Chapter 46: Master Qin Cuckolded? Linglong Is Overjoyed
The King of Qin’s fragrant domain, though from a family of officials, was nonetheless dignified. Supported by Lady Xiahe, she bowed from a distance, “Now that the General has arrived, this old woman’s heart is at ease. The court is riddled with corruption—a misfortune for the empire. I beg the General to speak for me before His Majesty: the Prefect of Jingzhao shows no concern for the people, inciting and indulging the martial wanderers to cause trouble at my Free Manor.”
The General retorted, hands on his hips, appearing both reasonable and wronged, “That’s not quite fair, madam. I am here to protect Free Manor. How can you accuse me of allowing these martial folk to stir up trouble?”
Qin Wang Xiangyu sneered, “Then why didn’t you arrest them when they started the fight?”
He hesitated. “I hadn’t yet understood the cause. Free Manor is prominent; if it has offended someone in the martial world, the court cannot intervene too deeply in their affairs, can it?” His justification was so grand that Qin Wang Xiangyu found it hard to argue.
But the Defense General coldly interjected, “The martial world has its own rules. If you fight in the west of the city, as officials we should not interfere. But this is the eastern city—Free Manor is under royal protection, and not entirely a martial household. At most, it is a merchant’s estate. We must protect productive merchants. Guards, arrest these troublemakers!”
The moment the General finished speaking, the martial wanderers readied themselves to resist. He looked down from his steed, “Anyone who resists—no mercy!”
Liu Zitong signaled the men to stand down.
“Oh, Master Liu, is your eyesight poor, or are you trying to signal something?” Gale and the Defense General spoke almost simultaneously, their words echoing each other.
The two exchanged glances, then saluted, sharing a silent camaraderie.
Liu Zitong, covering the wound on his forehead, complained angrily to the Defense General, “General, my injuries were inflicted by the master of Free Manor, yet he offered no explanation. As the victim, may I demand compensation?”
“That is a private matter between Lord Liu and Free Manor, unrelated to the court.” The Defense General led away the martial wanderers who, at Liu Zitong’s signal, no longer resisted.
Liu Zitong sneered at Gale, “Free Manor is truly impressive, even able to summon the Defense General.”
“We did not invite him. You caused such a commotion—how could it go unnoticed?” Gale replied coolly.
Liu Zitong pondered, then said, “I demand to speak with Qin Daofei.”
“You repeatedly humiliated our lady, drove her to unbearable disgrace and suicide, and now you dare ask to speak with our master? Do you truly believe your life is so precious?” Gale mocked.
Truth be told, Liu Zitong was afraid. Qin Daofei’s glance before leaving was truly terrifying. Yet Xiang Wang was no less formidable.
“Do not go too far. You assaulted an imperial official, flouting the court’s authority. Shouldn’t Qin Daofei give me an explanation?”
Gale laughed, “You want an explanation? Here he comes!”
No sooner had Gale spoken than Qin Daofei leaped out from Free Manor. The martial wanderers had never seen him wield a sword, but now he held an eerie, crimson-bladed weapon, exuding a sinister aura that chilled all who saw it.
Perhaps the courtiers did not know the sword’s origin, but those from the martial world recognized it instantly, their eyes lighting up. It was as if women saw exquisite clothing and jewelry—a thrill swept through them.
Just the sight of the sword stirred even the most stoic martial wanderers. Liu Zitong, though uninitiated, realized he had pushed Qin Daofei too far—the master had revealed his weapon.
“Lord Liu claims to be an imperial official?” Qin Daofei asked.
Liu Zitong straightened, replied coldly, “What, do you question my status?”
“No, I don’t. But soon, Lord Liu will cease to be one.” Qin Daofei replied indifferently.
“You!” Liu Zitong’s fear outweighed his anger, his voice trembling. He was terrified.
Qin Daofei set his sword down, spoke softly to Gale, “Gale, write a biography for Lord Liu. Spread it through the city, showing how charming he is—his skill in finances, his talent with women!”
Another biography?
Liu Zitong’s facial muscles twitched uncontrollably. After a moment’s thought, he ran off in agitation.
“Master, a biography?” Gale asked.
“A biography!” Qin Daofei replied, then entered Free Manor.
The heavy doors closed. The storm that Xiang Wang had so carefully orchestrated dissipated without a ripple.
Inside, Tan Xiyin caught up with Qin Daofei, gripping his sleeve tightly, refusing to let him go.
“I know I should not kill, but tonight I truly wish…” Qin Daofei’s words were unfinished as Tan Xiyin released his sleeve.
Midnight.
Xiang Wang’s residence.
Liu Zitong, battered and grimy, knocked on the main gate.
The gatekeeper called from inside, “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Liu Zitong, Prefect of Jingzhao. I have urgent news for His Highness.” The gate opened immediately.
Without waiting for an announcement, Liu Zitong hurried toward the rear courtyard.
Xiang Wang had a habit—no matter whose room he stayed in, his guards always stood at the door. Whether out of fear or caution, no one knew.
Thus Liu Zitong found him easily.
“I have urgent matters to report…” Liu Zitong was interrupted by a somber voice from within, “Come in.”
Xiang Wang was awake. Considering the turmoil, if he could sleep, his heart must be made of stone.
Liu Zitong entered the darkness, unsure of Xiang Wang’s location, and bowed at the doorway, “Your Highness, I… I had an affair with my father’s concubine, Qin Daofei discovered it, and seized my accountant, taking the original ledger. I beg Your Highness to save me. So long as I survive, I will remain useful to you.”
Hmph!
Xiang Wang snorted coldly, his tone icy, “If Qin Daofei decides to bring someone down, they cannot escape.”
Years ago, the Prime Minister held sway over the court—even the Emperor dared not touch him. Yet Qin Daofei, a mere thirteen-year-old, toppled him, providing the Emperor with evidence for a just execution.
“So, Your Highness will not help me?” Liu Zitong asked, face ashen.
“My only advice is to surrender, hand over all your assets, and beg the Emperor for mercy. Perhaps you might survive. When he passes, I will support you.” Xiang Wang spoke indifferently.
Heh.
Liu Zitong laughed, “Your words are ambiguous. What if His Majesty shows no mercy?”
“Then you will be exiled, or executed.” Xiang Wang said.
Liu Zitong gritted his teeth, “Your Highness, if you betray me, are you not afraid I’ll reveal everything to His Majesty?”
“Light the lamps!” Xiang Wang commanded. The room flooded with light, and Liu Zitong was stunned.
The man lighting the candelabra was unmistakably…
“Your Highness…” Liu Zitong stared, unwilling to blink.
Xiang Wang waved his hand, and the man retreated into the inner chamber.
Coldly, Xiang Wang said, “You haven’t completed the final step I assigned. Until then, I cannot let go. Whether the realm falls into my hands, or you prosper, all depends on that last step.”
“Rest assured, Your Highness, I will not fail your trust.” Liu Zitong bowed and withdrew.
After Liu Zitong left, Xiang Wang gazed at the beams, his voice cold, “I have followed your plan to this point. But what about Linglong? Where is the Linglong I desire? I don’t even know whether she lives or dies.”
“You love her obsessively, yet you still do not understand her.” The aged voice spoke, followed by the sound of robes swiftly departing.
Xiang Wang pondered the words, growing ever more agitated, trembling with emotion.
“Feng Linglong, you pretend to be dead, do you? Then I’ll make others believe you truly are dead.” Xiang Wang smiled sinisterly, whistled toward the doorway. A gaunt figure cloaked in black appeared, his features obscured.
He entered without salute or greeting, as if he were a corpse himself.
“Go, let the Blood Swallow hidden in Free Manor act. Tonight, I must see Linglong.” Xiang Wang commanded, and the man vanished.
Meanwhile.
Free Manor, Linglong Pavilion.
On the bed, Qin Daofei lay rigidly on the outer edge. Suddenly, a slender leg pressed down on his abdomen like Mount Tai, wriggling and twining around him like an octopus. Next came a delicate hand, smacking his face.
Qin Daofei, frowning in sleep, removed the arm but gently patted the entwined leg, coaxing her to sleep on.
Smack!
The restless hand struck his handsome face again. Qin Daofei opened his sharp eyes, but upon seeing her sweet sleeping face, all his anger melted away.
That drooling little pig—who else but Linglong?
“If you hit my face again, I’ll kill you!” Qin Daofei, unable to endure Linglong’s wild sleeping posture, whispered a warning.
Linglong, half-awake, hooked his neck, playfully said, “You can’t treat a dead person like this.”
“Dead pig!” Qin Daofei retorted.
Linglong kicked with both legs, “Dead pig or not, you can’t threaten a dead pig. If someone finds out, it’ll be trouble.”
Qin Daofei looked to the heavens, exhausted beyond breath.
But the person beside him was already peacefully asleep!
Qin Daofei, both amused and exasperated, gently embraced her, cherishing her in his arms, yet unable to sleep again.
When he returned to the manor and saw Linglong lying in a pool of blood, Qin Daofei felt his blood run cold.
The pain of losing Linglong filled his chest. This man, solid as rock, could not help but weep.
Yet…
After carrying Linglong back to her pavilion, the “dead” woman pushed him away, boldly stripped off her outer clothes, tore the blood bag tied to her neck, and complained, “This pig bladder stinks.”
“Feng Linglong!” Qin Daofei gritted his teeth, glaring at her, unable to describe his feelings.
Linglong rolled her eyes, tossing the bladder to the floor, dissatisfied, “Did you really think I’d slit my throat over something so trivial? You’re so foolish—tsk, did you cry?”
Then Qin Daofei pinned her against the wall and bit her ferociously.
Truly, he gnawed her, leaving marks all over her neck—a beast.
Only when his anger was spent did Qin Daofei pry her annoying little head away to check her neck for injury.
Linglong groaned, pushing him off, “I’m covered in chicken blood. Don’t touch me—I need a bath.”
She walked behind the screen, then turned back, wary, “Don’t peek while I bathe.”
“Get out!” Qin Daofei was savage; if there were another Feng Linglong in the world, he would tear her apart without hesitation.
Linglong hummed a tune as she undressed and plunged into the water.
Qin Daofei, hearing her sing, wished he could silence her.
Linglong soaked in the water, thinking of Qin Daofei’s bloodshot eyes, blushed and smiled foolishly. Yet as she smiled, her eyes grew hot and swollen.
She submerged her face until breathlessness overwhelmed her, then finally surfaced.
Startled!
Linglong looked up to see Qin Daofei standing beside the tub, gazing at her as if he would devour her.
Linglong shielded her chest, stammered, “You, you, you can’t act indecently—I’ll scream!”
Oh?
Qin Daofei’s interest was piqued. He hooked her chin, asked seductively, “How will you scream? Show me.”
Linglong burst out laughing, scooped water and splashed his face. Qin Daofei neither dodged nor blinked, staring at her.
Linglong shrank, whined, “My neck actually hurts. I tied the rope tight to make it convincing.”
Qin Daofei’s anger dissipated like a burst bubble.
He parted Linglong’s hair, tilting her head to reveal several red marks.
“Will you dare to act up again?” Qin Daofei pushed her head away, unwilling to see her.
Linglong grinned, “If I hadn’t made a fuss, we’d still be entangled with them. I disrupted their plan—aren’t you going to praise me instead of blame me?”
“Thank you!” Qin Daofei gritted out.
Though he meant it little, Linglong was pleased, smiling, “No need for thanks—it was my duty.”
Qin Daofei felt his temper rise again—she vexed him!
…
Qin Daofei held Linglong close. Only with her in his arms did he feel secure.
The next morning.
Miaoyin Pavilion.
Xiao Cui, helping Tan Xiyin with her hair, asked in confusion, “Second Lady, do you think the First Lady is dead or not?”
Tan Xiyin was choosing jewelry. Hearing Xiao Cui, she paused, coldly replied, “Whether she’s dead or not, a wound like that is enough for her.”
“But if the master keeps her body without mourning, and it rots, an epidemic could break out—Free Manor would be ruined.”
“How so?” Tan Xiyin, alarmed at the mention of disease.
Xiao Cui glanced around, seeing no one, whispered, “You don’t know, but I do. When I was little, a family kept a corpse at home because they couldn’t afford burial. After two or three days, they all caught the plague and died too.”
“It’s that serious?” Tan Xiyin shuddered.
Xiao Cui nodded, “Yes, that serious.”
“If it’s his nature, he might keep Feng Linglong’s corpse, unable to let go. But we don’t know if she’s dead. If we confirm it, I can urge Qin Wang Xiangyu to pressure him to surrender the body.”
But Qin Daofei would not let her near Linglong Pavilion—a serious problem.
“I have a way to confirm if Feng Linglong is dead…” Xiao Cui hesitated.
“What way? Speak quickly!” Tan Xiyin was desperate to know. If Feng Linglong lived, Xiang Wang would not relent. If he persisted, Tan Xiyin might finally rid herself of Linglong and have Qin Daofei to herself.
Xiao Cui bit her lip, stammered, “Second Lady, you could wear mourning clothes, declare you wish to bury Feng Linglong. If the master keeps her from resting, it’s a grave matter. If she’s dead, his attendants will urge him to bury her. If she’s alive, he’ll curse you. You may have to endure some hardship.”
Tan Xiyin sneered, “As if I haven’t suffered enough?”
“Shall we do it, Second Lady?” Xiao Cui asked.
Tan Xiyin gritted her teeth, “Fine. Prepare mourning clothes. I must see if Feng Linglong is truly dead or feigning it.”
Xiao Cui hurried off.
Soon, both appeared at Linglong Pavilion dressed in white mourning attire.
Tang Li frowned at Tan Xiyin’s outfit, “Second Lady, what is this about?”
Tan Xiyin ignored Tang Li, knelt and called out, “Brother Daofei, I know you can’t bear to part with the First Lady, but she’s gone. You should let her rest in peace.”
Pfft!
Linglong spat her tea, and Qin Daofei quickly dodged, avoiding the mess.
He complained, “Can you not disgust me?”
“Hey, I’m already dead. Aren’t you going to comfort your little concubine?” Linglong teased him.
Qin Daofei replied coldly, “Should I bury you alive before her eyes?”
“Go ahead, but remember to press silver on me so I don’t come back as a zombie.”
Sigh!
Qin Daofei sighed for the hundredth time. If only he could kill her, he’d finally have peace.
“Brother Daofei, please come out. Don’t stay shut in. Let the First Lady rest in peace,” Tan Xiyin continued her “thoughtful” plea.
Linglong, enjoying the spectacle, nudged Qin Daofei, “Master Qin, hurry—Tan little concubine might die of heartbreak.”
Linglong and Qin Daofei bantered inside. Nearby, the gravely injured Hua’er, supported by Fang Qing, emerged with a teapot.
Thunk!
The teapot landed on Tan Xiyin’s head, showering her with tea leaves.
“Second Lady, since you love false compassion, I, despite my pain, will toss a teapot or slap you—it’s perfectly justified.”
Pfft!
Linglong nearly burst into laughter again, whispering to Qin Daofei, “Brother Daofei, my Hua’er is fierce!”
“It’s all thanks to Miss Linglong’s tutelage!” Qin Daofei, weary of Linglong’s incessant chatter, pinned her to the table and gnawed on her, threatening, “The one-month deadline approaches, Feng Linglong, watch yourself.”
“Scoundrel, aren’t you going to take your little concubine away?” Linglong, annoyed but afraid to shout at him.
Qin Daofei was amused, “If I go out now, what would I say? Let Hua’er chase her off!”
So…
Hua’er stood under the gallery, Xiao Cui at the foot of the stairs, hands on her hips, shouting, “You wretch! Though you are not a servant, you’re just a maid at Free Manor. How dare you insult my Second Lady?”
“Miss Xiao Cui, mind your language,” Tang Li, uncomfortable at Xiao Cui’s insults to Hua’er, retorted.
Xiao Cui turned her wrath on Tang Li, “I hear Tang Guard is entangled with that wretch—a woman who killed her husband…”
Too late to retract, Tang Li’s eyes darkened, and he seized Xiao Cui’s throat, “What did you say?”
Qin Daofei frowned, finally stepping outside.
Tan Xiyin watched the door, rushing up as Qin Daofei appeared.
He blocked her at the stairs, coldly, “What are you here for?”
“Brother Daofei, you finally came out. I know the First Lady’s death struck you hard, but you must let her rest in peace.”
Qin Daofei sneered, “This is not your concern. Go back.”
“Brother Daofei…”
“Take Second Lady back. Without my permission, she is not to step outside Miaoyin Pavilion.” Qin Daofei ordered angrily.
Someone came to escort Tan Xiyin away.
On the way back, Xiao Cui trembled, “Second Lady, I slipped up.”
“I know!” Tan Xiyin also trembled, but suppressed her emotions, unwilling to appear as panicked as Xiao Cui.
Linglong Pavilion.
Linglong glanced askance at Qin Daofei. Hua’er nestled in Fang Qing’s arms, Tang Li watched Hua’er—no one spoke.
After a long silence, Linglong spoke, “Hua’er stabbed Wen San. Only we and Tang Li know. How did Xiao Cui find out?”
“She is either involved or informed!” Fang Qing replied, picking up Linglong’s thought.
Linglong feigned surprise, covering her mouth, “If she’s an informed party, doesn’t that mean Master Qin wore a green hat?”
Pfft!
Hua’er and the others snickered, but Hua’er winced at her wound, “Miss, can you not say such things?”
Linglong looked at Qin Daofei, he looked at her—neither yielding, staring fiercely.
“Tang Li, find time to check if Xiao Cui visited the rear courtyard during that period,” Qin Daofei ordered.
Linglong scoffed. She actually suspected Tan Xiyin more. Wen San, the type, would not be infatuated with a sharp-tongued maid like Xiao Cui.
But matters needed patience.
Linglong suppressed her emotions, smiled, “Tan little concubine draped herself in mourning for me—what do you all think?”
“She’s not so kind. I suspect she’s helping Xiang Wang investigate whether Miss is alive,” Hua’er said, having no fondness for Tan Xiyin. If not for Qin Daofei’s presence, she’d call her a wretch outright.
Fang Qing nodded in agreement.
Tang Li glanced at Qin Daofei, nodded gravely, agreeing as well.
Linglong patted her shoulder, thinking she should have been less troublesome—now she couldn’t even leave the house.
“Xiang Wang will make a move tonight,” Qin Daofei concluded.
Whoosh!
Gale entered.
“Master, Liu Zitong confessed his crimes in court today, admitted everything you had listed in his biography. His father was furious, the Emperor ordered Liu Zitong exiled to the bitter cold of the northern desert, never to return.”
Qin Daofei’s lips curled in a meaningful smile.
For reasons unknown, Linglong loved seeing him control everything, though she disliked being left in the dark.
“You know something, don’t you?” Linglong nudged him.
Qin Daofei looked at her sideways, unwilling to speak.
“Oh, tell me!” Linglong felt as if a kitten played with tangled yarn within her heart.
Qin Daofei grasped her flailing hands, said mysteriously, “I can only tell you: Liu Zitong is both the key to victory and defeat.”
“So, there’s more to come, right?” Linglong knew that when Qin Daofei said this, he had again suspended a sword over Xiang Wang’s head.
“Gale, keep Xiang Wang under surveillance. Activate all our agents in his residence. Do not miss a single detail—even if he visits the privy, report it.”
Pfft!
Linglong gave Qin Daofei a thumbs-up.
On the other side, Tan Xiyin, unable to get the information she wanted, and with Xiao Cui accidentally revealing facts, grew restless. She had no choice but to visit Pine Cypress Residence.
Pine Cypress Residence.
Qin Wang Xiangyu was chatting with Lady Xiahe when a maid reported, “Second Lady requests an audience, madam!”
They ceased their conversation, looking toward the door.
“Mother-in-law!” Tan Xiyin curtsied and approached Qin Wang Xiangyu, uneasy, “Do you think Feng Linglong is dead or not? Brother Daofei won’t let us see—so frustrating.”
Qin Wang Xiangyu had been anxious, but seeing Tan Xiyin’s anxiety, she relaxed.
“What’s the rush? If she’s truly dead, after two days the whole manor will stink—everyone will know. I won’t offend Qin Daofei now.”
Tan Xiyin pressed, “But if a corpse is kept in Free Manor, and disease breaks out, the entire manor will suffer.”
She emphasized “entire,” striking Qin Wang Xiangyu’s soft spot. For her, protecting her family's estate was a lifelong duty.
Qin Wang Xiangyu looked at Lady Xiahe; they exchanged glances. Lady Xiahe whispered in her ear, then she looked up at Tan Xiyin.
“Did you ask Fei’er?” Qin Wang Xiangyu probed.
Tan Xiyin nodded, “I just came from there. He gave no clear answer. Mother-in-law, remember how miserable Brother Daofei was when Feng Linglong supposedly died in the prison fire?”
Who could forget?
Qin Wang Xiangyu never realized her usually cold son could grieve so deeply for the woman he claimed not to love.
It was then she understood—Qin Daofei did not dislike Feng Linglong; his pride and dignity simply forbade him from loving such a wild woman.
When lost, nothing else mattered.
Every corner of his heart and mind was filled with her.
“What’s the point of recalling that? He never mentions it, and you shouldn’t either. If Feng Linglong knows, she’ll never leave Free Manor.” Qin Wang Xiangyu didn’t want Linglong here; neither did Tan Xiyin—she would never bring it up.
Tan Xiyin smiled bitterly, “Do you think if Feng Linglong died in his arms, he would bury her?”
No!
Qin Wang Xiangyu was certain.
So…
She stood, said to Lady Xiahe, “Xiahe, go to Linglong Pavilion, say I’m coughing blood and dying—tell Fei’er to come to me.”
“Madam…” Lady Xiahe disapproved of cursing herself.
But Qin Wang Xiangyu insisted, “If we let him do as he pleases, we’ll all die. Feng Linglong’s wound was so decisive—how could she survive?”
“Yes, yes, I’ll go!” Lady Xiahe reached the door, then returned.
“Madam, Miss Fang Qing from Feng Linglong’s side is here.”
Fang Qing entered the hall, bowed politely.
Xiao Cui wanted to scold her for improper manners, but Tan Xiyin stopped her; Fang Qing’s nod did not offend Qin Wang Xiangyu.
“Leave now. I’ll handle this.” Qin Wang Xiangyu dismissed Tan Xiyin.
Tan Xiyin dared not linger, but wondered if Fang Qing might be Qin Wang Xiangyu’s agent beside Feng Linglong.
She could find no other explanation for Fang Qing’s apparent arrogance.
Once Tan Xiyin left and no one was eavesdropping, Fang Qing spoke, “Madam Qin, Master Qin asked me to relay a message.”
“Please speak, Miss Fang Qing!” Qin Wang Xiangyu clearly recognized her status.
Fang Qing said gently, “Master Qin asks you to stay calm, ignore any of Tan Xiyin’s urgings. He will not let Free Manor come to harm.”
“But keeping Feng Linglong’s corpse may make him ill?” At this moment, Qin Wang Xiangyu was just a worried mother, not a scheming matron.
Fang Qing sneered, “Though Tan Xiyin wishes Linglong dead, I can assure you—Linglong is fine. Tan Xiyin’s urgent inquiries have their own motives, but not for the manor’s sake. Do not share information with her. She’s not what you imagine.”
With that, Fang Qing left.
Watching her go, Qin Wang Xiangyu asked Lady Xiahe, “She said Linglong isn’t dead?”
“Yes. Linglong has always been clever. With a bit of trickery, she could fool many.”
“She also said Tan Xiyin is a problem?” Qin Wang Xiangyu’s rage was barely contained.
Lady Xiahe calmed her, “Miss, remember, Tan Xiyin seduced the master, persuaded him to defy you and marry her, enjoyed three years of favor—she must have skill.”
“That little wretch dares plot against Free Manor under my nose?” Qin Wang Xiangyu slammed the table, ready to confront Tan Xiyin.
Lady Xiahe pulled her back, “Miss, don’t be rash. The master’s warning means all is under his control—he may need Tan Xiyin for some greater purpose. If you alarm her, you’ll harm the master.”
For once, Lady Xiahe was right.
Qin Wang Xiangyu calmed herself.
“Fine, I’ll listen to my son, stay at home, wait and see which of those little wretches is more ruthless.” She disliked them both.
In her mind, once Xiang Wang’s storm passed, she would arrange a marriage proposal, settle the matter, and drive Feng Linglong away.
With a plan, her mood improved.
Afternoon. The sky was oppressively dark, the air still.
Linglong suffered from the heat indoors, unable to open the window, fanning herself desperately.
Sniffing, she muttered, “What’s this? Why do I smell something burning?”
Boom!
A loud noise. Fang Qing, supporting Hua’er, called from the corridor, “Fire! Fire!”
Fire?
Linglong’s nightmare, her greatest fear.
Clutching her collar, she pleaded, “Qin Daofei, come save me—hurry!”
Despite her terror, Linglong made no move to escape.
Fang Qing, helping Hua’er, reached the courtyard. Seeing Linglong still inside, Hua’er panicked, “My lady is still in there—I can’t let her die!”
Fang Qing whispered, “Don’t reveal she’s alive, or she’ll be in more trouble.”
Hua’er cried, “What do we do?”
“Qin Daofei won’t let her be harmed. Wait a bit. If he doesn’t come, I’ll rescue her myself—I won’t let her die.”
With Fang Qing’s assurance, Hua’er calmed.
“Keep crying, just like before, but don’t let them know Linglong is alive,” Fang Qing instructed.
So Hua’er wailed, Fang Qing held her back.
Soon, servants arrived with buckets. Xiao Cui, among them, rushed toward Linglong Pavilion.
Fang Qing grew tense.
Suddenly, a white shadow flashed, entering Linglong Pavilion.
At the same time, Linglong’s room was engulfed in flames.
Before long, Qin Daofei emerged alone from the house.
Xiao Cui, carrying an empty bucket, rushed up. Qin Daofei’s eyes were red as he said, “Stop—let Linglong Pavilion burn.”
Everyone was stunned, but before Qin Daofei, no one dared speak.
Thus, all watched as the exquisite pavilion was reduced to ashes. Hua’er, when Qin Daofei exited alone, knelt and wept bitterly.
Tan Xiyin sat on the railing of Miaoyin Pavilion, calmly watching Linglong Pavilion burn.
Soon, Xiao Cui returned, reporting, “Second Lady, the master entered the flames.”
“Is he hurt?” Tan Xiyin, still concerned for Qin Daofei, grabbed Xiao Cui’s shoulder.
Xiao Cui shook her head, “No, he came out quickly, silent, staring at Linglong Pavilion, as if wanting it to accompany Feng Linglong in death.”
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Tan Xiyin laughed uncontrollably, wild and desolate.
“Wonderful—she’s finally dead!”
“Second Lady, don’t be like this. I’ll check if they found a body.” Xiao Cui believed that without seeing Feng Linglong’s corpse, her death could not be confirmed.
Tan Xiyin wiped tears from laughter, commanded fiercely, “Go! I want to know immediately if that wretch is dead!”
Xiao Cui returned to the scene. The steward and his men were clearing the site. Nothing remained. At the spot where Linglong’s bed had been, the steward found some ashes.
“Master, the First Lady’s remains… can’t be gathered.” Among the ashes, a heap of bones, which crumbled to dust at the slightest touch, scattered with the wind—impossible to collect.
Qin Daofei approached, squatted among the ashes, gazed for a long time, then commanded, “Bury everything here. Plant a field of roses.”
“Miss!” Hua’er, overwhelmed by grief, fainted in Fang Qing’s arms.
Tang Li, unable to avoid impropriety, carried Hua’er to his room.
Instantly, the site was etched in memory.