The reversal came so fast, she almost thought she had misheard (please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

"Forgive me, Your Eminence! I didn't mean to do it! Please spare my life!" Feiladuo was frightened out of her wits and immediately dropped to her knees. Her voluptuous body trembled slightly with fear, and her voice took on a tearful quaver.

She knew full well that, although these objects were not worth a king's ransom, such behavior in front of Li Chen would surely earn her punishment.

Yet Li Chen did not immediately lose his temper. Instead, he bent down and reached out to help her up, his warm fingers first carefully checking whether any shards had cut her.

This unexpected tenderness warmed Feiladuo's heart, as though a current of warmth had flowed through her.

Especially since losing her husband, this was the first time Feiladuo had felt anything like this.

Only after confirming she was unharmed did Li Chen release her. With a trace of amusement in his voice, he watched her chest heave with nervousness and said unhurriedly, "Since you're not hurt... still, when you've done something wrong, I'm afraid you won't remember the lesson without a little punishment."

Feiladuo's heart leaped into her throat again. She had no idea what punishment awaited her.

However, Li Chen's next move left her utterly bewildered.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, whispered something in her ear, and half supported, half carried her into the inner bedroom.

That night, Li Chen subjected her to an exceptionally harsh and thorough punishment, which did not end until the sky began to brighten.

The next day, when Sylph "happened" to come pay her respects, she saw Feiladuo emerging from the Holy Hall, supporting herself against the wall as she staggered along. Her legs were visibly weak, leaving her barely able to stand, and a lingering flush still colored her wheat-toned skin.

Sylph