Chu Chenyi clutched his stinging right cheek, Ling Mohan's punch was truly fierce. His face was likely already swollen.
"One should not dig up old wounds when scolding, nor strike the face when fighting. How will he show his face in public tomorrow?"
"Serves you right! Did you ever consider you'd be beaten when you kicked me when I was down? This punch will teach you a lesson!"
Ling Mohan's voice was sinister. He still harbored resentment for what happened that afternoon, feeling the punch was too light, or perhaps he should have followed up with two more to make Chu Chenyi unforgettable for a lifetime.
"Given the situation, Father Emperor had already agreed. If I were to defy him and object to this matter, it would be a public challenge to his authority, and we would both be punished. Wouldn't that just let Bai Lixi have his way?"
His decision not to help was based on his own considerations and deliberations.
Moreover, he believed that with Ling Mohan's abilities, these minor matters were trivial. Even if Bai Lixi was cunning, he would never be Ling Mohan's match.
He assumed Ling Mohan would handle them with ease, leaving no cause for worry.
"You've certainly thought it through thoroughly, shifting all the blame onto me alone, while you remained unscathed."
How had he not noticed Chu Chenyi's calculating nature before? He had truly underestimated him and was now impressed, forced to admire him.
Such meticulous planning that had completely outmaneuvered him. He, on the other hand, emerged untouched, like a leaf that passes through a grove without getting soiled. Truly remarkable.
"Nonsense... nonsense. How could this prince compare to General Ling's subtle thinking?"
He had been on the receiving end of Ling Mohan's schemes many times before. Today, he had finally seized an opportunity to turn the tables on Ling Mohan, settling old scores.
Ling Mohan's lips curled into a chilling smile. He mentally noted down Chu Chenyi's transgression, vowing to reclaim it a million times over.
From the side, Feng Jin had overheard the conversation. She was surprised to see Ling Mohan, who had always been so astute, being outmaneuvered by Chu Chenyi. It was quite amusing.
"Since things have come to this, getting angry won't change anything. Let's leave it at that and not bring it up again."
Seeing that the time was right, Feng Jin stepped in to mediate. If the argument continued, who knew when these two would stop.
She pulled Ling Mohan, who was beside her, behind her, and warned him with her eyes to shut his mouth and stop spouting nonsense.
The situation was as it was. Being furious would be futile. It was better to de-escalate the conflict and let the matter rest.
"Just calm down and stop causing trouble. Accept your fate."
Feng Jin advised Ling Mohan helplessly. At this point, all he could do was accept it. What further ripples could he create?
Chu Chenyi, who had been watching the scene unfold, let out a light cough to conceal a hint of awkwardness. He admitted that his actions were indeed questionable and felt a twinge of guilt.
"This matter was indeed my fault. Therefore... therefore, I will compensate you properly next time."
The deed was done, and he couldn't go back on it. He could only let Ling Mohan be the one to bear the brunt of it.
Ling Mohan's face darkened further, wishing he could punch Chu Chenyi again, to take half his life and condemn him to spend the rest of his days in bed.
"Alright, since His Highness Prince Jing has said so, you should calm down and stop dwelling on it."
As Feng Jin spoke, she tugged Ling Mohan closer and signaled him with her eyes to speak no more and to cease his complaints.
As if understanding Feng Jin's intention, Ling Mohan rolled his eyes and finally agreed with her, deciding not to pursue the matter with Chu Chenyi for now.
A gentleman's revenge is never too late. He had plenty of opportunities to settle the score with Chu Chenyi later.
"Then, Prince Jing, please rest well. We shall take our leave." Feng Jin said with a faint smile and a humble tone.
Her attitude made Chu Chenyi tremble slightly, momentarily stunned. When had Feng Jin ever been so amicable towards him? If it were in the past, she would have slapped him.
These two were too strange now, giving him a chilling sensation.
This was a disaster, offending both of them at once.
At this moment, Chu Chenyi was truly starting to panic, already contemplating whether to leave here as soon as possible.
After all, he was on Chu Chenyi's territory. If Ling Mohan wanted his life, it would be as easy as flipping his palm. He wouldn't be able to escape even with wings.
After Ling Mohan and Feng Jin left, Chu Chenyi couldn't wait to pack his belongings. Before Ling Mohan could react, he should make a quick escape.
He also had to take Lin Yuwei with him. Otherwise, given Feng Jin's nature, she would surely use Lin Yuwei to threaten him.
Chu Chenyi moved with great speed, packing his belongings and heading directly to Lin Yuwei's room with his bundle. Little did he know that every move he made was being observed by the couple in the shadows.
"How did you know Chu Chenyi would flee in the middle of the night?"
Ling Mohan asked Feng Jin with slight confusion. She had predicted correctly. Chu Chenyi was indeed packing to flee that very night.
"He's timid by nature. Seeing our unusual behavior, he would naturally worry that we were plotting revenge against him. And since he's currently at the Ling Manor, he would only feel at ease once he returned to his own territory."
From the very beginning, she had been planning how to get rid of Chu Chenyi, and this incident had conveniently achieved her goal.
It was just that Ling Mohan had to endure some hardship for now. She would find another opportunity to settle the score with Chu Chenyi later.
"You've calculated this thoroughly. Perhaps even Zhuge Liang himself couldn't outwit you."
Ling Mohan was truly impressed by Feng Jin's cleverness. He doubted he could handle her if he were in Chu Chenyi's shoes. Fortunately, they were not adversaries.
"What? Then should you be wary of me? What if I completely outmaneuver you?"
Feng Jin's tone rose slightly, a hint of ruthlessness in her eyes. It seemed as if a wrong word from Ling Mohan would earn him a swift punch.
"No, everything is yours. Take whatever you desire!"
His fervent declaration of loyalty slightly improved Feng Jin's mood.