Feng Ran noticed that Xuanyuan Heng’s attention was always on her. At this moment, she shifted her gaze to Hongyi and feigned a troubled expression. "But aren't the words Hongyi sister just spoke implicitly directed at the Regent? After all, the Regent was the one who instructed me to do those things earlier. If I listen to Hongyi sister's words, it seems like she's blaming me for what I did, implying I had ulterior motives and dirty thoughts."
"But those were things the Regent asked me to do. Therefore, I don't know what Hongyi sister will think after hearing this? Will she still feel that what happened earlier was malicious?"
Feng Ran spoke calmly. If Hongyi wanted to make things difficult for her, then she would naturally retaliate. This was such a good opportunity; it would be a disservice to herself not to use it.
Hongyi was anxious to explain but was reprimanded by Aunt Sheng standing beside her.
Aunt Sheng whispered admonishments in her ear, "Hongyi, I truly underestimated you before. I didn't expect you to have this up your sleeve."
Hongyi looked at Aunt Sheng resentfully, not daring to step forward, but could only grumble in a low voice, "Aunt Sheng, what kind of benefits did Feng Ran give you for you to protect her like this?"
Aunt Sheng sneered but did not answer Hongyi's question.
After a long while, Xuanyuan Heng finally spoke, "Feng Ran, over the years, your sharp tongue has only gotten worse."
He thought Feng Ran had changed, becoming timid and submissive. He never expected it to be just a facade.
Hongyi’s grateful gaze fell on Xuanyuan Heng, with even a hint of fantasy in her eyes.
She thought that Xuanyuan Heng still had some interest in her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stepped forward to speak for her at this moment.
Seeing Xuanyuan Heng's immense rage, Feng Ran's expression changed slightly. She clenched her fists tightly, and after a long pause, she spoke again, "As the Regent says, so it shall be."
Xuanyuan Heng walked forward, his gaze chilling as he looked at Feng Ran. He said coldly, "Feng Ran, you had best remain 'obedient' like this. If I discover any disloyalty from you, I will take your life without hesitation."
"Considering your performance today has pleased me, Feng Ran, I will spare you for now."
Just then, Beichen Ye appeared, his expression somewhat grim. He walked quickly to Xuanyuan Heng's side.
Xuanyuan Heng went to the window, and Beichen Ye said something to him. Xuanyuan Heng's face turned exceptionally dark.
Xuanyuan Heng turned around, glanced at Feng Ran, and walked towards her step by step. His hand brushed across her face, finally resting on her pale neck. He said with a predatory glint in his eyes, "Feng Ran, you'd better not have done anything. You'd better be obedient."
"I have urgent matters to attend to. I will return tomorrow."
Feng Ran's taut nerves finally relaxed.
Seeing this, Hongyi looked at Feng Ran with unconcealed resentment.
No, how could such a rare opportunity be let off so easily for Feng Ran?
Hongyi stepped forward, intending to cause trouble for Feng Ran, but was stopped by Aunt Sheng. Aunt Sheng forcibly pulled Hongyi's hand and led her away.
Feng Ran got up, a self-mocking smile on her lips. She slowly rose, holding onto whatever she could, and walked to the bedside. She immediately lay down, pulled up the covers, and went to rest.
What she needed most now was rest.
She had spent too much time and energy earlier.
...
As soon as he left the room, Xuanyuan Heng's expression turned icy. He said in a deep voice, "Investigate thoroughly. After I left that day, who did Feng Ran meet? What exactly happened that almost cost her her life?"
"My person, I only wanted to torment her, not take her life."
"Even if I wanted her life, I would be the one to take it myself."
"Find out which blind fool was responsible."
If it hadn't been for Aunt Sheng's report, if Aunt Sheng hadn't begged him to go, Feng Ran might have truly perished.
When he thought Feng Ran was about to die, he felt as if the sky itself was collapsing. There was not a trace of resentment.
He absolutely would not allow such a thing to happen under his watch.
Xuanyuan Heng's dark expression and his sinister gaze indicated that this time, he was truly enraged.
Beichen Ye, a trusted confidant of Xuanyuan Heng, quickly investigated the matter and secretly brought the two involved individuals to the dungeon of the Regent's mansion.
Xuanyuan Heng was currently in the dungeon, holding a brush and seemingly drawing something.
Upon seeing Xuanyuan Heng, Huang Qianqian and Lihua trembled all over, their faces pale and covered in cold sweat.
Even speaking now, their voices quivered.
All they could do was beg for mercy incessantly.
Xuanyuan Heng frowned slightly, seeming bothered by the noise.
Beichen Ye scoffed coldly, "Whoever shouts will have this knife fall upon them."
Finally, the previously noisy dungeon fell silent.
Xuanyuan Heng put down his brush, waved his hand, and burned the painting he had just finished. Only ashes remained on the ground. He said indifferently, "Take them over there. I'd like to see if she kills these two when she learns that they were the ones who nearly took her life."
Feng Ran, who was about to rest, found her door pushed open and many people entering. She looked at them with confusion, unable to fathom what Xuanyuan Heng intended to do by bringing them here.
Moments later, she saw Huang Qianqian and Lihua standing before her.
Huang Qianqian and Lihua were no longer as flamboyant as they usually were. Their makeup was smeared, and their clothes were even worn inside out. Yet, they seemed oblivious to it.
They even walked with one shoe missing, completely unaware.
Feng Ran looked at the two before her and a cold smile flickered across her lips. Hah, just a few days ago, these two were unbearably arrogant in front of her. But now, they looked so pathetic. It was just as Huang Qianqian had said, life is unpredictable.
Feng Ran felt no pity for the two before her. In her opinion, these two were simply asking for trouble.
Everything was their own doing, and outsiders were not to blame.
Upon seeing Feng Ran, the two widened their eyes, filled with disbelief and suspicion.
Their plan had succeeded; Feng Ran should be dead. How could she be alive and well before them?
The two exchanged glances, took a deep breath, their eyes filled with confusion. But upon seeing Feng Ran, it all changed.
Their hands clenched tightly, and they finally cast their gaze upon Xuanyuan Heng, seemingly calculating something, their eyes full of expectation.
Lihua looked at Xuanyuan Heng and said softly, "Regent."
Beside her, Huang Qianqian resentfully glanced at Lihua. She couldn't let this little slut steal such a good opportunity. This was absolutely unacceptable.
Huang Qianqian smirked and said, "Regent." She bowed, a smile plastered on her face.