Chapter 962 - 960: Killing Me Would Set Your Mind at Ease

Words : 1307 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

Chapter 962: Chapter 960: Killing Me Would Set Your Mind at Ease "Back in the day, those who had connections with the Qi Family are no longer in the imperial court. Who would risk speaking on their behalf? Even if someone had the intention, seeing that our Emperor has been on the throne for so many years without pardoning the Qi Family, they wouldn’t dare to act so senselessly," Imperial Doctor Du sighed. There were things he left unsaid. In his later years, the late Emperor became muddleheaded and dealt with matters quite harshly. Numerous officials lost their positions or had their homes confiscated, some even had their entire clans wiped out. The Qi Family being sentenced only to exile was considered a stroke of luck. The current Emperor is not a compassionate or gentle ruler either. He ascended the throne through the sacrifices of countless others. After ascending, in order to rid the court of the late Emperor’s influential ministers and install his own people, it resulted in a virtual bloodbath. During those times, every official was on edge, fearing that an ill-conceived word could lead to their downfall at the Emperor’s hands. But in recent years, with the Emperor firmly in control of Qiankun, the world is steady and peaceful. With advancing age, he has become somewhat kind-hearted. Yet, the officials of the court haven’t forgotten; none dare to oppose the Emperor’s will. Hence, even less likely will anyone bring up the Qi Family’s matters. Lady Qi, having lived in the Capital City for many years, though a lady of the inner house, understood that the current Emperor wasn’t of a good temperament and didn’t aspire to be a benevolent ruler. Hearing her lord speak this way, she could only sit dejectedly in her chair with reddened eyes, "Is the Qi Family destined to remain exiled forever?" Currently, the Emperor is in his prime and looks healthy. He might live for decades. If he never exonerates the Qi Family, then at least two generations of the Qi Family will be buried in obscurity. Even if they were of noble lineage, lacking anyone to become an official for two generations would lead to decline. Especially for the Qi Family, already exiled. Even if they could wait until the next Emperor ascends, the influence Scholar Qi once had in court would have long vanished into air. Imperial Doctor Du comfortingly patted Lady Qi’s shoulder, "Isn’t this the opportunity before us? Since Song Chongjin carries the Qi Family’s bloodline, if His Majesty is moved and seeks to redress the Qi Family, Song Chongjin would surely be favored by the Emperor, then could rise high in the future. After enduring a few more years, Song Chongjin could naturally propose to overturn the case for the Qi Family." "But, what if His Majesty doesn’t have that intention?" Lady Qi anxiously clenched her hands. Imperial Doctor Du remained silent for a long while before saying, "Perhaps considering the face of Duke Weiguo, Song Hong, Song Chongjin might have to resign himself to a lifetime as a Scholar, confined to Jing County as a wealthy gentleman, and that would be his fortune." Lady Qi shivered, her face turning pale. It took her a long time to find her voice, "My lord, then us accepting Yongzhu as a disciple, might... might it..." Imperial Doctor Du interrupted Lady Qi, "Madam, taking Yongzhu as a disciple is certain! Rest assured, even if the Emperor doesn’t plan to exonerate the Qi Family, it will not bring repercussions upon us! If that day indeed comes, accepting Yongzhu as a disciple would align more with the Emperor’s plans—" Lady Qi was somewhat puzzled. Imperial Doctor Du shook his head, signaling her not to ask further, "Do not concern yourself with this. Better to prepare in advance. Let the apprenticeship begin tomorrow; it mustn’t be delayed. Do not reveal anything in front of Yongzhu and Chongjin; they are smart children and we don’t want them to overthink!" Understanding the importance and urgency, Lady Qi, who usually oversaw household matters with Imperial Doctor Du’s consent, recognized discretion in major affairs and never opposed his decisions. She took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears and got up to call the maid, instructing her to find the steward to prepare for the apprenticeship ceremony the next day. ※※※ On the outskirts of the city. The area was inhabited by impoverished families of Jing County, those unable to afford living in the city, who made do with makeshift shelters on its outskirts, barely keeping out the wind and rain. Due to the several academies just outside the city, these people relied on them, either doing odd jobs or washing clothes for the academies’ students to make ends meet. The Huang Family lived here as well. Their household was slightly better off, with three rooms made of mud bricks and thatch. They had encircled their house with a type of local shrub named thorn vine, making a sort of courtyard fence. Thorn vines typically grew taller than a person, covered with thorns. Once matured, their dense branches grew wide apart, discouraging even birds from perching on them. Traditional rural homes used these as fences to fend off not only thieves but also to keep livestock from wandering away. The Huang Family resided in an area that was considered somewhat respectable among the poor, with most homes having two or three mud and thatch rooms, and some land, much better than the flimsy shelters made of a few pieces of wood and straw bundles. Lady Huang kept silent all the way, walking with her head down. Xiao Wu knew he had been reckless and dared not ask questions, quietly following behind. Upon entering the yard, it was silent; the family members were out working. Once inside, Lady Huang took a deep breath and sternly said, "Kneel!" With a thud, Xiao Wu obediently knelt down. Lady Huang grabbed a feather duster from the table in the main room and turned around, "Do you know your mistake?" Xiao Wu remained silent. "Smack—" The feather duster lashed across Xiao Wu’s back. Xiao Wu shivered in pain, but gritted his teeth, holding his tongue. "Speak, do you know your mistake?" Lady Huang’s expression was terrifyingly cold. After all, Xiao Wu was still a child. Seeing Lady Huang this way, he grew more obstinate, defiantly closing his eyes, wearing an expression as if saying, ’Just beat me to death if you must.’ Lady Huang grew more enraged, mercilessly using the feather duster until feathers scattered in the air, asking, "Do you know your mistake yet?" Xiao Wu cowered on the ground in pain, but with a stubborn streak, he felt betrayed by his foster mother for stopping him from voicing the unjust plight of his family to the Scholar’s Lady, and now punished him upon return. He felt she was too harsh-hearted! Fueled by anger, he shouted defiantly, "I’m not wrong! I’m a descendant of the Huang Family, I must avenge them! How am I wrong? It’s you who’s wrong, all those nice words you said to me before were all lies! If you truly cared for me, how could you stop me? Isn’t it because you’re not my real mother, and you’re afraid I’ll bring trouble upon you? If that’s the case, beat me to death, then you’ll have peace of mind!" Lady Huang paused with the feather duster, her eyes turning red at these words, and she sneered, "Oh, have I raised a heartless wretch with a wolf’s heart after these ten years? You’re right; better to beat you to death, I’ll indeed have peace of mind!" Saying so, the feather duster was swung down indiscriminately. Initially, she was somewhat restrained, only hitting his back and bottom. But now, in anger, anything was fair game.

Chapter 962 - 960: Killing Me Would Set Your Mind at Ease

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