"Hmph, just as I guessed, you ran into some vixen on the road."
Madam Lin mocked him.
"Qin Minzhi, you and Qin Zhihong are full siblings. He's so shrewd, why are you so brainless? If you dislike the Tao family, don't accept their hemostatic ointment."
Lin Zhenfei deliberately goaded her, disregarding the presence of outsiders.
"You, Lin Zhenfei, you actually called me a pig! Then have you been sleeping with pigs all these years you've been married to me?" Madam Lin retorted, her tongue just as sharp.
"You... you vulgar woman, your words are truly disgusting."
Hearing Madam Lin's words, Lin Zhenfei trembled with anger.
The doctor nearby, overhearing their argument, was inwardly roaring with laughter but dared not show the slightest hint of a smile. The effort to hold back was almost unbearable.
He then whispered a few words to Madam Lin and immediately took his leave.
After the doctor departed, the Duke and Duchess of Lin ceased their quarrel. They turned away from each other stiffly, and Lin Zhenfei, finding nothing more to say, left.
Madam Lin stared at the hemostatic ointment in her hand, her gaze growing cold.
Hmph!
Tao family, you little slut, don't think I don't see through your schemes to curry favor with me. It's not that easy.
Meanwhile, at the Cold King's Manor.
As night fell and lanterns were lit, Leng Ruoli retreated into her system space to develop some pills that could enhance immunity and prolong life, intending to send them to Nanzhao.
Afterward, she emerged from the space and hurried to find Jun Mohan's study.
"Jun Mohan, have someone send these pills to Madam Wen."
Leng Ruoli handed the small porcelain bottle filled with pills to Jun Mohan.
"Alright! I've already arranged for someone to deliver the medicine. They'll depart tomorrow. You've worked hard!" Jun Mohan replied gratefully.
Just then, a knock sounded on the door of Jun Mohan's study.
"Your Highness, Royal Consort, we have news from our hidden contact in Nanzhao," Yin Chen said, knocking urgently on the door.
"Enter!"
Jun Mohan's clear, slightly husky voice echoed from within.
Yin Chen immediately pushed open the door and entered.
"Your Highness, Royal Consort, the Ji King and his family of three were ambushed at the border of Tianwu. The Ji King was gravely injured while protecting his wife and son. Fortunately, our people arrived in time to assist him, saving his life. Currently, the Ji King and his family of three are recuperating at an inn in Zhonglou Town, while the Kang King, who was following them, has gone missing."
Yin Chen reported truthfully according to the information from their hidden contact.
"Hmm, this is exactly as I predicted. Kang King did indeed make a move at the border of Tianwu Kingdom," Jun Mohan stated, having anticipated this event.
"Alas, as long as their family of three is safe, that's all that matters. It so happens that I still have some potent life-prolonging pills that I developed for Madam Wen. They are equally effective for severely injured individuals. Have someone send them to the Ji King."
Leng Ruoli finished speaking and produced another small white bottle of pills from her sleeve, handing it to Yin Chen.
"Yes, Royal Consort!" Yin Chen replied respectfully.
Jun Mohan then handed the pills Leng Ruoli had just given him to Yin Chen as well.
"Yin Chen, at first light tomorrow, you will personally lead a team to deliver these two bottles of pills to the Ji King and Madam Wen. Remember, this must be done discreetly," Jun Mohan instructed.
"Yes. Your Highness, this subordinate obeys your command!" Yin Chen answered, then turned and left Jun Mohan's study, which instantly fell silent.
A moment later, Ming Jiuxiao's boisterous voice once again reached their ears.
"Girl, girl, I'm back!"
Ming Jiuxiao barged in from outside the courtyard like a big fool.
Hearing this effeminate voice sent a shiver of revulsion through Jun Mohan.
This person's thick skin was truly astonishing. Knowing he wasn't welcome, he still shamelessly moved into his Cold King's Manor.
As Jun Mohan pondered this, Ming Jiuxiao arrived outside his study but did not enter.
Leng Ruoli heard Ming Jiuxiao's call and glanced at Jun Mohan's cold, handsome, and exquisite face. Seeing no expression on his features, she then stepped out.
"You're back, so come back. Must you shout so loudly everywhere, as if you're afraid no one will know?" Leng Ruoli said, feeling rather exasperated.
Ming Jiuxiao, hearing Leng Ruoli's words, did not get angry.
"Li'er, tonight for dinner, I want to eat your homemade hot pot," Ming Jiuxiao said with a fawning smile.
"If you want something to eat, can't you just ask the kitchen to make it? The cooks in the manor know how to make hot pot now."
Leng Ruoli's thin lips parted, but her voice was exceptionally cool.
"How can the hot pot those cooks make compare to the hot pot you make with your own hands?" Ming Jiuxiao pouted dismissively.
"Li'er, since he wants to eat hot pot, then make it for him. Otherwise, people might say our Cold King's Manor is too poor to even offer food to guests," Jun Mohan suddenly emerged from the study doorway and interjected. As he spoke, he also raised his eyebrows at Leng Ruoli.
Leng Ruoli glanced at Jun Mohan's expression and immediately understood his intention. He was undoubtedly trying to tease Ming Jiuxiao again.
"Alright then. You two wait in the living room, I'll go prepare the broth."
After speaking, Leng Ruoli turned and headed towards the kitchen. Unexpectedly, Jun Mohan followed closely behind her.
After they left Hanche Courtyard, Jun Mohan quickly accelerated his pace to walk beside Leng Ruoli.
"Li'er, today I want the spiciest and most numbing broth."
Jun Mohan said, a sly smile playing on his lips.
Hearing this, Leng Ruoli rolled her eyes at Jun Mohan and said speechlessly, "I think it's not that you want to eat it, but that you want to tease Ming Jiuxiao, right?"
"Hmph, who told him to have such a thick skin? He left clearly, but then he came running back," Jun Mohan said somewhat childishly.
"Alas, Jun Mohan, Ming Jiuxiao is quite pitiful. I heard that since he was old enough to understand things, his parents were murdered, and he grew up in such a dark and bloody environment. He had to be wary of everyone around him. He had neither father's nor mother's love. It's truly remarkable that he hasn't turned out twisted," Leng Ruoli said calmly, looking at Jun Mohan.
"Alright, I was being too petty," Jun Mohan replied, touching his nose.
"Actually, Ming Jiuxiao is someone who greatly lacks care, or perhaps someone who is genuinely good to him. His affection for me isn't romantic. It's because he sees in me that some people can truly treat others with sincerity. When he meets someone he likes one day, he won't be like this anymore," Leng Ruoli added calmly.
"Li'er, I was wrong. Tonight, you should just make the hot pot normally," Jun Mohan quickly amended.