To be frank, Xu Qi’an wasn’t completely at a loss in the current situation—he had some mental preparation for this moment.

First, a frank discussion was bound to happen sooner or later.

Great Fan’s system allowed one wife and multiple concubines. As a man who went with the flow, Xu Qi’an felt he should follow local customs.

But he knew that systems were systems, and people were people.

If systems could solve everything, why would there be open and covert struggles in noble households?

Moreover, none of the fish in his pond were easy to handle.

Second, the “Love” personality and temperament of Luo Yuheng meant this battleground might emerge earlier than expected.

Back in Yong Province, when the National Preceptor demanded he draw clear boundaries with other women, Xu Qi’an had already prepared himself, analyzing his advantages and disadvantages…

Xu Qi’an’s advantages were:

1. His relationship with each fish hadn’t reached the marriage discussion stage, which would reduce the intensity of the confrontation—everyone would be fighting without legitimate grounds.

2. His public image was well-established.

Everyone knew Silver Gong Xu was a regular at the Entertainment Bureau, having bedded over half of its twenty-four courtesans.

The general impression was: Hasn’t he always been like this?

Therefore, people were quite tolerant of his philandering ways.

Xu Qi’an’s disadvantage was that precisely because his relationship hadn’t reached the marriage stage, the fish might jump out of his pond.

However, if they still harbored feelings for him despite knowing his reputation, the likelihood of them leaving wasn’t high.

So now, the key was to redirect Luo Yuheng’s fire.

Because only she would declare him as her man and tell other “seductive hussies” to get lost.

The other fish wouldn’t be so aggressive because their relationships hadn’t reached that point.

In Xu Qi’an’s judgment, there was no once-and-for-all solution—time was the best mediator of conflicts.

What he needed to do was defuse situations through skillful handling of each recurring conflict.

For now, Silver Gong Xu’s best strategy was—summoning Xu Lingyue!

She was perfect for the role of peacemaker.

His sister wouldn’t attract hatred, while he, at the center of the storm, would say the wrong thing no matter what.

In this atmosphere of murderous intent and turbulent undercurrents, there came a knock at the door.

Phew… Xu Qi’an exhaled in relief, decisively walking to open it.

His lovely sister stood at the door, while Chu Yuanzhen, showing good judgment, had escaped the storm.

“Lingyue, what brings you here?”

Xu Qi’an showed a brotherly smile.

Xu Lingyue gave him a complex look, her eyes sweeping the room moistly.

She first saw the National Preceptor’s back, wearing feather robes with a ribbon accentuating her slender waist.

The National Preceptor didn’t turn around, coldly examining the women at the table, as if ready to immediately suppress anyone who dared show defiance.

Xu Lingyue’s gaze passed over the National Preceptor to the other women: Princess Huaiqing, cold as frost, holding her teacup with lowered eyes in silence; the righteously loyal Flying Swallow Swordswoman looking aside, occasionally grinding her teeth; the elaborately dressed Princess Lin’an, red-eyed, glaring fearlessly at the National Preceptor.

The usually lively and cheerful Chu Caiwei rarely frowned, maintaining silence.

“Mother was waiting for Brother to come home, but when you didn’t return, she worried and sent me to check on you,” Xu Lingyue said softly.

Auntie, thank you for being the tool we needed… Xu Qi’an realized, clearing his throat: “Right, I’ve been away from the capital for many days, I should go home to visit. Um, everyone, I’ll take my leave first.”

“You can’t leave!”

“Don’t you dare?”

“Just try walking out.”

“…”

The women in the room all made their positions clear.

As expected, the National Preceptor forces me to draw clear boundaries with them, while they want me to take a stand. At this moment, silence is best, then deal with them one by one privately… Xu Qi’an looked at Xu Lingyue, but she ignored him, maintaining silence.

Luo Yuheng’s gaze turned cold, her lips curving into a dangerous arc: “Dear Xu, if you keep dodging, I’m going to get angry.”

Lin’an and the others’ gazes instantly turned sharp, staring straight at Xu Qi’an.

Ah, National Preceptor, I avoid this mainly because I don’t want you to completely die of shame! Xu Qi’an sighed internally. Just as he was about to say something, Xu Lingyue spoke first:

“Dear Xu?”

She appeared extremely shocked: “Na-National Preceptor, you and my brother…”

Luo Yuheng finally turned around, properly looking at this registered disciple of the Human Path Sect, and said coolly: “Xu Qi’an is my dual cultivation partner.”

During Xu Qi’an’s absence from the capital, Xu Lingyue became a registered disciple of the Human Path Sect to avoid Aunt’s marriage pressure.

While the other women watched him, Xu Qi’an also watched Xu Lingyue.

The current situation had Luo Yuheng being aggressive while the other fish were defiant, joining forces against her.

While not acknowledging their relationship with him, they were waiting for him to take a stand.

“Lingyue needs to dispel the National Preceptor’s aggressive attitude, and let this matter pass without too much heat. If the National Preceptor voluntarily backs down, I’m confident I can privately placate them…” Xu Qi’an analyzed internally, looking at Xu Lingyue with expectation.

Unexpectedly, Xu Lingyue pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

Her silence was too much for Biaobiao, who sneered: “As Great Fan’s National Preceptor and my father’s peer, you dare to dual cultivate with Xu Ningyan, a junior? Aren’t you afraid of becoming a laughingstock?”

This was implicitly mocking Luo Yuheng as an old cow eating young grass—at her age, going after a young man.

Lin’an, this response rhythm will get you killed… Xu Qi’an’s mouth twitched violently. Sure enough, she was still the expert at provocation.

Zhong Li said softly: “She’s just using Xu Qi’an, she has no shame.”

Li Miaozhen: “This matter doesn’t concern me, I just really dislike the National Preceptor’s aggressive attitude.”

Huaiqing said coolly: “My relationship with Lord Xu is also purely proper. I’m rather curious why the National Preceptor insists on forcing him to sever ties with us.”

Chu Caiwei also felt wronged: “Xu Ningyan and I are just friends, why force him to cut off contact with me? The National Preceptor is too domineering.”

Huaiqing’s lips curved: “Perhaps it’s a lack of confidence? Though Lin’an is foolish, her words have some truth.”

Xu Qi’an’s mind was full of “Holy shit!” while watching for signs that Luo Yuheng might snap and attack.

When sweethearts quarrel and fight, a man shouldn’t take sides but must stay alert to prevent them from coming to blows.

Luo Yuheng laughed in extreme anger: “A bunch of sharp-tongued little hussies since you don’t know what’s good for you, don’t blame me for being impolite.”

Li Miaozhen and the others’ expressions changed, instantly becoming half-cowed.

Lin’an forced herself to say: “What… what are you going to do?”

The yandere National Preceptor ignored her, turning to look at Xu Qi’an softly: “Dear Xu, since you’re unwilling to abandon these hussies, I’ll have to decide for you.

“Zhong Li is a Prophet, so I’ll imprison her under the Star-Plucking Tower for twenty years—I’ll discuss this personally with the Supervisor.

“As for Lin’an, she’s of marriageable age, and the young Emperor has just ascended and isn’t stable. I’ll tell him directly that dear Xu is my partner and see if he’s willing to offend me.”

Luo Yuheng examined Huaiqing: “After Wei Yuan’s death, do you still have any court support?”

She turned to Li Miaozhen: “The Ice Goddess is looking for you—I could tie you up today and send you as a gift to the Heaven Path Sect.”

Zhong Li shrank back.

Lin’an gnashed her teeth.

Huaiqing’s face darkened.

Li Miaozhen trembled with rage.

Then, they all looked at Xu Qi’an.

…Xu Qi’an immediately stated his position: “National Preceptor, don’t say such frightening things.”

Luo Yuheng felt very wronged—when those little hussies were mocking her earlier, Xu Qi’an had just watched coldly.

At this point, Xu Lingyue said in a soft voice: “Why should the National Preceptor be so angry?

“Though my brother frequently visits the Entertainment Bureau, spending nights with flowers and willows, I know he’s an upright gentleman who would never betray the National Preceptor.”

Thanks, little sister… Xu Qi’an felt complex emotions, sensing her subtle sarcasm toward him, yet unable to refute it.

Xu Lingyue continued: “I can guarantee to the National Preceptor that my brother’s relationship with the two princesses is proper. When Daoist Li stayed at the Xu residence, she and my brother maintained proper boundaries as good friends, with absolutely no romantic feelings between them.”

Luo Yuheng frowned: “Are you implying I’m jealous?”

Xu Lingyue hurriedly said: “This disciple wouldn’t dare, I didn’t mean that. As his sister, I should naturally defend my brother’s integrity. I also hope that brother and the National Preceptor won’t let misunderstandings harm their relationship.”

Her words were beautifully crafted, speaking up for Huaiqing and the others while acknowledging Luo Yuheng and Xu Qi’an’s relationship.

Playing peacemaker without offending anyone.

Sure enough, with this way out, Li Miaozhen and the others fell silent.

The wise bow to circumstance—better not to clash with Luo Yuheng.

But the yandere Luo Yuheng wouldn’t accept this approach, saying displeasedly: “You have no place to speak here.”

Xu Lingyue’s face turned pale, tears glistening in her eyes as she began sobbing.

Did she cry this easily?

Even Lin’an felt she wasn’t that delicate.

Xu Qi’an exhaled, straightening his back and saying gravely: “National Preceptor, how can you speak to my sister this way?”

He transmitted privately: “Enough, my relationships with them are pure—stop making trouble.”

Luo Yuheng gave a contemptuous laugh.

Xu Lingyue shook her head, sobbing: “Brother, I spoke out of turn. Though your Uncle and Aunt raised you, they’re not your birth parents. Whoever you choose as your Dao partner is your own business. If even they don’t have the right to interfere, I certainly shouldn’t be meddling.”

Luo Yuheng’s eyebrows rose.

This Xu Lingyue brought up Xu Qi’an’s aunt and uncle—appearing to retreat but advancing cleverly.

Though not birth parents, the grace of raising exceeds the grace of giving birth.

She was using this to counter the “you have no place to speak here” comment.

Though Luo Yuheng had the position of Dao partner and could force him to cut ties with other women, she couldn’t force Xu Qi’an to disown his sister.

Luo Yuheng said coolly: “Fine then, dear Xu, make an oath here. Swear you’ll never have any improper relations with these hussies, neither in the past nor future. Once you swear, we can put this matter to rest.”

The beauties’ faces changed slightly, turning pale with anger.

The focus returned to Xu Qi’an.

Luo Yuheng wasn’t easily fooled, her goal was clear.

Despite Xu Lingyue’s constant mediation, rhythm-setting, and target-shifting, nothing had shaken her resolve.

How will Lingyue handle this? Xu Qi’an wondered, then heard Xu Lingyue sob: “National Preceptor, this isn’t appropriate. My brother’s relationships with the princesses, Daoist Li, and our two sisters from the Bureau are pure. By forcing my brother to swear, aren’t you implying they all had improper relations with him? In this world, a woman’s reputation is most important, especially for princesses… Aren’t you humiliating them?”

Luo Yuheng sneered: “Are you teaching me what to do?”

Xu Lingyue lowered her head, timidly saying: “This disciple wouldn’t dare. But I’m not only a registered disciple of the Human Path Sect, but I’m also my brother’s sister and Daoist Li’s friend. Naturally, I can’t bear to see the National Preceptor bullying and humiliating them. Even as National Preceptor, you shouldn’t be so unreasonable.”

Luo Yuheng narrowed her eyes, examining Xu Lingyue—her expression showed she was angry.

Xu Lingyue’s face paled further, appearing increasingly timid: “If the National Preceptor dislikes hearing this, I can leave. But my brother has been away from the capital for many days, and our parents miss him. Surely the National Preceptor won’t prevent him from seeing them?”

Luo Yuheng’s face was expressionless: “You can’t leave!”

She knew her condition and couldn’t waste time—if she didn’t resolve this today, there wouldn’t be another chance.

Hearing this, Xu Lingyue turned to Xu Qi’an: “Brother, since the National Preceptor insists, just follow her wishes and make the oath.”

Then she looked at the women apologetically: “Your Highnesses, Daoist Li, Senior Sister Zhong Li, Senior Sister Caiwei, having your reputations damaged wasn’t my brother’s intention—he’s being forced. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Li Miaozhen and the others remained silent, their acceptance or lack thereof unclear.

Xu Qi’an had mostly figured out Xu Lingyue’s strategy. He coughed once: “Since the National Preceptor insists on an oath, I…”

Luo Yuheng suddenly whirled around, glaring at him angrily, grinding out: “You know that’s not what I want!”

She suddenly pinched her brow, sighing: “Forget it.”

Casting a sidelong glance at Xu Lingyue, the National Preceptor transformed into golden light and departed.

Xu Qi’an immediately looked at his fish: Biaobiao turned away sulking; Huaiqing remained expressionless; Zhong Li kept her head down, ignoring him; Chu Caiwei pouted.

Li Miaozhen glared: “What are you looking at? Get lost!”

When you’re wrong, admit it; when being beaten, stand straight… Xu Qi’an muttered silently, leading Xu Lingyue out.

The moment they crossed the threshold, Xu Lingyue’s lovely face gradually lost all expression, showing a rare coldness.

The previous weakness, pitiful demeanor, and timidity all vanished.

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

Xu Lingyue closed her eyes briefly, exhaling slowly, returning to her gentle demeanor: “I didn’t cause trouble for brother, did I?”

“No, you did very well.”

Xu Qi’an led her to the window in the corridor, wrapped an arm around her waist, and leaped out, flying toward the Xu residence.

Protected by his energy, Xu Lingyue didn’t feel cold. Nestling against her brother’s warm chest, she said softly: “Brother put me in a difficult position—I was so scared I cried. Fortunately, the National Preceptor was understanding and finally let you leave.”

Yes, yes, brother knows you’re completely inexperienced in these complicated schemes. In the end, it was the National Preceptor who understood and gave up voluntarily, not because you forced the oath into mere formality… Xu Qi’an internally snarked while flying.

He only understood Xu Lingyue’s strategy at the very end.

After the first failed “escape attempt,” she remained silent, actually observing everyone.

When Luo Yuheng and the fish finished their confrontation, she saw the fish showing weakness, their vulnerabilities exposed. She then took the initiative, using guarantees to say pleasant things, giving Li Miaozhen and others a way out.

At this point, the fish were temporarily stabilized.

Only Luo Yuheng remained.

In subsequent exchanges, she found the National Preceptor wouldn’t yield to either soft or hard approaches, insisting on the oath.

So she devised a strategy, deliberately angering Luo Yuheng and shifting concepts, transforming the “oath” into a mere forced formality.

By then, the fish had already stepped down and chosen to compromise. Therefore, they wouldn’t be heartbroken over this oath that was more form than substance.

Some resentment was inevitable, but not enough to make it unacceptable.

Seeing through this, Luo Yuheng disdained to demand the oath further.

Xu Qi’an summoned his sister for two reasons: he needed someone safe enough to mediate and break the deadlock, and he trusted Xu Lingyue’s abilities.

“Brother, the National Preceptor must hate me now?” Xu Lingyue said worriedly. “Will she be angry with me over this? What should I do if she makes things difficult for me when you’re not in the capital? The National Preceptor is so scary, forcing you to swear oaths today, putting you in a difficult position. Unlike me, who only cares for my brother’s wellbeing.”

What bad intentions could a sister have? She’s just a good sister who cares for her brother.

As for the National Preceptor, I don’t know if she’ll make things difficult for you. But she’ll hunt me down out of extreme embarrassment… Xu Qi’an’s face was full of worry.

The National Preceptor’s social death was terminal—no cure.

Night deepened. Luo Yuheng stood in the quiet courtyard, gazing at the heavy darkness.

“Ah…” She sighed wistfully, then said hatefully: “Next month, next month I’ll force you to choose, selling all those ambiguous women and Mu Nanzhi to the Entertainment Bureau.”

After silently venting her anger, she suddenly smirked, muttering: “At least the goal was achieved. With my fussy personality, if not pushed to the edge, after the seven-day period passes, I’d probably remain reserved forever.”

Just then, her ear twitched, and she turned toward the darkness, saying coldly: “Why aren’t you at the Bureau accompanying your little lovers? What are you doing here?”

“Because I’ve grown addicted to the National Preceptor’s bed.”

Xu Qi’an emerged from the shadows.

Luo Yuheng spat: “No dual cultivation tonight. Please leave, Lord Xu.”

She turned and entered her meditation room.

Xu Qi’an smiled bitterly, crossed the courtyard to the door, and pushed—his hand was bounced back by a force.

“Then I’m leaving.”

He called toward the room, turning to go.

An incense stick’s time later, he returned and pushed the door again, but still couldn’t enter.

“Really no dual cultivation?”

Xu Qi’an scratched his head, his gaze sweeping the surroundings, landing on the window. An idea struck.

Shortly after, the window creaked open and then closed, and Xu Freeload vanished from outside.