102: Duan Zhengchun who sows discord (seeking full subscription)

“Duan Zhengchun, why are you here?”

Seeing Duan Zhengchun appear, Li Qingluo, who had just woken up from her nap, was also a little surprised.

“Qing Luo.”

Duan Zhengchun’s eyes showed agitation; he had endured too many setbacks and too much pain here in the past few days and desperately needed comfort.

But Li Qingluo was extremely wary, stating coldly, “Prince Duan, men and women should maintain distance. Please be mindful of propriety.”

Seeing Li Qingluo’s cold demeanor, Duan Zhengchun’s heart chilled halfway, but he quickly realized it was normal for her to harbor resentment since he hadn't visited for so many years. He immediately explained, “I know I let you down, and it was my fault for not coming to see you all these years.”

“I came here today, actually, because I wanted to warn you about something.”

Duan Zhengchun’s expression turned serious.

“What is it?”

Li Qingluo showed curiosity.

“Qing Luo, how much do you know about Murong Fu?”

Duan Zhengchun asked solemnly.

“Him!”

Li Qingluo’s eyes flashed, and she then calmly replied, “He grew up by my side, has always been respectful towards me, and is childhood sweethearts with my daughter. I have already betrothed my daughter to him. Why do you bring him up?”

“I remember Duan Yu, who visited here some time ago, is your son, right? Isn't he Murong Fu’s sworn brother?”

Hearing Li Qingluo say her relationship with Murong Fu was merely that of elder and Junior, Duan Zhengchun secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He then stated seriously, “You must not tell anyone about what happens today, especially not Murong Fu.”

As he spoke, he looked at the maids on both sides and Granny Rui.

“Why are you being so secretive?”

Li Qingluo deliberately showed curiosity, then added, “Don’t worry, these are all my trusted aides. Whatever you have to say, speak freely.”

“That’s good then.”

Duan Zhengchun hesitated for a moment, nodded, and then said, “This Murong Fu is deeply calculating and reckless. I am worried, Qing Luo, that you might suffer humiliation at his hands.”

With a sigh, Duan Zhengchun continued, “A while ago, the Six-Meridian Divine Sword Manual of my Dali Tianlong Temple was stolen. After extensive investigation, I can confirm that the perpetrator was Murong Fu. Your family’s unique inherited martial arts are also extraordinary, and I worry he might covet your family’s techniques as well.”

Duan Zhengchun looked serious.

“There is such a thing?”

Li Qingluo widened her apricot eyes, feigning surprise. “What do you plan to do then?”

“Murong Fu is very powerful, and I currently don't have a good solution. I plan to return to Dali as soon as possible to deliberate further. I was just worried about you before I left.”

Duan Zhengchun looked at Li Qingluo with a face full of infatuation.

“Duan Zhengchun, I don’t need you to pretend to care in front of me.”

A strange light flashed in Li Qingluo’s eyes, and she then snorted coldly, “Murong Fu is my nephew and my son-in-law. You are an outsider trying to sow discord between us with just a few words. You think too highly of yourself.”

“Qing Luo, have I become an outsider now?”

Duan Zhengchun seemed agitated and tried to step forward, but Li Qingluo immediately shouted him down, “Duan Zhengchun, I already know what kind of person you are. Your Princess Consort has also made things clear to me recently, so you had best stop pestering me, or don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”

“I can choose not to tell Dao Baifeng about your visit today. Leave now, go back and live properly with Dao Baifeng.”

When Li Qingluo said these words, her tone was playful.

After all, no one knew Dao Baifeng's current situation better than she did.

The pleasure derived from this revenge against a scoundrel like Duan Zhengchun made Li Qingluo unable to stop.

“I really want him to witness this scene and see what expression he makes, what he thinks.”

Li Qingluo thought to herself.

Duan Zhengchun had no idea what Li Qingluo was thinking; he was merely feeling dejected and heartbroken.

Lately, nothing had gone right for him.

His women and lovers were all turning to other people’s embraces, making Duan Zhengchun, who witnessed this, feel like dying.

To be honest, losing the Six Meridian Divine Sword didn't cause him as much heartache as losing one of his women.

“Qing Luo.”

Duan Zhengchun couldn't help but call out again, his gaze complex.

But Li Qingluo remained unmoved.

She waved her hand directly, and Granny Rui and the others stepped forward, looking at Duan Zhengchun.

“Then you must take care and guard against Murong Fu.”

Duan Zhengchun gave one last warning, then left regretfully... On the other side, Dao Baifeng adjusted her skirt, straightened her rumpled clothes, and hurried out of the study.

Not long after she left, she ran into Duan Zhengchun, who had just suffered a setback with Li Qingluo.

“Madam, I was looking for you. What are you doing here?”

Seeing Dao Baifeng, Duan Zhengchun had many doubts in his heart, but he could only suppress them for the moment, feigning excitement as he spoke.

Upon seeing Duan Zhengchun, a flicker of panic appeared in Dao Baifeng’s eyes.

After all, she had been with Murong Fu just a short while ago... and Duan Zhengchun had been there too.

Therefore, Dao Baifeng felt extremely awkward and guilty.

“I was just walking around. When did you arrive?”

Dao Baifeng asked, pretending to be calm.

“I arrived this morning. This time, I want to take you back to Dali. Madam, are you willing to return with me?”

Duan Zhengchun couldn't help but ask probing questions, his eyes fixed on Dao Baifeng.

If Dao Baifeng denied it, hesitated, or made excuses, he could confirm that his Madam might indeed be involved in something.

Dao Baifeng had already heard Duan Zhengchun’s words from under the table, so she knew the reason and immediately said, “Of course I want to return. We will go look for Yuer together and then return together.”

“That’s good then.”

Duan Zhengchun’s expression relaxed slightly. Although Dao Baifeng’s answer was direct and without hesitation, it didn't completely dispel his doubts.

Gan Baobao’s words were like a thorn stuck in his heart.

“It seems I need to find another opportunity to test her.”

Dao Baifeng also realized the probing nature of Duan Zhengchun’s words, and her heart skipped a beat. “Could Duan Zhengchun be suspicious of me?”

“Otherwise, why would he ask if I am willing to leave with him?”

Dao Baifeng felt nervous internally for a moment.

After all, her secret was now known not only by Qin Hongmian and Li Qingluo; the more people who knew, the greater the possibility of leakage.

On the way back, Dao Baifeng was preoccupied with worry.

Just as they returned to the room, Duan Zhengchun suddenly said, “Madam, we haven't been intimate for a long time. Now that we've finally met, why don't we...”

Duan Zhengchun looked at Dao Baifeng with a smile, his hand already reaching for Dao Baifeng’s fair hand.

Dao Baifeng stiffened, various thoughts flashing through her mind. She guessed Duan Zhengchun might be deliberately testing her, but she couldn't possibly agree.

Changing her mind, Dao Baifeng suddenly dodged and snorted coldly, “Don’t come looking for me. Qin Hongmian and Gan Baobao are also here; you should go find your two lovers. I already renounced the secular world and entered the Dao long ago. I only left Yuxu Temple this time for Yuer’s sake. When I return to Dali, I will still go back to the Daoist temple for quiet cultivation. Layman Duan, you had better not disturb me.”

Duan Zhengchun instantly froze in place.

Although Dao Baifeng’s answer was impeccable and factual, at this moment, it still made Duan Zhengchun feel that the matter was not so simple.

Duan Zhengchun’s expression changed several times, then he chuckled lightly. “Since Madam says so, I won't bother you. However, regarding Qin Hongmian and Gan Baobao, please don't mention those two Bitchs again. From now on, I only want to live our lives properly with Madam.”

As he spoke, Duan Zhengchun showed deep affection.

Qin Hongmian’s heart trembled upon hearing this. For an incurable romantic like Duan Zhengchun to call his lovers “Bitchs,” something must have happened, and the only possibility was that Duan Zhengchun had found out about their affairs.

If Duan Zhengchun knew, would those two also expose her?

Dao Baifeng felt uneasy in her heart, but couldn't help but ask, feigning calmness, “Bitchs? That’s truly rare. I can’t believe I’m hearing those two words come out of your mouth.”

“What happened to make you say those two words? That’s truly strange!”

Dao Baifeng’s eyes flickered slightly as she probed indirectly, pretending to be calm.

“It’s nothing.”

Duan Zhengchun’s eyes shifted, then he snorted and added, “Those two were unfaithful to me. Sooner or later, I will find out who that man is.”

Hearing this, Dao Baifeng’s heart trembled, her delicate fists clenched, and she felt anxious internally, but she dared not show the slightest sign externally. Instead, she showed a look of confusion. “They cheated?”

“That’s rich. An incurable romantic like you, who is best at deceiving women and stealing others’ homes, is now being stolen from. I wonder who has such capability.”

Dao Baifeng’s tone carried a hint of mockery, but she was incredibly nervous inside.

Because if she didn't adopt this attitude, it would only heighten Duan Zhengchun’s suspicion. She had to act exactly as she usually did.

“I haven't investigated this matter thoroughly yet, but I believe I will know soon. Regardless, I have repented this time and only wish to grow old together with Madam. I wonder if Madam is willing to return to Dali with me in peace.”

Duan Zhengchun looked at Dao Baifeng, his expression sincere.

Dao Baifeng’s gaze was somewhat evasive. She then chuckled lightly, turned sideways, and said indifferently, “Of course I will return to Dali, but there's no need for the Zhennan Prince Manor. I am not a beggar; I won't treat what others discard as a treasure.”

“Furthermore, didn't you bring Madam Ruan along? Surely she hasn't been cheating on you behind your back too?”

“After all, you haven't gone to see them for so many years. It's only normal for them to have needs that they seek others to fulfill.”

“You can't expect to be the only one allowed to find other women while forbidding them from finding other men, right?”

Dao Baifeng spoke sarcastically.

“Madam, you!”

Duan Zhengchun’s expression changed slightly, and he felt annoyed, but he could only forcibly suppress it. However, he found no flaws in her words.

If Dao Baifeng had a guilty conscience, she wouldn't be so self-righteous and have the nerve to ridicule him.

This made him suspicious. “Could what Baobao said really be false, just intended to deliberately slander Madam?”

Although Dao Baifeng’s performance was flawless, Duan Zhengchun still felt a subtle sense of unease.

“Madam, you misunderstood. Madam Ruan and I are innocent. When we return to Dali this time, we will send her home.”

Duan Zhengchun forced a smile and said.

“Do as you please. You don’t need to consult me about such matters.”

After Dao Baifeng finished speaking, she turned and left.

Watching Dao Baifeng’s retreating figure, Duan Zhengchun took a deep breath. “Forget it. Regardless, as long as I bring Madam back to Dali, things will stabilize. We can deal with anything else later.”

“I also need to be careful on this trip. I mentioned the Six Meridian Divine Sword to Murong Fu. I wonder if he will secretly make a move.”

Duan Zhengchun thought to himself.

Originally, when he was in Dali, he promised Duan Zhengming not to alert the enemy.

Now that he mentioned the Six Meridian Divine Sword, it would certainly alarm Ning Yuan.

He hadn't been able to restrain himself at the time, wanting to probe the situation.

“Perhaps even if I hadn't said anything, he might have known that he would be discovered someday.”

“If he really tries to assassinate me halfway, it will only confirm this matter.”

Duan Zhengchun thought silently to himself.

Whatever he said now was useless.

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