Chapter 57: Returning the Favor

"Are you sure Sister Effie isn't just unable to tolerate you?" Hua'er ruthlessly pushed Linglong aside, shoved chopsticks into her hand, and gave a sharp command: "Eat!"

"If I eat my fill, I'll just want to sleep again!" Linglong objected.

Hua'er laughed, "Weren’t you just bored? Now if you nap after eating, you'll restore your strength and maybe even save your life. Isn’t that great?"

"Even pigs would be offended if people called you one!" Effie sheathed her sword.

Linglong slurped her noodles indignantly, thinking to herself, So this is what it feels like to be raised like a pig.

After the meal, as always, Linglong fell asleep.

Watching her snore peacefully, Hua'er looked up at the beam and asked Effie curiously, "Sister Effie, don't you think my lady is sleeping more and more lately?"

Effie paused on the beam, her tone even, "Go find someone, have Ye Lishang come look her over."

After Hua'er left, Effie descended from the beam, took Linglong’s wrist, and checked her pulse. After a moment, a subtle sadness flickered in Effie’s eyes. She gently laid Linglong’s hand down.

By the time Hua'er returned, Effie was no longer at the bedside.

No matter how Hua'er called from below, Effie sat in meditation atop the beam, ignoring her completely.

Thinking Effie had left, Hua'er called no more.

Ye Lishang soon arrived. Finding Qin Daofei out, he rubbed his hands together, his expression wolfish as he reached to poke Linglong’s cheek.

"You’d better think twice," Effie warned coldly from above.

Ye Lishang swallowed hard, looking up to coax Effie. "Don’t you want to kill this scoundrel too?"

"Every moment of the day," Effie replied sincerely.

"Right? So why don't we join forces and kill her together?" Ye Lishang nodded.

"If she’s to be killed, I’ll do it myself. What’s it to you?" Effie, fiercely loyal, shot back.

Ye Lishang scowled, muttering, "As expected, anyone involved with this woman is a monster. Best to stay cautious."

Effie said nothing, only gripping her sword ever tighter, her face wary.

Ye Lishang, clearly a glutton for punishment, even in Qin Daofei’s absence, habitually placed a handkerchief on Linglong’s wrist before calming himself enough to check her pulse.

"Strange," Ye Lishang mumbled, "Feng Linglong’s pulse grows weaker and more unstable. This isn’t looking good."

Effie’s gaze chilled. "Did you find anything wrong?"

"No. She probably just spends too much time making trouble and not enough resting, ha ha ha!" Ye Lishang poked Linglong’s face for fun, then did it twice more.

Effie rolled her eyes, her voice frosty. "You’re not long for this world."

"As long as you don’t tell Qin Daofei, I won’t die!" He poked again.

"Is that so?" A voice, cold as ice, sounded behind them, making Ye Lishang’s extended finger snap back like a startled rabbit.

Oh, mother!

Ye Lishang pulled a packet of powder from his robe, scattered it, and bolted.

When the powder cleared, Qin Daofei stood amid the settling dust, untouched, but his eyes were colder and more murderous than any poison.

"Jifeng, go and bring Ye Lishang back. I want him to understand the price of laying a hand on my woman," Qin Daofei’s smile was cruel.

"Of course! I’ll go right away!" Jifeng could barely contain himself.

Meanwhile, Ye Lishang fled straight to the Second Prince’s residence, barged into the study, and hid behind the prince, trembling.

"Well? What evil deed have you committed this time?" The Second Prince asked languidly over his tea.

Ye Lishang clung to his sleeve, groveling. "I touched Feng Linglong’s face."

Ha!

"Then you’d best pray for yourself," the Second Prince said, rising to leave.

Desperate, Ye Lishang clung to him like a scoundrel, wrapping his legs around the prince’s sturdy waist. "Save me!"

"How many times did you touch her?" the prince asked.

Ye Lishang counted on his fingers. "Strictly speaking, I just poked her—one, two, three, four, five times!"

"Shall I chop your hand off and send it to Qin Daofei?" The prince smirked. Five times? One would be enough for Qin Daofei to kill you a hundred times over.

Biting his lip, Ye Lishang moaned, "I’ve noticed Feng Linglong’s condition worsening. If Qin Daofei kills me, there’ll be no one left to save her."

"Really? Even your medicine can’t help?" The prince turned serious.

"I’m puzzled too, so I plan to—"

Bang! The study door was kicked open by Jifeng. Seeing Ye Lishang entangled with the prince, Jifeng recoiled, covering his face.

He’s still a boy!

"Is my study door something you can all kick at will?" The prince said, half-smiling.

Jifeng pretended not to understand, bowing. "Second Prince, my lord wants Ye Lishang brought back, alive or dead."

"And you still have the mood to fool about?" The prince snapped.

Jifeng, startled, asked, "Has something happened?"

The prince pushed Ye Lishang forward. "Qin Daofei’s beloved is worsening. Urgent enough for you?"

Whoosh! Jifeng vanished, returning seconds later to drag Ye Lishang away.

The prince was left empty-handed, sighing, "Good grief!" He ground his teeth, but did nothing more.

Sitting at his desk for a moment, he instructed a shadow guard, "Follow them. Don’t let Qin Daofei cripple him."

"Yes!" The guard ran toward the estate.

Jifeng dragged Ye Lishang back to the manor, shoved him before Qin Daofei, and said urgently, "Master, I’ve got him. But he says—"

Ye Lishang lunged to cover Jifeng’s mouth, giving him a grave look.

Jifeng grunted.

"How do you want to die?" Qin Daofei asked Ye Lishang.

"Blissfully!" Ye Lishang grinned.

"Jifeng, make sure he dies blissfully." Qin Daofei settled into a chair, unruffled.

In the midst of this, Ye Lishang sidled up to Qin Daofei’s ear. "Linglong is seriously ill."

Qin Daofei’s expression didn’t change, but he signaled Jifeng with his eyes, who nodded in understanding.

Ye Lishang continued, "As for Yuanyang—"

"Yuanyang..." Jifeng gritted his teeth and leapt to the beam.

Soon, Effie's chilly voice could be heard, "You really can’t go a day without courting death, can you!"

"Seeing you makes me uneasy. As long as you live, I’ll avenge the people of Yuanyang!" Jifeng attacked Effie without another word.

Qin Daofei called out, "If you want to fight, do it outside. Don’t disturb Linglong!"

Soon, the sounds of battle faded into the distance.

Qin Daofei turned to Ye Lishang, "What’s going on?"

"Her body is failing. You need to find my master, quickly!" Ye Lishang frowned.

Qin Daofei’s voice was cold, "You’re really out of options?"

"The more I treat, the worse it gets. What do you think?" Though Ye Lishang hated to admit it, life was at stake—he had to make Qin Daofei consider his master.

Qin Daofei glanced at the beam. "Do you suspect her?"

"I suspect everyone. Someone’s clearly interfering," Ye Lishang replied.

After a moment’s thought, Qin Daofei said, "Get ready. We’ll leave the city soon."

"How do you plan to travel?" Ye Lishang asked.

"I’ll tell Xi Yin I’m taking you to see a healer for her leg. Linglong insists on coming too."

"That does suit Feng Linglong’s character," Ye Lishang grinned.

Qin Daofei bared his teeth in a grim smile. "As for our own accounts, we’ll settle them in time." With that, Ye Lishang slipped away.

Qin Daofei carried Linglong, gently patting her face.

"Linglong..."

"Mmm, I want to sleep..." Linglong mumbled, trying to swat him away, but he caught her wrist.

He kissed her forehead and said softly, "Get up. I have something important to tell you."

"Is there money involved?" Linglong asked.

"I’ll give you a hundred thousand taels of gold," Qin Daofei replied.

"Really?" Linglong sat up at once, looking at Qin Daofei as if he were a pile of gold himself.

Qin Daofei glared.

Linglong quickly sobered, asking quietly, "What do you want to talk about?"

Qin Daofei whispered a long explanation in her ear. His grim tone left Linglong momentarily puzzled.

After he finished, Qin Daofei left.

About half an hour later, Linglong woke at her usual time. Hua’er was waiting with fresh water.

Linglong put on her shoes. "Where’s Qin Daofei?"

"At the Melodious Pavilion," Hua’er replied.

Linglong grabbed Hua’er. "Let’s go see?"

"Wash your face first!" Hua’er pulled at Linglong, who tugged her back. "Who needs a face? I’m done with mine!"

Pfft!

Hua’er nearly coughed up blood but didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

In their hurry, they reached the Melodious Pavilion just as Qin Daofei said, "I plan to take you outside the city to see a master about your injury."

Linglong halted at the door, tears already trickling down her collar.

Fearing Linglong couldn’t bear it, Hua’er patted her on the shoulder.

Inside, Tan Xiyin’s fragile voice sounded, "Daofei, don’t you blame me?"

"As you said, I owe your brother my life. For his sake, I can’t abandon you, can I?" Qin Daofei replied coldly.

Tan Xiyin fell silent.

Linglong’s tears fell like broken pearls, one after another.

"My lady, let’s go back," Hua’er urged, trying to lead Linglong away.

But Linglong refused. She kicked the door open with a crash, sending dust swirling in the sunlight.

"Who’s there?" Tan Xiyin trembled, clutching Qin Daofei’s sleeve. "The first wife is here!"

"It’s alright. I’m here; she won’t go too far," Qin Daofei consoled her.

Linglong strode in, arms folded, looking coldly at Qin Daofei. "So, Master Qin, you truly are a romantic. The woman who killed your child, and you still cherish her?"

"Linglong, she’s already suffered. Why persist?" Qin Daofei said.

Linglong lunged, grabbing Tan Xiyin’s hair. "Why persist? Why? She killed my child, exiled me beyond the borders for two years, nearly died a dozen times—and after I finally learned the truth, you tell me to let it go? You want me to forgive her? Is that it?"

Linglong slapped Tan Xiyin’s face over and over.

Seeing she was too harsh, Qin Daofei carried Linglong outside.

She fought and hit him as she screamed, "Qin Daofei, you heartless bastard, let me go! If you don’t hand Tan Xiyin over to the authorities today, I’ll kill you!"

Her outburst drew a crowd, but Linglong didn’t care. She demanded of Qin Daofei, "Are you really going to treat her?"

"The past is past, Linglong. Can’t you let go?" Qin Daofei said, helpless.

Linglong kicked him hard. "You say let go, and it's gone? Why don’t you try running for your life with her, starve in exile, eat dead flesh, drink blood to survive? Why don’t you take Tan Xiyin and try it—go on, go!"

Her sobs were so pitiful that even Hua’er rushed to embrace her, pleading with Qin Daofei, "Must you do this, sir?"

"Linglong..." Qin Daofei began, but was interrupted by a heavy thud from inside.

Tan Xiyin crawled out, clutching at Linglong’s skirt. "First wife, please, don’t hit Daofei—it’s all my fault. Hit me instead!"

"Get away, slut!" Linglong kicked her in the face, her eyes full of hate.

Qin Daofei closed his eyes, speaking gently, "Linglong, please don’t be like this."

She slapped him. "Fine, then kill Tan Xiyin for me!"

"First wife, if Daofei cures my leg, I’ll turn myself in. Please, don’t make things harder for him," Tan Xiyin pleaded.

Linglong looked coldly at her. "You mean it?"

"I do," Tan Xiyin replied, eyes shut in pain.

Linglong wiped her tears. "Then I’m coming too!"

"Linglong... Why come if I’m just taking her to the healer?" Qin Daofei asked.

Linglong, her tears not wiped away, grabbed his sleeve, smearing it with snot for good measure. "Who’d believe the two of you going alone? Besides, if I don’t watch Tan Xiyin, I can’t relax!"

She had to go—bullying Tan Xiyin made every meal taste sweeter.

Qin Daofei ground his teeth, Linglong taunted him.

"Fine. Hua’er, help your lady pack her things—she’s coming with us!" Qin Daofei said coldly, sweeping out.

Linglong tidied herself, speaking lightly to Hua’er, "Pack my daggers and hairpins. Don’t let them stick Tan Xiyin by accident."

"Yes, yes!" Hua’er dared not cross her now, only obey.

When Qin Daofei returned to his study, Jifeng was barely containing his laughter at the handprint on his face.

"If you want to laugh, just laugh. I won’t kill you," Qin Daofei said coldly.

Not kill? Crippled might be worse.

Jifeng shook his head vigorously. "No, sir, I have no intention to laugh. Please continue."

"Handle affairs while I’m away. Pause the investigation into Hu Meiniang. Only small business during my absence," Qin Daofei instructed.

Jifeng nodded. "Sir, you’re really taking the First Lady?"

"Should I leave her here? Could you manage her?" Qin Daofei retorted.

Jifeng shook his head. "No way. Best take her. No one’s her match."

"Prepare a large, comfortable carriage, and a smaller one as well," Qin Daofei ordered.

Jifeng raised an eyebrow, "The big one for the First Lady, or the small one?"

"Are you tired of living? Get to work!" Tang Li entered, grabbing Jifeng by the neck and dragging him out.

Jifeng finally burst out laughing.

Qin Daofei ground his teeth, but there was nothing he could do.

Before departure—

Madam Qin Xiangyu was displeased to hear Qin Daofei was taking Tan Xiyin for treatment. "If you ask me, a vicious woman like that is a catastrophe, and you still want to save her."

"Mother, don’t forget, without Tan Jian, I’d be dead. I can’t repay Tan Jian, so I must repay her," Qin Daofei replied calmly.

She stroked his face, bruised from Linglong’s blows. "And you let Feng Linglong hit you in front of everyone?"

"I was wrong. Linglong suffers; let her hit me. Mother, please, don’t embarrass me at home."

She pursed her lips, "You rascal. If you treat your mother this way, aren’t you afraid I’ll die to spite you?"

He’d threatened to find someone for his cousin—how could Xiangyu still dare cause trouble?

"Mother, go rest," Qin Daofei said, heading for the carriage.

Inside, Linglong lounged on a soft couch, a small table between her and Hua’er and Fang Qing, with wine and dishes arranged.

Seeing Qin Daofei, Hua’er tried to flee.

Linglong grabbed her hair, smiling, "Where are you off to, Hua’er?"

"I’m going to see the scenery with Brother Tang!" she replied, tugging to free herself.

Linglong pointed at Qin Daofei, "Let him see the scenery. We’ll drink!"

Fang Qing gently tapped Linglong’s wrist with her chopsticks, making her hand go numb and release Hua’er.

Hua’er dragged Fang Qing out. "Sir, take your time. No need to be polite!"

She even greeted Qin Daofei before leaving.

Qin Daofei curled his lips wickedly, "Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her."

Linglong shrank back, stammering, "Uh… Qin Daofei, calm down!"

"Slap me, pull my hair, wipe your nose on my sleeve?" Each word, he advanced closer.

Soon, Linglong found herself cornered, entirely at his mercy.

"But you told me to act convincingly. You can’t blame me!" Linglong shielded her mouth with her sleeve.

Qin Daofei gritted his teeth. "I said to act, but you really hit me?"

"If I’d faked it, people would suspect. If they suspect, our plan is exposed!" Linglong argued, unwilling to admit she simply enjoyed slapping him.

In the Melodious Pavilion, seeing Qin Daofei forced to swallow his anger, Linglong had relished every slap.

Qin Daofei’s grin was wicked. "Now that your scene’s over, is it my turn?"

"You’d hit a defenseless woman?" Linglong’s eyes widened in fear.

Qin Daofei grabbed her wrist, exposing her lips. "Defenseless?"

A defenseless woman who’d left his face red for an hour—some defenseless.

Linglong nodded. "I’m so weak, so frail. My hand is swollen from hitting you. Poor me!"

She showed him her reddened palm, fishing for sympathy.

Smack!

Qin Daofei gently tapped her hand, bringing tears to her eyes. "It hurts!"

And then—

Qin Daofei’s heart softened. He massaged her wrist, "Next time, try not to abuse your power for personal reasons?"

"I need ointment!" Linglong played the victim.

Truth be told, she had hit him with all her strength; her palm was indeed swollen.

Qin Daofei sighed, took out ointment, and gently applied it. "You know I could never bear to hurt you."

Ha!

Linglong snuggled into his arms, pouting, "I didn’t mean it. Don’t be angry, alright?"

"Hmm. Next time, pay with your body," Qin Daofei said easily.

Linglong clutched her head. "Oh, my head hurts. I need fresh air!" She slipped out of his arms like an eel and tried to squeeze in with Tang Li, Hua’er, and Fang Qing.

Qin Daofei hooked her ankle and gently pulled—Linglong rolled back like a dumpling.

Pfft!

"This reminds me of dragging a dead pig—looks just like this!" Fang Qing laughed, delighted.

Linglong complained, "Fang Qing, I’ve never wronged you. Why treat me like this?"

"Oh?" Fang Qing frowned. "Then why does Murong Xiao always intercept me when I go out?"

Linglong looked to the sky, refusing to admit she’d sold Fang Qing’s schedule to Murong Xiao for five hundred taels.

"Who knows? Maybe Murong Xiao is a dog?" Linglong decided the carriage was safer.

Fang Qing nodded, "True. Plus, there’s a pig helping—worse than animals!"

Pfft!

Linglong grumbled, "Qin Daofei, your friends insult me."

"Did they? I didn’t hear a thing," Qin Daofei laughed, enjoying her misfortune.

Linglong looked to the heavens again. With so many enemies, she wasn’t safe anywhere!

While their carriage was filled with laughter, Tan Xiyin’s journey was much lonelier.

Qin Daofei said it was best not to bring too many people. He claimed Linglong’s maids could care for Tan Xiyin, so refused to let her bring her own maid.

But with everyone else crammed into the large carriage, no one paid her any mind.

Tan Xiyin grieved, "Though Daofei says he’s forgiven me, he doesn’t care anymore. He’s already let me go…"

That night, when Fang Qing and Hua’er came to rest in Tan Xiyin’s carriage, Tan Xiyin coldly pushed Hua’er.

"What is it, Second Lady?" Hua’er asked, never one for kindness.

Eyes closed, Tan Xiyin said softly, "Hua’er, I know all about your past. The poison in that scepter may seem cured, but Nether Hall’s toxins are no simple matter. If you want to live, you must do me a favor."

Hua’er’s body shook. She hadn’t expected Tan Xiyin to admit this so openly, with clear threat.

The realization made Hua’er tremble.

In the darkness, Fang Qing, on the edge, squeezed Hua’er’s hand in silent comfort.

Steadying herself, Hua’er asked, "What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to poison Feng Linglong—use Lifebane Paste. She and her child must die together, to accompany my family in death." Tan Xiyin’s icy words chilled Hua’er to the bone.

Hua’er laughed bitterly, "Tan Xiyin, you’re still unrepentant?"

"As long as Feng Linglong lives, I’ll never repent—never!" Tan Xiyin replied with venom.

Hua’er said nothing, sitting up and slipping outside.

Fang Qing, in the dark, took her own ointment, dosed Tan Xiyin into unconsciousness, then sat up and stared at her. "Tan Xiyin, you truly deserve death," she said, then went after Hua’er.

Hua’er crouched by a boulder, hugging herself, as lost as an orphaned child.

She knew her past would one day be used against her, but never expected Tan Xiyin to know, or to use it as leverage.

Hua’er was determined not to be blackmailed. She looked at her wrist, wondering if perhaps it was time to end things herself.

"What are you doing out here alone? There are wild beasts in these mountains," Tang Li appeared behind her.

Hua’er smiled softly, "It’s nothing—just a bit crowded in there."

Seeing Tang Li, Fang Qing didn’t come closer.

Tang Li, noticing Fang Qing, looked at Hua’er in the moonlight, then squatted beside her.

"Hua’er, need to talk?"

"No, Brother Tang, go rest. I’m fine."

The more she insisted, the more uneasy Tang Li felt. He glanced at her, then headed back to the carriage.

Hua’er watched him go, longing in her eyes. She’d never thought she could fall for someone again, but it was too late.

When Tang Li reached the carriage, Fang Qing said, "Keep an eye on Hua’er—she’s not well."

"You go. She resents me." Tang Li looked back—Hua’er was gone.

"Hua’er!" Tang Li shouted, waking Qin Daofei, who opened the curtain. "What’s going on?"

Tang Li and Fang Qing chased after Hua’er, catching her near a cliff.

"I just needed the bathroom. What’s the fuss?" Hua’er forced a smile.

Fang Qing signaled Tang Li, who, though worried, retreated.

Once he’d gone, Fang Qing said quietly, "If you die, Linglong might not survive. She’s lost too much—her father, her child, her home. If she loses you, her only family, she’ll die too. When Tan Xiyin had you poisoned, Linglong looked like she’d crawled out of hell."

"Sister Fang Qing, I can’t let Tan Xiyin threaten my lady," Hua’er said sorrowfully.

Fang Qing led her away from the cliff to a grassy spot. "I advise you to tell Linglong. She has a thousand ways to make Tan Xiyin suffer."

"No. If my lady knew, she’d either kill Tan Xiyin or compromise for my sake. I can’t let her be held hostage," Hua’er insisted.

Fang Qing flicked her forehead. "You don’t understand Linglong. She’s the cleverest woman I’ve known. When she was eleven, the Feng family was barely surviving on ancestral wealth. She once bought an antique at the bank for three hundred taels and sold it for a hundred thousand. If she hadn’t lost her child, she’d have revived the family business."

"Tell her. She’s fragile, but strong. She can’t lose you, but she’ll never be controlled by Tan Xiyin."

Hua’er kept her head down, silent.

"What, planning to jump without telling me?" Linglong appeared, wearing Qin Daofei’s coat.

Hua’er burst into tears.

Linglong tapped her forehead, eyes shining with tears, "Aren’t you ashamed? After all these years, you still haven’t learned to be a scoundrel from me?"

"My lady, I just didn’t want you to be used," Hua’er repeated.

Linglong sat across from her, her gaze icy. "Her? Tan Xiyin is nothing. If I want her dead, it’s as easy as crushing an ant."

Just not yet.

"Miss..." Hua’er pleaded.

Linglong shrugged. "Tomorrow, watch how I avenge you."

She nudged Hua’er’s foot. "The past is done. Face it. Don’t let others use it to hurt you."

"What should I do?" Hua’er asked, looking up with resolve.

"If she threatens you again, bite back. I’ll find someone—if we can’t kill her, I’d be ashamed to call myself Feng Linglong!"

Fang Qing linked arms, half-smiling, "And if not, what will you call yourself?"

Linglong mused, "Bird. Second Brother Bird!"

"Feng Linglong, you’re such a rascal!" Fang Qing gritted her teeth.

Hua’er hung her head, mortified.

Linglong grinned, "Remember, to handle the shameless, you must be more shameless. Otherwise, don’t call yourself my Hua’er."

"I’ll remember!" Hua’er stamped her foot. Her resolve to die was scattered by Linglong’s nonsense.

Seeing Linglong humming as she walked back, Tang Li couldn’t help but smile.

Noticing his amusement, Linglong sidled over, tugging his sleeve. "Brother Tang, I saved someone for you—shouldn’t you thank me?"

"You’re always joking, First Lady. She’s yours, all yours!" Tang Li, finding Linglong too formidable, hurried away.

He thought, perhaps he’d be safer near his master.

At dawn, they reached a small town. Linglong wanted to dine there, and the ever-indulgent Qin Daofei agreed.

"You all go ahead; Tan Xiyin and I have private matters to discuss," Linglong said, shooing everyone off.

Private matters?

The others knew Linglong meant to deal with Tan Xiyin, so they herded Qin Daofei away.

Inside the inn, Qin Daofei frowned, "Are you all just going to let her run wild?"

"Why not persuade her yourself?" Fang Qing replied.

After a moment, Qin Daofei sighed, "Eat—so we can be on our way."

In the carriage, only Tan Xiyin and Linglong remained.

Linglong propped her chin, eyeing Tan Xiyin’s flawless face. "Tan Xiyin, you’re a true beauty."

"Left alone, are you planning to ruin my looks?" Tan Xiyin asked, confident in her appearance.

Linglong shook her head. "Am I that kind of person?"

From her sleeve, she drew a vivid red snake—the very one that once frightened Xiang Wang into a lake.

"What are you doing?" Like all women, Tan Xiyin feared snakes; her tongue tied in fright.

Linglong pouted, "Don’t scare my Little Red."

"Feng Linglong, you want to poison me?" Tan Xiyin’s pupils shrank.

Linglong laughed, "This snake is venomous, but its poison is unique. If you’re bitten, you’ll become insatiable—unless you have a dozen men, you’ll never be cured. Imagine if I let her bite you and made you disgrace yourself with countless men in public—how would Qin Daofei see you?"

"You… you wouldn’t dare!" Tan Xiyin protested, but she knew full well there was nothing Linglong wouldn’t do.

Linglong grinned, "You say I wouldn’t dare? After all these years as rivals, you still don’t know your opponent? I’m capable of anything!"

She slid a hand to Tan Xiyin’s thigh. "If Qin Daofei knew your leg was fine, wouldn’t he just leave you here? If you were alone, do you think I’d spare you?"

Where she pinched, Tan Xiyin broke out in a cold sweat. But compared to Linglong’s words, the pain was nothing.

"What do you want?" Tan Xiyin gasped.

"What do I want? Whatever you forced Hua’er to do, I want the same. You have no right to challenge me or demand anything from Hua’er. Threatening her is threatening me—and the consequences are far worse than mutual destruction."

Linglong pinched her again. Tan Xiyin, unable to bear it, withdrew her leg.

Yes, her leg was perfectly fine.

Ha!

Seeing her ruse exposed, Linglong smiled smugly. "See? Nothing escapes me. Don’t try to outwit me. Play along and you might stay by Qin Daofei’s side, but don’t threaten Hua’er again—or else…"

Linglong said no more, but clapped her hands and left the carriage.

She even helped the "crippled" Tan Xiyin down, all gentle big-sisterly affection, as the servants carried her inside.

Tan Xiyin remained silent, only casting Qin Daofei a sorrowful glance.

But all of Qin Daofei’s attention was on Linglong. Although he never stared openly, he was always quick to anticipate her needs, handing her things before she could even ask.

Seeing this, Tan Xiyin’s heart chilled.

She knew she was only a burden he had to bear to repay an old debt.

Yes, she was a pitiable burden.

After breakfast, they set out again.

Hua’er pulled Linglong aside. "Miss, what did you do to her? She looked awful."

"Don’t worry, I didn’t hit her. She won’t dare blackmail you again. If she tries, don’t keep it to yourself—tell me, and I’ll settle her. Hua’er, it’s hard enough to survive. I don’t want either of us hurt again."

"I understand, miss. I’ll try to live well," Hua’er replied, but Linglong found her too sorrowful to truly mean it.

Still, she didn’t press her—Hua’er was not like her, with a thick skin and unbreakable spirit.

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