Chapter 239

Chapter 239: Life Treated Like Grass

“What?”

Duke Qi flew into a rage. “Sheng Zhi Wan? How dare she!”

Qi Fei Rui clenched her fingers tightly.

She knew clearly the vast difference in status between herself and Sheng Zhi Wan. Ever since returning to Capital City, even though she knew Mother’s stroke wasn’t entirely due to Madam Tao alone—

The most critical reason was Sheng Zhi Wan failing her duties as a daughter-in-law—

She had held back all her resentment!

But now, Sheng Zhi Wan wouldn’t even spare a child!

Qi Fei Rui drew in a deep breath and rushed with Duke Qi to West Street Entrance.

As a senior, Father could not publicly confront Sheng Zhi Wan. Yet, as a peer, she was determined to question Sheng Zhi Wan’s cruel heart herself.

At West Street Entrance—

Chaos reigned.

A crowd had gathered, pointing and whispering at a small figure sprawled motionless on the ground.

Arriving hastily, Duke Qi and Qi Fei Rui immediately recognized the fallen figure. His embroidered robe was stained through with blood.

“Lang’er?!” Qi Fei Rui instantly knew the robes belonged to Qi Shu Lang. Her heart shook, eyes instantly reddening.

But Sheng Zhi Wan was nowhere in sight. Only two maidservants stood beside Qi Shu Lang.

One was vaguely familiar—Qi Fei Rui recognized her as Sheng Zhi Wan’s attendant.

The other, unfamiliar, still held a bloodied horsewhip—

Clearly, she was the one who struck Shu Lang!

Qi Fei Rui’s fury exploded. She strode forward and raised her palm high.

Yet, just as the slap was about to land, within Merciful Creek Hall behind Liu Shang and Ting Lan, another hand moved faster—

A porcelain cup flew out with fierce speed, smashing at Qi Fei Rui.

Qi Fei Rui saw only a blur.

Porcelain shattered!

Tea splashed onto Qi Fei Rui’s pristine, moon-colored skirt.

Qi Fei Rui’s hand froze mid-air.

Disbelief filled her eyes as her gaze finally pierced through the crowd into the hall behind.

“What did Second Young Lady Qi intend just now?” a soft, icy voice drifted from the medical hall.

Qi Fei Rui’s heart trembled uncontrollably, her sleeve hiding a shaking hand.

Sheng Zhi Wan rose slowly and emerged from the hall.

Qi Fei Rui’s lips trembled, but no words came forth.

She had been utterly shaken by Sheng Zhi Wan’s piercing gaze!

Yet Duke Qi took two strides forward, “Sheng Zhi Wan! What is the meaning of this? Don’t think your royal status places you above the law! Attacking a child and humiliating the family of a national hero! This Old Minister…This Old Minister will report you directly before the Emperor!”

His finger jabbed aggressively towards Sheng Zhi Wan’s face.

Sheng Zhi Wan glanced briefly at the pointing finger.

Then, uncaring, she took a step forward.

Duke Qi instinctively stumbled back.

Qi Fei Rui, recovering from her initial shock, quietly tugged her father’s sleeve, reminding him to hold back.

Duke Qi was already mortified by his own retreat but reluctantly lowered his hand upon recalling Qi Fei Rui’s earlier warning—

The Duke’s household must remain humble now.

Besides, with so many eyes watching, Sheng Zhi Wan could not possibly evade accountability.

Qi Fei Rui pressed her lips tightly, letting sorrowful helplessness replace her earlier resentment and fear. “Princess, what is this for? Fei Rui understands that you resent the Duke’s residence, resent my eldest brother bringing Meng Yang back from the border. But Brother acted honorably. Since Princess couldn’t accept him taking a concubine, you requested divorce. The Duke’s residence said nothing.”

“We even returned your dowry willingly. We hoped you’d find happiness in remarriage.”

“But now…why must you harm a mere child while my brother risks his life defending the Border Pass?”

“He’s just ten years old! Don’t you feel guilty?” Qi Fei Rui cried passionately, a timely tear falling down her cheek.

Commoners nearby, newly arrived, quickly joined in agreement.

“That’s right!”

“Heir Apparent Qi faces life and death at Northern Desert, protecting Sheng Kingdom. Princess or not, how can she bully others like this?”

“What man doesn’t take concubines? Such jealousy, even after divorce, punishing a child? Cruel!”

“Could it be jealousy because Heir Apparent Qi won a great victory?”

“To harm such a young child, does she have no heart?”

“Shh! Mind your words. She’s still a Princess, careful or she’ll whip you too!”

“No…you don’t understand—”

A faint, youthful voice was drowned by the crowd’s accusations.

“Second Young Lady Qi truly has a gift for speaking. Unfortunately, you overestimate your Duke’s family.” Sheng Zhi Wan suddenly smiled coldly. “After all, your household isn’t worthy enough to dirty my hands.”

“Sheng Zhi Wan—” Duke Qi roared.

“Liu Shang!” Sheng Zhi Wan called sharply.

Liu Shang immediately cracked her whip just in front of Duke Qi’s face.

“Crack—”

The sharp sound left Duke Qi’s ears ringing.

The whip had grazed his cheek, drawing blood. Duke Qi raised trembling fingers, feeling the sting.

“Princess! This is intolerable!” Qi Fei Rui snapped, furious now.

She had tried appearing weak, attempting to provoke Sheng Zhi Wan’s temper and draw sympathy from the crowd.

And she had succeeded.

Yet she never anticipated Sheng Zhi Wan would be this reckless, even daring to strike her father!

“I am intolerable?” Sheng Zhi Wan laughed coldly, all amusement vanishing in the frost of her expression.

“An Zhi! Doctor Jiang! Wheel him out. Let Second Young Lady Qi see clearly—let every commoner here see clearly—what truly defines cruelty, what truly is lawless!”

“What it means to treat human life—”

“Like! Grass!”