In front of the Ling family mansion, a carriage stopped. The old butler stood before it, but did not dare to obstruct.
"I wonder what business the Regent has at the Ling family. This old servant will go in and announce your arrival."
"Tell Ling Chi Yuan to get out. Make him come out and meet this king in person."
Seeing this, the old butler muttered to himself. Could it be that the young master had offended the Regent? What was to be done?
Everyone knew that the Regent should not be offended lightly.
However, his young master was also unpredictable. Perhaps he had offended someone without realizing it, which was also a possibility.
The old butler's face turned grim.
He even considered suggesting that the young master escape through the dog hole when he went in. He, who was about to enter his coffin, could still try to block them if needed.
Without further delay, the old butler respectfully said, "Your Highness, this old servant will go in and announce your arrival immediately."
The old butler entered and, upon seeing Ling Chi Yuan, hurriedly tidied things up while giving important instructions. Seeing the old butler's demeanor, Ling Chi Yuan chuckled.
The old butler was truly anxious. He reprimanded, "Young master, this is not a time for joking. Can you be a little more obedient?"
"Young master, the Regent is not someone to be offended easily. You should hide for a while and return later."
Ling Chi Yuan fanned himself leisurely with a fan and pointed at the plaque behind him, saying to the old butler, "Butler, do you remember this plaque? It was bestowed by the late emperor. No matter how great Xuan Yuan Heng's power is, he would not dare to touch the Ling family."
"Old butler, go about your business. I will go out to meet him now."
"Although that is the case, this old servant saw the Regent's expression was very grim, I'm afraid..."
Before the old butler could finish his words, Ling Chi Yuan had already gone out.
Ling Chi Yuan walked out slowly, unhurriedly. Upon seeing Xuan Yuan Heng, he even greeted him with a smile, "Regent, what brings you to my humble abode today?"
"You truly bring honor to the Ling family."
"However, I wonder what commands the Regent has for coming here at this time?"
Xuan Yuan Heng let out a cold laugh, "Ling Chi Yuan, are you just going to stand here and talk to this king?"
"Regent, please." Ling Chi Yuan stepped aside slightly, saying "please" but making no move to invite him in.
Inside the Ling family hall.
Xuan Yuan Heng did not stand on ceremony and directly took the seat of honor.
Ling Chi Yuan asked the old butler to fetch tea, specifically ordering that good tea be served.
One could not entertain the Regent with spoiled tea.
The old butler wanted to say something, constantly watching Ling Chi Yuan. But he found that Ling Chi Yuan was ignoring him.
In the end, the old butler was truly helpless.
If the young master wanted it this way, what could a mere servant do?
"Ling Chi Yuan, her, you should recognize her, right?"
After speaking, Xuan Yuan Heng directly pushed Feng Ran in the direction of Ling Chi Yuan.
Feng Ran instinctively reached out but ended up hugging Ling Chi Yuan's neck.
Just as she was about to retract her hand, Ling Chi Yuan's hand landed on her waist, pulling her tightly into his embrace.
Feng Ran looked up and met Ling Chi Yuan's playful gaze. She recoiled, trying to break free, but found herself unable to escape.
A burning gaze fell upon her from behind.
Sweat beaded on her back. She looked at Ling Chi Yuan, her voice trembling, "Young Master Ling, please, please let me go."
Her eyes were filled with pleading, hoping that Ling Chi Yuan would release her upon hearing her words.
She did not know why she had become like this.
Ling Chi Yuan's lips curved into a smile as he looked at Feng Ran, his hand showing no signs of letting go. His eyes were filled with amusement.
"Regent, are you sending a beauty to me?"
"The Regent is truly thoughtful. If anyone were to tell me that the Regent was cold-blooded and heartless that day, I would be the first to stand up and defend him."
"Regent, do you know? My heart has been set on Feng Ran all day. Due to my house arrest, I had no expectation that the Regent would deliver her right to my doorstep."
"The Regent is truly my savior."
"Another day, I will definitely thank the Regent properly."
Ling Chi Yuan watched Xuan Yuan Heng's face darken, clearly in a bad mood. However, Ling Chi Yuan's smile grew wider. He chuckled and said, "Regent, since you have already delivered her, perhaps you can leave now."
"After all, I have many things to discuss with Feng Ran."
"What if this king does not leave?" Xuan Yuan Heng said with a grim and icy tone.
Ling Chi Yuan seemed to have expected Xuan Yuan Heng to say this and replied with an air of indifference, "Then this young master will find another place."
"If the Regent prefers the hall, then stay here."
"After all, I have finally met the person I've been longing for. I must have a tender moment with her. Don't you agree, Feng Ran?" Ling Chi Yuan's face was full of a roguish smile.
For a moment, Feng Ran even doubted if she had heard correctly. She was not that familiar with Ling Chi Yuan. How could he say such a thing? Instantly, she felt as if she were in an ice cellar.
Xuan Yuan Heng exuded fury, his face dark and his voice icy, "A tender moment?"
"Let it be here then. This king does not mind."
"After all, this king wishes to see how Feng Ran serves Young Master Ling. Is it the same as how she served this king before?"
"If there are any differences, this king can offer some pointers."
Ling Chi Yuan was slightly stunned, his hand freezing. Xuan Yuan Heng truly dared to say anything.
His original intention was not this.
He merely wanted to take Feng Ran away, to spare her from such an awkward situation.
He clearly saw that Feng Ran was trembling all over when facing Ling Chi Yuan.
"This young master has never thought that the Regent would have such a perverted taste."
"However, I beg the Regent's forgiveness, this young master does not have such a crazy hobby."
"Is that so?" Xuan Yuan Heng said coldly, "This king will make his words clear today. If you wish to touch Feng Ran, you must do so in front of this king. Otherwise, do not touch her."
"What if this young master says no?"
Xuan Yuan Heng let out a cold scoff, "To make an enemy of this king for a lowly woman is not a wise choice."
"Ling Chi Yuan, you should think clearly before answering this king."
"It would be best if you both obey. If you provoke this king, then whether the Ling family still exists will be a matter of concern."
Ling Chi Yuan suddenly stood up, glaring at Xuan Yuan Heng and said, "Xuan Yuan Heng, there is a plaque here bestowed by the late emperor. If you dare to be presumptuous here, it is treason, and even if you are the all-powerful Regent, you will be punished."