Feng Jin's tone was icy, laced with a hint of threat. The burly man had often done such tasks for wealthy families and understood the stakes. His ability to escape unscathed multiple times was a testament to his skills, making these matters handled with practiced ease.
"Madam, rest assured. I'm no stranger to such dealings and understand the implications. Money for service, and the problem is solved. I will absolutely ensure you have no worries."
The burly man quickly gave his assurance, which finally eased Feng Jin's guardedness.
"Good, you are indeed a wise man. Only the wise live long. Time is of the essence, make sure it's done cleanly."
With her instructions given, Feng Jin turned and left. Any further delay risked a collision with Ling Changyi, who was likely on his way to catch them in the act, which would be difficult to explain.
"Where did you find this Chu Qing? She seems quite experienced in such matters?"
"Young Madam, please forgive me. I worried that if I found just anyone, they might not withstand the punishment if the matter was exposed and could betray you. So, I sought out someone who specializes in these matters for nobles. They are accustomed to discretion and will not speak carelessly."
"You've done well, your considerations are thorough. Bring people here to stand guard later and be sure to take the person away before Ling Changyi arrives."
"Your maid understands."
After making the arrangements, Feng Jin finally felt a slight easing of her mind.
When Feng Jin returned to the East Courtyard, Ling Muzhu had already woken up. He had driven away all the attending maids and locked himself in his room.
"What's going on? Why are they all standing guard outside?"
"Young Madam, it was the Second Young Master who drove us out. He doesn't want us waiting inside to serve him."
It was likely that Ling Muzhu had woken up, and the medicine's effects had suddenly surged, causing him to dismiss everyone. "Alright, all of you, go. Don't stand here guarding. No one is to speak of what happened today, or you'll answer with your lives."
Feng Jin threatened them fiercely, as the matter, if spread, would undoubtedly harm Ling Muzhu's reputation.
"Yes, Young Madam."
The servants curtsied slightly and withdrew.
Feng Jin reached out and knocked on the room door. Hearing no response from inside, she called out, "Muzhu, open the door, Muzhu..."
After knocking several more times, a broken reply came from within: "Eldest sister-in-law... I... I'm fine. Don't... don't come in..."
"Don't be ridiculous. You can't keep suffering like this. I have a way to help you, quickly open the door."
Ling Muzhu had been given a potent aphrodisiac. If the effects weren't relieved, it would eventually harm him, preventing him from ever marrying.
"Eldest sister-in-law... I..."
The voice inside abruptly stopped. Feng Jin, unable to wait any longer, found someone to break down the door.
"Muzhu!"
As the door was forced open, Feng Jin saw Ling Muzhu slumped by the side of the bed, his face flushed, clearly at his limit.
Feng Jin rushed forward, put the medicine into Ling Muzhu's mouth, and then administered acupuncture to temporarily alleviate his condition.
"Eldest sister-in-law, you... why are you here? I... I..."
"Don't speak for now. You've been given an aphrodisiac. Although I've temporarily suppressed it, it still needs to be released. If you have a concubine in your room, call her over. If not, perhaps you should find a woman of good character."
Ling Muzhu, understanding Feng Jin's words, was stunned. He quickly said, "Eldest sister-in-law, that won't do. I can't... I can't treat a young lady like this..."
Moreover, he had never experienced such a thing and didn't know... didn't know how. He couldn't harm a young lady's reputation for this; it was simply too unfair to her.
"Then... this..."
Feng Jin was also in a difficult position. If the aphrodisiac wasn't relieved soon, it would truly harm him. With every method proving unfeasible, she was at a loss for what to do.
"Eldest sister-in-law... I'm fine... I can endure it."
After the drug's effects lessened, he felt much better. Ling Muzhu took a deep breath, suppressing his discomfort, and tightly pinched the flesh of his arm to force himself to stay conscious.
"This isn't a solution either. Soak yourself in cold water for now; it should help. I'll go and think of other methods."
After instructing Chu Qing to look after Ling Muzhu, Feng Jin went to devise other plans. As soon as she returned to her room, Ling Mohan rushed back.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, Feng Jin turned and saw Ling Mo, his expression grim, dressed in black armor, standing at the doorway. His attire indicated he had just returned from the military camp.
"Why are you back at this hour? You haven't even changed your clothes. Your armor carries a heavy killing aura; aren't you afraid of frightening the children?"
Feng Jin's voice held a slight tone of reproach, though Ling Mohan's return at this hour was actually quite early.
"What happened to Muzhu?"
He had heard that something had happened in the manor and had hurried back. After inquiring from his confidantes, he learned that Ling Muzhu was in trouble.
"Zhang Miaor tried to assault Muzhu by giving him an aphrodisiac. Fortunately, I arrived in time, and Muzhu's purity is preserved. However... he was given an aphrodisiac, and we still haven't found a way to resolve it."
Feng Jin recounted all that had happened that evening to Ling Mohan. At this point, all she could do was try her best to find a way to detoxify Ling Muzhu, but the best way to neutralize an aphrodisiac was through physical intimacy.
However, Ling Muzhu was unwilling. She was surprised that this young man, who usually seemed unreliable and prone to bullying, didn't even have a concubine in his chambers.
She couldn't just find a woman from a pleasure house. And if she found a woman of good character, wouldn't that ruin her life?
"How is Muzhu now? Is he seriously ill?"
"He's not in serious danger, but... but to relieve the aphrodisiac, one needs to engage in physical intimacy. However, Muzhu... he refuses. He's currently soaking in cold water, and Chu Qing is looking after him, so there's no need to worry..."
With Chu Qing there, she was completely at ease. The most important matter now was Ling Changyi's attempt to catch them in the act.
Judging by the time, it should be soon. Just as Feng Jin expected, after a moment, someone came to report.
"Young General, Young Madam is in trouble! The Old Master requests you hurry over!"
The steward rushed in to report, his expression panicked, as if something very important had happened.
"What time is it? Why has the steward come?"
Feng Jin feigned complete ignorance, looking at Steward Wu with a puzzled expression.
"Young Madam... it's difficult to say... you should go and see for yourself."