Chapter 47: The One Who Set Fire to Their Own Room, Yet Couldn't Salvage a Single Valuable Thing

When Xiao Cui arrived, the servants were already digging a pit on the spot. Not seeing Qin Daofei, she grabbed the steward’s hand and asked, “Steward Zhang, how is it? Did you find the Lady’s body?”

“We found it, but it’s burnt to ashes. There’s nothing left to collect,” Steward Zhang sighed, then returned to his work.

Suppressing the joy in her heart, Xiao Cui hurried back to Miaoyin Pavilion to relay Steward Zhang’s words to Tan Xiyin.

Tan Xiyin sat silently in front of her dressing mirror, wiped off her makeup, changed into mourning attire, removed her jewelry, and pinned a small white flower to her hair. Her mournful appearance truly resembled someone in mourning.

Yet, deep in her eyes, there was a pride she could not hide.

“Madam, will you go to the memorial?” Xiao Cui asked.

Tan Xiyin turned and gave Xiao Cui a cold, lingering glance, her voice calm, “Feng Linglong is dead, but my days with Brother Daofei will go on. As long as I fully display my regret for Feng Linglong, Brother Daofei and I will not grow apart. In time, there will be only one Lady of Xiaoyao Manor, and things will turn out well for us.”

“Congratulations, Madam, for eliminating such a formidable rival as Feng Linglong.” Xiao Cui curtsied to Tan Xiyin.

Tan Xiyin gazed at the distant, now invisible Linglong Pavilion, her eyes brimming with a triumphant smile.

At last, Xiaoyao Manor will be hers!

In the study.

After taking care of everything, Steward Zhang went to ask Qin Daofei, “Should we set up a memorial hall?”

“No need. She disliked scenes of weeping and hated false mourning even more. Everything in Xiaoyao Manor will continue as usual. For the time being, do not disturb me about anything. I will contemplate in Tongtian Pavilion,” Qin Daofei said, rising and heading out.

Steward Zhang slapped his thigh. “Such misfortune. Two years ago, the Master secluded himself in Tongtian Pavilion, drowning in sorrow. Now it’s happening again—how can he endure it?”

In King Qin’s fragrant domain, upon hearing Feng Linglong had been reduced to ashes, she felt no happiness, only worry for her son, so she hurried to the study.

As she arrived, Steward Zhang was about to leave. Seeing her, he quickly bowed, “Madam!”

“Where is the Master?” she asked urgently.

Steward Zhang shook his head. “Just like two years ago: no mourning, no memorial, he went alone to Tongtian Pavilion.”

“He’ll be the death of me!” King Qin’s mother burst into tears.

Steward Zhang shook his head. “But Tongtian Pavilion has always been a place only the Master enters. The people inside do not recognize anyone else from Xiaoyao Manor.”

Ah!

With that, Steward Zhang departed.

Before long, Tan Xiyin also arrived. Seeing her in mourning attire, King Qin’s mother narrowed her eyes coldly and said sharply, “Who allowed you to wear mourning in Xiaoyao Manor? Go back.”

“Mother-in-law, the Lady has passed. I ought to—”

Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap!

King Qin’s mother stepped forward and personally slapped Tan Xiyin several times. “She was only Feng Linglong, not the Lady of Xiaoyao Manor.”

“Yes!” Tan Xiyin was so aggrieved she nearly wanted to bite, but before King Qin’s mother, she dared do nothing.

Back in her room, she applied ointment to her swollen face, muttering hatefully, “Everything, I will repay in full—every bit!”

“Madam, I’ve found out—the Master is acting just as he did two years ago: no memorial, no mourning, no announcements, and he’s gone to Tongtian Pavilion alone.”

Hmph!

“This time, even if he stays in Tongtian Pavilion for ten years, Feng Linglong will never come back, ha ha ha ha ha!” Tan Xiyin laughed and cried, her fists clenched tight, believing herself finally free.

That night.

In Xiang Wang’s mansion.

A black-clad figure hidden in the shadows reported to Xiang Wang, “Your Highness, Blood Swallow says Feng Linglong is dead. She set fire to Linglong Pavilion—Linglong did not come out. Qin Daofei returned but did not bring her out. The fire consumed everything. Feng Linglong’s ashes remained intact, but could not be collected. Qin Daofei immediately ordered everything to be buried in place, and rose flowers planted atop the ashes.”

Pfft!

Xiang Wang, who had been silent, suddenly spat a mouthful of blood.

“Your Highness…” the person called anxiously.

Xiang Wang waved him off, slumping into his chair with a sigh, “You won’t even let me have her remains? Linglong, why must you be so cruel to me?”

Ah!

The whole mansion echoed only with Xiang Wang’s bitter cries.

The next day.

At the gates of Xiaoyao Manor, Xiang Wang arrived, personally carrying a bundle of fresh rose flowers, forcing his way in.

Tang Li dared not stop him, and let him pass, but all his attendants were knocked down by the manor’s people.

Xiang Wang stood atop the mound where even ruins could not be seen, carefully planting each rose in the soil, murmuring as he did, “Linglong, I’ve come to see you. I can’t take you away, so I brought you roses. Do you like them?”

Bang!

Qin Daofei stood not far away, and with a single palm, destroyed all the roses Xiang Wang had planted. “You drove her to death, and now you come to confess? Xiaoyao Manor does not welcome you. Either leave at once, or I’ll report your deeds to the court!”

“Qin Daofei, if you hadn’t kept competing with me, she wouldn’t have ended up like this! If you don’t love her, why keep her? Why! Do you know—when she first looked at you, I too first saw her. However many years she has loved you, I have loved her just as long. We’re both fools, both fools.”

Xiang Wang raged like a madman, perhaps regretting that had he not pressed so hard, Linglong would never have met such an end.

“But so be it. I couldn’t have her, and now neither can you, ha ha ha ha ha!” Xiang Wang cried and laughed, appearing completely deranged.

Qin Daofei, unable to endure further, grabbed Xiang Wang by the collar and punched him hard, knocking him out of Linglong Pavilion, then followed up with another punch, sending him out of Xiaoyao Manor.

“Qin Daofei, you dare assault a royal?” Xiang Wang’s attendants helped him up, drawing their swords.

Tang Li drew his sword and stood before Qin Daofei, his voice cold, “My master has no wish to kill right now, so you’d best not provoke him.”

Tang Li’s stance seemed both to protect Qin Daofei from others and to protect others from Qin Daofei. Whenever Qin Daofei moved, Tang Li gripped his wrist nervously.

In this way, Xiang Wang’s attendants grew fearful.

No one dared provoke someone in such a rage, especially one with great standing in the martial world, commerce, and court. If he truly killed them, their deaths would be in vain.

After weighing their options, the guards dragged Xiang Wang away.

Qin Daofei watched their departure coldly, silently for a long time, then said to Tang Li, “Come, let’s go drink.”

Drinking, naturally, meant going to Gentle Homeland.

This was Qin Daofei’s way. He chose a brothel named Gentle Homeland. Though called a brothel, it was mostly filled with refined courtesans skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—soft-spoken and perceptive.

Upon entering, he casually selected a girl and buried himself in a private room, never coming out. Tang Li waited anxiously outside, peering in from time to time.

Qin Daofei’s actions were noticed by many.

Spies were everywhere around the brothel.

But Qin Daofei sat by the window, drinking under the moonlight.

“Is Young Master Qin in a bad mood?” A masked woman dressed in light goose-yellow gauze crouched before him, gazing up at him with charm.

Qin Daofei lifted her chin, his voice indifferent, “I’m in a fine mood. Have a few drinks with me?”

“Young Master Qin is naughty. I’m a respectable person—how could I drink with you?” Strangely, her coy manner closely resembled the late Feng Linglong.

The dissolute Young Master Qin hooked her hand, pulling her into his arms, and forcibly fed her wine mouth-to-mouth.

The woman, not to be outdone, bit Qin Daofei’s lip sharply.

Hiss!

Qin Daofei winced in pain but refused to release her, nuzzling her ear and whispering, “Do you intend to murder your husband?”

“A discarded husband—how dare you?” she retorted coldly.

To call Qin Daofei a discarded husband—who else could she be but the notorious Feng Linglong!

“Were you frightened yesterday?” Qin Daofei asked gently.

Linglong shot him a sidelong glance, “Terrified. You owe me compensation!”

“Will flesh suffice?” Qin Daofei raised an eyebrow.

Linglong rolled her eyes and said, “When did you dig an escape tunnel under Linglong Pavilion without telling me?”

Yesterday, Linglong waited alone in her room for Qin Daofei. When he entered, he threw her into a secret passage, then quickly tossed a corpse brought by his subordinates into the flames, and reappeared in public.

As for Linglong…

Recalling yesterday, Qin Daofei gritted his teeth.

When he entered, the little rascal had packed up every valuable item, all neatly placed by her feet, ready to flee at any moment.

“That tunnel has been there since before. Linglong Pavilion used to be my residence. My father feared making enemies in the martial world and being revenged upon, so he dug a tunnel from Linglong Pavilion to here—to save himself in times of crisis. Unexpectedly, it saved your little hide,” Qin Daofei eyed Linglong, finding her endlessly troublesome.

Linglong grinned, “Your father was quite the dandy, preparing your escape route straight to a brothel, so you could be a fallen nobleman even while fleeing.”

“You know nothing. Brothels are full of all kinds of people and the best places to disappear. There’s plenty of news here, but getting the real information isn’t easy—since the girls never speak the truth, but their clients often confess during moments of passion,” Qin Daofei looked every bit the shrewd businessman, explaining his trade with aplomb.

Linglong rolled her eyes and muttered, “You force good girls into prostitution, you scoundrel!”

“Speaking of… should I go collect the payment from the madam?” Qin Daofei raised her chin, his lips brushing hers without granting a full kiss.

Linglong rolled her eyes harder, “Then you must pay for your flower wine here—a thousand taels per glass, ten thousand per bite.”

“How much to sleep together?” Qin Daofei went straight to the point.

Linglong feigned modesty, then suddenly stamped her foot, “I only sell art, not my body.”

“Then sell me some art first?” Qin Daofei pressed.

Linglong glared furiously, “I can hit people, and I’m an expert at castration. Take your pick!”

For some reason, Qin Daofei suddenly remembered that poor eunuch rat. Linglong’s castration skills were no joke—precise and ruthless.

After their antics, Qin Daofei swept his sleeve, shutting the window. Through the silhouette outside, one could only see him embracing the skirted woman, slowly moving toward the bed.

Yet in truth, as soon as he laid her on the bed, she kicked him off.

“Feng Linglong!” Qin Daofei broke into a sweat. If he hadn’t dodged fast enough, he might have ended up like the rat.

Linglong covered her mouth, giggling, “Young Master Qin hasn’t paid—this girl doesn’t entertain guests.”

Then, Qin Daofei reached out and tore off her veil, pressing her down in a passionate kiss, until Linglong’s incessant chatter was silenced.

Mmm!

Linglong tried to resist, but Qin Daofei gave her no chance, holding her mischievous hands above her head. Leaving her lips, he asked with a wicked smile, “Sleeping with a courtesan in a brothel isn’t a crime, right?”

“You… you’ve insulted me.” Linglong broke free, covered her face, and sobbed.

Qin Daofei doubted she was truly crying, but seeing her so afraid, he couldn’t bear to continue.

“Stop pretending.” Qin Daofei backed off, giving her space.

Linglong turned over, burying herself in the pillow, ignoring him.

Sniffles and sobs!

Then…

Suddenly, snoring filled the room, sweet and deep.

Now, no matter how much desire Qin Daofei had, he was left unsatisfied.

He turned her out from the pillow, brushed her hair aside, and saw not the slightest trace of tears.

“I’ve spared you again and again. Do you think it’s because I don’t love you enough?” Qin Daofei gently kissed her forehead.

Linglong, bothered by the noise, slapped at him. Had he not caught her hands, those blows would have stung.

While the two tangled in the brothel, Xiang Wang, upon hearing Qin Daofei was indulging in Gentle Homeland, erupted in fury.

“Well, Qin Daofei, Linglong’s bones aren’t cold and you’re seeking pleasure in a brothel! You bastard, you killed Linglong, you killed her—I’ll kill you, I must kill you!” Xiang Wang raged, then barked at the messenger, “Go to Nether Hall, have them send their best assassins—no matter the cost, kill Qin Daofei!”

“Yes!” The messenger left.

Xiang Wang staggered to the rose garden, grabbed a handful of flowers, and stuffed them into his mouth, chewing them with the hatred one would reserve for an enemy’s corpse, swallowing them down.

He repeated this until his neck and face bulged with veins, his eyes protruded, his cheeks flushed, and he began to vomit violently. Then he resumed eating, vomiting, until the garden was ruined.

“Sorry, Linglong, sorry—I didn’t mean it, I didn’t mean it!” Realizing he’d destroyed Linglong’s favorite flowers, Xiang Wang was filled with regret, trying to gather the shattered petals, but the season’s roses withered at the slightest touch.

In the end, only a garden of ruined blooms remained.

Ah!

Xiang Wang screamed madly, then collapsed backward, vomiting blood as he fell. The flecks of blood on his face and clothes looked like the fragments of his heart—impossible to mend.

“I killed Linglong. I killed my Linglong!”

Xiang Wang’s wild cries echoed into Liu Fengying’s room, where she merely laughed coldly, applied her makeup, and told herself, “The world always favors diligent women.”

Not far away, in the Princess’s room, she gazed toward Xiang Wang with desolation in her eyes.

She loved someone who loved another, but that person loved yet another who loved someone else.

In the end, all were merely pitiable souls.

The Princess dared not approach Xiang Wang at this moment. Holding her belly, she murmured, “Baby, your father is just… just… too sad now. Don’t be angry.”

Meanwhile, in Xiaoyao Manor.

In Miaoyin Pavilion.

A black-clad figure stood at the window, voice cold, “Qin Daofei is in Gentle Homeland with a courtesan in yellow… surely enjoying himself.”

Bang!

Tan Xiyin smashed her teapot at the window, cursing, “How could he do this? How could he treat me so? He’d rather seek out a woman available to all than be with me. Qin Daofei, why must you treat me so?”

The black-clad figure sneered, “Because… he doesn’t love you!”

Perhaps, this was something Tan Xiyin could neither admit nor deny.

“Get out!” Tan Xiyin hurled everything she could at him. The figure snorted and vanished.

Tan Xiyin stared at the hazy moonlight outside, muttering, “At least neither Feng Linglong nor I got him. Isn’t that so? Ha ha ha ha, I’ve won too.”

Back in Xiang Wang’s mansion.

A black-clad figure perched like a phantom above Xiang Wang, looking down. Cloaked in darkness, he appeared as a black abyss from Xiang Wang’s perspective.

But Xiang Wang feared nothing now. He glared at the figure, bitterly accusing, “You made me do this—you made me lose Linglong, damn you.”

“Fool. Is Feng Linglong so easily killed? Do you think Qin Daofei would watch the woman he loves die?” The old voice, sharp and cold, was twisted with anger.

Xiang Wang leaped up, grabbing the figure’s sleeve, “You say she’s not dead?”

“Go to Gentle Homeland yourself, and you’ll know the answer!” With that, the figure disappeared into the night.

A chill flashed through Xiang Wang’s eyes. He muttered, “Feng Linglong, Qin Daofei—if I discover you’ve played me, I will not let you go.”

“Men, gather the troops! To Gentle Homeland!” Xiang Wang shook off his despair and marched forth.

After he departed, a black-clad figure soared from the rear garden, heading toward Gentle Homeland.

Knock… knock knock… knock knock knock!

Knock knock knock… knock knock… knock!

Outside the room where Qin Daofei and Linglong rested, a coded knock sounded. Qin Daofei glanced at the sleeping Linglong and whistled toward the door, prompting someone to enter.

“Master, someone has informed Xiang Wang that the Lady is in Gentle Homeland. Now Xiang Wang is leading troops here,” a woman’s voice said, concealed in her black cloak.

Qin Daofei smiled wickedly, “The one hiding behind Tan Xiyin and Xiang Wang… truly interesting!”

“What will you do, Master?” she asked.

Qin Daofei replied calmly, “Go back. I’ll handle it.”

After she left, Qin Daofei summoned Gale, moved the bed aside, pressed a mechanism under the floorboards, and revealed a long tunnel leading who knows where.

“Take her away. Don’t let her out of your sight. No one is allowed near, no one is allowed to leave,” Qin Daofei instructed.

Gale respectfully carried Linglong.

At that moment, Linglong suddenly opened her eyes and asked quietly, “What’s happening?”

“Someone tipped off Xiang Wang. He’s here to search for you.” Qin Daofei gently pushed her into the passage, “Go with Gale. I’ll visit you when I can.”

Linglong hurried away with Gale.

Qin Daofei restored the passage and bed, then tapped the door lightly. Soon, a young woman similar in build to Linglong entered.

“Master!” She curtsied, then voluntarily removed her clothes and lay on the bed.

Qin Daofei showed no emotion, pulled up the covers, and embraced her.

Just as they were ready, Xiang Wang had already stormed Gentle Homeland below.

“Ah, Xiang Wang, bringing soldiers to drink and chat with the girls at this hour? That’s generous!” The madam greeted him, eager to host.

Xiang Wang shoved her aside, demanding, “Which room is Qin Daofei in?”

Terrified, she replied, “Young Master Qin is in Jasmine Pavilion on the third floor.”

Thud, thud, thud!

Xiang Wang rushed upstairs, kicked open the door to Jasmine Pavilion, and soldiers flooded in, weapons aimed at the bed.

“Oh, Young Master Qin, why are there soldiers at this hour?” The woman hid behind Qin Daofei, trembling.

Qin Daofei opened his “bleary” eyes, sneering, “Isn’t this His Highness Xiang Wang?”

Xiang Wang ignored him, yanking the woman out from behind.

Ah!

She screamed, covering herself with the blanket, and asked, “What do you want, Your Highness?”

Though she resembled Linglong, she was not.

“So, every woman I’ve used, Xiang Wang wants as well?” Qin Daofei, undeterred by his disheveled state, looked at Xiang Wang with indifference. Gone was the restrained master—he was simply a man drowning his sorrows.

Just an ordinary man.

“Where’s Feng Linglong?” Xiang Wang felt driven mad, given hope only to be disappointed again and again.

A flash of murderous intent crossed Qin Daofei’s eyes. He asked sternly, “You want Linglong from me?”

“Men, turn this room upside down. Check for any secret passages.” Xiang Wang ordered, and soldiers began searching.

The woman, wrapped in the blanket, trembled as she left, hiding in the madam’s arms.

They exchanged a glance, the woman barely shook her head, and the madam relaxed.

Qin Daofei stood calmly, dressed, and walked out. The madam instructed another girl, “Quick, help Young Master Qin dress.”

“Young Master Qin, forgive me, this…” The madam sounded apologetic, repeatedly bowing.

Qin Daofei said coolly, “His Highness Xiang Wang’s business isn’t yours to interfere with.”

Xiang Wang’s men were intent on finding something. Inch by inch, they tapped the walls, then moved the bed.

Throughout, Qin Daofei watched without extra movement.

When they tapped the floor, it gave no sign of hollowness.

“Your Highness, it’s all solid here. No secret passage.” Reported, Xiang Wang left in anger.

Came in haste, left in haste!

After Xiang Wang departed, the madam wanted to speak, but Qin Daofei handed her a bank note.

“This… to disturb your pleasure, how could I accept your money? Tonight’s drinks are on me. Please don’t mind—come again next time,” she declined.

Qin Daofei said coldly, “The young lady was frightened. This is her compensation. Take it.”

“Thank you, Young Master Qin!” She shouted, “See Young Master Qin out!”

Servants called out, escorting him.

Qin Daofei walked alone on the deserted street, his mind clear despite the alcohol. The one hiding behind Tan Xiyin and Xiang Wang, able to track him to Gentle Homeland, must be extraordinary.

The more he thought, the more it unsettled him—even one as steady as Qin Daofei broke out in cold sweat.

Such a person’s strength was likely equal to his own.

But most terrifying, no one in the martial world or commerce knew this person’s name—that was the most frightening.

The enemy is hidden, while he is exposed. How to protect Linglong remains a mystery.

“Dry weather, beware of fire!” The night watchman passed by.

Suddenly, Qin Daofei sensed strong murderous intent and instinctively stepped back. At that moment, the watchman drew a sharp dagger from his drumstick and lunged at Qin Daofei.

An assassin!

Qin Daofei kicked the assassin, forcing him back, but he surged forward again, drawing another dagger from his boot.

“So Nether Hall can only send third-rate trash against me?” Qin Daofei handled the assassin with ease, then kicked him in the head as he was distracted.

Thud!

He collapsed, blood spilling from his mouth.

“Again from Shura Gate. Looks like I need to stir up Nether Hall—then you’ll know Xiaoyao Manor isn’t yours to toy with.” Qin Daofei took the dagger and threw it.

On a nearby wall, a black figure cried out and fell.

Then, silence returned.

Qin Daofei returned to the manor and went straight to the study.

He carefully checked for surveillance, closed the door, walked to the northwest corner beneath a large ink painting, pressed his finger to the tiger’s eye, and the wall opened automatically. He entered, and it closed behind him.

He passed through a long, dark corridor. At the end, there was a walled chamber with a gate of black iron, no lock or keyhole, but at its center was a carved jade pixiu with ruby eyes. In the dim light, it glowed eerily.

Qin Daofei took a ring-shaped jade pendant from his neck and placed it over the pixiu’s eye. With creaks and groans, the iron gate swung open.

Inside, Gale held a sword, keeping Linglong by the wall.

As soon as Qin Daofei appeared, Linglong rushed to him.

“How was it? Did he trouble you?” Linglong knew well what Xiang Wang could do in madness.

Gale looked up, then quietly left through the passage, not daring to disturb.

Linglong’s concern startled Qin Daofei.

But he quickly embraced her, whispering, “It’s fine. He couldn’t find you, so he left in frustration.”

Oh!

Linglong remembered why she worried, then pushed him away, ignoring him.

Qin Daofei chuckled, carrying Linglong to a large black curtain, which he gently drew aside to reveal an enormous window. Its wonder lay in its transparency—even at night, Linglong could see fish swimming just outside.

“What is this?” Linglong was fascinated, poking at the fish.

Qin Daofei smiled, “I don’t know what it is. My father built it for reasons unknown, but it’s safe here.”

“Safe? What is this place? What if it breaks and water floods in and I… die!” Linglong adored the place but refused to let Qin Daofei get too proud.

Qin Daofei bit Linglong’s ear, tugging gently, “Feng Linglong, is it really so hard to admit you like it?”

Mm…

Once, Linglong would have jumped up to say, “I like it, I like it!”

But now, liking and disliking blurred. Since everyone’s acting, in time, people forget their true selves.

“Of course. Look at this—who knows what river or lake lies outside? Frightening!” Her upturned lips betrayed her real feelings.

Qin Daofei said coldly, “It’s the small lake in Xiaoyao Manor’s front yard. It won’t drown you.”

“What? You brought me back to Xiaoyao Manor?” Linglong never knew the manor’s secret passages were so complex.

Qin Daofei raised a brow, “As Lady of Xiaoyao Manor, where else would you stay?”

“Qin Daofei, do you think your father ever kept a mistress here? No one would hear her cries…”

Qin Daofei pressed Linglong against the transparent wall, murmuring, “No matter how loud you cry, no one will hear, right?”

Heh!

Heh heh!

Heh heh heh!

Linglong laughed dryly, looking elsewhere, but everywhere she looked was a place Qin Daofei could misbehave.

Her little frame shivered, feeling the cold in the air.

Qin Daofei raised an eyebrow wickedly, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s chilly here. I want food.” Linglong grabbed his hand to prove her coldness.

Indeed, compared to Qin Daofei’s warmth, her hand was icy.

Qin Daofei eyed her, then said, “Eat some sweets first. Soon it’ll be dawn, and I’ll have breakfast sent to the study.”

“I want my Hua’er’s beef noodles.” Linglong was pitiful, but her eyes probed whether she was safe.

Seeing her like this, Qin Daofei’s desire vanished.

“She’s still weak, probably can’t cook yet. Eat ours for now—when she’s better, she’ll make it for you.” With that, the water grew clear and sunlight filtered through, radiant and beautiful.

Wow!

Linglong couldn’t hide her delight and exclaimed.

Qin Daofei covered his mouth to hide his smile. Watching her gaze upward, he frowned—he needed to act fast to bring Xiang Wang down, to keep Linglong safe.

“I’ll have food prepared for you.”

Linglong, absorbed in the water, ignored him. Qin Daofei, frustrated, grabbed her wrist, spun her around, and devoured her with kisses.

The more he kissed, the hungrier he got.

Defeated, he released her, muttering, “I’ll go find you something to eat.”

Heh heh!

“Qin Daofei, you’re a good man!” Linglong said ingratiatingly.

He glanced at her and strode away. After a few steps, he turned back, saying quietly, “Last night, I was attacked by Nether Hall assassins.”

Hm?

Linglong was still puzzled as he left.

Nether Hall?

Again, Nether Hall!

Linglong fell deep in thought, unable to contact Ai Fei for answers.

Not long after, Qin Daofei returned with a bowl of beef noodles, rich and fragrant.

He placed it on the desk, produced a small porcelain bottle, and poured a pill into Linglong’s hand. “Yesterday was so hectic I forgot your medicine. Take it, then eat and rest. Let me handle everything outside.”

“Are you planning to act against Xiang Wang?” Linglong swallowed the pill.

Qin Daofei handed her a water pouch. She waved it off, “I’ll eat—starving.”

“I have an ally who’s always helped me. I’ll consult him. Besides, Xiang Wang is favored—ordinary means may not bring him down for good.” Qin Daofei sought a decisive solution.

Linglong wanted Xiang Wang’s death just as much.

“No worries, I can wait. As long as I’m fed, I’ll stay here a year if needed—as long as he dies!”

Qin Daofei hesitated, then gently stroked her hair, murmuring, “Linglong, I hope we reach the same end by different paths.”

“Oh, Qin Daofei, why say it like that? You want Xiang Wang dead, I want him dead—so isn’t that the same?” Linglong’s eyes darkened, but she did not answer him directly.

Qin Daofei’s gaze dimmed as well. He opened his mouth but said nothing more.

The secret chamber was quiet, save for Linglong’s chewing. Qin Daofei grew restless, stood, and walked to the transparent wall, sighing softly.

Linglong looked up, seeing him slightly tilt his head.

This man—could he, too, feel weary?

Linglong suddenly felt empty, curling up on the bed, watching Qin Daofei grow blurry and disappear from view.

When he returned, Linglong was already asleep.

Seeing the unfinished noodles, Qin Daofei frowned, but she slept soundly, so he quietly covered her with a blanket and took the tray out.

Outside the study, Tang Li reported, “Master, Steward Zhang requests an audience.”

Qin Daofei glanced at the noodles, ate a few bites with Linglong’s chopsticks, then said, “Let him in.”

“Master, I forgot something. I’ve felt uneasy and wanted to tell you.” Steward Zhang looked troubled.

Qin Daofei, uninterested, set down the chopsticks. “When did you get so fussy?”

“Yes, yes. The day Linglong Pavilion burned, I smelled the oil from the eternal lamp. That’s usually found only in tombs, so I suspect the fire was no accident.”

Ha!

Qin Daofei looked up. “I never thought the fire was an accident. But you mentioning the eternal lamp gives me a lead.”

“But Linglong Pavilion burned too quickly. Something feels wrong.” Steward Zhang remained uneasy.

Hmph!

Qin Daofei pretended to cough. “If that’s all, leave. It’s done—talking more won’t change anything.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll go.” Steward Zhang withdrew.

Qin Daofei sighed quietly and frowned.

That day, Linglong’s room burned so fast because someone inside set the fire.

What could Qin Daofei say?

That troublesome little rascal!

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