Chapter 8: Calm Before the Storm

Lin Wanqing and Zhao Xuan escorted Zhang Hongtu from the forest as dawn broke, morning mist cloaking the land. Yet her heart felt no ease. Zhang's fall had merely peeled back a layer of the conspiracy—Lin Xue'er and Li Fugui remained threats, and darker currents might still lurk beneath.

At the Mercy Clinic, Lin Wanqing sorted herbs while plotting her next move. Her status and medical fame now deterred rash attacks, but they also painted a larger target on her back. She decided to strike first.

"Xiao Cui, go to the Lin estate and fetch Grandfather—I need to speak with him," she instructed.

Xiao Cui hurried off. Soon, Old Master Lin arrived, noting her grave expression. "Wanqing, Zhang's caught—still worried?"

Lin Wanqing nodded. "Yes, Grandfather. Zhang was a pawn. Xue'er and Li Fugui are still scheming, possibly with other forces. The Lin family's at risk."

Old Master Lin frowned. "That Xue'er never learns. What's your plan?"

Resolve flashed in her eyes. "I'll uncover their secrets and fortify our defenses. Grandfather, can you gather the clan to bolster our guards?"

Old Master Lin agreed. "Done. Be cautious in your search."

Meanwhile, in a secret chamber at Li Mansion, Lin Xue'er and Li Fugui plotted. News of Zhang's capture had reached them, leaving Li Fugui pale and frantic. "Miss Xue'er, Zhang's finished—what now?"

Xue'er scoffed. "Stop panicking. Zhang was a greedy fool—good riddance. We still have a chance. Get the manual, and we'll turn it all around."

Li Fugui swallowed hard. "But Lin Wanqing has Zhao Xuan's backing—how do we take it?"

A venomous glint crossed Xue'er's eyes. "We can't fight head-on, so we'll scheme. Zhao Xuan's mother just recovered, and Lin Wanqing visits her often. We'll target Lady Zhao."

Li Fugui paused, then grinned wickedly. "Brilliant! Grab her, and both Lin Wanqing and Zhao Xuan will bend."

Lin Wanqing didn't sit idle. Using her heavenly eye, she traced Xue'er's dark mist, finding it led back to Li Mansion. She resolved to infiltrate and expose their plans.

That night, clad in dark robes, she slipped into Li Mansion with heightened caution, dodging guards to reach the rear chamber. Peering through a crack, she overheard Xue'er and Li Fugui.

"Tomorrow, Lady Zhao goes to a temple outside the city to give thanks—Lin Wanqing might join her," Xue'er whispered. "We'll ambush them on the road and take Lady Zhao."

Lin Wanqing's heart jolted. She withdrew silently, determined to warn Zhao Xuan.

At dawn, she rushed to Zhao Mansion and briefed him. Zhao Xuan's face darkened. "They dare target my mother? Reckless fools."

Lin Wanqing proposed, "General Zhao, let's turn their trap against them. Have Lady Zhao travel as planned—we'll ambush them instead."

Zhao Xuan nodded. "Agreed."

That day, Lady Zhao's carriage rolled toward the temple, while Lin Wanqing and Zhao Xuan hid with elite soldiers along the route. Sure enough, masked men sprang from the trees, charging the carriage.

"Now!" Zhao Xuan barked. His troops surged, encircling the attackers. Lin Wanqing darted forward, silver needles flashing, disabling several with precise strikes.

The skirmish ended swiftly, the masked men subdued. Lin Wanqing unmasked one—it was Li Mansion's steward.

"Where's Xue'er?" she demanded coldly.

Trembling, he replied, "She's in Li Mansion's secret room, waiting for our report."

Zhao Xuan snorted. "Time to end this."

They stormed Li Mansion, bursting into the chamber, but found only Li Fugui cowering alone, Xue'er gone.

"Where's Xue'er?" Lin Wanqing seized his collar, her voice sharp.

Li Fugui stammered, "She… she fled, said she'd get help."

Lin Wanqing frowned, scanning with her heavenly eye. A wisp of dark mist trailed south. "She's heading to the southern city—likely to an ally," she told Zhao Xuan.

Zhao Xuan nodded. "I'll send men after her. Come with me."

They pursued to the southern outskirts, stopping at an abandoned estate. The heavenly eye revealed a thick concentration of dark mist.

"Something's off here," Lin Wanqing murmured.

Zhao Xuan drew his sword. "Let's find out."

Inside, the estate was deserted, save for a letter on a table. Lin Wanqing picked it up, reading: "Lin Wanqing, you've won this round, but the game's just begun."

Signed: Xiao Yuanshan.

(End of Chapter)