Chapter 73: Letting Tan Xiyin and Xiang Wang Tear Each Other Apart

The venerable Master Yizhen actually accepted—it was unexpected. He nodded thoughtfully and said, “That’s why I know you’re well-behaved; I’ll catch you a few more fish!” Truly, anyone who could be friends with Linglong was hardly ordinary.

After some playful banter with Master Yizhen, Linglong instructed Hua’er to wait here for Yizhen’s fish. Since Fang Qing and Murong Xiao were newlyweds basking in their honeymoon bliss, Linglong felt too embarrassed to have them accompany her and thus found an excuse to visit Yixiao alone, forbidding the couple to follow.

“You’re too vulnerable alone; I can’t bear the thought of it!” Qin Daofei had sent a pigeon-letter to Fang Qing before departing, asking her to look after Linglong.

Fang Qing agreed, so Linglong must remain safe.

Yet, Qin Daofei never mentioned Linglong’s martial skills. In fact, no one truly knew whether Linglong’s abilities were mere trifles or something more formidable.

Walking alone through Hanshan Temple, Linglong’s thoughts involuntarily drifted back to her foolish youth.

Back then, the young Master Qin, with idle curiosity, often came to Hanshan Temple to listen to the abbot’s Buddhist teachings and occasionally chatted with Master Yizhen. Somehow, over time, the two became lifelong friends with Linglong despite their age differences.

Ah, those days!

Linglong would trail behind Qin Daofei, no matter how harsh his words. She would self-heal, catch up quickly, and continue teasing him.

Eventually, everyone assumed Linglong’s one-sided affection annoyed Qin Daofei. Yet none considered why someone so cold as him tolerated a woman for so many years.

Now, Linglong often questioned herself: Why did Qin Daofei endure her? Why didn’t he have her killed or send others to deal with her?

Given his temperament, if he truly hated her, he wouldn’t have held back.

Thinking this way only deepened Linglong’s longing for Qin Daofei. At least by his side, she could laze about, think of nothing, do nothing, lean on him entirely.

Since Aunt Liang’s passing, Linglong felt drained, constantly fatigued, yearning to close her eyes and abandon all thoughts—love whom she pleased, do as she wished.

“Oh dear, Brother Axian, don’t be like this! I promise the food I made this time isn’t poisoned—it’s delicious! To ensure your safety, I even tasted it myself at home,” a girl dressed in a blush-colored gown blocked the path of a handsome youth in white.

The youth’s refined features soured with irritation at being stopped.

“Do you have any self-respect? I told you I don’t like you; stop pestering me!” he snapped angrily.

A flash of hurt crossed the girl’s eyes but quickly vanished as she pouted, “You told me when we were kids that once you decide on someone, you should pursue them fearlessly, without fearing disappointment.”

The youth’s eyes blazed with fury. He shoved her aside and strode off.

The girl lost her balance and fell, scattering pastries from her basket. She whimpered, “Brother Axian, it hurts! Wait for me!”

The youth glanced back and snarled, “You’re so stupid, messing everything up. Who’d want to wait for you?”

Though he spoke harshly, he didn’t move further away, nor did he turn back to help.

So much like Qin Daofei!

Linglong couldn’t help but approach, standing before the girl. “Does his treatment of you make you sad?”

“Very sad,” the girl admitted candidly.

Linglong crouched to help gather the mess and loudly enough for the youth to hear said, “He treats you badly because he doesn’t like you. Find someone else to like—this kind of love is too exhausting.”

“But I’ve only ever liked him. Where else could I go to find someone to love?” the girl despondently tossed the ruined pastries aside.

Linglong cupped her face, “I used to be like you, thinking there was only one handsome man in the world. But later I realized there are many handsome men—you just haven’t seen them. My brother is quite good-looking; I could introduce you.”

“Foolish already, and now talking to a foolish woman—who knows how foolish you’ll become!” The youth came running back, grabbed the girl’s hand, and pulled her away.

“My basket—haven’t I taken it?” she stammered.

“I’ll buy you a prettier one later, much prettier!” he forbade her from looking back and fiercely asked, “Is there anyone in this world more handsome than me?”

“No, you’re the most handsome!” she obediently replied.

Satisfied, his pace slowed. Linglong heard him say, “Remember, besides me, there’s no one else good-looking. Don’t look at anyone else!”

Ah!

Linglong straightened her clothes and smiled brightly.

But then the girl said, “Will Brother Axian be like Master Qin of Xiaoyao Manor, making me like him for many years only to still not love me and chase me away?”

“As long as you behave, I won’t chase you away. But you have to chase me—I won’t wait for you!”

That little rascal!

“Don’t turn me into the eldest Miss Feng—I’ll be scared!” the girl timidly said.

Linglong clutched her chest, feeling struck.

The youth glanced back at Linglong, baring his teeth in a smile, “Don’t worry, you’re much smarter than her.”

Linglong was certain he knew who she was!

This cunning little scoundrel was exactly like Qin Daofei back then.

She thumped her chest, realizing she might have turned that girl into the next version of herself.

“Hey!” Linglong called after them. The youth forbade the girl from looking back. Linglong spoke to their backs, “If you think you’re not Qin Daofei and she won’t become the next Feng Linglong, then you must cherish her well. Never let her cry. Once a woman is hurt, she won’t want even the things she loves.”

The youth hooked his pinky finger at Linglong and left with the girl.

Linglong nearly fainted with anger.

Yet, on second thought, hadn’t she once been just as stubborn as that girl? But now—

Why was she no longer so persistent?

“Love is love, and it never changes!” Linglong recalled Master Yizhen’s words—that she was destined to be Qin Daofei’s, and he hers.

If only things could continue, might they be a little happier?

She looked up at the blue sky, suddenly overwhelmed with longing for Qin Daofei.

Suddenly, she sensed a shadow flicker past. The clothing looked like Tan Xiyin’s.

Why did this woman get up and walk away in front of everyone?

Curious, Linglong followed.

In the leafy rear courtyard, Linglong saw Tan Xiyin standing beside a tall figure wearing a strange mask that obscured all facial features. Even masked, the figure wore a cloak, exuding a forbidding darkness.

For some reason, Linglong felt this man was the one lurking behind Tan Xiyin.

Eager to hear their conversation, she stealthily crept closer.

Tan Xiyin listened intently, sometimes sneering or showing fear. Linglong’s heart raced, her feet losing their lightness.

Suddenly, the man lifted his head toward Linglong. Though he didn’t smile, she felt a mocking sneer.

“Come out,” the man’s ancient voice intoned.

Linglong chided herself for acting too hastily.

Clapping her hands, she stood with a faint, enigmatic smile. “Ah, adulterers and conspirators at the temple’s back gate—what a thrilling story!”

She deliberately twisted their relationship, hoping to deter the man from killing her for discovering him.

He sneered coldly, “Feng Linglong, we finally meet!”

So it was him!

“If I can’t pretend any longer, let’s see who you really are!” Linglong’s thin fingers clawed toward his face.

Calmly, he brushed her hand aside and lightly tapped her forehead with a finger. The touch was gentle, yet Linglong staggered back three steps.

His martial skill was formidable.

Cold sweat drenched her back. Without a surprise move, she feared death today.

After exchanging dozens of moves, Linglong noticed the man bore no murderous intent; he hadn’t truly struck.

Seeking a swift end, Linglong decided on a sudden attack.

Bold and fierce by nature, she unleashed every weapon she had—countless hidden blades rained upon him.

The man gritted his teeth in anger.

“Feng Linglong, I never intended to kill you, yet you attack relentlessly!” he growled and struck her shoulder.

Linglong flew like a broken kite, crashing into the temple wall. He hesitated, instinctively moved to help, then abruptly grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against the wall again.

Two brutal impacts knocked Linglong unconscious.

The man glanced coldly at her and said softly, “Leave quickly—her people are coming!”

With that, he vaulted the wall and disappeared.

Tan Xiyin’s eyes flashed with venomous killing intent as she approached the fallen Linglong, pulled out a hairpin, and aimed for her carotid artery.

At the last moment, Effie appeared, delivering a kick that sent Tan Xiyin crashing against the wall—she didn’t move afterward.

Effie cradled Linglong, carefully checking her condition before finally relaxing.

She held snuff beneath Linglong’s nose. The pungent scent roused her from unconsciousness.

Coughing, Linglong clutched her chest, gasping, “Damn, that man’s martial arts are too high!”

“Did you see who he was?” Effie asked.

“No, but I know he’s a man, and not young,” Linglong replied.

Effie helped her up, saying coldly, “He came to see Tan Xiyin.”

“Obviously. Too bad we couldn’t capture him,” Linglong lamented.

Effie struck Linglong’s forehead harshly, scolding, “You almost died, you know?”

“He didn’t want to kill me, or I wouldn’t have survived three moves,” Linglong said just as Jifeng hurriedly arrived.

“What about that man? Did he escape?” Jifeng asked.

Linglong pretended to be unconscious; Effie ignored him.

Stomping anxiously, Jifeng asked, “Madam, are you hurt?”

Ah!

Linglong spat blood, clutching Jifeng’s collar. “That man’s skill is incredible. He warned me to be cautious—he’ll come for my life any time. Effie… Effie can’t beat him!”

She then rolled her eyes and “fainted.”

Jifeng reached to check her pulse, but Effie warned coldly, “Are you sure if you touch her, Qin Daofei won’t cut off your hands?”

Jifeng quickly withdrew.

“That man is so formidable, only the Master himself can protect the Madam. I’ll send an urgent message 800 miles away. You take care of her,” Jifeng said before flying off.

Effie dropped Linglong to the ground with a thud.

Linglong winced in pain.

“Missing your Qin Master that much?” Effie sneered.

Linglong pouted, “I’m not thinking of him. I just feel I can’t handle that man alone.”

“Who isn’t helping you?” Effie countered.

Linglong leaned into Effie, coaxing, “But I don’t want to trouble Han Zhi too much.”

“He’s more than happy to be troubled by you,” Effie said.

Linglong got up and clung to Effie, acting spoiled, “No, no, I like bothering you—you said you’d never abandon me.”

“Get lost!” Effie hated clingy people.

Linglong stayed put; Effie stormed off.

After Effie left, Linglong opened her palm to reveal a strange jade pendant she’d taken from the black-clad man. She didn’t recognize it, but he guarded it closely—surely it held great significance.

That night, Linglong sneaked into Xiaoyao Manor.

Though she’d lived there years, sneaking in by climbing walls was a first.

Unexpectedly, Jifeng sat on the other side, waving at her with a smile.

“You scared me, boy!” Linglong calmly walked over and nudged his leg, asking him to make room.

Jifeng grinned, “I knew Madam would come tonight, so I waited.”

“Well, say it first!” Linglong narrowed her eyes.

Jifeng gazed coolly at Miaoyin Pavilion, speaking coldly, “After Tan Xiyin was found, she claimed she was kidnapped and that Madam saved her with martial arts. She seems eager for everyone to know you have skills.”

“And?”

“Someone beat her. I don’t know who, but their skill is likely strong—maybe the same man who attacked Madam.”

“Serves her right! Dog bites dog!” Linglong laughed. Before she could confront Tan Xiyin, someone else had already dealt with her—that pleased Linglong greatly.

Jifeng smiled, “Your turn.”

“When fighting that man, I took something from him. You check it out, see if anyone knows its origin.” Linglong handed over the jade pendant.

Jifeng glanced and said, “Better ask Old Zhu.”

Old Zhu?

“You go, and don’t forget to bring me some big pork knuckles for the Qingyun Charity Hall!” Linglong patted her behind and headed off.

Jifeng chuckled, “Madam, why not come back to stay? Running back and forth is tiring.”

“I’m not close enough to Qin Master to stay at his place,” Linglong snapped, still angry at Qin Daofei’s indifference. She strutted off, refusing to return.

What a loss of dignity!

Jifeng thought it best to wait for the Master to handle her.

Three days later.

Qin Daofei stood beneath the city wall of Yan Yu City beyond the border. Upon receiving Jifeng’s urgent report, he plunged into the recently thawed snowfields.

Tang Li struggled to keep up.

That morning, Linglong strolled in the courtyard with Yixiao. Hu Hanzi emerged from his room, smiling, “Surprising—you suit motherhood well!”

“Speak plainly!” Linglong disliked his tone, as if she weren’t a woman.

“I tested Tan Xiyin. She’s smarter than I thought. Don’t you think we should let her and Xiang Wang tear each other apart?”

Linglong pondered before calmly replying, “Those two mad dogs fighting would be quite a spectacle.”

“But I need your help,” Hu Hanzi said.

Linglong lifted her gaze, “What do you want?”

“Nothing much—just want you to arrange a meeting between Xiang Wang and Tan Xiyin. I’ve prepared rooms at Yunwai Tower.”

Hu Hanzi smiled wryly at Linglong.

Linglong winked with a madam’s grin.

“Rooms?”

“Not what you think. They each like someone else and wouldn’t do that,” Hu Hanzi explained with a weary smile.

Linglong kicked a pebble. “I hope they get together—they’re both despicable.”

“You go. They might not be easy to summon,” Hu Hanzi said before entering the house.

Linglong scratched her face. If she used her own name, Xiang Wang would be easy to summon; otherwise, who knew?

Why did Hu Hanzi want these two to meet?

Linglong couldn’t fathom, so she entrusted the child to Hua’er and went to Xiaoyao Manor to make a scene.

Sometimes, bad luck was truly vexing. Just as Linglong reached the manor gate, Qin Wang Xiangyu appeared, nearly slamming the door shut to keep her out.

“What’re you here for?” Xia He asked.

Linglong smiled, “Don’t worry, I’m just looking for Tan’s concubine.”

“Miss Feng has no right to call our second madam a concubine!” Xia He snapped, regaining her usual arrogance.

Linglong paid no mind; now that she no longer lived at Xiaoyao Manor, she could endure any dislike Xia He bore.

“Then could you please announce I wish to see the second madam? I have some private matters to discuss,” she said with such kindness no one could find fault.

Even Qin Wang Xiangyu and Xia He had no excuse to oppose her.

“Go ask her if she’ll see this woman!” Both were her son’s women, yet she despised them, wishing them dead.

Linglong ignored Qin Wang’s hostility, standing at the gate, looking up at the manor’s grand doors.

Soon, Tan Xiyin’s maid pushed her out. Seeing Linglong, Tan Xiyin coldly, openly sneered, “What, Miss Feng wants to come back?”

“Don’t worry, I’m not as persistent as you,” Linglong sighed calmly. “I came to ask you to meet someone you’ll regret not seeing.”

With that, Linglong suddenly leapt up, whispered a name into Tan Xiyin’s ear, then retreated to the street, leaving without a trace of reluctance.

Tan Xiyin’s cold gaze followed Linglong’s departing figure, filled with resolute hatred.

“What did Miss Feng say to you?” Qin Wang Xiangyu demanded.

Tan Xiyin glanced at her coolly, then replied, “She said she’ll be back.”

“Dream on! Xiaoyao Manor isn’t an inn; she can’t just come and go as she pleases!” Qin Wang snarled.

Furious, Tan Xiyin surprisingly did not fan the flames but had her maid wheel her away.

By the time Qin Wang reacted, Tan Xiyin was gone.

Since Qin Wang had punished her to kneel in snow until near death, Xia He no longer cared about Qin Wang’s affairs.

Like now, Qin Wang’s every action met with her indifference.

Originally intending to meet Wang Liushu, Qin Wang Xiangyu lost interest after Linglong and Tan Xiyin’s visit and angrily returned to Songbai Residence.

Later, accompanied by her maid, Tan Xiyin quietly left through the manor’s back gate.

A green-cloth carriage waited, inside sat a black-clad youth whose face was unseen.

Tan Xiyin told her maid, “Go home. If the matriarch asks, say I’m treating a leg ailment that will take time. Come back before nightfall to pick me up here.”

The maid hesitated but bowed and left.

Afterward, the black-clad youth dismounted, gently placed Tan Xiyin inside the carriage, then silently drove off.

Inside the carriage, a richly dressed middle-aged man sat opposite Tan Xiyin, smiling faintly. She coquettishly nestled against him with a humble posture.

“I thought you’d never need me again. Didn’t expect you’d come back,” the man murmured, caressing her face with lust-filled eyes.

Tan Xiyin looped her arm around him, “I thought Feng Linglong had perished in that fire. I imagined he’d get better and we’d live happily. But what I didn’t expect was that what I wanted didn’t come, and what I feared appeared. Feng Linglong returned, and his heart has no room for anyone else. So I had no choice but to seek you.”

Heh.

Tan Xiyin’s confession didn’t anger him; rather, he admired her.

“You’re lucky you’re not in my mansion, or who knows what havoc you’d wreak.”

“Of course. You don’t love me, and I don’t like you. We only comfort and help each other. Since I need your help, I won’t treat you poorly,” Tan Xiyin said, then began undressing.

Outside, the youth appeared accustomed to this, driving the carriage into a secluded spot without hesitation despite any noise.

Half an hour later, Tan Xiyin, disheveled, drew back the curtain and coldly ordered, “Take me to Yunwai Tower.”

Meanwhile, Linglong hurried to Xiang Wang’s mansion.

Servants greeted her eagerly: “Miss Linglong, the Prince isn’t home. If urgent, I’ll fetch him at once.”

Linglong considered briefly, then said calmly, “Go ahead. I have some matters to discuss.”

A servant hurried to summon Xiang Wang.

The gatekeeper led Linglong to the main hall to notify Liu Fengying.

Bell, a favored figure in Xiang Wang’s household, arrived unexpectedly.

“No need to fetch the princess. I’ll chat with Miss Linglong,” Bell said.

Since Bell was popular, the gatekeeper dared not interfere and retreated.

Bell entered, and Linglong looked up. They studied each other—Linglong surprised; Bell unfazed.

“Do we know each other?” Linglong tested.

Bell smiled, “Miss Linglong is the Prince’s treasure. Of course I know her.”

Her tone bore no jealousy or resentment, only calm sarcasm—directed at Xiang Wang—so Linglong felt no offense.

So they must know each other.

“I came to ask a favor,” Bell said politely, bowing.

Linglong, intrigued, smiled, “Since you say that, I’m eager to hear.”

Bell whispered at length. Linglong first frowned, then smirked, and finally gave a thumbs-up. “How do you know my character so well?”

“Miss, whether I can avenge my great wrong depends on you. Thank you in advance!” Bell knelt deeply before Linglong.

Linglong smiled, “Rise, the Princess has arrived!”

Bell just stood and tidied herself as Liu Fengying entered.

“Princess, many happy returns!” Linglong stepped forward with full etiquette.

Given Xiang Wang’s previous tactics, Liu Fengying dared not be arrogant before Linglong. She feigned warmth, grasped Linglong’s hand: “Miss Linglong, you truly flatter me.”

Linglong said nothing, smiling faintly as she sat.

Liu Fengying turned to Bell, “You know, Miss Linglong is the Prince’s dearest. How dare you serve her? Aren’t you afraid the Prince will skin you alive?”

“Princess, forgive me. Everyone says I resemble Miss Linglong in looks and innocence. I couldn’t resist curiosity. Please don’t tell the Prince!” Bell cooed, acting coquettish.

Linglong frowned, surprised that Liu Fengying and Bell got along well.

“Go on, be playful. Since you know Miss Linglong’s importance, prepare some flower tea and pastries—don’t neglect her!” Liu Fengying dismissed Bell.

After Bell left, Liu Fengying said coldly, “Xiang Wang hasn’t been pestering you lately. Missing him?”

“A bit lonely. Why don’t you keep me company?” Linglong tilted her head, smiling.

Having witnessed Linglong’s cunning, Liu Fengying didn’t dare play but smiled bitterly, “I don’t need you. If you don’t want trouble with Xiang Wang, why stir things up?”

“Because he’s alive, I’m uneasy, always watching to see how badly he fails,” Linglong revealed her hatred openly.

Liu Fengying smirked, “You’ll be disappointed. I heard from my father the emperor is about to declare Xiang Wang as Crown Prince.”

“So, you’re selling out Qin Daofei and throwing yourself into Xiang Wang’s arms?” Linglong sneered.

Liu Fengying avoided the question, smiling, “I tried with Qin Daofei, but he’s unmoved. So I must find someone reliable.”

The future emperor was quite the powerful ally.

“Liu Fengying, you’re shameless!” Linglong said with a half-smile and cold gaze.

Liu Fengying winced, coldly, “Feng Linglong, I can’t harm you out of respect for Xiang Wang. But don’t push too far—I’m the Princess after all.”

“Your princess title was won by stepping on your sister’s corpse. Aren’t you afraid? In the dead of night, don’t you see her choking you, demanding your life?” Linglong stabbed with words.

Liu Fengying snapped, slapping Linglong hard. Linglong did not dodge but smiled calmly.

She had expected to avoid harm but instead met the slap head-on.

“You… you…” Liu Fengying stammered, staring at Linglong’s finger marks.

At that moment, Bell rushed in, terrified at Linglong’s injuries, knocking over a fruit tray and trembling on her knees.

Linglong feigned shame, pushing Liu Fengying aside angrily and storming out.

Passing the gatekeeper, Linglong growled, “Tell Cheng Xiang to come to Yunwai Tower. If he doesn’t, I’ll storm Xiang Wang’s mansion and kill that bitch Liu Fengying.”

Exposing her bruised face, the gatekeeper dared not reply, bowing and sending her off.

In the hall, Liu Fengying grabbed Bell’s collar, furious: “How do I treat you?”

“Princess treats me well!” Bell replied.

“If the Prince asks, what will you say?” Liu Fengying panicked.

Bell shook her head, “I can’t lie. Everyone says not to deceive the Prince about Miss Linglong.”

“You wretch! After all I’ve done for you, if you tell about me slapping Feng Linglong, I’ll kill you. Understand?” Liu Fengying’s menace was clear.

Bell clung to her legs, pleading, “Princess, I won’t lie. Please don’t treat me like this!”

Liu Fengying kicked Bell away, snarling, “Say one word and I’ll kill you!”

Then she staggered off.

Soon, Xiang Wang burst into the mansion, dropping his horse and shouting, “Linglong, where are you?”

The gatekeeper hurried to tie the horse, then knelt, “Miss Linglong left. She sent word to ask the Prince to meet her at Yunwai Tower—or she’ll kill the Princess.”

Kill Liu Fengying?

“Why kill her?” Xiang Wang asked, puzzled.

The gatekeeper told him of Liu Fengying slapping Linglong.

“How dare she hit Linglong?” Xiang Wang narrowed his eyes, deadly intent flashing.

The gatekeeper dared not speak, trembling on the ground.

Xiang Wang furiously swept through the hall to the rear courtyard. Passing Bell, who knelt dazed, he coldly demanded, “What’s going on?”

“Prince, save me! The Princess said she’d kill me!” Bell wailed.

This was amusing: Linglong threatened Liu Fengying, who now threatened Bell.

“Why would she kill you?” Xiang Wang asked.

“This, Prince. Miss Linglong came looking for you. I found her beautiful and spoke with her briefly. Then the Princess arrived and told me to prepare fruit and vegetables. Returning, I saw her slap Miss Linglong, who stormed out angry. The Princess forbade me from telling the Prince, threatening to kill me if I did. But I know Miss Linglong means a lot to you, so I won’t lie. Please spare me—I’m scared!” Bell’s simple country innocence was perfectly portrayed.

Xiang Wang helped her up gently, “You did right. I won’t let her harm you. Someone, lock Liu Fengying away first!”

With that, he strode off toward Yunwai Tower.

At Yunwai Tower, Tan Xiyin was led to a third-floor private room.

Inside, Linglong sat opposite the door, smiling faintly at Tan Xiyin.

Tan Xiyin rose from her wheelchair, calmly sat across, and coldly asked, “I’m here. What do you want?”

Linglong shot her a sharp glance, then lazily rested her chin on her hand, “Qin Daofei is far at the border. Who’s been keeping you company?”

As Linglong spoke, Tan Xiyin poured tea. The cup wobbled, spilling most over her hand.

The scalding tea seemed to burn her, but she showed no reaction.

Perhaps compared to Linglong’s words, such things were trivial.

Tan Xiyin composed herself and said, “Feng Linglong, don’t think everyone’s as unchaste as you.”

Did she know why Qin Daofei left?

Linglong frowned, staring deeply. She wondered how Tan Xiyin could be so sure.

“Tan Xiyin, do you want me to go to Wuyi Lane and drag that man here? Beat him until he admits your affair? No, maybe I should sell this secret to Xiang Wang. After all, the man you're cheating with is—”

“Feng Linglong, don’t push me!” Tan Xiyin snapped, tears uncontrollable.

Linglong coldly demanded, “Who was the man who met you that day and hurt me?”

“I don’t know,” Tan Xiyin glared.

Linglong smiled slightly, “You really won’t cry until you see the coffin.”

“I really don’t know. It’s always him contacting me, telling me how to deal with you.” Linglong looked intently for something different in Tan Xiyin’s eyes but found none. “So, he’s my enemy?”

“I don’t know, but he started all the schemes against you. He told me to contact Xiang Wang and plan the poisoning. At first, Xiang Wang refused to poison you, but when that man said you were pregnant, he said if the child lived, you’d never belong to Xiang Wang. That’s why Xiang Wang bought the ‘Two-Life Paste’ with Xiao Cui.”

Though reluctant, Tan Xiyin revealed everything.

He knew of Linglong’s pregnancy before she even realized it—Linglong only found out after losing the child.

Linglong gripped the table, struggling, “So, Xiang Cheng really bought the paste. Were you the poisoner?”

“Hmph. The poisoner was also Xiang Wang’s man. I just didn’t tell you the food was poisoned!” Tan Xiyin spoke as if those who died at her banquet weren’t her kin.

Linglong hissed, “So you mean Cheng Xiang is the real culprit?”

“Isn’t he? That mysterious man is Xiang Wang’s. Do you think I could plan such a grand murder? He wanted to imprison you in Jingzhao Prefecture so there’d be no Feng Linglong left. You’d belong only to him. He’s the culprit; he seduced me into crime too.” Tan Xiyin tried to shift blame.

Linglong said nothing, pale as death.

Fearful Linglong might strike, Tan Xiyin fled.

Linglong neither pursued nor spoke—just sat quietly.

After Tan Xiyin left, Linglong steadied her breath, pushed open the private room door, and coldly faced Xiang Wang sitting alone.

“Cheng Xiang, what do you want to say to me?”

[End of excerpt.]