Feed me.

Mo Feiyuan’s long-anticipated evening of kisses and cuddles came to nothing. All he did was spend the night tucking in the little troublemaker, and it was only by morning that he finally managed to sleep well.

When Yun Feyue awoke, little Mumu was sprawled across his chest, snoring blissfully.

Yun Feyue carefully moved the child aside and turned to look at Mo Feiyuan.

At that moment, Mo Feiyuan was sleeping soundly, a look of utter peace settling over his features. As if, even in his dreams, he could feel Yun Feyue’s warmth, he instinctively pulled her into his arms.

Their faces drew close in an instant.

Yun Feyue could feel the cool breath he exhaled tickling her cheek.

As he slept, he seemed so much calmer, the harsh lines softened, replaced by a gentle serenity, even a trace of contentment.

Her fingertips traced lightly over his brow.

His beautiful brows knit ever so slightly, then relaxed again under her touch.

“Ah, courting trouble, aren’t I,” she murmured, blowing a breath onto his face. But the man made not the slightest response. She couldn’t help but wonder how, sleeping so deeply, he hadn’t already been assassinated.

Of course, she didn’t know that her own sleep was even deeper than his. Mo Feiyuan simply slept soundly at her side.

So soundly, in fact, that he didn’t wake until noon.

Noon—such a thing would never have happened before.

When he woke, he found Yun Feyue and little Mumu both gone.

The bed was empty. He was just about to get up when a figure appeared at the door, carrying a bowl of bird’s nest soup.

“I thought you’d sleep a little longer. I was just coming to wake you,” Yun Feyue said, handing him the bowl. “Here! I made this myself, from the goodness of my heart. Don’t blame me if it doesn’t taste good; I did my best.”

Mo Feiyuan smiled faintly, sitting at the edge of the bed. With a slight curve to his lips and a lazy drape to his clothes, he looked unusually alluring and unrestrained.

Yun Feyue couldn’t help but lick her lips.

“Husband, are you trying to seduce me on purpose?”

Mo Feiyuan opened his mouth. “Wife, feed me.”

“……”

He was getting addicted to being fed.

“You think you’re little Mumu? Pay me first,” Yun Feyue said with a laugh, holding out her hand. “I believe in fair exchange. You need to pay me, or I’ll feel cheated.”

Mo Feiyuan sighed lightly, but there was a smile in his eyes. “By your reasoning, if I’m ever paralyzed and need someone to feed me, you wouldn’t help me at all.”

Yun Feyue’s expression changed. This man was twisting her words.

“Hmph! You’re perfectly healthy—why should I feed you? And you’re not likely to get sick. Don’t try to fool me. Eat it yourself!” she said, setting the bowl aside.

From the start, she’d wondered why little Mumu had such a mischievous streak—it was clearly inherited from his father, who’d only hidden it better.

Never judge a man by his appearance.

She’d just set the bowl down and was about to leave when an arm pulled her into his embrace, drawing her close…

“Wife, if I’m not full, how can I satisfy you?” Mo Feiyuan said, looking at her with a deep, amused glint in his eyes.

Was he teasing her?

She narrowed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck. “But I’m already full.”

“But I’m hungry,” he whispered, then pressed a gentle bite to her neck, sending a wave of tingling softness through her entire body.

In an instant, Yun Feyue lost all resistance, completely trapped in his arms, her hands lightly clawing at his back.

Her neck bore traces of his marks, healing only to reappear.

Within the room, spring’s warmth reigned as low, soft moans mingled with the man’s deep murmurs—a symphony in itself.

Sweat beaded on Mo Feiyuan’s brow. Beneath him, Yun Feyue breathed heavily, a rosy flush blooming on her cheeks, her eyes bright and beguiling.

She couldn’t help but think: ever since marrying him, had she become the submissive one in just a second?

He was so overpowering, she simply couldn’t resist.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she turned over.

Mo Feiyuan said coolly, “Do it yourself.”

“……”

Damn, did he look down on her?

She’d show him!

…

It was a long, fierce battle before they finally lay together, breathing heavily.

Only after a long while did anyone speak.

“Next time, the rematch,” Yun Feyue declared, rising to dress and heading to the bath.

No sooner had she slipped into the bath than Mo Feiyuan joined her from behind, pulling her into his arms.

“I’m exhausted,” she murmured, sinking into the petal-strewn, steamy water.

Through the mist and petals, the figure across from her was perfectly visible—a flawless body, a beautiful face.

As the water rippled, he drew closer, his hands resting on her shoulders, holding her gently. “There’s no time. I must tend to official matters. This afternoon, the Lady of Domestic Affairs is bound to seek you out. Be careful. I’ve arranged for Youtong to protect you in secret—there should be no trouble.”

He said this as if afraid she might worry, looking into her watery eyes with a faint smile at his lips.

“I’m off.”

Yun Feyue nodded firmly. “All right, go on.”

Only then did Mo Feiyuan throw on a coat and leave.

Yun Feyue lingered in the water for a while before cleaning herself up thoroughly and turning to her real tasks.

She brought out the Fire Spirit Pearl her great-grandfather had given her.

The Fire Spirit Pearl was extremely useful to Yun Feyue. Just having it nearby made her feel stronger. Were she to refine it, she might even reach the eighth level of martial cultivation.

With this in mind, she began using the Yun family’s unique absorption method, drawing the Fire Spirit Pearl into her mouth. But before it could reach her dantian, her body shuddered violently.

She sensed the Eye of the Snow Realm within her qi sea shaking wildly, as if rejecting the Fire Spirit Pearl.

She quickly spat out the pearl, her body reeling as if struck; blood welled from the corner of her lips.

Gritting her teeth, she looked down at the Eye of the Snow Realm within her qi sea.

If she removed it, she’d die. But if she kept it, it would hinder her growth.

There was no choice for now but to set aside the Fire Spirit Pearl and try another way.

After all, the Eye of the Snow Realm came from the land of ice and snow—of course it would be incompatible with fire. To perfectly merge the two seemed impossible.

Faced with the choice, Yun Feyue knew she’d rather live. Without her life, nothing else mattered.

She put away the Fire Spirit Pearl and began to read.

Since the Lady of Domestic Affairs hadn’t summoned her, she was content to study the diagrams of formations and mechanisms—always practical skills. Next time she encountered a formation, even without little Mumu, she could use deduction to break it.

She’d only been reading a short while when a little ball appeared at the door.

Little Mumu blinked up at her. “Mama, there’s a big brother outside who wants to see you.”

Closing her book, Yun Feyue stood, just as a youth in Mo family attire approached.

“What is it?” she asked.

The youth bowed. “Madam, the Lady of Domestic Affairs requests your presence for some matters.”

Conveniently, Yun Feyue had a few questions for her.

She took her book and headed to the Lady’s pavilion.

Inside, the air was as fragrant as ever.

The Lady of Domestic Affairs was busy with her accounts. Seeing Yun Feyue, she gestured at a large stack on the desk.

“These are for the twelve Lords. See that their maids come to collect them. However, I hear the Ninth Lord is unwell. As the mistress of the house, you should show concern. Go and visit her.”

Damn!

If Yun Feyue remembered correctly, the Ninth Lord was Mo Mei.

The Lady of Domestic Affairs seemed so gentle, yet she clearly knew how to make trouble for others.

Wasn’t this just setting her up for embarrassment?

A visit, is it!

“What’s wrong? Are you dissatisfied with my suggestion? If you are, you can speak up, and we’ll discuss it. But as mistress, you must see to these matters. I know what you’re thinking. You believe there’s conflict between you and Mo Mei? But remember, before you came, she and Mo Feiyuan were unanimously approved by the elders. It was your arrival that cost her her position.”

Hearing this, Yun Feyue’s expression darkened. She sneered, “Oh, so it’s my fault, is it? Between rivals in love, it’s always one or the other. Should I be friends with her? She’s never been kind to me!”

The Lady of Domestic Affairs was taken aback by her frankness.

But on the Continent of Swords and Spears, men having multiple wives was nothing unusual.

“It’s just my advice. If you won’t take it, see how long Lord Shen Yin’s favor lasts. Men always change.”

She looked at Yun Feyue with a distant gaze. “Time changes people. What we believe will never change can collapse in an instant. I’m teaching you to survive in the Mo family, even without him—to not be a parasite.”

The words were harsh, but carried reason.

She couldn’t always rely on Mo Feiyuan’s protection. In the Mo family, she had no real power.

But what would happen if, as his woman, she stepped out from his shadow?

Would she become like the Lady of Domestic Affairs?

“Lady, may I ask—who is Mo Yu’s father?” Please don’t say it’s Lord Shen Yin.

Ruo He stiffened at the question, a complicated emotion flickering in her eyes. Finally, she said only, “You ask too much.”

Fine.

Yun Feyue let it go.

She turned to leave, but not without saying, “Lady, it’s truly sad if you can’t trust the one you love. No matter what, I can survive anywhere. I’ve never cared for power—these things mean nothing to me. But since you wish me to visit Mo Mei, I’ll show you how I handle her.”

She wasn’t the saintly type—never had been, never would be.

A maid led Yun Feyue to Mo Mei’s residence.

Unlike the grand opulence of the palace, this place seemed… mournful.

White drapes and flowers adorned the hall.

A woman’s voice drifted out.

“It must be our honored mistress. Please, come in.”

Yun Feyue stepped inside, finding the room draped in white, with Mo Mei standing outside in mourning clothes.

So, she wanted to make things difficult?

Yun Feyue breezed in with a smile. “I heard you were unwell, Ninth Lord. I came to check on you. Now that I see you’re fine, I can rest easy.”

Mo Mei’s expression toward her was cold, but not as hostile as expected.

She ordered her maids to serve tea. “Mo Mei is observing mourning for my father and cannot join in the celebrations outside. Once this period is over, I’ll return to my own quarters and not stay in the palace.”

So, Mo Mei was wise enough to keep out of her way. Smart.

Without her father’s protection, life here would be difficult. Returning to her own territory was a good choice.

Without strength or backing, her temperament had improved considerably.

Still, Yun Feyue felt uneasy. She didn’t believe Mo Mei was so adaptable.

If she really was, she’d be too dangerous to tolerate.

“Well then, I wish you a safe journey. When will you leave? I heard there’s a Mo family competition next month?” Yun Feyue asked, probing.

Mo Mei nodded. “That’s right. After next month, I’ll leave. Until then, I’ll keep to my quarters. I hope not to be disturbed.”

She even bowed politely to Yun Feyue before allowing her to leave.

Yun Feyue glanced around at the sea of white—surely Mo Mei blamed Mo Feiyuan for her father’s death.

Mo Mei was likely the weakest in martial arts among the twelve Lords, having risen this far on her father’s favor.

Now, it was uncertain whether she’d survive the coming challenges.

So, she decided to ally with Mo Twelve.

It was all about survival and revenge, once discarded.

Neither her mourning clothes nor calm face could hide the deep hatred in her eyes.

Yun Feyue didn’t linger, leaving Mo Mei’s residence.

Outside, little Mumu was playing near the door. His ball landed right at her feet.

Looking up, he cried out cheerfully, “Mama!”

“Why are you playing here?” Yun Feyue ruffled his hair.

Little Mumu pointed behind him. “I’m playing with Grandpa! But Grandpa isn’t very good at games—he’s not as good as me. Hmph!”

He lifted his chin proudly.

Yun Feyue turned and saw the Grand Elder, who was watching with a kindly smile.

“What a delightful child—full of potential! A Celestial Spirit Body, no less,” the Grand Elder said.

Yun Feyue’s hand trembled. This old fox saw right through Mumu at a glance.

She quickly pulled little Mumu close. The last thing she wanted was for the old man to use Mumu as a tonic one day.

“Mama, what’s wrong?” Mumu asked, blinking up at her.

Yun Feyue shook her head. “Let’s go home, Mama will play with you.”

Mumu seemed to sense something and nodded obediently. “Okay, Mama. But I didn’t get to play long with Grandpa.”

The Grand Elder smiled. “No need to spoil the fun. If you’re worried, stay and watch. I won’t harm the little one…”

Mumu nodded earnestly, clearly used to the Grand Elder.

Yun Feyue sighed inwardly, wondering where Luo Yunhuang had gone, leaving Mumu alone.

The Grand Elder was no simple figure.

He wouldn’t act openly, but if he ever set his sights on Mumu, it would be hard to guard against.

He could tell Yun Feyue was uneasy—and that only amused him.

Like a hunter delighting in his prey’s fear.

To Yun Feyue, the Grand Elder’s smile was full of cunning.

Little Mumu placed the ball on the ground and shouted, “Grandpa, here I go! One, two, three…”

He kicked the ball.

The Grand Elder kicked it back.

At that moment, he noticed Mumu’s sly grin—and suddenly felt unwell.

“You… you poisoned me!” he exclaimed, realizing too late.

He’d never suspected a child, but Mumu was craftier than Youtong.

Mumu shook his head. “Nope… not poison. If it were, you wouldn’t notice anything!”

Suddenly, the Grand Elder’s stomach cramped.

So that was it—diarrhea!

Clutching his ball, Mumu scampered into Yun Feyue’s arms. “Mama, let’s go.”

Yun Feyue nodded, curious—she hadn’t noticed anything odd about the ball.

“What did you do?”

“My master and I developed a new toxin! Colorless, tasteless—even the most skilled can’t escape it. But it only causes diarrhea,” Mumu replied with a wicked grin.

“Mama, guess what else I did?”

“What?”

“I threw all of Grandpa’s toilet paper into the latrine!”

Pfft—

Yun Feyue had to stifle a laugh. Her son was a genius.

When the old man needed the toilet and found no paper—

Well, how would a master handle that problem?

Best not to think about it—it only got more amusing.

“Mumu, don’t play with just anyone here. This isn’t the Yun family. Not everyone means you well—some may have bad intentions. It could get you hurt,” Yun Feyue admonished.

Mumu nodded solemnly, covering his mouth to giggle. “Mama, do you think Grandpa will tell Ice Mountain Daddy?”

Yun Feyue thought for a moment—probably not. It’d be too embarrassing.

A man of his status wouldn’t.

They made their way back through the Mo family’s palace, returning to the Moonlight Hall where Yun Feyue resided.

She lounged on a chair to rest, then recalled her errand from the Lady of Domestic Affairs.

“Tell the Lords to come collect this month’s supplies.”

The maids left to do as instructed.

She looked over the list from the Lady of Domestic Affairs—all crucial cultivation materials.

Everything had been allocated already; there was little for Yun Feyue to handle. The Lady likely just wanted her to meet the other Lords.

Youtong arrived first, delight in his eyes as he received his allocation.

“These are exactly the materials I need this month,” Youtong said, storing them in his spatial stone, his childlike face lighting with joy.

“What about Hansheng’s?” Youtong opened the other’s box, finding it full of materials for strengthening the body, and handed it over.

The two were inseparable.

Yun Feyue noticed the Lady of Domestic Affairs had distributed supplies thoughtfully—each allocation of similar value and tailored to the recipient’s needs. No wonder Mo Feiyuan entrusted her with these matters.

Not far off, Mo Yu arrived.

He approached calmly, nodding politely to Yun Feyue, saying little.

She handed him his box. “Here, yours. Check if there’s anything wrong.”

Without even looking, Mo Yu put it away. “Thank you.”

He was always so terse.

He left immediately.

Youtong stuck out his tongue. “Hmph, Mo Yu’s still the same—can’t he say a few more words?”

Mo Yu didn’t reply, not even pausing as he disappeared from view.

Soon after, a pair of twins arrived—boys, by their looks.

They were nearly identical, their smiles bright as sunshine. One wore pink trimmed with white flowers, the other white with pink blossoms. Their hairstyles matched, except one’s knot was to the left, the other’s to the right.

“Sunshadow. Moonshadow. Greetings, Madam.”

Their voices matched their appearances—clear and bright.

If there was a difference, one seemed a touch gloomier, the other more lively—but only just.

“These are yours,” Yun Feyue said, pointing to the boxes for the Tenth and Eleventh Lords.

The twins looked about eighteen. Yun Feyue couldn’t help but marvel at the Mo family’s prodigies—so young, yet so formidable. Did they ever consider how that made her feel?

Sunshadow and Moonshadow took their boxes.

Sunshadow grinned. “Thank you, Madam. By the way, Madam, my eyes have been hurting—could you take a look?”

Moonshadow added, “Madam, my stomach’s always rumbling—can you see what’s wrong?”

Yun Feyue’s forehead creased in exasperation.

Who would tell these brats that the Madam isn’t their nanny?

Did they think she was easy to bully because she was new?

Seeing the twins crowding his mother, little Mumu’s sense of crisis flared.

He’d already made a huge concession letting his mother sleep with Ice Mountain Daddy. Now these two strangers wanted to flirt with her?

Intolerable!

Little Mumu burst forth, planting himself in front of Yun Feyue with a fierce glare. “Move aside! Don’t block my mama’s light, or I’ll use my Invincible Chain Kicks on you!”

Sunshadow and Moonshadow exchanged amused glances and began to torment Mumu.

“What a cute child! Is this the Lord’s son? Let your big brothers give you a hug…”

The moment before, Mumu had been fierce; now, he surrendered, letting the brothers scoop him up.

Just then, a gentle breeze wafted through as a man appeared at the door, bathed in sunlight.

“Mo Xiangqing, long time no see,” Yun Feyue greeted with a smile. They’d only met a few times, yet she felt oddly familiar with him.

Mo Xiangqing nodded, his gaze lowered. “You are now truly the Madam of the Mo family. You should know the reason I helped you before—it was because you were always destined to be our Madam.”

He smiled gently, his pale, jade-like fingers reaching into the box marked with a bold ‘2.’

Mo Xiangqing was second among the Lords; the box was his.

He opened it, absorbing the surge of light in an instant.

Impressive.

Yun Feyue was almost too stunned to react.

Luckily, she recovered quickly. “Amazing!”

She’d always considered Mo Xiangqing equal to Mo Feiyuan, and it seemed she was right.

Sunshadow and Moonshadow grinned. “Mo Xiangqing is as formidable as ever. Looks like you’ll easily keep your second place in the next assessment.”

They stuck out their tongues playfully.

Mo Xiangqing simply put his box away, saying quietly, “If you have so much energy, use it for cultivation. No need for idle chatter here.”

“We just want to chat with Madam and strengthen our bond. Not like you—no sense of fun!” Sunshadow complained, looking at Yun Feyue.

“Madam, how about a game? Mo Xiangqing, you join too. If you don’t, you’re a puppy.”

Yun Feyue really didn’t want to play. Seeing the twins plotting together, she felt she’d be tricked.

Though she lived by the rule of never being conned, she wouldn’t make a move without knowing her opponents’ skills.

She hoped Mo Xiangqing would refuse.

But he nodded. “What game?”

Well, so they all wanted to play with her.

Though reluctant, Yun Feyue forced herself to join in. After all, she was new here—she couldn’t afford to lose face.

“Tell me, what is it?”

Sunshadow and Moonshadow exchanged sly glances.

“We want to make a bet with Madam.”

At the word “bet,” Yun Feyue’s sense of danger vanished. She was an empress of the gambling world, undefeated in countless challenges.

“What are the stakes?” she asked coolly.

Little Mumu, nestled in Sunshadow’s arms, looked at Yun Feyue with wide, innocent eyes. “Mama, your gambling skills are so bad—what if you lose? Oh no…”

Yun Feyue could tell he was faking it—making their opponents underestimate her.

She played along, her expression troubled. “Don’t make it too hard. I don’t know much about gambling. Can we compete in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting?”

The twins shook their heads immediately. “No, the Mo family isn’t famous for that.”

Yun Feyue smirked inwardly. She wouldn’t compete in those anyway.

She’d never lost a bet.

On the surface, she looked reluctant. “Then… you decide.”

The twins exchanged glances and called for five jade cups.

Yun Feyue inspected the cups. If they wanted her to check, there would be nothing to find.

Still, she pretended to check carefully.

“No problem. So, what’s the game? And what are the stakes?”

Sunshadow picked up a cup, stroking the inside meaningfully. “If we lose, we’ll do something for you—anything. I want to see you without clothes, Madam. Just thinking about it is exciting.”

Yun Feyue’s face stiffened. Wasn’t he supposed to be sweet and innocent?

Was he just trying to embarrass her?

“I refuse. What do you take me for? Besides, if I lose, I strip. If you lose, what do I get? I’m not interested in seeing you naked.”

She shot them a look.

Sunshadow shook his head. “Then what? That’s what I’m interested in. But if you’re scared, let’s change it. How about you dance for us? As we request.”

Dance…

Yun Feyue had never been coordinated. Dancing would be torture.

And their requests would surely be outrageous.

She thought for a moment. “No beating around the bush. Tell me exactly what you want. Otherwise, I won’t agree.”

Moonshadow nodded, then turned to Mo Xiangqing. “What’s your stake?”

Mo Xiangqing looked at Yun Feyue’s waist. “The Soul Capturing Bell. I’ll bet that.”

He placed a fiery red pill on the table—clearly infused with fire energy.

Yun Feyue was intrigued. “What’s this?”

Mo Xiangqing answered, “The Emberfire Pill. I made it recently from the purest fire materials. It should suit you perfectly.”

She eyed him curiously—he wasn’t a fire affinity cultivator; why make this?

Mo Xiangqing just nodded gently, saying nothing more.

Yun Feyue placed the Soul Capturing Bell on the table. “The Emberfire Pill isn’t quite equal to the bell, but if you add in the favor you owe me, it’s about right. If I lose, I won’t go back on it. But if you lose, don’t renege either. The pill is mine, and we’re even.”

Mo Xiangqing nodded. “That’s best.”

He was so gentle, almost harmless, so much so that Yun Feyue thought his words felt out of place.

But by strict value, it was fair.

The Soul Capturing Bell could be used by anyone, but its power grew with the user. If Mo Xiangqing wielded it, the entire Mo family might fall into a slumber.

Sunshadow and Moonshadow, seeing the bell, brightened. “Didn’t think you’d have such a treasure, Madam. No wonder Mo Xiangqing covets it. We can’t just use any old thing.”

They produced their own treasures—a jade mirror.

“This is something we obtained with great effort. The Soul Mirror. It lets you see past and future lives through its reflection—or so they say. We’ve never figured out how it works, but it must await its destined owner.”

Yun Feyue examined it. It didn’t seem like an ordinary mirror.

When her hand touched it, it felt dense and weighty—not ordinary jade.

She smiled. “Let’s begin. What are the rules?”

Sunshadow and Moonshadow suddenly felt uneasy at her cheerfulness. But they’d never met a real opponent—surely they wouldn’t lose.

“Here are the rules. The five cups are filled with water, each holding colored glass beads. We bet on which cup has the most beads.”

Yun Feyue narrowed her eyes. This was a test of eyesight and speed—nothing for powerful cultivators.

She could guess the outcome.

But when she saw the “beads,” she nearly laughed—these were just grains of colored glass sand.

Who were they kidding?

“Are you sure you counted these?”

Sunshadow snapped his fingers. “Of course. The counts are accurate to the single grain—don’t expect to spot the difference!”

Yun Feyue propped her head, smiling wryly, cursing them inwardly. Did they really see her as the Madam?

Such bullying!

She’d never played this before. In the modern world, people only counted up to a few hundred. By her estimate, there were thousands of grains here.

“To the single grain, eh.”

“Write down your answers for all five cups. Whoever gets the most correct wins,” Sunshadow said, signaling the maid to pour the water.

Yun Feyue sensed there was a trick involved.

But that only meant it wasn’t a true test of skill—and every trick had a counter.

Water was poured into each jade cup.

“First cup,” the maid announced.

Yun Feyue glanced at it and quickly wrote a number.

Mo Xiangqing and Sunshadow did likewise.

Little Mumu winked at Yun Feyue.

“Second cup,” the maid continued.

And so it went for all five cups.

“Numbers written?” Sunshadow asked with a smile.

Yun Feyue nodded. “Shall we reveal them together?”

“Of course. You’re faster than I expected, Madam.”

“Let’s begin!”

They all revealed their numbers.

Immediately, three streams of power swirled around the cups, each trying to alter the number of beads.

After a flurry of movement, they checked each other’s numbers—and the cups.

Yun Feyue’s sly smile and triumphant tone broke the silence.

She’d written zero for every cup.

Yes, that’s right… Unable to count the grains precisely, she’d used sleight of hand.

In gambling, switching things out was a standard trick. Cheating with cards was basic for any gambling king.

As for Yun Feyue—her skill was unparalleled.

“Sorry! Didn’t expect your eyesight to be so poor.”

Sunshadow and Moonshadow stared in disbelief as Yun Feyue collected her winnings.

So the Madam wasn’t the elegant, gentlewoman the rumors claimed—she was a pirate, wasn’t she?

But Yun Feyue was already plotting their punishment.

She hadn’t forgotten their earlier talk about making her dance.

Mo Xiangqing wasn’t surprised at all. When he’d first met her, she’d sat in the carriage, sending her son to beat people up.

He’d always known what she was.

And the Emberfire Pill was meant for her.

“A bet’s a bet—no sour faces. Now, how should I punish you?” Yun Feyue mused, toying with the pill and feeling energized.

“Thank you, Mo Xiangqing.”

He nodded gently, serene as ever. “No need. A bet’s a bet.”

Yun Feyue tucked the Emberfire Pill away. As for the mirror, when she touched it again, it felt weighty, but nothing like before.

Had she imagined the first sensation?

She studied the markings on the mirror—some special runes. Thanks to her studies in formations, she could tell they were sealing symbols.

She put the mirror away for later study.

For now, it was time to deal with these two rascals.

She blinked. “Have you thought of your punishment?”

Sunshadow pouted. “Can’t we owe you this time?”

Yun Feyue shook her head. “Absolutely not. Go out and shout five times at the door—‘Long live Madam, we are idiots!’ Yes, shout it just like that.”