Chapter 238

Chapter 238: He Wants Him Dead

The more Duke Qi thought about it, the more his heart raced. He urged the carriage faster toward his estate.

Now, Qi Fei Rui handled most affairs within Duke Qi’s residence. Although it was unusual for an unmarried young lady to manage her elder brother’s marriage plans, Fei Rui was clever, with many friendships among noble ladies. Letting her handle minor decisions was harmless.

But as soon as he mentioned his intentions, Qi Fei Rui shook her head gently. “Father, perhaps we should wait.”

“Wait longer?” Duke Qi sighed. “Sheng Zhi Wan already has a Prince Consort. Even if he’s just an idle fool, knowing Shu Xian’s heart, he still harbors feelings for that wretched woman. The sooner we settle this, the sooner he can move on.”

This was truly what angered Duke Qi the most.

Back then, Sheng Zhi Wan had stubbornly starved herself, demanding the Emperor’s decree to marry Qi Shu Xian. Their Duke household had proudly stood tall among their peers.

And in those first two years, Sheng Zhi Wan had done well. She managed the household efficiently, cared diligently for her mother-in-law, and everything was in perfect order. Even though Madam Cui often complained about Sheng Zhi Wan’s princess-like airs, Duke Qi himself had felt the comfort and prosperity of those days.

But since Qi Shu Xian returned from the Border Pass with Meng Yang, everything changed. Sheng Zhi Wan caused disturbances again and again, eventually publicly requesting divorce at the Training Field, humiliating him before many officials.

Every thought of this filled Duke Qi with shame.

Worse still was after their divorce—Qi Shu Xian repeatedly sought reconciliation, but Sheng Zhi Wan’s heart was immovable. Eventually, she chose a good-for-nothing as her next husband.

Why could Sheng Zhi Wan shamelessly remarry, while his son remained obsessed with her?

A fickle woman like her did not deserve it!

“Father, why worry? Elder Brother has just won a battle. When he returns victorious against Northern Di, countless noble families will eagerly seek to marry into our house. We can choose carefully then,” Qi Fei Rui reassured him, pouring a cup of tea herself.

Duke Qi nodded slowly. “Indeed, it’s as you say. I was too hasty. Shu Xian’s achievements will surely secure him a bride far superior to Sheng Zhi Wan.”

Qi Fei Rui paused briefly, teapot in hand.

A bride better than Princess Sheng Zhi Wan… they existed, surely. But why would they marry her brother?

Even with his victories, Qi Shu Xian was a divorced man, known for abandoning a princess for a mere farmer’s daughter. What noble family truly cherished their daughter would willingly agree?

Yet Qi Fei Rui held her tongue. “Elder Brother currently enjoys His Majesty’s favor. At such times, caution in word and deed is vital for our family.”

Duke Qi agreed silently. Yesterday’s affairs had indeed been too flamboyant. Thankfully, His Majesty had shown leniency.

He looked at Fei Rui regretfully. With her intelligence, had she been a man, she would surely have become a great official. Still, even as a woman, marrying an Imperial Prince could provide Duke Qi opportunities…

“Father, if possible, could you invite Elder Imperial Physician Song to our residence?” Fei Rui’s voice was soft.

Duke Qi startled, turned to see her eyes glistening with tears. “Mother’s condition… Fei Rui wishes Elder Physician Song would see her.”

Since Fei Rui returned to the capital, many doctors had examined Madam Cui, all shaking their heads hopelessly.

But Fei Rui refused to give up. Her mother had been healthy when she left. How had she become this way?

Madam Tao would pay, quietly, as per the Emperor’s instructions. But right now, healing her mother was the most pressing issue.

She had befriended Commandery Princess Ming Jia intending to approach Third Prince through her and then secure Elder Physician Song’s assistance. But suddenly Ming Jia was betrothed to the Crown Prince, disrupting Fei Rui’s carefully laid plans.

Now, with her brother’s recent victory, perhaps Duke Qi’s request to Elder Physician Song would not be refused.

Duke Qi looked guilty. Indeed, he had rarely visited Madam Cui recently. Yet he could hardly bear seeing her in her pitiful state, reduced to helpless cries and the faint smell around her.

“Very well. When your brother sends news of another victory, I will request His Majesty command Elder Physician Song to examine your mother.”

Qi Fei Rui curtsied respectfully. “Thank you, Father.”

Duke Qi stood, preparing to see Madam Cui when suddenly a servant boy stumbled in, pale-faced and frantic.

“My Lord! Second Young Lady! Terrible news!”

“Please save Second Young Master! Someone wants to kill him!”

This boy was Mo Hui, the new servant assigned to Qi Shu Lang after Ah Zhong’s execution.

Qi Fei Rui’s gentle gaze instantly hardened with icy fury. Among the four siblings, her elder sister was distant, and her elder brother cold. Only Qi Shu Lang, younger and sweet-tongued, had always stuck close, making him her favorite.

Qi Shu Lang was gentle-hearted. Though playful and occasionally mischievous, he never caused serious trouble. Moreover, he was Duke Qi’s second son. Who would dare harm him?

“Where is he? Who did this?” Qi Fei Rui swiftly strode out, her voice sharp and fierce.

Mo Hui wiped the sweat from his brow, swallowing nervously. “At… at the West Street Entrance. It was… it was Princess Sheng Zhi Wan who ordered the beating!”