What ill intentions could a little sister possibly have?

To be honest, Xu Qi'an was somewhat prepared for the situation at this moment, and was not completely at a loss.

First of all, a scene of open and honest communication will come sooner or later.

The system of Great Feng was one husband with one wife and multiple concubines. As a man who readily accepted good advice, Xu Qi'an felt that he should adapt to local customs.

But he knew that rules are rules, and people are people.

If systems could solve everything, where would the power struggles and infighting in wealthy families come from?

Besides, none of the fish in the pond are friendly.

Secondly, Luo Yuheng's "love" personality and temper may very well lead to a chaotic situation unfolding prematurely.

In Yongzhou, when the Imperial Advisor asked him to distance himself from other women, Xu Qi'an was already mentally prepared and had done some analysis of his own strengths and weaknesses.

Xu Qi'an's advantage lies in:

First, since none of the relationships between him and each fish have reached the point of marriage, this will reduce the intensity of the battleground, as everyone's fight will be unjustified.

Second, his public image is very good.

As everyone knows, Xu Yinluo was a regular at the Imperial Academy of Music of Imperial Academy of Music), and he had slept with more than half of the twenty-four most beautiful courtesans there.

The impression he gives is: Hasn't he always been like this?

Therefore, people are very tolerant of his womanizing ways.

Xu Qi'an's disadvantage is that, precisely because the relationship between Yu'er and him has not reached the point of discussing marriage, they are very likely to jump out of the fishpond.

However, after learning about his persona, it's unlikely that anyone would still develop a liking for him and leave the "fish pond" (a metaphor for being attracted to someone who is overly attached to them).

So what needs to be done now is to divert Luo Yuheng's attention.

Because only she would declare herself her man, and all other sluts should get lost.

Other fish wouldn't act so aggressively, because the relationship isn't there yet.

In Xu Qi'an's opinion, there is no solution that can be found once and for all; time is the best mediator of conflicts.

What he had to do was to quell the incidents through his excellent skills in dealing with similar conflicts and disputes time and time again.

As things stand, the best solution Xu Yinluo can think of right now is to summon Xu Lingyue!

She's perfect for playing the peacemaker.

My sister doesn't stir up trouble, but I, being at the center of the storm, am wrong no matter what I say.

In an atmosphere fraught with murderous intent and turmoil, there was a knock on the door.

Xu Qi'an breathed a sigh of relief. He decisively walked to the door and opened it.

His beautiful and charming younger sister stood at the door, but Chu Yuanzhen did not return; he wisely distanced himself from the storm.

"Lingyue, what brings you here?"

Xu Qi'an smiled like an elder brother.

Xu Lingyue gave him a complicated look, her eyes glancing around the room with a hint of something else.

The first thing she saw was Luo Yuheng's back, dressed in a feathered robe, with a ribbon cinching her slender waist.

The Imperial Advisor did not turn around, but coldly scrutinized the women at the table, as if she would immediately suppress anyone who dared to Qi Ingestion.

Xu Lingyue's gaze swept past the Imperial Advisor and looked at the other women. The cold and aloof Prince Huaiqing held his teacup, his eyes slightly lowered, and remained silent. The chivalrous and righteous Feiyan looked to the side, occasionally grinding her teeth. The flamboyantly dressed Prince Lin'an, with red eyes, glared fearlessly at the Imperial Advisor.

The usually lively and cheerful Chu Caiwei frowned and remained silent, a rare occurrence.

"I heard that my older brother is back. Mother waited and waited, but you didn't come home. She was worried, so she sent me to check on you," Xu Lingyue said softly.

Auntie, I'm counting on you to be my helper for a bit. Xu Qi'an suddenly realized, cleared his throat, and said:

"Well, I've been away from Beijing for quite some time, I really should go back and visit."

"Um, everyone, I'll take my leave now."

"Don't leave!"

You can't leave.

"You dare to leave and see what happens."

"."

The women in the room all expressed their opinions.

As expected, the Grand Preceptor pressured me to distance myself from them, and they also wanted me to make a statement. At this point, it was obviously best for me to remain silent and deal with them one by one in private.

Xu Qi'an glanced at Xu Lingyue, but she ignored him and remained silent.

Luo Yuheng's gaze turned cold, and a dangerous smile curled at the corner of his lips as he said:

"Xu Lang, if you keep making excuses, I'm going to get angry."

Lin'an and the others' gazes instantly sharpened, staring intently at Xu Qi'an.

"Alas, Imperial Advisor, the reason I've been avoiding this matter is mainly because I don't want you to be completely ruined!" Xu Qi'an sighed inwardly, and was about to say something when Xu Lingyue spoke first:

"Xu Lang?"

She appeared extremely shocked. "Grand Preceptor, you and my elder brother..."

Luo Yuheng finally turned around, looked directly at this Registered Disciple of the Human Sect, and said calmly:

"Xu Qi'an is my dao companion."

During the time Xu Qi'an was away from the capital, Xu Lingyue had already become Registered Disciple of the Human Sect, in order to avoid her aunt's pressure to get married.

While the other women were looking at him, Xu Qi'an was also looking at Xu Lingyue.

The current situation is that Luo Yuheng is being aggressive, and the other fish are not Qi Ingestion and have joined forces to fight against him.

She denied having any relationship with him while waiting for him to make a statement.

"What Lingyue needs to do is to dispel the Grand Preceptor's aggressive attitude and let the matter pass by calmly. As long as the Grand Preceptor gives up on his own initiative, I am confident that I can coax them back to their side in private."

Xu Qi'an analyzed the situation in his mind, his gaze towards Xu Lingyue filled with anticipation.

To everyone's surprise, Xu Lingyue pursed her lips and remained silent.

She remained silent, but Biao Biao couldn't stand it any longer and sneered:

"As the Grand Preceptor of the Great Feng Kingdom, a contemporary of my father, how could Daoist Master engage in dual cultivation with a junior like Xu Ningyan? Aren't you afraid of being ridiculed if word gets out?"

This is a veiled mockery of Luo Yuheng for being an old man who is dating a young girl; he's quite old, yet he's taken a liking to a younger woman.

Lin'an, your pace of answering questions is going to kill you! Xu Qi'an's lips twitched violently. Sure enough, when it comes to provocation, she's the best.

Zhong Li whispered, "She's just using Xu Qi'an. She's shameless."

Li Miaozhen: "This matter has nothing to do with me, but I really dislike the Grand Preceptor's aggressive attitude."

Huaiqing said calmly, "My relationship with Lord Xu is also completely innocent. I'm rather curious why the Grand Preceptor insisted on forcing him to sever ties with us."

Chu Caiwei also felt wronged and said:

"Xu Ningyan and I are just friends. Why are you forcing him to cut ties with me? Honestly, the Imperial Advisor is too domineering."

Huaiqing smirked. "It seems you lack confidence. Although Lin'an is foolish, what he said still makes some sense."

While his mind was filled with "Holy crap," Xu Qi'an was also on guard against Luo Yuheng turning on him and taking action.

When your female confidantes argue and fight, as a man, it's not appropriate to obviously take sides, but you should stand by and watch to prevent them from starting a fight.

Luo Yuheng laughed angrily, "A bunch of sharp-tongued little bitches, since you don't know what's good for you, then don't blame me for being impolite."

Li Miaozhen and the others' expressions changed, and they immediately became half-cowardly.

Lin'an forced a smile and said, "You... what do you want?"

The sickly imperial advisor ignored her, turned his head to look at Xu Qi'an, and said softly:

"Xu Lang, since you are unwilling to abandon these wretches, then I have no choice but to make the decision for you."

"Zhong Li is a prophet, so let him be imprisoned at the bottom of the Star-Plucking Tower for twenty years. I will personally discuss this matter with the Supervisor."

"As for Lin'an, she's reached marriageable age. The young emperor has only recently ascended the throne, and his power base is unstable. So I went directly to him and told him that Xu Lang is my dao companion, to see if he's willing to offend me."

Luo Yuheng scrutinized Huaiqing: "After Wei Yuan's death, do you still have a powerful backer in the court?"

She turned to Li Miaozhen: "The Ice Queen is looking for you. I'll kidnap you today and send you a gift to the Heavenly Sect."

Zhong Li shrank back.

Lin'an gritted his teeth in anger.

Huaiqing's face darkened.

True Qi and cold.

Then, they all looked at Xu Qi'an.

Xu Qi'an immediately stated his position. "Grand Preceptor, please don't say anything frightening."

Luo Yuheng felt very wronged. When those little bitches were mocking her, Xu Qi'an just stood by and watched coldly.

At this moment, Xu Lingyue said softly:

Why must the Imperial Advisor be so enraged?

"Although my elder brother frequents the Imperial Academy of Music and spends his nights with brothels, I know he is a virtuous man and would never betray the Imperial Preceptor."

Thank you, little sister. Xu Qi'an felt complicated, as if she was subtly mocking him, yet he couldn't refute her.

Xu Lingyue continued:

"I can assure the Imperial Preceptor that my elder brother and the two princesses are innocent. During Master Li's stay at the Xu Residence, he maintained proper etiquette with my elder brother, addressing him as a friend, and there was absolutely no romantic relationship between them."

Luo Yuheng frowned. "Are you implying that I'm jealous?"

Xu Lingyue hurriedly said, "This disciple wouldn't dare, this disciple didn't mean that. It's just that as a younger sister, it's my duty to protect my brother's innocence. I also hope that my brother and the Imperial Preceptor won't let misunderstandings damage their relationship."

Her words were very well said, both speaking up for Huaiqing and the others and implicitly acknowledging the relationship between Luo Yuheng and Xu Qi'an.

He tries to be a peacemaker, offending no one.

As expected, Li Miaozhen and the others, having found a way out, fell silent.

A wise person knows when to yield; I won't stoop to Luo Yuheng's level.

But the yandere Luo Yuheng wasn't buying it and said unhappily:

"You have no right to speak here."

Xu Lingyue's face turned pale, tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to sob.

You cried already?

Lin'an doesn't think she's that delicate.

Xu Qi'an exhaled, straightened his back, and said in a deep voice:

"Imperial Advisor, how can you speak of my sister like that?"

He whispered to himself, "That's enough. I have nothing to do with them. Stop making a scene."

Luo Yuheng scoffed.

Xu Lingyue shook her head and sobbed:

"Brother, I was too talkative."

"Although you were raised by your parents, they are not your biological mother. Whom you choose to become your dao companion is your own business. Even your parents have no right to interfere, so I should have even less right to dictate."

Luo Yuheng raised an eyebrow.

Xu Lingyue's use of Xu Qi'an's uncle and aunt as a pretext for retreat was actually a very clever tactic of feigning retreat to advance.

Although they are not my biological parents, the kindness of raising me is greater than the kindness of giving me life.

She was using this to refute her own statement, "You have no right to speak here."

She and Xu Qi'an dao companion, so she could force him to distance himself from other women, but she couldn't force Xu Qi'an to disown his sister.

Luo Yuheng said calmly:

"Fine, Xu Lang, then swear an oath here and now."

"I will never have any dealings with these bitches, not in the past, and not in the future."

"Oath has been sworn, and this matter is over."

Several women in Lin'an's expressions changed slightly; their faces turned pale with anger.

The firepower on the scene was once again focused on Xu Qi'an.

Luo Yuheng is not easily fooled; he has a clear objective.

Despite Xu Lingyue's constant attempts to smooth things over, sway the narrative, and shift the focus, she couldn't sway Xu Lingyue.

How would Lingyue respond? Xu Qi'an wondered, when he heard Xu Lingyue sobbing:

"Imperial Preceptor, this matter is inappropriate."

"My elder brother, the two princesses, Master Li, and my two elder sisters from the Bureau of Astronomy are innocent."

"You're forcing my elder brother to swear an oath, which is tantamount to saying that they all had improper relationships with him. In this world, a woman's reputation is of utmost importance, especially for the two princesses."

"Aren't you humiliating them?"

Luo Yuheng sneered:

Are you teaching me how to do things?

Xu Lingyue lowered her head and said timidly:

"This disciple dares not."

"But I am not only Registered Disciple, but also my elder brother's sister and Fellow Daoist Li's friend. Naturally, I cannot stand to see the Imperial Preceptor bullying and humiliating them like this."

"Even if you are the Imperial Advisor, you shouldn't be so unreasonable."

Luo Yuheng squinted at Xu Lingyue, scrutinizing her; her expression indicated that she was angry.

Xu Lingyue's face turned pale, and she grew increasingly timid, saying fearfully:

"If the Imperial Preceptor doesn't like what I'm about to hear, then I'll leave."

"But my elder brother has been away from the capital for many days, and my parents are worried about him. The Imperial Preceptor can't possibly prevent my elder brother from seeing him, can he?"

Luo Yuheng said expressionlessly, "You're not allowed to leave!"

She knew her own situation; she couldn't afford to waste time. If she didn't finalize things today, she wouldn't have another chance.

Upon hearing this, Xu Lingyue turned her head to look at Xu Qi'an:

"Brother, since the Imperial Advisor insists so much, why don't you follow his wishes and make an oath?"

After she finished speaking, she looked at the women and said apologetically:

"Your Highnesses, Daoist Li, Senior Sister Zhong Li, Senior Sister Caiwei, it Non-Self elder brother's intention to damage your reputations, but rather something he had no choice but to do."

Please don't take it to heart.

Li Miaozhen and the others remained silent, their silence revealing neither acquiescence nor any other meaning.

Xu Qi'an had more or less figured out Xu Lingyue's actions. He coughed and said:

"Since the Imperial Advisor insists on a vow, then I will..."

Luo Yuheng suddenly turned her head, glared at him angrily, and said through gritted teeth, "You know that's not what I want!"

She suddenly pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed, "Never mind."

The Imperial Advisor glanced at Xu Lingyue, then transformed into golden light and vanished.

Xu Qi'an immediately looked at the fish, Biao Biao turned her face away in a huff; Huai Qing was expressionless; Zhong Li hung her head and ignored him, Chu Caiwei pouted.

Li Miaozhen glared at him angrily. "What are you looking at? Get out of here!"

"If you're wrong, admit it; if you get punished, stand up straight." Xu Qi'an muttered silently to himself before leaving with Xu Lingyue.

The moment she stepped out the door, Xu Lingyue's beautiful face gradually lost its expression, revealing a rare coldness.

All traces of her previous weakness, pitifulness, and fear have vanished.

"Lingyue, thank you for your help. Let me take you home."

Xu Qi'an said.

Xu Lingyue closed her eyes, slowly exhaled, and regained her gentle and charming demeanor, whispering:

"Did I cause any trouble for my brother?"

No, you did a great job.

Xu Qi'an led her to the window outside the corridor, hugged Xu Lingyue's waist, and leaped out, flying towards the Xu Residence.

Enveloped in a warm aura, Xu Lingyue didn't feel cold. Nestled against her elder brother's warm chest, she whispered:

"Brother, you've really put me in a difficult position. The other person was so scared that they cried."

Fortunately, the Imperial Advisor was understanding and ultimately allowed you to leave.

Yes, yes, I know you're completely inept at all this messy scheming and intrigue. In the end, the Grand Tutor figured it out and gave up on his own, instead of being forced by you to make a mere formality of an oath.

As Xu Qi'an flew through the air, he mentally complained.

To be honest, he only understood Xu Lingyue's actions at the very end.

After her first attempt to "escape" failed, she remained silent, actually observing everyone.

After Luo Yuheng finished her confrontation with the fish, she noticed that the fish were showing signs of weakness and had been caught out. So she took the initiative and said a lot of nice things as a form of guarantee, giving Li Miaozhen and the others a way out.

At this point, the fish were temporarily calmed down.

Next, only Luo Yuheng remains.

In their subsequent confrontation, she discovered that Luo Yuheng was unyielding to both soft and hard tactics, insisting that she swear an oath herself.

Thus, a strategy was devised: deliberately provoke Luo Yuheng, subtly shift the concept, and transform the "oath" into a forced act.

It's important to understand that at this point, the fish have already backed down and chosen to compromise. Therefore, they won't be heartbroken by this "vow" that's more about form than substance.

It's inevitable to feel resentment, but it shouldn't be unacceptable.

Luo Yuheng saw this, which is why she disdained to ask him for any more vows.

Xu Qi'an summoned his younger sister for two reasons: first, he needed someone who could mediate and whose identity was safe enough to break the deadlock; second, Xu Lingyue's abilities were trustworthy.

"Brother, the Imperial Advisor must hate me to death, right?"

Xu Lingyue said with a worried expression:

Will she be angry with me about this?

What should I do if she makes things difficult for me while you're not in the capital?

"The Imperial Advisor is terrifying. Today he even forced you to swear an oath, putting you in a difficult position."

Unlike me, I only feel sorry for my older brother.

What bad intentions could a younger sister possibly have? She's just a good sister who loves her older brother dearly.

As for the Imperial Advisor, I don't know if she will make things difficult for you. But she will definitely hunt me down because of her overwhelming sense of shame. Xu Qi'an looked worried.

The Imperial Advisor's condition is terminal; there's no hope for him.

As night deepened, Luo Yuheng stood in the quiet courtyard, gazing at the dark night sky.

"Well"

She sighed sadly and said resentfully:

"Next month, next month I'll force you to make a choice: sell the woman you're ambiguous with, along with Mu Nanzhi, to the Imperial Academy of Music."

She silently vented her anger, then suddenly a smirk appeared on her lips, and she muttered:

"At least the goal has been achieved. Given my pretentious nature, unless I'm pushed to the brink, I'll probably keep up my composure until the seven-day period is over."

At that moment, her ear twitched, she turned her head to look into the darkness, and said coldly:

"Why are you here with your lovers at the Bureau of Astronomy?"

"Because she's fallen in love with the Imperial Advisor's bed."

Xu Qi'an emerged from the shadows and made a joke in an attempt to lighten the mood, but was met with a cold stare from the Imperial Advisor.

Luo Yuheng's face was icy. "No dual cultivation tonight, Lord Xu, please leave."

Having said that, he turned and went back to the quiet room.

Xu Qi'an gave a wry smile, walked across the courtyard, came to the door, pushed the door, and his hand was bounced back by a force.

"Then I'm really leaving."

He called out to the room, then turned and left.

After an incense stick had burned, he returned, pushed the door, but still couldn't get in.

"Are you really not going to practice dual cultivation anymore?"

Xu Qi'an scratched his head, glanced around, and his gaze fell on the window, a thought suddenly occurring to him.

A moment later, the window creaked open and closed, and Xu Baipiao disappeared outside.