Chapter 169

Chapter 169: For What Reason Expelled?

Qi Shu Xian stared intently at Sheng Zhi Wan, hoping to glimpse even the faintest ripple of emotion in her expression.

Yet, he found nothing.

She merely smiled, her height clearly shorter than his, yet the indifference in her gaze pressed down so heavily that he couldn’t utter a single word.

His fists loosened, then tightened once more.

From downstairs, Shang Hang Yu’s voice drifted up again. “If Heir Apparent Qi doesn’t wish to choose, that’s fine too. Surely Princess can’t force you to stay.”

Qi Shu Xian closed his eyes briefly. [Of course I know that.]

But if he did not apologize today, tomorrow the imperial court would see new petitions against him and Duke Qi’s household. First, his eldest sister was implicated in private salt smuggling, and then his father’s affair had come to light. On top of that, his own divorce from Sheng Zhi Wan…

If it were merely charges of disrespect, he could endure. But he feared something worse—that Shu Lang’s secret swapping of dowries or other hidden acts might come to the Emperor’s ears.

“I choose thirty lashes,” Qi Shu Xian finally forced out.

Before he had finished speaking, Shang Hang Yu called again, “Princess, is it convenient for you to administer the punishment yourself? If it’s inconvenient, I would gladly handle it for you!”

Qi Shu Xian ground his teeth, wishing he could silence Shang Hang Yu forever.

“Then I’ll trouble you, Second Young Master Shang,” Sheng Zhi Wan replied lightly, turning and stepping inside her chamber.

Qi Shu Xian watched the door close firmly behind her and drew a deep breath.

Soon, the sound of whipping echoed from below.

Under the gazes of so many, Qi Shu Xian bore the punishment in absolute silence.

In the Imperial Army, those who committed mistakes were punished in the same manner, witnessed by many. Back then, he had never endured such disgrace.

Yet now…

Blue veins throbbed at his temples with each strike.

By the time thirty lashes were complete, blood seeped through his thick winter robes.

“Heir Apparent Qi is truly a man!” Shang Hang Yu remarked appreciatively, shaking his wrist.

Qi Shu Xian glared coldly at him, then turned his eyes upward again.

The door remained closed.

He withdrew his gaze and strode away swiftly.

“Hey, careful with the wounds on your back, Heir Apparent Qi! Although I was gentle, I’m sure it still hurts…” Shang Hang Yu’s teasing voice chased after him, but Qi Shu Xian refused to acknowledge it.

Only when he reached the Duke’s residence did he stumble slightly, losing his balance.

Within, Duke Qi had long awaited him and hurried over upon hearing of his return.

“Shu Xian—” Duke Qi froze upon seeing his son’s pale face, noticing the vivid bloodstains behind him. “What happened? Someone! Come quickly!”

Qi Shu Xian swayed, steadied by Duke Qi.

“What happened exactly? Didn’t you go see Sheng Zhi Wan? How did things end up like this?”

Anxiously, Duke Qi summoned servants to carry Qi Shu Xian to his room. When his clothes were peeled off, Duke Qi gasped at the raw wounds on his son’s back.

Even the two physicians inhaled sharply at the sight.

Only then did Qi Shu Xian realize that Shang Hang Yu, that worthless dandy, was actually skilled in martial arts!

Each of the thirty lashes had seemed light, yet Shang Hang Yu had infused every strike with internal energy, tearing flesh with deceptive ease.

As the physicians tended to his wounds, a figure burst into the room—

“Elder Brother! What did she say? Can I return to the Academy tomorrow?” Qi Shu Lang rushed in, halting abruptly upon seeing his brother’s injuries.

His eyes widened in shock. “Elder Brother, what happened? Didn’t you go to see Sister-in-law—I mean her? How did you end up hurt?”

Qi Shu Lang couldn’t believe his eyes.

His elder brother’s martial arts skills were exceptional; who could possibly injure him so severely?

Unless he stood still willingly, letting someone strike him!

These wounds were all on his back; had his brother offended someone powerful?

If even Qi Shu Lang realized this, Duke Qi certainly had as well, and thus held back his questions until the physicians finished their work.

As soon as they left, Duke Qi prepared to ask again.

But Qi Shu Xian was quicker, turning sharply to Qi Shu Lang.

“Shu Lang! Tell me honestly, why were you expelled from the Academy?” His tone was severe.

Qi Shu Lang paused, his eyes flickering nervously. “I—I don’t know. The Headmaster just said I couldn’t stay any longer.”

“Tell the truth!” Qi Shu Xian suddenly seized him.

Qi Shu Lang jumped in fright. He had always admired and feared this elder brother, which was why he’d never respected Sheng Zhi Wan, who had eagerly married him.

But now that Sheng Zhi Wan was divorced, he couldn’t even enter the Academy anymore.

Qi Shu Lang seethed with hatred for Sheng Zhi Wan.

Gripped by Qi Shu Xian, tears welled in his eyes instantly.

“Enough! Why frighten him?” Duke Qi’s face darkened further. “What exactly happened to your back?”

Qi Shu Xian inhaled deeply and recounted the incident at the Teahouse.

“What? Has she gone mad?!” Qi Shu Lang snarled through clenched teeth. Sheng Zhi Wan dared to demand Elder Brother kneel and bow to her?

Hadn’t she always loved Elder Brother, relentlessly chasing after him?

Now, she humiliated him like this!

Fury darkened Qi Shu Lang’s gaze.

Duke Qi was also astonished. He hadn’t expected Sheng Zhi Wan to disregard Duke Qi’s household so blatantly right after their divorce.

No matter what, Shu Xian had once been her husband. Asking him to bow in such a manner—

Utterly outrageous!

Duke Qi slammed his palm down on the couch, face flushed with rage.

Qi Shu Xian, however, no longer wished to discuss the matter.

He looked sternly at Qi Shu Lang again. “Tell me clearly—why exactly did the Academy expel you? If you refuse to speak, I’ll personally go there and ask!”

Meanwhile, back at the Teahouse, Sheng Zhi Wan was also curious about the situation.

Qi Shu Lang was undoubtedly malicious, though it was still too early for him to commit truly vile acts.

Had her rebirth perhaps altered the timeline of events?

Deciding to clarify this, Sheng Zhi Wan resolved to pay Grand Scholar Du a visit.

With no husband or in-laws left to hinder her, she could do as she pleased.

“Princess, leaving already?” A voice full of gentle grievance emerged from behind the opened treasure-room door.

Sheng Zhi Wan didn’t pause her step, and Shang Hang Yu quietly withdrew again.

Her spirits suddenly lifted.

Zhang Da still drove her carriage.

Though now promoted to guard captain of her estate, Zhang Da remained humble compared to the skilled warriors sent by Shopkeeper Lin. Apart from driving for the Princess, he spent all his free time diligently training alongside them.

Indeed, all the guards whom the Princess had once risked herself to save were determined to prove their worth to her.

Azure Cloud Academy was Capital City’s most renowned institution, welcoming children of nobles, officials, humble scholars, and even merchants. The young gatekeepers had seen their fair share of dignitaries.

Learning that Sheng Zhi Wan had come to visit Grand Scholar Du, one promptly led the way while another hurried ahead to announce her arrival.

The Academy was meticulously divided, ensuring that visitors such as Sheng Zhi Wan followed clearly defined paths, avoiding any unintended disrespect.

“So this is an Academy? How wonderful! If only I were born a boy, perhaps I could study here too!” Liu Shang gazed around enviously.

Her younger brother had once studied, but his poor grades soon ended his education.

She sighed quietly. Being a girl meant no chance at such an illustrious education.

She’d heard tales of Grand Scholar Du, revered for his extraordinary learning. The thought of meeting such a legendary figure made Liu Shang tremble slightly with nervous excitement.