The Face-Slapping Journey of a Sword Cultivator Male God (QT) Chapter 010: The Rightful Heir's Retaliation in the Story of a Reincarnated Concubine's Son - Part 9

Luoning Marquis stormed into the main living quarters, his anger flaring like a tempest. However, as his fury subsided and reason regained its hold, he was left with a crestfallen demeanor. After a moment, he didn't dare to linger in the main living quarters any longer, hastening to turn around and leave in a hurry.

As for his inquiries about his son, Lin Yingjie's death, Luoning Marquis had long brushed them aside. It wasn't that he had forgotten about the matter, but rather that in his heart, the suspicions he once harbored about his first wife and her son had lessened to a barely perceptible murmur.

Pondering over Lin Yingjie's death, Luoning Marquis considered the possibilities: either his son's health had drastically worsened, or someone else – perhaps one of the other concubines in his household, who had genuine conflicts with Lin Yingjie – had a hand in it!

He knew Lady Li's character and tactics all too well. If she truly desired his title and wealth, she would directly target him rather than Lin Yingjie. After all, given her proud nature as the first wife, it was more likely she wouldn't bother to involve herself in any schemes against someone she deemed beneath her notice.

A glint of cold determination flashed in Luoning Marquis' eyes. Once he returned to his own courtyard, he was set on uncovering the truth behind Lin Yingjie's mysterious death. Besides his son from his first wife, Lin Yingjie was his most cherished child. Now that he was gone, Luoning Marquis was resolute in finding out what had truly transpired.

"Zhu'er, there's no need for you to concern yourself with our affairs. Just focus on your studies and don't let these matters disturb your peace of mind." As soon as Luoning Marquis left, Lady Li's demeanor softened instantly. The icy frost in her bearing melted away, replaced with a gentle and affectionate tone, albeit tinged with a hint of mild reproach.

Xuan Yuan smiled faintly, taking Lady Li's hand and supporting her gently. He said, "How can I stand idly by when Father troubles you, Mother?" Lin Xuanzhu's cherished desires did not include being filial to Luoning Marquis, and the fact that he did not regard him as an enemy already showed his consideration for the father-son relationship.

"You don't have to worry about your father; he's all bark and no bite," Lady Li said nonchalantly, dismissing Luoning Marquis as a concern. "Have you been studying diligently, Zhu'er? It's getting late now. You should rest early and replenish your energy."

Xuan Yuan smiled in response and, with Lady Li's gentle urging, he returned to his own living quarters. A maid promptly brought toiletries for him. However, Xuan Yuan preferred to take care of himself and proceeded to enjoy a soothing bath. Afterward, he changed into a thin robe and reclined comfortably on the intricately carved wenge bed, leaning against its elegant design.

0617: "Host, you only mentioned going to Lane Street during the day, and by evening the news of Lin Yingjie's death came. This matter clearly seems fishy. How come Lin Xuanzhu's mother didn't ask anything?"

"What should she ask? And why would she?" Xuan Yuan raised an eyebrow, "Even if she knows that I killed Lin Yingjie, it doesn't matter. She'll manage the aftermath for me, ensuring it's neatly covered up. She's always cautious and discreet. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, this is a minor matter."

Don't be led to believe that, just because Lady Li and Lin Xuanzhu suffered at the hands of Lin Yingjie in the original story, resulting in a miserable situation, Lin Yingjie was an all-powerful figure. Before Lin Yingjie rose to power, he was merely a child born of a concubine with no influence or authority. Lady Li scarcely paid him any mind and couldn't be bothered to deal with him.

Later on, had Lin Yingjie not wedded Princess Chaoyang, becoming the emperor's son-in-law, and not plotted with the Crown Prince to falsely implicate the Li Mansion, he couldn't have possibly oppressed Lady Li and Lin Xuanzhu. At this juncture, things were yet to take shape, and Lin Yingjie was merely an insignificant child born out of wedlock. Even if he were killed by Xuan Yuan, it would have hardly stirred a ripple.

With the Li Mansion still standing, and Lady Li's family wielding power and influence, and a legitimate heir in place, her position within the household was unquestionably secure. Luoning Marquis wouldn't dare to do anything to Lady Li. This was precisely why she could stand unflinchingly before Luoning Marquis, devoid of fear. She was not the least bit intimidated by him!

"So, Host, what are your plans for the next step?" 0617 paused for a moment after hearing Xuan Yuan's words before asking. It was uncertain how much of Xuan Yuan's explanation it had fully comprehended.

Unbinding his hair, Xuan Yuan let his jet-black locks cascade down, resting on his snow-white robe and spreading across the bed. "What else can I do? Obviously, I must study diligently and prepare for the imperial examination in six months."

0617: "Huh? ...Host, are you really planning to grind on studies and level up every day?"

Xuan Yuan couldn't quite make sense of System 0617's nonsensical words, yet he chose not to dwell on them. With a light chuckle, he responded, "Why don't you take a guess?"

As Xuan Yuan preferred solitude, he had already dismissed the maidservants. No one was left to keep watch at night in the room. With a flick of his finger, a breeze swept through, swiftly snuffing out the candlelight in the room.

Although Xuan Yuan's cultivation base had reached the wondrous realm of transcendence, rendering sleep and rest unnecessary unlike regular people, he was currently utilizing Lin Xuanzhu's body. As such, he couldn't forego sleep entirely. While his soul could withstand it, the body couldn't. He needed to keep a regular daily routine.

Following this, due to the unexpected death of Lin Yingjie, Luoning Marquis grew suspicious of his concubines and their illegitimate sons, believing they were stirring up trouble in the mansion. This suspicion sparked a significant upheaval, leading to several reprimands directed towards the illegitimate children and the demotion of some concubines. The mansion was plunged into chaos, with countless storms of unrest.

However, Lady Li maintained a strict management of the household. Despite the clamor within the mansion, none of it seeped beyond its walls. Consequently, the turmoil didn't provoke any substantial disturbances.

In the ensuing days, it appeared as though Xuan Yuan had been supplanted by the spirit of Lin Xuanzhu. He poured himself into the study of the Four Books and Five Classics within the Marquis Manor. Now and then, he would make a trip to the Li Mansion in pursuit of knowledge. He even turned down invitations from Lin Xuanzhu's friends for social gatherings and outings, seemingly entirely devoted to preparing for the upcoming imperial examination.

In light of Xuan Yuan's tranquility and lack of action, System 0617 grew increasingly restless, pacing ceaselessly within Xuan Yuan's Sea of Consciousness. Day after day, it implored Xuan Yuan to complete the mission, fearing that their first mission after opening for business would end in failure. "Host, how can you be so calm? Why are you still wasting time? Hurry, time is money; you need to complete the mission quickly!"

System 0617 was extremely anxious, almost to the point of outburst. It was on the verge of conjuring two hands to firmly grab Xuan Yuan's shoulders and shake him vehemently. As a system with high aspirations, 0617 strived ceaselessly to be the top-performing system. As such, it was deeply frustrated by Xuan Yuan's 'laid-back and slacking off' behavior. System 0617 felt like it couldn't get through to him, and the situation was driving it crazy.

"Why are you so worried? I have it all under control." Typically, Xuan Yuan would disregard System 0617's incessant fretting, but when its nagging grew too insistent, he would respond succinctly, just to provide a bit of comfort.

Through nearly half a year of interaction, Xuan Yuan had come to realize that 0617 could be somewhat foolish at times.

Thus, Xuan Yuan could fully comprehend why 0617, despite constantly being at his side, seemed oblivious to his plans.

Indeed, how could Xuan Yuan possibly be exclusively engrossed in his studies within the manor? Lin Xuanzhu's enemies were not limited to Lin Yingjie, but also included Princess Chaoyang and the Crown Prince. However, given Lin Xuanzhu's current standing, confronting them outright wasn't feasible.

Hence, Xuan Yuan couldn't directly engage them right now. Instead, he had to entrust this task to Lin Xuanzhu's maternal grandfather, Mr. Li. In the original narrative, the Li Mansion was destroyed by the Crown Prince, leading to a deep-seated enmity between them. While Mr. Li remained loyal to the emperor, it didn't imply he was prepared to jeopardize the lives of his whole clan. Thus, having him confront the Crown Prince indeed seemed the most fitting strategy.

As for how to persuade Mr. Li that the Crown Prince held substantial malice towards the Li family? Xuan Yuan's response was just a slight, enigmatic smile. He was adept at operating subtly, making significant moves behind the scenes. He had his own strategies. Relying on his formidable and somewhat mysterious soul, he worked in ways that went beyond the comprehension of the average person.

After several months, the eagerly awaited triennial imperial examination of the Great Wei Dynasty finally arrived. Xuan Yuan was preparing to step into the examination hall to partake in this grand occasion.

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