"If it weren't so, why would I bother like this? ... By the way, Jinghua, why are you so ready to give up? Why won't you practice my inner cultivation method?" Li Muzhan asked.

"What's the point of my living? It’s better to just end it early, and at least that will make you sad for a while," Dugu Jinghua snorted.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "There must be something else, right? Is it about the Zhu family?"

"You know?" Dugu Jinghua frowned. "Xiao Heng told you, didn't he?"

"Brother Dugu didn't say, I guessed it. I know your family has restored ties with the Zhu family, so there must be some mutual interest involved, leading inevitably to a marriage alliance," Li Muzhan explained.

"Hmph!" Dugu Jinghua tightly pressed her lips together.

Li Muzhan looked at her lips, cracked and peeling, and sighed. "You... Let me give you a hand first. Get your inner cultivation straight, and we'll cure your illness first!"

"Once my illness is cured, you'll leave again, won't you?" Dugu Jinghua challenged.

"If you don't want me to leave, I won't go!" Li Muzhan replied.

"Really?" Dugu Jinghua’s bright eyes instantly lit up, shining keenly. "You really won't avoid me anymore?"

Li Muzhan sighed, "You... If you truly wish to see me, just shatter the jade pendant, and I will naturally come."

"What's the fun in that?" Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "If you don't want to come, I won't force it either."

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "Still so proud and headstrong! ... Fine, sit up. I'll channel my Neili (Internal Energy) to heal your injuries."

"No need, I can manage it myself," Dugu Jinghua blushed slightly.

Li Muzhan turned his head away. "Get dressed first."

Dugu Jinghua said no more. With a rustling sound, she slipped into her silk robe and sat cross-legged. Li Muzhan untied his shoes. He sat on the couch behind her, pressing both palms against her back, channeling his surging Neili.

His internal energy was incomparably pure, whereas hers had been almost entirely devoured by the frigid energy. After consuming her Neili, this cold energy had grown even stronger, leading outsiders to believe she was gravely ill, beyond any cure.

Indeed, such profound coldness completely eroding the body was generally incurable. However, the moment Li Muzhan's Neili entered, the cold energy vanished like snowflakes meeting hot soup. Under the circulation of his pure energy, not a trace of coldness remained. Then, the Neili followed a specific cultivation path, suppressing the generation of any further chilling influence.

Li Muzhan didn't immediately withdraw his palms. After regulating her body with his energy for a while, he slowly ceased the transmission, then suddenly gave a gentle tug, drawing her into his embrace.

Dugu Jinghua immediately flushed crimson. Her delicate body stiffened for a moment, then went limp like a pile of soft mud. Li Muzhan held her gently, feeling her warm, soft breath, and let out a long, deep exhale.

When he first heard the news of Dugu Jinghua’s severe illness, his heart had been filled with panic. Only now did his heart finally settle. His emotions surged, and he couldn't help but pull her close; he was truly terrified of losing her again.

Leaning against his chest, Dugu Jinghua could feel Li Muzhan’s fear and relief. Her heart swelled with sweetness, wishing only that time would freeze here, that it would never move forward again.

As they held each other lightly, Li Muzhan harbored no impure thoughts. He simply felt how light and soft her body was, fragile and boneless in his arms, carrying an inexpressible gentleness.

After a while, Li Muzhan spoke softly, "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

"This matter is embarrassing to recount," Dugu Jinghua sighed, leaning against him without moving.

Li Muzhan held her gently and sighed, "The Dugu Patriarch wanted to marry you off to the Zhu family, didn't he? ... Sigh, this matter truly is..."

"Mm, older brother had that thought," Dugu Jinghua nodded slightly. "But I refused him. Still, it left me disheartened and weary."

Li Muzhan said, "The Dugu Patriarch went too far."

Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "Men are inherently heartless and treacherous. I was angry then, so I took out my frustration with you on my elder brother. We argued, and that's when the thought of passing away arose."

Li Muzhan sighed, "You, you silly girl."

"What's the point of me living? You are like this, and my brother is like this too. It’s better to just die clean, to avoid suffering further in this world."

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "How can the world only have bitterness and no sweetness? For every hardship you endure, there must eventually be sweetness, right?"

Dugu Jinghua snorted. "How did you know I was ill?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I heard it from a disciple of the Zhu family. I had been intentionally avoiding news from your Four Great Clans, lest it break my heart."

"Hmph, at least you have some conscience left," Dugu Jinghua chided playfully.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Luckily, luckily. It means our fate hasn't run its course. Next time, don't do such a thing, leaving me heartbroken without giving me a chance for compensation. My entire life would be ruined!"

"Hmph, you speak sweetly enough, yet you're still enjoying yourself wildly!" Dugu Jinghua pouted her red lips.

In this short time, her cherry lips had regained their fullness and allure.

Li Muzhan conceded, "I am indeed a philanderer, a scoundrel."

Dugu Jinghua admonished him, "Can't you restrain yourself a little!"

Li Muzhan sighed. "It’s not that I wish it; I am simply compelled, just like how your liking for me was suppressed until you couldn't hold it back any longer, wasn't it?"

Dugu Jinghua shook her delicate head and sighed, "I am done for!"

After they exchanged a few more intimate words, the sound of footsteps approached. Li Muzhan quickly released her, floated off the couch, and sat on the edge, both of them resuming a proper demeanor.

"Aunt!" Dugu Meng’s clear voice rang out.

"Meng'er, come in," Dugu Jinghua replied.

Dugu Meng entered, dressed in flowing white robes. She turned, closed the door, then pushed aside the curtain and entered, her chest held high, casting a sidelong glance at Li Muzhan.

"Meng'er, what are you doing!" Li Muzhan asked.

"Hmph, Sir, you've gone too far!" Dugu Meng immediately confronted him.

Dugu Jinghua playfully scolded, "Meng'er, don't speak nonsense!"

Dugu Meng ignored Dugu Jinghua, staring only at Li Muzhan, chiding, "Sir, I have always respected you, but unfortunately, you have absolutely no standing in my heart now!"

Li Muzhan smiled wryly. "What is going on?"

"Hmph, I truly didn't expect you to be such a heartless, fickle person!" Dugu Meng huffed.

Li Muzhan nodded. "Yes. I am a fickle person."

"I will never trust you again. You’ve harmed Aunt to this degree, are you satisfied now?" Dugu Meng challenged.

Li Muzhan’s face darkened. "Stay out of the affairs of adults! How is your calligraphy coming along?!"

The sudden severity in his tone immediately deflated Dugu Meng's imposing manner, draining her confidence, and her voice lowered. "It’s very good, of course. I haven't been lazy."

She then seemed to realize her blunder and chided him, "Sir, I won't learn calligraphy from you anymore!"

Li Muzhan countered, "Giving up halfway—is that your excuse?"

Dugu Meng hastily shook her head. "I'll learn from someone else! Learning calligraphy requires rectifying the mind first, and since your mind is not upright, your characters can’t be good either. I quit learning!"

Dugu Jinghua didn't intervene, instead watching with a sweet, triumphant smile.

Li Muzhan snorted. "You’ve rebelled! Get back quickly and write me an essay, or I’ll expel you from my tutelage!"

"Sir, I’m discussing serious matters!" Dugu Meng protested.

"I am also discussing serious matters. Why are you still lingering here!" Li Muzhan retorted.

"Aunt, look at him..." Dugu Meng turned to Dugu Jinghua for support, only to notice her aunt’s smile and the flush in her complexion.

"Eh? Aunt, you...?" Dugu Meng's eyes widened.

Dugu Jinghua said, "Alright, Meng'er, stop fooling around. Sir has cured my illness. You should go back now!"

Dugu Meng blinked her large eyes. She looked at Dugu Jinghua, then at Li Muzhan, hesitating. "But..., Aunt, don't you hate Sir?"

Dugu Jinghua shot her a glare. "What nonsense are you spouting!"

Dugu Meng looked bewildered. "Aunt, did I speak nonsense? Clearly, you hated Sir so much you wouldn't practice his cultivation method or hear any news of him!"

Dugu Jinghua glanced sideways at Dugu Meng, sighing inwardly at the little girl—so tactless, speaking everything out loud without reading the atmosphere.

Li Muzhan chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, Meng'er, stop nagging. Go back and write your script quickly, or I truly will dismiss you as a student!"

"Got it!" Dugu Meng huffed, turning to leave.

Once she was gone, Li Muzhan looked at Dugu Jinghua with a knowing smile. Dugu Jinghua’s face flushed, and she chastised him, "I truly did hate you back then!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Fine, let's not bring up the past. Now there's another issue: what about your elder brother?"

"What about him?" Dugu Jinghua asked.

Li Muzhan pressed, "Is he really going to force you to marry into the Zhu family?"

"Who wants to marry into the Zhu family? I already refused my elder brother back then."

Li Muzhan’s brows furrowed. "So he’ll just let it drop? I doubt the Dugu Patriarch is someone who backs down easily."

"Since I disagreed, my elder brother naturally couldn't force me," Dugu Jinghua insisted.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Unlikely. He must be trying every means possible to get you to agree, right?"

Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "You misunderstand Big Brother."

Li Muzhan snorted. "Perhaps he only backed down because you pushed him so hard?"

"That's not true," Dugu Jinghua denied.

Li Muzhan frowned. "Sure enough, you're true siblings; you always protect him!"

"Forget it, let's not mention him!" Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "Actually, Big Brother meant well. Everything is for the sake of the family, not for himself."

Li Muzhan gave a cold laugh. "Sacrificing one’s own sister for the sake of the family—truly, nothing is beyond being discarded. Such a grand perspective! Admirable, admirable!"

Dugu Jinghua sighed. "In his position as Patriarch, he had no choice but to act this way. He was in great pain too. Later, when I stood firm in my opposition, he stopped bringing it up."

Li Muzhan nodded, dropping the subject. "It's a pity I can't marry you right now. Let's wait a while, find the right moment."

Dugu Jinghua pouted. "Now that Fu Feihong has become the Sect Master's wife, she certainly won't tolerate a man being fickle."

Li Muzhan revealed a wry smile and nodded. "The Madam is pressing me hard."

"She’s pressuring you to give up Miss Hai, isn't she?" Dugu Jinghua inquired.

Li Muzhan’s eyebrows twitched. As a key figure in the Four Great Clans, gathering such information wouldn't be hard for her. He sighed and shook his head. "Previously, she pressed me to give her up. Now, she's changed her mind and is pressuring me to marry her."

"Marry only Miss Hai? No marrying Miss Song?" Dugu Jinghua asked with a small smile.

Li Muzhan nodded, sighing. "I don't want to hurt any woman."

"You truly are a scoundrel!" Dugu Jinghua sighed.

Li Muzhan offered a wry smile. "Now it seems achieving that goal is exceedingly difficult."

As they were speaking, footsteps sounded again. Li Muzhan frowned, then, seeing the newcomer, his frown softened into a faint smile.

Dugu Jinghua, having regained her martial arts, subtly changed her expression upon hearing the steps, but Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head gently.

Clap, clap sounded twice, followed by Dugu Jue's voice: "Little Sister, I heard Mr. Li has arrived, so I came specifically to see him."

"Big Brother, perhaps another day," Dugu Jinghua requested.

Li Muzhan swept his sleeve, and the door creaked open. Li Muzhan smiled. "Patriarch Dugu, I trust you have been well?"

Dugu Jue entered slowly, clad in purple robes, and cupped his fists in a smile. "Mr. Li, you have finally arrived!" Noticing Dugu Jinghua's rosy complexion, restored to her former appearance, his smile deepened. "Mr. Li truly has marvelous powers of restoration. Is my younger sister alright now?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "A sickness of the heart requires a medicine of the heart. She is mentally relieved now and considered fine, provided this ailment does not recur."

Dugu Jue nodded slightly and sighed. "This matter is truly my fault. I shouldn't have angered my little sister to the point of this crisis."

Li Muzhan chuckled faintly. "What do you mean by that?"

"Did little sister not tell you?" Dugu Jue glanced at Dugu Jinghua.

Dugu Jinghua’s expression remained calm, showing no anomaly. Dugu Jue sighed heavily. "Ultimately, it still comes down to the Zhu family."

"I heard about the Zhu family matter. Consort Zhu gave birth to a Prince who is greatly favored by the Emperor," Li Muzhan nodded. "That is indeed a major development."

Dugu Jue sighed. "Exactly, it is a major event! ... The Zhu family's position has begun to waver because of this. I had to employ an unusual tactic to stabilize them."

Li Muzhan clarified, "By arranging for Miss Jinghua to marry into the Zhu family?"

"That was merely a delaying tactic, to stabilize the Zhu family first. How could my little sister truly marry in there," Dugu Jue affirmed with a nod.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head.

Dugu Jue asked, "Why, Mr. Li, do you disapprove? Do you have a better strategy?"

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head. "Everyone has their own methods. It's better if I don't speak of mine."

"It doesn't matter, please do speak, Sir." Dugu Jue pressed eagerly. "I am all ears. I have long wanted to hear your advice, but you were unreachable and never reappeared."

Li Muzhan pondered. "The Zhu family wavers because of the appearance of the Prince; they wish to leverage the Prince to elevate themselves to royal status? ... Even if the Zhu family marries Jinghua, this point won't change; they will never compromise because of this alone."

"One can only do one's best and see what happens," Dugu Jue sighed.

Li Muzhan gave a cold laugh. "If one is to do their best, why use Jinghua as bait?"

Dugu Jue sighed, shaking his head with a bitter smile. "I considered Meng'er back then, too, but alas, Meng'er's charm is far inferior to my little sister's."

Li Muzhan sighed. "The Zhu family truly has been blinded by greed. Do they not realize the Emperor guards against the Four Great Clans precisely because he fears entanglement with the court? Would he calmly watch the Zhu family fulfill their ambitions?"

"It seems the Emperor is very fond of Consort Zhu," Dugu Jue remarked sadly.

Li Muzhan’s eyebrows twitched slightly. He said coolly, "Marrying Jinghua off to the Zhu family—you might as well send her directly into the palace. Jinghua is a hundred times superior to Consort Zhu!"

Dugu Jinghua shot him a look. Li Muzhan continued, "What is the Zhu family? If you lack them, can you truly not contend with the Emperor?"

"The crux lies in the Dan Xin Tie Quan (Iron Scroll of Loyal Heart)," Dugu Jue shook his head. "The Zhu family’s power has also grown significantly; they cannot be underestimated."

Li Muzhan smiled. "A mere rabble; what is there to fear?! ... The key is still the Emperor. In truth, the Zhu family was unreliable to begin with. Placing hope in them is courting humiliation. In my estimation, the Zhu family acted only with the Emperor's tacit approval when dealing with you superficially."

Dugu Jue’s expression turned grim. "Sir, what evidence do you have?"

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head. "It’s obvious upon a moment’s thought. How could Consort Zhu have a Prince otherwise? If the Zhu family hadn't defected to the Emperor, how could they have a Prince?"

Dugu Jue’s face darkened to the point of dripping water. He shook his head. "The Zhu family should know where the lines are drawn."

"Hmph, the Zhu family is taking a gamble, hoping to trade the possible disintegration of your Four Clans for their own prosperity," Li Muzhan sneered, shaking his head. "For the Emperor, a single family remaining intact is far better than the Four Clans uniting. They are easier to deal with. The Zhu family grasped this point and decided to risk it all."

Dugu Jue shook his head. "If the lip is gone, the teeth will feel cold. Surely the Zhu family would consider this?"

Li Muzhan retorted, "They were blinded by profit and couldn't think that far. Moreover, if one desires great fortune, one must take risks; otherwise, they will forever be suppressed beneath you."

Dugu Jinghua nodded slowly. "Big Brother, what Sir says holds some truth."

Dugu Jue nodded slowly. "I will investigate the Zhu family thoroughly. I won't let them cause trouble."

Li Muzhan smiled. "The Zhu family—in my view, there is only one method to contain them."

"What method?" Dugu Jue asked.

Li Muzhan stated, "Marriage alliance, but not by marrying your women out. Instead, have the Zhu family marry their women in—marry all Zhu family women off to the other three clans!"

Dugu Jue frowned. "Will that be effective?"

Li Muzhan explained, "This isn't about securing the Zhu family's loyalty; it's about making the Emperor suspicious. You can pressure the Zhu family. If they refuse, then the other three families should eliminate them first, lest they themselves be destroyed by the Zhu family later."

Dugu Jue pondered for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "I need to consider this."

Li Muzhan advised, "You should discuss this with the other two clans. The Emperor's methods are subtle and profound. If your internal unity falters, you invite your own demise. I suspect things look bleak."

"Very well. I must take my leave then. Sir, please enjoy your stay for a few days," Dugu Jue said, giving a cupped-fist farewell as he hurried off, preoccupied.

After he left, Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "Sir, were you exaggerating the danger?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "More than half of what I said is my true assessment. The Zhu family cannot be ignored, and the Patriarch has lost his head. If the Zhu family is truly determined, what use is marrying you off to them?!"

Dugu Jinghua sighed. "Big Brother was just anxious. If the Zhu family defects, the Four Great Clans might scatter like dust."

Li Muzhan laughed. "It's not that easy."

Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "Only when the four families unite can they withstand the Emperor. Once one is gone, the remaining three uniting won't suffice."

Li Muzhan waved his hand. "Forget about these extraneous matters. Let's go sightseeing."

"Alright," Dugu Jinghua replied, breaking into a smile. (To be continued)