Feng Changchao's courtyard was located to the west of the Feng residence and was the most heavily guarded courtyard.

That's usually the case, but unfortunately his son got into trouble again tonight, which caused him to rush off with everyone to catch the "assassin," leaving the entire courtyard completely empty.

“I think that since you have already taken this grain, you will definitely sell it for money in a short time, since you can’t possibly eat all of it.”

"Unless there's a special reason, no one would be stupid enough to stay hidden in their own home forever."

Lin Qixia rummaged through the study in the courtyard, muttering to herself as she analyzed, "As for why you've been hiding that grain at home, it must be because there's been some problem with the 'sales channels,' right?"

As she finished speaking, she finally found a seemingly inconspicuous account book among the books on the bookshelf.

"Just as I expected." She smiled.

Picking up the ledger and opening it, Lin Qixia exclaimed, "Good heavens!"

This ledger contains detailed records of every grain tax payment and sales transaction made by Feng Changchao over the past two years.

It even included a list of the merchants who had purchased his grain and traded with him.

At the end of the ledger, Lin Qixia noticed several red checkmarks, which immediately caught her attention.

The original content was about the cancellation of this year's transactions and the few orders that were not sold.

It's obvious that the merchant who bought his grain suddenly changed his mind.

Upon closer inspection, she realized that the merchant was Cheng's Grain Shop.

Lin Qixia was stunned for a moment, then laughed even more happily, "So that's how it is, so that's how it is—"

The question that had been puzzling her for so long was instantly answered by the information in the ledger.

That is—why did the officials suddenly make things difficult for her and refuse to grant her the official seal for business?

The account book records the date when Cheng chose to cancel the grain purchase transaction with Feng Changchao, which was the day she met Guan Yu and sold her rice.

This must be related to her, because she provided food supplies to the Cheng family, which caused the Cheng family to suddenly change their minds and stop buying food from Feng Changchao.

The delay of a few days, coupled with the need to prepare for his son's birthday banquet, resulted in the grain being left at the Feng residence, which gave her leverage over the matter.

Although Feng Changchao's business was disrupted at the time, as the county magistrate, it would not have been difficult for him to investigate the matter thoroughly with the resources at his disposal.

This is also why he makes things difficult for himself.

"Well, you really have some 'methods'." Lin Qixia smiled sarcastically. "You embezzled grain while serving as an official, and you also engaged in private business."

"You deserved to fall into my hands this time."

Lin Qixia picked up the account book, turned around happily, and left the study.

However, just as she was about to open the door, she heard hurried footsteps and Feng Changchao's angry curses outside.

"Damn it! Why didn't you guys warn me? There's no one else in Xiao'er's courtyard except him. We must have fallen for a diversionary tactic!"

"Master, the young master's limbs have all been crippled, and even his lower body is—" At this point, a look of pain flashed across the butler's face.

As a man myself, he felt a deep sense of empathy.

What they saw in Feng Xiao's yard was truly horrifying. When they went in, they saw that Feng Xiao's head was swollen like a pig's head.

His limbs were twisted strangely, and blood was flowing from his lower body.

The methods used by the person who attacked him were so cruel that he felt a chill run down his spine just thinking about it.

Coming to his senses, the butler stated his conclusion, "That person must have a personal grudge against the young master and came specifically to take revenge on him. He didn't come for the master's study, and he's probably already far away."

"Ha, we can't let our guard down." Feng Changchao clearly didn't believe this and quickened his pace toward the study.

Upon seeing this, Lin Qixia quickly found a place to hide.

At the same time, he took out his dagger from his spatial storage, fully prepared for a direct confrontation if Feng Changchao entered.

All she can do is surprise them and finish the job quickly!

Tap, tap, tap—

The footsteps grew closer and closer to the study door. Lin Qixia crouched in the corner, her grip on the dagger tightening.

Squeak—

The door was slowly opened, but at that moment, a dull thud was heard as a person fell to the ground.

The light was dim, and Lin Qixia couldn't see what was happening.

The next second, a foot stepped into the study.

"I'll fight you to the death!" Lin Qixia brandished her dagger and charged forward.

But soon her wrist was grabbed, and under the moonlight, Lin Qixia's gaze fell on Huo Yanqing's cold and jade-like face.

A servant behind him was so startled that he dropped his paper lantern and it caught fire.

In the firelight, the boy's face became increasingly clear in her vision.

I had never looked at him closely before, but now, when I looked at him carefully, I noticed something unusual.

Have I ever abused Huo Yanqing before?

Otherwise, how could his face be so thin and sculpted, yet not at all weak? On the contrary, it's so exquisitely beautiful, like something out of a comic book, with a cool and sharp kind of beauty.

Lin Qixia stared blankly for a moment, then shook her head and said soberly, "We should go."

"Oh, okay," Huo Yanqing replied.

Afterwards, Huo Yanqing lowered his eyes, seemingly embarrassed by how he had been holding her so tightly.

He quickly let go of her, turned and walked forward, while she followed behind him, leaving the place with him.

Huo Yanqing only knocked out Feng Changchao and the butler.

Even though the other servants were all awake at this moment, they were too frightened to move because of his fierce aura. Especially when he walked over, they all stepped back to make way for them.

"Aren't we going to catch assassins?" a servant asked in a trembling voice.

Another servant beside him stared at him incredulously. "Are you crazy? You only make three hundred coins a month. Why are you risking your life for someone?"

The servant from before, "..."

"You're right."

After all, they had witnessed the methods that the boy in black used to deal with their young master, and just thinking about it made their lower bodies ache.

Besides, the host family is already confused, so even if they don't stop people, they won't be caught or punished.

And so, Lin Qixia and Huo Yanqing successfully left the Feng residence.

As Lin Qixia walked along the empty streets late at night, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. "At least everything went smoothly. It's time for us to head home."

As she spoke, Lin Qixia yawned; now that she was relaxed, she actually felt sleepy.

Huo Yanqing responded softly and continued walking in a sullen mood.

Lin Qixia slowed her pace considerably, turned her head and stared at him for a moment, making the boy feel somewhat uncomfortable.

He couldn't help but ask her, "W-what's wrong?"

Lin Qixia shook her head. "It's nothing serious. I just noticed you've been looking down lately. Is something bothering you?"

Because Huo Yanqing's corruption level did not decrease, the system did not notify her, and Lin Qixia only realized his abnormality at this moment.

And this time it seems—different from before.