Wanqing and the others returned to the Marquis’s residence.
“Brother Qingfeng, although you’ve taken the medicine I gave you, it’s still best to rest more.” Despite Qingfeng repeatedly insisting that his injuries were nothing serious, Wanqing couldn’t help but worry as she noticed his unusually pale complexion. She handed him a prescription through Honglian.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. If Leng Mingye dares to trouble you again, just come to the Prince Ning’s residence. I’ll report this matter to our master immediately. I refuse to believe Leng Mingye would dare to kill you without regard for my master’s face.”
Though Qingfeng’s expression remained stern, he felt a warmth in his heart at her concern. Nodding, he spoke earnestly about her conflict with Leng Mingye, his voice laced with anger at the latter’s arrogance.
“Enough. This is between him and me. I’ll handle our feud myself. I hope you’ll keep this a secret and not inform Prince Ning. I don’t want him involved. Remember, he’s currently in a period of laying low, while Leng Mingye is highly favored by the Emperor. I trust you understand the stakes.”
Seeing how seriously Qingfeng was taking the matter, Wanqing sighed and lightly scolded him. She then explained the delicate situation with a grave expression, emphasizing the potential consequences.
“Fine, I promise. But you must be careful. If there’s any trouble, send Honglian to find me immediately. I doubt he’ll let this go so easily. Wait—Qing’er, you didn’t actually poison him with something lethal, did you?”
Reluctantly agreeing, Qingfeng couldn’t help but voice his concern before turning to leave. Suddenly, he paused and turned back to ask.
“What do you think?” Wanqing responded with a wry smile.
“I—I didn’t mean anything by it. Just a thought. It’s late; I’ll take my leave now.”
Confused by her response, Qingfeng hesitated before finally departing with slow steps.
“Miss, did you really poison the Young Master with something deadly?”
After Qingfeng left, Honglian watched as Wanqing sipped tea leisurely. Unable to suppress her curiosity, she finally asked.
“Are you so concerned about him because you’ve fallen for him like all those other women, drawn to his power, looks, and noble status?”
Wanqing smirked and teased her lightly.
“Miss, how could you say that? A man with such a temperamental and unpredictable nature—I’d sooner fancy a blind man than him! If you keep saying such things, I’ll really get angry!”
Honglian flushed with indignation, her voice laced with frustration at Wanqing’s cryptic behavior.
“Haha, don’t be upset. I was just teasing. But if someone like Leng Mingye isn’t to your taste, what kind of man *do* you fancy?”
Amused by Honglian’s flustered reaction, Wanqing playfully pinched her chin like a rogue, grinning mischievously.
“You—Miss, who taught you to be so wicked? If you keep asking such things, I’ll really lose my temper! I’m leaving—you should rest early.”
Blushing furiously, Honglian stomped away in a huff.
“Ah, this girl.”
Chuckling, Wanqing shook her head. Suddenly remembering something, she called out.
“Wait, Honglian. There’s something I need you to do—come here.”
“What is it, Miss?”
Honglian turned back, puzzled by the sudden summons.
“Go to Prince Ji’s residence and deliver a message to Qingfeng. Tell him his master is still frozen on the street. If he doesn’t want his master to die of poisoning by morning, he’s free to pretend he knows nothing. Now go.”
“Miss? You—” Stunned, Honglian hesitated, recalling Wanqing’s earlier exchange with Leng Mingye. Qingfeng was a loyal servant—if his master was in danger, he’d surely act. Yet her mistress’s words left her utterly confused.
“Go on.”
Wanqing, already removing her outer robe, urged her impatiently.
“Alright, fine. I’ll go.”
Though baffled, Honglian nodded and turned to leave.
“Wait—repeat my words exactly. If you miss even one, don’t blame me for not warning you.” Wanqing’s voice trailed after her.
“Understood. I’m off then.” Sighing at the seemingly unnecessary instruction, Honglian departed.
“Master! Are you alright? This subordinate is late—you’ve suffered! What happened? How did you—Master, you’re injured!”
Upon hearing Honglian’s message, Qingfeng rushed to the scene in a panic. Finding Leng Mingye frozen on the street as described, he quickly released the acupoint and supported him, his voice thick with concern. Noticing the wound on his shoulder, he immediately helped him back to the residence.
“No poison? This—” Back in his chambers, Leng Mingye sat on the edge of his bed, clad in white undergarments, his expression dark. Baiyu, having just examined him, confirmed his findings.
“That’s correct, Master. I’ve checked multiple times—only minor injuries, no trace of poison. Why did you clash with the Second Miss of the Mu family? She seems like a spirited girl—how did things escalate like this?”
Baiyu, though puzzled, spoke earnestly. Having been away, he’d returned to find his master embroiled in such a feud—even being immobilized in public. The girl’s audacity intrigued him. *What happened while I was gone?* he wondered. *For someone as formidable as Master to be toyed with like this—it’s truly rare.*
“Some things are better left unasked. Both of you, out. Qingfeng—didn’t I dismiss you? If you’ve got something to say, make it quick. Waste my time, and you’ll regret it.”
Recognizing Baiyu’s teasing tone, Leng Mingye shot him a glare. Though his subordinate, Baiyu had grown up alongside him—his playful nature was no secret. With a sigh, Baiyu patted Qingfeng’s shoulder and left with his medical kit. When Qingfeng hesitated at the door, Leng Mingye’s voice turned icy. *If this isn’t important…*
“Well… Honglian came with a message from her mistress. She said if I wished to watch you die, I could pretend nothing happened. Master, I swear my loyalty—I don’t understand why she’d say such things!”
Qingfeng relayed the words dutifully, though their meaning eluded him. Despite the tension between his master and Wanqing, their dynamic seemed almost… *lover-like*. He couldn’t help but feel wronged.
“She really sent Honglian to tell you that?”
For a moment, Leng Mingye was stunned. The anger in his chest flickered, replaced by something else—a spark of excitement. He sprang up, gripping Qingfeng’s shoulders urgently. Though his face remained pale, his eyes shone with an almost childlike glee.
“Master, you—” Qingfeng gaped at the sudden shift in demeanor. *Wasn’t he just vowing vengeance?* A chill ran down his spine. *Did I just make things worse?* (To be continued…)
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