Book 14: Chapter 2

Martial Arts Demonstration

Her wrists were visible while she gently kneaded Ming Feizhens shoulders. The heat permeated the room with her scent. Yet, Ming Feizhen only cared for the crispy fritters that Jin Zhaoying had her maids line up for whilst complaining, Put your back into it. Have you not eaten today? Nevertheless, Li Jingan diligently kneaded and thumped away, putting her skin up against his neck.

How is this, Fuma?

Ming Feizhen, legs crossed, continued eating and reading a fiction novel. So-so, but pa.s.sable.

Li Jingan suddenly stopped. You are constantly around with sparing a thought for me as I painfully yearn for you all by myself.

You still have that? Get rid of it already.

No. I want to take care of you.

What are your hands doing?

Li Jingan resumed drumming Ming Feizhens shoulders, but she did it with joy this time. Are you not going to Beijiang anymore?

Ming Feizhen yawned. Eh, cant be bothered running around. Just came back from Nanjiang, only to be locked up in a dog kennel. Why is a woman asking so much about a mans affairs? Keep your mouth shut, and work your hands.

Li Jingan did as was demanded off her, gradually easing off the pressure once Ming Feizhen fell asleep. It wasnt until a long while later that Ming Feizhen yawned and rubbed his eyes as he arose from his slumber. Li Jingan was still sitting beside him, wearing a sweet smile.

You sure are holding back today.

Every time they met, Li Jingan would try all sorts of seduction methods. Although she still tried this time, she was a lot more reserved compared to previous times.

Li Jingan supported one arm with another. It is not my body, after all. I must take care of the body Sister Zhaoying lent me.

That was an unexpected reason considering Li Jingan had no interest in people around her, treating them as mere discardable vehicles to her goals. Her reasoning made sense, though. She didnt care for Jin Zhaoying out of friends.h.i.+p or respect; she merely needed to take care of her vessel to the world outside of her doors. She wouldnt go against her education if it wasnt necessary. She was unpredictable because she managed her operational principles without any emotional attachment.

Li Jingan leaned into her surprised husbands ear and, in a breathy voice, added, Plus, no woman would let another woman get close to her husband.

Ming Feizhen was thinking how he was going to pry the truth out of Li Jingan, but it seemed unlikely shed divulge anything remotely related to the truth.

Spare me. Why did you help Boss Shen?

Youre so cold-hearted. Jin Zhaoying couldnt pout so seductively even if she tried. You fell for another girl, and I helped you, yet you are scolding me.

Ming Feizhen fanned the stench of bullc.r.a.p with his hand. I misspoke. Its not, why did you help Boss Shen. Its why did you go after Jiang Chen?

The two questions seemed unconnected, but they were actually dependent of each other. The plan wasnt to have Shen Yiren tackle Jiang Chen; the plan was to tackle Jiang Chen. It just so happened to be that using Shen Yiren as the medium to tackle Jiang Chen was the best way to cover her own tracks.

You deduced where Jiang Chen was, didnt you? He never wouldve imagined youd be the one to catch him.

You arent giving yourself enough credit. Li Jingan applauded cheerfully. Had it not been for you, Jiang Chen wouldnt have been defeated so easily. While others may be unaware, I know you played a pivotal role.

Ming Feizhen frowned as he didnt expect Li Jingan to know about his match against Jiang Chen.

I know more than just that. Li Jingan lowered her hands, t.i.tled her head and grinned. For instance, about your martial arts abilities.

Ming Feizhen sighed upon picking up some sounds. Youre still out for your husbands life.

Four maids from before emerged from Ming Feizhens rear, all armed with swords as cold as their expressions contrary to before.

Li Jingan came up with the simple a.s.sa.s.sination plot after hearing about Ming Feizhens defenceless condition. It mightve seemed to be a sloppy idea, but, in reality, it was clever as she didnt have to bear any risk. If it failed, then it was just another failure among many previous failures. If Ming Feizhen took Jin Zhaoying hostage, then itd be a crime against Jin Zhaoying, and the four maids actions would be justified as protecting their mistress.

Ming Feizhen didnt turn around to face the a.s.sa.s.sins. Instead, he leaned in towards the face his wife of three years. Li Jingan didnt know what his plan was, but she looked up at him.

Ming Feizhen chuckled through his nose. I didnt even get a drop of alcohol. Im not too happy about that.

Ming Feizhen flipped off the couch, drew a sword from his sash and, following a sequence of four clangs, the maids swords snapped and blades landed on the ground with the same interval between them.

Wudangs Tai Chi Swordplay spirit! exclaimed a maid.

In the meantime, Ming Feizhen had returned to where Li Jingan was and started drinking from the teapot that he held overhead. Once refreshed, he exhaled and gave her a smile. What was that about my martial arts abilities, Your Highness?