Chapter 47: Threat

The attempt to abduct the eldest sister-in-law grows increasingly intense, the insane general pressing step by step with a smile.

Yao felt a chill rise in his back, gradually turning solemn, his words choking him.

He hesitated, reining in his momentum a bit, his tone somewhat relaxed: “Yes, indeed.”

Yao was startled, not expecting such a smooth change of heart.

After a pause, his demeanor returned, “Just so you know, this marquis’s residence, compared to the marquis’s palace, is quite ordinary. Nowadays, the court seems peaceful at first glance, but in reality, it’s in turmoil.”

Did they really forget that they just had an assassination attempt today?

Yao’s gaze was slightly dazed.

In this capital, people are mysteriously disappearing, suddenly meeting their untimely deaths. These cases pile up in the Ministry of Justice, and they are all busy coming over. Today, the gates are hard to guarantee against abductions, causing a stir in the courtyard.

Ling Xiao’s voice was calm, as though he were leisurely talking.

Yao’s face gradually paled, and then he reacted: Threat!

He clenched his sleeves tightly, finding it hard to maintain his composure.

In such a capital, who is still keeping watch except for the authorities?

I’m just afraid the first abduction—

Ling Xiao responded, his tone casual: “Maybe.”

Then he turned and left.

Yao swallowed her resentment fiercely, feeling agitated all night.

The next morning, she went to ask Lady Lin as usual.

She was hardly at Ling Xiao’s side, her gaze sweeping over as she held a cup of tea, looking quite at ease.

Yao’s face was tight, and she turned to Lady Lin: “Mother.”

“Mother is here.”

Lady Lin pulled her: “When do you plan to have my son escort you to the marquisate?”

Ling Xiao casually sipped his tea, not even lifting his head.

Yao forced a smile: “Not moving yet.”

Lady Lin was stunned: “Why is the shop still busy?”

Yao tugged at the corners of her lips: “I’ll ask Qinghe to recruit a couple more helpers when I return; the shop can definitely manage.”

Ling Xiao’s earlier threat still hung over her, and she dared not to move.

How could this matter come up?

… Lady Lin and Ling Xiao.

Of course, the real reason Lady Lin wanted to move wasn’t to annoy Ling Xiao—it was because she felt wronged.

Ling Xiao lowered his cup of tea, a light smile playing at the corners of his lips: “It’s just some misunderstandings; since we’ve clarified things yesterday and there are no grievances now, things should be fine.”

His words struck Yao’s heart like a needle, startling her flesh.

Lady Lin nodded with some excitement: “Good, good, good! This is great! There’s no need for overnight grievances here; if my son can let go and resolve these grudges, I’m glad. I also have to take care of my gentle and cautious nature.”

Ling Xiao looked at Yao, the smile on his lips growing wider: “Mother, don’t worry.”

Yao forced a smile, feeling somewhat stiff.

Ling Xiao stood: “That’s it for now, I have things to attend to.”

“Alright,” Lady Lin replied with a laugh.

Ling Xiao took Yao and walked towards the door.

In front of the sword marquis, he stepped alongside Ling Xiao.

“Has the Chancellor found out any leads?”

The sword marquis responded solemnly: “We’ve examined the corpses of several soldiers; nothing special about them. However, we found a token, its design is rather unique, likely belonging to the palace, and we are investigating it.”

Ling Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly: “Find out more about it quickly.”

“Send more people to shadow him.”

The sword marquis paused and then sighed: “But the Chancellor is also hiding something. We dare not act recklessly.”

The sword marquis paused again before speaking: “The marquis is worried about the danger to his wife; how can he be careless?”

Precisely because of the Chancellor’s movements, Ling Xiao could not let Jiang Yao move to the marquisate.

“Tell him it’s dangerous.”

The sword marquis fell silent, relaying the warning about the dangers.

Ling Xiao snorted in disdain: “He has grown bold; he also wants to be taught a lesson.”

The sword marquis kept his mouth shut.

—

In the Chancellor’s residence, he paced back and forth in the hall, anxiously awaiting news.

Until a servant hurried in: “Master, it worked! The Ministry just sent word to say they’ve found a token and are now investigating whose it is.”

The Chancellor sighed in relief, smiling: “Good, good! Now it can be investigated, and we should be able to extricate Chen from this completely.”

“Master, using this assassination against Ling Hou to divert Ling Hou’s attention from the investigation, this is a brilliant move to sacrifice the bait to save the leader!”

The Chancellor sneered: “As a minister in court, how can I be harmed due to a single case when I’ve supported a capable Eastern Prince? Fortunately, I had a bet on it back then. Now that Ling Xiao is rising, I don’t need to worry about dragging Chen into this!”

I’m just afraid this will lead to a backlash against you…

It doesn’t matter; as long as the matter is handled well, let them bite back.

The Chancellor remained calm, confident in his strategy.

“Let the calamity be directed towards the East; it’s best to use them as scapegoats and relieve my worries completely.”

Just as he spoke, Chen Shiyun rushed in: “Father, Ling Hou was attacked!”

The Chancellor frowned: “What’s with the outburst?”

“Hou Ye…”

The Chancellor scolded: “How can you say you have no relations at all with them? Is this necessary?”

The Chancellor pointed at her angrily: “Such a useless thing; even losing matrimonial engagement is nothing. Initially, that engagement could have preserved your position, and now it will surely cost a price!”

If Ling Xiao could have a marriage alliance, how could Ling Xiao possibly be merciful to Chen?

It’s all because of a Jiang family member… Chen Shiyun said with red eyes.

The Chancellor had no patience to listen: “No matter how you say it, it’s of no use. You can’t even deal with a mere village girl; you’ve truly raised a useless child!”

Then he waved his sleeve and left.

Chen Shiyun stood in shock, tears streaming down her face, feeling wronged.

—

Ling Xiao had yet to see Jiang Yao again.

Now staying in the courtyard, he greeted Lady Lin while also timing it to avoid her.

At one point, he came from the study and immediately turned to dash back into his courtyard, avoiding her like venomous snakes.

Ling Xiao’s expression was also unyielded; each time suppressing his emotions brought him closer to the brink.

Even the household matters were directly handed over to Manager Wang to handle.

The sword marquis brought a ledger and a list of gifts to Ling Xiao’s desk: “Manager Wang just delivered this; it lists the expenses of the household and the exchanges of gifts and requires Hou Ye’s review.”

Ling Xiao scanned the pile: “Have him come personally to explain.”

The sword marquis hesitated: “But he’s likely unwilling to come.”

“Then trouble him to come in two quarters of an hour, and I’ll ask him personally.”