Volume One, Chapter 12: Gravely Wounded, Unable to Walk in This Lifetime

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Concubine Lin clenched the handkerchief in her hand in fury, grinding her teeth with hatred. It would have been better if Xu Zhiyi hadn’t spoken—her words, seemingly pleading on her behalf, in fact placed Xu Huai’an in an even more precarious position.

“Punishment is necessary! This matter cannot just be let go!” Xu Huai’an declared with righteous indignation, though inwardly he thought that once they left, whether to punish or not would still be up to him.

But today, Qi Xizhou seemed determined to seek justice for Xu Zhiyi.

“What are you waiting for? Go on and strike!” he said lazily, propping his head up as his sharp phoenix-like eyes swept over Xu Huai’an.

The Crown Prince lowered his head, sipping tea, seemingly quite fond of the fragrance from the Xu residence.

Concubine Lin’s punishment was inevitable!

In the presence of the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, there was no room for mercy.

Under the watchful eyes of all, Concubine Lin was held down on a long bench by two maids as the wooden paddle fell mercilessly.

The dull thud of flesh struck was accompanied by Concubine Lin’s heart-wrenching screams.

Ten strikes left her skin broken and battered.

Qi Xizhou glanced coldly once before averting his gaze.

Beside him, Xu Zhiyi’s expression was calm, her feelings difficult to discern.

If Concubine Lin died so easily, it would be far too easy for her.

All the sordid deeds she had committed in the past must be exposed to the world.

Without showing any emotion, Xu Zhiyi cast a glance at Xu Huai’an, who was visibly uneasy.

If her good father ever learned that he had been cuckolded, how would his expression change?

She looked forward to that moment with anticipation.

With this thought, Xu Zhiyi leaned close to Qi Xizhou, exhaling a fragrant breath.

“Stop. Don’t kill her. Even if she’s at fault, she shouldn’t die by your hand.”

Qi Xizhou’s expression faltered slightly; clearing his throat awkwardly, he commanded, “Enough!”

Concubine Lin had already fainted and was carried back to her quarters by two maids.

She was not soft-hearted; on the contrary, she was eager to sever ties with the Xu family. Their lives or deaths no longer concerned her.

But why her mother died back then was a secret only Concubine Lin knew.

What the Xu family owed her, what they owed her mother, she intended to reclaim in full.

Seeing Qi Xizhou visibly weakened, the Crown Prince finally rose.

“It’s late; my younger brother and I will take our leave now.”

Qi Xizhou was still carried by Haiqing. As he turned, he saw Xu Zhiyi wink at him mischievously.

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That sly look made his heart suddenly pound fiercely.

Then, the next moment, Xu Zhiyi silently mouthed a few words to him.

“You’re useless!”

A man could endure many insults, but being called useless was intolerable!

Yet, he was powerless to argue.

This woman was clever indeed!

Given his current condition, it was unlikely he would ever set foot in the prince’s residence again, but with Xu Zhiyi by his side, it might not be so dull.

We shall see who laughs last!

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