Chapter 108: Difficulties

Words : 1484 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 108: Chapter 108: DifficultiesThe carriage slowly stopped in front of Duke Chong’s Mansion. Su Jin lifted the carriage curtain and saw two majestic stone lions and a gilded plaque shining under the sunlight. Beneath the plaque— The face of the servant at Duke Chong’s Mansion was filled with anger. They didn’t recognize Su Jin or Su Chong, but they definitely recognized Xie Jingchen. The woman whom Xie Jingchen helped out of the carriage must be the Eldest Young Madam he married to bring joy into the household. The Marquis Dongxiang had repeatedly embarrassed Duke Chong’s Mansion, leaving these servants upset and indignant. Her own father nearly angered their Duke to death, and she, as the daughter, still dared to show up at their door. How bold! When Su Chong explained his intention, the servant’s face darkened even more. "An apology? I think you’re trying to anger our Old Duke to death!" the servant sneered. Daring to break the Duke’s rib, you all should think about how to stay alive! If this resentment isn’t resolved, how can the Duke maintain his footing in court?! What about the Empress Dowager’s dignity?! It’s very likely that Marquis Dongxiang’s body is already on its way to the Capital City! Now to come and apologize— It’s too late! Su Chong’s fiery temper made it seem like he wanted to apologize. If it weren’t for his mother insisting, despite her questionable judgment, he wouldn’t be here to endure this insult. Su Chong struggled to keep his temper in check. His mother wanted him to enter through the main gate; he couldn’t jump over the wall. But breaking through the main gate didn’t seem very promising either. Xingxing couldn’t stand seeing their Eldest Young Master being blocked outside, even though it was understandable and such things were common. But in the past, when they weren’t allowed entry, the brothers from Qingyun Mountain would just kick down the door without a word and dismantle the gate. Xingxing looked at Su Jin and said, "Perhaps you shouldn’t let the Eldest Young Master apologize. If Madam isn’t happy, Young Miss can just say a few soft words when you return, and it’ll be fine." Su Chong also looked at Su Jin and said, "Sister, help your big brother and say a few soft words to Mother. Otherwise, if I get into Duke Chong’s Mansion and end up like Princess Shouning being carried out, it’s over for me." Su Jin, "...." Xie Jingchen, "...." Her brother’s ability to annoy was top-notch. Mentioning Princess Shouning’s plight in front of Duke Chong’s Mansion was just asking for trouble. There’s no need to say such things just to enter Duke Chong’s Mansion, is there? The servant’s face turned furious with rage. However, he was right to remind them; even the Eldest Young Madam of Duke Zhen’s Mansion dared to have Princess Shouning carried out. If they brought themselves to the door, why not let them in? Let them enter vertically and leave horizontally! Duke Chong’s Mansion and Marquis Dongxiang had already torn their facade; what is there to fear from Dongxiang Marquis Mansion?! One of the servants quickly went to report to Duke Chong, and soon the steward came out and said, "Come in." Su Chong let out a sigh of relief. Su Jin held her forehead; could she say she was holding her breath? The people were clearly making it hard for him, but he was still determined to break into Duke Chong’s Mansion. The logic of Dongxiang Marquis Mansion was truly baffling. However, in Su Chong’s eyes, completing the task assigned by his mother was paramount. If she wasn’t afraid of him getting beaten to death, why should he be afraid of not being able to leave Duke Chong’s Mansion once he entered? The steward made a gesture of invitation. Su Chong stepped confidently into Duke Chong’s Mansion. Xie Jingchen and Su Jin followed. Xingxing was at the end, and when she crossed the threshold, she stared at Duke Chong’s Mansion’s gate for a while, itching to give it a good kick. They followed the steward straight ahead. After passing through the second gate, they went directly to meet Duke Chong. Su Chong frowned slightly, saying, "I’m not here to see Duke Chong." Knowing that Duke Chong was furious, his mother was quite pleased. But when Old Duke Chong fainted, his mother showed no sign of joy. She merely instructed him to apologize to Old Duke Chong and said nothing about Duke Chong. After his father beat up Duke Chong, he gained some understanding of Duke Chong’s Mansion. Old Duke Chong once saved the late Emperor and supported the current Emperor’s ascension, earning considerable trust from the Emperor. Three years ago, Old Duke Chong left the Capital for an assignment and was ambushed along the way, severely poisoned. Although his life was saved, he became paralyzed and mute, bedridden for three years. The position of Duke was then passed to his second son, the current Duke Chong. As for Old Duke Chong’s eldest son, he died in battle fifteen years ago. It is said that he was a legendary figure who fell from grace due to a mistake. Now few mention him, so Su Chong couldn’t find any useful information about him. Duke Chong and his father had clashed twice, and both times Duke Chong was utterly defeated. If his father found out that he was apologizing on behalf of someone he had crushed, he’d probably crush him too. The steward leading the way said, "Old Duke is unwell and does not see outside guests. If you want to apologize, apologize to the Duke." "Since Old Duke was angered by my father, if I apologize, Old Duke’s mood might improve, and his health will ease," Su Chong said. "Everything will be discussed after you meet with the Duke!" The steward’s tone was icy. Su Chong glanced at him and thought, fine, let’s meet then. Since he dared to come, he wasn’t afraid of being given a hard time. Moreover, he felt that the person giving him the hardest time was clearly his mother. At this moment, he felt even more like he was the adopted one. This was Duke Chong’s Mansion, and his mother just let him come like this, without even instructing him to bring someone. Su Chong held his forehead. After a considerable amount of time, Su Chong finally met Duke Chong. His face was not looking good. Residing in luxury and having a rib broken, it wasn’t just about losing face; he had suffered quite a bit. And having his horse taken by Su Chong’s father only added to the disgrace, so how could he possibly have a pleasant expression? That icy gaze felt like countless ice blades shooting at Su Chong. In moments like these, the toughness built from his father’s beatings came in handy. Su Chong stepped forward and said, "I’ve come to apologize to Old Duke on behalf of my father." Duke Chong’s face turned cold. The Heir of Duke Chong, standing behind him, said coldly, "Shouldn’t you apologize to my father first?!" He was about the same age as Su Chong, with a handsome appearance, but there was a coldness in his eyes that carried an undertone of menace. Su Chong straightened his back, showing no signs of intending to apologize. Su Chong looked at the Heir of Duke Chong and said, "What should I apologize to your father for?" He didn’t think his father had done anything wrong at all. The Heir of Duke Chong’s expression changed, "If you don’t know what to apologize for, why are you at Duke Chong’s Mansion?!" Su Chong was a bit impatient. He had said it several times already; why didn’t these people listen carefully? What he disliked most was repeating himself. He decided to repeat it one last time. "I’m here to apologize to Old Duke Chong," Su Chong stated slowly. "If you don’t apologize to my father, you’ll never see my grandfather!" the Heir of Duke Chong’s voice was as cold and sharp as a knife. Su Chong looked at the Heir of Duke Chong with a calm expression and said, "In that case, then I bid you farewell." Su Chong turned and left. The steward reached out to block him and said, "Does Mr. Su think Duke Chong’s Mansion is a place you can come and go as you please?!" "If you won’t let me leave, are you planning to entertain me as a guest for a few days?" Su Chong retorted. "...." Xie Jingchen glanced at Su Jin. Your brother is looking for trouble, and you’re not stopping him? Su Jin held her forehead. She wanted to stop him, but how could she? Her mother was confident enough to let her brother proudly walk into Duke Chong’s Mansion alone, so presumably, he had the ability to get out safely.

Chapter 108: Difficulties

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