Chapter 42: Some People Cannot Be Saved, No Matter How Hard You Try

Very well!

Qin Daofei spoke gently, "Since Hua'er hasn't been able to look after you lately, shall I find someone else to attend to you?"

"No need. I'm not that delicate; I can take care of myself." Linglong disliked having too many people in her domain.

She’d kept this habit for years—back when her family was wealthy and influential, she only ever allowed Hua'er by her side. More people always meant more trouble.

Fang Qing had been an exception.

Linglong enjoyed Fang Qing’s company, so she never rejected her. Eventually, she found Fang Qing quite agreeable, and accepted her presence. But anyone else would only make her uncomfortable.

"Then be careful. When I'm not home, don't go seeking amusement everywhere," Qin Daofei said, vaguely, but he really didn’t want Linglong to meet Tan Xiyin.

After all, he’d glimpsed Tan Xiyin’s true face through Jifeng’s words.

"Yes, yes, yes, you’re even more nagging than a nursemaid!" Linglong, unwilling to banter with Qin Daofei, pushed him away.

Qin Daofei cast Linglong a sidelong glance, helplessly turned, and walked out.

Once outside, Qin Daofei spoke quietly to Jifeng, who was hidden nearby, "Let Wuying protect Madam."

"Yes!" Jifeng did not appear, but left a word and vanished.

Only then did Qin Daofei depart.

Afternoon fell, dusk gathering.

Linglong strolled leisurely through the front courtyard of Xiaoyao Manor, fanning herself with a palm-leaf fan. From afternoon until now, she’d circled the courtyard at least four times. Normally, Tan Xiyin was easy to run into, but not today.

Suddenly, the wind whispered past her ear, followed by a voice: "Go back, there’s something to say."

Linglong, hands clasped behind her back, was about to turn around when she saw Tan Xiyin and Xiao Cui approaching from outside. Linglong glanced at Linglong Pavilion, then at Tan Xiyin, and finally decided to head toward Linglong Pavilion.

"Madam, please wait."

Linglong herself was passive, but Tan Xiyin approached her.

Linglong was surprised. Lately, Tan Xiyin had avoided her, rarely seeking her out like this.

"What, Tan Concubine, is your face healed?" Here she comes, seeking trouble again!

A heavy murderous intent flashed in Tan Xiyin’s eyes beneath the white gauze. She looked at Linglong coldly. "Must Madam speak this way?"

"Frankly, I have no reason to speak to you. But since you’ve come, perhaps it’s time we settle accounts." Linglong produced her little golden abacus, clicking its beads.

Tan Xiyin spoke coldly, "What account does Madam want to settle with me?"

"You incited the Old Madam to beat Hua’er, leaving her bedridden. I had no one to care for me, and Hua’er suffered greatly. I hired Doctor Ghost to treat her, and must restore the scars on her back. Shouldn’t that be settled? My people are not to be bullied at your whim." Linglong’s protective stance was truly striking.

Tan Xiyin drew a deep breath, speaking coldly, "Madam is so fond of silver?"

"Bah, Tan Concubine, you’ve known me for years. Even though the Feng family has fallen, my love for silver is incurable."

"Madam, don’t go too far. It wasn’t my lady who acted, nor did she give the order. Why demand silver from her? Besides, you had my lady injured—how will you settle that?" Xiao Cui, not learning her lesson, retorted sharply.

But as luck would have it, Prince Qin's incense domain, supported by Xiahe, was approaching and overheard Xiao Cui’s words.

Xiahe rushed up and slapped Xiao Cui across the face.

"You wretched girl! Your mistress committed wrongs and implicated our Old Madam, now you want to shift blame? You have no sense of propriety as a concubine. Perhaps I should establish some rules for concubines!"

"Excellent, set a rule: Only allow her to sleep with Qin Daofei, forbid her from stirring up trouble." Linglong fanned the flames from the side.

Clearly, her words didn’t touch Prince Qin’s heart, but deeply wounded Tan Xiyin, who gazed at Linglong with murderous eyes.

Linglong was unconcerned, shrugging and watching the drama unfold.

Xiao Cui, after being slapped, looked at Tan Xiyin with aggrieved eyes.

Tan Xiyin, forced to, apologized, "Madam, Xiao Cui was ignorant. I apologize on her behalf."

Hmph!

Prince Qin looked down on Tan Xiyin. "Hua’er is not a slave, yet you forcibly brought her before me and misled me to order punishment. You are at fault. Do you not think you should pay?"

"I...should!" Tan Xiyin had wanted to argue, but for some reason gave up. "Xiao Cui, whatever Madam demands, give it to her. If it’s not enough, let her choose what she likes from Miaoyin Pavilion. As long as Madam is pleased."

"Second Madam!" Xiao Cui, though beaten, still refused to compromise.

Tan Xiyin said coldly, "Go as you’re told!"

"Madam, please come with me." Xiao Cui, not daring to speak further, shot Linglong a resentful look.

Heh!

Linglong smiled, "Take your dowry, forget the silver. I only want you to apologize to my Hua’er."

"You..." Tan Xiyin was flustered by Linglong’s unconventional approach.

"What’s wrong? You enjoyed beating her, but now you find apologizing difficult?" Linglong was determined to unsettle Tan Xiyin—the more chaotic she became, the more Linglong could probe for answers.

Tan Xiyin, in a foul mood, said coldly, "Madam, I will not apologize. But I want to ask—rumors on the street say I...say I consorted with a servant. How much did you pay to spread these tales?"

Pfft!

Linglong couldn’t help but laugh.

"Tan Concubine, is it wise to speak of yourself this way?" Linglong’s smile faded abruptly. "I can’t understand a word you’re saying. I’m always with Qin Daofei—do I have time to trouble you? I’m busy."

Linglong’s words seemed innocuous, but carried a lingering undertone. If Tan Xiyin insisted, she’d be implying suspicion of Qin Daofei as well.

But Tan Xiyin seemed unaware.

Suddenly, she knelt before Prince Qin, saying sorrowfully, "Madam, slandering me is slandering Xiaoyao Manor, and slandering Daofei. Will you not intervene?"

"What’s going on?" Prince Qin’s habit of protecting her son was exasperating.

Linglong shrugged and smiled, "I’m not sure. If Tan Concubine knows, Madam can ask her."

"You speak!" Prince Qin turned to Tan Xiyin.

Tan Xiyin tearfully recounted the rumors. Prince Qin was unmoved, but Linglong asked innocently, "What is that courtyard you mentioned? Can a carriage reach it? Is there good food?"

"Xiahe, have you heard of this place?" Prince Qin asked Xiahe, who shook her head. "I’ve never heard of it. Second Madam is resourceful to find leads so quickly."

"Right, I’m curious too. But I don’t trust Tan Concubine. Tell the address to Qin Daofei and let him investigate who spread the rumors." Linglong’s suggestion received Prince Qin’s approval. She nodded, "Let Fei’er investigate, so everyone is at ease."

Tan Xiyin, having just "assisted" in a murder, naturally didn’t want Qin Daofei to investigate. She looked at Linglong coldly, "Is such a small matter worth troubling Daofei? Does Madam think he spends his days only eating and drinking with you?"

"You may manage Qin Daofei as you wish, I’m confused by him myself!" Linglong’s skin was thick as ever. "I’m always with him. If you keep insisting I plot against you, do you suspect Qin Daofei too?"

Her words were chilly and indifferent.

Tan Xiyin was stunned, then stamped her foot and gritted her teeth. "Fine, let Daofei investigate."

"Enough, neither of you should trouble him. He’s busy enough without handling your petty squabbles. For such trivial matters to disturb my son—he’s not that idle! It’s vexing. Xiahe, let’s go."

Prince Qin knew that Qin Daofei’s actions in Linglong’s affairs had left everyone confused—and nothing anyone said would change that.

She had no wish to provoke her son further, and left.

Tan Xiyin came over, stomping hard on Linglong’s foot, grinding it viciously. "Feng Linglong, just wait. I’ll make you regret this!"

Heh!

Linglong sneered, forcing Tan Xiyin off balance with a push before she could scream, "Tan Concubine, Hua’er is not a servant. I am Xiaoyao Manor’s legitimate lady. You openly provoke me—do you think you’re the only madam here?"

Linglong took off her shoe, raised it high, and saw the clear muddy footprint. If she showed it, Tan Xiyin’s offense would be irrefutable.

Tan Xiyin had meant to teach Linglong a lesson and obscure the shoe print, but didn’t expect Linglong to break free and push her down.

She knew well: if Linglong made a scene, it would do her no good.

"Madam, it wasn’t intentional. I’m sorry!" Tan Xiyin cried pitifully.

Oh!

"If it wasn’t intentional, let me help you up." Linglong feigned magnanimity as Tan Xiyin pretended weakness.

Tan Xiyin was at a loss for words.

Linglong pulled her up, gently patted the dust off her, then whispered, "Tan Xiyin, I’ve long been prepared to drag you to hell. See you there."

With that, Linglong left smiling.

Tan Xiyin shuddered, Linglong’s chilling words echoing in her ears.

To hell, then?

The loser must descend.

Returning to Linglong Pavilion, Linglong hummed a tune nonchalantly. Upon opening the door, she found Effie leaning coldly against the door with her sword.

"Mother! Effie, are you planning to kill someone?" Linglong clung to the doorframe, feigning weakness.

Effie slammed her sword onto the desk, saying coldly, "You wouldn’t listen, would you? That woman is scarier than me when ruthless. You’ve survived this long—consider yourself lucky!"

"What’s going on?" For Effie to praise her so sincerely, it must be serious.

Effie glanced at Linglong, "I asked him. He said Little Shrimp is out west, hasn’t been here. You must have misheard. He’ll investigate, so don’t worry. He also said Tan Concubine went to that courtyard—the woman was strangled, then hung from the beam, made to look like suicide."

"What about her husband?" Linglong asked excitedly.

Effie shook her head, "I suspect Tan Xiyin did it. She left, then the woman was found hung, still warm. Our people arrived before the crowd dispersed. As for details, that brat probably told Qin Daofei."

Linglong recalled that when she returned from Hua’er’s room, Jifeng was discussing something with Qin Daofei.

Was it about this?

But why hadn’t Qin Daofei told her?

Was he covering for Tan Xiyin?

What was in that box?

All these thoughts troubled Linglong, making her uneasy.

"Handle the rest yourself. I’m busy—off to the frontier." Effie said, leaving without even a goodbye.

Linglong gritted her teeth, "You’re as free as the wind, but one day someone will bind your hands and clip your wings."

"Parting gift!" Effie returned, tossed an old yellowed book on the desk, and vanished.

Linglong, delighted at the gift, opened it immediately.

But as she did, she screamed and flung the book away—unluckily, it hit Qin Daofei’s face as he walked in.

Linglong saw the five bold words "The Ultimate Treasure Manual" flutter to the floor from Qin Daofei’s face.

She was doomed!

Linglong lunged to grab the book, but it landed at Qin Daofei’s feet, open and facing him. Even a brief glance made one's blood surge.

Linglong hoped Qin Daofei hadn’t seen, threw herself onto the book, and laughed hollowly, "Master Qin, what brings you here?"

Qin Daofei frowned, looked at Linglong, then at the book beneath her, and back at Linglong.

"So studious?" Qin Daofei seemed in good spirits, crouching to meet Linglong’s gaze, patient as could be.

Linglong fanned herself, embarrassed, "Just joking. I did attend private school, after all."

"Let me see what you’re studying?" Qin Daofei asked with a half-smile.

Hmm!

Linglong sat upright, shaking her head like a rattle.

"Oh, just women’s little amusements. You wouldn’t be interested." She refused to give him a chance to mock her.

"Oh, women’s amusements." Qin Daofei suddenly reached to lift Linglong, but she dove at him, cupping his handsome face and kissing him.

As she kissed, she kicked the book towards the corner.

Qin Daofei, amused, protected Linglong with one hand, while the other deftly snatched the book she tried to hide, raising it overhead for inspection.

His lips, however, showed no mercy!

Just then, Tan Xiyin arrived and witnessed the scene.

"You, you two..." Tan Xiyin clutched the railing, collapsing in defeat.

Tang Li, who’d failed to intercept Tan Xiyin, arrived and saw the two entangled, with his master holding a book that couldn't be described. Tang Li clicked his tongue.

"Tsk, such passion!"

Ah!

Linglong pushed Qin Daofei away, grabbed the book, and stuffed it into her arms, protesting, "It’s not what you think—not at all!"

"You came to see me?" Qin Daofei rose, unbothered, and looked at Tan Xiyin.

Tan Xiyin couldn’t utter a word, only letting tears fall.

Qin Daofei said nothing, just watched her cry.

Linglong glanced at Tan Xiyin, then returned inside.

"Daofei said he’d remain celibate for three years for that child—but really, it’s for Feng Linglong, isn’t it?" These two years, Qin Daofei had never touched her. She should have known his heart bore Feng Linglong’s mark. The story of the lost child was just a lie—all of it, a lie.

Sigh!

Qin Daofei sighed deeply, "I’m just playing with her."

"Playing?" Tan Xiyin sneered.

Qin Daofei stepped forward, standing before her, and said seriously, "We’ve never crossed that line. The past isn’t so easily forgotten."

"Then what have I done wrong? Why punish me for others’ mistakes? Is that fair?" Tan Xiyin cried, veins bulging in her thin neck.

A cold gleam flashed in Qin Daofei’s eyes—he knew the truth, but now wasn’t the time to confront Tan Xiyin.

"Linglong is also a victim. If you feel aggrieved, I can let you go anytime." Once again, Qin Daofei offered to let Tan Xiyin leave.

Tan Xiyin, distraught, beat his chest and then collapsed in his arms, sobbing, "If I could bear to leave you, would I be so humble?"

Such love could only be described as humble.

Qin Daofei gently pushed her away. "Why do this?"

"I won’t leave. Madam demanded I apologize to Hua’er, so I’m here. As long as you don’t drive me away, I’ll do anything."

With that, Tan Xiyin went to Hua’er's room, and, through the door, said, "That day I was in a bad mood and took it out on you. I was wrong. Please forgive me."

After speaking, Tan Xiyin covered her face and ran downstairs, crying all the way back to Miaoyin Pavilion.

After she left, Linglong came out, glancing at Tan Xiyin’s disappearing figure, and asked, "Effie told me Tan Xiyin went to find the woman who spread rumors, and then that woman died."

"Yes." Now that Linglong knew, Qin Daofei didn’t hide it.

Linglong sneered, "And you still believe she’s a pure, gentle woman?"

"Linglong, you didn’t see her kill anyone. You can’t convict her so easily. You suffered once—do you want Xiyin to suffer again?"

Linglong seemed disappointed, looking at Qin Daofei, "I’m no saint. If she made me suffer, why shouldn’t I return the favor?"

"If you have proof she’s truly this way, then I’ll deal with her." Qin Daofei said seriously.

Linglong suddenly shoved Qin Daofei, saying hatefully, "Get out, I don’t want to see you!"

After Qin Daofei left, Linglong slammed the door in his face.

Qin Daofei lingered at the door for a while before turning and heading downstairs.

In the study.

Jifeng, watching toward Linglong Pavilion, asked, "Master, you know Tan Xiyin is trouble—why cover for her?"

"She has someone behind her—can’t you see?" Qin Daofei's words were icy.

Jifeng shivered, muttering, "I can’t see that, but I can see Madam is very sad."

"The person lurking behind has unknown motives. Don’t tell her yet, lest she be further distressed. As for Tan Xiyin, since she dares to toy with me, she must face the consequences. As long as she stays, our account will be settled slowly."

A murderous gleam flashed in Qin Daofei’s eyes. He hated being manipulated.

Especially by a woman dependent on him.

Jifeng rolled his eyes, thinking, "Just keep it up. When Madam finds out, you’ll get what’s coming."

Obviously, he didn’t have courage to say such words to Qin Daofei.

The next day.

Qin Daofei, acting as if nothing had happened, went early to Linglong’s room. Linglong was at her dressing table, ignoring him.

Qin Daofei was patient, sitting beside her, watching.

Linglong couldn’t hold back, glaring fiercely at him. "Aren’t you going to your darling concubine for sweet nothings? Have you come here for a scolding?"

Was she indirectly calling Qin Daofei shameless?

Qin Daofei remained calm, picking up Linglong’s hairpin to play with.

Linglong tried to snatch it, but he evaded. When she stopped, he continued to play.

"Qin Daofei, give me back my hairpin!" Linglong yelled.

Qin Daofei asked casually, "Did you learn anything last night?"

Learn what?

Linglong was momentarily confused.

Qin Daofei looked at her meaningfully. Linglong suddenly understood, grabbing her comb and swinging it at him, "Scoundrel, get out!"

Qin Daofei took her wrist, speaking calmly, "Study well—don’t let the giver down."

"Fine, I’ll give her a proper return gift." Linglong replied ambiguously, making Qin Daofei feel as if struck in the chest.

A dreadful silence followed...

"Master, Lady Xiang sent an invitation—she’s hosting Madam for a banquet at the lakeside cottage." Tang Li called from outside.

Linglong looked at Qin Daofei; he looked at her.

"Do you think she invited me to deal with her sister?" Linglong instantly forgot her anger, discussing strategy with him.

Qin Daofei, used to her childish ways, said softly, "I’m not a woman; I don’t know these things!"

"Oh, Master Qin, don’t be petty—analyze it for me?" Linglong looked at him expectantly.

Qin Daofei raised his brow, "Ask me?"

"Yes, please!" Linglong, though grinding her teeth, smiled sweetly.

"Linglong, show your sincerity!" Qin Daofei demanded more.

Linglong grew angry, rolling up her sleeves, grabbing the invitation, and heading out, as if nothing could be accomplished without Qin Daofei.

Sigh, angry again!

Qin Daofei grabbed her wrist, "Lady Xiang is just a quarrelsome hen, not much of a threat. But since she’s combative, you can use that. As for the child, don’t worry—I’ve arranged someone in Xiang’s household to ensure the child’s safety."

"Do you think, if she and Liu Fengying are at odds, she might lose her life and the child?" Linglong looked mournfully at Qin Daofei—eyes he would never forget.

"If you’re unwilling to use her, we can change tactics."

Qin Daofei, renowned for his iron fist, would abandon his plans for a single look from Linglong.

If his rivals knew, they’d think he was bewitched.

"Let me think—I’m confused. Let me consider." Linglong knew Qin Daofei had prepared for Lady Xiang for a long time, and her mercy might disrupt his plans. But seeing Lady Xiang reminded her of her former self.

She couldn’t bear it!

"It’s fine—I’ll have Tang Li delay the meeting." Qin Daofei, not wanting to pressure Linglong, instructed Tang Li to reply.

These days, the front courtyard was busy, so Qin Daofei spent less time with Linglong.

Xiaoyao Manor’s front courtyard had a Tower of Communication, where information from across the world converged. Sources ranged from the court, brothels, markets, or the martial world, but all ended up at the tower.

Only the Master could enter. The tower had seven levels, each guarded by a martial expert. Outside were 9,999 traps; anyone unfamiliar who touched anything could trigger a deadly mechanism.

After leaving Linglong’s room, Qin Daofei stayed in the tower, knowing Linglong sympathized with Lady Xiang. Those regrets he couldn’t erase, he could only ensure they didn’t happen near Linglong.

He needed to organize more information and dig another pit for Xiang.

Afternoon.

Lady Xiang’s envoy returned to Xiaoyao Manor, this time bringing a bloodstained coat and a torn corset.

The bloodied coat was lost the day her father died, and the torn corset...

Linglong closed her eyes in pain—she recognized the corset.

She had to see Lady Xiang.

"Tang Li, I need to see Lady Xiang. Can you take me out?" Linglong gripped the garments, her eyes icy.

Tang Li said, "Madam, I can’t decide alone. I need to ask Master."

"Tang Li..." Linglong whispered in his ear. Tang Li’s expression changed, thinking hard before saying, "Madam, take Fang Qing with you?"

"No..."

"Madam, I’ll have someone watch over her—no one will have a chance to harm her." With that, Tang Li led Linglong out.

Tang Li whistled as they walked.

Soon, the tower responded. Tang Li whistled another tune, and the front courtyard replied.

Tang Li respectfully escorted Linglong out.

Linglong, accompanied by Fang Qing, boarded Lady Xiang’s carriage.

Lakeside Cottage.

From afar, Linglong saw Lady Xiang waiting in the floating pavilion, expectant. Though newly pregnant, she stroked her belly like a woman near term.

"So brazen—doesn’t she know in the royal family, pregnancy must be hidden?" Linglong gazed coldly at Lady Xiang, her words scornful.

Fang Qing smiled, "If she were clever, she’d know you’re not her enemy. But it seems...she’s already angered you?"

"When I first met her, I saw myself—arrogant from a happy family, above all. But after more contact, she’s merely reckless, perhaps as I once was. I see my shadow in her, so I scare her but never sought to use her. But she should never have threatened those I care for."

Linglong looked into the distance. If her mercy hindered her revenge or Qin Daofei’s plans, she knew clearly now—Lady Xiang wasn’t worthy of her sympathy.

Yet, upon meeting, Linglong’s first words were, "Lady Xiang should know, in the royal family, pregnancy must be discreet. Ideally, no one should know before you give birth."

Lady Xiang’s face changed at Linglong’s words, looking coldly at her, "A failure like you—I don’t need your advice."

Heh!

Linglong laughed, "Then may I ask why Lady Xiang summoned me?"

"I wanted to tell you, Liu Fengying and Xiang are plotting. She’ll help Xiang capture you." Lady Xiang smiled.

Linglong smiled too, pouring herself tea, and asked quietly, "Why did you give me the bloodied coat and corset?"

"I know their value to you. I’ll trade them, for two things from you. Will you?"

Linglong eyed Lady Xiang, pondering before saying, "If you want terms, at least tell me what they are."

"My first condition: evidence of Xiang’s treason. Second: Xiaoyao Manor must obey me until I become Empress."

Such appetite!

Linglong’s gaze grew sharper.

"You’re asking too much—these aren’t within my power!" Linglong said.

Lady Xiang leaned back, wanting to touch her belly, but stopped after Linglong’s words.

"If you refuse, I’ll burn the evidence of your father’s murder and spread the corset owner’s scandal. She’s not like you—if she learns her secrets are known, she’ll surely kill herself. I believe you wouldn’t want that."

Lady Xiang’s twisted face disgusted Linglong.

But...

Lady Xiang was right—Linglong could not lose these things.

Linglong’s eyes shifted, an idea forming.

"The evidence is in Qin Daofei’s hands. He seems affectionate, but you all know how he treated me. I can only try, but timing is uncertain. If you won’t wait, there’s nothing I can do." Linglong could only stall.

These matters were too risky.

Lady Xiang looked at Linglong in doubt. Linglong met her gaze openly.

"Feng Linglong, I give you half a year. After that, I’ll destroy what matters to you." Lady Xiang’s eyes burned with obsession—not just for love, but for imperial glory.

Heh!

Linglong laughed bitterly, slamming her tea cup on the table, "Does Lady Xiang think this world is so easy to conquer? You want me to replace nine years of Qin Daofei’s work in half a year? You’re still too naive."

"Feng Linglong, don’t be so arrogant." Lady Xiang rose abruptly. Linglong glanced at her belly, prompting her to sit back down.

Linglong looked skyward, silent, then said coldly, "We walk different paths. If you destroy what matters most to me, I’ll go to Xiang. He has countless ways to make you lose all you care for."

With that, Linglong stood to leave.

"Wait!" Lady Xiang called, "I’ll give you time. If you give me those two things, I’ll help you monitor Liu Fengying, so you won’t become Xiang’s captive."

"In that case, let’s cooperate." Linglong said, leaving the pavilion.

On the return, Lady Xiang didn’t send a carriage. Linglong and Fang Qing walked back to Xiaoyao Manor.

Linglong, exhausted and hungry, collapsed on the table upon arrival.

Qin Daofei, waiting in the room, came out and saw Linglong lying unmoving. He hurried to help her, asking, "What’s wrong?"

"Hungry. Tired." Linglong leaned against Qin Daofei, cold sweat on her brow.

Qin Daofei was both worried and angry. He took candies from his pouch and fed them to Linglong, then carried her to the bed.

"I’ll have food prepared." Qin Daofei said, about to leave.

Linglong held his hand, "I want candy. Give me some more?"

Qin Daofei gazed at her, then offered more candies.

Heh!

Linglong smiled foolishly, "Qin Daofei, you really do carry candy everywhere."

"Feng Linglong!" This woman never stopped joking.

Linglong pressed her stomach, "Don’t be fierce with me, please?"

"I won’t... Jifeng, have the kitchen make noodles, and bring them over."

Pfft!

Jifeng, hidden, thought sadly, "A top ten martial master, reduced to delivering noodles?"

But he dared not protest and went obediently.

After eating two candies, Linglong felt better, smiling, "Today, to placate Lady Xiang, I promised her I’d get the evidence of Xiang’s treason from you, and that Xiaoyao Manor would obey her until she becomes Empress."

"Can her belly hold so much?" Qin Daofei mocked with a cold laugh.

"I don’t know if she can, but I have bought you time—do your thing!" Linglong closed her eyes, murmuring, "Some people simply aren’t worthy of sympathy."

With that, she drifted to sleep.

When Jifeng brought the noodles, Linglong was already asleep, brow furrowed.

After settling Linglong, Qin Daofei went to the door and asked Jifeng, "Is Lady Xiang’s bloodied coat genuine?"

"I’ve checked—it’s real," Jifeng replied.

Qin Daofei sneered, "I underestimated her."

"Um, Tang Li and Madam don’t want a certain matter exposed, but it’s tricky. There are at least five or six witnesses. If we act, Lady Xiang will notice."

Jifeng felt the real trouble was what followed.

Qin Daofei stood in the corridor, thinking for a long time before saying, "Initiate top-level security. Control all those people—make sure they never speak a word. As for Lady Xiang, I’d planned to deal with her after the child’s birth, but since she’s acting now, let’s move. Within three months, throw Xiang’s household into chaos."

"Yes!" Jifeng went off with the order.

Fang Qing left Hua’er’s room and said quietly, "Hua’er wants to see you."

"Then look after Linglong." Qin Daofei said, heading to Hua’er’s room.

Hua’er, unable to rise, lay on the bed. Upon Qin Daofei’s arrival, she spoke in a low voice, "I know Madam was threatened for my sake... You needn’t worry about me. I’m fine."

How could she be fine?

Hua’er’s gaze was resolute. If exposed, she might not survive.

"If Xiaoyao Manor can’t handle such matters, we’re hardly the top manor. Just focus on recovering." Qin Daofei said, and left.

He’d barely exited when Hua’er’s suppressed sobs echoed from the room.

Tang Li approached, eyes reddened, speaking coldly, "Master, may I kill that woman?"

"Not yet," Qin Daofei replied.

"I understand." Tang Li clenched his fists and walked downstairs.

"Tang Li!" Qin Daofei called, "Remember, violence is quick and simple, but often brings unforeseen consequences—ones you may not be able to bear. Think carefully."

Tang Li bowed and retreated.

After pondering, Qin Daofei summoned Jifeng, "Arrange a meeting with Liu Fengying."

As they prepared to leave, Fang Qing came out and stopped Qin Daofei, "Master Qin, today Lady Xiang told Linglong that Liu Fengying, for Xiang’s favor, agreed to help Xiang plot against Linglong."

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