Chapter 56: Treating Concubine Tan to Curb Her Arrogance

"Divine Doctor, do you desperately want a man?" The Second Prince asked.

Ye Lishang exploded like a cat with its fur bristling, pouncing halfway onto the Second Prince's huanghuali desk, pointing at his nose and cursing furiously, "You damn dog, nothing decent ever comes out of your mouth!"

"Why don't you spit something decent for me to see?" The Second Prince smirked insolently.

Ugh!

"One day, you'll all be begging me!" Ye Lishang's fingers curled in rage, almost scratching at the Second Prince's face.

The Second Prince gave him a sideways glance and said coolly, "Want to scratch me?"

"Very much so!" Ye Lishang admitted honestly.

"Then how do you explain this?" He tossed a slip of paper at Ye Lishang's face, then stood up, towering over him, regarding him as if he were some ferocious beast.

The Second Prince's gaze stung Ye Lishang. Trembling, he opened the slip of paper.

"Chengjie, I want to sleep with you!" Ye Lishang gritted his teeth, nearly coughing up blood as he read the words aloud.

The Second Prince laughed lightly, "I refuse," and walked out on his own.

Ye Lishang curled up on the desk, wounded and humiliated, pressing the slip to his face. "Qin Daofei, if I don't kill you, I don't deserve the title of Ghost Doctor."

The slip of paper might have been unremarkable, but what mattered was that the handwriting was unmistakably Ye Lishang's.

First furious, Ye Lishang picked up the paper and looked at it twice. Remembering the Second Prince's disdainful look as he left, pain flickered in his eyes. He sprang up in rage, smashing everything in the Second Prince's study, dismantled every door and window, then stormed out.

The Second Prince sat alone in the lakeside pavilion at the rear courtyard. His shadow guard reported, "Your Highness, the Ghost Doctor has destroyed your study and removed the doors and windows."

Hmm.

The Second Prince nodded calmly. "Find someone to repair the doors and windows, clean up the mess, check the storeroom for suitable replacements, and arrange them at random."

Uh...

"Go, then." Seeing the shadow guard hesitate, the Second Prince's gaze turned cold, and the guard left obediently.

Watching the withering lotus flowers nearby, the Second Prince's lips curled into a bitter smile.

While the Second Prince's household was in chaos, Linglong was making merry in the Miaoyin Pavilion.

After her nap, Linglong woke to find Qin Daofei absent, so she strolled leisurely toward Miaoyin Pavilion.

As Linglong entered, the new maid taking care of Tan Xiyin hurried forward to greet her.

"Good day, Madam!"

"Where's your Second Madam?" Linglong pointed upstairs, smiling faintly.

Everyone at Xiaoyao Manor knew the grievances between Tan Xiyin and Linglong; the maid dared not speak plainly, so she stammered, "The Second Madam is unwell and resting."

Oh!

"Is that so? Then I'll just take a look. Don't worry, I won't disturb her." Linglong walked upstairs, hands behind her back.

Though the maid doubted Linglong's promise not to disturb, she was only a maid and dared not stop the manor's First Madam.

Tan Xiyin, silent in her room, felt her scalp tingle at Linglong's voice. Seeing the maid fail to stop her, she had no choice but to close her eyes and feign sleep.

Linglong entered quietly, clapped her hands, and muttered, "I don't know why, but that eunuch mouse I rescued last time seems especially fond of Lady Tan. Look how excited it is."

Squeak, squeak!

Hearing the mouse's cries, Tan Xiyin recalled the red-eyed, castrated mouse that once chased her, rubbing its thing on her face.

Squeak, squeak!

The squeaks grew louder, and Tan Xiyin's scalp prickled.

When she felt something jump onto her bed, she could no longer pretend. She threw off the covers in rage, frantically searching for the deadly mouse—yet nothing was on the bed.

Pfft!

"I was teasing you. Lady Tan, you really take things seriously!" Linglong burst out laughing.

Tan Xiyin glared at Linglong, her eyes full of accusation.

In the midst of Linglong's smiling gaze, Tan Xiyin screamed desperately and, in terror, pleaded, "Madam, please spare me, I beg you!"

After crying out, Tan Xiyin pulled out her hairpin and gently stabbed it into her own leg.

Heh.

Linglong instantly swooped down, grabbed Tan Xiyin's hand, and stabbed her leg hard. Unsatisfied after one stab, Linglong quickly stabbed again. Seeing Tan Xiyin's leg covered in blood, Linglong smiled, stepped back, soaked her handkerchief in water, wiped Tan Xiyin's blood, hid the cloth, then leaned by the window to watch the show.

It all happened so fast that Tan Xiyin stared at the wounds on her leg, utterly bewildered.

The maid rushed in just in time to see Tan Xiyin holding a hairpin, sitting on her bed, while Linglong stood far away, playing with her jade-like hands, watching Tan Xiyin.

At the same time, Steward Zhang and others arrived.

To everyone, Feng Linglong was impeccably dressed, standing at the window far from Tan Xiyin, her hands spotless, while Tan Xiyin still gripped the hairpin, clearly stabbing herself.

The hairpin was hers; the blood was only on her hands.

"Steward Zhang, Lady Tan has gone mad—she stabbed her own leg with a hairpin, crying for help, terrifying, as if she doesn't care for her own life!" Linglong clutched her chest, feigning shock.

Tan Xiyin snapped out of her daze, tears streaming down her face. She pleaded mournfully, "Madam, I know you hate me, but must you go this far?"

Heh.

Linglong regarded Tan Xiyin with a mocking smile, speaking each word clearly, "Lady Tan, I'm so far from you. You say I hurt you? Last time you claimed Hua'er struck you, but everyone could see the wounds on your face were self-inflicted. What, you want to use the same trick to frame me again?"

"No, really, she stabbed me with a hairpin. Last time I admit I tried to frame Hua'er, but this time you must believe me. The small wounds are mine, but the two large ones are hers—she did it!" Tan Xiyin's eyes were bloodshot, staring at Linglong as if wishing to drink her blood.

Linglong looked at Tan Xiyin coldly. "If I wanted to harm you, I'd stab your heart without hesitation."

With that, Linglong clapped her hands, leisurely drew a dagger, and said coolly, "I carry a dagger at all times. Why would I bother with your hairpin?"

"Second Madam, the Master keeps you here for your own good. If you lose Xiaoyao Manor's protection, where else can you go?" Steward Zhang shook his head and left.

Linglong shrugged, watching him depart.

The others glanced at Linglong and Tan Xiyin; seeing Steward Zhang go, they didn't dare linger, unwilling to meddle in these two madams' affairs.

Everyone left, only Tan Xiyin's maid and Feng Linglong remained.

Linglong looked up at the maid and said calmly, "Your Madam's emotions are unstable. Remember to give her medicine."

With that, Linglong turned to leave.

"Feng Linglong, wait!" Tan Xiyin looked up, tears blurring her vision, telling her maid, "Leave us."

"Second Madam..." The maid hadn't expected to be dismissed and felt uneasy.

Tan Xiyin barked, "I told you to go!"

The maid left, aggrieved.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Linglong lazily eyed Tan Xiyin with a smile. "So hard to find someone who truly cares for you, and you drive her away?"

"Feng Linglong, one day, I'll return this to you, I swear!" Tan Xiyin pounded her fist on the bed.

Heh.

Linglong looked up, coldly staring into the distance. "I've long awaited that day, Tan Xiyin. I told you, I'll wait for you in the depths of hell—we'll meet without fail!"

Ha ha ha ha ha!

Tan Xiyin laughed bitterly, glaring coldly at Linglong.

Linglong shook her head. "If you keep tormenting your leg like this, it may never heal. Stop playing these tricks—they have no effect on me."

Linglong left, and only then did the maid nervously return upstairs.

Back in the front courtyard, Hua'er and Fang Qing hurried to meet Linglong. "Did you go to Miaoyin Pavilion again?"

"I don't know why, but seeing her lying there peacefully makes me feel uneasy. But honestly, Tan Xiyin is truly foolish, repeatedly using those old tricks..." Linglong sighed.

Hua'er eyed Linglong curiously. "What did she do this time?"

"She stabbed her leg with a hairpin. Seeing she lacked strength, I gave her a hand. She didn't thank me, though—she threw a tantrum." Linglong said innocently.

Hua'er and Fang Qing exchanged glances, speechless.

At that moment, Affie appeared silently behind Linglong, coldly saying, "You have the nerve to say that?"

"Ah, you nearly scared me to death! Can't you stop doing that?" Linglong patted her chest, glaring at Affie.

Affie gestured at Linglong's chest. "I finally understand why you never grow up."

"You’re the one who never grows up!" Linglong angrily kicked Affie.

Affie curled her lips wickedly. "But you noticed it, didn't you?"

Linglong curled her lips too, equally mischievous. "I suppose you saw it as well?"

"I don't mind you bothering her more in the future, but you'd better go with either me or Fang Qing—it's safer." Affie said coolly.

Linglong pointed at Hua'er. "If I go with Hua'er, I can handle her!"

"Hua'er?" Affie sized up Hua'er, commenting, "She's a delicate little thing—are you taking her just to hear her scream?"

Hua'er protested, pointing at Affie, whining to Linglong, "Miss, look at her!"

"To be honest, Affie's words may sound harsh, but they're true." Linglong laughed heartily.

Fang Qing patted Huaer's shoulder sympathetically. "Um, I have something to do—someone else can comfort you."

With that, Fang Qing glanced meaningfully at a figure in the distance—someone was watching Hua'er.

Huaer looked in that direction and saw Tang Li. She stomped angrily, pointed at the three women, and shouted, "You're bullying me—I won't cook for you!"

She then went inside.

Fang Qing shrugged. "Actually, I do have things to attend to."

After Fang Qing left, Linglong leaned languidly on Affie's shoulder, complaining, "Little Affie, I'm exhausted."

Affie heard the weariness in Linglong's voice and shrugged, "If you're tired, go see him. He said he wants to see you."

"It's been months since we last met." Linglong neither agreed nor refused.

Yet in the end, she went.

In a private room on the third floor of Cloud Pavilion, the mysterious heterochromatic-eyed gentleman sat upright on a round-backed chair. Seeing Linglong enter, his lips curled into a gentle smile. "You've come?"

"Yes, didn't you say you wanted to see me? Where's Little Fish?" Linglong entered, looking around for her kitten.

Hu Hanzhi poured Linglong a cup of tea, speaking softly, "Little Fish is upset with you, says you haven't visited him lately, so today he refuses to see you."

"Little brat, learning to throw tantrums!" Linglong grumbled.

Hu Hanzhi gazed at Linglong, speaking quietly, "Affie told me that one day you and Qin Daofei were attacked on the street. You heard Little Shrimp's voice. That day, I saw a young man in black across the street, and after your carriage was ambushed, he smiled and left."

"Young man in black?" For some reason, Linglong thought of Gale.

Hu Hanzhi smiled, changing the subject, "I've ordered some good food for you." Then returning to the topic, "Yes, a young gentleman, sword-browed and star-eyed. I've seen him once at Qin Daofei's side."

His shift was so quick that Linglong could only blink.

"What are you implying?" Linglong lazily propped her chin on her hand.

Hu Hanzhi mimicked her posture, gazing deeply at her.

Linglong felt uneasy under his intense gaze and turned away, replying slowly, "You mean Qin Daofei staged a murder, making me think you were trying to kill me?"

"At the very least, he suspects our relationship." Hu Hanzhi said incisively.

Linglong laughed, "Hey, don't make it sound so scandalous, as if us knowing each other is shameful. We're friends—what does it matter if he finds out?"

"True, I might be a bit neurotic." Hu Hanzhi smiled.

Linglong tilted her head, "You've looked haggard lately."

"Yes, I'm used to the winds and sands beyond the frontier. Suddenly in the capital, I feel uncomfortable. Winter approaches, and we've made no progress." Hu Hanzhi set down his cup, gazing into the distance.

Linglong tapped the cup with her chopsticks, producing a crisp, pleasant sound.

"Things aren't stagnant on my end, but Qin Daofei can't bring himself to kill Tan Xiyin, so I'm stuck for now." Linglong smiled coolly.

Hu Hanzhi reached out to touch Linglong's hair, and she instinctively pulled back. "Hey, if your admirers see this, they'll eat me alive!"

"You had something in your hair." Hu Hanzhi didn't retreat, instead picking off a nearly invisible white speck, his gaze gentle.

"Linglong..." Hu Hanzhi paused, then continued, "King Xiang grows ever more arrogant. For months, I truly believed you were dead. We've made no progress on that front, which worries me."

Linglong lowered her head, turning the tea cup in her hand, murmuring, "I'm anxious about King Xiang too, but his position with the emperor is too strong. Without absolute certainty, I fear I can't kill him. If I fail, his retaliation could cost many lives."

"Those 'many people'... does that include Qin Daofei?"

Hu Hanzhi didn't know why he asked, nor why he stopped.

He simply watched Linglong, waiting for her to take up the thread.

But Linglong seemed unwilling to discuss it. She only smiled playfully, "Hey, Affie has gotten addicted to extorting money from me lately. Aren't you going to do something?"

"No. She's an assassin—how could a merchant like me control her?" Hu Hanzhi tapped Linglong's forehead with his chopsticks. "Don't use foul language in front of me next time."

Linglong rolled her eyes. "So you're not going to intervene? Fine, she extorted thirty thousand taels from me recently—give it to me!"

"Here you go!" Hu Hanzhi handed her a stack of silver notes, but as Linglong reached, he suddenly grabbed her wrist, his fingers pressing as if taking her pulse.

Linglong stopped struggling, calmly saying, "If you want to take my pulse, there's no need for dramatics."

"You really don't know how to cooperate." Hu Hanzhi laughed and focused on her pulse.

After a moment, he let go, saying softly, "I thought Night Lishang would do his utmost to cure you at Qin Daofei's side, but it seems he can't heal your illness either."

"I'm so depleted, it's not easy to recover. Maybe I'll never get better, but honestly, I don't care at all." Linglong grinned, as if indifferent to life and death.

Hu Hanzhi stood, took out a sachet, and handed it to Linglong. "It contains medicine for regulating your health. Remember to wear it."

"Yes, yes." Linglong tucked it into her bosom, then stood. "Is Sister A-Liang well?"

"She knew I was meeting you and prepared your favorite dishes early—here!" Hu Hanzhi set a huge food box before Linglong, who squinted in delight.

Ah!

Linglong rubbed her hands, smiling. "Honestly, Old Feng's confidante treats me like family. If I survive all this, I'll take Sister A-Liang to a scenic place and find her a cheerful old man like Old Feng to spend her remaining days."

"Aren't you afraid your father's coffin won't stay closed?" Hu Hanzhi didn't comment, but Affie did.

Hu Hanzhi frowned at Affie. "Don't bully Linglong!"

"Who has time?" Affie rolled her eyes, ignoring Linglong.

Linglong rolled her eyes too. "My Old Feng isn't like that. If he knew Sister A-Liang waited for him all her life, then his coffin really wouldn't stay shut."

"Go back. If you need anything, just tell Affie to let me know." Hu Hanzhi looked at Linglong with reluctance. Linglong dared not meet his eyes, carrying the food box away with a careless smile.

After Linglong left, a boy emerged from behind the screen, pouting, "I really wanted to tear her mouth apart just now—so talkative!"

"Hmm, if you dare, I don't mind sewing your mouth shut." Even his threats were gentle.

Linglong returned to Xiaoyao Manor with the food box, where Qin Daofei stood on the steps, looking down at her.

She squinted and smiled, setting the box down and calling, "Come down and help me!"

"What is it?" Though annoyed, Qin Daofei asked anyway.

Linglong grinned. "I went to see Sister A-Liang—she made lots of food for me. I was going to see Old Zhu, but remembered she threatened to chop me up last time, so I didn't dare. That woman is too vicious."

"But I heard you made quite a scene at Miaoyin Pavilion today?" Qin Daofei took the food box, holding it in one hand and Linglong in the other.

Linglong bounced. "How did you know I went to Miaoyin Pavilion? I didn't cause any trouble—I went to see Lady Tan. Her maid said she was sleeping, so I didn't disturb her. But somehow, she suddenly got up and stabbed her own leg with a hairpin. I wondered if the spirits of her parents and sister came to haunt her—maybe I should find a priest to perform a ritual?"

"As long as you stay away from Miaoyin Pavilion, I think it's very safe there," Qin Daofei said sincerely.

Oh.

Linglong nodded obediently, acting as if nothing happened. "There are good dishes tonight—won't you join me for a drink?"

"I don't trust your drinking habits!" Qin Daofei refused directly.

Linglong spread her hands. "Then I'll ask Hua'er and Fang Qing to join me!"

Qin Daofei thought for a moment and said, "Just the two of us?"

Just the two?

Linglong weighed the odds—if she drank alone with Qin Daofei, how likely was she to be devoured whole by him?

But thinking of her goal, she couldn't help but want to gamble.

"Alright, just us. But I'll warn you—when I'm drunk, I really have a habit of castrating people. Best not provoke me!" Linglong made a crude gesture.

Qin Daofei frowned, thinking bitterly, This woman!

So Linglong divided the food in half and really drank alone with Qin Daofei.

After a few rounds, Linglong asked, "That time we were ambushed on the street—have you found out who did it?"

"Which time?" Qin Daofei recalled that they'd been attacked together more than once.

"The day we went looking for the medicine seller's clues—someone attacked us on the street. Did you find out who it was?" Linglong looked tense.

Qin Daofei's hand paused slightly on his cup, but he didn't let Linglong notice anything amiss.

"Why are you so concerned about that incident?" He retorted.

Linglong hadn't expected to be questioned instead of getting her answer, and was annoyed.

She kicked Qin Daofei hard twice, grumbling, "Am I not allowed to ask when someone's trying to kill me?"

"Couldn't find out—they vanished too quickly. Actually, when you were hiding in the underground chamber, lots of strange people appeared in the capital, lurking everywhere, seemingly waiting to capture you. Did you offend anyone beyond the frontier?" Qin Daofei asked.

Linglong frowned. "I'm such a friendly person—how could I offend anyone?"

"You... friendly? I don't see it," Qin Daofei mercilessly mocked.

Linglong, slightly dizzy, planted her foot on the stool and grumbled, "I'll tell you, I was very popular beyond the frontier. Everyone liked me except Affie."

"That's good then." Qin Daofei pulled Linglong onto his lap, asking quietly, "Were the days beyond the frontier hard?"

"If I say yes, will you be harsher to Tan Xiyin in the future?" Linglong asked playfully, tilting her head.

Qin Daofei frowned, "I'll consider it."

"Then I'll tell you—it was miserable, inhuman, enough to make anyone cry upon hearing... mmph..." Before Linglong finished, Qin Daofei pulled her close and kissed her fiercely.

Linglong gazed at Qin Daofei in grievance, thinking, This beast! I described my suffering and he still has the nerve!

Utter beast!

After satisfying himself, Qin Daofei released Linglong and said coldly, "Next time you joke with me again, I won't mind letting you experience what it's like to be violated."

Pfft!

Linglong felt as if she had a mouthful of blood—should she spit it or not?

In the end, she got no answers and was bitten for nothing—a loss on all fronts.

Pitiful!

"Oh, the wine is getting to me—I need to sleep, I'm dizzy!" Under Qin Daofei's domineering declaration, Linglong had no choice but to feign sleep to escape.

Usually, when Linglong wanted to sleep, Qin Daofei wouldn't bother her. He held Linglong, placed her on the bed, and was about to leave.

Linglong pulled him back, pitifully, "Don't go—I don't want to be alone tonight!"

Truthfully, she never wanted to be alone!

"I'm not leaving—I'll have Hua'er bring water for you to wash your face." Qin Daofei, holding Linglong's hand, was reluctant to let go.

Linglong wiped her face with Qin Daofei's sleeve, then smiled, "That's clean now!"

Qin Daofei glanced at his sleeve—Linglong's sauce stains were all over it.

He wanted to scold her, but Linglong was already fast asleep, leaving him speechless.

"Little one, if you hadn't fallen asleep first, I'd really kill you, believe it or not?"

In her dreams, Linglong seemed to hear Qin Daofei's helpless muttering and smiled, her lips curling sweeter.

Qin Daofei thought for a moment, took off his shoes and clothes, and tightly embraced Linglong, sleeping beside her.

The next day.

King Xiang arrived.

Qin Daofei was not at home. Prince Qin, nearly killed by King Xiang last time, was terrified, not daring to face him.

Steward Zhang had no choice but to call on Linglong.

"Madam, King Xiang is here again. Could you...?" Steward Zhang looked at Linglong with difficulty.

Linglong smiled, "It's fine, I'll handle him. Prepare a few things for me..."

Linglong whispered to Steward Zhang, who, after listening, looked at her as if she were a beast, daring not to object.

Linglong raised her brow, smirking, "Steward Zhang, I'm going now—be quick!"

"Yes, yes!" Steward Zhang walked off, reassessing his life choices.

Linglong tidied her clothes and stepped out, calling, "Fang Qing, let's go meet King Xiang!"

"Alright!" Fang Qing and Hua'er came out together.

Linglong took a few steps and shouted at the beam, "Woman, remember to protect me—or I'll kill you!"

Hmph!

"I'd like to kill you right now!" Yesterday, Linglong complained, and Hu Hanzhi lectured Affie thoroughly.

Affie feared neither heaven nor earth, except Hu Hanzhi's verbose lectures—too tedious!

"Miss, did you offend Affie?" Hua'er could feel Affie's murderous aura.

Linglong shrugged, unconcerned, "Do you think someone as proper as your Miss would offend anyone?"

Heh.

Fang Qing and Hua'er both laughed at Linglong.

Tsk!

Linglong bared her teeth, pretending to bite.

The two treated her as a lunatic, not bothering to respond.

At Xiaoyao Manor's gate.

"Is this how Xiaoyao Manor treats guests?" King Xiang's guard glared at the doorman.

The doorman bowed humbly, "We apologize. The master is absent, only ladies are at home. Please forgive us, Your Highness!"

"What if I don't forgive?" King Xiang asked coldly.

Linglong strode out, stamping her feet, and said, "If King Xiang won't forgive, he might as well put on a skirt, style his hair as a matron, apply rouge and powder, and join us as women."

"Heh, Linglong, you finally show yourself!" King Xiang smiled at Linglong, unfazed by her mockery.

Perhaps, to him, nothing Linglong said could ever be wrong.

Linglong smiled insincerely at King Xiang.

"So, King Xiang, here to be abused again?" Linglong paced at the door, hands behind her back, looking very much like Qin Daofei preparing to deal with someone.

If not for King Xiang's presence, the doorman might have laughed.

"I prefer you abusing me in bed. Linglong, I have a villa on the outskirts—if you agree, let's go now. I guarantee I'm better than Qin Daofei." King Xiang grinned wickedly.

The manor folk's faces changed at his words.

Linglong wrinkled her nose, sniffing, "Who's spewing filth—why does it stink?"

Hua'er smelled it too—it was truly foul!

Everyone smelled it, and it was indeed disgusting!

People thought, so this man's words really stink like manure.

King Xiang smelled it as well.

"Linglong, what have you done now?" After being tricked by Linglong several times, King Xiang felt uneasy.

Linglong smiled, "What could I possibly do?"

At that moment, several boys placed a chamber pot in front of Linglong and quickly ran off.

Linglong held her nose, opened the pot, scooped out a ladle, and splashed it toward King Xiang and his men.

King Xiang's guards shielded him and drew their swords. "How dare you, Feng Linglong, splash filth at King Xiang—do you want to die?"

"Brother, your words hurt my feelings!" Linglong said sadly, but her hands kept splashing manure down the steps.

"You don't understand—I'm fond of my flowers and grass. Look at how you've trampled Xiaoyao Manor's turf. I'm heartbroken for the grass, so I'm feeding it some nutrients. If you don't like it, you can leave." Linglong splashed as she moved forward.

King Xiang and his guards retreated step by step, while Linglong advanced.

The stench attracted crowds, who gathered to watch. Seeing King Xiang causing trouble at Xiaoyao Manor yet again, people whispered that he abused his power and was hardly human.

Prince or not, losing public favor was dangerous. The guards quietly advised King Xiang, "Your Highness, let's go. Feng Linglong can be dealt with later, but losing the people's support will harm your future."

Hmph.

King Xiang stared deeply at Linglong, then left with a flick of his sleeves.

Linglong tossed the chamber pot aside, sneering, "Someone clean this up—don't disturb the neighbors."

"Hua'er, fetch some silver for the cleaners—thank them for their hard work!" Linglong said, and left to bathe, unable to stand the smell.

Just as Linglong finished her bath, someone reported, "Steward Zhang, King Xiang just left, and now the Jingzhao Office is here."

Heh.

Linglong tidied herself and walked out, saying coolly, "He does have some skills—always able to summon the Jingzhao officials."

"What now?" Steward Zhang felt that if King Xiang kept this up, he'd die of exhaustion.

Linglong smiled, "Let's see—surely the Jingzhao Office can't arrest me without reason?"

Once more, the group marched out to face the Jingzhao officials.

The new magistrate was a middle-aged man, stern and taciturn—a ruthless type.

Linglong stood on the steps and saluted, "Greetings, Magistrate!"

"I heard Xiaoyao Manor splashed filth on the street and came to inspect." The magistrate spoke coldly.

Linglong smiled, "Sir, what do you consider filth?"

Though the air still carried a hint of manure, the street was at least clean.

The magistrate snorted, "Seems the report was false. Sorry to trouble you!"

"Magistrate, if you need information, come to Xiaoyao Manor. I'll give you a discount—save you wasted trips and time!" Linglong said, still promoting the manor's business as the magistrate departed.

Steward Zhang felt an urge to beat Linglong—too arrogant.

Yet he also admired her. Using the crudest methods, she subdued King Xiang, anticipated his next move, and swiftly dealt with the aftermath, leaving the magistrate with nothing to do.

Steward Zhang was torn, both liking and fearing Linglong.

Linglong, oblivious to the trouble she caused, smiled, "I've given my all for Xiaoyao Manor. When your master returns, have him bring silver notes to thank me."

Any gratitude toward Linglong among the manor folk vanished instantly.

After returning to her room, Linglong's excitement faded. She sprawled on her desk, wailing, "Ah, life is so dull it's maddening—someone come play with me!"

"A woman who only knows how to splash manure—who would play with you?" Affie said coolly, hanging upside down from the beam.

Linglong bared her teeth. "I have plenty of skills—want to see?"

"You mean seducing Qin Daofei until he's burning, then begging for mercy?" Affie stabbed at Linglong with every word.

Linglong pointed at Affie angrily. "I don't want to talk to you—leave!"

"Are you sure?" Affie retorted.

Linglong frowned, cautiously watching the door.

Just then, Affie moved. Her hands curled like eagle talons, reaching for the door.

Soon, Affie dragged a small person in front of Linglong.

"You?" The person Affie hauled in was none other than Tan Xiyin's maid.

"Madam, my name is Chunhua—I serve the Second Madam," the maid said, head lowered in fear.

Linglong kicked Affie. "You're scaring her!"

Affie rolled her eyes. Clearly, the girl was afraid of Linglong, not Affie.

"What do you want?" Linglong asked kindly.

Chunhua kept her head down, mumbling, "Second Madam is bored staying in her room all day. I wanted to ask Madam's permission for the craftsmen to make her a wheelchair so she could get some air."

Oh!

Linglong shrugged, feeling that Lady Tan didn't deserve such a good maid.

"I understand. I don't have authority, but I'll mention it to the Master. If he agrees, you can go ahead and have it made." Linglong couldn't bear to disappoint the maid.

Chunhua was so moved that she knelt, "Madam, though Second Madam says you're unkind, Chunhua knows you're good."

Heh.

Such honesty!

"Go on!" Linglong cradled her face, no longer looking at Chunhua.

After Chunhua left, Linglong sighed heavily, lamenting, "I was going to harass Lady Tan, but this Chunhua is so good—I can't bring myself to go."

"Idiot!" Affie snorted.

Linglong pointed at the beam, retorting, "Viper!"

"Pig!" Affie retorted coolly.

"Stinky bat!" Linglong stomped and cursed.

"Dumb pig!" Affie, now hooked on the exchange, continued as Linglong persisted.

"Black widow!"

Pfft!

Hua'er entered with food, laughing, "You two sisters together must be forty by now."

"Childish," Affie said coldly to Linglong.

Linglong, unwilling to give in, pointed at Affie, "She called you childish! Hua'er meant you—childish, venomous, nimble as a bat, heart as cold as a black widow!"

Linglong strung all the insults together.

Affie drew her sword on the beam.

Clang!

Linglong shrank, clutching Huaer's sleeve and whining, "Hua'er, she's going to kill me to silence me!"

Genius—remember the site address in a second: . The mobile reading site: m.