A Perfect Match, Qiuyue's Jealousy

Wang Wu's severed arm quickly became common knowledge throughout the Martial Commandant Hall.

Li Xian, fearing Xu Liefeng would cause more trouble and injure other constables, simply shut the Martial Commandant Hall and gave all the constables four days off.

He himself rode swiftly back to One Accord Manor to request an audience with Madam Wen.

"Madam is in seclusion. Go back." Qiuyue blocked the doorway, folding her arms across her chest and looking down her nose at him, deliberately displaying her arrogance.

Li Xian shoved her aside and strode straight into the inner courtyard. Qiuyue stamped her feet in fury. "Bastard! You dare barge in by force?!"

Li Xian said, "My loyalty to Madam is as steadfast as iron. Since Madam is in seclusion, I shall wait beneath the tower until she emerges. How does that count as forcing my way in?"

"You!" Qiuyue clenched her fists, resentment beyond words. She found herself missing Pang Long. Pang Long had been honest and simple, keeping his head down and doing his work. He would never have threatened her position.

This Li Xian was already impressive enough outside the manor. Worse still, he was greatly favored by Madam and exceedingly close to her. Qiuyue often saw the two practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard—a handsome man and a beautiful woman, an eye-catching pair indeed.

Moreover, Qiuyue instinctively felt that Madam had changed somehow. As for exactly how, she could neither say nor dare say.

Out of jealousy, she hated Li Xian to the bone. Taking advantage of the "honor" of assisting Madam during her seclusion, she often whispered poison into her ear. "Madam, that Li Xian is still so young. I think his mind is unsettled. Perhaps one day he will harbor treacherous thoughts."

"And Madam's beauty is that of an immortal