Feng Jin’s gaze swept over everyone present. A few were there with genuine concern, while others were using the opportunity to exert pressure and gather information.
“I thank you all for your worry for the young general. However, he remains unconscious and is currently being treated by physicians. It is truly not suitable for anyone to visit him,” Feng Jin said.
As she spoke, her face bore an expression of profound sorrow, which convinced many of the sincerity of her words.
“You have all been waiting here, but you cannot see the young general. Why don’t you all return home first? You may visit again when the young general has recovered.”
Chu Yanxi, who had been hiding in the crowd, stepped forward. “The young general risked his life and dedicated his all for Southern Chu, making him a hero of our realm. I am here today to visit at the behest of my father, the Emperor. Surely, young madam, you will not defy imperial will and turn me away.”
Certain that Feng Jin would not easily allow anyone to enter, Chu Yanxi directly invoked Emperor Xuanwen, intending to pressure Feng Jin. Even if she possessed the courage to defy imperial will, the Ling family could not possibly bear the consequences of such a charge.
Feng Jin’s eyes narrowed. This third prince was indeed not as benevolent and virtuous as he appeared. The Empress Dowager’s continued obstruction of his ascension to the throne was a wise decision.
“Your Highness the Third Prince, I beg your understanding. Today, even if His Majesty himself were to visit, entry into the Ling manor is not permitted.”
Upon hearing Feng Jin’s words, everyone present was shocked. Such talk was tantamount to disrespecting His Majesty, an offense punishable by death. Even if the Ling family’s merits were unparalleled, they could not withstand such a transgression. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
“Rascal! How dare you speak such words!”
Second Master Ling hurried over from behind and bowed to everyone. “You have all traveled far to concern yourselves with my nephew’s affairs, a hardship indeed. My nephew has not yet awakened and it is indeed unsuitable for you all to visit.”
“Since His Highness the Third Prince is here on imperial decree, perhaps you could trouble His Highness to visit on behalf of everyone.”
Chu Yanxi’s smug smile widened as he stepped forward. Just as he reached the entrance, he was surrounded by soldiers.
“How audacious! To dare point weapons at me! Murdering a prince is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of kin. Can your Ling family bear such a consequence!”
Second Master Ling instantly panicked and roared, “Quickly put away your weapons and let the Third Prince…”
With a ‘swish,’ countless spearheads were aimed at Second Master Ling. The hearts of the crowd suddenly clenched, and the previous clamor vanished, replaced by an eerie silence.
Feng Jin, who had been silent for a long time, stepped forward with composure and grace. “Your Highness the Third Prince, Second Uncle, my deepest apologies.”
She took out a token bestowed by the Empress Dowager. “This is a token bestowed by the Empress Dowager. To see this is to see the Empress Dowager!”
“We pay our respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!”
“We pay our respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!”
“We pay our respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!”
Everyone knelt in unison, their voices echoing as one. Even the arrogant Chu Yanxi was forced to kneel.
“Her Majesty the Empress Dowager’s token is present. Anyone who dares to step forward will be showing disrespect to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. You are all pillars of Southern Chu; you should not be so foolish!”
The onlookers exchanged glances. Some, sensing the mood, had already quietly retreated. The bustling crowd quickly thinned until only a few remained.
“Put away the weapons and let the Third Prince return!” Feng Jin commanded, and the soldiers promptly lowered their spears.
“Niece-in-law, look at your Second Uncle…” Second Master Ling, with spearheads pointed at his throat, dared not move an inch.
“Second Uncle, you are an elder, and I have always respected you. However, the Ling family is currently under my management. For you to constantly challenge me like this makes things difficult for me!” Feng Jin said with a forced smile, her words laced with a hint of sarcasm.
“Second Uncle was merely momentarily confused. We are family after all. Causing trouble at our doorstep will only make us a laughingstock to outsiders…” Second Master Ling, terrified, dared not move, fearing the spears might somehow find their way to him.
“Put away all the weapons. Don’t scare Second Uncle.”
As the soldiers withdrew their spears, Second Master Ling breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against the stone lion at the entrance to steady himself. He, a frail scholar who had never even touched a knife for slaughtering a chicken, was surrounded by dozens of spears, leaving him drenched in a cold sweat.
“Second Uncle, in the future, you must think carefully before you speak and act. Otherwise, these spears will be even closer to you… Lu Shi, send a few people to escort Second Uncle back to rest well.”
“Yes, Young Madam!” Lu Shi sheathed his sword. “Second Master, please!”
Second Master Ling forced a wry smile and was helped away by a few people.
After seeing off this group of troublesome guests, Feng Jin finally exhaled. If not for the token left by Nanny Yun, dealing with Chu Yanxi would have been quite difficult.
When Feng Jin returned to her room, Ling Mohan was leisurely lying on the bed, reading a book.
“You’re back,” Ling Mohan asked softly, his gaze still fixed on the book in his hand.
Feng Jin felt speechless. Still harboring resentment, she snatched the book from his hand and slammed it onto the table. “The young general is truly in high spirits. I should have let you deal with those ghosts and monsters.”
After being scolded, Ling Mohan sheepishly rubbed his nose and said placatingly, “Wife, you’ve worked hard. Let your husband massage your shoulders for you.”
The moment the man’s hand touched Feng Jin’s shoulder, she pushed it away.
“Ouch…” Ling Mohan cried out in pain, staggering back and sitting on the bed.
Feng Jin looked at the man’s performance with a cold, amused expression. She had only given him a gentle push. For it to be so severe, he was wasting his talent by not performing in the Southern Mansion opera.
“It hurts so much… My back wound seems to have reopened.”
“Stop pretending. Your back wound healed long ago, and I only gave you a gentle push!” Feng Jin said with a helpless look. This man was now an utter rogue.
Seeing that his pretense of illness had been exposed, Ling Mohan simply sat up from the bed. His movements were as fluid as a swimming dragon, making it impossible to believe he was the one people spoke of as being on the brink of death.
“You should at least pretend a little. If someone were to barge in, even ten mouths couldn’t explain it away.”
“What are you afraid of? This east courtyard is completely sealed like an iron bucket. Not even a bird can get in. Besides, it’s just the two of us in this room. Who could see?”
Ling Mohan picked up a cup of clear tea and took a sip. Why was it so bitter? The tea leaves were too poor, tasting like stale tea from the previous year.
“You don’t have good tea here?”
“The young general has a discerning palate and naturally looks down upon the things in my room. Why don’t you go back to your own room to rest?” Since his injuries had mostly healed, there was no need for him to linger here. There was only one bed in the room.
Ling Mohan’s eyes flickered, and he quickly switched to a near-death demeanor. He stumbled to the bed and lay down weakly, moaning, “I feel a bit suffocated in my chest. It might be due to the residual poison in my body.”
“You scoundrel! The poison in your body was cleared long ago. Stop pretending and get back to your own room immediately.”