Chapter 2, the long sky laments, the sea and the moon are never full

Linghu Yue asked: "Do you know what King Liang asked Mother Chen?"

The woman stood at the cabin door, staring intently at two individuals dressed in the same color, one tall and one short. Not to mention Young Master Pan, even the young lady who had fallen into the water earlier was charming and graceful. The two stood together as if they had stepped out of a painting. The carpet was pristine white, and as they walked upon it, not a single footprint was left behind. Only the immortals in paintings could be like this, right

Linghu Tuan Yuan suddenly recalled the rumors regarding her origins. The Ye family was initially not accepted by the Linghu clan, yet Linghu Yue took her as a concubine under the pretext of her being pregnant. Although the Ye family became a concubine of the Linghu family, the rumors persisted, with servants slandering her, claiming that the child she carried was not of Linghu blood. Could it be that she truly was not her father's flesh and blood? Is that why Wu Que said such things?

After A Er finished serving tea, he went back down. Ling Hu Tuan Yuan came back to his senses and was about to take his leave when Ye Qin Shi asked, "Miss, are you interested in hearing a story from a Ye Qin master?"

I won't die again, it's just wearing a gold piece on my arm

Linghu Tuan Yuan felt somewhat embarrassed upon seeing his appearance This kind-hearted person had helped her out yet she had splashed half of his body with water A refined and elegant gentleman was left in a state of disarray by her actions

I understand

In the backlight, Linghu Tuan Yuan could not clearly see Pan Wei Zhi's appearance; she only noticed that this person was surrounded by a halo of sunlight, giving off a somewhat good-natured vibe. Thus, she said: "Go!"

Every prominent family has its share of inept individuals. Among the Pan family's collateral branches, there is a young man named Pan Huizhi, who is a representative of such ineptitude. Pan Huizhi shares the same generation as the esteemed Young Master Pan Weizhi, yet his conduct and approach to life are worlds apart from that of Young Master Pan. He was pampered since childhood, and upon reaching adulthood, he is neither cultured nor skilled in martial arts, spending his days merely indulging in food. Fortunately, his father, Pan Yue, is strict in managing the family, and Pan Huizhi, having been scolded frequently since childhood, has developed a timid disposition, thus refraining from any extravagant or immoral behavior. Being inept is one thing, but as time passed, Pan Yue's frustration turned into resignation. However, unexpectedly, when King Liang visited Chenliu, Pan Huizhi committed an act that brought disgrace to the Pan family.

The Yeqin Master spoke eloquently: "The background of that Yeqin Master differs from mine; she is a descendant of the Ye family from Nanyue. Although the Ye family is not as prominent as the Pan and Linghu families, being a lesser surname, the Ye surname holds extraordinary respect in the realm of musicians. Ye Fengyao's ancestor was the renowned flute immortal Ye Die, a musician whom Emperor Chang deeply hated yet could not kill. The Ye family has been known for their exceptional musical talent and free-spirited nature for generations, and this is even more evident in Ye Fengyao's generation. She has entered the imperial court, intimidating the court musicians; she has roamed the brothels, refusing a thousand gold for a single performance; she has wandered the rivers and lakes, winning over countless heroes and chivalrous figures..."

Pingzhen, tell this king how that old fellow met his demise

Ye Qinshi did not answer, but looked at her and asked: "Have you heard the saying 'Marry a wife like Pan, and a husband like Linghu'?"

Not long after, the Pan family in Chenliu became a complete mess due to an unexpected event that occurred

Alas, once again falling victim to this treacherous woman’s scheme! Linghu Tuan Yuan was filled with horror, recalling how Ye Qin Shi had lured her in with words at the water workshop before launching a hidden attack. Now, the same trick was being played again. In this critical moment, Linghu Tuan Yuan spun her sword in her hand, creating a swirling shadow of the blade to shield herself from the golden light. Yet, there was no escaping; this was a tactic that Ye Qin Shi had meticulously crafted over many years, one she had rehearsed countless times in her dreams—mutual destruction. After a series of intense collisions, Ye Qin Shi's palm, bloodied, struck above Linghu Tuan Yuan's right chest, while at the same time, Linghu Tuan Yuan's sword pierced through Ye Qin Shi's chest. Yet, there was no escaping; this was a tactic that Ye Qin Shi had meticulously crafted over many years, one she had rehearsed countless times in her dreams—mutual destruction. After a series of intense collisions, Ye Qin Shi's palm, bloodied, struck above Linghu Tuan Yuan's right chest, while at the same time, Linghu Tuan Yuan's sword pierced through Ye Qin Shi's chest

The injury on her arm throbbed faintly, prompting Linghu Tuan Yuan to cease her wild speculations. She placed her other hand around the area of the wound. The three golden darts were each the size of a fingernail, with blood grooves carved between them. Although the bleeding had stopped, the toxin had already entered her body. Linghu Tuan Yuan thought to herself that since there was nothing else to do, she might as well retrieve the darts! She channeled her internal energy and struck the area below the wound with her palm, but the golden darts remained unmoved. Linghu Tuan Yuan furrowed her brow; her blood and energy were blocked in half of her body, yet she still foolishly hoped to force the poisoned darts out herself.

As Ye Qin rolled up her sleeves once more, Ling Hu Tuan Yuan shouted loudly, "Do not harm anyone!" She swiftly seized the boat oar she had previously targeted and charged forward. Pan Wei Zhi, watching from behind, felt a stir in her heart as she beheld a graceful young woman wielding a massive wooden oar, sweeping it horizontally with an impressive and spirited demeanor that was difficult to articulate

Linghu Tuan Yuan steadied himself, then swiftly ascended the tower, startling the rough servant.

Linghu Tuan Yuan shook his head, "No."

Linghu Tuan Yuan quickly nodded, "Of course I have heard of it. What is it?"

Pan Yue's forehead was beaded with sweat. Pan Weizhi, who usually acted with composure, why was he acting foolishly at this critical moment? However, Pan Weizhi replied gently: "Your Highness, I am Pan Weizhi. That person just now is my foolish younger brother. Today, he was frightened out of his wits by Your Highness's steed, and he has been scared to the point of losing his senses. If he were to find out that the steed belongs to Your Highness, he would surely be so terrified that his soul would leave his body, and his life would be in danger. Your Highness is valiant, and I would not want my foolish brother's life to tarnish Your Highness's illustrious reputation." After speaking, Pan Weizhi knelt down and bowed his head again.

Pan Weizhi finally discerned the clues. He returned to the cabin to retrieve a treasured sword and threw it over, saying, "Catch it!"

The western sun set, and Xuanhao was even angrier, "Am I really that frightening? That old hag has been a madam at Yishui Tower for quite some time. If a few words from me scare her to death in bed, then she should just give up her life as a courtesan and go back home to raise chickens!"

Without haste or delay, he stepped out of the altar and picked up the large white object. Linghu Yue followed closely behind him, his face pale as he asked, "Has the reunion already taken place?"

I am simply at a loss, not knowing what to do

There is no profit to be had, the surface is smooth. Poor girl! She has encountered misfortune early in the morning

Seeing beads of sweat on Pan Weizhi's forehead, Linghu Tuan Yuan had the illusion that this was the former Third Brother. In his childhood, Wu Que was indeed such a considerate person

Linghu Yue stared at Li Qiu for a moment and said: "Madam Chen's funeral arrangements will be handled by her family. You should choose another reliable person to manage the Yishui Tower. If King Liang comes again, we will deal with it as necessary"

Without interruption, Linghu Yue continued speaking to himself, "When Miao Xiaozhi is young, it is difficult to pick; but once the branches are lush, and it bears flowers and fruits, transplanting will be stable. Alas, I still wish for it to be deep within the courtyard"

Ye Qinshi maintained her composure and continued to smile gently, saying: "But I see that the young lady possesses a pair of naturally gifted hands for playing the piano!"

Ye Qinshi's beautiful face twisted in a sinister smile, and she said maliciously: "Let me make it clear for you! I have been here for many years, just to wait for a girl named Linghu Tuan Yuan!"

Linghu Yue gazed intently, for his precious son could not be encapsulated by the mere term "privileged"

Yet suddenly, Pan Ping shouted from the bow of the boat: "Who are you?"

Linghu Tuan Yuan felt a surge of anxiety, holding his breath to listen intently

"The young master cannot go; it would only lead to trouble if he does," Pan Ping spoke grandly, but in truth, he was afraid that his master would be harmed

"Do I have a grudge against you?" Linghu Tuan Yuan asked, covering his wound.

The boat brushed past Linghu Tuan Yuan, and in the bright light, she noticed someone on the boat staring at her. After holding back for a long time, she finally said, "I am the floating corpse of the river..." As she spoke, her body suddenly sank, nearly causing her to drink in the river water

Linghu Yue fell silent for a moment before saying: "You have long made up your mind to support your sister for a lifetime?"

Linghu Tuan Yuan had just intended to take a step when she heard her father Linghu Yue's voice, "You have always known this, my daughter, you are a disciple of Master Li, and even Master Li cannot suppress her innate temperament. Over the years, she has become increasingly unlike a daughter of the Linghu family. How can I, as her father, arrange a marriage for her? Wuqie, in fact, I want to raise her for a lifetime"

I apologize for the disturbance, please let me pass in front

Drifting along, Linghu Tuan Yuan suddenly found her vision darken as a ship approached her. Naturally, Linghu Tuan Yuan would not be foolish enough to compare the hardness of her head with that of the ship. She exerted herself to paddle a bit, and with a sinking and then rising motion, she drifted away from the ship's path.

Bidding farewell to his father, Linghu Wuqie carried the large white dog to the annex, only to find the place empty of people. Upon reaching their destination, the large white dog slipped out of its owner's embrace, curled up, and fell asleep on the familiar bed.

Pingzhen sighed quietly; he had followed King Liang for many years. To outsiders, it seemed that King Liang acted rashly and relied heavily on his advisors for strategies and plans, but that was not the case. In the matter that had just occurred, he was already inferior to King Liang.

Pan Weizhi's originally troubled mood was dispelled by this remark, and he looked down at her with a smile and asked, "Do you want to board the ship?"

The four-character phrase "unique and unparalleled" causes Linghu Tuan Yuan to feel a pang in her heart. She is unfortunate, having lost her mother at a young age, and her master is an emotionally cold person. Yet she is also fortunate, as she has a loving father and a kind mother, along with a brother who cares deeply for her. Whether or not she is the biological daughter of Linghu Yue is no longer important; what matters is that she has relatives who dote on her even more than her biological parents and siblings.

Ah!

At this moment, Linghu Tuan Yuan's paddle had been broken, and she simply smashed the other half towards Master Ye Qin. Then, with a swift turn of her body, she perfectly caught the sword thrown by Pan Wei Zhi. The tide of battle was thus turned; with a flick of her wrist, Linghu Tuan Yuan's sword light was sharp and fierce, forcing Master Ye Qin to retreat step by step. Soon, Master Ye Qin's eyes turned red, losing all semblance of grace. Accompanied by the clashing sounds of swords, her hairpin fell to the ground, and her face became even more ferocious. She screamed: "Who taught you your swordsmanship? You can't play the qin but can wield a sword?"

When Linghu Tuan Yuan was at a loss for words, Pan Wei Zhi gestured to the cabin, inviting her in. Consequently, a waterline appeared on the deck. Linghu Tuan Yuan stopped in front of the cabin door; she was typically careless in her actions, but at this moment, she noticed the distinctiveness of this boat. This was not a flower boat from Xiangjiang; it was a noble's private vessel. The exterior of the boat was exquisitely crafted, while the interior was simply elegant, not comparable to the ostentatious grandeur of the flower boats.

Pan Weizhi meticulously arranged all matters and returned to the cabin, stating directly: "The waters of Xiangjiang are perilous; it would be best for you to remain on the ship for the time being. Furthermore, there are no female companions on board. If you do not mind, I can have the woman from the waterhouse come to keep you company."

Good skill! Linghu Tuan Yuan casually praised, then as usual shook off the water, but half of her body felt numb, causing her to furrow her brows

"Young Master, what do you think..." Pan Ping called out, reminding Pan Weizhi that there were still important matters to attend to

"Hailan." Linghu Tuan Yuan also greeted but did not rise

The young lady may rest here for a while, I will go outside the cabin

Linghu Hailan silently sat back down. She was two years younger than Linghu Tuan Yuan, both being born of concubines and under the care of Lady Qi, yet her status in the Linghu family was far superior to that of Linghu Tuan Yuan. With an elder sister like Linghu Tuan Yuan who had taken on countless "bad names," the gentle and compliant younger sister could easily gain the approval of everyone.

Linghu Tuan Yuan's gaze fell once again on the long sleeves of Master Ye Qin, and she finally realized what was amiss. Master Ye Qin was missing an arm, leaving one of the long sleeves empty and hollow. Instantly, she felt a surge of compassion; an excellent musician could only play the zither with one hand. No wonder the chords she had heard earlier sounded so monotonous.

Where is the owner of the curved building

Qifu laughed heartily, "You child!"

It doesn't matter!" She turned to look at the shore ahead, "Right there, if you can get close, just let me down!"

Linghu Yue's cold smile turned into mockery, "Can you scare someone to death?"

Linghu Tuan Yuan could not help but sigh, "Stop it, you have done your best!" In reality, Linghu Tuan Yuan was well aware that in terms of martial arts cultivation, Pan Wei Zhi was far inferior to her. Despite Pan Wei Zhi's utmost efforts, the self-imposed taboo she had set remained completely unaffected.

Mother! Linghu Tuan Yuan leaped through the window

A Er responded and left, while Linghu Tuan Yuan gazed at Ye Qin Shi, feeling that she possessed an extraordinary demeanor, yet unable to pinpoint what was amiss. Ye Qin Shi was dressed in a blue robe, tall in stature, appearing to be between thirty and forty years of age, with exceptionally well-maintained skin. She stood on the pavilion, cradling a guqin in one hand, while the other hand, adorned with long sleeves that reached her ankles, showcased her exquisite figure.

Oh, what is wrong

Pan Yue hesitated for a moment and deliberated, saying: "As an old minister, I feel ashamed to be the governor of Chenliu Commandery; I will certainly conduct a thorough investigation into the matter of Xiangjiang"

Pan Weizhi expressed his gratitude and departed

Is your injury not a problem?

I beg your pardon for speaking at length, but it seems that the young lady's wound still harbors poison

Pan Ping smiled and said, "Young lady, you may not be aware, but we are stopping in the middle of the river."

Pan Weizhi hurriedly stepped forward, bending down and just about to say: "Miss..." when Linghu Tuan Yuan felt a sudden tightness in his chest and fainted in his embrace

Linghu Tuan Yuan furrowed his brows and said, "You can play the piano and also wield a sword. What kind of piano do you play? What type of sword do you use?"

Pan Ping no longer spoke unnecessarily, as his objective had already been achieved. Just now, he had seen his master being cornered by a young girl with her words, and he had retaliated in kind, which he considered a form of retribution.

Let me see, this reunion is even more beautiful! Lady Qi exclaimed, I wonder which family's son is fortunate enough to marry my reunion

Looking at Ye Qin, who resembled neither a human nor a ghost, Ling Hu Tuan Yuan forced a smile and said: "I am fine... I will be better."

Pan Yue's heart rose to his throat; among the Western Sun royal family, the Liang King was the most difficult to serve.

Wuqie was taken aback. Regardless of who the murderer was, they could not be separated from King Liang. The murderer committed direct murder, while King Liang was guilty of indirect murder, as he caused the sudden death of Mother Chen. Wuqie gazed at his father; the head of the Lihou clan was indeed shrewd and calculating, having long prepared a countermeasure for the Ye family matter, while he himself had wasted years of concern.

After Xi Ri Xuan Hao finished venting his anger, he glanced at Ping Zhen and said: "This matter is not so coincidental. You have always handled affairs with caution; have you noticed anything unusual?"

Linghu Tuan Yuan listened, unable to help but be filled with longing, envious of her mother's past experiences.

It is extreme

Linghu Tuan Yuan turned around, completely unaware that the wound on her arm had started to bleed again, staining her sleeve into a red flower. She opened the window, gauging the distance to the shore, while the woman outside anxiously asked, "Miss, have you changed into your clothes?"

The musician Ye Qin set down the instrument, gently touched a note, and then said: "She plays her carefree musician role, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but she has made a mistake, a mistake that harms both herself and others"

Wu Que touched the big white ear and replied, "When I paused and said, 'A paper cannot cover a fire.'"

Pan Yue's forehead was dripping with sweat, his aged skin wrinkled, and the sweat flowed slowly. "Pan Yue has failed in teaching his son, please forgive me, Your Highness"

Pan Weizhi glanced into the cabin; there was still a survivor here. Upon hearing the woman mention the hidden weapon, he understood how Linghu Tuan Yuan had been injured

Linghu Tuan Yuan floated and floated, soon becoming filled with a belly full of anger

The young lady just lingered by your side, listened to my tune yet left quietly without a word. I wonder if my music is lacking or if the young lady is unwilling to associate with someone like Ji Si

Nod without any flaws

Could it be that Chen Mama was also killed by Pan Weizhi? When King Liang arrived in Chen Liu, I heard from my grandfather that his advisor, Ping Zhen, brought up a lot of local matters, but ultimately circled back to the death of Chen Mama in Xiangjiang. That is why my grandfather sent him to Xiangjiang to give some advice to the Pan family. As it turns out, he hasn't even arrived yet, and the people at the water workshop are nearly dead. First, it was the life of Chen Mama from the Linghu family, and then over a dozen lives from the Pan family. Is this a coincidence? This is a major case in the land of Nanyue that has persisted for decades. First, it was the life of Chen Mama from the Linghu family, and then over a dozen lives from the Pan family. Is this a coincidence? This is a major case in the land of Nanyue that has persisted for decades

Linghu Tuan Yuan was unwilling to make things difficult for this poor person, and was even less accustomed to being attended to by strangers. She said: "You can stand aside, I will change by myself"

Ye Qinshi let out a long laugh once again. All the previous tests have now received a clear response at this moment, "You have admitted it yourself, you are Linghu Tuan Yuan!"

If Pan Yue had remained silent, it would have been fine; even if Xi Ri Xuan Hao had made a cold remark, it would have been acceptable. However, once he spoke, he ended up provoking Xi Ri Xuan Hao instead.

Disturbing a peaceful dream! Linghu Tuan Yuan lightly landed, and upon listening again, she felt that the sound of the zither was melodious, with an exquisite tune. Although she was not trained in music, her noble background had exposed her to much in the realms of music, chess, poetry, and painting. Moreover, she could also play the flute, thus she possessed some ability to appreciate these arts.

"Hehe, so you are also here?" Upon seeing the daughter of his enemy, Ye Qin laughed heartily, "No wonder you are your mother's spawn; even this outfit of cross-dressing is of the same style."

Linghu Tuan Yuan looked at his own hands and did not feel they were better than those of others, "What is good about them?"

At this moment, Pan Yue and the others all knelt at the feet of the King of Liang. Xi Ri Xuan Hao, holding the horsewhip, sneered and said: "Who is that person? The son of the Pan family? The fortunes of the Pan family from Chen Liu are about to run out, aren't they?"

Pingzhen was speechless, "Scared to death" precisely struck at the heart of Xuanhao's inner turmoil, and he dared to maintain a balanced demeanor in front of King Liang while also catering to his temper. The two young masters of the Pan family, one positive and one negative, were rather interestingly matched.

The night is deep, and the fragrant harbor has shed its glamorous attire, leaving only the lonely strings of a zither occasionally whispering a note or two. Linghu Tuan Yuan ran to the fragrant harbor and stopped in her tracks. Beyond this point lies the world of indulgence, and it would be inappropriate for her to come here without purpose, nor does she wish to see her master, making it unnecessary to cross the fragrant harbor. Yet she does not want to return, for she has already stepped out, and Da Bai is surely lounging in her bed. Thus, Linghu Tuan Yuan found a tree and hung herself from it. She swung her legs, casting a sidelong glance at the fragrant harbor, where the splendor has faded into desolation, and the extravagant songs have reached their end, leaving only solitude. Nevertheless, countless people still envy this life of intoxication and dreams. Yet she does not want to return, for she has already stepped out, and Da Bai is surely lounging in her bed. Thus, Linghu Tuan Yuan found a tree and hung herself from it. She swung her legs, casting a sidelong glance at the fragrant harbor, where the splendor has faded into desolation, and the extravagant songs have reached their end, leaving only solitude. Nevertheless, countless people still envy this life of intoxication and dreams.

Linghu Yue pondered: "I believe that the members of the Linghu family are not that foolish. It is better to be cautious than to be sorry. Conduct a thorough investigation discreetly. If it turns out to be one of our family's fools, then they shall face severe punishment without exception"

Linghu Tuan Yuan finally saw Pan Wei Zhi's appearance, with impeccable features and a gentle demeanor. However, at this moment, Linghu Tuan Yuan had no intention of appreciating it; the more beautiful the person, the more she feared to avoid them. From Xi Ri Xuan Hao to Ye Qin Shi, there was not a single good person.

Come quickly! A tiger has arrived! Oh my, how can there be a tiger! You all hurry and drive the tiger away!

Just as Linghu Tuan Yuan turned around, the master Ye Qin suddenly raised her voice, "Since you have come, why must you leave"

About seven or eight years ago, Miss Ye came to the water workshop. Although the owner of the curved building saw that she had a beautiful appearance, she was missing a hand and was initially unwilling to keep her. However, Miss Ye presented the owner with a considerable amount of valuables, and thus she was retained. Over the years, it is unknown how much Miss Ye has earned in bonuses, but it is known that her expenses have never been lacking.

The arrival of autumn is astonishing, "How could this be? How is this possible?"

Without any flaws and at ease, "Just as my father thought. I only wish for her to live happily as the young lady of the Linghu family throughout her life"

Pan Weizhi slightly nodded. After he exited, the woman from the water room slowly entered, holding several light-colored garments. Pan Weizhi had always been kind to the servants, and as he brushed past her, he said, "Go on in, the carpet will be replaced with a new one tomorrow"

Oh, and thank you," Linghu Tuan Yuan said while covering the injured area.

Pan Yue and others knelt down again

As soon as Linghu Tuan Yuan heard this voice, he immediately stepped out quickly, and Pan Wei Zhi hurriedly followed, glancing over to see that the woman was already trembling like a sieve.

Linghu Yueze said: "Why do you hint so obscurely?"

"Master Ye Qin, what are you saying?" The rough servant did not understand

Ye Qinshi's mechanical golden darts may have all been used on the people of the water workshop. This time, she did not launch any darts, but instead fashioned her prosthetic limbs into swords and blades, demonstrating her skill with them. Relying on the advantage of her golden weapons, she naturally did not fall behind when facing the sturdy and robust Linghu Tuan Yuan, quickly leaving the latter's oars battered and bruised. Pan Wei stepped forward, but was firmly held back by those around her.

Wu Que said: "How could I not know that reunion is extremely important to the Linghu clan?" Linghu Tuan Yuan was even more astonished, only to hear Wu Que pause for a moment and continue, "But a paper cannot cover a fire. The fact that the Linghu family has such a daughter is not a secret; sooner or later, the major families will find out. I have known Wei for many years and have never mentioned Tuan Yuan to him, but now I have no choice but to bring it up. This year, Tuan Yuan has already turned sixteen. If we do not let the news out at this time, how will outsiders view the Linghu family and Tuan Yuan when she gets older? I have known Wei for many years and have never mentioned Tuan Yuan to him, but now I have no choice but to bring it up. This year, Tuan Yuan has already turned sixteen. If we do not let the news out at this time, how will outsiders view the Linghu family and Tuan Yuan when she gets older? Rather than letting others gossip about us in the future, it is better to show it to Wei now. If it can be accomplished, with Wei's temperament, he will surely treat Tuan Yuan well. If even Wei cannot be persuaded, then we will fulfill my father's wishes and raise Tuan Yuan for a lifetime."

Go! The King of Liang waved his sleeve, and everyone hurriedly followed. Pingzhen closely trailed behind the King of Liang, gazing at his upright figure, and sighed inwardly, ultimately acknowledging that it was still Emperor Yong who had the most discernment

Pan Weizhi's locked brows seem to indicate that the musician has come for the young girl, while the Pan family's water workshop has been made a burial accompaniment

Pan Weizhi waved away the servants who wanted to help, bending down to lift Linghu Tuan Yuan out of the water with a quick and agile motion. Linghu Tuan Yuan felt her body lighten, and water splashed all over the boat. In the next moment, she was placed onto the boat, with Pan Weizhi's hand hovering to support her; as soon as she stood firm, that hand retracted.

Linghu Tuan Yuan nodded and said seriously: "Yes, that is why I washed myself in the water earlier"

Are there only fourteen people

Linghu Tuan Yuan carelessly ate a few pieces of pastries and drank a bellyful of tea in Lady Qi's room, then hurriedly ran off without a trace. Lady Qi looked in the direction she had gone and sighed to Linghu Hailan: "When will she be able to make her mother worry as little as you do? If that day comes, my lifelong wish will be fulfilled"

Ye Qinshi cast a cold glance over everyone on the ship and disdainfully remarked: "This is the consequence of offending me"

Thank you very much, young master

Call the host to meet me. Outside the cabin, Pan Weizhi spoke, pausing for a moment before adding, If the host is dead, then summon someone who can speak to come aboard the ship

Pan Weizhi signaled for the woman to wait outside the cabin. Since Linghu Tuan Yuan did not want her to serve, it implied something deeper. Whether it was due to discomfort or disdain, it indicated that Linghu Tuan Yuan found it difficult to be served.

Xi Ri Xuan Hao paused for a moment and cautiously asked, "Is His Highness changing the route to Wang Shu?"

The woman nodded her head vigorously like pounding garlic

Pingzhen shifted the topic, saying, "This is merely a trivial matter. This time, Your Highness is inspecting the fief, and there are still many places that can benefit from Old Man Pan's assistance. I hope the Pan family will lend their full support."

By the way, I heard that in her early years, she went to Benyi Water Tower, but Mama Chen was unwilling to keep her, which is why she came to us

Xiriyuanhao inexplicably recalled that headstrong girl; apart from Mama Chen, she was the only one he had seen in Hong Kong. However, Xiriyuanhao felt ashamed to speak up, and he could not help but feel increasingly irritated, "Is there any land under heaven that does not belong to the emperor? What of the Pan family, and what of the Lihuo family? Those who dare to show off their tricks before me, their entire clan would not be spared!"

"That is true, so many people have died, but why exactly?" Pan Weizhi posed the question to her

Pan Weizhi replied, "Just endure for a moment; the tingling sensation will pass soon."

What sets her apart from ordinary people? Pan Weizhi is not interested in whether Ye Qinshi is wealthy or not. Who does she usually associate with? What are her hobbies?

I have troubled you many times for your assistance. The response to such trivial talk is naturally a polite remark

In the midst of the fight, wooden splinters from the bow of the ship shattered and flew out, causing several of the Pan family's servants to be caught off guard and fall to the ground with cries of pain. Seizing the opportunity, Pan Ping pulled his young master back.

In Pingzhen, there are unspoken grievances. Xiri Xuanhao's appearance is somewhat "frightening," and he can "scare to death" a group of women. As long as he tilts his phoenix eyes, all women in the world are moved. However, what truly terrifies people is his temper. Among the various princes and nobles, the temper of Prince Liang is the worst, and since he is the beloved son of Emperor Yong, who would not be intimidated by his imposing presence? Yet, Xiri Xuanhao is not wrong; with Mama Chen's experience, she would not lose her life just from being frightened by him. However, Mama Chen ultimately died, her heart shattered from fear.

Wuqie had long been called away by the servant. After Lihutuan Yuan had dined alone, he thought about how he had not paid his respects to the two elders for many days, so he slipped into the main residence through the side door. This was something only Lihutuan Yuan could do; who would normally wait until night after having a full meal to think of visiting their elderly parents? Lihutuan Yuan was quite extraordinary in many ways. It was one thing to take the side door instead of the main entrance when visiting one's own family, but instead of taking the proper path, she relied on her exceptional agility to scale walls and leap across rooftops.

He asked you, how many daughters are still unmarried in your family

Linghu Tuan Yuan remained silent, merely gazing at him

Wuxie, you have two elder brothers and one younger brother, but unfortunately, all three of them are born of concubines, while you are the legitimate son of me, Linghu Yue. Therefore, I have much higher expectations for you than for others. Back then, I was angry with you for refusing the marriage on the grounds of family reunion, but now it seems that I did not consider your situation thoroughly as a father. I will not rush you regarding your marriage, but concerning the matter of the reunion and the son of the Pan family, I will follow your wishes and give it a try. For our Linghu family, if it succeeds, it is certainly a joyous occasion, and if it does not, it will not be a disaster. I will not rush you regarding your marriage, but concerning the matter of the reunion and the son of the Pan family, I will follow your wishes and give it a try. For our Linghu family, if it succeeds, it is certainly a joyous occasion, and if it does not, it will not be a disaster. However, this matter has become a dilemma for the Pan family. Pan Yue is a sentimental person, and Young Master Pan Yu, like you, has been greatly anticipated since childhood. In the eyes of outsiders, the reunion is not worthy of him, but you and I both know that the Pan family, which believes in 'marrying a wife should be Pan,' cannot find a daughter-in-law like the reunion even with a lantern. If it were not for Young Master Yu, I would not agree to this!

When the Linghu siblings were feeling down, King Liang Wang Xiri Xuanhao was in Xiangjiang in a fit of rage, "That old fool is dead? Are you all just a bunch of useless drunks? A living person was still preening and posing yesterday, and now they are dead?"

When the Pan family fell silent as if in fear, Pan Weizhi, who was kneeling at the back, bowed to Xiri Xuanhao and then rose to enter.

"Do not deceive me! How could that possibly be a horse? Have I never seen a horse before? How could that sound possibly come from a horse?" The voice grew fainter as someone pulled Pan Huizhi away.

Xirihuan Haokong let out a cold laugh, and Pan Yue thought that Pan Wei's life was in danger. However, Xirihuan Haokong looked at Pan Wei and said: "Young Master Yu of Nanyue, you do not tarnish the Pan family's name, you may go!"

Linghu Tuan Yuan was taken aback, and then heard her say: "I have waited for you for several years. During these years, none of them served me well. Now that I have finally waited for you, these people naturally have no need to continue living."

Wu Que pondered and asked: "So who exactly killed Mother Chen?"

King Liang dismounted in displeasure, and then heard someone shouting.

Without mentioning how the noble son Yu calmed the fears caused by Pan Huizhi, over there, Xi Ri Xuanhao is again spouting nonsense

As Pan Wei hurried towards Huizhi's residence, he was reminded of another matter. The incident where Pan Huizhi mistook a horse for a tiger was absurd; typically, when the powerful encounter such situations, they merely laugh it off and do not take it too seriously. However, the King of Liang openly remarked on the fate of the Pan family from Chenliu, and when Pan Yue offered his apologies, the King scolded him for being old and foolish. Yet, how could the foolishness of Pan Huizhi alone be linked to the elder's folly in the Pan family? Which family does not have a few unworthy descendants? This clearly indicates the King of Liang's dissatisfaction with the Pan family.

King Liang and his entourage rode in on horseback, coming to a sudden stop in front of the Pan family gate. The king's steed, a magnificent red horse named Hongyu Liu, let out a long neigh. This red horse, with its black mane and tail, was exceptionally spirited, and as it galloped to the finish line, it was quite pleased, letting out a loud shout. Xiri Xuanhao was initially displeased, but upon seeing Hongyu Liu so joyful, his mood improved slightly. However, he then heard a series of terrified shouts coming from within the high gates of the Pan family.

What is wrong with me

The boat stopped in the middle of the river, and the servants of the Pan family retrieved the bodies from the water, laying them out in front of the waterhouse. Fourteen lives lost, while the fifteenth person hid on the boat, weeping.

Pan Weizhi was deeply concerned. On one hand, he needed to protect the two survivors; sending Linghu Tuan Yuan away at this moment was very dangerous for her. On the other hand, he needed to gather information about Master Ye Qin from Linghu Tuan Yuan. It was clear that Linghu Tuan Yuan was unwilling to reveal the truth, and he was at a loss, having to put it on hold for the time being. Little did he know that Linghu Tuan Yuan was merely brushing him off. Pan Weizhi had already summoned the officials; if Linghu Tuan Yuan stayed and did not leave, wouldn't that just add to Linghu Yue's troubles?

Linghu Tuan Yuan sat beside Master Ye Qin, understanding in his heart that this one-handed Master Ye Qin must be related to her mother; at this moment, even if she were to be driven away, she would not leave.

I am heading towards Wangshu, is it convenient for the young lady to disembark at Wangshu

Fourth Sister!" Another young girl in Lady Qi's chamber stood up to greet her

"The old minister ... ... The old minister ... ..."

"Does the young lady look down upon the musicians of Hong Kong?" Ye, the musician, said with a hint of displeasure, her age lending her a unique charm reminiscent of a mature and graceful woman

After changing his attire, Linghu Tuan Yuan appeared as if he had transformed into a different person. At first glance, he truly resembled a graceful and ethereal young man. However, upon closer inspection, the subtle charm that emerged in his every movement revealed a hint of a dashing young master.

"Oh, thank you, but I think I am not suitable." Linghu Tuan Yuan's biological mother, Ye, was a guqin player, which made her feel wary of the guqin player before her, who also bore the surname Ye

The woman replied: "She has a calm temperament, does not enjoy socializing, and is only very close to the owner of the music building"

Ye Qin let out a long sigh, lifting the empty long sleeves with one hand, causing Linghu Tuan Yuan to lean in closer for a better look. A flash of golden light passed by, followed by a rapid shot of golden light. Linghu Tuan Yuan sensed that something was amiss and, unable to evade in time, raised one hand to block it. He quickly retreated, and upon landing, he found three glaring poisoned golden darts embedded in his right arm.

The years have not been favorable, and both times I went to Hong Kong, I encountered misfortune. After lamenting, Linghu Tuan Yuan only wishes to return home quickly. If she can return home safely, she will definitely listen to her master from now on, adhering to every word without exception

Pan Weizhi said in a deep voice: "Do not cry, clarify the matter, and do not let our people die in vain"

Hahaha..." Ye Qinshi stood up and laughed heartily, "Little girl, you are still easily deceived!"

After the woman left, Linghu Tuan Yuan lifted the clothing, and a pair of white shoes fell out from it. They were men's shoes, and the size appeared to be large. Looking at the clothing again, it was also of a youthful style, both the clothes and shoes were new, likely prepared by Pan Wei several years ago. Linghu Tuan Yuan looked further down and found that the young master of the Pan family was just as meticulous as one could be, even having prepared undergarments, though these undergarments were so gaudy they seemed to have been taken from a brothel.

Miss

Linghu Tuan Yuan did not wish to provoke trouble, but if trouble were to come knocking at her door, she would not be afraid. She smiled and said, "The qin master is not only skilled in art, but also a good person. In Ji Si, there are not many people like the qin master!"

Xi Ri Xuan Hao coldly laughed to himself, while the old man Pan Yue was quite astute, always admitting his mistakes first without any evasion. Xiangjiang is located between Chenliu and Wangshu, belonging to a zone that is both governed and ungoverned.

"If it is, then it deserves to die; if not, it will not be misplaced either!" Ye Qinshi said coldly. She completely rolled up her long sleeves, revealing a golden mechanism hidden beneath, which was covered in golden darts.

Linghu Hailan gazed at her sister, completely lacking the elegance of a young lady from a prominent family. Her sitting posture was casual and unrestrained, and her words were far from decorous. Yet, the mistress of the house doted on her, requiring neither daily greetings nor caring about her indiscreet remarks. Since childhood, she had loved to stir up trouble, but Madam Qi and her father had never blamed her. It was only when she pushed the steward into the lake that she was sent to a separate courtyard.

"Your hands are not convenient." This is clearly a nonsensical statement

Regarding the rumors about Linghu Tuan Yuan's background, she had only heard a few whispers from the servants in the past. However, tonight she personally overheard the conversation between her father and brothers, which made it impossible for her to pretend she was unaware. Her biological mother, Ye Feng Yao, had passed away, and Li Jia Mu had once said that the person who loved her the most in the world was no longer there. Young Tuan Yuan was skeptical about the rumors concerning the Ye family, yet she was surrounded by the affection of her parents and brothers. With many doubts lingering, another question arose: what does it mean to be an extremely important person in the Linghu family? Clearly, there are issues regarding her background, yet it is described as important.

Pan Weizhi, upon seeing this situation, bowed his head and said: "No problem, please come in, young lady"

Linghu Tuan Yuan gazed at him and said: "The musician has gone mad"

Upon realizing this, Pan Weizhi felt even more anxious. In such a situation, he had managed to avoid punishment and was even lightly let off by the King of Liang, which demonstrated that the King of Liang was indeed exceptional. The ability of the Western Sun royal family to consolidate imperial power after unifying the realm is not merely a matter of the successor's fortune; it is evident from a single child that the entire clan possesses a remarkable demeanor, a strong lineage, and a clear mind, which will continue for several generations

"Do not offend!" Pan Weizhi decisively picked her up horizontally and swiftly entered the cabin, gently placing her on the couch. The series of actions were coherent and rapid, but after laying down Linghu Tuan Yuan, his clothing was completely in disarray

Mother Chen was found dead in bed, with no knife or sword wounds, nor any signs of poisoning. According to the preliminary examination by the forensic expert, it is suspected to be a case of gallbladder rupture

When did she arrive? Did she hear everything we said?

"Bai Jia Chen Liu!" As Xi Ri Xuan Hao stood up, everyone had just responded when he turned back and asked, "Ping Zhen, which family does Yi Shui Lou belong to?"

Pan Weizhi stepped forward to take out a silk handkerchief, intending to hand it to Linghu Tuan Yuan, but ultimately, he helplessly used it to bind him instead

Ye Qinshi smiled, and Linghu Tuan Yuan was praising her for her excellent琴playing skills and martial arts prowess. Why would such a person live in Ji Si

After securing it, Pan Weizhi stepped back and said, "I have yet to inquire about your esteemed name, Miss?"

Linghu Tuan Yuan felt a tinge of shame as he was about to leave, and his gaze towards Pan Wei was quite gentle

Keep watch for me!" Wu Que finished speaking and exited the room, gently closing the door behind him

Linghu Tuan Yuan concealed herself in the night, like a wisp of ethereal smoke, her form both elusive and agile. She darted up and down the eaves, listening intently to the sounds below to ascertain Linghu Yue's location. Not in the dormitory, not in the study, not in the hall, nor in the side chamber, finally Linghu Tuan Yuan lightly landed at the entrance of the ancestral hall. The hall was filled with a dense array of memorial tablets, dedicated to the Linghu clan members who had devoted their lives to the family.

Ye Qinshi? Linghu Tuan Yuan felt a sudden knot in his heart

If it were another girl, she would have blushed and either nestled into her mother's arms to act cute, saying, "Daughter will not marry anyone, I want to stay with you for a lifetime, remaining by your side." However, Linghu Tuan Yuan laughed and said, "Mother, you have it wrong. You should say, which family's son in his past life did not accumulate good virtue, bringing this calamity home to worship."

Pan Weizhi's brows furrowed with greater worry; she was clearly aware of the situation. For the sake of the Pan family and the deceased from the waterworks, how could he let her off the ship?

I will go out and take a look! Without considering the consequences of Linghu Tuan Yuan forcibly drawing out the poisoned dart, Pan Weizhi stood up and left

Linghu Tuan Yuan half-knelt on the deck, using his sword to support himself, one hand pressed against the area between his chest and shoulder blade. How ruthless, it was just a hair's breadth away from striking directly at his chest

Linghu Tuan Yuan ran out of the house, heading towards the direction of Xiangjiang. She walked slowly, not in a daze, but filled with a sense of frustration. Do they intend to bury her secret forever beneath the altar?

Wu Que sighed and said, "I hope you are not here just for the sake of reuniting with your mother!"

After the three entered the study, Li Qiu detailed the matters regarding the Xiangjiang Yishuilou, saying, "Now that King Liang has gone to Chenliu, he will surely come to Wangshu in the near future"

Pan Ping responded. After a short while, a woman stumbled and knelt outside the cabin, "Young Master, it is that lute master with the surname Ye who has committed these atrocities. She has killed more than a dozen people in one breath. My goodness! That lute master Ye has gone mad! Her prosthetic hand is equipped with hidden weapons, striking fiercely to take lives."

King Liang's journey to Nanyue has been fraught with discontent; last night was particularly dreadful, and today, the sudden death of Madam Chen at Yishui Tower has completely severed any leads in the search for the missing person. Consequently, the guards kneeling in the hall do not dare to speak a word.

"Just because of him? Disturbing? Pan Yue, have you lost your mind?"

They are all dead, all dead!" the woman cried, "I am the only one left. At that time, I was hiding in the outhouse, and that is how I escaped this calamity

Your arm injury has bled again

These individuals have no enmity or grievance with you, why do you seek to eliminate them completely

I have prepared a change of clothes for the young lady, please make do for the time being

Xihri Xuanhao clenched his fist, the knuckles cracking sharply. Pingzhen fell silent, and Xihri Xuanhao said coldly: "Continue speaking!"

Ye Qinshi smiled and said: "Guests are always welcome. A'er, please go and bring some tea."

"Young Master, will we stop along the way?" Pan Ping's voice emerged again, reminding Pan Weizhi that the destination of this journey was not at Wangshu Port

Linghu Tuan Yuan swiftly sealed the acupoints along the entire right arm and asked, "Who exactly are you? Why did you harm others?"

Indeed. In the context of Pingzhen's cautious words, "Xiangjiang is situated between Chenliu and Wangshu, and has historically been a battleground for the two prominent families of Pan and Linghu. The prince traveled directly to Nanyue, passing through Chenliu without pausing for even a moment, and headed straight to Xiangjiang for an overnight stay. Last night, he summoned only Mama Chen, and by the next day, Mama Chen had passed away. Such precise information and swift action can only be attributed to either Pan or Linghu. I dare to speculate that one of the two families must be aware of the whereabouts of the qin player. Upon learning that the prince had summoned Mama Chen, the informant must have resorted to murder to silence her, and the method of the killing reveals the depth of this matter." The prince traveled directly to Nanyue, passing through Chenliu without pausing for even a moment, and headed straight to Xiangjiang for an overnight stay. Last night, he summoned only Mama Chen, and by the next day, Mama Chen had passed away. Such precise information and swift action can only be attributed to either Pan or Linghu. I dare to speculate that one of the two families must be aware of the whereabouts of the qin player. Upon learning that the prince had summoned Mama Chen, the informant must have resorted to murder to silence her, and the method of the killing reveals the depth of this matter.

Ye Qinshi stepped forward and gazed at her hands, explaining in detail: "You see, your ten fingers are slender yet not delicate, your nails are smooth yet not fragile. Such exquisite hands should not be wasted on playing the guqin, what a pity!"

After Linghu Tuan Yuan lay down, he noticed that Pan Wei Zhi's cheeks had turned red, which indicated to him that he was a modest gentleman. Pan Yue was very strict in managing his household, and Pan Wei Zhi had adhered to the teachings of propriety since childhood. This was the first time in his life that Pan Wei Zhi had intimate contact with a young lady. Previously, rescuing her from the water was a matter of a blink, but now holding her horizontally was indeed inappropriate.

Although Ye Qinshi has gone mad, she is only crazy about Linghu Tuan Yuan. In front of the public, she would never reveal Linghu Tuan Yuan's name. Just by the surname Linghu, the people of Xiangjiang would surely offer their full support.

Linghu Tuan Yuan's legs became stiff

Pan Weizhi hesitated; what Linghu Tuanjuan said was not wrong, and he found it difficult to unleash the final dart. However, he was not someone who easily gave up. If he could not force it out in a short time, persistent effort would inevitably yield the poisoned dart. But was it worth going to such lengths for a stranger girl?

Linghu Tuan Yuan hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to leave. There are countless qin players with the surname Ye in the world; if she were to be curious about each one, would she be able to come over?

Linghu Tuan Yuan unraveled the taboo, understanding clearly within the cabin. Ye Qin Shi vented her anger on others, killing all the Ji Si Ye practitioners hiding in their lairs, which was unexpected for Linghu Tuan Yuan. She had thought Ye Qin Shi would be sharpening her knives by the Wang Shu shore, but instead, she indiscriminately slaughtered innocents in Xiang Jiang. Linghu Tuan Yuan felt some regret; her heart was troubled by the words of her father and brothers. Venturing out at night to Wang Shu, she was caught off guard and fell into Ye Qin Shi's trap. Had she known this would happen, she should not have avoided the confrontation earlier, but rather fought fiercely, even if it meant a mutual destruction.

Linghu Tuan Yuan propped herself up and looked through the ship's window, only to see several floating corpses on the river surface, a truly tragic sight. As the ship continued its journey, she encountered the rough servant A Er, whom she had seen not long ago.

Ye Qinshi glared, and then fell straight down.

Linghu Tuan Yuan would not answer him, "A chance encounter leads to misfortune, leaving only names and surnames, which will only evoke sorrow for the deceased in the future"

What difference does it make if it is or if it is not

At that moment, I sensed her presence; had it not been for the noticeable change in her breathing, I would not have realized it. I was unaware of how much she had heard prior, so I could only follow my father's words and say things I had not intended to express, in order to make her understand that she is the one we cherish the most

Standing silently in the dim shadows of the flowers, under the mottled moonlight, his gaze was profoundly deep as he slowly spoke: "I am aware, I am Linghu Youwo"

Linghu Tuan Yuan did not come from a humble background; she had ventured into even the finest places, such as affluent territories. However, the reason she found herself hesitating at this moment lay within the cabin. One year, Pan Wei boarded Linghu Wuque's ship and found it quite impressive. He then decided to adopt some of its arrangements, laying a thick, soft carpet in the cabin, pristine and immaculate. How could Linghu Tuan Yuan step on it with her wet feet? And how could that white carpet not remind her of her third brother, who, holding the large white dog, looked at her with a half-smile as he observed the marks left by her shoes and the scenery beneath her feet?

If the young lady is willing, I can teach her the art of the guqin

Wu Que gazed at the memorial tablet on the stage and said in a deep voice: "For many years, the members of the Linghu family have only thought of and represented the two characters 'Linghu' in their hearts. When have we truly lived for ourselves? This morning, I suddenly realized that I can live for Linghu in this way, but I cannot force Tuan Yuan to live for Linghu. She does not wish to marry, even if her suitor is a member of a prestigious family, one of the Four Young Masters. She does not possess the awareness of being born as a Linghu and dying as a Linghu; all she has is the thought of not disappointing her master, not making you uncomfortable, and not putting us in a difficult position. For over a decade, she has appeared to be carefree and mischievous on the surface, but who truly understands her thoughts? If it were me, I could never follow someone like Mr. Li to learn the arts and then return home to be naughty and act as if nothing were wrong."

Oh? Why?

Following the sound of the guqin, Linghu Tuan Yuan paused beneath a water pavilion. At this moment, the fragrant harbor was only inhabited by early rising servants, with few figures around. Linghu Tuan Yuan did not possess the inclination to ascend and admire the guqin master's grace, but merely listened. The guqin music was resonant, starkly contrasting with the soft melodies of the fragrant harbor; the notes lingered, seemingly expressing the guqin master's tumultuous life experiences. However, a slight imperfection lay in the monotonous harmony, as if the guqin master played with one hand.

Without any flaws, he shook his head and said: "Father, I was still planning this yesterday, but today I have changed my mind"

Pan Yue's heart suddenly turned cold. In the first and fourth years of the Yong Emperor's reign, the Pan family failed to be selected in the two recruitment events. Now, as the seventh year approaches, a third recruitment is set to take place, and the entire Pan family is making preparations for it. Clearly, the Yong Emperor is displeased with the Pan family's growing prominence.

Thank you very much, the female musician with the surname Ye replied softly

After the song ended, Linghu Tuan Yuan turned to leave, but he heard a loud voice from a rough servant in the street saying: "Master Ye Qin, the water is boiling, shall I bring you some tea?"

In fact, I do not hold much hope for Wei's marriage to her. Mentioning her name is merely to help her understand sooner that she is the daughter of the Linghu family. Now I realize that I have been foolish; she is neither Linghu Mingyuan nor Linghu Hailan, but rather the one and only Linghu Tuan Yuan in this world

Linghu Tuan Yuan felt a pang of emotion. In the past, she only thought that Third Brother treated her well by ensuring her needs were met and by making her laugh all day long. However, she had never realized how deeply Third Brother cared for her, as he had thoroughly understood her thoughts.

Linghu Tuan Yuan would certainly understand, "Where are you stopping, where should I get off"

It is often said that clans are precious, that ancestral blessings ensure a smooth career path, and that those in high official positions enjoy a life of luxury, while those in rural areas are subjected to the whims of the powerful. Two years ago, I heard of a scholar with the surname Zhan from Chenliu, and I lamented: clans are like the grass on high mountains; no matter how lowly, they still grow on the mountain, while commoners, even if they are towering trees, grow on the ground and cannot compare in height to the grass on the mountain. Today, I have truly witnessed such grass.

Not good! Pan Weizhi thought.

Hehe... Ye Qinshi spat out fresh blood, and immediately after, her hand was also lost. In order to traverse Linghu Tuan Yuan's sword light, she was willing to sacrifice her life; what use was a remaining hand? The severed arm fell with a splash into the water. "I will die..." Ye Qinshi coughed up a few more mouthfuls of blood, gazing at Linghu Tuan Yuan with resentment, "You should not think... good!"

Linghu Tuan Yuan endured. Is Fu Jiang a female corpse? Is she too young to think clearly? Does she dislike ornaments because she is just a poor girl?

Linghu Yue sighed: "I have wronged you, my child!"

There is no need for you to answer, His Majesty does not require your response; he wants you to be clear. Do you understand

The third dart sank the deepest, embedding itself in the garment, leaving only a thin line of gold on the skin. Pan Weizhi calmly lifted the sleeve of Lihuo Tuan Yuan, and upon seeing the fair and smooth arm, he immediately turned his gaze aside. One should not look at what is inappropriate, nor act upon it; yet he had looked, and he had acted, leaving him no choice but to proceed with the impropriety.

Xi Ri Xuanhao had said all that could be said on the surface, then cast a glance at Pingzhen, who immediately took over the conversation and began inquiring about matters concerning Chenliu. Prior to accompanying Pingzhen, thorough preparations had already been made, and his questions were well-structured and coherent. The formalities of the situation gradually reassured Pan Yue. He had served as the governor of Chenliu for thirty years, diligently and meticulously, proving himself to be extremely competent, thus he was unafraid to ask about local affairs

Pan Yue feels cold-hearted, the meaning of Emperor Yong is simply three words: you have no chance

Linghu Tuan Yuan would not simply follow her line of reasoning; instead, she retorted, "Does a guqin master have to first examine a person's hands before accepting them as a disciple to teach them the art of the guqin?"

How unfortunate! Linghu Tuan Yuan yearned for it but felt anxious. What if that Ye Qinshi was waiting by the Wangshu Bank? She was injured and had difficulty moving, fearing it would be hard to escape again. She glanced at Pan Weizhi, calculating in her mind that this young noble seemed to possess some skills; if they encountered Ye Qinshi, he might be able to hold him off for a moment. But was she, Linghu Tuan Yuan, truly so useless that she had to burden others? Her master taught her to repay enmity with enmity, to sever grievances, but never to owe a debt of gratitude. But was she, Linghu Tuan Yuan, truly so useless that she had to burden others? Her master taught her to repay enmity with enmity, to sever grievances, but never to owe a debt of gratitude.

Linghu Tuan Yuan immediately said: "Put me down at the shore."

Pan Wei was momentarily taken aback. At first, when he saw her rowing at the front of the boat, he realized she was a living person. One conversation piqued his interest further, and after bringing her aboard, he felt even more that this woman was extraordinary. The discerning eye of an ordinary person could not compare to that of a noble son; Pan Wei could tell at a glance that Linghu Tuan Yuan came from a distinguished family. Although she wore no adornments, the quality of her clothing and the style of her shoes and socks were not something an ordinary family could possess. Upon closer inspection of her appearance, it was starkly different from the delicate beauty of the daughters of the Pan family. She was not merely beautiful, but surpassed beauty itself, excelling in an innate grace that was evident even in her apparent disarray, which revealed not a trace of despondency but rather a hint of a carefree nature.

Master Ye Qin smiled gently, and Ling Hu Tuan Yuan had already planned to leave. At that moment, the rough servant A Er brought over tea. Master Ye Qin intended to set down the guqin, but A Er quickly said, "Master Ye Qin, your hands are not convenient, let A Er do it instead!"

Linghu Yue was taken aback for a moment, and after a while, he said: "You..." but could not continue.

... ...

Pan Weizhi slightly nodded, gazing ahead where the Jisi shipyard lay, making it inconvenient to dock at that moment. Half of the fragrant harbor belonged to the Pan family's enterprises, yet as a young nobleman, his presence in the harbor during broad daylight posed many inconveniences

Pan Weizhi is quite amusing; where would a young lady speak like this? Even if she is not a young lady, she should say: I will disembark once we reach the shore

Pingzhen quickly replied: "I have already checked this; Yishui Tower has belonged to Wangshu Linghu for twenty years."

Linghu Tuan Yuan looked again at Ye Qin Shi holding the guqin, just as he had said, her fingers were long and her nails full, and her entire hand exuded an indescribable beauty. But does having beautiful hands necessarily mean one must learn to play the guqin

Pan Yue's face suddenly turned pale, and the members of the Pan family beside him were also alarmed. Some exchanged glances with Pan Huizhi, some anxiously knelt down, and others explained to Pan Huizhi that it was not a tiger but a horse, a very rare steed.

The only person standing was Chief Pingzhen, who initially did not wish to speak. A life had been lost, and he too bore some responsibility for not keeping a close watch. However, having been summoned by Xiri Xuanhao, he had no choice but to brace himself and speak the truth.

Linghu Tuan Yuan was feeling frustrated; she was clearly more skilled, yet she had been at the mercy of others twice. Last time, Ye Qin took advantage of her unpreparedness to shoot a poisoned dart, causing her to fall into the water. This time, Ye Qin, being proficient with weapons, used a paddle against her, which she was not adept at, and although her agility was top-notch, it was negated by her arm injury, making her feel utterly constrained. If Li Jia Mu had been present, she would have pointed out another shortcoming: Linghu Tuan Yuan lacked the determination of Ye Qin, who was fighting desperately, while she was not.

Linghu Tuan Yuan chuckled dryly, "You have made your words quite clear; how could I possibly refuse?" Both of them knew that Ye Qin's first target for action would be her

That's enough, that's enough. The supply of the arm-cutting machine from Master Ye Qin is probably running low as well. When the time comes, even if she is seriously injured, she must deal with Master Ye Qin. Even if she cannot resolve it today, it must be settled in the future, not to mention that the matter concerning my mother still needs to be clarified from Master Ye Qin.

Pan Weizhi said: "No problem, let's go to Wangshu first"

As the two engaged in a question-and-answer exchange, Xi Ri Xuan Hao looked down from his elevated position, surveying the furnishings of the Pan family's main hall. Upon entering the Pan residence, he had already sensed the stark contrast in architectural styles between the north and south. While the palaces of Shengjing are undoubtedly magnificent and grand, the large residences of Nanyue possess a unique charm. The southern people place great emphasis on the natural integration of their homes with the surrounding landscape, building by the water's edge, with winding paths and elegant designs that subtly reveal exquisite intentions at every turn. Although the arrangement of the hall cannot escape a sense of solemnity and formality, it still carries the gentle aura of Nanyue, from the window frames to the carvings, from the colors to the lighting, all reminiscent of the jade-like gentleman at the door, soft on the outside yet resilient within. It is reasonable that among the four great families of the world, Nanyue holds two of the four prominent sons. Strength may easily break, but flexibility can endure through generations.

Under the relentless barrage of golden darts, Ye Qinshi exclaimed frantically: "Your mother has caused me a lifelong disability, today I will take your life in return!"

Pingzhen finally finished his formalities, then he changed the subject and said with a half-smile, "Yesterday, His Highness stayed overnight in Xiangjiang with us, but this morning we encountered some bad luck; the old madam of Yishui Tower has passed away. Is Old Pan from Xiangjiang familiar with this?"

The musician in a blue robe stood at the ship's railing, radiating a dazzling light that was both captivating and intimidating. After committing murder, she roamed the shores of Wangshu, finding no sign of Linghu Tuan Yuan, and upon returning to the waterway, she realized that one head was still missing among the several. Upon seeing Pan Weizhi's ship docked, she concluded that the fifteenth person must be hiding on board, but unexpectedly, she encountered Linghu Tuan Yuan again

At times, Linghu Hailan also feels quite envious of her fourth sister, who does not have to attend school, does not learn women's skills, can practice martial arts, and is able to dominate a separate courtyard. Although both are born of concubines, Linghu Hailan must be virtuous and gentle, acting with utmost caution, and cannot tolerate even a single word suggesting that the fifth young lady is not esteemed.

Yes

"You dead girl!" Ye Qinshi moved forward, exposing her entire body as if she were taking a desperate gamble, charging straight at Linghu Tuan Yuan. As Linghu Tuan Yuan received the attack, suddenly Ye Qinshi's prosthetic limb detached, and Linghu Tuan Yuan flicked it aside with the tip of his sword. Just as the words were spoken, the tail end of the prosthetic limb erupted with golden light.

After the beginning of autumn, Linghu Yue said to Wu Que: "This year is destined to be a season of many troubles. King Liang has unexpectedly arrived in Nanyue, Mama Chen has passed away, and the Pan family has yet to express their stance on the marriage proposal; these are all issues."

Linghu Tuan Yuan sighed, and just as she was about to say, "I will stand outside for some fresh air," she suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded. Having experienced a prolonged lack of circulation, her body swayed and leaned against the cabin door

As the setting sun cast a slanting light, Xiri Xuanhao glanced with his phoenix eyes, and Pingzhen immediately understood the situation. He inquired, "Who are you? The Liang King is ahead; do you dare to commit the grave sin of disrespect?"

You ... ... " Pan Weizhi's brows showed a look of concern

Just as Linghu Tuan Yuan's emotions were surging, a fluffy creature was rubbing against her feet. Startled, before she could lift her foot, Da Bai let out a "meow". Linghu Tuan Yuan sensed that something was amiss, and without a moment's hesitation, she took off running, swiftly darting more than three meters away.

Dabai let out a satisfied sound at just the right moment, "Meow!"

Linghu Yue said: "It must be for her. In the blink of an eye, Tuan Yuan is already sixteen years old, flawless. Do you know what this means?"

"What are you doing?" Pan Weizhi's voice rang in Linghu Tuan's ears. He arrived quickly and left just as swiftly; in a short while, he had already changed his clothes. Hearing the commotion inside the cabin, he stepped in and happened to see the young girl striking her arm, quite fierce in her demeanor

The residence of the Linghu family is similar in style to that of the Pan family, featuring elegant pavilions and winding corridors, with both pavilions and ponds. As the matriarch of the Linghu family, Lady Qi's courtyard is naturally situated at the center of the main residence

Linghu Yue fell silent for a long time, then suddenly asked: "Could it be that it was one of our own who did this?"

"Alright, alright!" Linghu Tuan Yuan thought that as soon as the woman entered the cabin, he would knock her out, but unexpectedly, it was Pan Wei Zhi who entered the cabin.

Pan Weizhi temporarily set aside the conventions of gender propriety and directly sat beside Linghu Tuan Yuan, raising her arm and saying: "Let me do it!"

Linghu Tuan Yuan Er Ling shouted while waving the oars: "Don't come up, this is a matter between me and the madwoman"

Linghu Tuan Yuan did not know how to respond, so he let out a nasal sound, and Pan Wei Zhi quickly stepped back. After he left, Linghu Tuan Yuan began to examine the cabin. This person he had never seen before, suspected to be a son of the Pan family. In Xiangjiang, those who could afford such a private boat were either from the Pan family or the Linghu family. The men of the Pan family are known for their good temper and handsome appearance, so it is likely that Pan Wei Zhi also possesses such looks

Linghu Tuan Yuan suddenly appeared before Lady Qi, who was no longer surprised. "Tuan Yuan, you have come?" she said with a smile, extending her hands to pull Tuan Yuan down to sit.

At this moment, Pan Weizhi had already seen the golden dart on her arm, and his brow furrowed.

Pingzhen did not dare to respond; such reckless words could only be uttered by the proud offspring of the Western Sun royal family without any reservations. Once such words are spoken, they do not arise from a vacuum. Pingzhen vaguely sensed that Xiriyuanhao's arrival in Nanyue might be for something of greater significance

Linghu Yue said coldly: "But I will not allow them to succeed. The Linghu family has no other obsession, only one that we will never give up on, and I, Linghu Yue, am no different—upholding trust and valuing righteousness! I will never go back on my word! If the day truly comes when we must go to court, I will ensure they have nothing to say, and from then on, they will abandon their thoughts!"

I have disturbed Your Highness; I beg for your forgiveness for this grave offense

As night falls, Chenliu County temporarily returns to tranquility, with the lights shining as brightly as in days past, vibrant and flourishing. On the opposite bank of the Xiang River, Wangshu County also glimmers with lights, no less than Chenliu. The two wealthiest counties of Nanyue welcome yet another night of uncertain fortune and misfortune.

The father and son walked one after the other onto the corridor, and coming towards them in a hurry was Linghu Liqiu, the head of foreign affairs. Noticing his expression, Linghu Yue seemed to sense that something significant was happening, and quickly gestured for them to go to the study. Linghu Wuqiu intended to take his leave, but Linghu Yue ordered him to come along and listen as well

At this moment, Linghu Tuan Yuan secretly thought that the words of a person who seeks revenge for the slightest grievance cannot be fully trusted, and the past regarding her mother may not necessarily be true

Pan Weizhi was actually sweating with anxiety; he had just taken a gamble, believing that King Liang would not bother to argue with a fool like Pan Huizhi, nor would he take pleasure in seeing such a fool first frightened by a fine horse and then scared to death by King Liang. This matter was a scandal for the Pan family, but if it continued, how could it not also have a negative impact on King Liang? It would not sound good to say that King Liang scared a family waste to death. The fact proved that Pan Weizhi's gamble was correct. This matter was a scandal for the Pan family, but if it continued, how could it not also have a negative impact on King Liang? It would not sound good to say that King Liang scared a family waste to death. The fact proved that Pan Weizhi's gamble was correct.

Linghu Tuan Yuan swam underwater for a while, fearing that Ye Qin Shi would pursue her. Instead of heading directly towards Wang Shu, she veered towards Chen Liu, planning to come ashore there and then cross the bridge to return home. Her intentions were good, but her strength was lacking. Before she could reach the shore, she felt her entire body weaken; that damned golden dart was poisoned. She cast three prohibitions in succession, sealing off the blood vessels on one side of her body. After swimming for a while longer, she could no longer paddle with one hand, and Linghu Tuan Yuan had no choice but to let her body float on the water's surface, drifting with the current. Fortunately, Ye Qin Shi did not pursue her.

No! Xi Ri Xuan Hao said with a cold smile, "One family after another, let's go to Chen Liu first"

Father ... ... '' Wu Que was moved, and the big white cat opened its confused eyes.

The words were somewhat amusing, yet Pan Weizhi did not laugh; he was making his final decision. At that moment, there was a commotion outside the cabin, and Pan Ping was anxiously shouting from outside: "Young master, it’s not good, it’s not good! Many people have died at our water workshop!"

Linghu Hailan thought to herself: It is only to blame that you, mother, did not restrain her in the past, allowing her to grow into the person she is today. However, such words Linghu Hailan would never utter, for she is the dignified young lady of the Linghu family

This matter is of great importance. Pan Weizhi immediately dispatched several guards from the Pan family in Xiangjiang, including those from Ji Si and merchants, to seal off the water workshops, and reported to the county magistrates of Chenliu and Wangshu for a thorough investigation of the related issues

Bastard! Ye Qinshi roared from the pavilion, a streak of blood floated on the surface of the fragrant harbor, and Linghu Tuan Yuan underwater once again lamented that every word spoken by the master is a precious piece of advice. Curiosity can kill, and it is not a good thing to be curious about matters that are not good.

He could not expel all the poisoned darts with one hand, so he added another hand, stacking them together to mobilize all his internal strength. Linghu Tuan Yuan felt his blood vessels expand, and the arm he held seemed to have thickened by a circle. With another loud clap, the second poisoned dart was forced out.

Forget it, let them worry. Linghu Tuan Yuan has come to understand that exceptionally intelligent people are prone to baldness, while those with simpler minds are more likely to find happiness. She now has a single goal: to set out as soon as possible. If Li Jia Mu continues to cause trouble, she fears that one day she too will become an ice person. With this thought, Linghu Tuan Yuan shivered, and then her figure transformed into the wind, racing towards Xiangjiang.

As long as there is a qin in the heart, life is the same wherever one is. I have not felt anything amiss during my years in Hong Kong; rather, I have seen many who are not well off. It is rare to encounter a young lady like you today; it is indeed fate. May I ask, do you know how to play the qin?

Pan Weizhi took a deep breath, placing her palm on the upper part of her arm, exerting force to release energy. A surge of heat instantly penetrated Linghu Tuan Yuan's body, and with a loud crack, the shallowest dart shot out, embedding itself into the cabin wall. With each sound, Linghu Tuan Yuan suddenly recalled the words of Lijiamu—do not owe a debt of gratitude! She urgently exclaimed, "Young Master, cease your actions!"

Linghu Tuan Yuan's skills, honed over many years of torment by Li Jia Mu, were finally showcased as she executed her escape techniques. Under the intense rain of darts, her agility reached its peak, leaving only afterimages in her wake. Unlike her previous battle with Xi Ri Xuan Hao, where Liang Wang was both furious and rational, Ye Qin Shi had lost her sanity. After waiting for many years in Xiangjiang, she finally encountered the daughter of her enemy, and her lifelong wish was about to be fulfilled; how could she not be ecstatic? However, similar to her earlier confrontation with Xi Ri Xuan Hao, Linghu Tuan Yuan ultimately crashed through the window and fell into Xiangjiang. After waiting for many years in Xiangjiang, she finally encountered the daughter of her enemy, and her lifelong wish was about to be fulfilled; how could she not be ecstatic? However, similar to her earlier confrontation with Xi Ri Xuan Hao, Linghu Tuan Yuan ultimately crashed through the window and fell into Xiangjiang

Many years ago, there was an extraordinary female lute master in the world, her surname was Ye and her given name was Fengyao. Master Ye glanced at Linghu Tuan Yuan and asked, "Are you not tired standing, young lady?"

Hmph! Xi Ri Xuan Hao sat upright in the hall, his handsome face devoid of expression. "This prince has come to Nanyue on the orders of my father, the emperor. He entrusted me to convey a message to you."

Pingzhen knew that he could speak up, and he immediately bowed and said: "I believe that the prince's whereabouts have already been known to the local authorities. Although Mother Chen has passed away, there are still monks and temples that can provide information, and an old courtesan cannot know much. The one who truly understands the situation must be the perpetrator. In other words, the clues both end and continue here"

Linghu Tuan Yuan found it quite agreeable upon hearing this; she was still damp, her clothes clinging to her skin, and it would be timely to change into something dry before making her escape.

Linghu Tuan Yuan drowsily took a short nap. When the morning light illuminated her face, she lazily opened her eyes; when the early birds chirped around her, she found it somewhat annoying; but when a certain unscrupulous musician from the Ji Si family began his early practice, she could no longer resist and sprang up.

Pan Wei was taken aback, and with a sudden surge of strength, he unleashed his internal energy, forcing out half of the poisoned dart. Linghu Tuan Yuan, with keen eyes and swift hands, pinched with two fingers and forcibly extracted the poisoned dart, causing a trickle of blood to surface, first black and then red.

Pan Yue was taken aback, and his expression was clearly observed by Xi Ri Xuan Hao

Look quickly, a female corpse in the Fujiang River

Amidst the conversation, all of Pan Weizhi's people surrounded their master, leaving only Linghu Tuan Yuan and Master Ye Qin facing each other at the bow of the ship. Pan Weizhi gazed at the girl's silhouette, wondering who she truly was and why she had provoked an incomprehensible demon.

After a period of urging, the poison dart revealed a trace of its presence, yet completely forcing it out proved to be quite difficult. Pan Weizhi soon appeared pale, his skin, which was originally as lustrous as jade, had lost its moisture after exerting his internal energy, resembling a sickly beauty.

Linghu Tuan Yuan's eyes flickered, and Pan Wei Zhi said again: "I mean no harm. If the young lady does not wish to be involved in the murder case, I shall take it that she merely fell into the water"

Oh dear, how pitiful, to be so young and yet unable to see a way forward

The woman hesitated in response, and after Pan Weizhi left, she took off her red shoes and entered on tiptoe in her socks