Dugu Jinghua turned to look, and Lord Zhu the Fourth chuckled, "Miss Dugu, since you've graced our residence, why not stay for a cup of tea before departing? Lest people say the Zhu family was remiss in hospitality."

Dugu Jinghua smiled faintly, "That would be agreeable."

Li Muchan frowned, glancing around the vicinity, and followed them inside.

Lord Zhu the Fourth eyed Li Muchan but said nothing further, assuming him to be Dugu Jinghua's personal guard. Li Muchan exuded an astonishing aura, clearly a master of profound cultivation upon first glance.

The pair entered the main hall with Lord Zhu the Fourth. Li Muchan inwardly smiled; he never expected to enter the Zhu manor by such means.

Martial arts were certainly not the optimal solution to every problem. He had failed to force his way in through sheer strength, yet he entered so easily now—a testament to the power of method.

Everyone was seated. Lord Zhu the Fourth was excessively courteous, lavishing praise upon Dugu Jinghua. Li Muchan frowned as he watched; unwarranted attentiveness usually masked villainy. Given that Dugu Jinghua and the Zhu family were adversaries, such excessive politeness suggested ulterior motives.

Dugu Jinghua offered a nonchalant smile, interjecting only a few sentences occasionally.

Dugu Jinghua suddenly inquired, "It has been some time since I last saw Noble Consort Zhu. When might the Consort be returning for a family visit?"

Lord Zhu the Fourth started slightly, then quickly smiled, "My younger sister has not been home for a long time. She is indispensable to His Majesty; it is truly unavoidable. We miss her dearly ourselves!"

Dugu Jinghua sighed, "Noble Consort Zhu must be even more radiant than in days past."

"My sister does possess a measure of beauty, but she pales in comparison to Miss Dugu!" Lord Zhu the Fourth shook his head, smiling.

Dugu Jinghua replied with a laugh, "Lord Zhu the Fourth jokes well. Noble Consort Zhu is famed as the foremost beauty in the capital; I could never compare, or His Majesty would not be so captivated."

"Not at all, not at all," Lord Zhu the Fourth chuckled, sounding quite pleased with himself.

Dugu Jinghua continued, "His Majesty has never favored our Four Great Clans, but with Noble Consort Zhu there, I imagine things have greatly improved."

Lord Zhu the Fourth's expression shifted subtly; this statement clearly struck a nerve.

Dugu Jinghua shook her head and sighed, "I surmise that this time, it is merely another jest from His Majesty."

"On what basis does Miss Dugu speak so?" Lord Zhu the Fourth’s face darkened.

Dugu Jinghua stated, "I do not believe the experts of your esteemed residence would dare ambush Xiao Heng and Tang Tang. Furthermore, I did not dispatch experts to assassinate the Clan Head. The two assailants used the Divine Dragon Hand and the Carefree Palm, respectively. Aside from the Imperial Guards, who else could it be?"

Lord Zhu the Fourth offered a hearty laugh, clearly not entirely convinced.

Dugu Jinghua countered, "The matter is quite clear. Once the Clan Head awakens, we shall know the truth."

"Third Brother is currently unconscious. He should awaken by tomorrow," Lord Zhu the Fourth replied.

Dugu Jinghua frowned, "How could the Clan Head be so severely injured? ... Did he not wear his protective armor?"

Lord Zhu the Fourth smiled bitterly, "Third Brother was not wearing his armor."

Dugu Jinghua arched a delicate eyebrow, "Was it worn by Xiao Wan?"

"Yes," Lord Zhu the Fourth nodded helplessly.

Dugu Jinghua understood instantly: with Zhu Jun's son assassinated, how could Zhu Lang remain unconcerned? He likely feared another attack on his daughter.

Dugu Jinghua commented, "The Clan Head's devotion to his daughter is admirable."

Lord Zhu the Fourth sighed, "This time was too perilous."

As the two spoke, a young servant quietly approached and whispered something into Lord Zhu the Fourth's ear. Lord Zhu the Fourth's face brightened, "Truly?"

The servant, fair of feature, nodded softly.

Lord Zhu the Fourth could not remain seated. He rose, smiling, "Miss Dugu, please remain seated for a moment. I shall return shortly."

Dugu Jinghua replied, "Please, be at ease."

Once Lord Zhu the Fourth hurried away, Dugu Jinghua looked toward Li Muchan. Li Muchan stated calmly, "Zhu Lang has awakened."

Dugu Jinghua nodded, "Once he is awake, the truth will be revealed."

Li Muchan frowned and shook his head, "Zhu Lang is unlikely to be a man who understands."

Dugu Jinghua smiled, "On such a clear matter of right and wrong, as the Clan Head, he should grasp it."

Li Muchan countered, "You overestimate him!"

Dugu Jinghua chuckled, "Do not underestimate him, sir. He can recognize the experts from our Dugu Manor."

"Hardly," Li Muchan shook his head.

Dugu Jinghua laughed, "Sir underestimates them too greatly. Just watch."

Li Muchan worried, "This action is too risky. What if he turns desperate and leaps to violence?"

Dugu Jinghua smiled and shook her head, "Sir worries unduly. I am not the Clan Head; killing me gains him nothing. Besides, is there not still you, sir?"

Li Muchan shook his head, "I fear he hasn't considered all that. He only wants to kill to vent his rage. If someone nearby incites him, he could easily act."

Dugu Jinghua smiled but remained silent, unconcerned.

Seeing her attitude, Li Muchan felt helpless; this was purely his own deduction. Were he not so familiar with the situation, he would not voice such uncertain opinions.

The two picked up their teacups and took a light sip. Before they could set them down, Li Muchan frowned, "I was right. This Zhu Lang is indeed foolish to the extreme!"

As his words fell, the sound of footsteps approached. Over twenty elderly men in black robes suddenly entered the hall, instantly surrounding the pair.

Li Muchan remained still. Dugu Jinghua did not move either; she slowly sipped her tea, carefully closed the lid of her cup, placed it on the table, and looked at them with perfect composure.

The curtain parted, and Lord Zhu the Fourth entered, supporting Zhu Lang.

Zhu Lang’s face was pale, his eyes burning like torches, fixed fiercely on Dugu Jinghua. Remnants of bloodstains marred his luxurious silk robes, betraying a degree of disarray.

Dugu Jinghua smiled gently, "Is the Zhu Clan Head well?"

"I won't die!" Zhu Lang sneered, a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Miss Dugu, are you terribly disappointed?"

Dugu Jinghua laughed, "Quite the opposite; I am quite pleased. There is finally an opportunity to resolve this matter. If the Clan Head had truly perished, resolution would be difficult."

"Resolve my foot!" Zhu Lang roared angrily, breaking into a violent fit of coughing. Lord Zhu the Fourth quickly reached out to rub his back, patting gently a few times to quell the spasm.

Dugu Jinghua frowned, her delicate face clouding over, "Clan Head Zhu, have you concluded that we are responsible for this matter?"

With Lord Zhu the Fourth using his internal energy to assist, Zhu Lang slowly ceased coughing. His face flushed, and he sneered, "Besides you, who else knows the Carefree Palm?!"

Dugu Jinghua inquired, "Did Lord Zhu the Fourth not tell you?"

Lord Zhu the Fourth smiled, "Miss Dugu, I had no time to explain before Third Brother rushed over impatiently. Perhaps Miss should explain it to Third Brother herself."

Dugu Jinghua nodded and stated her conjecture.

Zhu Lang sneered, "Nonsense! How could His Majesty do such a thing? Dugu Jinghua, you have great audacity to slander His Majesty thus! I shall submit a memorial to the throne!"

Dugu Jinghua shook her head and sighed, "Clan Head Zhu, any clear-sighted person can see this. Did you recognize those who ambushed you?"

Zhu Lang grunted, "No."

Dugu Jinghua pointed out, "That is the key. You are familiar with the experts from our manor, are you not? You should be able to recognize if they are one of ours!"

Zhu Lang stated coldly, "Who knows if you've hidden experts? Regardless, I cannot swallow this insult! Guards, seize them both and kill them for me!"

"Third Brother, wait!" Lord Zhu the Fourth quickly intervened.

Zhu Lang turned back coldly, "Fourth Brother, are you pleading for them? ... Have you taken a liking to Dugu Jinghua?"

"Third Brother!" Lord Zhu the Fourth urged, "Miss Dugu came alone, showing true sincerity. Third Brother should reconsider this matter carefully."

"Reconsider my ass!" Zhu Lang retorted irritably, "I nearly lost my life! If I don't kill her now, I'll surely die next time! ... Dugu Jinghua is the one making decisions for the Dugu family; it must have been her people!"

Lord Zhu the Fourth reasoned, "Since Young Master Dugu was also attacked, it proves this matter is indeed strange."

"You believe her words too?!" Zhu Lang scoffed.

Lord Zhu the Fourth advised, "A little caution never hurts."

Zhu Lang’s face reddened as he angrily snorted, "Fourth Brother, are you the Clan Head or am I? You refuse to heed my words?"

Lord Zhu the Fourth sighed helplessly, "Third Brother, that remark is tasteless! ... Fine, fine, if you kill her, the Dugu family will fight to the death—see how you manage that!"

Zhu Lang frowned, the fierce rage momentarily subsiding, and huffed, "Death penalty is unavoidable, but perhaps not immediate torture. Guards! Capture her alive!"

"Yes!" The assembled guards responded in unison, slowly closing in on Li Muchan and Dugu Jinghua, step by measured step, every muscle tensed. They were not fools; they knew Dugu Jinghua came alone because she had support, and taking her down would not be easy.

Dugu Jinghua shook her head and sighed, "Clan Head Zhu's lack of wisdom truly disappoints me! ... Very well, if reason fails, we shall take our leave!"

Saying this, she turned to Li Muchan, "Sir, let us go."

Li Muchan nodded, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and instantly transformed into a streak of azure light shooting toward the entrance of the hall. The surrounding black-clad elders reacted too slowly. Zhu Lang and Lord Zhu the Fourth both started, quickly retreating to the sides.

"Slap!" Zhu Lang received a resounding slap across his face. He shrieked, clutching his left cheek and cursing "Trash!" He couldn't believe that with so many men, they failed to surround them, and he himself had been struck!

He touched his left cheekbone; it burned fiercely. He, the dignified head of a great house, had been slapped—this was an outrageous insult, an act of supreme audacity.

Li Muchan's voice echoed lightly, "Idiot!"

"Dugu Jinghua, I am not finished with you or the Dugu family!" Zhu Lang cried out, clutching his face and stamping his foot.

But no one answered his furious roar. In the sudden silence, the assembled men dared not look at his face, only stealing glances sideways, silently restraining their laughter.

Zhu Lang stamped and cursed Li Muchan a few times, then turned back to the twenty-plus black-robed elders, roaring, "Trash! Trash! Trash!"

The twenty-plus elders lowered their heads without a word.

"That slap was well-deserved!" Dugu Jinghua laughed excitedly.

The two strolled slowly back down the street. Li Muchan released Dugu Jinghua’s slender waist, shaking his head with a smile, "If it were up to me, I would have killed him with one palm strike."

Dugu Jinghua startled slightly, "We can't kill him yet."

Li Muchan nodded, "Let's wait a while longer. If he continues to be unreasonable, I'll dispatch him directly. I think Lord Zhu the Fourth is a sensible man."

"Indeed," Dugu Jinghua nodded, sighing, "But it's a pity he ranks fourth; the position of Clan Head won't fall to him. Moreover, he is a son born of a concubine!"

"A son born of a concubine?" Li Muchan shook his head.

Sons born of concubines held no right to inherit the position of Clan Head—this was an unchangeable rule among established noble families.

Li Muchan asked, "Does the Zhu family have other legitimate sons?"

"There is a Seventh Brother," Dugu Jinghua replied, "but he is only eight years old and quite naive."

Li Muchan stroked his chin and mused, "So, if Zhu Lang is killed, this Seventh Brother inherits the position? Will Lord Zhu the Fourth then become the power behind the throne?"

"Not necessarily; the Seventh Brother has a mother," Dugu Jinghua shook her head.

Li Muchan smiled, "This Lord Zhu the Fourth harbors ambition, and this Seventh Brother..."

"You mean he might find a way to eliminate the Seventh Brother?" Dugu Jinghua frowned.

Li Muchan nodded, "He might resort to desperate measures."

Dugu Jinghua shook her head, pondering, "He probably wouldn't dare. If it were exposed, he would face dire consequences; none of the Four Families would spare him. That is forbidden!"

Li Muchan countered, "Power corrupts the heart. The position of Zhu family patriarch is too significant; he won't be unmoved. ... Should we lend him a hand?"

"It is best not to interfere in such matters," Dugu Jinghua refused, "Do not forget there is a Noble Consort in the palace; she will certainly not stand by idly."

Li Muchan smiled, "Then the Emperor can intervene openly."

Dugu Jinghua sighed, "This Zhu Lang is truly too foolish!"

Li Muchan laughed and shook his head, "The Four Great Clans cannot contend with the Emperor, I think. We should seek external assistance instead!"

"As long as the Iron Certificate of Loyalty remains, he cannot act recklessly," Dugu Jinghua stated.

Li Muchan smiled, "The object is inanimate; the person is alive."

Dugu Jinghua smiled, "Neither of us is foolish. If he dares to interfere in the Zhu family's affairs, I will join the other two families to deal with the Emperor."

Li Muchan warned, "Then you must be careful. Perhaps he will launch a full-scale surprise attack to keep you preoccupied."

"I shall be careful," Dugu Jinghua nodded.

Her expression shifted slightly. Li Muchan's suggestion gave her a jolt of alarm; she had indeed been careless.

Upon their return to the manor, they found a group of elders in purple robes standing silently at the main gate, their expressions solemn, facing off against a dozen elders in grey robes stationed near the entrance.

Li Muchan frowned as he scanned the scene, "The Tang family?"

"It is the Tang family," Dugu Jinghua confirmed, walking inside. Soon, they heard an angry snort from the main hall, "Relying on your mere martial arts to protect Tang Tang? What an arrogant boast! You make me laugh!"

Li Muchan recognized Tang Haoran's voice, which was lowered, yet filled with barely contained anger.

Dugu Jinghua recognized it too, and she offered a wry smile, halting her steps.

Li Muchan looked at her. She sighed faintly, "Forget it. I truly cannot face them. Let Xiao Heng take a scolding; it might do him good. Let's go to Sir's residence."

Li Muchan observed, "It seems they have come to collect Tang Tang. Brother Dugu must be receiving quite a tongue-lashing."

"Ah, he deserves some stimulation," Dugu Jinghua said helplessly.

Li Muchan nodded. This was true. Although Dugu Heng was not lazy, he was far from diligent in his training. His talent was not poor, and his martial understanding was deep; with intense, desperate practice, he could become a top contender among the younger generation. However, he possessed a complacent nature, content with small gains. Once his martial arts reached a decent level, he settled down, ceasing strenuous effort. Even the most refined martial technique requires sufficient skill refinement to be effective. In danger, he relied entirely on his guards; without them, he was useless and likely to suffer harm. Relying on others is inferior to relying on oneself. Even with guards present, one needs an intrinsically strong core, or injury and harm are easily incurred. He understood this, but he lacked the resolution to push himself—he needed severe stimulation, and Tang Haoran's unique status was the perfect catalyst. Dugu Jinghua naturally would not let such a rare opportunity pass.

The two quietly returned to Li Muchan’s small courtyard. Feng Mingxue was practicing her swordplay. Seeing them return, she glanced them over and asked, "Did the Zhu family cause trouble?"

Li Muchan smiled, "The Zhu family's strength is mediocre."

Feng Mingxue told Dugu Jinghua, "The Tang Clan Head is here; he has come to take Tang Tang back."

"I saw. He is currently lecturing Xiao Heng," Dugu Jinghua smirked, "He is too idle and frivolous; it’s unbecoming!"

As the three were speaking, Tang Haoran arrived at the small courtyard, cupping his hands, "Miss Dugu, Mr. Li, Miss Feng."

He was dressed in violet, his face like a full moon, his expression grave and imposing, possessing authority without need for anger. Following him were a dejected-looking Tang Tang, wearing an expression of utter helplessness, and Dugu Heng, trailing behind, his face flushed and his spirits low.

Dugu Jinghua smiled, "Clan Head Tang, you have come for Tang Tang. We apologize for our negligence in looking after her this time."

Tang Haoran shook his head, "Miss Dugu, did the Zhu family truly act against you? ... Do they have such audacity?" To assassinate both Dugu Heng and Tang Tang would mean offending two major houses simultaneously. Tang Tang was his beloved daughter; if anything happened to her, his retribution would be ferocious.

Dugu Jinghua recounted her conjecture. Tang Haoran’s face darkened, and he sneered, "Miss Dugu's guess is likely accurate. They only rested for a moment before stirring up trouble again!"

Dugu Jinghua pondered, "I have another suspicion..."

As she spoke, she glanced around. Tang Haoran waved his hand, and four purple-robed elders gracefully stepped back behind the courtyard, leaving only Dugu Heng and Tang Tang watching Dugu Jinghua with curiosity.

Li Muchan suggested, "Let's go inside to talk."

The group moved to a small pavilion and sat down. Feng Mingxue prepared tea. Li Muchan sat beside Dugu Jinghua, while Dugu Heng and Tang Tang stood on either side.

Feng Mingxue quickly served the tea and then sat beside Li Muchan.

Dugu Jinghua began, "I am wondering if there is some underlying issue that compelled him to act so hastily?"

"You mean...?" Tang Haoran's expression shifted slightly.

Dugu Jinghua slowly revealed, "I have information that his food intake has been halved recently."

"No news from the Zhu family?" Tang Haoran frowned.

Dugu Jinghua shook her head and sighed, "The Zhu family is still lost in a beautiful dream; they have been completely won over. Even if they knew something, they wouldn't tell."

"Hmph, how foolish the Zhu family is! Can a sheep associate with a wolf?!" Tang Haoran scoffed.

Dugu Jinghua concluded, "We cannot rely on the Zhu family. Mine is only speculation; that person's methods are formidable; it could be a trap."

Tang Haoran stroked his beard and pondered for a long moment, then slowly shook his head, "If he were also targeting the Zhu family, it might not be a trap. The Zhu family is connected to Noble Consort Zhu, who is famed as the capital's foremost beauty and has always been favored. Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn't move against the Zhu family."

"If that is the case, what should we do?" Dugu Jinghua asked, frowning.

Tang Haoran looked solemn, "We must discuss this thoroughly."

"I will awaken Elder Brother from his seclusion," Dugu Jinghua declared.

"Yes, it is time for him to emerge," Tang Haoran nodded slowly, sighing, "I never imagined we would face this kind of situation so soon."

"The Zhu family..." Dugu Jinghua shook her head and sighed.

Tang Haoran stated coldly, "If he clings to his foolish delusions, we must simply cut them off!"

"The Zhu family will not know peace," Dugu Jinghua shook her head, "There is discord between Lord Zhu the Fourth and the Clan Head, and the Clan Head's actions are widely unpopular..."

"Should we intervene?" Tang Haoran asked.

Dugu Jinghua sighed, "We should wait for Elder Brother to emerge and decide."

"Very well," Tang Haoran agreed, "Awaken him as soon as possible. To be idle day in and day out is simply unacceptable!"

"You should say that to Elder Brother yourself," Dugu Jinghua laughed.

Tang Haoran waved his hand dismissively, "How would I dare say such a thing to him!"