Chapter 35: The Matriarch Hosts a Banquet for the Official’s Daughter, Linglong Throws a Tantrum-You and Your Delicate Ways, Take Your Red Beans and Go(A lamp cradling the wind)

"This is my business..." Qin Daofei lowered his head and kissed Linglong's incessantly chattering lips, not letting go until she fell into complete silence.

"Your husband is not dead yet." With those words, Qin Daofei leisurely alighted from the carriage and strode calmly over to stand before Prince Xiang. The prince's gaze, cold and venomous as a serpent, passed over Qin Daofei and fixed itself on Linglong inside the carriage.

Qin Daofei frowned slightly, then, feigning nonchalance, blocked Prince Xiang's line of sight and said softly, "Does Your Highness block the road just to look at my wife?"

"Qin Daofei, hand over Wang Shun and your so-called evidence." Prince Xiang withdrew his gaze, staring coldly at Qin Daofei.

Qin Daofei brushed the dust off his robe and replied evenly, "Though Your Highness is a prince, since you have dealings with the world of the martial, you must abide by its rules. If you wish to obtain information from my Xiaoyao Manor, it will depend on your offer. After all, you are not the only one who wants this information."

"Qin Daofei, do you really think I have no means to deal with you?" As Prince Xiang spoke, the guards behind him drew their blades, glaring menacingly at Qin Daofei.

But Qin Daofei remained unruffled, as unyielding as Mount Tai—what were a few palace guards to him?

"If Your Highness wishes to oppress me with power, I, a humble commoner, naturally cannot resist. But my Xiaoyao Manor's secret agents are everywhere, in both court and martial world. Should word of such matters accidentally reach the Golden Throne, I fear Your Highness will not be able to remain blameless."

Even in issuing threats, Qin Daofei managed to be so elegant!

Linglong cupped her cheeks, watching him, her heart rippling with a faint thrill.

Hearing Qin Daofei's words, Prince Xiang's face darkened. He gritted his teeth and said, "Qin Daofei, are you threatening me?"

"I would not dare. I am merely safeguarding my dignity as a husband. Shouldn't the best arrangement between us be to leave each other well alone?"

Heh.

Prince Xiang sneered, "Are you begging for mercy?"

"You overthink, Your Highness. I am only making a suggestion; you are free to disregard it." Compared to the prince's rage, Qin Daofei appeared utterly composed.

"In this life, no one can threaten me—no one but Linglong!" As Prince Xiang finished, his guards suddenly lunged at Qin Daofei, blades flashing.

Seeing Prince Xiang attack, Linglong leapt from the carriage in a fury, pointing at him and shouting, "Cheng Xiang, if you so much as harm a hair on Qin Daofei's head, I will never rest until one of us is dead!"

How sweetly those words sounded!

As he dodged the guards' killing blows, Qin Daofei even found time to smile—for truly, what Linglong had said was delightful.

"Feng Linglong, do not test my patience!" Prince Xiang, wounded by her words, spoke through gritted teeth, his fury evident.

Hmph!

Linglong, with a mocking smile, jumped down from the carriage and strode toward Prince Xiang. "You killed my father and seized my family's fortune—yet dare claim I provoke you?"

The guards pursued Qin Daofei but did not dare touch Linglong. She walked calmly through their blades, step by step approaching Prince Xiang.

The prince watched her with a chilling gaze, thinking to himself, "Come closer, Linglong. This time, I will not let you leave me again. So what if I killed your family and took your wealth? As long as I can have you, I care not if I destroy the world."

"Come back!" Seeing Linglong unyielding, Qin Daofei broke past the guards and seized her waist, pulling her back.

Linglong pushed at him. "Do you want to be poisoned again?"

"Even so, I cannot let you approach him," Qin Daofei muttered inwardly.

"I paid you all so much silver—not to watch a play," Prince Xiang suddenly shouted.

His words echoed off the stone walls, reverberating chillingly.

At that moment, a group of black-clad men rushed out from behind Linglong's carriage, killing Qin Daofei's driver in passing.

"The Nether Hall!" At the sight of them, Linglong immediately recognized their affiliation.

Qin Daofei drew Linglong close, regarding Prince Xiang coolly. "So the ones who tried to kill Linglong yesterday—did Your Highness order them as well?"

"I heard of last night's events. Linglong, do you truly think I would try to kill you?" Prince Xiang asked her.

Linglong picked up a sword from a guard Qin Daofei had knocked unconscious and pressed it to her own neck. "Let him go!"

"You would trade your life for his?" Prince Xiang's eyes were now as cold as ice.

Qin Daofei narrowed his eyes as well, then snatched away the sword at Linglong's throat and hurled it at Prince Xiang. It stabbed into the ground before the prince, quivering with a sharp hum.

Sweat beaded on Prince Xiang's brow—he had not expected Qin Daofei to move so swiftly.

"Go. They won't harm me!" As they found themselves surrounded, Linglong grew anxious.

Qin Daofei smiled faintly. "If I left you and ran, you would have every reason to torment me at your pleasure in the future."

"Scoundrel!" Linglong shot back.

The circle tightened, until Linglong could smell the blood on their enemies.

"Who dares draw weapons and fight beneath the Son of Heaven's feet?"

The voice rang out like celestial music.

Prince Xiang turned to see a handsome young man in golden armor, commanding presence atop a white steed.

"Second Brother!" Prince Xiang called, signaling his assassins behind his back to retreat quickly.

The newcomer was Prince Cheng Jie, Prince Xiang's second elder brother—the youngest general and royal prince of the Great Yue kingdom. If the emperor doted on Prince Xiang, then he truly valued his second son.

Thus, Prince Xiang also dreaded him.

Following the order, the assassins swiftly withdrew.

Qin Daofei, still smiling, led Linglong over and bowed to the second prince. "Many thanks, Your Highness, for your timely aid."

"So, it is Master Qin of Xiaoyao Manor." Cheng Jie nodded with a slight smile in return, then turned to Prince Xiang. "Sixth Brother, what is going on here?"

"Fortunately, you arrived in time, Second Brother. Otherwise, both Master Qin and I might have died here today!" Prince Xiang shamelessly shifted all blame for the attempted murder.

Hmph!

Linglong sneered.

"Ah, Miss Feng is here as well," the second prince said, his tone full of interest.

Linglong curled her lips. "It has been years, Your Highness. How have you been?"

"Quite well. Only—how bold these assassins, to attack both Master Qin and a royal prince at once." The second prince's gaze turned cold as he surveyed the scene.

Prince Xiang shrugged. "Master Qin is a man of the martial world; who knows whom he may have offended? Am I right, Master Qin?"

"Perhaps I've been hounded by a mad dog," Linglong remarked.

Prince Xiang's gaze grew complicated and cold.

"Oh? Does Master Qin require my protection, then?" the second prince asked, seemingly offhand.

Qin Daofei smiled. "In that case, I must trouble Your Highness."

The two conversed back and forth, leaving Prince Xiang no room to interject.

"Sixth brother, since the assassins were after Master Qin, I need not see you off. But for your safety, someone, escort Prince Xiang back to his residence."

"Thank you, Second Brother." Prince Xiang shot Qin Daofei a cold, warning look.

Once he had left, the second prince said quietly, "You blocked my path and forced me to come this way—can't you act a bit more openly?"

"Your Highness is an upright general and noble prince. I, however, am a cunning merchant—if I don't show off, how will others know my cleverness?" Qin Daofei smiled.

The second prince glanced at Linglong, then said to Qin Daofei, "He's set his sights on you. Be careful."

"I know. Thank you, Your Highness." Qin Daofei bowed.

The second prince rubbed his nose. "Miss Feng, you be careful as well."

"Please call her Lady Qin," Qin Daofei replied coolly.

The second prince shrugged and ordered his soldiers, "Let's go. Escort Master Qin home."

"I'm not well acquainted with Your Highness, so it's not necessary," Qin Daofei said, then gently took Linglong's hand. "It's rare to have some leisure—shall we walk home?"

"Why not?" Linglong smiled.

The second prince shook his shoulders, looking utterly resigned.

Only when he was out of sight did Linglong glance sideways at Qin Daofei. "When did you become so familiar with the second prince?"

"As they say, heroes admire one another," Qin Daofei boasted shamelessly.

Heh.

Linglong sneered. "I must say... I'm impressed!"

After a moment of silence, Linglong said quietly, "You've made an enemy of Cheng Xiang now—he won't let you go."

"Let him rage. Leave it to time. The greater the trouble he stirs up, the more tragic his end will be," Qin Daofei answered coldly.

Linglong looked down at her shoes, muddied by dust. Qin Daofei was truly a master—he refrained from acting until the moment he struck, and then it was always to the death.

Would this be her end as well?

"What are you thinking about?" Qin Daofei asked, stopping when Linglong halted.

She looked up at the azure sky and feigned sorrow. "I was wondering... what I should have for lunch."

Uh!

"Pig!" Qin Daofei strode forward, then paused, adding coldly, "Calling you a pig is an insult to pigs, at least they're plump and white."

"Hmph!"

Linglong shoved him aside and marched ahead into the city.

Qin Daofei trailed after her, his gaze deep and unreadable, eyes flickering with a mysterious light.

When they reached the gates of Xiaoyao Manor, they saw Tan Xiyin supporting Qin Wang Xiangyu, hurrying toward them.

"My son, I heard Prince Xiang tried to kill you—tell me it isn't true?" Qin Wang Xiangyu rushed over, pulling Qin Daofei aside anxiously.

Linglong stood awkwardly by, glancing up to see Tan Xiyin on the steps, looking at her as if she were a mortal enemy.

"Mother, it's nothing. Who told you such rumors?" Qin Daofei brushed his mother's hand aside, casting a glance at Linglong.

Qin Wang Xiangyu followed his gaze and pointed angrily at Linglong. "It's all your fault! How many times has Prince Xiang harmed my son because of you, you jinx?"

"Mother, I've told you, no one tried to kill me. Where did you hear such nonsense?" Qin Daofei's tone was growing angry.

Qin Wang Xiangyu was stunned.

Tan Xiyin hurriedly descended, tears in her eyes. "Prince Xiang told me himself—he even hurt me." She lifted her sleeve, revealing a bruise on her arm, the clear imprint of a man's hand.

"Prince Xiang has coveted Linglong for some time. He told you this only so you'd drive her from Xiaoyao Manor. Can you not see his intent?" Qin Daofei's voice was icy, tinged with disappointment.

Tan Xiyin lowered her eyes, speaking mournfully, "I don't know what he wants. I only know he hurt you. For your safety, even if you hate me, I had to tell Mother."

"What selfless love! I'm so moved, Daofei!" Linglong mimicked Tan Xiyin's tone, utterly insincere.

"Is that so? Then you should learn from her," Qin Daofei replied calmly.

Linglong was left speechless.

"This time Xiyin did nothing wrong. Though our Xiaoyao Manor fears no one, he is still a prince. If you oppose him openly, and one day he becomes..."

"Mother, there are some things best left unsaid. If you speak them aloud, that will truly be the end of Xiaoyao Manor." Qin Daofei looked at his mother, his gaze chilling.

Qin Wang Xiangyu realized her words had been too much and fell silent.

"Linglong is my wife, the principal lady of Xiaoyao Manor. No matter how much Prince Xiang covets her, no matter his power, that fact cannot be changed. No one can change it."

With that, Qin Daofei took Linglong by the hand and led her inside.

Linglong muttered beside him, "I wonder how many people you've just infuriated!"

"If you dare say one more word, I'll kill you," Qin Daofei growled.

She merely shrugged, and, "obediently," snuggled into his arms, stepping over Tan Xiyin's heart with every stride—just as Tan Xiyin had once trampled hers, so cruelly and so satisfyingly.

Piece by piece, her heart shattered.

Tan Xiyin watched them walk away, unable to restrain herself any longer. She collapsed to the ground, trembling, her fingers digging into the cracks of the stone tiles until her nails bent back, but she seemed not to feel any pain.

Qin Wang Xiangyu glanced at her coldly and went inside.

Tan Xiyin sat at the entrance alone, as if abandoned by the whole world.

Three days later, news came from the northern desert: Hu Meiniang had a son named Hu Hanzhi, but his activities were mostly beyond the frontier.

At the Yuelaike Inn.

Qin Daofei sat across from Hu Hanzhi and said, "Master Hu, I accept this commission. Please provide the thousand-year blood ginseng as a deposit."

"Xiao Yu'er, hand the ginseng to Master Qin."

Qin Daofei took the ginseng and, without further delay, departed with Tang Li.

"Hanzhi, do you think he will succeed?" Xiao Yu'er watched Qin Daofei's retreating figure, her voice tinged with concern.

Hu Hanzhi fanned himself leisurely. "No matter. We'll proceed step by step."

At Xiaoyao Manor.

Qin Daofei handed the ginseng to Ye Lishang. "Hurry and prepare the medicine."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk!" Ye Lishang smirked. "Master Qin, you are so devoted—I'm almost falling for you myself."

"Oh? If you really did, I'd have no choice but to die," Qin Daofei replied, his voice cool after a heavy sigh.

Ye Lishang exploded. "Qin Daofei, don't be so ungrateful! Handsome, charming, unique among men—I could have anyone I want, and it's your honor if I like you!"

"Excuse me—am I interrupting something?" At some point, Linglong had appeared at the study door with Hua'er and Fang Qing, looking eager to see some drama.

Qin Daofei's lips twitched. "What brings you here?"

"Doctor Ghost, I never thought you could love so humbly," Linglong said, ignoring Qin Daofei and looking at Ye Lishang with sympathy.

Arms crossed, Qin Daofei waited for the show to begin.

"Feng Linglong, say that again?" Ye Lishang was provoked by Linglong's disdainful tone.

Hmm!

Linglong pretended to shiver. "I'm not your rival in love—your rival is Tan, the little concubine. Isn't that right, Master Qin?"

"I don't mind if you poison her mute, just leave her alive for me," Qin Daofei cut in mercilessly when the fire threatened to turn his way.

Ha!

Ye Lishang slapped his thigh, laughing. "I've long wanted to silence that mouth of yours."

Swish!

At the side, Fang Qing flicked her bracelet, producing a soft sword, which she used to lift Ye Lishang's collar. "You dare threaten someone I protect, right in front of me?"

"You didn't come here just to fool around, did you?" Qin Daofei asked calmly.

Ye Lishang grinned, pushing aside Fang Qing's sword. "I'm off to make the medicine, I'm off!"

As he left, he wore a sly, meaningful smile.

In the afternoon.

Linglong dozed against Hua'er. Suddenly, a gust of wind lifted her skirts. Fang Qing sprang up and, in a flash, saw two figures, one in black and one in white, locked in combat.

"Miss, there are assassins! Let's get out of here!" Hua'er cowered, shivering with fear.

Linglong propped her chin, watching with interest. "What's there to be afraid of? Let's enjoy the show first!"

"Miss, I'm angry!" Hua'er put her hands on her hips.

Sigh!

"I promise, no one will hurt you," Linglong poured her some tea to calm her.

The fight between black and white didn't last long before both sat down at the table and began fighting over a teacup.

Each grabbed one end, both pulled, and with a snap, the cup broke in two.

Bang!

Linglong slammed her own cup on the table. "You two—compensate me for the cup!"

Fang Qing, for once, looked embarrassed.

Aifei glanced coldly at Linglong, her tone icy. "If I kill you, I'll burn you ten thousand taels worth of paper money as compensation."

Pfft!

Linglong nearly choked on her own blood.

"Woman, I’ll remember you!" Linglong clutched her chest, her heart thoroughly shattered.

Aifei closed her eyes, ignoring Linglong.

It was Huaer's first time seeing Aifei, and she wondered what kind of woman could have a presence even greater than her own mistress.

"Huaer, prepare some food for this old woman—nothing fancy, just enough to fill her stomach; don't waste anything," Linglong said, then perched on a stool, legs drawn up, and asked, "Any news?"

Aifei opened her eyes, her tone cool. "I only speak for silver."

"You broke my cup—wait, didn't Qin Daofei already pay you? Why do you still want silver from me?" Linglong slapped the table.

Aifei looked down at her. "Qin Daofei paid me; my information is for him."

"What's his is mine," Linglong boasted shamelessly.

Heh.

Aifei smiled coldly. "Didn't you say Qin Daofei was your discarded husband? When did you two become so close?"

"No divorce papers, no formal separation—it doesn't count as being cast aside!" Linglong slapped her paw on the table, settling the matter.

"Oh? So I haven't been cast aside after all?" At some point, Qin Daofei stood behind her, his gaze chilly.

Uh...

Linglong's legs went weak.

Qin Daofei calmly approached, gripped her waist, set her down from the stool, and then sat where Huaer had been.

No sooner had he seated himself than Fang Qing bowed and left.

"Not leaving?" Aifei observed coldly.

Linglong sidled over, wrapped an arm around her neck, and said ingratiatingly, "Don't be like that. We're all so familiar now, aren't we?"

If not for her image, Aifei would have rolled her eyes.

"I've checked. This Nether Hall commission is highly confidential—even I don't know the buyer. I asked the head of the Shura Sect; he said he was only following orders."

With that, Aifei left.

"Where are you going?" Linglong asked.

"Have Huaer bring food to my room—I'm going to sleep," she replied, then departed.

Now only Linglong and Qin Daofei remained. He eyed her sideways. "Exactly whom have you offended, that someone would pay so much to kill you?"

"How should I know I'm worth so much? My richest enemies are Prince Xiang, your little concubine Tan, and your mother." Actually, you too.

Qin Daofei shot her a cold look, and, unable to bear her smug face, yanked her into his arms and carried her straight into the room.

"Qin Daofei, what do you think you're doing?" Linglong remembered his earlier vows and grew flustered.

Qin Daofei laughed softly, his chest rippling with amusement. "Whatever I want to do, I will do!" His emphasis on "do" left no doubt.

Linglong's face burned.

"Don't—what if Huaer comes in?" she protested, trying to escape, but he held her fast.

"Don't worry. Tang Li won't let her in," he replied.

Heavens, was this her end?

"Master Qin, control yourself—I have something important to tell you!" Linglong struggled.

Qin Daofei straddled her, looking down. "Speak."

"I've realized Tan adores you far too much. If you need to vent your fire, go to her—you'll be satisfied, I guarantee it!" Linglong tried to shove him into Tan Xiyin's arms.

Suddenly, Qin Daofei drew back, straightening his clothes. "If you had been so generous years ago, would things be as they are now?"

He left.

Linglong didn't quite catch his words, but seeing him stride out, for some reason, her heart ached as if stabbed repeatedly—not bleeding, but unbearably painful.

As for Qin Daofei.

After leaving Linglong's room, he didn't go to Tan Xiyin but wandered the manor with Tang Li.

"How did the Nether Hall assassins bypass all our defenses to reach Linglong Pavilion?" he asked Tang Li.

Tang Li bowed. "The guards change every two weeks. Only a few of us know the schedule. Could the problem be among us?"

"Bring Steward Zhang to me," Qin Daofei said, heading for the pavilion.

He sat there, tapping the table, watching his fingers. Suddenly he stopped, frowning, and made a cutting gesture at his thumb.

He wondered—how much did that hurt? How had Linglong borne such agony, and with what resolve had she made her way from the frontier back to Suiye City?

As he pondered, a figure slipped furtively behind the rockery.

Him?

Qin Daofei watched coolly but didn't follow.

"Master, you summoned me?" Steward Zhang asked, bowing.

Qin Daofei stopped drumming his fingers. "Has anyone been acting strangely lately?"

"Yes, indeed!" Steward Zhang whispered in his ear, then added, "That man has been loitering outside with nothing to do. We haven't stopped him."

"No matter. Leave me," Qin Daofei said, glancing at Tang Li. "Go. Investigate him thoroughly."

"Understood!" Tang Li hurried off.

Qin Daofei sat alone, deep in thought.

After a while, Tan Xiyin appeared, supporting Qin Wang Xiangyu down the shady path.

Seeing him alone, Tan Xiyin felt a flutter of excitement, but with Qin Wang Xiangyu present, she dared not be bold and dutifully brought her to the pavilion.

Seeing her approach, Qin Daofei rose. "Mother, you're in high spirits today?"

"Xia He, bring the paintings I just received. Since the master is here, I want his opinion," Qin Wang Xiangyu ordered, ignoring her son.

Xia He briskly complied, stacking the scrolls before Qin Daofei.

He didn't even glance at them. "Mother, did I not give you enough silver, that you must now sell paintings for a living?"

"Wretch! I see you've learned Linglong's sharp tongue," she snapped.

Qin Daofei neither agreed nor disagreed.

"Tonight, all the noble young ladies depicted here will attend a banquet at our manor. Dress properly and be on time," she said, pushing the scrolls toward him with delight.

Heh.

Qin Daofei sneered. "You want to find me a third wife?"

"Nonsense! These are daughters of high officials, not concubines," she retorted.

He pushed the scrolls back. "Mother, you forced me to marry Linglong. Now that I accept her, why urge me to love another?"

"Hmph! Do you not know why I made you marry Feng Linglong?" She gave Tan Xiyin a cold look, making her shrink.

Qin Daofei stood abruptly. "Jifeng, draw the portraits of all these ladies' fathers. Let Mother choose a husband for herself—if she likes one, I don't mind her remarrying."

You...

Qin Wang Xiangyu stammered, then burst into tears. "I’ve already arranged this banquet! Even if you want to kill your mother, you must attend—or you’ll offend every official in the capital."

Qin Daofei strode off without a backward glance.

It was said she returned to Songbai Residence in tears.

That afternoon, Linglong heard music from the front courtyard and asked Fang Qing, "What's happening?"

"The old madam has invited all the eligible daughters of the capital's officials for a banquet. It's lively—want to see?"

Linglong shrugged. "I'd better not interrupt Master Qin's good fortune!"

Tsk, tsk.

Fang Qing glanced at her with disdain. "Master Qin declared he'd marry off his own mother to keep you as his wife. You being so generous might break his heart."

Pfft!

"Qin Daofei really said that? If only he really did marry her off!" Linglong joked, though her straight back betrayed her tension.

Fang Qing shook her head and left.

After she departed, Aifei descended from the beam and sat beside the absent-minded Linglong, pouring herself tea.

"Feifei, do you think—"

"Say that again?" Aifei put down her cup, voice cold.

Linglong grunted. "Woman! Assassin! Little imp! Should I help Qin Daofei?"

"Are you sure it's for his sake?" Aifei didn't believe her.

Linglong muttered, "You're so dull. I'm going for a walk!"

Wandering, she found herself in the front courtyard. Realizing where she was, she ducked behind a tree—just in time to see a familiar figure coaxing another young lady, "Now that you're here, what's wrong?"

"Sister, I'm scared. I heard the former lady of the house is fierce. If I take her place and she kills me, what can I do?"

Linglong rolled her eyes. "If you're dead, what else? Just die quietly—why worry?"

"Don't be afraid. Feng Linglong bullied Tan Xiyin only because she had no family backing her. But you're different—you’re the Minister of War's daughter, your brother is the Prefect of Jingzhao, and the prince's consort is your sister. Even if Feng Linglong were bold as the sky, she wouldn't dare touch you."

The speaker was none other than Lady Liu Fengying, Prince Xiang's ambitious consort.

The girl, emboldened, stammered, "Then... I shall go?"

"Go on, don't keep Lady Qin waiting. Today you stand for the honor of the Liu family—and Prince Xiang." Lady Liu pushed her forward.

Linglong watched thoughtfully, soon discerning the plot.

Tsk, tsk.

"Qin Daofei is certainly lucky with women," she mused, glancing at Tan Xiyin, who played hostess with a fox-like smile.

She didn't notice the pair of black-and-white boots behind her, above them a robe embroidered with golden clouds, and the face, cold as ice, of Qin Daofei.

"Shall I leave such fortune to you?" he asked, making Linglong shiver from the chill.

Linglong stiffened, unable to look back.

Qin Daofei seized her slender wrist. "I've searched everywhere for you, and here you are, hiding to watch the show!"

"W-why are you looking for me?" Linglong stammered.

"To show off your authority as the legitimate wife!" He started to drag her inside.

Linglong dug in her heels. "Wait, how can I show off if I look like this? At least let me dress up!"

"No need. You're a peerless beauty—no one can compare," he declared, pulling her toward the main hall.

"Master Qin has arrived!" Steward Zhang announced, his voice trembling.

He could only imagine the chaos that would ensue tonight.

"Call some doctors in advance—I fear we may not have enough," he instructed. After all, there had been a time when Xiaoyao Manor ran out of doctors, and that was plenty. With Feng Linglong's ability to enrage three at once, best be prepared.

At Qin Daofei's entrance, the young ladies all straightened up, eager to impress.

As all eyes awaited him, Qin Daofei entered hand in hand with Linglong.

Seeing their joined hands, a cold glint flashed in Tan Xiyin's eyes, quickly hidden.

Qin Wang Xiangyu fumed but dared not rebuke her son in public.

The ladies, seeing Master Qin and Linglong together, each thought: he clearly has no interest in us. Yet a few bold ones considered—if they could marry such a man, would it not be a blessing? If the old madam agreed, it might just be possible.

So, the boldest of them all stood up.

"Master Qin, thank you for your hospitality," they greeted, pointedly ignoring Linglong.

Qin Daofei nodded perfunctorily.

"Tonight, my mother hosts this banquet for you all. I am not at liberty to attend, so my wife will play hostess. Another time, I will host your fathers and brothers," he declared, releasing Linglong and strolling out.

Linglong stared at her empty hand, silently cursing his ancestors.

That scoundrel—he had left her alone in a den of wolves.

The vast hall fell into deathly silence after Qin Daofei's exit. No one dared speak—even their breathing grew cautious.

After a moment, Qin Wang Xiangyu spoke.

"Feng Linglong, my meaning is clear. You know your place. Since you have no intention toward my son, do not stand in the way of his happiness."

Heh.

Linglong laughed quietly to herself.

"Happiness?" she echoed, arching a brow at the matron. "What do you think happiness is, madam?"

She lifted her gaze to the ceiling, then continued, "To you, I stand in the way of Qin Daofei's happiness. Yet when you all accused me of murder without cause, ignored my miscarriage, threw me in prison, bribed the jailers to torment me, and tried to burn me alive—did you ever consider that you were destroying the happiness of my parents' daughter?"

Her words landed like daggers in every heart present.

"You're lying!" Qin Wang Xiangyu, agitated, could not sit still.

Linglong sneered, her gaze haughty. "You all think yourselves too noble to be treated so, but don't forget—by thirteen, Master Qin toppled the Prime Minister. Before my family fell, we too were illustrious. Look at me now—neither human nor ghost."

"Xia He, drag her out!" the matron cried, suddenly afraid that if Linglong continued, her son would lose all hope with the young ladies present.

Linglong smiled. "Are you so afraid, madam? Rest assured, whether you seek my life or torment me in prison, I will not pursue it further. But—the position of mistress of this household must remain mine!"

With that, she swept a cold, murderous glance around the room, then left with dignity.

Shortly after, the other young ladies quietly left the hall as well.

Returning to the rear courtyard, Linglong found Qin Daofei leaning against her pavilion, watching her with a half-smile.

She bared her teeth. "Scoundrel, how dare you laugh?"

"I thought you had grown up," he mused. Before she could reply, he added, "But you are still best at making a scene!"

Furious, she lunged at him, pretending to strangle him.

He stepped back, watching her calmly. "Are you sure?"

Not at all.

"You left me alone in that den of vipers—you owe me compensation!" Linglong kicked him twice, finally feeling a bit better.

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