Chapter 2 The Next Day
The army surrounding the Ling family manor had all withdrawn the following day. The news of Ling Mohan's awakening spread through every street and alley of the capital city.
Visitors flocked to the manor, causing it to be completely thronged.
A luxurious and ornate carriage was parked by the side of the Ling family manor's main path. A guard dressed in black combat attire walked towards the carriage and respectfully reported, "Your Highness, I have confirmed that Ling Mohan has indeed awakened. We have not heard any news of the Ling family apprehending an assassin. Xiao Qi is still missing."
Inside the carriage, Chu Yanxi opened his eyes that had been lazily closed. A sharp, vicious glint was hidden within his gaze. The gentle and elegant demeanor he usually displayed was gone, replaced by a sinister and calculating expression.
"Go to Xiao Qi's residence and kill everyone there, root and branch. Intensify the search for Xiao Qi. Once he is found, show no mercy."
"Your subordinate obeys."
Chu Yanxi lifted the carriage curtain and looked towards the Ling manor. His hands, hidden in his sleeves, clenched into fists, the veins on the back of his hands bulging.
His meticulously planned assassination, which had cost him so many men, had still failed to take Ling Mohan's life. Was he truly that lucky?
Furthermore, Xiao Qi, sent to gather information, had disappeared without a trace. There had been no news for two consecutive days. Coupled with the widespread news of Ling Mohan's awakening, he could not help but connect these two events.
After a moment of contemplation, Chu Yanxi suppressed his resentment. He put on a guise of hypocrisy and amiability once more, then stepped out of the carriage and walked towards the Ling manor.
Truth or falsehood, a test would tell...
Early in the morning, Feng Jin was busy entertaining the endless stream of visitors, not even having time to drink a sip of water.
"Madam, the Third Prince has arrived," Lu Shi reported softly into Feng Jin's ear.
The smile on Feng Jin's face faltered. The one who had to come had indeed arrived. This Third Prince was truly impatient. He possessed a mind full of schemes, but unfortunately, he was still lacking.
"You handle the other guests here. I will go and meet the Third Prince."
"Yes, Madam."
After exchanging pleasantries with the guests, Feng Jin rose and walked out. "Cai Qing, go and inform the Young General that the Third Prince has arrived."
"Your maid understands."
The servants had already guided Chu Yanxi to a side chamber.
Chu Yanxi sat for a long time. He had already changed his tea three times, yet the host still did not appear. His patience was gradually being worn thin.
"Your Highness, they from the Ling family are too much. Making you wait here for so long and not even having anyone come to greet you."
"Silence! This is the Ling family. Be careful with your words," Chu Yanxi rebuked his guard with a slightly angry tone.
Just as he finished speaking, Feng Jin strolled in, having changed her attire.
"Third Prince, please forgive us. There are too many matters in the manor, and I was unable to get away. I apologize for making the Third Prince wait for so long." Feng Jin said with great apology.
"Madam, you are too kind. I should be the one to apologize for coming uninvited."
Chu Yanxi remained as gentle and courteous as ever, but the calculating glint in his eyes was hard to conceal.
Feng Jin smiled faintly without speaking, sitting on the chair opposite him, waiting for Chu Yanxi to state his purpose for visiting first.
Eager to know Ling Mohan's condition, and with the disappearance of Xiao Qi being a thorn in Chu Yanxi's heart, he finally could not hold back and asked first, "Madam, has the Young General's condition improved?"
The hand holding the teacup paused slightly. He had lost his composure so quickly. "Thank you for your concern, Third Prince. My General's condition has greatly improved, but his body is still weak and requires a period of rest."
Feng Jin deliberately put on a sad and sorrowful expression. "Alas, my General fought north and south for our country. The battlefield is fraught with danger, yet he managed to save his life, only for such a thing to happen..."
As she spoke of her sorrow, Feng Jin even forced out a few tears.
This left Chu Yanxi at a loss for what to do, so he could only follow Feng Jin's words. "Young General Ling risked his life for Southern Chu. He is a功臣 (gōngchén - meritorious official) of Southern Chu. I have already reported the assassination attempt to my father, the Emperor. He has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served for the Young General."
Feng Jin thought to herself, "It was clearly your own doing, yet you stand here pretending to be righteous and upright. How ironic."
When it came to acting, Feng Jin had never admitted defeat. Since they were going to pretend, she might as well go all the way. "Then I shall trouble the Third Prince. It is truly fortunate that my General has the Third Prince's concern."
As soon as Feng Jin finished speaking, Ling Mohan entered with an anxious expression.
"Third Prince, you are busy with state affairs, why have you come? I regret not welcoming you properly. Please forgive me, Third Prince."
"Young General, there is no need to stand on ceremony. I heard about the assassination attempt on the Young General and was very worried. Learning that the General has recovered, I specifically came to visit. I have brought some excellent tonics. The Young General must accept them for his recovery."
Chu Yanxi signaled his attendant to present the tonics. They were all high-quality ginseng, bird's nest, and similar items...
He had invested heavily this time. He hoped it wouldn't be a complete loss.
"Thank you for your concern for my General, Third Prince. I will not refuse your kindness." Feng Jin said without any hesitation. kuAiδugg
Cai Qing, with great understanding, asked a nearby maid to collect all the items.
"Are the Young General's injuries still serious? I happened to bring the imperial physician with me. He is highly skilled. Perhaps he can examine the Young General."
Chu Yanxi had come prepared. He gestured with his eyes for the imperial physician to step forward and examine Ling Mohan.
"Your humble servant greets the Young General." The imperial physician stepped forward to pay his respects. "Please extend your wrist, Young General. Your servant will take your pulse."
Ling Mohan lifted his sleeve to reveal his wrist.
As soon as the imperial physician's fingers touched his pulse, Chu Yanxi impatiently asked, "How are the Young General's injuries?"
"The Young General's pulse is weak and faint, intermittent. This indicates a deficiency in both qi and blood."
Chu Yanxi did not understand what the imperial physician meant. His heart was anxious, and his tone carried a hint of anger. "Speak plainly, what exactly is the situation?"
The imperial physician's expression flickered. He quickly explained, "The Young General's body is weak, caused by excessive blood loss. His old wounds had not yet healed from before, and with the new injuries, he still requires careful rest for some time."
Chu Yanxi's face gradually stiffened. He had not expected it to be true...
"What is it, Third Prince? Looking at your expression, you seem... very worried about my General's injuries." Feng Jin shrewdly observed his expression.
Chu Yanxi showed a look of embarrassment. He said sheepishly, "I am also concerned for the Young General. Since the Young General is unharmed, it is truly the good fortune of our Southern Chu!"
Feng Jin was amused by his hypocritical demeanor, struggling to suppress a smile on her face. "Third Prince is indeed benevolent and kind, caring for his subjects. This truly earns our admiration."
The praise, laced with a sarcastic tone, made Chu Yanxi feel utterly ashamed.
Ling Mohan coughed lightly and said, "Your Highness, I am feeling unwell... *cough*..."