My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 44: Do You Really Think I Dare Not Kill You? 

　　Liu Silan handed the resignation letter written by Yun Ling to Madam Liu. Madam Liu hesitated before taking it, opened it, and read it quickly. Her expression turned sour. “Why would she quit right now? Isn't Yunyi Workshop being managed by her sister now? What could have happened to her suddenly?”

　　With the Prince of Linze's arrival, her sudden resignation as a female tutor could easily be misinterpreted. If word reaches the Prince's ears, he might wrongly assume it's due to Lan'er's inadequacy.

　　Liu Silan shook her head. “I don't know either. From the look on teacher's face, it seems she truly has an urgent matter.”

　　“What urgent matter could it be!” Madam Liu put down the letter. “Even if something came up at Yunyi Workshop, she should just let her sister handle it.”

　　“Your father has given her the approval document for the school, and now she suddenly says she won't teach. Does she have no sense of responsibility? And if she doesn't teach, what about your etiquette lessons, Lan'er?” Madam Liu lowered her voice. “The Prince of Linze is currently at our estate. You must do better!”

　　Liu Silan opened her mouth and stammered, “I…”

　　How could she possibly ‘do better’? She's terrified of the Prince of Linze.

　　She truly prefers gentle and kind men.

　　In fact, she doesn't mind at all that her teacher has resigned.

　　Besides, her teacher's sudden departure must be due to an urgent matter or personal reasons. Wasn't she supposed to return in six months? It's not too late to resume lessons then.

　　Madam Liu paced back and forth, pondering. Suddenly, she said, “Could it be that she finds the monthly payment too little?”

　　Liu Silan: “Mother, you're overthinking it. Teacher doesn't need that extra money.”

　　“Then what could the reason be?” Madam Liu shook her head. “No, we need to invite Lady Mu again to come and personally ask her about the reason.”

　　“Do we really need to do that?” Liu Silan thought for a moment and said, “Maybe we can talk about it tomorrow? I really don't mind.”

　　I hope this will buy Teacher some time.

　　……

　　Yun Ling hurried home, encountering several neighbors and regular customers along the way who greeted her with smiles. “Lady Mu, you're back!”

　　“Lady Mu, remember to come to my grandson's full-moon banquet in a few days.”

　　“Lady Mu…”

　　She had lived in Meiyang County for two years, becoming familiar with everyone. Here, she had amicable neighbors, lovely students, and her beloved sister. She liked this small place, though secluded, which was filled with the lively, everyday warmth of human life.

　　She had no home before; she considered Meiyang County her home.

　　But now, she might have to leave for a while.

　　However, she couldn't appear too hasty, lest she make unnecessary mistakes. Regardless of his official rank, the Prince of Linze is here to investigate a case and likely wouldn't pay attention to a humble tutor like her.

　　But she also needs to pack up and leave as soon as possible. Otherwise, if she runs into him in Meiyang County, the consequences would be unthinkable.

　　Just as she reached her doorstep, she saw Zhang Ren running out of Mrs. Zhang's house next door. “Lady Mu, wait a moment.”

　　Yun Ling immediately stopped.

　　Zhang Ren caught his breath. “It's not time for class yet. Why did you come back?”

　　Yun Ling hadn't expected to see him here either. It wasn't easy to explain the situation to him, so she said, “Something came up at home. I've taken the day off.”

　　Zhang Ren: “Taking a day off is good. Lady Mu, you work so hard teaching at the Liu residence every day and also managing the accounts at Yunyi Workshop. Is there anything I can help with? Please don't hesitate to ask.”

　　He really is a good person.

　　He's honest, hardworking, and speaks respectfully.

　　A genuinely good person.

　　But given her current situation, it might not be appropriate to get to know him better right now.

　　With her departure, it could be three months, or even half a year. It all depends on when Prince of Linze leaves. Zhang Ren isn't young anymore, and he's eager to get married. She can't keep him waiting.

　　After a moment's thought, Yun Ling said, “No, thank you, Master Zhang.”

　　“Something has come up at home, and I may be leaving Meiyang for a while. I've given it some thought during this time, and I think we're not suitable. I'm truly sorry for wasting your time.”

　　Zhang Ren hadn't expected this. Everything had been going well, and now Lady Mu was suddenly rejecting him. His face paled, and he anxiously said, “Lady Mu, did I offend you in any way? If so, please tell me, and I'll be sure to be more careful next time.”

　　Yun Ling shook her head. “No, Master Zhang, everything about you is fine. It's just that we're not suitable, that's all. I'm truly sorry.”

　　Having said this, any further attempts to persuade him would seem overly clingy.

　　Zhang Ren's expression was dejected. He bowed. “If that's the case, then it was I, Zhang Ren, who was being presumptuous.”

　　Watching Zhang Ren's forlorn back, Yun Ling sighed. He was a good man; she hoped he would find someone to spend his life with in love.

　　Back home, Yun Ling still had many things to do. If she were to leave Meiyang County for a while, those children would be left without anyone to look after them. She needed to find someone who could properly take care of them.

　　And then there was Yunyi Workshop, the culmination of her and Sister Mu Dong's hard work. Several long-term customers had placed orders for jewelry that hadn't been delivered yet. It wouldn't be right to simply close the shop, and such a sudden closure would also attract unwanted attention and cause unnecessary panic.

　　Therefore, she couldn't rush things or be too obvious, lest it arouse suspicion. Otherwise, even if no one was investigating, they would inevitably end up investigating her.

　　She might have to return to Meiyang County eventually. She'd discuss things with Sister Mu Dong when she returned. For now, she should focus on settling the children.

　　That evening, Mu Dong returned from Yunyi Workshop and was startled to see Yun Ling packing.

　　Her past experiences with escapes made her understand immediately. “Have we been discovered?”

　　Yun Ling shook her head. “Perhaps not yet.”

　　Mu Dong breathed a sigh of relief, then asked questioningly, “Then why are you suddenly packing?”

　　Yun Ling then recounted the events at Liu Manor to Mu Dong. Mu Dong had always known Yun Ling to be clever and resourceful—otherwise, they wouldn't have escaped so many searches over the years—so she had complete faith in Yun Ling's judgment. However, she added, “It was you who first suspected that Prince of Linze's identity might be suspicious, and since he was investigating another case, he probably didn't see you. So, Ah Ling, we don't need to panic just yet.”

　　“If you resign from your position at the Liu Manor and stay home without going out, he won't be able to find you?”

　　Yun Ling shook her head, feeling that wasn't safe enough. What if he accidentally passed by their house? Investigations often require going everywhere.

　　Mu Dong thought for a moment, then said, “Then I'll handle things at the shop for the next couple of days. We'll tell everyone we're going back to the capital to visit relatives, and then we'll leave together. How does that sound?”

　　“Don't go out these next two days.”

　　“Mm.” Yun Ling nodded.

　　Indeed, there was no need to rush; they could take things slowly.

　　The next morning, when Yun Ling woke up, she found the courtyard covered in a thick layer of snow.

　　It was rare to see such heavy snowfall in Meiyang County this year.

　　Yun Ling hadn't slept well the previous night. Mu Dong had gotten up early to go to the shop, saying she wanted to finish the customers' orders as quickly as possible.

　　She had just finished washing and changing clothes when a knock came at the door.

　　Yun Ling froze, instantly on alert.

　　Who could it be so early in the morning?

　　Then came several more urgent knocks, along with a familiar voice, “Lady Mu, it's Ah Qi, a servant from the Liu Manor. Madam asked me to come find you.”

　　So it was Ah Qi. Yun Ling relaxed her tense shoulders.

　　Madam Liu must have sent him to inquire about her resignation. Having just received the magistrate's approval, she then announced she was quitting. Madam Liu was probably displeased, thinking she had been deceived.

　　Thinking this, Yun Ling went to open the door and saw Ah Qi's smiling face.

　　Yun Ling asked, “Did Madam send you to ask about my reasons for resigning?”

　　Ah Qi nodded eagerly. “Yes, Madam said she thought about it all night yesterday and couldn't figure it out. No matter what, Lady Mu shouldn't have quit so suddenly, so she wants to ask you to go to the manor for a talk.”

　　Yun Ling also knew she had been hasty. After a moment of thought, she said, “How about this? I'll write a letter to Madam explaining the reasons in detail, and I'll also compile a set of rules and etiquette for Miss Silan to study in the meantime. That way, her studies won't be delayed.”

　　That way, she could also give an explanation to Madam Liu.

　　Now it was Ah Qi's turn to be troubled. “Lady Mu, I'm just a messenger. Why don't you go and speak to Madam yourself?”

　　“Furthermore, Madam said Miss Silan still has many questions she wants you to answer. You're her only teacher, and she was very upset last night when she saw you leave suddenly. She thinks she hasn't done something right…”

　　Silan is only sixteen, and she's very sensitive.

　　Yun Ling had indeed been too hasty yesterday.

　　After a moment of contemplation, Yun Ling looked directly at Ah Qi and suddenly asked, “Is the Prince of Linze there?”

　　Under her gaze, Ah Qi's expression seemed to show a moment of shock. Then he quickly looked around before leaning in to whisper, “Lady Mu, how did you know the Prince of Linze is here...?”

　　Yun Ling feigned ease and said, “Miss Silan mentioned it yesterday.”

　　Ah Qi breathed a sigh of relief. “So it was Miss Silan who said it. That's good. My master strictly forbade anyone from spreading this news!”

　　Yun Ling observed his reaction, which seemed perfectly natural.

　　If he had immediately and anxiously said the Prince of Linze wasn't there, it would have been suspicious. His surprised reaction now is normal.

　　At this point, seeing no one around, Ah Qi lowered his voice even further, leaning in to gossip with Yun Ling. “I heard that the Prince of Linze left last night. He came quietly and left quietly.”

　　“Left?” Yun Ling questioned, puzzled. “Why so suddenly?"  

        Ah Qi shook his head repeatedly. “I don't know, Lady Mu. How could we know the affairs of such important people? It was Ah Ba, the night watchman, who saw it.”

　　He actually left…

　　Yun Ling pondered. If the Prince of Linze had come to investigate something discreetly, leaving without making a fuss, especially late at night, would be the best approach.

　　It makes sense.

　　“Wait for me a moment.”

　　Yun Ling asked Ah Qi to wait outside, then went out and found a beggar, giving him some small change and whispering a few words in his ear.

　　The beggar quickly ran off.

　　After about half an hour, the beggar returned, breathless, whispering to Yun Ling, “I saw many hoofprints.”

　　So there were hoofprints. That confirms they've left.

　　Since they've gone, Yun Ling thought, she doesn't need to leave Meiyang County.

　　She looked around the house.

　　Very well, she'll go to the Liu residence now.

　　……

　　Snow was still falling outside. Yun Ling opened her umbrella, and Ah Qi quickly offered to hold it for her.

　　Along the way, Ah Qi also bought two sesame cakes, saying to Yun Ling with a simple honesty, “Sorry, Lady Mu, I was in a rush on the way here and got a little hungry.”

　　Yun Ling shook her head. “It's alright.”

　　They soon arrived at the Liu residence. Ah Qi tucked the sesame cakes into his chest, put away the umbrella, and then gently opened the door a crack, smiling. “Lady Mu, please.”

　　Yun Ling composed herself, smiled at Ah Qi, nodded, and stepped forward to open the door.

　　Walking, she asked Ah Qi, “Where is the Madam now?” As soon as they entered, she suddenly saw a tall, straight figure in her line of sight.

　　He was clad in a dark-colored, embroidered greatcoat, and had been standing there for some time, his coat dusted with snow.

　　Upon hearing the sound of the door opening, he slowly turned, allowing her to see his face.

　　Her voice faltered, and the color drained from Yun Ling's face in an instant.

　　Her spine stiffened, and she stared at the scene before her in disbelief.

　　Yun Ling's mind went blank. She shook her head in despair, her steps faltering backward. She subconsciously turned to leave, only to see the door slam shut from the outside.

　　A blizzard raged outside. 

       His hair was dusted with snow, making it appear silver, and he approached her, radiating coldness, step by step.

　　Yun Ling could only stare blankly, her heart filled with despair.

　　Three years, thousands of miles, countless hardships... and he still found her.

　　In a moment, Crown Prince Xie Jue had reached her, his sharp phoenix eyes lowered, his gaze fixed on her.

　　His stern face showed no expression, appearing calm. His voice was low and steady, yet it felt colder than the blizzard raging outside. “Lady Mu, long time no see.” (T/N: This is not a mistranslation; he did call her Lady Mu, perhaps sarcastically.)

　　Yun Ling's face was deathly pale; she didn't speak. At that moment, several people hurried over—it was Madam Liu.

　　She arrived, looking bewildered at the scene before her.

　　“Why does the Prince of Linze also know Lady Mu?”

　　This thought flashed through her mind. Madam Liu quickly curtsied to Xie Jue. “I-I've met Your Highness. You…”

　　Xie Jue turned, his voice calm. “This prince has some matters to discuss with Lady Mu. Would Madam Liu be so kind as to excuse us?”

　　“Of course, of course,” Madam Liu hastily replied.

　　Xie Jue's lips curled into a faint smile. “Excellent.”

　　At this point, there was nothing Yun Ling didn't understand.

　　It was indeed Madam Liu who wanted to see her, but he had simply used Madam Liu, and given instructions to Ah Qi, to lure her into this trap.

　　He probably knew about her yesterday. That's why he had hidden guards outside her house, created the hoofprints outside the city, and laid a trap—like a patient hunter waiting for her to take the bait.

　　Xie Jue had already turned and left.

　　Yun Ling had nowhere to escape and could only follow.

　　By the time their figures disappeared, Madam Liu still hadn't recovered. When did Lady Mu become acquainted with the Prince of Linze?

　　Could he have taken a liking to Lady Mu? Madam Liu grew increasingly uneasy.

　　……

　　Snow had fallen all night, creating a thick layer on the ground. Each step made a soft crunching sound.

　　They walked in silence to the east wing. The door was already open. Yun Ling, numb and unresponsive, looked at his calm back and walked inside.

　　She had just entered the room when, blocked by the wind and snow outside, he suddenly turned. In an instant, his figure loomed over her. His long, slender fingers clamped around her neck, pressing her against the wall. She was forced to look up, trembling, instinctively grabbing his wrist.

　　His low, harsh voice reached her ears. “Three long years, and I've finally found you.”

　　It was a voice from hell, filled with chilling coldness.

　　Xie Jue looked at her simple linen clothes and her long, inky black hair, tied simply with a green ribbon. Her small face was pale. A mocking smile curved his thin lips. “A fine teacher, Lady Mu, changing your appearance so completely... you certainly made this difficult for me.”

　　His voice suddenly hardened. “A widow?”

　　“When did I die, allowing you to become a widow?” (T/N: LoL, then can you die now? 😂)

　　Yun Ling's spine trembled slightly; her eyes filled with unshed tears. Looking up at him, she forced herself to remain calm and said,

　　“Your Highness issued a widespread arrest warrant, setting a dragnet. If I hadn't changed my appearance, how could I have escaped your relentless pursuit?”

　　“I only regret my carelessness. I finally managed to escape, planned for so long, and yet at the last moment, I let my guard down.”

　　That single sentence stirred up the old hatred from three years ago.

　　“Such careful planning! Your meticulous scheming, your painstaking efforts, your sweet words…”

　　Xie Jue leaned closer, his dark phoenix eyes icy cold. The fingers tightening around her neck, he hissed, “You lured me into your trap, deceived me, betrayed me, fooled me, and ensnared me completely.”

　　His tone was thin and cold, each word distinct.

　　“Do you know how much I've wanted to kill you these past three years?”

　　A fierce wind and snow raged outside.

　　“I know.”

　　Yun Ling closed her eyes, resigned.

　　Now that he had caught her, she had nothing to say, and no longer resisted.

　　She knew his temperament all too well—his brutal nature, his intolerance of deception. She had dared to deceive him, to plan all this. When she escaped, she knew that if he ever found her, her fate would be an inescapable hell.

　　After a moment, she slowly opened her eyes again, meeting his gaze without flinching. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her eyes red-rimmed. “Then kill me.”

　　Her tears fell onto the back of his hand, where veins stood out prominently, the drops warm and wet.

　　Yet there was no plea for mercy, no explanation.

　　Such stubbornness.

　　Xie Jue's anger flared in an instant.

　　“Stubborn with me,”

　　Xie Jue stared at her face, devoid of any will to live, the veins on his forehead throbbing. His anger turned to a derisive laugh. “Do you really think I dare not kill you?”

　　As soon as he finished speaking, An Zhong outside, no longer hesitating, rushed in, pushing open the door. He knelt beside Xie Jue, pleading bitterly, “Your Highness, Your Highness, please calm down! The lady... the lady is weak, she truly cannot withstand Your Highness's anger…”

　　“All these years, the lady has served faithfully, if not meritoriously. Please, Your Highness, show mercy!”

　　He knocked his head twice against the floor.

　　A chilling silence filled the room.

　　An Zhong continued, “Lord Fei Ying reports that the bait we released has yielded results. He's waiting outside for Your Highness's instructions.”

　　Xie Jue glanced at the woman before him, then abruptly closed his eyes tightly, retracting his hand.

　　Turning towards the door, he paused, and said coldly, “Find someone to guard this place. Don't let her leave a single step.”

　　“If a single hair on her head is harmed, I will hold you accountable.”

　　An Zhong quickly replied, “Yes.”

　　……

　　Madam Liu, worried about a possible connection between Lady Mu and the Prince of Linze, had secretly followed. Through a slightly ajar window, she caught a glimpse of the scene inside. In an instant, her pupils dilated in terror, her legs giving way as she collapsed to the ground.

　　“Who's there?”

　　A guard quickly discovered her. Seeing Madam Liu, he barked, “Shut your mouth and leave immediately!”

　　Madam Liu hastily replied, “Yes, yes.”

　　Terrified out of her wits, she turned and fled.

　　This Prince of Linze... he was like a Yama King! But... but what was his relationship with Lady Mu? How could it be like this?

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T/N: Dear readers, what's the best gift for you this New Year? Another 4 chapters of MDCM, of course!! 😆 Yes, I'll be posting four more chapters this January 1st, 2025. Consider it my New Year's good deed! 😂 Tomorrow's update might be slightly late or early—it depends on my internet connection.

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