"Wanwan is severely injured at the moment. I'm afraid she won't survive thirty lashes," Sikong Rulang remarked, his brows creasing with concern. His eyes were fixed hopefully on Feng Muqing.

He was fully aware that only her intervention could spare Feng Wanwan.

Feng Muqing, however, remained composed, deliberately avoiding eye contact and pretending that she was oblivious to the situation.

Jun Ruye had supported her, and she had no intention of jeopardizing his efforts. Moreover, she wasn't inclined to get injured for no reason.

With thirty lashes, life and death would be left to fate.

"This is already a sign of respect for Prince Ning. Don't push your luck. I wouldn't mind sending her straight to the underworld."

How could they mistreat Qingqing and expect to escape without consequences?

He was unsure why Qingqing chose not to pursue the matter, but he wouldn't allow her to suffer. Also, he certainly didn't believe that she wouldn't easily let Feng Wanwan off the hook.

"Today, on the day I return home, the Prime Minister's Mansion doesn't seem to welcome me. I nearly lost my life here. It appears I'm nothing more than a burden." Feng Muqing sighed. "My Lord, let's go home."

Jun Ruye simply nodded and said, "Hmm." He then instructed Mo Ying, who was behind him, "Stay here and make sure all thirty lashes are administered. Not one less."

"Yes!"

Without any further delay, Jun Ruye left, with Feng Muqing pushing his wheelchair. They leave without even exchanging greetings with Feng Tianling.

Inside the study of the Regent's Manor.

Jun Ruye sat quietly at the desk, his eyes locked on Feng Muqing, making her shiver involuntarily.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

"You've been calling me 'My Lord.' Qingqing, didn't we agree that you'd call me Ruye from now on? Don't you consider me a friend?"

He recalled how she kept addressing him formally since they left, and with each formal address, his heart sank a little more.

He couldn't understand these feelings.

Upon hearing this, Feng Muqing looked up in astonishment, directly meeting his profound gaze.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly averted her gaze to conceal her inner panic.

Could he be feeling aggrieved?

She shook off the ridiculous thought.

It was an illusion. It must be!

He is the formidable and renowned God of Death, unmatched in combat. Such emotions shouldn't have a place within him.

After a moment of contemplation, Feng Muqing cleared her throat, speaking earnestly, "We must uphold your dignity in front of others, Ruye."

Jun Ruye detected the brief avoidance in her gaze, and it lifted a burden from his heart.

He flashed a grin, his already handsome face lighting up even more, leaving Feng Muqing momentarily entranced.

Hiss.

She gasped, quickly turning away and reciting a calming mantra in her heart.

Jun Ruye was quite delighted as he saw her reaction.

"Qingqing, my dignity comes from the battlefield. We don't need to be so formal among friends."

Feng Muqing nodded. "I understand."

Since he does not mind, why should I? She sighed inwardly, finding it amusing.

Who would have thought the stern and ruthless Regent would have such an adorable side?

Yes, adorable.

With this newfound perspective, she regarded Jun Ruye with a growing fondness.

It was as if she could no longer see him solely as the bloodthirsty Regent.

"Qingqing, why did you spare Feng Wanwan?" Jun Ruye asked earnestly, recalling the events at the Prime Minister's Mansion.

After seeing his serious expression, Feng Muqing became equally serious.

"And why did you hold back your first strike against Feng Wanwan?"

Even with his disability, Jun Ruye's skills were unfathomable. As the renowned God of Death, he could easily handle someone like Feng Wanwan, who was at Foundation Establishment Level 1.

"I... I'm sorry, Qingqing." Jun Ruye's eyes reflected guilt.

He remembered how she had just recovered from poisoning, and although her cultivation had advanced significantly to Qi Condensation Level 7, she was still vulnerable. If he had arrived a bit later, she might have lost her life to Feng Wanwan.

The thought of her being severely injured weighed heavily on his heart.

He regretted his initial hesitation, and with every subsequent strike, he aimed to end Feng Wanwan's life. However, he hadn't expected her to possess a fifth-rank defensive spiritual tool.

What was even more unexpected was that the Golden Rock Ring had effectively neutralized the power of his attacks. He suspected that Feng Wanwan was severely injured as a result.

Jun Ruye didn't want Feng Muqing to misunderstand his intentions, but he was unsure how to explain himself, especially regarding his initial restraint.

Feng Muqing saw his regret and chuckled lightly.

"Don't worry, I understand your concerns. Even though you hold a powerful position as the Regent, it wouldn't have been appropriate to kill Feng Wanwan in front of Feng Tianling. Besides, you went all out with your subsequent attacks, only to be thwarted by the Golden Rock Ring she was wearing."

"Why did you spare Feng Wanwan in the end, Qingqing? Could it be because of..." He hesitated to finish his sentence.

Could it be because of Sikong Rulang, which is why she spared Feng Wanwan?

He wanted to ask, but the words remained stuck in his throat, fearing an answer he might not want to hear.

Despite his fearsome reputation as a God of Death, he found himself holding back in her presence.

They had only known each other for three days.

Qingqing was one of the few friends who wasn't afraid of him. He worried that this incident might change their relationship.

Jun Ruye's mind raced for a brief moment.

"Because of what?" Feng Muqing tilted her head, looking puzzled.

Jun Ruye shook his head and murmured, "It's nothing."

Since he appeared reluctant to speak further, she didn't press the matter.

Feng Muqing changed the subject, saying, "If we let Feng Wanwan die so easily, wouldn't that be letting her off lightly? Moreover, after thirty lashes, it's uncertain whether she would still survive."

For some reason, she had a strong premonition that even with Feng Wanwan's injuries and the thirty lashes, she would just barely survive.

Jun Ruye had an epiphany and smiled thinly.

He thought to himself that his wife was not to be trifled with. How could she let go of Feng Wanwan, who had bullied her since childhood? Perhaps the entire Prime Minister's Mansion would bear the brunt of Qingqing's vengeance.

As he reflected on the hardships Feng Muqing had endured for fifteen years, a wave of pity surged through his mind.

As he observed her carefree demeanor, Jun Ruye's eyes filled with compassion, and he said, "Qingqing, you still have me."

Qingqing had been alone since childhood, and her father had given everything to another daughter. He could imagine Qingqing's sorrow.

Upon hearing this, Feng Muqing was briefly stunned. After a while, she grasped his meaning and smiled softly.

"I'm not as fragile as you think. Today, Feng Wanwan claimed that I am not Feng Tianling's daughter. It seems I need to thoroughly investigate the past."

Jun Ruye was taken aback. After a moment, he understood the implications. This would explain Feng Tianling's actions.

He had heard that Feng Tianling went to great lengths for Lan Jingrou. Even after the lady had passed away for many years, he never elevated any concubine to her position, which had earned him the envy of many.

What secrets might be hidden?