[Urban] The Flag of Desire (Complete) - 4-6

Chapter 14: A Bloodstained Love

In the ten days or so after their marriage, Sima Wanqing and Duan Yuhan appeared to everyone as a loving newlywed couple. Sima Lie was pleased to see this, and Yue Zhongzheng and Pei Mubai also breathed a sigh of relief.

However, in private, no matter what Duan Yuhan did, Sima Wanqing remained indifferent. She simply changed his bandages silently every day and then immediately sent him away. She treated him well in front of her father, simply because she didn't want him to suffer. She changed his bandages only because she didn't want others to know he was injured; if her father asked, they wouldn't be able to explain.

Duan Yuhan was surprised by Sima Wanqing's change. She was such a straightforward and innocent woman; how could she wear a mask and be hypocritical in front of others?

Sima Wanqing diligently learned from Sima Lie, sometimes burying herself in the ranch's ledgers, sometimes going out with her father to inspect the ranch, finding a different kind of joy in her busyness. On the contrary, Sima Lie, fearing she was overworked, always urged her to go back and rest early, and hoped she could work together with Duan Yuhan. Sometimes, he would have Duan Yuhan explain the current situation of the ranch to her.

That afternoon, Duan Yuhan and Sima Wanqing inspected a newly arrived batch of furs and returned to the ranch together. Sima Wanqing pretended to sleep in the carriage; she really didn't want to talk to Duan Yuhan much. Duan Yuhan didn't force her, watching her indifferent face, which felt strangely unfamiliar to him.

"Oh dear..."

As they drove into the market and turned a corner, the coachman suddenly shouted from ahead. Duan Yuhan quickly lifted the curtain. There were six or seven young children playing hide-and-seek ahead. The other children had scattered when they saw the carriage approaching, leaving only the blindfolded child, who was still reaching out and feeling around, completely unaware of the danger.

The coachman was usually very skilled, but he had argued with his wife all night, so he was a little distracted while driving. Realizing the critical situation, the coachman pulled hard on the reins, but it was too late. The child was about to be trampled by the horse's hooves, bleeding profusely, and the passersby were stunned.

Duan Yuhan acted with lightning speed, pushing out a palm strike. The child's body was lifted by the force of the palm, floating lightly to a fruit stall on the street, where he landed steadily. The child pulled off the blindfold, looking left and right blankly, unaware that he had just narrowly escaped death.

The child was unharmed, and the passersby and the coachman breathed a sigh of relief. Duan Yuhan also withdrew .

"Who was that who just intervened?"

"You don't even recognize this? It was a carriage from Lieyun Ranch."

Duan Yuhan's speed was so fast that, to everyone, it appeared as if a hand swiftly reached out from behind the curtain, waved, and it was all over. People speculated: who from the ranch had saved the child? The answer remained unknown. In the end, everyone sighed, marveling at how Lieyun Ranch had stood strong outside the pass for nearly a century, always treating its neighbors kindly—it was their good fortune.

Sima Wanqing naturally saw Duan Yuhan's actions as well. Although she approved of his actions, she didn't want him to know, so she simply turned away and continued to feign sleep.

"Someone almost died just now, do you know that?"

Duan Yuhan's tone was calm, but the coachman dared not be negligent. Steward Yue was always kind and amiable; sometimes, a plea for leniency could lead to a settlement. But Duan Yuhan was clear about rewards and punishments. Good performance meant a raise and a promotion, while bad performance meant punishment, with no room for leniency.

"I understand, please punish me, sir."

The coachman knew he was in the wrong and couldn't escape severe punishment.

"Fortunately, no one was hurt. I'll just deduct a month's wages."

The coachman had thought he was going to be kicked out of the ranch, but hearing Duan Yuhan's unexpected leniency, he was naturally overjoyed. Sima Wanqing listened to the two talking in a daze. The hardships of early pregnancy made her extremely tired, and she actually fell asleep.

As the carriage approached Lieyun Ranch, it entered a wide-open, open area. The faint footsteps outside alerted Duan Yuhan; those footsteps were definitely not those of ordinary people. A dull pain in his chest, likely from the dagger piercing too deeply, nearing his heart, and the exertion of internal energy he had just used, caused this.

A soft sound from the roof startled Sima Wanqing awake. *Swoosh!* A long sword pierced through the roof and fell. Duan Yuhan pulled Sima Wanqing, leaping from the carriage and landing on the ground. A man stood on the roof, his face covered by a ferocious Zhong Kui mask, a long sword in hand. He followed them, leaping down and standing about three feet away.

The coachman, hearing the noise behind them, turned around and, seeing Sima Wanqing and Duan Yuhan alight, hurriedly stopped the carriage.

The man suddenly pulled a rectangular, jade-green box from his robes. The box was exquisitely crafted, depicting an old man wearing a straw hat and a raincoat fishing by a stream. Fish could be faintly seen flicking their tails in the flowing water, lifelike and exquisitely detailed. Sima Wanqing was astonished. The box clearly resembled the world's number one hidden weapon, "Slanting Wind and Fine Rain, No Need to Return." The name "Slanting Wind and Fine Rain, No Need to Return" comes from Zhang Zhihe's poem: "White egrets fly before Xisai Mountain, peach blossoms float on flowing water, and mandarin fish are plump. Wearing a green straw hat and a green raincoat, slanting wind and fine rain, no need to return." It is said to be the work of the renowned hidden weapon master Tian Yingzi during his later years of seclusion, and only three such pieces exist in the world today.

Legend has it that "Slanting Wind and Fine Rain, No Need to Return" is invincible; twenty years ago, the legendary swordsman Qi Wuming, who dominated the martial arts world, was wounded by its needles and died.

Legend has it that "No Need to Return in the Slanting Wind and Drizzle" contains countless tiny needles, which, when launched, create a devastating shower of needles, resembling a fine drizzle—a beautiful sight indeed. Each needle, however, possesses immense power, piercing the opponent's heart in an instant, killing them instantly. The opponent, lost in the "Slanting Wind

and Drizzle," will never "need" to return to the mortal world. One side of the box, openwork, was aimed at Sima Wanqing and Duan Yuhan. Sima Wanqing, usually calm except when facing Duan Yuhan, couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive in the face of this world-renowned first hidden weapon. Who in the world didn't know the domineering ruthlessness of "No Need to Return in the Slanting Wind and Drizzle"?

"If you know what's good for you, surrender obediently,"

the man said smugly, as if certain that no one would dare defy the world's number one hidden weapon.

This was the first time Sima Wanqing had ever seen such a person, daring to act so brazenly not far from Lieyun Ranch. "What do you want?"

she demanded. "The Sima family outside the pass is incredibly wealthy, and Miss Sima's life is worth at least several million taels of silver. What do you think I want?"

The man's tone suggested he was blinded by greed and wanted to kidnap Sima Wanqing for ransom. But how could such a rare treasure as "No Need to Return in the Slanting Wind and Fine Rain" fall into the hands of kidnappers?

Duan Yuhan suddenly sneered, "I'm afraid you've miscalculated."

The man waved the box in his hand. "Don't interfere. If anything happens to her, you won't be able to remain the son-in-law of the Sima family."

"That's right,"

Duan Yuhan said coldly, suddenly taking a step forward.

Seeing that he wasn't afraid and even took a step closer, the man panicked a little. "You'd better not come any closer. If I get excited and release the hidden weapon, you'll all die."

"Qing, did you hear about the old Taoist priest who came to sell something a few days ago?"

Duan Yuhan said calmly, leaving the listener puzzled.

"I did hear about it."

Sima Wanqing knew he must have his reasons. Despite being controlled by the world's number one hidden weapon, the two still had the leisure to chat casually, leaving the man somewhat bewildered.

Duan Yuhan continued leisurely, "That old Taoist was selling something called 'Slanting Wind and Fine Rain, No Need to Return,' claiming it was the world's number one hidden weapon. He had five, each selling for fifty thousand taels of silver."

As soon as he said this, the man involuntarily glanced quickly at the box in his hand.

"Father said he didn't want it, but the old Taoist kept lowering the price, finally selling all five for fifty thousand taels. Guess if Father bought them or not?"

Duan Yuhan noticed the man's subtle movements, becoming even more certain of his plan.

Sima Wanqing smiled gently, "The old Taoist priest was so sincere, and Father likes to help the elderly, so buying it is fine. However, the old priest lowered the price too much; it's probably not genuine."

The "Slanting Wind and Fine Rain Without Return" weapon in the kidnapper's hands was most likely bought, stolen, or obtained through deception. She already understood Duan Yuhan's intention; he wanted to shake the kidnapper's resolve.

"Indeed, you understand Father well. Father bought one, and I even took one back with me. That thing is fake; it can shoot needles, but it's no different from a child's slingshot."

Duan Yuhan continued his psychological manipulation. The "

Slanting Wind and Fine Rain Without Return" weapon was useless after one use. But without firing it, who could tell if it was real or fake? Duan Yuhan was certain that after hearing this, the man would doubt the authenticity of the weapon in his hand. Sure enough,

the man glanced at the box in his hand again and said anxiously, "Enough nonsense! You, come here, tie up your young lady."

He threw the rope he had prepared to the coachman. The coachman walked over tremblingly, hesitantly picking up the rope, unsure what to do. Tying him up would be betraying his master; not tying him up would endanger his own life.

"Put the rope down,"

Duan Yuhan ordered the coachman without hesitation, then turned to the kidnapper, "You can go. I'm in a good mood today and don't want to hurt anyone."

The man paused, then said sharply, "You think I'd believe your nonsense? There's no such thing as a coincidence. Even if someone sells fakes, this one I have is real. If you're not afraid of death, then try."

"If you have the guts, then fire it and see?"

Duan Yuhan said sarcastically, "There are four more in the ranch that look similar to this thing. Do you want to come with me to see them?"

Seeing Duan Yuhan's confidence, the man panicked. He had only brought this hidden weapon because he knew everyone feared it; he had no intention of actually firing it. Imagine if he really fired it—Sima Wanqing would be dead, and what would he use to blackmail Sima Lie? He never expected Duan Yuhan to be so dismissive of the hidden weapon in his hand. Could the weapon in his hand really be fake, as Duan Yuhan claimed?

Even if it was fake, the man was determined to fight. As long as the other party believed even slightly that the hidden weapon was real, he had a chance of winning. For Sima Wanqing, money was just an external thing; life was the most important. Capturing Sima Wanqing meant millions of taels of silver, and he absolutely couldn't back down because of a few words from Duan Yuhan.

The man suddenly picked up the box and moved it to within two feet of Sima Wanqing. "Try it then. I'm just a worthless life anyway. If you're not afraid to die, I'll activate the mechanism."

It seemed he was going to gamble everything. He refused to believe that anyone wouldn't be afraid of the world's number one hidden weapon.

"Ignore this madman, let's go."

Duan Yuhan didn't even glance at him, took Sima Wanqing's hand, and prepared to get into the carriage. Sima Wanqing felt that his hand wasn't as warm as usual, realizing that he was just as nervous. A sidelong glance revealed a faint trickle of blood seeping from his chest. Had the force he used to save the child aggravated his wound? She instinctively tightened her grip on his hand, as if to offer him strength. He turned to look at her, a nonchalant smile on his face, as if the formidable threat behind him was nonexistent.

The kidnappers behind him shouted angrily, "Stop!"

The two ignored him and approached the carriage.

Finally, the man lost his temper, brandishing his longsword and thrusting it diagonally at Sima Wanqing. This kidnapper's swordsmanship was surprisingly formidable. Sima Wanqing was pregnant and should not be used in combat, a fact Duan Yuhan knew. His chest throbbed with increasing pain, warm, damp blood clinging to his clothes. His only thought now was to subdue the kidnapper quickly. He immediately countered with a palm strike, blocking the kidnapper's sword. The longsword was deflected by the sharp palm wind, and the man realized with shock that Duan Yuhan's martial arts far surpassed his own.

Normally, a person whose martial arts skills are inferior to Duan Yuhan's, and whose only source of pride—hidden weapons—would be forced to flee. But the man displayed an unusual greed. Seeing the two about to board the carriage and leave, he suddenly decided to gamble everything. Regardless of whether the "Slanting Wind and Fine Rain, No Need to Return" weapon was real or fake, he was going to try. As long as Sima Wanqing survived, he could subdue her and blackmail Sima Lie for ransom.

The emerald green box, aimed at Duan Yuhan and Sima Wanqing, was activated without hesitation. A sudden wave of killing intent enveloped the surroundings, and Duan Yuhan felt countless killing intents assaulting him from all sides. The killing intent of "Slanting Wind and Fine Rain, No Need to Return" was gentle, but the small needles it fired were powerful and domineering, capable of stealing one's soul.

Duan Yuhan, holding Sima Wanqing in his left arm, tore down the carriage curtain with his right and rushed forward, but how could a person's speed be faster than the speed of needles? He suddenly turned around, channeling his powerful inner energy into the curtain in his hand. Instantly, the curtain unfurled like a shield, and he hurled it at the thousands of tiny needles attacking from within. "Thud thud thud thud!" The curtain instantly became like a hedgehog, densely covered with countless tiny needles. But the curtain wasn't large enough, and several needles still managed to strike with lightning speed.

A strange and terrifying crimson stain suddenly appeared on Duan Yuhan's chest, undoubtedly from overusing his inner energy, causing his wounds to reopen. His blood stained Sima Wanqing's clothes, the strong stench of blood enveloping her.

The world's number one hidden weapon, ensuring her opponent would never return to the world of the living in the "slanting wind and fine rain." At this moment, would it be him who died, her who died, or both of them?

Sima Wanqing suddenly hugged Duan Yuhan tightly, her cheek against his neck, her eyes filled with tenderness. If she couldn't forgive him, if she couldn't have him whole, she would rather go to the underworld with him. Duan Yuhan lightly kissed her cheek, softly saying, "Forgive me," before abruptly pushing her away. With his last bit of strength, he lifted her body and carried her to a nearby tree. A smile still lingered on his face, radiant as a datura flower in the sunlight, alluring and captivating, yet a fleeting sadness flickered in his eyes, as if in a final farewell.

Several small needles finally pierced their target, and Duan Yuhan's body crashed heavily to the ground.

At that moment, time seemed to freeze, the surrounding air grew heavy, and Sima Wanqing felt she could no longer breathe, slowly suffocating. Her mind went blank for a moment, yet the intense pain gradually brought her senses back to normal.

The man approached with a wicked grin, "Miss Sima, don't force me to do it, come down."

Sima Wanqing leaped down from the tree, ignoring the kidnapper, and slowly approached Duan Yuhan. He lay on his side on the ground, except for the blood on his chest, his body was unmarked, without a single needle visible. But this was precisely what made it so terrifying, for the needles must have been completely embedded in his body.

He was gone. He would never joke with her again, never sulk with her, never let her feel heartache and lingering love and hate. From now on, they would return to dust, never to be together again. In that instant, his loveliness, his wickedness, his despicable nature, his pitifulness—a myriad of emotions surged into her heart.

The man walked over smugly, “Miss Sima, come with me.”

Sima Wanqing turned and coldly looked at the kidnapper, “What, do you think the Sima family’s martial arts are just for show?”

Duan Yuhan was dead; at this moment, she was utterly heartbroken. In an instant, inheriting and carrying on the Sima family’s responsibilities no longer mattered, her own life and death were unimportant; she only wanted to kill this damned murderer.

The man laughed loudly as he walked over and kicked Duan Yuhan twice on the ground. Sima Wanqing suddenly attacked. Her internal strength wasn’t profound, but her moves were exquisite, displaying the style of a master. Seeing her sudden attack, the man dared not be careless. Originally, the man was wielding a sword while Sima Wanqing was unarmed, giving him the advantage. However, Sima Wanqing fought with reckless abandon, disregarding life and death, and the man dared not engage her in a direct confrontation, thus finding himself at a disadvantage. Their martial arts skills were evenly matched, and for a time, they were locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle.

Suddenly, Duan Yuhan, lying on the ground, leaped up, his right palm piercing through an opening in the sword strike, striking the man's neck with tremendous force. "Crack!" The man clearly heard the sound of his bones breaking, staring at Duan Yuhan in horror, before slowly falling backward to the ground.

"You're alright, you're alright, that's wonderful!"

Sima Wanqing rushed forward and embraced Duan Yuhan without hesitation, tears streaming down her face.

"Ugh..."

Cold sweat poured down his back. Duan Yuhan gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain. His final blow had exhausted his last remaining strength. He gazed longingly at Sima Wanqing's tearful face; she still loved him. At this moment, he could finally die without regrets.

"Qing..."

His voice was still clear and resonant, but trembled slightly. Sima Wanqing suddenly realized that her embrace had driven those tiny needles deeper into his body.

She hurriedly released him, but he held her even tighter. "Don't let go."

If heaven truly wanted him dead, let him leave this world with his beloved in his arms; this was the last happiness he could grasp.

His body grew heavy, about to slump, and Sima Wanqing felt a fear she had never known before. Heaven wouldn't be so cruel as to take his life. Even if heaven insisted, she would fight it to the bitter end.

As long as he lived, she would care about nothing else. His love for her didn't need to be proven with blood and life.

Chapter 15: A Narrow Escape

In the bedroom of Gongyu Xiaozhu, a ray of morning light shone through the gauze window. Duan Yuhan was still unconscious, his handsome, pale face faintly warmed by the sunlight.

Sima Wanqing lay on the edge of the bed, gazing at him intently. Three days had passed, and he remained drowsy, motionless and silent. She fed him medicine, but he wouldn't drink it. She fed him spoonful by spoonful, forcing him to swallow, but even though he swallowed, he showed no reaction.

Lu Jingqiao's words echoed clearly in her ears, "There are many tiny red spots on his skin, probably marks left by needles. Those needles have all pierced his body; some are in the blood, some may have pierced the muscle. If the force was strong enough, they could even be embedded in the bone. Fortunately, no needles were shot directly into his chest; otherwise, if they had pierced his heart, even a god couldn't save him. Now his pulse is weak, but fortunately, his internal strength is profound, so he should be able to hold on for a while." Even Lu Jingqiao, known as a master healer who could frighten even ghosts, only said "should be able to hold on for a while." She truly didn't know how much longer she could contend with fate. What exactly was the will of Heaven—the so-called "do your best and leave the rest to fate"?

Three days ago, Lu Jingqiao stated his diagnosis and thoughts: "The most urgent task is to remove the needles from his body, which is the most difficult part. The needles in the blood will move around with the blood flow. This is the first time I've encountered this situation, and I will find a solution as soon as possible. For the needles in the muscles, we will press them down inch by inch after he wakes up and ask him about his reaction to determine the location of the needles. As for whether any needles have been inserted into the bones, we will have to wait until he wakes up to determine that. In short, the longer the needles remain in his body, the more dangerous it is. We must make sure he wakes up as soon as possible and starts treatment as soon as possible."

Despite these words, Duan Yuhan remained unconscious. Sometimes she would tell him stories of her childhood, sometimes she would gently depict a happy future life, sometimes she would scold him for abandoning her and their child, sometimes she would pinch his philtrum and the web of his hand, and sometimes, in her anxiety, she would violently shake his body. But no matter what she tried, Duan Yuhan remained unconscious.

Lu Jingqiao once said, "All mortals have the will to live. On the verge of death, whoever has the strongest will to live may return to the world." Given Duan Yuhan's intense, almost obsessive love for Sima Wanqing, he should have wanted to wake up, but why didn't he? Could it be that "a gentle breeze and fine rain need not be returned" truly brings instant death, beyond cure?

"Miss, please lie down,"

Xiaoyu comforted her. In just three days, Sima Wanqing's beautiful eyes had lost their former luster. It seemed that with each passing moment of Duan Yuhan's life, her own life, like a delicate rose, bloomed only to wither and fade day by day.

"Eat some porridge; the child can't bear this,"

Yue Zhongzheng said, entering unnoticed, looking at the pitiful child with heartache.

Sima Wanqing turned to look at Yue Zhongzheng, staring blankly for a long time before finally getting up and going to the table, gesturing for Xiaoyu to bring the porridge. Even if Duan Yuhan was truly dead, she still had to live. Lieyun Ranch, her child—these were her responsibilities. Even in her deepest sorrow and despair, she couldn't choose to follow him.

If he truly died, it wouldn't take her life, but her life would be devoid of joy and laughter. If he truly died, she would still have to be strong and brave enough to walk her own path, but that path would be too desolate and lonely.

Yue Zhongzheng went to visit Duan Yuhan and couldn't help but sigh sadly, "He's still not awake?"

"Yes,"

Sima Wanqing replied helplessly.

Yue Zhongzheng sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought, then suddenly leaned down and whispered something in Duan Yuhan's ear. Yue Zhongzheng didn't know if what he was doing was right, but to save Duan Yuhan's life, he had no choice but to take the plunge.

"Uh—"

Unexpectedly, after the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Duan Yuhan let out a low, hoarse groan.

"You're awake?"

Sima Wanqing rushed to the bedside, overjoyed. Yue Zhongzheng silently got up to let her, his heart aching. She didn't know how Duan Yuhan had woken up. What awakened Duan Yuhan's will to live wasn't love, but hate.

If she knew how Duan Yuhan had treated the Sima family, would she still be so determined to wake him up? If she knew what fate awaited the Sima family after Duan Yuhan woke up, would she still be so determined to wake him?

Duan Yuhan's eyes slowly opened, and in a daze, he saw Sima Wanqing's haggard face. He wanted to speak to comfort her, but his throat struggled and no sound came out. He wanted to reach out and stroke her face, but his hand was too heavy to lift even an inch. His whole body was numb with pain, stiff and unable to move, as if it didn't belong to him at all; only his eyes belonged to him.

"Don't leave me."

Sima Wanqing seemed to know what he wanted to do, and took his right hand, gently rubbing it against her face. His right hand, right arm, and shoulder instantly throbbed with pain, as if countless sharp thorns were rampaging and wreaking havoc inside him. His instinctive protective mechanism almost made him faint immediately, but he tried hard to stay awake. He was so afraid that he would never wake up again and never see her again; he didn't want her to be sad or upset.

Her cheeks were icy cold, and her tears instantly wet his right hand, the cool yet warm feeling bringing him peace. Seeing the cold sweat constantly seeping from his forehead, Sima Wanqing once again hated her own carelessness. Lu Jingqiao had repeatedly instructed her not to move Duan Yuhan, because if she moved him even slightly, the needles inside his body would spread everywhere, causing excruciating pain.

She hurriedly put his hand down and prepared to send someone to fetch Lu Jingqiao. Lu Jingqiao's somewhat excited voice came from the doorway, "I've finally found a way to remove the small needles from his body."

"What way?"

Duan Yuhan was awake, and Sima Wanqing's world immediately brightened.

Lu Jingqiao was even more pleased to see Duan Yuhan open his eyes. Without saying much, he opened the jar he carried with him. Sima Wanqing peered inside and saw some slowly wriggling worms. The worms were less than an inch long, flat on their backs and abdomens, with thinner tips, looking like leaves. Their bodies had several segments, but it was impossible to tell which end was the head.

"What is this?"

Sima Wanqing asked, suppressing her nausea.

"These are leeches."

Seeing Sima Wanqing's blank expression, Lu Jingqiao knew she didn't understand. "Leechs are also called bloodsuckers. They can suck out venom and stagnant blood, treating tumors and localized bruises."

His explanation only confused Sima Wanqing more. Duan Yuhan wasn't poisoned, nor did he have any tumors or bruises. What would he need leeches for?

Lu Jingqiao continued to explain, “I carefully examined the needle marks on his body that day, and they were all extremely fine. I estimate that the needles were very small; the combined thickness of twenty such needles would be roughly equivalent to a single ordinary embroidery needle. Now that he's too weak, it's not suitable to remove the needles from his muscles. It's better to deal with the needles in his blood first. Leeches like to suck human blood, and I deduce that when the leeches suck his blood, the stickiness of the blood will naturally pull the needles out. In this way, we can remove the needles.”

Such a bold treatment was unheard of, and Sima Wanqing was stunned. “But he's so weak now; if the leeches suck out a large amount of blood, his life will be in danger.”

“I've considered that too, but if we don't do it this way…”

Lu Jingqiao paused, not wanting to say anything cruel to hurt Sima Wanqing. Sima Wanqing naturally understood that now they could only gamble with fate. If the needles in his blood weren't removed and traveled to his heart, Duan Yuhan would be doomed.

“What do you think?”

Sima Wanqing couldn't help but ask Duan Yuhan; she wanted to know his thoughts. Duan Yuhan blinked, a gesture of agreement, I suppose. He was always resolute and unwavering.

"Alright, let's do it this way."

Sima Wanqing also agreed to Lu Jingqiao's treatment, "But just to be on the safe side, let's try one first."

"Of course."

Lu Jingqiao said, picking out a leech and placing it on Duan Yuhan's body. The leech, tasting the fresh human blood, immediately began to suck desperately. With each suck, it accelerated the flow of blood, countless needles rapidly piercing and striking through his body and limbs, ruthlessly and domineeringly wandering everywhere. Cold sweat poured down Duan Yuhan's entire body. Sima Wanqing seemed to feel his pain as well, suddenly turning away, unable to bear watching any longer.

He quietly closed his eyes; if this excruciating pain was heaven's punishment for him, he accepted it calmly, without regret.

In a moment, the leech's body rapidly swelled up, and Lu Jingqiao was about to swat it off. The leech shuddered and fell to the ground from Duan Yuhan's body. After a violent struggle, it finally died. Lu Jingqiao caught it in his hand and squeezed it. The leech spat out a mouthful of blood, and two tiny needles, as thin as cow's hair, were faintly visible in the crimson blood.

Sima Wanqing was shocked upon seeing this. She had imagined that many more such deadly needles were inside Duan Yuhan's body, and she was horrified. Lu Jingqiao was satisfied with the leech's performance. Sima Wanqing nodded, signaling him to put a few more leeches on Duan Yuhan. So, Lu Jingqiao repeated the process.

An hour later, fifty or sixty leeches had successively sucked out the needles and died. The process of the leeches sucking out the needles was no less cruel than any torture in the world. Duan Yuhan's hair was almost soaked with sweat, and his lips grew paler and paler. Sima Wanqing looked at Lu Jingqiao anxiously. If this continued, it would be tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst. Even if the needles were sucked out, Duan Yuhan would die from excessive blood loss.

"Alright, that's enough for today."

Lu Jingqiao finally stopped. Before Sima Wanqing could ask, he took out some medicinal powder and applied it to the area where the leeches had bitten him, quickly stopping the bleeding. He then handed a prescription to Xiaoyu, telling her to brew the medicine and bring it over immediately.

"He's lost too much blood; this won't do tomorrow,"

Sima Wanqing had to remind Lu Jingqiao.

Lu Jingqiao, who had been busy all day, could finally relax a little. "Don't worry, Miss. Judging from what happened just now, the last few leeches only sucked out one or two needles. I believe there aren't many needles left in his blood. If we release a few more leeches tomorrow, the needles in the blood should be completely removed."

Hearing him say this, Sima Wanqing's anxious heart was finally somewhat relieved.

Duan Yuhan lay there quietly, motionless. Sima Wanqing gently wiped the sweat from his face with a handkerchief. Lu Jingqiao examined him carefully again. "The knife wound on your chest, young master, is healing quite quickly; it's nothing serious."

Although he didn't ask how he got the wound, Sima Wanqing was still a little embarrassed.

Lu Jingqiao, being tactful, promptly took his leave, and Sima Wanqing didn't try to stop him.

Over the next two days, the leeches finally completely sucked the needle out of Duan Yuhan's blood. Meanwhile, Lieyun Ranch used all its connections to find the best blood-nourishing and qi-tonifying medicinal herbs—thousand-year-old ginseng, top-grade donkey-hide gelatin, ten-thousand-year-old he shou wu, lingzhi mushrooms, and snow lotus from Tianshan. Suddenly, many people were delivering medicinal herbs, taking the opportunity to curry favor with Lieyun Ranch; there would be many benefits later.

It was morning again, and Duan Yuhan's face gradually regained color; he looked much better. Sima Wanqing looked at his sleeping face, still worried. He had improved a lot, but the needle stuck in his muscle hadn't been removed yet. According to Lu Jingqiao, it was necessary to press down inch by inch along the skin, observing his reaction to determine the needle's location. Just imagining it was an extremely terrifying thing. For Duan Yuhan, wouldn't this be another form of torture?

Seeing him silently endure the excruciating pain, she felt even worse than he did.

"Qing..."

Duan Yuhan uttered the word, his voice soft, yet enough to fill Sima Wanqing with immense joy.

"You... can speak?" Duan

Yuhan had woken up sometime earlier, a pure smile shimmering in his dark eyes. Sima Wanqing looked at him, suddenly wanting to cry. The joy of regaining what was lost was beyond words; the overflowing happiness in her heart overwhelmed her.

Duan Yuhan struggled to raise his hand, but Sima Wanqing quickly stopped him, "Don't move, it hurts."

"It's not that... painful."

He smiled, weak but still happy. The needle in the blood had been removed; as long as he didn't move, it wouldn't hurt. However, any movement still caused a lot of stinging, but compared to the previous days, he was much better now.

"Help me up..."

"Don't talk too much."

Sima Wanqing treated him like a crystal doll, afraid that something unexpected might happen if she wasn't careful. She helped him up as he instructed.

Duan Yuhan sat cross-legged, focusing his attention on his nose, then his heart, and finally his dantian (lower abdomen), concentrating on circulating his internal energy. Although the pain was still excruciating with every movement, he firmly believed that nothing he couldn't endure. His

powerful internal energy gradually gathered in his dantian, and after a few movements, the stinging pain became even more pronounced. The internal energy gradually spread throughout his body, from his head to his neck, to his left shoulder, left arm, and left hand, to his right shoulder… all the way to his heels.

Sima Wanqing only saw his clothes bulge out like they were being caught in the wind, growing larger and larger until they finally tore open and scattered. Something was slowly being squeezed out from under his skin on his arms and thighs, at first glance, it looked like a sudden growth of fine hairs. Upon closer inspection, she recognized it; it looked exactly like the tiny needles spit out by leeches.

Duan Yuhan had actually used his astonishing willpower and internal energy to force the needles out of his muscles. At this moment, if Sima Wanqing had been more observant, she would have noticed the depth of his inner strength, surpassing even her father's. However, she was currently overjoyed and paid no attention to these details.

Duan Yuhan's sweat streamed down his skin. His strength hadn't fully recovered, and now he had forced himself to exert his inner strength, pushing him to his limit. So, while the upper halves of the tiny needles were forced out of his body, the lower halves remained embedded in his skin.

"Don't move, I'll do it."

Sima Wanqing quickly wrapped her hand in cloth and began to carefully pull out the exposed needles one by one. After about half an hour, she carefully checked again to make sure no needles had escaped before sitting down.

A glance revealed Duan Yuhan looking at her with a half-smile, and she blushed slightly. She still wasn't used to his gaze.

"Hey, don't look like that,"

she said, her tone almost coquettish. Duan Yuhan was exhausted, but seeing her charming expression still stirred his heart.

She reached out to help him lie down and cover him with a blanket, only then realizing he was completely naked. She had been so focused on removing the needles that she hadn't noticed this. No wonder he was staring at her like that. The thought made her unable to look at him any longer.

“Give me a kiss,”

Duan Yuhan’s eyes sparkled, radiating an unusual brilliance. Sima Wanqing tried to escape, but he held her hand.

Though his hand was weak, it stubbornly refused to let go. Afraid of hurting him, she reluctantly leaned down, quickly pressing her lips to his before separating them.

“That doesn’t count,”

he said, feigning a mournful look.

“Then… let’s talk about it when we’re done, okay?”

Her face flushed crimson.

He smiled, “You said you owe me… you have to make it up to me double.”

His tone was so ambiguous that it left much to the imagination.

“Ahem,” Sima Lie and Lu Jingqiao overheard this as they were about to enter. Although they didn’t understand its meaning, the tone clearly indicated flirtation between lovers. As elders, they had to announce their arrival from outside the door.

Lu Jingqiao saw the needle Sima Wanqing had pulled out on the table and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Eh!” He had planned to remove the needle today using his original method. Originally, he had considered having someone with profound internal strength help Duan Yuhan force out the needle, but the needle was too thin and extremely difficult to apply force to; he had no confidence in this method.

"Father, he forced the needle out himself!"

Sima Wanqing, though a little embarrassed that they had witnessed the earlier scene, happily told Sima Lie the good news.

Sima Lie was overjoyed, cheerfully instructing Xiaoyu to prepare more tonics, and then had Lu Jingqiao check again to see if any needles remained. Lu Jingqiao, however, was secretly amazed; Duan Yuhan's ability to force out the needle on his own was quite astonishing.

Lu Jingqiao diligently checked him over and asked Duan Yuhan how he felt. Aside from feeling sore all over, Duan Yuhan felt no stinging pain. Everyone was overjoyed.

Having survived such a calamity, he was sure to be blessed; Heaven's favor towards Duan Yuhan was indeed not unkind. But was his recovery a blessing or a curse for the Sima family?

Chapter 16: The Joy of Love (Part 1)

A month later, Duan Yuhan's body had recovered more than half at an astonishing speed. Sima Wanqing was happy every day, and the joy in her eyes and brows could be felt throughout the entire Lieyun Ranch.

Duan Yuhan felt that his current physical condition was perfectly fine; he could walk around without any problem and handle ranch affairs as usual without feeling tired. However, Sima Wanqing would always stop him, saying that he was short of blood and energy and insisted that he rest in bed more. He could only obey her; after all, she was a stubborn little wife.

That evening after dinner, Duan Yuhan accompanied Sima Wanqing to the study of Gongyu Xiaozhu to look at the account books. Sima Wanqing looked stunningly beautiful as she concentrated intently at her desk. Occasionally, she would raise her eyebrows and carefully circle any unreasonable issues in the transactions with a brush.

Duan Yuhan gazed at her beautiful figure from the side. At this moment, she was completely different from the charming and lovely woman he remembered; she was unfamiliar, but the calm confidence flowing between her brows had a different kind of attraction.

Sima Wanqing looked up and saw him staring intently at her, and couldn't help but smile. His complexion was much rosier, and his dark eyes were crystal clear, like an autumn pool, captivating her at times.

"You owe me... and haven't made up for it yet."

Duan Yuhan came over, took the pen from her hand, and smiled mischievously.

"What do I owe you?"

Sima Wanqing hadn't recovered from the accounts, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she understood what he meant. Her face suddenly flushed.

Duan Yuhan looked down at her; she was truly beautiful. Her bright red dress cast a pinkish hue on her snow-white neck, and in the candlelight, her skin seemed almost transparent, like a legendary lotus flower, delicate and alluring.

Sima Wanqing stood up and made him sit down, "You're not well yet, you should..."

"You need to rest more,"

Duan Yuhan mimicked her usual tone, then laughed at her, "When you nag, you sound like an old woman."

He casually put his arm around her waist.

"What is it?"

Her soft voice sounded like she was pleading. The sound stirred his heart, and he pulled her to face him, straddling his waist.

Once settled, Sima Wanqing realized his erection was pressing against her through her clothes. Her face flushed. "How can you be so lecherous?"

He looked innocent. "Is this lecherous? We've been married for over a month, and we haven't even consummated our marriage yet."

She suddenly remembered something, her expression slightly resentful. "You…"

In an instant, he understood what she was thinking. "Don't worry, I promise I won't touch anyone else."

"Really?"

She wasn't questioning his promise, just a little apprehensive.

He tapped her nose. "Of course it's true. And I swear, as long as you satisfy me, I will never touch another woman."

"What…what satisfaction?"

Her face turned even redder, and she stammered shyly.

He took her hand, stroking his burning heat through her clothes. She tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn't let her.

“Satisfying it is just comforting it, so it won't get hard all the time.”

He looked directly into her eyes, his eyes crinkling into crescent moons, his gaze full of seduction.

She spat at him and turned her face away. “Ugh… it’s all your fault for being so horny… that’s why

it’s like this.” “Qing, it’s so uncomfortable without you.”

He had never spoken to her in this tone before. She couldn’t help but look back at him, her expression a mix of coquettishness and reproach that captivated his handsome face. How could such a strong man have such an expression?

She was full of curiosity. “Is it really that uncomfortable?”

She couldn’t understand.

He looked at her innocent face and laughed heartily. “You’re so cute.”

Knowing he was teasing her on purpose, she became playful too, grasping his erection with a slight, firm grip. A surge of pleasure coursed through his body. Heaven knows, only in front of her did he react so strongly.

“Kiss me.”

His voice was a little hoarse, but even more seductive.

She looked lovingly at his exquisite features and gently leaned in to touch his lips. His lips were soft, their velvety touch leaving her stunned. She lingered, extending her tongue to gently lick his lips. Her girlish shyness and the way she lightly licked them were utterly innocent, yet undeniably alluring.

"God, are you testing my patience?"

He pulled her close, kissing her lips without hesitation. He forcefully parted her teeth with his tongue, their tongues entwining in a passionate embrace. Under his deliberate teasing, she responded awkwardly, lost in the moment.

"Unbutton my clothes,"

he said breathlessly, finally pulling away from her lips.

"This is the study, you wouldn't want to…"

"Unbutton my clothes."

His words brooked no argument. She hesitated, then began to undo his belt, clutching his collar, unsure what to do.

He chuckled, his long, slender fingers sliding naturally inside her clothes. With a flick of his right hand, a gust of wind swept through, and "snap snap snap snap," all the windows in the study slammed shut. At that moment, the study was entirely their world.

His hands, instead of staying put, slipped off her clothes and quietly moved to her lower body. "Mmm," she let out a soft moan and twisted her body.

"Qing...you're wet."

His feigned surprise made her even more shy. Luckily, the candlelight wasn't too bright, or she wouldn't know where to hide.

"I want to devour you."

His hands wandered restlessly to her breasts, lingering on her fullness. His burning member rubbed against her vulva, yet hesitated to penetrate. Waves of strange yet familiar pleasure washed over her, and she felt as if she wanted to plunge into an abyss of ecstasy.

"No...no..."

she gasped, her last shred of reason telling her that if she indulged too much, it would harm the baby.

He smiled brightly, "Lying? See how I punish you!"

He lifted her waist, and his member plunged into her body without resistance. The instant fullness made her involuntarily succumb. A fire burned within her, making her mouth dry.

"Now you're on top, you can bully me, I promise I won't resist."

He sat on the chair, and she straddled him. He continued to devour and knead her beautiful breasts. Her body seemed unable to withstand his deliberate teasing, slowly writhing on top of him, soft moans escaping her lips, as if only the constant friction and intimate contact with him could slightly quell the burning desire within her.

She grew increasingly alluring in his eyes. Her supple waist swayed lightly like a willow branch in the wind; her ample breasts, easily grasped in one hand, trembled with her rhythmic movements; her long, smooth hair cascaded down like a waterfall, dancing lightly; her face, so beautiful, yet brimming with boundless passion.

He had never seen a woman in lovemaking from this angle before, for he would never allow any woman to be in this position, except her.

But her tenderness wasn't just for him. Even in the heat of passion, Duan Yuhan still thought about the child, and the child's unconfirmed father. Why was this happening? She clearly loved him, so how could she have a child with someone else? This question baffled him. He would ask her slowly; surely she would tell him the truth.

She gradually slowed down, pressing against his chest, panting heavily. Fine beads of sweat clung to his skin, cool to the touch. Her long, beautiful legs still wrapped around his waist, as if reluctant to leave him.

"I...I have no strength."

Her naked body, with its perfect and alluring curves, was such a powerful temptation against his chest. At this moment, any words were superfluous. He stood up, picked her up, and placed her on a chair, his still erect member thrusting violently inside her.

"Gently...don't...hurt the baby."

She was drowning in the vortex of pleasure, trying to stay conscious, and finally remembered to say this. His chest felt a little tight; even in such passionate lovemaking, she was still thinking about the baby.

He wanted her to forget the baby, so he continued his thrusting while stroking the small pearl near her vulva.

"Ah, ah..."

With his thrusts and caresses, she let out a captivating moan.

He continued to satisfy her overflowing love juices with his member, his hands continuing to grind, rub, pinch, and knead; every movement made her even more aroused.

Tears welled in her eyes, shimmering in the candlelight with a hazy glow. He knew she was on the verge of climax, unable to stop.

Suddenly, Xiaoyu's voice came from outside the door, "Huh? Why is the window closed? Miss will suffocate in there."

The window on the left creaked open, as if she were about to push it open from the outside.

Startled by the noise, Sima Wanqing barely managed to regain her composure, glaring angrily at Duan Yuhan, as if blaming him for doing this here, wondering what would happen if others saw.

Duan Yuhan smiled wickedly, his right palm exerting force, the wind from his palm firmly pressing against the window.

Xiaoyu knocked on the window from the outside, "Miss, are you in there?"

Sima Wanqing tried to control her surging emotions, saying to the outside, "I'm resting."

Although she tried to maintain a normal tone, her voice trembled slightly.

"Master ordered that ginseng soup be brought to Miss."

"Understood, you can go now."

"Miss, it'll be stuffy if all the windows are closed. Judging from your voice, are you feeling unwell?"

Master repeatedly instructed Xiaoyu to keep a close eye on Miss's health, and she dared not neglect it.

"I'm not feeling unwell. Put the ginseng soup in the bedroom, I'll come over later."

Sima Wanqing spoke a lot in one breath, almost to the point of exhaustion, because Duan Yuhan was still teasing her recklessly, ignoring the people outside.

"Yes."

Xiaoyu's footsteps gradually faded away.

Sima Wanqing finally couldn't help but groan again, punching his chest angrily with her fists, blaming him for his deliberate teasing. He quickened his pace, and she responded naturally to his rhythm.

Finally, her perfect body trembled like a flower in full bloom, and she whimpered, as if she was about to cry with pleasure. The contractions and suction from her sweet flower core also caused him to ejaculate profusely.

The orgasm during lovemaking was certainly pleasurable, but watching her step by step reach the peak also had a wonderful feeling. The former is immersed in his own pleasure, while the latter is the joy of sending his beloved woman to a state of bliss, giving her complete satisfaction.

Duan Yuhan was moved by this joy. In terms of sexual technique, she was naturally extremely inexperienced, yet she ignited his boundless passion, making him give again and again. This lovemaking didn't bring him much physical satisfaction, but the immense psychological pleasure deeply moved him.

Perhaps he should spend more time teaching his little wife; true pleasure in body and mind is the highest realm of bedroom bliss.

Suddenly, a slight prickling pain in his heart made him frown. These past few days, while practicing his martial arts, he occasionally felt a faint needle-like pain in his left chest, near his heart. He asked Lu Jingqiao about it, and Lu Jingqiao's opinion was, "Perhaps a needle got stuck there as it flowed through the heart with the blood, so it wasn't sucked out by the leech." Faced with this situation, Lu Jingqiao was also at a loss.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing his unusual expression, she worried that he hadn't fully recovered and was feeling unwell.

"It's nothing."

He lovingly pulled her into his arms, inhaling the jasmine scent in her hair, a sense of peace washing over him. Since that needle would be with him for life, since this fact couldn't be changed, he didn't want to tell her, to prevent her from worrying unnecessarily.

They were immersed in a warm embrace. After a long while, he reluctantly released her, but she clung to his neck, playfully refusing to let go.

"If you won't let go, we'll just carry you back to the bedroom like this,"

he teased, looking at her with an air of "go ahead and carry me." She jumped away hastily, wondering if he would actually do it. But he held her again, not letting her leave, and despite her protests, helped her put on her clothes, piece by piece.

Finally, after they were dressed, they opened the door, preparing to go back to the bedroom to rest.

That night, the moonlight was like water, pouring down, bright and clear, illuminating the surroundings with pure radiance. A snow-white silver ribbon streaked across the dark night sky—the legendary Milky Way, the river that separated the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. The legendary Cowherd and Weaver Girl can only meet on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year. Compared to them, how fortunate they are to be able to stay together in love!

Duan Yuhan and Sima Wanqing exchanged a smile, tacitly extending their hands to intertwine their fingers.

"In life and death, we made a vow. Holding your hand, we will grow old together." Separation and death in this world are the will of Heaven, but no matter the circumstances, they insisted on saying, "I want to be with you forever, I want to hold your hand for a lifetime, we will never be separated." The perfection of life lies precisely in sharing every joy and sorrow with the one you love, and in feeling the sincerity and depth of life together.

Sima Wanqing was immersed in the sweetness of love, unaware that tragedy had already quietly begun.
Chapter 17: The Third Murder Case (Part 1)

Time flew by. Before they knew it, Sima Wanqing's child was six or seven months old. To prevent gossip, they naturally announced it was a "wedding night," meaning she conceived on her wedding night.

Of course, Duan Yuhan wouldn't stop asking who the father was. During their tender moments, he would casually inquire, and Sima Wanqing would sometimes smile without answering, sometimes say "It's yours." Sometimes, when pressed, she would throw herself into his arms, smiling slyly like a little fox, saying, "You'll know when the child is born." Seeing Duan Yuhan's tenderness towards Sima Wanqing and their inseparable bond, Sima Lie felt comforted, glad he had made the right arrangements. Even the people outside the ranch, who had been gossiping, naturally stopped their unpleasant rumors.

After the wedding, Pei Mubai immediately rushed to Loulan to attend to his own business. Before leaving, at Sima Lie's insistence, he and Sima Wanqing became sworn siblings. Sima Lie's intention was that Pei Mubai would help his daughter if she encountered any difficulties in the future. Actually, after running away that night regarding the child, Pei Mubai and Sima Wanqing were already good friends, so this formality was unnecessary. However, to comply with the elders' wishes, they became sworn siblings.

Duan Yuhan knew that Pei Mubai had nothing to do with the child, but because of Pei Mubai's friendship with Sima Wanqing, he disliked him. Fortunately, Pei Mubai left quickly; otherwise, Duan Yuhan didn't know if he would have become jealous and done something to hurt Pei Mubai.

At present, everyone was looking forward to the arrival of the next generation of the Sima family. People firmly believed that the new life would bring good fortune and joy to the Lieyun Ranch, which had been plagued by misfortune.

In recent days, Sima Lie had been teaching his daughter about the ranch's businesses in various locations. However, his daughter's pregnancy meant she couldn't overexert herself, slowing down the entire successor training plan. Fortunately, things were going smoothly now, and he had both patience and confidence that his daughter wouldn't disappoint him.

After dinner, he took a short rest in the second study. Sima Xu had been dead for half a year, and his killer, the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying, seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth, leaving no trace. Her disciple, Fei Fei, remained imprisoned, and Xuan Ying seemed indifferent to her fate, never coming to her rescue.

If Fei Fei were to be executed by the Sima family, would Xuan Ying come to her rescue? Sima Lie pondered his next move.

"Master, someone has brought a letter."

A servant respectfully handed over a letter, the envelope addressed "To Sima Lie" with utter disrespect, and without a signature. Sima Lie opened the letter, glanced at it, his expression growing increasingly grave, and left.

That night, Sima Wanqing tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Duan Yuhan seemed very busy and didn't return to Gongyu Xiaozhu. She suddenly remembered a few questions she hadn't understood from the branch's report that morning, so she put on her coat and went to find Sima Lie. When

she arrived at the second study, the servant guarding the door told her that her master had gone out. So late, where could her father have gone? Since she was already there, she might as well take a few books to read. So she went inside and saw the letter.

"Tonight at Hai hour, at Qili Peak, Xuan Ying awaits your arrival."

The upright Wei stele was striking. Her father went to see Xuan Ying? She wondered if he had brought all his men. Did her father not tell her because he was afraid she would go too? Duan Yuhan wasn't there; had he gone with her father? If she went, would it interfere with her father?

Her mind was in turmoil, but she couldn't rest easy. She immediately ordered her servants to gather the most skilled martial artists from the ranch, selecting twenty, and they set off in a carriage towards Qili Peak.

On Qili Peak, Sima Lie stood against the wind, vigilantly observing every move around him.

Suddenly, two dark figures emerged from the darkness, their gleaming blades gleaming pale in the moonlight. Sima Lie whirled around, his palms thrusting out with the powerful force of his "Supreme Heaven-Supporting Heart Technique," striking the two men. The two ghostly figures vanished in an instant, employing the long-lost "Earth Escape Technique" of the Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions. "Who are you? Where is Xuan Ying?"

Sima Lie asked in a deep voice. His target was Xuan Ying; he didn't want to waste time with pointless people.

Two mounds of earth slowly moved, gradually approaching Sima Lie's feet. Two blades simultaneously emerged from the ground, slashing towards Sima Lie's feet. Sima Lie lightly touched the ground with his toes, his body floating onto a nearby tree. The two men in black immediately burst from the ground, their blades flashing like shadows, relentlessly pursuing him. Their figures were identical, their movements synchronized, their coordination impeccable, resembling the "Phantom Duo," brothers who had long dominated the Western Regions. But what was their relationship with Xuan Ying, and why were they here? And why hadn't Xuan Ying shown himself yet?

Sima Lie didn't want to get entangled with these two, so he gave a whistle, and thirty ranch experts hidden nearby quickly leaped out, attacking the two "Phantom Assassins." Thirty against two, the fight was fierce. While the Phantom Assassins' moves were indeed ruthless, the people from Lieyun Ranch were no pushovers either.

Sima Lie continued to observe the surrounding movements. A murderous aura came from behind him. He turned around abruptly, but there was no one there. A chilling cold suddenly descended, and a stream of air cut through the dense foliage, creeping towards him slowly, but carrying a force that should not be underestimated. Sima Lie's best course of action would have been to avoid the attack and then counterattack. But he was fiery-tempered, growing stronger when faced with stronger opponents, and had the most unyielding character. He immediately turned around and swung his palm, intending to use his powerful internal energy to repel the force of the wind.

"Whoosh!" The force of the wind suddenly vanished, and a drop of water hit his palm. A bone-chilling cold spread rapidly from his palm. Sima Lie's heart tightened. These symptoms were strikingly similar to Sima Xu's—it was the "Mysterious Ice" poison. Had the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying finally appeared? But why wasn't Xuan Ying using an embroidery needle? Since he had arranged to meet him, why hadn't he shown himself?

He knew he was poisoned; his immediate priority was to return quickly to circulate his internal energy and expel the poison, hoping to save his life. But the murderer of his beloved son was nearby. After tonight, who knew where he would escape to? He would not leave this place easily.

"Xuan Ying, since you've come out, why not meet me?

Sneaking around like this, what kind of chivalrous thief are you?" Sima Lie said, suppressing the spread of the poison.

Ahead, a woman's slender figure moved gracefully, backlit by the moonlight. Judging from her footsteps, her martial arts were not weak. Sima Lie flew after her. The woman dodged and weaved, the two growing further and further away from the fighting crowd.

Sima Lie snorted, impatient with the chase. His "Piercing Clouds and Splitting Stones" move was fierce and powerful, determined to strike decisively. The woman cried out in surprise, leaping to dodge. Sima Lie was taken aback; with Xuan Ying's renowned lightness skill, her movements shouldn't be so weak. But at this moment, regardless, this woman was an enemy, not a friend; he had to take her down first.

A silent chill ran down his spine, startling Sima Lie. The real killer was behind him, the real killing move was behind him. He was born the heir of the Sima family. Although he was ambitious and talented, spending twenty years expanding the Sima family's wealth and prestige, he failed due to his arrogance and overconfidence. And because of his immense wealth, in recent years, with his children grown up, he had gradually become pampered and rarely fought. He had almost forgotten the cunning and deceit of高手 (masters).

Now, though he awoke with a start, it was too late. A solid palm strike landed on him from behind. "Frosty Heart-Piercing Palm? Duan Yuhan's unique martial art?"

Sima Lie turned around and, sure enough, saw Duan Yuhan standing there calmly. The woman—Yao Siniang—slowly walked over and stood beside Duan Yuhan.

The "Mysterious Ice" poison that he had been suppressing with his internal energy suddenly erupted, the piercing chill penetrating deep into his heart meridian. One of his arms was numb, covered with a thin layer of frost. Sima Lie leaned against the tree trunk and gradually slid down.

"You?"

Sima Lie looked at Duan Yuhan in disbelief. "Why? Ten years. You've been at Lieyun Ranch for ten years. I believe I've treated you well."

"That's right, you've treated me well. In your eyes, I'm no different from the horses and dogs on the ranch, just playthings that can be given away to others at any time,"

Duan Yuhan replied coldly.

Sima Lie was enraged but couldn't understand his words. "What do you mean, playthings to be given away to others?"

"Of course you don't remember, because you've given away so many things,"

Duan Yuhan said sarcastically. "Ten years ago, my uncle brought me here. I thought you were kind and benevolent, a good master, and that I could finally live a peaceful life. I was so naive. You're just a name without substance, just as despicable and shameless as you are at heart."

"Explain yourself clearly,"

Sima Lie said. Although he wouldn't dare say that he had done everything without shame, he would never admit to being "despicable and shameless."

Duan Yuhan's clear, bright eyes were filled with hatred. "You still remember Teng Kun, the jade king of Khotan, right? Eight years ago, he came to the ranch to discuss jade business. He bought a house outside the ranch, and the business negotiations lasted for two months."

Sima Lie suppressed the chill emanating from him and tried hard to recall, vaguely remembering that such a thing had happened. "What about Teng Kun? He admired you and even wanted to adopt you as his godson and take you to Khotan. But you refused no matter what, so I didn't agree."

In his memory, Teng Kun was a bloated, vulgar man. If it weren't for the huge amount of money involved in that business deal, he wouldn't have met such a person.

"Admired?"

Duan Yuhan's hatred deepened. "That scoundrel would say he admires you?"

"He was a guest. At the time, you were my personal bodyguard. I sent you to accompany him on a tour and go hunting. What's wrong with that?"

Sima Lie tried his best to recall, but couldn't think of anything wrong.

Duan Yuhan suddenly laughed, a laugh tinged with grief and indignation. "You always investigate the other party's lifestyle, character, hobbies, and so on before doing business, right?"

"Of course, it's easy to offend people if you don't investigate thoroughly,"

Sima Lie answered without hesitation, still not understanding the purpose of Duan Yuhan's question.

Duan Yuhan stared at Sima Lie. "Then what else do you have to say? Don't you know that Teng Kun is fond of men, and how many boys in his family have been abused to death?"

Sima Lie's face changed drastically. He didn't know, he really didn't know. Could it be that Teng Kun bribed the investigators to close that two million taels of silver deal with him? Seeing the hatred in Duan Yuhan's eyes, Sima Lie could vaguely guess what had happened.

Eight years ago, Duan Yuhan was just a fifteen-year-old boy, not very skilled in martial arts. But out of respect for Yue Zhongzheng, Sima Lie still took him in as a personal bodyguard, hoping to hone his skills and make him a great man in the future. At that time, he always stood beside Sima Lie in a tight-fitting outfit. His tall, straight figure was like a poplar tree swaying in the wind, his handsome face like a datura flower under the morning dew—simple and pure, yet breathtakingly beautiful. His beautifully shaped lips were often slightly pursed, a hint of stubbornness and disdain at the corners, making one want to approach him yet dare not get too close.

"Don't you remember that time after hunting with Teng Kun, as a reward for winning first place, you gave me a cup of wine?"

Duan Yuhan prompted Sima Lie.

"So what?"

Sima Lie felt his breathing becoming increasingly difficult, but he still wanted to understand what had happened.

"I happily drank that cup of wine, but I never expected you to be so despicable, actually putting sleeping pills in it and then sending me to Teng Kun's bed like a dog!"

Duan Yuhan clenched his fists; he had to control himself, he didn't want to kill Sima Lie like that.

Sima Lie opened his mouth, wanting to deny it, but what good would denial do? Would Duan Yuhan listen?

Duan Yuhan approached Sima Lie, saying, "First, I'll starve you for three days. Then I'll subject you to the Spring Breeze Bone-Softening Powder, the Overlord's Unbreakable Pill, whips, handcuffs, shackles, silver needles, candles, the sledgehammer, and the swing set—I'll try them all on you mercilessly, torturing you to the point of wishing for death. You'll want to resist, but you're no match for them; disobedience means certain death; you have no way to survive except silence and endurance. Have you ever experienced such a life?"

Sima Lie was suddenly horrified. It was his fault that had caused such a tragic ordeal for a fifteen-year-old boy. "I didn't kill Bo Ren, but Bo Ren died because of me." Even if he felt immense remorse towards Duan Yuhan now, it was all in vain.

"To secure that two million taels of silver deal, you handed me over to Teng Kun. If my uncle hadn't gone to Teng Kun, he probably would have killed me, and you wouldn't have even asked a question,"

Duan Yuhan said coldly. "Sima Lie, it's already a blessing that you can die a quick and painless death today."

Sima Lie felt a chill creep into his internal organs, but he still struggled to explain, "I knew nothing about what happened back then. I only knew that you were drunk, and Teng Kun picked you up for a few days. I, Sima Lie, would never do such a despicable thing. It was I who provoked Teng Kun, which is why you suffered like that. Now that you really want to kill me, I have nothing to say." "

Haha, how impassioned you are, but I won't believe you. Just you wait, what you owed me back then, I will take back today. Lieyun Ranch will eventually belong to the Duan family, and the name 'Sima from beyond the pass' will soon disappear from this world."

"You...you..."

Sima Lie pointed at Duan Yuhan, never expecting his resentment to run so deep.

"What? In your eyes, I'm just a lowly servant, someone you can give away to whomever you want. No matter how hard I try, no matter how outstanding I am, I'll always be a servant. But today, you're going to die by my hand,"

Duan Yuhan coldly replied.

Sima Lie said bitterly, "I married Qing'er to you, of course I never looked down on you."

Duan Yuhan sneered, "If she hadn't had a child, would you have married her to me? A scion of a noble family like Pei Mubai would be your best choice for a son-in-law."

"Fine, fine,"

Sima Lie sighed, "You want me dead, fine."

"Sima Lie, you've really gotten old. But isn't it too easy to kill you?"

Duan Yuhan said sarcastically, his tone unfathomably cold.

Sima Lie saw Yao Siniang behind him, suddenly realizing something, but he couldn't quite grasp the clue. Yao Siniang was Duan Yuhan's subordinate. Mantianfang, Miss Shuling, Sima Hui's death, Xuanbing poison—every event, every factor swirled in his mind, seemingly connecting to form a single thread.

"It's you!"

On the verge of death, Sima Lie was unusually lucid.

Duan Yuhan raised an eyebrow. "Sima Lie is indeed Sima Lie. He may be old, but he's not senile. Not bad, you've figured it all out. I did everything." "

Sima Hui was infatuated with Shuling. He would do anything for her. What's a few aphrodisiac pills? He did die from excessive indulgence, but he was acupunctured and served by a dozen or so girls in turns. 'To die under the peony flower is to die a romantic death.' He ascended to heaven in the land of gentle pleasures, quite the lucky man."

"The jade bottle of Hetian's Light was stolen by the chivalrous thief Xuan Ying for 30,000 taels of silver. Xuan Ying's arrival naturally led to a fight with Sima Xu. I applied the Xuanbing poison to the embroidery needle and shot it out. It's laughable that everyone thought Xuan Ying was the murderer."

"Tonight, I lured you here in Xuan Ying's name. You're still the same as ever, stubborn and self-righteous, coming whenever you want. The Phantom Duo—I invited them not to kill you, but simply to distract your men. Then, Yao Siniang led you here. Sima Lie, you ultimately cannot escape my grasp."

Duan Yuhan laid bare everything without hesitation. The truth was indeed as Sima Lie had predicted, as cruel as he had imagined. Sima Lie felt his blood surging, and blood gushed from his mouth.

He trusted Yue Zhongzheng, and by extension, Yue Zhongzheng's nephew, Duan Yuhan. Although he had suspicions about Sima Hui's death, he still believed Duan Yuhan's report. Regarding Sima Xu's death, Sima Wanqing had guessed that Xuan Ying's theft of the jade bottle was orchestrated by a traitor within the family, but he hadn't taken it seriously or investigated further. Xuan Ying's letter, precisely because he knew Sima Lie was eager to avenge his son, so easily lured him here. His arrogance and lack of careful consideration led him to fall into Duan Yuhan's hands.

Everything stemmed from his negligence eight years ago. That incident caused Duan Yuhan numerous misunderstandings and deep resentment, leading to this cruel revenge.

Everything was a complete conspiracy by Duan Yuhan, yet he walked into the trap step by step. Even more tragically, his daughter's happiness was ruined by him; he forced her to marry Duan Yuhan. Duan Yuhan's oaths, his near-death experience saving his daughter—these were all tactics to gain his trust. Now, with the rest of the Sima family dead, Duan Yuhan can easily take over the entire Lieyun Ranch by killing Sima Wanqing. If only he had let his daughter and Pei Mubai escape back then. Why did fate demand such a terrible price for his small mistake eight years ago?

Sima Lie was heartbroken. "The biggest mistake of my life was taking you in. Even worse, I married my daughter to a wolf in sheep's clothing like you."

"You're wrong, Sima Lie. The best thing you ever did was marry her to me. Her greatest happiness isn't being a daughter of the Sima family, but being my wife, Duan Yuhan's wife,"

Duan Yuhan said calmly.

If it weren't for his intense hatred for Sima Lie, he wouldn't be so cruel and despicable. If it weren't for his obsession with Sima Wanqing, and his fear that Sima Lie would marry her off to someone else after she grew up, he wouldn't have worked so hard, wouldn't have resorted to such unscrupulous means.

Lieyun Ranch, Sima Wanqing—after Sima Lie's death, both would be under his control. Could Duan Yuhan laugh heartily now? He had avenged all his desires, obtained all his wants; what more could he ask for?

Chapter 18: The Third Murder Case (Part 2)

A short while later, the fight between thirty and two had ended. Blood flowed like a river; thirty corpses lay there, mangled and gruesome, looking extremely terrifying in the moonlight. "Hahahaha!" The Phantom Duo rushed over.

"It's time for you to retire gracefully."

Duan Yuhan chuckled, flicking his finger, and two silver notes worth 100,000 taels each were steadily presented to the Phantom Duo. The two hurriedly accepted them, about to say goodbye, when their hands began to tremble uncontrollably, and the silver notes fluttered to the ground. Their four hands turned a ghastly green, and they let out beast-like roars, gradually collapsing to the ground, convulsing—clearly poisoned.

Duan Yuhan frowned in disgust. Yao Si Niang's hand flashed with a sharp light, and her dagger plunged straight into the chest of the Phantom Duo, who finally ceased struggling. She beckoned, and several people immediately came and carried away the two corpses.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, Xuan Ying's body has been placed at the foot of the cliff."

Hu Tian, one of the four stewards, came down from the mountain and bowed to report to Duan Yuhan.

Sima Lie, enraged, laughed coldly, "Fine, fine, Hu Tian, you've betrayed us too."

Hu Tian replied solemnly, "A wise bird chooses its tree, and so do I." He

then said to Duan Yuhan, "There's news from the ranch that Miss left the ranch an hour ago, in a carriage with twenty men, and she might be heading this way."

Sima Lie desperately wanted to see his daughter one last time before he died, but now he was at Duan Yuhan's mercy. Duan Yuhan would never let him see Sima Wanqing. Sure enough, Duan Yuhan said calmly, "She won't see the living Sima Lie."

"Father, Father..."

Sima Wanqing's voice grew closer. It turned out that as soon as she reached the foot of the mountain, she smelled a strong stench of blood. Terrified, she abandoned the carriage and used her lightness skill to rush here. Originally, she was six months pregnant, so using lightness skill was naturally unsuitable, but fortunately, her recent cultivation of the "Supreme Heaven-Supporting Heart Method" had greatly increased her power, allowing her to manage.

Yao Siniang and Hu Tian hurriedly retreated. Duan Yuhan unleashed a flurry of palm strikes, intending to kill Sima Lie instantly. Sima Lie, holding his inner energy in his chest, was forced to cough up blood twice by the force of Duan Yuhan's palm strikes, but he was still alive.

Duan Yuhan pressed forward, placing his palm against Sima Lie's chest and inserting two embroidery needles coated with Xuanbing poison. He planned to unleash another palm strike, instantly killing Sima Lie; everyone would assume he died from Xuan Ying's poisoned needles.

However, things didn't go as planned. Sima Wanqing had already appeared in Duan Yuhan's sight. Duan Yuhan paused, anticipating that Sima Lie wouldn't last long, and even if he were alive to see his daughter, he wouldn't dare reveal the whole truth. Why risk killing someone in front of her?

Duan Yuhan called out, "Come quickly, Father has been poisoned by Xuanbing."

His palm was now against Sima Lie's chest, seemingly expelling the poison through his internal energy.

"Father,"

Sima Wanqing sobbed, rushing over and embracing Sima Lie.

Sima Lie trembled as he reached out and stroked his daughter's hair. What should he do? What could he possibly do? He knew perfectly well that Duan Yuhan was the Sima family's greatest enemy, yet he couldn't tell his daughter the cruel truth. Even if he did, what could she do? She was not yet eighteen, pregnant, how could she possibly be a match for Duan Yuhan? If she knew the truth, would Duan Yuhan spare her because of that little bit of love? He would probably kill her without hesitation.

At this moment, nothing was more important than Sima Wanqing's life. As long as she lived, Sima Lie believed that one day she would discover the truth and seek justice for the Sima family. But for now, Sima Lie could only swallow the bitter truth.

Sima Wanqing watched her father's body gradually stiffen, tears streaming down her face. Why, after only a few hours apart, was her father poisoned and on the verge of death? Why was fate so cruel to the Sima family, taking away her dearest loved ones one by one?

"Father, let's go home. Mr. Lu is a miracle worker; he'll definitely cure you."

She clung to him like a drowning person grasping at a straw, willing to try even if there was only a one in a million chance.

Sima Lie held his daughter's hand. "It's no use. I just want to see you properly now."

The chill numbed his heart. He gasped for breath, knowing his days were numbered, but struggled to continue, "You're all grown up now. I can't take care of you anymore. You'll have to rely on yourself for everything from now on, understand? You'll be a mother soon, so you can't be willful anymore. It's just a pity... a pity I won't see my grandson born..."

Sima Lie didn't know his grandson was also Duan Yuhan's child. If he knew, would he hate the cruelty and injustice of fate even more?

Sima Wanqing was already sobbing uncontrollably. Duan Yuhan lovingly pulled her close, his voice seemingly heavy with sorrow, "Father, I will take good care of them, mother and child. Don't worry."

Sima Lie was filled with extreme resentment, and another mouthful of blood spurted out, splattering Sima Wanqing's dress with red spots, a shocking sight.

"Father, don't leave me."

Sima Wanqing's heart gradually grew numb with pain. She watched helplessly as her father lay dying. Her mother died when she was young, then her second brother, her eldest brother, and now her father—one by one, her loved ones had passed away. After her eldest brother's death, she told herself that as the heir of the Sima family, she must be strong, that she couldn't shed tears, that even pain must be swallowed down with blood. But now, her heart was uncontrollably breaking.

A warm current flowed from her father's hand into her body, and she stared at him in shock. Her father was forcibly channeling his life's inner strength into her. But this would hasten his death, and she tried to pull her hand away.

"Listen to me,"

Sima Lie uttered, his voice authoritative and powerful. This was the only thing he could do now. Every bit of inner strength he lost to his daughter made her stronger, giving her more chance to live, to live to kill Duan Yuhan.

Duan Yuhan sensed his intention and hesitated. With just a slight exertion, Sima Lie would surely die instantly, but Sima Wanqing, whose breath was connected to Sima Lie's at this moment, would inevitably sense it. He couldn't allow her to have even the slightest doubt about Sima Lie's death. He tolerated Sima Lie's actions at this moment because he firmly believed that Sima Wanqing would always be under his control.

Slowly, Sima Lie finally succumbed to his exhaustion and died. Sima Wanqing suddenly felt a stinging sensation in her eyes, unable to shed any more tears. She was already exhausted from her journey, and the sudden death of her father had left her utterly drained; her body swayed precariously. Duan Yuhan lifted her up, intending to take her back to the ranch.

But she struggled to get down. She needed to see everything clearly, to understand everything before she could truly accept the fact of her father's death. Sima Lie sat leaning against a tree, his face and hands covered in a thin layer of frost, pools of blood on his chest. The once powerful Sima Lie had ended his life like this.

A night wind blew, carrying a thick, pungent smell of blood from the east. She composed herself and slowly walked towards it. The scene before her made her want to vomit. Dozens of corpses, all from the ranch, now brutally murdered here. Some had their intestines spilling out, others revealed stark white bones; clearly, the perpetrator was extremely cruel and vicious.

They had all died at the hands of the Xuan Ying? Where were the Xuan Ying people? Sima Wanqing cautiously surveyed her surroundings. Suddenly, the true energy Sima Lie had just transmitted to her surged and churned within her body.

She gripped Duan Yuhan's hand tightly and fainted. Her last memory was of Duan Yuhan's handsome eyes looking at her with concern.

When Sima Wanqing groggily awoke, two days had passed.

She looked around blankly, gradually recalling her father's tragic death, her face turning ashen. Duan Yuhan's warm hand stroked her cheek. "You're finally awake."

She slightly tugged at the corners of her mouth, wanting to smile and tell him "I'm alright," but the smile was so forced. She struggled to sit up; she needed to know what else had happened at Qili Peak that day, she needed to know the whereabouts of Xuan Ying.

"Be good, lie down first. You haven't eaten for two days, drink some porridge first, then we'll talk."

Duan Yuhan's gentle voice was somewhat hoarse. His face seemed much thinner, and his usually bright eyes were bloodshot. While she was unconscious, he was busy searching for Xuan Ying's whereabouts and worried about her safety, so he stayed by her side the whole time. That's why he looks so haggard now.

"Yes, Miss, have some porridge first."

Xiao Yu brought over the porridge and side dishes. Duan Yuhan took the bowl, scooped a spoonful, tested the temperature with his lips, and then fed it to her.

She gazed at him. In this life, as long as he was by her side, she feared nothing and had no regrets. Little did she know that all the harm she suffered in her life was due to him.

After drinking the porridge, she felt better. She couldn't wait to get out of bed. Xiao Yu had already prepared her clothes and helped her change.

"I know that as soon as you wake up, you will definitely ask about what happened that night. Come on, let's go to the Hall of Ten Thousand Yin."

Duan Yuhan knew her too well, perhaps even better than she knew herself.

Inside the Hall of Ten Thousand Yin, Yue Zhongzheng and the four stewards were all seated. Sima Wanqing and Duan Yuhan each sat in the main seats. Hu Tian stepped forward and reported, "My men searched the entire Seven Mile Peak and, thankfully, our efforts paid off; we found traces of Xuan Ying."

"Where is she?"

Sima Wanqing asked anxiously, but her newly awakened body seemed beyond her control, threatening to collapse. She took a deep breath, leaning back in her chair, finally able to support herself.

"My men found Xuan Ying's body at the foot of the cliff on Seven Mile Peak. Miss…would you like to see it?"

Hu Tian asked, fearing the corpse might be ominous and harm her child.

Yue Zhongzheng quickly said, "No need."

"No, I want to see it,"

Sima Wanqing said firmly. She insisted on seeing the murderer who killed her father and elder brother with her own eyes. Yue Zhongzheng was considerate of her, but knew that once she made up her mind, no one could change it, so he could only let her go.

The servants carried Xuan Ying's body up. Two days later, the corpse emitted a putrid stench, and the servants covered their noses and retreated. Sima Wanqing frowned slightly, suppressing the nausea in her heart, and walked over step by step.

Xuan Ying lay naked on the stretcher, his face delicate yet pale, looking to be about forty years old. A blood-red palm print on his chest resembled the Fierce Cloud Palm, a style Sima Lie was skilled in. Besides this, there were abrasions on his face, hands, and calves, likely from when Sima Lie knocked him off the cliff. A black night-clothes lay beside him.

Countless questions surged in Sima Wanqing's mind. Her elder brother had been dead for half a year, and Xuan Ying hadn't appeared, neither stealing again nor rescuing her disciple Fei Fei. Why did she suddenly reappear after half a year? Perhaps she had been recuperating, but looking at her body, apart from the fatal blow, there were no other injuries.

Why did Xuan Ying want to meet her father? Was it a premeditated meeting to kill him? Logically, Xuan Ying stole the jade bottle and accidentally killed her elder brother during her escape; it was out of necessity, so she shouldn't have wanted to kill her father as well? Or did Xuan Ying truly have a grudge against the Sima family? Who killed those thirty ranch elites? Their deaths were completely different from Father's; it didn't seem like Xuan Ying was responsible. Did Xuan Ying have other accomplices? Where did those accomplices go?

Hu Tian continued his report, "We deduced that the events of the night before last involved Master using the Fierce Cloud Palm technique to kill Xuan Ying, while Xuan Ying simultaneously wounded Master with an embroidery needle. The needle was poisoned with Xuanbing, which is why Master unfortunately died."

Many nodded in agreement.

Sima Wanqing suddenly had a thought. Xuan Ying was always secretive; she'd heard that very few people had seen her true face. How could Hu Tian be so certain that this woman was Xuan Ying? Had he seen her before?

She remained calm and suddenly said, "Xuan Ying's disciple, Feifei, is still imprisoned, is that right?"

"Yes."

"Bring her up."

She wanted to verify the woman's identity.

Feifei was quickly brought up. After being imprisoned for over five months, she was somewhat listless, and her skin had turned much paler. Feifei saw the stretcher and rushed over in shock, "Master, Master, what happened to you?"

This was the first time Feifei had confirmed Xuan Ying's identity. How could Hu Tian have been so sure the dead woman was Xuan Ying?

Sima Wanqing still had many questions she wanted to ask Feifei. But then she thought back to the time Xuan Ying stole the jade bottle; she had suspected the ranch people were behind it. Now, with so many people in the Wanyin Hall, it was better to ask Feifei alone. She waved her hand, signaling a servant to take Feifei back to the dungeon.

"Why did you kill my master? My master didn't kill your older brother, really didn't!"

Feifei struggled, crying and screaming.

Sima Wanqing glared at her, "Your master killed my father, do you think she deserved to die?"

Feifei was stunned. How could things have turned out this way?

Duan Yuhan came over to support Sima Wanqing, "Go back and rest first. I'll arrange Father's funeral."

Sima Wanqing nodded weakly. She needed to recover her strength as soon as possible to find out the truth about Xuan Ying killing her father.

Chapter 19: The Joy of Love (Part Two)

After Sima Lie's death, Sima Wanqing naturally became the new owner of Lieyun Ranch. Although she learned management from her father, she had never truly participated in the ranch's operations. Furthermore, with a child on the way, she was easily fatigued. Therefore, she naturally entrusted many matters to Duan Yuhan.

A few days later, Sima Lie's funeral began. A mourning tent was set up at Lieyun Ranch, with a mourning hall in front and a simple resting area behind. Sima Wanqing and Duan Yuhan, as daughter and son-in-law, knelt in the mourning hall, thanking each person who came to pay their respects. Soon, merchants who frequented the ranch and those who had received favors from the Sima family came in droves to offer their condolences.

Sima Wanqing was heartbroken whenever she thought of her mother's early death and her father's love. For three consecutive nights, she kept vigil in the mourning hall, insisting on staying with her father, as if only in this way could she alleviate her grief.

On the last night of the vigil, Sima Wanqing knelt wearily before her father's memorial tablet, and unknowingly drifted off to sleep. She didn't even notice Duan Yuhan enter. Duan Yuhan waved his hand, and the maids and servants in the mourning hall silently withdrew.

In the candlelight, Sima Wanqing, dressed in a pure white mourning robe of silk, slept with a face as serene and beautiful as an angel. Duan Yuhan slowly lowered his head and kissed her smooth forehead. Sima Wanqing murmured something, and he swept her up in his arms, placing her on a reclining chair in the back.

She opened her eyes groggily, "Why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be checking the accounts from the branches?"

"I missed you."

He took her hand and gently kissed it.

She smiled softly, "Now that I've seen it, I'm alright."

She paused, her expression turning somber, "Don't worry about me, I can manage. I'll stay here with Father tonight. You must be tired after a long day, go back to sleep."

"I can't sleep without you,"

he said earnestly.

Looking at his handsome face, she was suddenly deeply moved and couldn't help but sit up and throw herself into his arms. Now, her only family left was him and her child. As long as they were by her side, she could endure any pain, face any bloodshed.

"Qing,"

his voice sounded strange, almost coming from his nose, and his expression was odd too.

"What's wrong?"

she asked, looking at him in surprise. The weather wasn't hot, yet his forehead was sweaty. His hand rested on her waist; it was warm, the heat traveling through his palm to her body.

He gazed intently at her, her mourning clothes making her appear even more beautiful and ethereal, pure and elegant. She caught the passion in his eyes, hastily and gently pushing him away, lying back down.

"Qing,"

the flames of desire burned brightly in his eyes, like stars twinkling in the night sky.

"No, this is a mourning shrine."

She firmly refused.

"Then let's go back to Gongyu Xiaozhu."

"No, tonight is the last day of vigil for Father; I want to stay here."

She refused again without hesitation.

He gritted his teeth and said bitterly, "If you won't take care of me, I'll find someone else."

On the surface, he said this, but inwardly he was secretly laughing; she definitely wouldn't let him find someone else.

Sure enough, she got angry. "Go find someone else then."

He leaned in and gently pinched her nose. "You're angry already?"

She turned away, ignoring him.

"Then... let me touch you, and I'll be fine."

He breathed softly. She pretended not to hear, pretending to be asleep.

"If you don't object, that means you agree."

His hand quickly lifted her collar, sliding down to her undergarments beneath her mourning clothes.

"Ah..."

The sudden touch made her gasp. She immediately tried to pull his hand away. Absolutely not, absolutely not in her father's mourning tent.

She was quick, but he was even faster. He immediately grabbed her hands, twisted them behind her back, and then bound them with his belt.

"You..."

She was about to scold him when his passionate kiss silenced her. She turned her head to escape, but he firmly grasped her chin, preventing her from escaping any further. He teased her, his tongue intensely drawing in and intertwining. He, too, couldn't help but let out a deep groan of excitement. He savored his sacred wife, watching her shy resistance—it was a wonderful thing.

She wasn't intoxicated by his passionate kiss; instead, she channeled her inner strength into her wrists and with a forceful pull, her belt snapped.

"Don't do this,"

she pushed him away forcefully, resorting to martial arts, forcing him to release her.

"Qing,"

he pleaded.

Looking into his yearning eyes, she suddenly felt a pang of pity. "Let's talk about it when we get back to Gongyu Xiaozhu."

He smiled; his lovely wife, after all, wouldn't refuse him.

As soon as they reached the bedroom, he impatiently laid her down on the bed, his hand swiftly lifting her skirt and slipping between her long legs.

"No,"

she grabbed his hand, preventing him from moving.

He seemed about to get angry. "What is it now?"

"Father just passed away; I shouldn't be indulging in such wanton pleasures."

She hoped he would understand.

He gently stroked her hair. "I know, but… let me hug you, touch you a few times, that's enough."

She blushed and nodded slightly. Although she was a wife, she still had many questions about sex. A man's desires couldn't be satisfied with just a "hug and a few touches," especially since Duan Yuhan, whom she was facing, was already aroused.

Because of her protruding belly, he decided to attack from behind. His lips licked her slender neck from behind, slowly moving closer to her ear.

Then, his tongue slipped into her cherry lips, teasing her tongue tip, tracing a circle. She closed her eyes slightly, furrowed her brows, and unconsciously tried to let out a moan from deep within her throat.

His hands weren't idle either; her small, full breasts were constantly being pinched and kneaded, and he used his thumb and forefinger to erotically tease her already erect nipples. His skillful technique made her mind go blank, and her body trembled uncontrollably.

Strangely, whenever she was aroused, he could always smell an elegant, faint fragrance emanating from her. This fragrance gave off a noble aloofness, making people hesitant to approach, yet it also made him more infatuated with her body, and even more excited. He had intended to arouse her desire, but the faint fragrance only fueled his lust.

His member grew harder and hotter, pressing tightly against her beautifully curved back and buttocks, his hand beneath her skirt already covering her round, smooth buttocks. His strong fingers squeezed lightly and heavily, as if savoring the softness and elasticity of her buttocks. A blush spread across her fair face.

Gradually, his fiery fingertips slowly and irresistibly invaded her garden, exploring inch by inch, stirring and ravaging. Her moist, tender petals were forced to bloom; she was utterly powerless against the powerful intruder. His slender fingers suddenly attacked her erect bud. Pure nectar began to seep out involuntarily.

"Han, I hate you..."

she twisted her waist, trying to escape his fiery teasing.

"You're just saying that."

The more she tried to refuse, the more excited he became. A wave of heat rose from his lower abdomen, his heat rubbing against her clitoris from behind. Her waist involuntarily arched, trying to escape, but he easily ravaged her entire garden. With his slow thrusts, he repeatedly struck the entrance to her secret garden, as if an electric current surged through her back, igniting the source of pleasure within her.

She wanted to resist this pleasure, but she couldn't muster any strength, feeling her body gradually melting away. He sensed her intoxication, an explosive pleasure instantly overwhelming his entire body, and his vision began to blur.

She sighed softly; she would never know how to refuse him, only to succumb to him.

He held her from behind, unwilling to let go, continuing to gently nibble at her earlobe, the tingling sensation bringing her a sweet aftertaste.

"I want to sleep."

She was so tired, she really wanted to lie down and sleep.

"I want more."

His warm breath filled her ear.

"More?"

She looked back at him in surprise.

"Good girl, one more time..."

He had just reached the peak of pleasure, still radiant. His well-proportioned, powerful chest glowed with a soft sheen, fine beads of sweat glistening on his bronze skin. A wicked, seductive smile played at the corners of his lips, making her momentarily lose herself.

"No... that position..."

Recalling the way he had come from behind, she felt a shyness she had never experienced before.

That position that shamed her was one that humans had inherited from animal times, the primal and most natural position. Returning to his primal instincts, he felt that any bewilderment, shame, or cowardice was unnecessary.

"I like it, don't you?"

He laughed at her intense reaction.

She glared at him playfully, then, noticing the two small nipples on his chest, she suddenly became mischievous and gently touched them.

It felt as if an electric current shot through every pore, spreading boundless pleasure. His proud, erect member stood erect again.

"Ah!"

She hadn't expected his reaction to be so strong and exclaimed in surprise.

"You brought this on yourself, don't blame me."

His voice was husky and sexy.

Soon, his right hand tightly encircled her waist, his left hand kneading her fullness, the powerful pressure of his lower abdomen and thighs drawing her into his embrace. His pulsating, large member pressed tightly against the entrance of her wet, moist opening, grinding against it, as he began to explore her deeper, softer depths.

Powerful waves of pleasure, and the uncontrollable trembling of desire, caused them to moan repeatedly in the sweet impact. Consciousness had long since left their bodies, their dizzying minds a blank. The world seemed to cease to exist, only wave after wave of pleasure exploding throughout their bodies.

"Han..."

she murmured, her mind hazy. He turned her face and kissed her delicate cherry lips. The instant their lips touched, a burst of pleasure, like sparks flying, surged forth.

They were both lost in the surging waves of pleasure until the scorching lava erupted freely.

Tonight's indulgence would make her understand that in his presence, she could not suppress any of her desires; he would satisfy her, and they would enjoy all the beauty together.

They both lay down to rest. Holding her hand, he told himself he would never let go. Even if she knew the truth, even if she hated him, even if she wanted to kill him, he would never let go.

"Are you tired?"

he asked softly, looking at her swollen belly. She was already drifting off to sleep.

"Tell me, whose child is it?"

he pressed.

She seemed to answer casually in her sleep, "It's yours."

Why did she always say that, yet never explain clearly? He touched her belly in confusion. Suddenly, her belly bulged, causing his hand to vibrate. He withdrew his hand in surprise.

"Don't kick, Mommy wants to sleep,"

she murmured.

Life is so wondrous. Did the child sense the dissatisfaction conveyed by his hand and react this way?

He suddenly remembered the first time he saw her. He had just arrived at Lieyun Ranch. His uncle had gone inside and asked him to wait outside.

He saw a beautiful little girl with delicate features happily skipping over, asking him who he was looking for. Her skin was translucent, her smile radiant, and she looked like an exquisite crystal doll in the sunlight. He had never seen such a beautiful and dazzling girl. He figured a rich young lady like her coming to greet him was just out of curiosity, so he glared at her and ignored her.

Later, she invited him in for some snacks and even tugged at his sleeve, only to be impatiently pushed to the ground. She then pouted and cried. Her tears softened his heart, but he still pretended to be fierce, mocking her whining.

Later still, his uncle came out and introduced her to him as a young lady from the Sima family, saying she was the most adorable girl in the world. He saw his uncle gazing at her with affection, and at that moment, he felt a pang of jealousy—jealousy of the happiness and love she possessed.

But now, he would make every woman in the world envious of her; he would give her happiness, love, and everything beautiful, whatever she desired.

In his imagination, her child would be as beautiful and lovely as she was, pure and flawless like an angel. In an instant, he suddenly felt no hostility towards that little life. If she loved him, perhaps he could love her too, and love the child as well.

But Duan Yuhan was wrong. A lover cannot tolerate even a grain of sand in their eye, let alone a child of unknown origin. When the child was truly about to enter the world, he could not convince himself to face it with joy. Even though Sima Wanqing repeatedly said the child was his, he couldn't recall it at all, and besides, there was no possibility of that happening in time. Even if he could love her too, he still wouldn't warmly welcome the child's arrival.

Three months later, after Duan Yuhan went to Chang'an to discuss business with Qian Shouxin, the largest tobacco merchant in Guannei, he didn't return to Lieyun Ranch, but rested in his private mansion outside the ranch. He didn't want to face Sima Wanqing, who was about to give birth, and he didn't want to face the birth of the child.

"My lord, the lady is suffering from severe abdominal pain and a midwife has been called over,"

came the news from the ranch.

Duan Yuhan responded indifferently and ordered everyone not to disturb him. Sima Wanqing didn't know he had returned, so he could pretend not to know and not go to see her.

A series of light footsteps reached the doorway, then tiptoed.

"Who is it?"

"Master, it's Grace."

It was Qian Shouxin's Persian dancer, whom he had insisted on giving him upon his return.

"If Master is troubled, this servant is willing to entertain you."

This Persian beauty had entered uninvited, her tone brimming with confidence, as if she were certain of his favor.

The woman was draped from head to toe in a thin golden veil, yet it seemed as if she wore nothing underneath. As she moved, her slightly swaying breasts, her upturned buttocks, and the alluring curves that were faintly visible alluring, stirred the imagination.

Duan Yuhan lazily beckoned with his finger, and she immediately walked gracefully over, kneeling beside him. He casually tore off her veil. Seeing her high nose, snow-white skin, fiery red lips, and exquisite curves, she was indeed a fiery beauty.

"Master,"

Grace looked up at this handsome man, as beautiful as a god. This master was worlds apart from the previous wealthy man, Qian Shouxin; he was a rare find, and she was determined to seize the opportunity.

He glanced at her. "Who let you come here?"

His tone held no displeasure, which emboldened Grace.

She deliberately leaned forward, allowing Duan Yuhan a clear view of her full, white breasts from above. She had always been confident in her body. Over the years at the Qian family, countless men who visited had fallen for her, but Qian Shouxin had always treated her as his exclusive possession, preventing her from being defiled.

She remembered what she had learned from Qian Shouxin before leaving. Apparently, this young master Duan's wife was pregnant, and he had no other concubines. Logically, a normal man would be insatiable; wasn't this the perfect opportunity for her to curry favor?

Perhaps it was in the nature of men to be lustful, and Duan Yuhan was no exception. Such a alluring beauty actively seeking favor was something many men dreamed of.

Duan Yuhan lifted Grace's delicate chin, as if to examine her face closely. Grace carefully flashed a sweet smile she had practiced countless times. Duan Yuhan's heart fluttered inexplicably. This Persian dancer's figure was so alluring, her smile so seductive; she was truly a peerless beauty.

He had been somewhat troubled by the news of Sima Wanqing. He didn't want to see her, yet he was also worried. Perhaps at this moment, he should think of nothing at all; that would make him feel better.

Seeing Duan Yuhan's thoughtful expression, Grace was momentarily unsure of his thoughts and dared not make a move. She remained prostrate at his feet, saying, "May I perform a whirling dance to amuse my master?"

Her alluring red lips parted gracefully, as if inviting him to savor them.

Men are strange creatures; even if they love a woman to the point of obsession, they can still experience physical attraction to other beautiful women. (For example, while Jia Baoyu only loved Lin Daiyu, he also envied Baochai's snow-white arm, accentuated by her red musk bracelet, and longed to touch it. At this moment, Duan Yuhan only wanted to temporarily forget about the child. Perhaps this beauty before him could bring him a different kind of pleasure.

He lightly stroked Grace's lips with his finger. Grace was overjoyed. After traveling all this time from Chang'an, this was the first time her master had looked at her properly, and her chance to shine had arrived.

She eagerly extended her pink tongue, delicately licking the base of his finger, then moving upwards, skillfully entwining the fingertip and lingering there, finally taking the entire finger into her mouth, sucking and teasing it with abandon. The moist, warm sensation rubbed, enveloped, and teased every sensitive nerve on his finger, and the boundless pleasure made him unconsciously push his finger deeper. Her oral skills were indeed alluring; it seemed she had been trained for a long time.)
Chapter 20 (04-05 ): The Joy of Having a Son

Her body seemed boneless, slowly moving closer to wrap around him, her full and elastic breasts intentionally or unintentionally rubbing against his lower abdomen.

From his angle, he could see her upturned face, her eyes possessing an innate allure. At this moment, her large, watery eyes shimmered with seductive charm, and her small mouth emitted soft, lingering "mmm" sounds, like a kitten in heat. Her fair breasts, barely concealed beneath the thin gauze, seemed ready to leap out, and the rich fragrance emanating from her body was intoxicating.

The desire to ravage and conquer amplified infinitely in his heart; a carnal paradise beckoned to him with passionate intensity. He pressed her head towards his genitals, and Grace immediately understood her master's intention, hurriedly helping him undress, preparing to continue serving him with her small mouth.

"Han..."

Sima Wanqing's plaintive voice suddenly echoed in his heart. Duan Yuhan paused, then pushed Grace away. He had promised her, he had promised her! Even if he could indulge in debauchery now, he would never be able to face Sima Wanqing honestly afterward.

Grace stared at Duan Yuhan in surprise, wondering what she had done wrong.

At the door, a trembling voice reported, "My lord, the lady is hemorrhaging heavily. The midwife says her life may be in danger, and she has already gone to fetch Doctor Lu."

"I told you not to disturb me!"

"Yes, yes, it was Steward Yue who ordered me to report to my lord. I dare not... dare not disturb my lord."

The man trembled all over. He had just seen the Persian beauty go in, and assumed his lord was indulging in pleasure. To disobey his lord's orders and report this now was tantamount to courting death.

She was hemorrhaging heavily? Her life was in danger? It was all that child's fault! Duan Yuhan was troubled.

How was she? Would she die? A fear he had never felt before surged into his heart. He quickly dressed and rushed out. He should be by her side; he needed to see her safe. She was unharmed.

No one could take Qing away from him except Heaven.

Several hours later, after a long struggle, Sima Wanqing finally gave birth. Yue Zhongzheng outside the door was overjoyed. Duan Yuhan, knowing the danger had passed, breathed a long sigh of relief. Soon, the good news spread throughout the entire Lieyun Ranch; the Sima family had a new heir, a truly joyous occasion.

When Sima Wanqing saw Duan Yuhan enter, she smiled weakly, "You're finally back."

Although exhausted from giving birth, seeing him inexplicably gave her strength.

"I'm glad you're alright."

He looked at her pale and exhausted face with affection.

"Look at the baby, isn't he beautiful?"

She proudly showed him the little one beside her.

It was a boy, newborn, his skin wrinkled and his features not yet fully developed. But looking at his fair and tender skin, his bright and adorable eyes, and his pink, petal-like lips, one could foresee that he would surely be a heartbreaker when he grew up, breaking the hearts of countless girls.

Duan Yuhan glanced at him indifferently. His birth had almost taken the life of his beloved. He didn't welcome his arrival at all. The child's beauty, inherited from his mother, seemed to also indicate that his father was no ordinary man. Duan Yuhan always felt uncomfortable thinking about this.

He turned his face away, refusing to look at the child a second time.

"What's wrong? Is he our child?"

she asked, leaning against him playfully.

Duan Yuhan smiled slightly. "If you say so, then it is."

She tried to explain, but he pressed her down to lie down.

His only concern was her health. As for the child, so be it.

Judging from his expression, she knew he didn't believe her at all. But there was plenty of time. Once she was feeling better, she could pick a day and tell him the whole story. He would be overjoyed; he would love the child even more than she did.

Thinking this, she fell asleep with a sweet smile. Duan Yuhan, annoyed by the child's crying, quickly left.

Sima Wanqing woke up, but her heart... A sudden wave of unease washed over her. The birth of her child was a joyous occasion, yet many other things troubled her.

Xuan Ying had come to the ranch solely for a jade bottle, not to kill. So why would he kill again and again?

Tracing back to the source, two points remained most suspicious. First, how did the person seeking "The Light of Hetian" know the jade bottle was at Lieyun Ranch? Second, if this person truly wanted the jade bottle, there was no need to seek out the renowned chivalrous thief Xuan Ying to steal it. Thirty thousand taels of silver would have been enough to bribe the ranch's inhabitants to locate the bottle and retrieve it. Why would someone travel so far to have Xuan Ying steal it for a mere jade bottle? Wasn't that redundant?

After her father's funeral, she went to see Feifei in the dungeon alone. The dungeon guards, however, were very reluctant, making all sorts of excuses. This alarmed her; she was now the owner of Lieyun Ranch, yet she couldn't command a mere jailer. Could it be that some force within the ranch was opposing her? Or was someone trying to prevent her from getting close to Feifei?

In any case, she had to find out the truth behind her father's tragic death. Even if her father died at Xuan Ying's hands, she had to understand the whole story; otherwise, she wouldn't be at peace.

That day, she asked Feifei many questions. Feifei answered them all.

In Feifei's memory, Xuan Ying was an upright person, clear about right and wrong.

Xuan Ying... Having never used the "Mystic Ice" poison before, Feifei had no idea what it was before coming to Lieyun Ranch.

Xuan Ying had no prior grudges against the Sima family and would never kill a member of the Sima family without reason.

Xuan Ying always acted alone, only occasionally taking her, his only disciple, out to broaden his horizons; he had no help.

Feifei began to sob as she finished speaking.

Sima Wanqing pressed her, asking if she had any of Xuan Ying's belongings; she wouldn't let go of anything related to Xuan Ying. Feifei took out a piece of paper from her inner garment. It was a set of chivalrous rules that Xuan Ying had set for her, instructing her to always carry it with her and refer to it frequently.

“First, even thieves have their code of honor…”

Sima Wanqing read through the list, and indeed, every point was reasonable and righteous. But for some reason, something felt stuck in her chest, a little awkward.

Finally, she comforted Feifei, saying she would let her out in a few days, and then took the note and left.

Would Feifei lie to her? There was no benefit in lying. Xuan Ying was dead. No matter how much Feifei explained or denied, Xuan Ying wouldn't come back to life. She just wanted to clear her master's name. Sima Wanqing had no reason not to believe her.

On one hand, Xuan Ying had no reason to kill his father; on the other hand, Xuan Ying and his father perished together. Why was this happening?

Later, she finally understood why seeing that piece of paper felt so strange. The handwriting on that paper was impeccable regular script. But that day, she had seen the note Xuan Ying had sent to his father in the study, written in neat Wei stele script. Were they written by two different people, or were they two different styles by the same person? She went to see Fei Fei again.

Fei Fei said that Xuan Ying had always hated writing, and it was only because her grandmaster forced her master that he wrote those two strokes of regular script. Fei Fei had never seen Xuan Ying write Wei stele script.

So that's it, so that's it!

Two months ago, when she saw through this, she didn't know whether to be glad that she was getting closer to the truth or to be terrified of the conspiracy behind it.

Someone had sent Xuan Ying to steal the jade bottle; their purpose was to lure Xuan Ying to Lieyun Ranch. The Xuanbing poison was chosen because Xuan Ying's background had been investigated long ago.

It's very likely that on the night he stole the jade bottle, Xuan Ying didn't escape and fell into the hands of the real murderer. The note Xuan Ying used to arrange a meeting with her father wasn't written by Xuan Ying at all. The murderer used Xuan Ying's name to lure her father out, kill him, and frame Xuan Ying. Xuan Ying was merely a scapegoat, used to take the blame for the murders of her elder brother and father. The thirty people her father brought with him were most likely the murderer's henchmen or accomplices.

The murderer's plan was practically flawless, but he hadn't expected Xuan Ying to bring her apprentice, nor had he anticipated that she would see the note arranging the meeting. And she just happened to see Xuan Ying's real handwriting.

The net of justice is vast, and though its meshes are wide, nothing escapes it! Heaven will surely bring justice to the dead! She firmly believed this.

But the real murderer remained at large, perhaps secretly laughing somewhere on the ranch right now. Every time she thought of this, a chill ran down her spine.

What was the murderer's purpose, so cruel and cunning? Was it revenge against the Sima family, or some other gain from the incredibly wealthy Lieyun Ranch?

If it was revenge against the Sima family, the murderer's next target would be her and her newborn child. This leads to the conclusion that her second brother's death was also suspicious.

If the killer wanted to gain something from the ranch, she was still the target, since she was now the owner. The killer would need to exploit her to profit.

Sima Wanqing understood all this, but because she was about to give birth, she had to put the investigation on hold. She simply paid extra attention to those around her, watching for any unusual activity. Now that her child had been born safely and her postpartum confinement period was over, she was determined to dedicate herself fully to the investigation.

Although she had considered telling Duan Yuhan and asking him to join the investigation, her father's sudden death and her own childbirth meant that Duan Yuhan had to handle everything at the ranch. She didn't want to add to his burden. She was determined to investigate her father and brother's deaths personally.

Her immediate priority was to take good care of her child and ensure a peaceful first month.

Looking at her sleeping child beside her, Sima Wanqing's worries vanished. He was so beautiful, wasn't he? Because his father was such a handsome and refined man.

Chapter 21: A Dance That Captivates the City.

Sima Wanqing named her child "Sima Bing," who would be the next heir of the Sima family. Because the child was born only eight months after their marriage, rumors began to circulate again. While the premature birth was plausible, considering Miss Sima's past behavior, people firmly believed the child wasn't Duan Yuhan's, but most likely Pei Mubai's. But these words could only be spoken behind closed doors; the Miss Sima wouldn't allow herself to be the subject of gossip.

Duan Yuhan seemed unconcerned by the discussions; he was content with Sima Wanqing's radiant smile. She, however, didn't want him to overthink things, and on the seventh day after the child's birth, she reminded him of the fire at Yunlai Residence in Hangzhou last year. He wondered how she knew about it. She blushed and refused to answer.

Later, Duan Yuhan thought about it carefully. Could it be that she was nearby at the time, and saw him? According to the timeline, it was exactly ten months ago, the day she conceived Sima Bing. Looking back, he realized that he hadn't been completely lucid that one night in Hangzhou. Could this little one have been conceived that night? Was it really his child?

His Qing had never betrayed him, and they had a lovely son. Was there anyone in the world happier than him?

So, like all new fathers, he carefully held his child every day, afraid of hurting his precious baby. Whenever the child cried, he panicked and hurriedly called Sima Wanqing over. Occasionally, when he tried to take her outside for a walk, the little one would suddenly burst into tears, forcefully snatching Sima Wanqing away from him. When he leaned closer, the little one would half-close his eyes, diligently nursing, ignoring his presence. Seeing the little one so happy in Sima Wanqing's arms, he almost felt jealous. Thankfully

, Sima Wanqing would still snuggle up to him at night; at those times, he was finally more important than the child.

On Sima Bing's one-month birthday, numerous merchants from both inside and outside the pass came to offer their congratulations, and some friends from the martial arts world also came. Sima Wanqing was supposed to greet the guests as the hostess. However, having just given birth and disliking social engagements, she only briefly met everyone when the baby was first brought out. Afterwards, Duan Yuhan took full responsibility for the guests' enjoyment of the meal.

Inside the Wanyin Hall, everyone praised Duan Yuhan and his wife as a match made in heaven, and complimented the child's fair complexion and cuteness, saying he inherited his parents' best features and would surely achieve great things. Duan Yuhan, though knowing it was all flattery, was still overjoyed. Parents always feel this happy when others praise their children. Sima Wanqing took

the child out of the Wanyin Hall and strolled in the pasture. Suddenly, she saw servants leading a sedan chair, inside which sat a woman dressed in a white silk robe and with her face veiled in white gauze. The woman's arms and feet were bare, adorned with rings of gold, and her slender waist was also exposed, exuding exotic charm and captivating allure.

The servants, seeing her, seemed to want to avoid her, but Sima Wanqing stopped them.

"Who is this? Where are you going?"

"Reporting to Miss, she is a Persian dancer sent to the ranch by the wealthy Qian family. She is going to perform for the guests at Wanyin Hall."

"Hmm, you may go."

Seeing the servants' eagerness to leave, Sima Wanqing suddenly had a thought. "When did she arrive? Where does she live?"

"This…"

The servant seemed unsure how to answer.

"Speak!"

Sima Wanqing sensed something was amiss. The servants still dared not speak.

The Persian dancer spoke, "I've been here for over a month, always staying in the large house outside the ranch."

Her tone was quite smug. Perhaps she hadn't realized, after the servants addressed Sima Wanqing as "Miss," that she was Duan Yuhan's wife.

When Grace answered, she didn't feel she was being arrogant. Since that day she met her master, he had frequently summoned her to perform for guests. Although she hadn't become any closer to her master, she knew she was the luckiest of all the dancers. Her master didn't even want to see the other dancers.

This young lady in front of her seemed to be a mistress as well, probably unaware that she would soon become her master's new favorite, which was why she dared to block her way. She naturally couldn't understand why Duan Yuhan's "wife" was called "Miss" at the Lieyun Ranch. At the mansion outside the ranch, Sima Wanqing suspected she was referring to Duan Yuhan's residence. She reached out with her right hand, and the white veil on Grace's face fluttered down. Upon closer inspection, she was indeed a bewitching and alluring beauty.

Sima Wanqing glanced at her sideways and said indifferently, "As expected of a Persian, no manners at all. I'll have them teach her how to respond properly later. You can go now."

The servant who brought Grace breathed a sigh of relief. If Miss Ruan knew that this Persian woman often fawned over her son-in-law, and flew into a rage, her son-

in-law would surely blame him for letting the two of them run into each other, and he would be doomed. Sima Wanqing watched the sedan chair disappear into the distance, still feeling uneasy; she wanted to find out the truth. So, she ordered her maid to take the child back, and then returned to Wanyin Hall herself.

From the back hall of Wanyin Hall, the cheerful laughter of the guests could be heard. The Persian dancer's performance brought the atmosphere to a climax. This was followed by cheers, Duan Yuhan's hearty laughter, and the Persian dancer's coquettish urging to drink.

Sima Wanqing walked slowly to the front hall, about to enter, when an idea struck her. She quickly went to her mother's room to retrieve the Rainbow Feather Robe, and ordered her mother's former maid, Aunt Qin, to fetch the Jade Flute. Together, they returned to Wanyin Hall.

Sima Wanqing quickly changed into her dance costume, veiled her face, and pulled Aunt Qin to the front hall. Although Aunt Qin felt uneasy, she couldn't dissuade her and had to go with her.

The guests were enjoying their drinks when a graceful, veiled woman in a seven-colored cloud-patterned robe and a still-attractive middle-aged woman emerged, leaving them all stunned. Duan Yuhan stared intently at the veiled woman. Her figure and posture were clearly Sima Wanqing's, but why was she dressed like this all of a sudden?

Sima Wanqing gave a graceful bow, said nothing, and began to dance. She twirled lightly like a butterfly dancing among flowers, and moved nimbly like a dragon soaring through the clouds. Her flowing sleeves swayed gently, like willows swaying in the wind; the hem of her skirt trailed lightly, like swirling clouds. Her nearly ten-foot-long sleeves fluttered and billowed, dazzling like rainbows as she danced. Silk ribbons wrapped around her body, their seven colors swirling as she spun, accentuating her graceful figure and radiant beauty, making her almost too dazzling to look at directly.

The jade flute played a complex and rapid melody, its tempo gradually increasing from a free tempo to a slow tempo, then slowing down at the end, perfectly complementing the rhythm of her dance.

The dance was indeed unparalleled, and the flute was equally astonishing. A thousand charms, ten thousand graces, leaving everyone mesmerized and captivated.

After a long while, a guest exclaimed, "Bai Juyi once wrote, 'Countless songs and dances, but I love the Rainbow Feather Dance the most.' Seeing the renowned Rainbow Feather Dance at Lieyun Ranch today is truly an eye-opener!"

A thunderous applause erupted.

Sima Wanqing bowed slightly to thank everyone, then spoke, "I've made a fool of myself, but I wonder how this Rainbow Feather Dance compares to the Persian dance we just saw?"

"The Rainbow Feather Dance is a timeless masterpiece, incomparable to those barbarian dances,"

someone immediately replied.

"I've heard that Lady Sima was once the head of music and dance in the palace, her dances and music unparalleled. It's a pity I was born in the wrong era and never witnessed it firsthand. To see Lady Sima teaching us today is truly a great honor,"

someone eagerly added, wanting to show off their knowledge of the Sima family and offer a few flattering words.

"So it was taught by Madam Sima! This dance truly is heavenly, rarely seen on earth. How can worldly dances compare?"

Everyone praised.

Grace glared at Sima Wanqing, resenting her for stealing the spotlight. Seeing Duan Yuhan's eyes fixed on the dancer, could he also be bewitched?

Sima Wanqing raised her chin slightly, looking at Duan Yuhan triumphantly. Duan Yuhan suddenly understood her actions and couldn't help but laugh at her childishness. However, her attire was highly inappropriate in front of everyone. Her flowing robes accentuated her beauty, and he had already noticed some guests staring intently at her. Duan Yuhan smiled

slightly, "You danced very well, you may leave."

Sima Wanqing ignored him and slowly stepped forward, "Please, a cup of wine, young lady."

Duan Yuhan wanted to see what tricks she would play, so he handed her a cup of amber-colored Persian secret wine. She took it and slightly lifted a corner of her veil. Her fair, delicate chin was as smooth as jade, and her rose-red lips, when she drank, became even more alluring. A drop of wine spilled, splashing onto her lips, which she naturally licked with her tongue. This was a casual gesture for her, but she was unaware of the immense temptation it held for others.

Duan Yuhan clearly saw that some of the guests were already lustful, and finally, unable to restrain himself, he walked over, pulled her into his arms, and sat her beside him, declaring to everyone that this woman was his, and no one else should even try to touch her. Everyone was stunned. As the son-in-law of the Sima family, his open embrace of a dancer was a great disrespect to Miss Sima.

Sima Wanqing pouted; she hadn't had enough fun yet. Duan Yuhan knew her willfulness and quickly put an arm around her to prevent her from wandering off.

Grace, also eager to curry favor, smiled seductively and poured wine, "Please drink, Master."

Sima Wanqing's heart sank. The title "Master" was unusual. The Persian dancer's gaze towards him was seductive and lingering, as if she had something going on with him.

Duan Yuhan felt her body stiffen as soon as his hand wrapped around her waist. He immediately ordered Grace, "Go and pour wine for each guest."

"Yes."

Grace had no choice but to turn and leave, feeling resentful.

Seeing their host embracing the dancer, the guests naturally couldn't linger and soon took their leave.

Duan Yuhan snorted and quickly carried Sima Wanqing to the back hall of Wanyintang, throwing her onto a chair. She pulled off her veil and stared straight at him.

He was initially angry at her seductive behavior towards those people, but seeing her expression, he felt guilty.

"That Persian dancer is quite beautiful."

She seemed to be genuinely praising her, but her tone was awkward.

"I'm a little curious about her."

Duan Yuhan smiled; he liked seeing her jealous.

Curious about what? Curious about how the Persian beauty was different from her when they were intimate? Was he still interested in that woman? She glared at him angrily.

"I didn't do anything to her."

He said this very simply.

"Have you ever thought about doing anything to her?"

She wouldn't let him off the hook, determined to get to the bottom of it.

"Qing, I'm a normal man, I have some fantasies..."

He didn't want to lie to her.

"What fantasies? Excuses!"

She hated him for being so argumentative, even when he was wrong. "Monks are men too, why don't you see them flirting with women everywhere?"

He hadn't expected her to use monks as an example, and he was speechless for a moment. She turned to leave.

He hugged her from behind. "Even if I'm wrong, you're wrong today too, we're even."

"What did I do wrong?"

she asked, surprised.

"You flirted with a man in front of me, in public, that's wrong."

Duan Yuhan said confidently.

She stared at him, not understanding what he meant for a long time. There wasn't a trace of seduction in the Rainbow Feather Dance. Looking at her innocent eyes and rosy lips, he couldn't resist kissing her. She pushed him away unhappily.

"Qing, you don't know how alluring you looked when you were drinking."

He took her hand, not forcing her. She turned her head away, ignoring him.

"Then I swear, I won't even look at anyone else again, okay?"

His joking tone only made her angrier. She remembered that he had embraced another woman before their marriage.

She thought for a moment and said resolutely, "If you have any more dealings with anyone else, I'll take Bing'er and leave immediately."

She meant it, because she absolutely could not tolerate his infidelity again.

"Alright, let's not talk about that. Your Rainbow Feather Dance was so beautiful just now, I didn't even know it was amazing."

He sincerely praised her, changing the subject as he went.

Hearing his praise, she felt a little better. "My mother taught me this, isn't it beautiful? It's a pity my father said that a lady of a respectable family shouldn't learn to dance, so after my mother died, I was forbidden to dance."

Thinking of her father's death, a pang of pain shot through her heart. "I never listened to him before, but now I want to, and he's gone."

He comforted her, "Don't be sad, you still have me."

She leaned on his shoulder, saying nothing more.

Little did she know that the "Rainbow Feather Dance" she had impulsively performed that day would attract a strange person, a person who would even change her life forever.

After the full moon celebration, Sima Wanqing resolved to dedicate herself to the management of the ranch. On one hand, she could quickly familiarize herself with the ranch and become a qualified heir to the Sima family; on the other hand, she could closely monitor the movements of various people on the ranch and find the hidden murderer. She estimated that the murderer held a high position on the ranch, was likely skilled in martial arts, and probably had their own power base.

This was the first meeting she had attended since giving birth. Soon, matters were discussed one after another, and Duan Yuhan made decisive and swift decisions, then gave orders to carry them out. A strange feeling welled up in her heart. At this meeting, she seemed to be merely an observer, not a decision-maker for the ranch.

Finally, she could say a few words about the established practice of collecting land rent from the Sima family outside the pass this year. Given the severe weather this year, she naturally advocated for a reduction in land rent to ease the burden on the tenants and improve their lives.

Hu Tian, however, retorted, "Miss, you must know that the ranch has faced numerous unexpected events this year, resulting in huge expenses. If we don't increase the rent, we might not be able to make up for this year's shortfall, and next year we won't have enough circulating funds to deal with various merchants, which will then affect the ranch's entire business."

She frowned slightly, "We can increase income from other sources."

Hu Tian laughed, "Miss, you've never been involved in management, so you probably don't know that land rent accounts for 60-70% of the ranch's annual income

. Therefore, Miss, you mustn't manage the ranch with a woman's mindset. Otherwise, it will be difficult for all of us." His tone was clearly mocking her, a pampered young lady who only knew how to enjoy herself and had no understanding of ranch management.

A thought struck her; this Hu Tian was extremely disrespectful to her. But he probably wasn't the murderer, because the real murderer wouldn't act so openly.

One of the four stewards, Elder Zhang, was Sima Lie's cousin, and thus Sima Wanqing's uncle. After Sima Lie's death, he was ostracized and, though nominally a steward, his duties were insignificant. At this moment, he quickly stepped forward, saying, "Miss has only recently entered the affairs of the ranch, so naturally she is unfamiliar with many things. As her subordinates, we should do our utmost to assist her. Your words to her are disloyal and disrespectful."

Another steward, Elder Zhao, quite old and a veteran figure appointed by Sima Wanqing's grandfather, agreed with Elder Zhang, saying, "Although Miss is young, she is, after all, a descendant of the Sima family and the owner of the ranch. Managing the ranch can be learned gradually; the important thing is for everyone to work together to build a good ranch."

Yet another steward, Feng San, strongly supported Hu Tian, believing that the rent should be increased.

Yue Zhongzheng quickly stepped in to quell the dispute. Ultimately, it was decided to increase the rent, but the Sima family would distribute more seeds to the tenants next year as compensation. Hu Tian, however, spoke harshly, offending Miss, and had a month's salary withheld.

At a routine meeting, Sima Wanqing felt exhausted. Although she was the owner of the ranch, she had little say in many matters. They didn't take her words seriously, not only because she was a young woman, but more importantly because she had rarely returned home since leaving at sixteen. They knew she didn't understand the ranch's operations, which was why they treated her so arrogantly.

Duan Yuhan, on the other hand, didn't favor her in his decisions regarding ranch affairs, which they trusted more. His lack of emotional decision-making was a good thing. But she still felt uneasy.

Chapter 22: Calling a Deer a Horse (Part 1)

In the following days, many issues remained unresolved at the routine meetings discussing important matters. Elder Zhang and Elder Zhao consistently supported Sima Wanqing, while Hu Tian and Feng San always sided. Yue Zhongzheng, in an effort to ease tensions, usually offered compromises. Duan Yuhan, however, repeatedly claimed his thinking was "objective, not personal," sometimes favoring Sima Wanqing and sometimes Hu Tian.

Sima Wanqing found it strange that Hu Tian often deliberately contradicted her. What benefit did Hu Tian gain from openly opposing her? She couldn't understand.

That day, after the meeting, Duan Yuhan and Hu Tian entered the mansion outside the ranch one after the other.

When Hu Tian entered, Duan Yuhan was writing. On the snow-white paper were four flamboyant characters: "Sima Wanqing." After writing these four characters, Duan Yuhan seemed lost in thought. Suddenly, he tore the paper apart, separating the characters "Sima" and "Wanqing."

Hu Tian glanced at it and hurriedly reported respectfully, "As instructed by Your Excellency, I opposed Madam's suggestions at the meeting to lower her prestige in the eyes of others and undermine her confidence in participating in the management of the ranch. But it seems that it hasn't been very effective."

Duan Yuhan nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

"Now, Madam is determined to become the true owner of the ranch, and those two old fellows, Zhang and Zhao, fully support her. This is not a good sign. Killing the old men would easily arouse suspicion,"

Hu Tian continued. "In my humble opinion, to get Madam to completely relinquish control of the ranch and settle down as a virtuous wife, we should devise a 'cutting off the fuel supply' strategy to solve the problem at its root." Duan Yuhan

asked with interest, "What kind of 'cutting off the fuel supply' strategy?" "

In my humble opinion, in terms of qualifications, talent, and prestige, Madam is naturally far inferior to Your Majesty at this moment. But Madam is Sima Lie's daughter, and in the eyes of others, no matter what, she is the rightful owner of the ranch. This is the main reason why the two old fellows support her. Their support for Madam will naturally gain the approval of many servants and outsiders.

"Therefore... the best way to completely eradicate Madam's faction is to prove that Madam is not Sima Lie's daughter." "

Hu Tian finished explaining his plan in one breath.

Sima Wanqing wasn't Sima Lie's daughter, so naturally she wasn't the rightful owner of the ranch. Everyone would understand the implications and naturally side with Duan Yuhan. Hu Tian's plan sounded very reasonable.

Duan Yuhan pondered silently. He had already thought of this method, which was why he separated the characters "Sima" and "Wanqing."

Hu Tian quickly stepped forward, "The master deeply loves and cares for the lady, so he can't bear to see her heartbroken. But if the plan succeeds, the lady will give up interfering in the ranch's affairs and will naturally devote herself to being a wife and mother. For the lady, this is a kind of happiness."

Duan Yuhan felt a sudden bitterness. He didn't want her ranch. But if one day she knew everything, he didn't want to die like that. He had to control the entire ranch to survive safely.

"Tell me the plan again,"

Duan Yuhan seemed to appreciate his words.

"I will find witnesses and evidence to deny the father-daughter relationship between the lady and Sima Lie. At that time, Elder Zhang will be no threat." He has no real talent, but he holds a high position at the ranch because of his status as Sima Lie's cousin. He's always been greedy for money, so he can be bribed. Old Zhao is loyal to the Sima family, but as long as he believes that Madam is not a descendant of the Sima family, he naturally won't follow her. Furthermore, given the Lord's usual prestige and benevolence, everyone at the ranch will naturally submit to him. And Madam will no longer be a young lady of the Sima family; she can only rely on the Lord, and will become even closer and more affectionate towards him.”

Hu Tian's analysis was logical and methodical, suggesting he had already considered it carefully.

“Let Feng San handle this. He doesn't talk much, but his words are fair and persuasive.”

Duan Yuhan crumpled the paper with the word “Sima” written on it and threw it aside. For him, he only loved “Wanqing.” At the meeting a few days later, after all the matters were discussed, Duan Yuhan took Sima Wanqing's hand, preparing to leave.

The usually taciturn Feng San suddenly blurted out, “Miss, please wait, I have something important to report.” "

What is it?"

Sima Wanqing heard that his tone was still kind, so she allowed him to continue.

Feng San glanced at the maids and servants around him. "This matter is of utmost importance. Please, Miss, dismiss anyone who is not involved."

Sima Wanqing looked at him with suspicion, wondering what he was so concerned about. Feng San stood there calmly, unfazed by her gaze. Sima Wanqing waved her hand, and the maids and servants withdrew one by one, leaving only Duan Yuhan, Sima Wanqing, Yue Zhongzheng, Hu Tian, Elder Zhang, Elder Zhao, and Feng San in the Wanyin Hall.

"Speak plainly,"

Sima Wanqing urged Feng San.

Feng San seemed to need to gather his thoughts, pausing before speaking, "The matter is like this. A few days ago, I was strolling on the street when I overheard an old woman speaking ill of Miss. I was furious, so I arrested her and asked Miss to deal with her."

Such a trivial matter? Was it really worth discussing so seriously? Everyone was unimpressed.

"Release her. Let her say what she wants. As long as I've done the right thing, I have nothing to fear from what people say."

Sima Wanqing gave a few instructions and prepared to leave.

"Miss, what she said was very offensive and affected the reputation of the late Madam. Please punish her severely."

Affected her mother's reputation? Hearing this, Sima Wanqing couldn't ignore it. "What did she say?"

"This subordinate can't recall it. It would be better if Miss asked her herself."

Feng San deliberately kept her in suspense.

"Bring her up."

Sima Wanqing would not allow anyone to speak ill of her mother.

Immediately, someone brought up an old woman. The old woman had a wrinkled face and looked to be in her sixties or seventies. She wasn't afraid of the crowd and just stood there.

Sima Wanqing vaguely felt that something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Hu Tian's eyes swept over, and Sima Wanqing seemed to smell a hint of conspiracy.

A thought struck her, and she suddenly clutched her forehead. "I feel a little unwell, my head is spinning."

If this old woman was going to say anything unpleasant, she should ask her privately.

Duan Yuhan's hand touched her forehead, and he saw a hint of indifference in her eyes, and he was startled. He rarely saw her like this.

"Take this old woman away. We can discuss this another time. Oh dear, my head is starting to hurt..."

Sima Wanqing stood up timidly, as if she really had a terrible headache.

If she left now, today's plan would be ruined. Feng San stepped forward. "Please stay, Miss. This matter concerns the Sima family's reputation privately, and the ranch's future publicly."

Sima Wanqing didn't stop and headed straight for the door.

Feng San's voice rang out again, "If Miss insists on leaving, we'll interrogate her ourselves."

Old Zhang and Old Zhao looked at him with suspicion, wondering what he was up to.

Judging from his tone, whether Sima Wanqing was present or not seemed unimportant in resolving this matter. Sima Wanqing absolutely wouldn't allow anyone to speak ill of her mother while she was away, so she finally stopped. "Fine, I'll stay."

"Huh?"

Yue Zhongzheng looked left and right, feeling that the old woman looked familiar.

"Uncle Yue, do you know her?"

Sima Wanqing couldn't help but ask.

"She's the best midwife outside the pass, I think her name is Granny Qian. You and your two brothers used to have her deliver your babies."

Yue Zhongzheng remembered.

So she was the one who delivered my baby. But what bad things would this midwife say about my mother? Sima Wanqing reluctantly said, "Granny Qian, please sit down."

Granny Qian sat down, muttering to herself, "Even if you let me sit, I have to make things clear. This old woman never speaks ill of others."

"You might as well say what you have to say."

Sima Wanqing wanted to hear what she had to say.

Feng San also prompted her, "What you said that day, why not repeat it again today?"

Granny Qian glared angrily at everyone, "Even if I say it again, it'll still be the same. This girl isn't Master Sima's biological daughter, she doesn't deserve to enjoy the wealth and luxury of Lieyun Ranch. She's not, she's not, I'm telling the truth."

Her words stunned everyone. If she was telling the truth, this was no small matter. If she was lying, she must be severely punished, otherwise, rumors would spread, inevitably damaging the reputation of the Sima family and Lieyun Ranch.

So there really was a conspiracy. The purpose of the conspiracy was to spread rumors, thereby denying her identity as "Miss Sima," and then forcing her to obediently withdraw from the decision-making stage of ranch affairs. Sima Wanqing understood many things in an instant. But was denying her identity so easy?

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

Yue Zhongzheng was both surprised and furious.

"I'm not making this up. When this girl was born, Madam Sima's maidservant called me to deliver the baby, gave me a thousand taels of silver, and told me to tell Master Sima that Madam had given birth prematurely and the child was not full-term,"

Granny Qian said confidently.

Sima Wanqing smiled calmly, "Your words are ridiculous."

Even if she wasn't premature, so what?

Feng San said seriously, "Miss is young and naturally doesn't know the situation at the time. Miss was born in the tenth month of the year Yihai, but Master was busy with business and didn't return to the ranch until the third month of the year Yihai. The so-called ten months of pregnancy, if Madam wasn't premature, then Miss couldn't be Master's child."

Old Zhang and Old Zhao's expressions changed drastically, both recalling the events of the year Yihai. That year, because of the fur trade, Sima Lie was trapped in the snowy mountains, the only time he didn't spend the New Year at Lieyun Ranch. If what this old woman said was true, then Sima Wanqing was definitely not Sima Lie's child. By that logic, Madam Sima had another lover?

"Guards, throw this madwoman out!"

Perhaps because of his deep love for Madam Sima, Yue Zhongzheng wouldn't tolerate anyone slandering her.

"Wait a moment,"

Duan Yuhan said methodically, "The Sima family doesn't allow themselves to be slandered like this. This matter must be thoroughly investigated, and this old woman must apologize and clarify things so that everyone in the neighborhood can understand the truth."

His words seemed to indicate that he was quite protective of Sima Wanqing.

Sima Wanqing agreed with Duan Yuhan's statement; throwing Granny Qian out would only make people think it was an attempt to cover up the truth.

"What the son-in-law says makes a lot of sense. I don't believe Granny Qian's words alone either. So I've invited Qin Mama over to confront her face to face."

Feng San gestured for the people outside to bring her in.

Qin Mama was Sima Wanqing's Aunt Qin, the one who played the flute that day. Her original name was Qin Qin, and she was Madam Sima's subordinate when she was a lady-in-waiting in the court. She had always followed Madam Sima and was Madam Sima's personal maid. Qin Qin was always gentle and kind; besides her mother, she was the woman Sima Wanqing was closest to.

When Qin Qin entered, she looked unwell, her brow furrowed with extreme weariness. She glanced at Sima Wanqing with a slightly dazed expression. An ominous premonition rose in Sima Wanqing's heart.

"Aunt Qin,"

Sima Wanqing called out, but the rest of her words wouldn't come out.

"Mama Qin, Granny Qian said that you gave Miss a thousand taels of silver when she was born. Is that true?"

Feng San asked directly.

"Yes,"

Qin Qin answered crisply. Sima Wanqing looked at her in surprise.

"So much reward for delivering a baby? Did Madam really ask you to instruct Granny Qian to do something?"

Feng San's tone sounded skeptical, yet she was subtly guiding her.

Qin Qin glanced at Sima Wanqing before finally answering, "Yes, Madam asked Granny Qian to tell a lie."

"What lie?"

Feng San pressed.

"She told Granny Qian to tell Master that Madam has given birth prematurely."

Qin Qin seemed afraid to look at Sima Wanqing again, avoiding her direct gaze.

Qin Qin's words echoed Granny Qian's, confirming the truth of Granny Qian's statement. Sima Wanqing couldn't believe her ears. Was Aunt Qin, who had always doted on her, accusing her? Was her close, trusted Aunt Qin also part of a conspiracy?

Feng San said to Qin Qin, "Mama Qin, please tell us the whole truth."

"Yes, I want to hear the truth. Aunt Qin..."

Sima Wanqing looked at her expectantly. She still believed that Aunt Qin wouldn't betray her mother.

A look of extreme sorrow suddenly appeared on Qin Qin's face as she looked at her sadly, "Miss, everything I said is true. I've helped Madam conceal the truth for so many years, and I'm tired. I must give Master justice."

The truth? Justice? Her words seemed to plunge Sima Wanqing into an ice cellar.

All eyes were on Qin Qin, waiting to see what else she had to say.

Chapter 23: Calling a Deer a Horse (Part 2)

Qin Qin slowly said, "On the eighth day of the first month of the year Yihai, the master was trapped in the snow mountain, and the madam went to Wanfo Temple to chant sutras and pray for him. After lunch, the madam went to the quiet room to chant sutras alone. But the sun was about to set, and she hadn't come out yet. When I pushed the door open, I found the madam inside, disheveled and weeping uncontrollably. The madam said she had been... violated. Not two months later, the madam discovered

she was pregnant. That child is the current young lady." Qin Qin spoke these words calmly, as if she was determined to reveal everything. She had followed Madam Sima for many years, and she had always been by Madam Sima's side wherever she went. She knew Madam Sima's affairs best. Now that she was saying this, could it be that Sima Wanqing was indeed not Sima Lie's child?

"You're lying..."

Sima Wanqing could face the cruelty of her enemies, but the sight of Aunt Qin, whom she considered family, conspiring with them to harm her filled her with a chilling and profound sorrow. Was this the depravity of humanity? She couldn't help but want to rebuke her.

Duan Yuhan took her hand, feeling her body tremble slightly. She was heartbroken by the betrayal of her loved ones, but he assumed it was her excitement at learning the truth. He squeezed her hand, signaling her to be strong.

"If something like this really happened back then, Madam certainly wouldn't have wanted this child. How could it have been born?"

Duan Yuhan pointed out the inconsistency.

Qin Qin continued on her own, "Madam asked me to buy some safflower and aconite, but they didn't work."

Safflower accelerates blood circulation, causing bleeding and potentially leading to miscarriage. Aconite is a very strong, hot medicine, which can also cause abortion. The more Qin Qin spoke, the more believable it seemed.

"Later, Madam, left with no other choice, sent me to see Mr. Lu Jingqiao. Mr. Lu prescribed a medicine for Madam. After taking it, the bleeding wouldn't stop, but the baby still wouldn't be aborted. Mr. Lu said the baby was already too big, and forcibly aborting it would endanger Madam's life. Madam was willing to risk it, but when Master returned, Madam ultimately had no choice but to keep the child."

Qin Qin finished speaking in one breath, extremely smoothly, sounding as if it were true.

Yue Zhongzheng's face was ashen, as if he couldn't believe such a thing had happened to Madam Sima. Old Zhang and Old Zhao exchanged glances, as if they already believed it to some extent.

Sima Wanqing suddenly wanted to laugh. The enemy had arranged everything before staging this charade. Even if Lu Jingqiao were brought in for a confrontation now, it would probably be the same as Qin Qin's.

Sure enough, when Feng San had someone bring Lu Jingqiao in, the usually upright and honest Doctor Lu's words matched Qin Qin's perfectly, mutually confirming their authenticity.

Finally, Qin Qin produced a will from Madam Sima, written before her death. The will was essentially a confession to Sima Lie, asking for his forgiveness for not committing suicide after losing her virginity and for concealing the fact that her daughter was not his biological child.

The will circulated among the people, and Feng San sent someone to Madam Sima's room to retrieve her usual handwriting for comparison. It was identical, clearly from the same hand. For a moment, it seemed that no one in the hall, except for Sima Wanqing, doubted the matter anymore.

Feng San sighed, "I never expected that an old woman would involve so many things. Not only does it involve Madam Sima's reputation, but it also involves Miss Sima's background. Therefore, I have no choice but to have everyone discuss this together today to see what to do next."

From his words, it was certain that Sima Wanqing was not Sima Lie's daughter. Now, the question was what to do with her.

Although Sima Wanqing knew there were enemies on the ranch, only now did she realize that they were truly targeting her.

The enemy had gone to great lengths, weaving a perfect lie from witnesses to physical evidence. The trustworthy midwife, Granny Qian; the gentle and virtuous Mama Qin; the upright Doctor Lu Jingqiao—each a flawless witness, each a natural, fluent, and plausible testimony, coupled with a will that resembled her mother's handwriting. In just one hour, the enemy had proven to everyone that she wasn't her father's biological daughter. Judging from their expressions, they were almost entirely convinced.

Every lie has flaws; she had to refute them.

"If you're telling the truth, then tell me, why didn't you tell Father when he was alive? Why are you all here today, saying these things? Who is that man who supposedly forced my mother? Within a three-hundred-mile radius of Lieyun Ranch, which man wouldn't dare harass Sima Lie's wife?"

Sima Wanqing bombarded them with questions. Seeing her fierce tone, the crowd was somewhat stunned. Her demeanor, her tone, were strikingly similar to Sima Lie's angry expressions in the past.

Granny Qian, Qin Qin, and Lu Jingqiao all lowered their heads in silence, whether frightened by her or feeling guilty, it was unclear.

Feng San regained his composure, “Madam is gentle and kind by nature, and she takes good care of everyone. Naturally, they don’t want to reveal the truth and damage her reputation. When Master was alive, no one dared to say these things. Given Master’s temper, if he heard others say such things about Madam, he would definitely kill someone. As for the three of them coming here today, they just want to clarify the facts and give Master justice. As for who that man is, only Heaven knows. Throughout history, there have been many people who are audacious enough to be lecherous.”

He answered Sima Wanqing’s questions one by one, as if he had considered these questions beforehand.

Sima Wanqing laughed angrily, “Fine, you said that when Father was alive, if someone spoke ill of Mother, Father would kill. Aren’t you afraid that I will kill now?”

Her sleeves suddenly fluttered, and the inner power of the “Supreme Heaven-Supporting Heart Method” was ready to be unleashed.

This was the first time Duan Yuhan had seen her show murderous intent. She was like a gleaming sword being washed in a clear spring, its unparalleled sharpness suddenly radiating an aggressive killing intent. She hated the enemy's treachery and cunning, but Duan Yuhan thought her anger stemmed from her mother's insult and her hatred of her own origins.

Feng San calmly looked at her and coldly said, "Miss can certainly kill everyone present. But justice resides in the hearts of the people. Miss's killing of everyone who knows the truth today is nothing more than a cover-up."

Duan Yuhan exerted a slight force, an invisible current subtly suppressing Sima Wanqing's inner strength. "Calm down!"

Feng San's proactive behavior showed he was definitely not a pawn being used by the enemy. Sima Wanqing seemed to gradually see the outlines of the enemies: Feng San and Hu Tian were among them. Their hatred and despicable nature made her want to kill them immediately, but the truth was unclear, and now was not the time.

She tried to regulate her breathing. "This matter ends here. Everyone should go back."

With that, she turned and left, leaving everyone with their own thoughts.

If Sima Wanqing were a little less foolish, she might have believed Xuan Ying was her father's killer, or even that she wasn't Sima Lie's daughter. Perhaps she would have relied on Duan Yuhan and lived a happy, albeit false, life.

But her keen observation and sharp intuition allowed her to gradually uncover the conspiracy. She would not let her enemies succeed.

They had fabricated evidence to doubt and deny her father-daughter relationship with Sima Lie. How could she refute them? Her parents and brothers were all dead; there was no one left to prove her identity. And the best way to verify their relationship—a blood test—was impossible because she was the only orphan left in the Sima family. What should she do? Should she just let them slander her?

Sima Wanqing's first thought was to find the three witnesses. But they seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving no trace. Feng San's explanation was that he feared she might kill him in her rage, so he sent them to a safe place. In reality, he probably hid them, fearing they would eventually tell the truth under her questioning.

She had taken her mother's suicide note from Duan Yuhan and read it many times, but couldn't find any flaws. Even the "sun" radical on the left of her name "Qing" was written as a single stroke, a habit her mother had made, and it was written exactly the same on the note. If she hadn't already suspected there were enemies on the ranch, she might have believed the note was truly her mother's handwriting.

That day, she suddenly thought of going to her father's second study to see if he had also discovered anything and left something behind.

As she approached the door, she smelled a strange fragrance wafting from inside, followed by Duan Yuhan's deep voice, "Get out!"

Sima Wanqing hurriedly went in, only to see Duan Yuhan about to come out, with the Persian dancer nestled at his legs, her watery eyes staring intently at him. The fragrance emanated from her.

The closer she got, the stronger the scent became. Sima Wanqing suddenly felt a sweet, soft feeling welling up in her heart. Hearing footsteps, Duan Yuhan looked up and saw Sima Wanqing enter. Noticing her slightly strange expression, he rushed over and grabbed a handkerchief from her body, covering her nose. Sima Wanqing suddenly became much more sober. Looking at the Persian dancer, she seemed to be aroused and unable to control herself, still rubbing against Duan Yuhan.

Aphrodisiac? Her fragrance contained an aphrodisiac. This woman dared to bring an aphrodisiac to the study to seduce Duan Yuhan?

Sima Wanqing was already annoyed, and now her anger surged. She pointed outside, "Get out!"

"Hey, you're no longer a young lady of the Sima family, but like me, you serve your master. What's so special about that?"

Grace had finally found out Duan Yuhan was alone in the study, and had specially dressed up, bringing an aphrodisiac fragrance, hoping to gain his favor. However, Sima Wanqing's arrival ruined her plans. Knowing she had no hope of getting close to her master today, she was resentful and couldn't help but sneer at Sima Wanqing to vent her anger.

Her words deeply stung Sima Wanqing. Did this Persian woman also think she wasn't Sima Lie's daughter?

Sima Wanqing frowned, her slender hand flashing out. A sudden, powerful gust of air hurled Grace's body a good ten feet away, where she crashed heavily to the ground. Duan Yuhan recognized it as the Sima family's ancestral martial art, "Turning Clouds and Overturning Rain Hand." It seemed she was truly angry, hence her attack to teach Grace a lesson.

Grace lay motionless on the ground. The servants, hearing the commotion, rushed over to see what had happened. Someone helped Grace up, only to find she was no longer breathing.

Sima Wanqing looked at Grace in astonishment. Although she had been furious and had attacked, she had only used a fraction of her power; she certainly wouldn't have killed her.

Could it be that Sima Lie's internal energy had completely merged with hers, so that while his attack was light on her, it was fatal on Grace? Duan Yuhan was secretly astonished. He hadn't seen her fight in a long time, and her internal energy had improved so much that she was practically unmatched in the world, perhaps even stronger than him.

"Give her a proper burial."

Sima Wanqing, having killed for the first time unintentionally, was even more frustrated and left hastily after saying this. Perhaps annoyed by Duan Yuhan's flirtatious behavior, which led to her accidental killing, she didn't even bother with Duan Yuhan anymore.

As the saying goes, "Good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels fast."

The death of the Persian dancer quickly became the new topic of conversation among the people. Miss Sima was well-behaved and kind as a child, lovable to all, but after returning from the interior, she changed completely. Now she was short-tempered, domineering, and ruthless, treating human life like dirt. She had actually killed a living, breathing foreign beauty with a single blow—it was truly terrifying.

Even more terrifying news quietly spread from the ranch: it turned out that Miss Sima was not Master Sima's daughter at all.

Despite Duan Yuhan's repeated instructions to Hu Tian to stop the rampant rumors, the gossip continued to spread.

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