"Master's wife."
Chu Xuan took a deep breath, preparing to make one more effort.
"This disciple has received your guidance for many years, yet has never been able to remain by your side and serve you devotedly."
"Now that Master's wife is also staying in the Imperial Capital for the time being, why not let this disciple remain for a few days?"
"Once my injuries improve a little, I can run errands for Master's wife and help investigate..."
Dugu Linglong said nothing.
She merely looked quietly at Chu Xuan.
Those eyes remained clear and calm, with no obvious anger visible in them.
Yet beneath that silent gaze,
Chu Xuan's previously fluent voice grew quieter and quieter.
He forcibly swallowed the latter half of the speech he had prepared...
"Chu Xuan."
After a moment,
Dugu Linglong finally spoke.
"Did you not hear what I said clearly?"
Her voice was not heavy.
Yet it made Chu Xuan's shoulders stiffen slightly, and he instinctively lowered his head.
"This disciple... heard clearly."
"Then do as I said."
Dugu Linglong looked away, once more gazing at the courtyard outside the window, already shrouded in night.
"What you should be considering now is how to recover from your injuries, steady your state of mind, and take up the studies you have neglected."
"As for what is happening in the Imperial Capital, I will handle it."
Chu Xuan stood where he was. Though his heart was filled with reluctance, he did not dare argue further.
His master's wife rarely concerned herself with the trivial details of his life.
But once she made a decision, there had never been room for bargaining.
If he continued to pester her, not only would he fail to change the outcome, but he would only make her more disappointed in him.
At