Chapter 156: Chapter 115 Friends
Liu Yue Rong was at a loss for words.
The monster-like talent of the child had shattered all her arguments.
She knew that no matter what she said, it was futile, and her heart was filled with resentment.
“Hao Er possesses such a cultivation level, isn’t it because you, Second Uncle and Fifth Uncle, defied the heavens to change his fate?” Liu Yue Rong spat out through clenched teeth.
Li Muxiu was so angry he laughed and said, “My chance to defy the heavens and alter fate was used up long ago. Jianlan knows this, He Fang knows this too. As for Fifth Brother’s chance, he’s been keeping it unused as a last resort, to reshape the fate of someone when the Li Family descendants are no good for anything else!”
“For Hao Er? Hao Er has no need for that chance!”
…
Everyone was staring at Liu Yue Rong. They knew that Li Muxiu, the Second Uncle, had a rather peculiar temperament, but he would not lie.
Feeling the gaze of the whole room, Liu Yue Rong suddenly felt a bitter and ironic smile creep onto her face, finally understanding the feeling Li Hao must have had when he was under the scrutiny of the crowd.
Perhaps only she could truly empathize with the child’s feelings, that sense of despair.
However, she wasn’t about to admit defeat just yet and said, “Second Uncle, after all is said and done, words alone aren’t proof. Our Li family is an enormous clan; even law enforcement must be based on evidence, right?”
Li Muxiu replied in a cold voice, “The poison Hao Er mentioned is something I’ve heard of before. Once ingested, unless it’s immediately checked on the spot, it’s undetectable. That poison has been lost for many years. Back then, the Five Great Divine General Mansions joined forces to wipe it out, and many ancient noble clans were involved too. Not to mention the elixir formula, even the land where it was produced has been turned to ash.”
“I never thought that this thing would still be preserved.”
The Poison Pill of God Destroying Blood was dreaded even by the most ancient of clans, and the Royal Family was no exception.
After all, only the descendants of families that could produce Immortal beings might be secretly harmed by it.
For other noble clans with no Immortals, wanting to destroy their Divine Blood? They’d first need to possess that capability.
“Hao is clever. Over these years, he hasn’t been able to find any evidence, and there’s no evidence left behind by this thing — unless you personally confess or we take a trip to Mount Wuliang and have a rummage under the Buddha Lord’s backside.”
“When you dared to poison him back then, you must have anticipated the worst scenario, right?” Li Muxiu asked with a cold chuckle.
The worst scenario would be exposure, but even exposure would leave no evidence.
Liu Yue Rong’s heart trembled when he struck at the truth, but her expression remained unchanged as she said:
“Second Uncle, you may hold a high position and wield great power, but you still can’t dismiss the need for evidence. I’ve never heard of the things you’re talking about.”
“Then tell me, why would Hao accuse you unjustly rather than someone else?”
“You’ll have to ask Hao Er that, I can’t understand where I could have possibly offended him.”
“Good! Very good!”
Li Muxiu was amused by his own anger, but since the other party vehemently denied everything, he had no evidence in hand.
Unless, of course, they went to Mount Wuliang.
The only way she could have obtained that thing was from there, and only that Buddha Lord could have kept it concealed for so many years without anyone finding out.
“They say the Buddha mercifully liberates all sentient beings, what a joke. Does he bring calamity only to swoop in and play the savior afterward?”
Li Muxiu scoffed, “Daring to covet the selection of the Li Family True Dragon, from today onwards, your son Li Qianfeng will either move to Mount Wuliang and never set foot in this house again, or stay here and never return to Mount Wuliang. Choose one of the two!”
Liu Yue Rong’s face changed abruptly, and she said, “Uncle, you can’t make such decisions without any basis, not to mention that you’re not the True Dragon of the Li Family. Although you are of a higher generation, do you really intend to oppress us orphans and widows with your seniority? How can you let Feng Ping rest in peace in heaven?”
“Silence!”
Li Muxiu roared with anger, “When Feng Ping sought your Liu Family for marriage, I was already against it. Your Liu Family has been civil officials for years, with all your cunning tricks, which I have long found displeasing!”
“Younger brother,”
from the side, Chen Hefang’s face showed a slight change as he said, “Today we talk only of family matters; let’s not involve too much.”
The rage on Li Muxiu’s face flickered, but he restrained himself.
Indeed, if he were to voice these opinions elsewhere, he would offend both Mount Wuliang and the court officials.
Thus, he would only express them within his own clan.
He had to get it off his chest!
However, given his standing, to some extent, it didn’t matter what he said, as long as it wasn’t widely publicized.
“Even if you deny it outright, it’s futile. I will get to the bottom of Hao Er’s matter. Until it’s clear, your son better not even think about leaving for cultivation!” Li Muxiu said angrily, pressing Liu Yue Rong.
Liu Yue Rong’s voice trembled, “Uncle, are you bullying us orphans and widows? If you can’t find out for a lifetime, are you going to forbid Qianfeng from leaving for cultivation forever?”
Li Muxiu snorted coldly, “If you’re afraid, then confess yourself and save everyone’s time.”
“How can I admit to something I haven’t done?” said Liu Yue Rong in sorrow.
Seeing this, Li Muxiu couldn’t be bothered to waste more words with her. He glared at Li Tiangang, who sat silently beside him, and said:
“And you, Tiangang. As Hao Er’s father, you have neglected him since he was a child. Has Hao Er ever held a grudge against you? Your toils on the Frontier Pass are hard-earned, and everyone knows it!”
“But when such a big incident occurs, you stand against Hao Er. What kind of father are you?”
At that moment, Li Tiangang was as silent as a stone, and after a pause, he said, “Uncle, Hao Er is willful. I punished him, not because I completely distrust him, but because he is too disrespectful to his elders!”
Saying this, he looked up at Li Muxiu, “If he had spoken to me properly, I would have sought justice for him. But he resorted to lethal measures. Do you think that’s right?”
Li Muxiu was furious, “With your attitude and temperament, do you think Hao Er can’t see through it? Talking to you, there’s no point whatsoever!”
“You say you will seek justice for him, so how will you do it? Now, show me how you’d seek justice!”
Although Li Tiangang could detect the sarcasm in his words, he still responded solemnly:
“It is naturally to conduct a thorough investigation. If my sister-in-law is indeed guilty, she should be dealt with according to her crimes and confined by the family laws.”
Li Muxiu scoffed, “That cunning woman is a titled Lady of the State, equal in rank to Jian Lan. How many years and months will it take if you follow the due process to investigate? Even if she were to reveal the truth and confess in the end, are you unaware of the penalty that would follow?”
“At most, she’d lose her title as Lady of the State and be demoted to a commoner. Considering the merits of the Li Family and Feng Ping’s contributions, a severe sentence is impossible!”
“As a result, although she may have been punished, she would still live a life of luxury in the Divine General Mansion. How could Hao Er possibly swallow such an injustice?”
“So, is he supposed to break the law and commit murder?”
Li Tiangang sharply looked at Li Muxiu, “So am I to just watch idly as they, the mother and son, are murdered, doing nothing?”
“You!”
Li Muxiu said angrily, “You lead troops in battle with such intelligence, so how come you’re so foolish about this? Whether it’s punishment or execution, all you had to do was let Hao Er have his way, was that so hard?”
“That unfilial son dared to kill even me, with such a terrible temper, I can’t indulge him.”
Li Tiangang snorted coldly, “Uncle, I will investigate Hao Er’s matter thoroughly, and I will give everyone an explanation. Our Li Family will never forgive any criminal, nor will we condone anyone!”
Although he didn’t state it explicitly, his words already hinted at the presence of the True Dragon leading the family, indicating that he was the ruler of this generation!
Even though Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng had higher status, within the family, seniority at most commanded respect, but it could not overstep the family head.
It’s like the emperor’s uncle being the imperial uncle, but do you think you can direct the emperor? That, unfortunately, would be a mistake.
Li Muxiu’s face turned ugly. With Li Tiangang assuming this identity, he could not contradict him.
Otherwise, if the elders had the final say, the so-called family head would be nothing but a joke.
After all, if one could take control simply by surviving to be the oldest, it would lead to a vicious cycle. Everyone would fear death and nobody would want to lead the charge; what then becomes of the noble clan’s legacy!
“If your father was still around, he would be disappointed in you too.”
Li Muxiu said no more, leaving with a flick of his sleeve.
Even he had no way to deal with Liu Yue Rong. The Divine General Mansion had to abide by the law too. She had the protection of an imperial order, and going through the legal procedures of the Imperial Court took too much time.
As for imposing a strict family punishment, it was possible, but it required Li Tiangang’s approval. Now, with his refusal, everything was in vain.
“Yue Rong, you should tell the truth about what happened. If you do, Qianfeng will still have a place in the mansion.”
After Li Muxiu left, Chen Hefang looked at Liu Yue Rong with a very serious expression.
Liu Yue Rong said bitterly, “Mother, do you not believe me either?”
Chen Hefang stared at her. After a long moment, she sighed deeply.
…
News of the great battle between the Li Family father and son quickly spread throughout Qingzhou.
The battle affected the city, seen by many eyewitnesses, and it was impossible to cover up the news.
Taverns and teahouses were filled with endless discussions, especially since the True Dragon’s decision was witnessed by many guests, leading to various pieces of news leaking out.
Some of these rumors were true, some false, and some utterly ridiculous.
Some said that Li Hao had taken down the True Dragon, wanting to kill his brother and father to unify the Li Family.
Others said that the Li family’s young man had drunk too much wine at the table and spoke nonsense, which led to conflict.
There were also claims that he bore a grudge against his father for guarding the frontier pass and not returning home for over a decade, resulting in his angry sword drawing.
There were even rumors that Li Tiangang had sired an illegitimate child during his fourteen years in Northern Yan, secretly bringing him back, and this led to the explosive father-son battle when his own son found out.
In any case, all the versions seemed to have some basis, making them believable, and the more they were passed on, the more incredible they became.
But no matter which version, such an earth-shattering battle, especially between father and son, left everyone guessing what punishment Li Hao would ultimately receive?
Some elders expressed that, even if his father had brought back an illegitimate child, he should not have drawn his sword against his own father. It went against ethics and was exceedingly unfilial.
Others said that the child was still young, and everything could be forgiven.
Time hurried by, and two days later.
Among the bubbling speculation that filled the city, countless gazes turned towards the Divine General Mansion, whose high walls seemed to isolate everything, forbidding any peeping.
For two days, there was no movement inside the mansion walls, as silent as death.
Then a message spread, claiming that the Divine General was punishing his own son severely.
…
…
At Tan Palace Academy, by the cold pond.
Song Yufeng arrived in a white robe, floating over like a Taoist priest.
Looking at the woman standing by the cold pond, he gave a wry smile and approached her, “You’ve heard about it?”
“It’s not about hearing.”
Song Qiumo replied coldly, “This city is only as big as a palm, and that day I saw it with my own eyes. That demon-slaying hand was truly ruthless against his own son!”
Song Yufeng was at a loss for words. Indeed, for those in the Four Stands Realm, Qingzhou City was clear at a glance.
And on that day, he too had witnessed it with his own eyes.
Sighing, Song Yufeng said, “For a child blessed by heaven like a Qilin, even if he makes mistakes, he doesn’t deserve this. I wonder what the Divine General has been through at the frontier pass to be so hot-tempered.”
“I don’t care what he’s been through, I just want him to come out alive,” Song Qiumo said coldly.
The two “he’s” she referred to were not the same person.
Song Yufeng gave a wry smile and replied, “Tigers may be vicious, but even they don’t eat their cubs. You’re worrying too much.”
“Hmph, hard to say.”
Song Qiumo glanced at him and said, “You didn’t come here just to stop me, did you?”
“Not at all.”
Song Yufeng replied helplessly, “He is, after all, a mentor under my name in Tan Palace. I’d like to visit him and take the chance to persuade him to come back to his lessons. That makes sense, doesn’t it?”
Song Qiumo gave him a look but her expression softened a bit, “Since that’s the case, let’s not wait any longer and make our way there soon.”
“Going there is no problem, but you must assure me, we’re only there to persuade. We can’t take any action. This is, after all, someone’s family affair,” Song Yufeng quickly added.
“Saying all this, you still don’t trust me, do you?”
“If you talk like that, you’re being too distant…”
“Since he’s your mentor, why didn’t you go before?”
“Haven’t I said it already? I’m only good for delivering charcoal in snowy weather, and I don’t like adding flowers on the brocade!”