Feng Jin's gaze swept over everyone present. A few came to visit with genuine concern, while others were clearly using the occasion to exert pressure and glean information.
"I thank you all for your concern for the young general. However, he is still unconscious and receiving medical attention. It is truly not suitable for anyone to visit him at this time."
As she spoke, Feng Jin wore a sorrowful expression, which convinced many of her sincerity.
"Since you are all waiting here and cannot see the young general, you might as well return for now. You can visit him again when he is feeling better."
Chu Yanxi, who had been hiding in the crowd, stepped forward and said, "The young general has risked his life and served with utmost dedication for Southern Chu, making him a hero of our kingdom. This prince's visit is also at the emperor's behest. Surely, the young madam will not defy the imperial decree and turn me away."
Certain that Feng Jin would not allow him to enter easily, Chu Yanxi directly invoked Emperor Xuanwen, intending to pressure Feng Jin. Even with the greatest courage, defying an imperial decree was a charge that the Ling family could not bear.
Feng Jin's eyes narrowed. This third prince was indeed not as benevolent and upright as he appeared. The empress dowager's insistence on not naming him crown prince was truly a wise decision.
"Your Highness, please understand. Today, even if His Majesty himself were to visit, the Ling mansion cannot be entered."
Feng Jin's statement shocked everyone present. Such words were highly disrespectful to the emperor, and the punishment for such an offense could be death. Even with the Ling family's immense contributions, they could not withstand such a crime.
"You scoundrel, how dare you speak such words!"
Second Master Ling hurried over from behind, bowed to everyone, and said, "It is indeed tiresome for all of you to travel such a distance for my nephew's matter. My nephew has not yet woken up, and it is not suitable for you to visit. Since Your Highness the Third Prince is here on the emperor's orders, perhaps you would trouble yourself to visit on behalf of everyone."
Chu Yanxi's smug smile widened, and he strode forward. As he reached the entrance, he was surrounded by guards.
"How dare you point your weapons at this prince! Murdering a prince is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of kin. Can your Ling family bear such consequences!"
Second Master Ling immediately panicked and yelled, "Quickly, put away your weapons and let the Third Prince..."
With a swish, countless spearheads were aimed at Second Master Ling.
Everyone's hearts lurched. The previous commotion vanished, replaced by an eerie silence.
Feng Jin, after a long pause, stepped forward with composed grace. "Your Highness the Third Prince, Second Uncle, I apologize."
She took out a token bestowed by the Empress Dowager from her embrace. "This is a token from the Empress Dowager. To see this is to see the Empress Dowager!"
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
Everyone knelt in unison, speaking with one voice. Even the arrogant Chu Yanxi was forced to his knees.
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's token is here. Anyone who dares to take a step forward disrespects Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. All these ministers are pillars of Southern Chu; surely you would not be so foolish!"
The crowd exchanged glances, and some of the more sensible ones quietly retreated. In an instant, the crowded space became deserted.
"Lower your weapons and let the Third Prince return!" Feng Jin commanded. The soldiers promptly lowered their spears.
"Nephew's wife, look at your Second Uncle..." Second Master Ling, with spears pointed at his throat, dared not move an inch.
"Second Uncle, you are an elder, and I have always respected you. But the Ling family is under my management now. If you constantly oppose me, it makes things difficult for me!" Feng Jin said with a smile that did not reach her eyes, her words laced with sarcasm.
"Second Uncle was momentarily confused. We are family after all. Causing a scene at our doorstep will only make us a laughingstock for outsiders..." Second Master Ling was so terrified that he dared not move, fearing the spears might actually fall upon him.
"Put away your weapons. Don't scare Second Uncle."
As the soldiers lowered their spears, Second Master Ling breathed a sigh of relief and managed to steady himself by leaning on a stone lion at the entrance. He was a frail scholar who had never even held a knife for slaughtering a chicken. Being surrounded by dozens of spears had him sweating profusely.
"Second Uncle, you must think carefully before you speak and act in the future. Otherwise, these spears will be even closer to you... Lu Shi, send a few men to escort Second Uncle back to rest properly."
"Yes, Madam!" Lu Shi sheathed his sword. "Second Master, please!"
Second Master Ling chuckled awkwardly and was helped back by a few men.
Only after seeing off this group of troublesome guests did Feng Jin finally relax. She was relieved she had kept the token left by Madam Yun, otherwise, dealing with Chu Yanxi would have been quite difficult.
When Feng Jin returned to her room, Ling Mo Han was leisurely lying on the bed, reading a book.
"You're back," Ling Mo Han asked softly, his gaze still fixed on the book in his hand.
Feng Jin was speechless. Still fuming, she snatched the book from his hand and slammed it onto the table. "Young General, you have quite the good spirits. You really should have been the one to deal with those ghastly figures."
Scolded, Ling Mo Han sheepishly rubbed his nose and said ingratiatingly, "My wife has worked hard. Let your husband massage your shoulders for you."
The moment his hand touched Feng Jin's shoulder, she pushed it away.
"Ouch..." Ling Mo Han cried out in pain, stumbling back and collapsing onto the bed.
Feng Jin looked coldly at his performance. She had only pushed him lightly; it was not that serious. It would be a waste of talent if he didn't go to Nanfu to perform in opera.
"It hurts so much... My back wound seems to have reopened."
"Stop pretending. Your back wound healed long ago. I only pushed you lightly!" Feng Jin said with a sigh. This man was now a complete rogue.
Seeing that his pretense of illness had been exposed, Ling Mo Han sat up directly from the bed with a fluid, dragon-like movement, showing no sign of the precarious condition that rumor had it he was in.
"You should at least pretend a little. If someone were to burst in, even ten mouths couldn't explain it."
"What are you afraid of? This East Courtyard is surrounded like an iron barrel. Not even a bird can get in. Besides, there are only you and I in this room. Who can see?"
Ling Mo Han picked up a cup of clear tea and took a sip. Why was it so bitter? This tea was terrible, tasting like last year's stale leaves.
"You don't have good tea here?"
"The young general's taste is refined and naturally looks down on the things in my room. Why don't you go back to your own room to rest?" Since his injuries had mostly healed, there was no need for him to linger. There was only one bed in the room anyway.
Ling Mo Han's eyes flickered, and he quickly switched to a look of imminent demise. He stumbled to the bed and lay down weakly. "I still feel a tightness in my chest. It might be due to residual toxins in my body."
"You scoundrel, the poison in your body was cleared long ago. Stop pretending and get back to your own room."