you. Recall if after Tan Xiyin appeared, your desires grew uncontrollable, and you became addicted to her. You thought she was a fox spirit, but she’s a black widow.”
For some reason, Ye Lishang’s description chilled the prince consort’s spine.
“Tan Xiyin did this on purpose?” the prince consort gritted his teeth.
“It’s obvious. Don’t be surprised,” Ye Lishang smiled.
After treatment, Ye Lishang gave a medicine bottle, “Take one daily for seven days. Avoid intimacy or the man will suffer greatly.”
“Thanks!” The prince consort handed over a box of rosewood as payment. “I know you deserve more than other doctors. I’ll send this to the Second Prince’s residence.”
Ye Lishang’s eyes lit up. He accepted eagerly but pretended to be aloof, “Hurry up. I want those at Chengjie’s place when I arrive.”
“Farewell!” The prince consort felt assured that Ye Lishang’s greed meant no trouble.
At the Second Prince’s residence—
Ye Lishang entered and asked, “Where are my things?”
“The Second Prince had them sent to the study,” the gatekeeper said.
Ye Lishang smacked his thigh, “Damn it, Chengjie! If you dare touch my money, I’ll kill you!”
Uh…
The gatekeeper pretended not to hear. He was used to this.
Ye Lishang went to the study, rubbing his hands slyly. “My treasures, I’m here!”
“Don’t call out like that. No one here is your treasure!” The Second Prince sat arrogantly, his foot on Ye Lishang’s coveted gold and jewels.
Ye Lishang pushed off his foot, “How dare you step on my things? Are you out of your mind?”
“What crimes did you commit that my uncle sent you so much silver?” The Second Prince was used to Ye Lishang’s disrespect.
Ye Lishang rolled his eyes, “Your uncle’s a scoundrel, drugged by Tan Xiyin, addicted to that thing, easily controlled. I cured him.”
“Tan Xiyin is bold?” The Second Prince was unaware.
Ye Lishang grinned, “Yeah, she killed her own parents. Seducing your uncle is nothing.”
“But what is that thing he’s addicted to?” The Second Prince’s eyes darkened with murderous intent, like a wolf seeing lamb.
Uh…
Ye Lishang hesitated.
“You don’t understand?” The prince doubted.
“No.” Ye Lishang bared his teeth.
“It’s just two lovers who lock eyes, tear clothes, roll on the ground. Need me to describe details?” Ye Lishang was furious, ears red.
Though crude, the prince was distracted, throat dry.
Looking for trouble himself!
“Oh, no need. How do you know?” The prince changed subject.
Ye Lishang looked up sadly, “That was daytime. Tan Xiyin met your shameless uncle, did beastly things in a shabby room. But Feng Linglong was more beastly. She followed, watched, drugged him so he became impotent, spread rumors to make your uncle think he was permanently ruined. Then Tan Xiyin begged Feng Linglong to save her, and Feng Linglong demanded I cure your uncle. He was so grateful he insisted on giving me silver. When I refused, he cried…”
“Enough!” The prince couldn’t take it.
Hmph!
Ye Lishang snorted, “I even got you an ally. The princess’s household will be your hounds. Aren’t you grateful?”
“Thanks. But where were you when Feng Linglong was watching?” The prince’s dark eyes now brimmed with murderous intent.
Ye Lishang felt a chill down his spine, “I was… persuading her!”
“Ye Lishang?” The prince’s voice was low. Hearing that, Ye Lishang shivered, “W-what are you going to do?”
“I’ll tell Qin Daofei. How he handles Feng Linglong is his business, but you… today is your end!” The prince’s final words were sharp and furious.
Good grief!
Ye Lishang had no time for silver and fled quickly.
The prince was left alone, head aching.
Back at Xiaoyao Manor—
Miaoyin Pavilion.
Tan Xiyin paced inside, seemingly waiting.
Soon the maid came in. Tan Xiyin hurriedly grabbed her, “How is it?”
[End of excerpt.]