She then said Emperor Xuanwen’s vision couldn’t be this poor; he couldn’t possibly stuff just any stray cat or dog into the harem.
So, it turned out Chu Yanxi was responsible for this matter. However, it did align with his intelligence and aesthetic.
After all, he treated even Feng Ruoyan, that hypocritical, vicious, white lotus flower, like a treasure, pampering her. It was understandable that he would fancy the daughter of Master Li.
Just by looking at the father, one could roughly guess the kind of daughter he would raise. Feng Jin had to praise Chu Yanxi’s taste; it was truly unique, accepting anything and anyone.
Truly broad-minded, capable of accepting all things from people. Such a disposition was indeed befitting the virtuous prince praised by everyone.
“Master Li’s ability to be allied with the Third Prince is truly impressive, a stroke of good fortune and great planning. But Master Li, do you not know that casually discussing the succession and presuming the Emperor’s intentions is a crime punishable by extermination of the nine generations of one’s kin? Master Li is truly bold to utter such treasonous words, or perhaps you have harbored such thoughts in your heart for a long time.”
Feng Jin’s words were sharp and targeted, each one making Li Kun’s heart tremble, involuntarily filling him with fear.
“That’s right, if you dare to speak of the succession and the enthronement, are you not already thinking of the Emperor’s demise, and the Third Prince’s ascension so you too can soar to success?”
Taking advantage of Feng Jin’s words, Old Master Ling added, speaking alternately, their pincer attack made Li Kun even more terrified. His lips trembled slightly, and with one careless move, he collapsed onto the chair.
Truly useless. He thought the person was formidable, but unexpectedly, he was just a paper tiger, boasting of his power while actually being useless.
Feng Jin glanced disdainfully at Li Kun. With such a cowardly disposition, he dared to boast of being a royal relative.
If Emperor Xuanwen knew that Chu Yanxi had found him such an excellent in-law, who knew what he would think.
“What nonsense are you spouting? If you dare to speak further gibberish, I won’t let you leave here alive!”
Li Kun instantly realized the gravity of the situation and spoke fiercely, a murderous intent stirring in his heart.
It’s just a woman and an old man; how much power could they possibly have? Even if they were killed, the Third Prince would vouch for him as his father-in-law.
With a plan in mind, Li Kun directly signaled the servants waiting outside with his eyes.
Feng Jin also sensed something was amiss. The servants guarding outside had been replaced by burly men at some point. What did Li Kun intend to do?
“Girl, do not fear. With this old man here, these scoundrels are no match.”
Back in the day, he could fight a hundred enemies on the battlefield, and no one could get close to him. These useless brutes were nothing to him; he was confident he could break through with just a few dozen of them.
Feng Jin’s eyes lowered slightly. She fully trusted Old Master Ling’s capabilities, but given his age, Feng Jin dared not let him engage in a fight. If anything were to happen, she truly wouldn’t be able to bear it. No matter what, she had to ensure Old Master Ling’s safety first.
“You know too much. None of you will leave here alive today. Guards, attack!”
As soon as Li Kun gave the order, the strong men surrounding them rushed in, wielding swords and sabers.
Before they could reach the inner courtyard, countless arrows were shot from outside the wall, and everyone fell to the ground.
Feng Jin recognized the arrows hitting the strong men from behind; the black fletching was unique to the Black Armored Army.
Ling Mohan had arrived. This thought instantly flashed through her mind, and Feng Jin’s face lit up with joy.
However, she hadn’t told Ling Mohan about this matter. How had he arrived so coincidentally?
“It was I who notified Han’er to come here. His timing is perfect, not too early, not too late, just right.”
Old Master Ling stroked his beard, a smug expression on his face. He truly lived up to the grandson he had nurtured; he was outstanding.
Compared to Feng Jin and Old Master Ling’s excitement, Li Kun was filled with worry. He had not anticipated this turn of events at all. In an instant, he was completely stunned, standing there blankly, his legs still trembling. If not for the servant beside him supporting him, he would have fallen to the ground.
With a ‘bang,’ the tightly shut door was forcefully opened from the outside, and the bodies of two servants were thrown in.
Following that, Ling Mohan appeared before them, clad in black and gold armor.
Feng Jin gazed at the man’s heroic and extraordinary figure, as well as his face that was so handsome it defied reason. Her face inexplicably flushed. She forcibly suppressed the joy in her heart, preventing herself from rushing forward and throwing herself onto the man.
“Truly disappointing, aren’t you? Have you no shame!” Old Master Ling saw Feng Jin’s lovesick expression and said with disappointment, as if he hated that she hadn’t lived up to expectations. Just a moment ago, she was so brave and fearless; now she had changed too quickly.
Ling Mohan’s eyes immediately found Feng Jin’s figure. He strode over to her, looked her up and down, and only when he was sure Feng Jin was unharmed did he relax.
“Didn’t I warn you not to leave the manor carelessly? Yet you deliberately disobeyed!”
The man’s concerned tone was mixed with a hint of reprimand. This time he had arrived in time, but what if he didn’t come next time?
How many times had he warned her, yet she had turned a deaf ear? From now on, she shouldn’t even think about leaving the manor.
“It wasn’t me who wanted to come out this time; it was Grandfather… Grandfather impersonated you and tricked me into coming out. If you don’t believe me, ask Grandfather…”
Feng Jin quickly tried to explain. It was indeed not her intention to come out this time; she had been deceived. She was also a victim of this incident.
She turned her head to look at the instigator, only to realize that the person was long gone from behind her, leaving only an empty space.
“Where did Grandfather go? He was just here…” Feng Jin’s face was filled with confusion and disbelief. How could he have run off so quickly in just this moment?
“Young General, the Old Master left just now. He said he was returning to the manor first and that the matters here would be handed over to the Young General. He also said that this outing was proposed by the Young Madam, and he himself did not wish to come.”
The soldier standing by faithfully relayed everything Old Master Ling had said before he left.
Feng Jin’s mouth twitched twice. Her eyes were filled with speechless exasperation. What a sly old fox. He could even say such a thing, turning black into white and blaming others, and say it as if it were true.
Suppressing the urge to explode, Feng Jin was utterly speechless at the situation. She had to admit that Old Master Ling’s stratagem of "the cicada sheds its shell" was executed perfectly.
“It really wasn’t me who wanted to come out…” Feng Jin tugged at Ling Mohan’s sleeve, explaining weakly.
“I understand. Sit down quietly and watch. We’ll talk about it when we get back to the manor.”
Ling Mohan soothed Feng Jin, his gaze turning cold in an instant. He stared intently at the instigators behind him. It was time to deal with them.