"Zhou Wenxing, you look truly pathetic," Sheng Lengshuang said, her words of pity devoid of any genuine sympathy.
Zhou Wenxing struggled to look up at her, trembling as he spoke, "Sheng Lengshuang, you are truly wicked."
Sheng Lengshuang shrugged. "Compared to you, I'm still too kind. Are you going to confess? If you still refuse, then we'll begin a new round of torment. I truly have nothing but time."
Zhou Wenxing couldn't stop shaking, his eyes wide with terror. "You, you can't do this, you can't do this."
Sheng Lengshuang smiled. "I'll give you two choices..."
"Kill them!" a man's indignant roar suddenly erupted, accompanied by a cacophony of noise.
Sheng Lengshuang saw a dark guard enter and asked, "What happened?"
The dark guard bowed. "Reporting to the eldest young lady, a group of masked individuals are attacking the dark prison. It seems they've come to rescue Zhou Wenxing."
Sheng Lengshuang heard Zhou Wenxing laugh, a triumphant, unrestrained laugh.
"Haha~~ Sheng Lengshuang, you can't hold me for long. My master will soon rescue me."
Sheng Lengshuang ignored him and handed the dark guard a large handful of powder. "Leave just one alive."
The dark guard accepted the order and took the powder to carry out his task.
Sheng Lengshuang then looked at Zhou Wenxing and said coolly, "Do you believe that before your master rescues you, I can finish you off?"
Zhou Wenxing's laughter died. He knew very well that Sheng Lengshuang had the ability to kill him with a single packet of poison.
He didn't want to die.
Sheng Lengshuang scoffed, "Coward!"
Zhou Wenxing gnashed his teeth in hatred but could do nothing to her.
"Hand Zhou Wenxing over to me, how about it?" Mo Lingxi asked Sheng Lengshuang.
Sheng Lengshuang knew Mo Lingxi was skilled at interrogation. "Alright, take Zhou Wenxing. If you find any clues, inform me promptly."
Mo Lingxi agreed. "I'll take Zhou Wenxing back first. This way, there should be no more trouble at the manor."
Sheng Lengshuang pursed her lips and sincerely thanked him. "I will keep your kindness in my heart."
Mo Lingxi's gaze was fixed on her. "I hope you're not just keeping it in your heart, but really considering us. Wife, I'm being very serious when I say this, I hope to be with you again."
Sheng Lengshuang hesitated. "I'll consider it."
Mo Lingxi didn't press. He knew this couldn't be forced and understood that this was progress.
"Take your time to consider, there's no rush. We have a lifetime."
Sheng Lengshuang: "...Are you determined to tie me down for a lifetime?"
Mo Lingxi said joyfully, "Not just for this lifetime, but for the next, and the one after that, I want to tie you down."
Sheng Lengshuang's lips curved upwards, her tone not entirely pleased. "What dream are you having? I haven't even agreed to you this lifetime, and you're already fantasizing about the next and the one after that."
Mo Lingxi stroked her head. "I believe you will eventually agree."
Sheng Lengshuang slapped his hand away. "Don't take advantage of me."
"This isn't taking advantage, it's rightful. "
"What rightful? We have no relationship, please don't speak nonsense."
"It will be rightful very soon. Don't forget, Xiao Feng still wants us to have a younger brother or sister for him."
"Mo Lingxi, you think too much."
Mo Lingxi flicked Sheng Lengshuang's forehead lightly. "Alright, I'll take Zhou Wenxing back first. If you need anything, come to the Prince's manor to find me. Don't worry about Xiao Feng, I've made proper arrangements."
Sheng Lengshuang gave him a few instructions. "The journey might not be peaceful, be careful."
Mo Lingxi seemed to relish her concern. "I wish those people would come."
Sheng Lengshuang handed him some powder. "Those people are skilled at underhanded tactics. Better safe than sorry."
Mo Lingxi chuckled. "And you say you don't care about me?"
Sheng Lengshuang really didn't want to say anything more to him. They were discussing serious matters, and he managed to steer it in this direction. It was utterly exasperating.
After a few more words, Mo Lingxi ordered his dark guards to escort Zhou Wenxing.
Sheng Lengshuang saw him off at the main gate and gave him a few more instructions.
After watching Mo Lingxi leave with Zhou Wenxing, she returned to the manor to attend to her own affairs.
The masked individuals who had come to rescue Zhou Wenxing and the rioting servants had all been dealt with. However, the Sheng manor was still under lockdown, and the servants were not allowed to move about freely. Except for those serving the masters, everyone else remained in their rooms.
When Sheng Lengshuang arrived at Madam Sheng's courtyard, she saw General Sheng and his wife approaching.
"Lengshuang, are you alright?"
Sheng Lengshuang assured them she was fine. "Zhou Wenxing has been taken away by Prince Mingrui. I expect we'll learn some things from Zhou Wenxing soon."
General Sheng and his wife were not concerned with these matters; their only worry was for their daughter.
"I wonder when Xiao Feng will return."
Sheng Lengshuang: "...It might be a few more days. The manor has been chaotic recently, and it wouldn't be safe for Xiao Feng to return."
General Sheng and his wife understood this. They simply missed Xiao Feng and wondered if the child had lost weight recently.
Sheng Lengshuang: "If Father and Mother truly miss Xiao Feng, you can visit him at Prince Mingrui's manor. Xiao Feng has been very mischievous lately, so don't spoil him too much."
General Sheng and Madam Sheng exchanged a look. Perhaps they should visit Xiao Feng at Prince Mingrui's manor tomorrow?
They were going to see their grandson; it shouldn't be an issue.
Sheng Lengshuang knew her parents' reservations. "Father, Mother, it's alright. Even if someone says something, it doesn't matter. You're going to see Xiao Feng, so pay no mind to what others say."
General Sheng and Madam Sheng were reassured. Lengshuang was right; they were going to see their grandson, and they shouldn't worry about what anyone else might say.
"I think your father and I will go see Xiao Feng tomorrow. It's been a while since we last saw him, and we miss the child dearly."
Sheng Lengshuang knew her parents were compensating for their past neglect of her by doting on Xiao Feng. "Parents, please be very careful when you go out. It's possible the shadowy figures might do something."
General Sheng and his wife assured her they would be cautious.
Sheng Lengshuang then turned to the matter of Zhou Wenxing. "From this incident, it's clear that our manor is not as clean as it seems, and simply investigating won't be effective. I suggest we have people keep a close eye on each servant, or perhaps use rewards. That might be more effective."
Madam Sheng: "Before you arrived, your father and I were discussing this very matter. The shadowy figures can buy people over, mainly through profit. What we can offer in terms of profit, the shadowy figures can also offer, and even more."
"In my opinion, we should do nothing and let the shadowy figures make their moves. Perhaps that way, we might uncover something useful."
Sheng Lengshuang pondered for a moment and found the idea acceptable. "Then, Father and Mother, please be extra vigilant. If anything happens, you must tell me."
Madam Sheng smiled. "Look at you, you worry too much."
Sheng Lengshuang said with a touch of helplessness, "Mother, are you tired of me?"
"How could I be tired of you? I'm just reflecting. Since your return, the family has finally had truly happy days."
"Mother, our family's days will only get better from now on. Don't overthink things."