Chapter 55
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Madam Ru admitted quickly, and Marquis An Nan punished her swiftly. Pushing aside Lin Qingyao and Lin Qingxu, he called the servants to use even larger sticks in front of everyone.
No stopping until someone called for it.
The sticks fell incessantly, the sound resonating loudly as if one could hear the breaking of bones. There was no mercy—each strike drew blood. Madam Ru cried and begged for mercy. She crawled on the ground, seeking refuge by instinct, trying to crawl away. However, she was dragged back. The nobility that had almost surpassed the mistress had completely disappeared.
The two children cried and shouted as they tried to intervene but were forcefully held back by Marquis An Nan, especially Lin Qingxu. Marquis An Nan directly slapped him twice to make him quiet down.
Lishi cried as she approached, “If you keep going, she’ll be killed. Isn’t Lin Qingyang doing well now? No matter how big the mistake, you can’t take concubine Ru’s life! She is your cousin, the mother of these two children! You can’t be so heartless.”
However, Marquis An Nan remained cold-faced, showing no signs of stopping, as if he wanted to vent his anger for Lin Qingyang.
Lishi could only come to Lin Qingyang and, out of habit, began to scold him, “You, this boy…” But facing the same icy expression, Lishi’s momentum instantly extinguished. “She has taken care of you, is your elder, and has merits and hardships for this family. You can’t let her die just because of a momentary mistake, right? This punishment is heavy enough. Can’t you spare her?”
“Second Brother! Second Brother… please spare my mother.” The youngest Lin Qingyao also knelt in front of Lin Qingyang, “We are family, mother has realized her mistake. I beg you.”
Lin Qingxu looked at Lin Qingyang in a daze, his eyes were red, filled with tears, as if he had been through a great ordeal.
Lin Qingyang remained silent. He knew Marquis An Nan wouldn’t let Madam Ru die; otherwise, it wouldn’t be easy to conceal this matter externally.
Seeing Lin Qingyang unmoved, Lishi cursed him as heartless and tried to step forward to stop the beating. However, she was blocked by people from the second and third courtyards. If anything happened to her, it would be even more troublesome. This attempt on the legitimate son’s life was a serious matter, and even if Madam Ru was Lishi’s niece, it would be justifiable for her to be punished.
Until Madam Ru completely fainted, the servants were finally ordered to stop.
Watching Madam Ru, who was on the brink of death, Marquis An Nan’s eyes flickered for a moment. He waved his hand, instructing the servants to silence the terrified Yu Zhang and detain him. Then, he issued another command, “Throw Ru Shi into the woodshed. If she dies, so be it. If she survives, send her to the countryside estate tomorrow, imprison her, and strip her of all privileges. She is never allowed to return to the residence.”
“Father!” Lin Qingxu held onto Ru Shi, shouting in shock.
“Shut up!” Marquis An Nan, still filled with anger, silenced Lin Qingxu, and no one else dared to speak up.
After Marquis An Nan finished speaking, he looked at Lin Qingyang and asked, “Are you satisfied with the punishment for Ru Shi’s attempt to harm you?”
Most people considered the punishment severe enough.
However, Lin Qingyang just stared directly at Marquis An Nan. Despite this man being the original body’s father, Lin Qingyang didn’t feel any emotional connection. Influenced by the memories he inherited, Lin Qingyang could sense a faint blood relation, much like how he easily accepted the affection between his mother and eldest sister. Yet, at this moment, the only blood tie left disappointed him. Everything in front of him seemed absurd.
Under Lin Qingyang’s gaze, Marquis An Nan couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
In truth, they all knew who the real culprit was.
From the reactions of Madam Ru and Lin Qingxu just now, it was evident that Lin Qingxu was the mastermind, and Madam Ru, at most, could be considered an accomplice.
Yet, at that moment, Marquis An Nan struck Madam Ru. He made a choice, sacrificing a concubine to salvage the future of a legitimate son.
Madam Ru might not have initially grasped what was happening, but soon enough, she understood. She stepped forward, shielding the child from everything.
At a glance, they really looked like a family.
But did Marquis An Nan forget that if the truth had not been exposed, his other son might have died?
In the past, people in the residence often thought that Marquis An Nan favored Lin Qingyang over Lin Qingxu, believing he spoiled Lin Qingyang.
In reality, the one Marquis An Nan truly favored and doted on was Lin Qingxu. If it weren’t for the evidence Lin Qingyang held, he might have been sent to the countryside, stripped of his status as the legitimate son of the Marquis’s residence.
Facing Marquis An Nan, Lin Qingyang gave a cold laugh. “Since Father has made a decision, I have no complaints.” After all, he had no evidence proving that it was definitely Lin Qingxu who had taken action. Moreover, Madam Ru had already confessed, and there was no need to continue the play.
……
When Chu Lishu rushed back, he found Shuncai anxiously looking around near the entrance.
“Oh heavens, Young Master Chu, you’re finally back.”
Chu Lishu immediately asked, “What happened? Where is cousin?”
“Oh dear, a big incident happened,” Shuncai spoke in haste.
Chu Lishu’s heart tightened, but then he heard Shuncai say, “But our Young Master has already handled it, though he’s feeling quite aggrieved.”
“Handled it?”
Shuncai led Chu Lishu toward Lin Qingyang’s residence while explaining the situation. “I heard that Madam Ru tried to harm Young Master, and she even got Yu Zhang to assist in the plot. However, the Young Master and the Marquis saw through it. Yu Zhang got detained, and Madam Ru suffered even more…”
Chu Lishu understood after hearing the explanation. The servants like Shuncai wouldn’t know the full truth, especially considering that the matter of the incense addiction couldn’t be disclosed publicly. Therefore, the narrative was somewhat incomplete.
The sequence of events was likely similar to what he had inferred. After all, the Marquis’s residence was well aware of Lin Qingyang’s homosexuality, and Yu Zhang’s status wasn’t significant. The only thing that could cause Yu Zhang to threaten Lin Qingyang was the matter of the incense addiction. With the current commotion outside, if Marquis An Nan found out that Lin Qingyang had experienced addiction, the situation could spiral out of control. Chu Lishu hadn’t expected that his attempt to help Lin Qingyang vent his anger had almost harmed him in the process.
Chu Lishu felt self-blame in his heart, but upon hearing the outcome, he also felt relieved. Lin Qingyang had a clear advantage with evidence and the cessation of the incense addiction. This time, he had won decisively.
However, not apprehending Lin Qingxu was within expectations. After all, it didn’t touch upon fundamental interests. From Marquis An Nan’s perspective, it was impossible to give up such a promising son. Putting all hopes on Lin Qingyang, who suddenly showed remarkable talent, wasn’t a viable strategy.
Shuncai couldn’t help but mutter, “Even I, a servant, can see that Yu Zhang was brought in by Third Young Master. The person who tried to harm our Young Master must be the Third Young Master. But Marquis only punished Madam Ru. He really doesn’t take our Young Master’s grievances seriously.”
After Shuncai finished speaking, he looked at Chu Lishu cautiously and said, “Young Master came back, he didn’t have dinner and just drank alone. Besides asking if you had returned, he didn’t say any unnecessary words. Throughout the day, he occasionally asked why you hadn’t returned. If you were here tonight, the Young Master wouldn’t have to face that group of people alone. He must be feeling bitter inside. Please, later on, comfort the Young Master a bit.”
Chu Lishu didn’t hear the latter part of Shuncai’s words. He only heard that Lin Qingyang had been waiting for him to come back, and instantly, there was a lump in his heart.
He had said that he would only be away for a few hours, yet he changed his mind, causing that fool to wait the entire day. He had thought they should maintain a suitable distance, but now, he felt a sense of self-judgment for making a mistake.
Entering the room, Chu Lishu saw someone sitting on the bench beside the bed. The person leaned back, staring blankly at the starry sky through the window, holding a wine flask and taking occasional sips. Their expression was desolate, no longer the lively and genuine self from before, nor the fierce and competitive demeanor. Instead, it was a look Chu Lishu had never seen before, as if experiencing a lonely sentiment toward the moon, as if… not belonging to this world.
It was a kind of expression that dissolved into solitude until Shuncai’s shout broke the lingering atmosphere, pulling him back from another world.
Chu Lishu suddenly regained his senses and saw Lin Qingyang dropping the wine flask and rushing toward them.
Chu Lishu felt like his heart had momentarily decelerated, stopped, and only resumed beating when he was embraced with open arms.
Shuncai, standing on the side, was startled by his young master’s unexpected initiative. The intense emotions were incomprehensible to him, resembling someone clutching a lifesaving straw.
Understanding the situation, Shuncai tactfully turned away, closed the door, and left the two of them alone.
The force of the embrace was a bit strong, and Chu Lishu felt his arms ache from being held tightly. He cleared his throat, unsure whether to push Lin Qingyang away or reciprocate with a comforting hug.
“You lied. You said it would only take a few hours. Why did you come back so late?” Lin Qingyang almost cried out in frustration. Fueled by the alcohol he drank to alleviate his mood, his emotions were magnified, and rationality had long been abandoned.
He had only one thought – to hold on tight. He couldn’t let Chu Lishu run away again. He wondered if holding on tighter would increase his chances.
Hold on tighter!
Chu Lishu’s tone softened unintentionally, “I’m sorry… something came up and delayed me. I heard about tonight’s incident. You handled it well.”
As Chu Lishu spoke, he lifted his hand and gently patted Lin Qingyang’s back.
Suddenly being comforted, the pent-up grievances finally found an outlet and poured out.
Lin Qingyang’s emotions surged out as he spoke, expressing his disappointment and frustration with his family. Chu Lishu continued to pat his back gently, offering a silent and supportive presence.
Listening to Lin Qingyang’s heartfelt words, Chu Lishu felt a mixture of sadness and understanding. He knew that Lin Qingyang had endured a lot on his own, and now, facing family betrayals, the pain must be overwhelming.
After a while, Lin Qingyang gradually calmed down. He released his tight grip on Chu Lishu but kept him close, leaning against him for support. The two sat in silence, under the night sky, as if the quietude could mend some of the wounds inflicted by those who should have been closest.
Lin Qingyang expressed grievances, and Chu Lishu felt uncomfortable listening. He actually understood Lin Qingyang’s feelings because their experiences were quite similar.
“You still have your mother and eldest sister; they genuinely care for you.”
“Yes… there’s still them… I was too greedy, thinking it wasn’t enough… but they don’t really belong to me.”
Chu Lishu opened his mouth, unsure of the meaning behind Lin Qingyang’s words and unsure of what to say to comfort him.
“And then there’s Yu Zhang, does he still have a conscience…”
“Don’t mention him,” Chu Lishu interrupted, furrowing his brow.
“Oh, don’t mention it. And you…” Lin Qingyang seemed to be punishing, hugging tightly again. “If you didn’t come back… I was even thinking of going out to find you. I was really scared.”
Chu Lishu’s eyes gradually showed ripples, feeling a mix of self-blame and not knowing how to respond. He felt a tingling sensation in his heart from being touched.
It seemed like Lin Qingyang hugged too tightly; he couldn’t even breathe. Finally, he let go of Chu Lishu, but after letting go, his hands still firmly gripped the other’s shoulders. However, with the influence of alcohol, his body had no strength, and he couldn’t stand steadily. He leaned his weak head on the other’s shoulder.
At this point, Chu Lishu also realized that this guy was drunk.
Chu Lishu sighed, supporting him. “You’ve had too much to drink. Let’s go to bed and rest.”
“I don’t want to!”
“Why? Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something before sleeping?” Chu Lishu displayed all the patience to take care of a drunkard, something he probably had never shown since transforming from Yuan Ran to Chu Lishu.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Then, how about resting?”
“No, I still have very important things to do.” After saying this, Lin Qingyang suddenly let go of Chu Lishu and tried to walk away.
“What? What do you want to do? Can I help you with it?” Chu Lishu quickly grabbed Lin Qingyang.
“I want to find Chu Lishu. He hasn’t come back yet, and I must find him!” Lin Qingyang stated matter-of-factly.
Chu Lishu’s heart felt as if it had been caught by someone. Though it was just drunken rambling, it seemed to hit him like a solid truth.
He forcefully pulled Lin Qingyang back, cradling his face, and said, “Look clearly, I’m here. I’m back.”
Lin Qingyang then realized, “Chu Lishu! Why did you just come back?” Saying this, he hugged Chu Lishu again, starting the cycle of drunken frenzy.
After making a fuss for a while, Lin Qingyang couldn’t resist the effects of the alcohol and slumped down.
Chu Lishu helped Lin Qingyang onto the bed. Although Lin Qingyang lay down, he kept his eyes half-closed, gazing at Chu Lishu.
Chu Lishu covered him with a blanket and comforted, “Be good, go to sleep. You’ll feel better when you wake up tomorrow.” After saying that, he tried to get up.
However, before he could straighten up, Lin Qingyang exerted sudden strength and pulled him onto the bed, hugging him around the waist.
Chu Lishu didn’t want to hurt Lin Qingyang, so he didn’t resist much, planning to wait until the effects of the alcohol wore off.
But in the next moment, Lin Qingyang, with unexpected strength, pressed Chu Lishu down on the bed. Lin Qingyang lifted his head, gazing directly into Chu Lishu’s face with clear eyes reflecting his features.
In that moment, Chu Lishu unexpectedly held his breath due to a nervous feeling that seemed to emerge from nowhere.
“Tonight, you’re not allowed to leave,” Lin Qingyang suddenly spoke with a low and serious tone.
Chu Lishu’s mind went blank in an instant.
What did he mean?
Lin Qingyang reached out and touched Chu Lishu’s face as if confirming something.
“Yes… Chu Lishu… You can’t leave my side. If you leave, I’ll die. I don’t want to die…”
Chu Lishu stared at him blankly, and two words suddenly popped into his mind.
“Under the influence of alcohol… Forced to an extreme by death?”
Was Lin Qingyang acting out of character because he was drunk and couldn’t hide his true feelings?
Did his failure to return home today frighten Lin Qingyang, causing this sudden outburst?
Chu Lishu’s internal conflict and contradictory thoughts were assaulting his emotions, making it impossible for him to make a rational judgment. He could only watch in a daze as Lin Qingyang gradually approached him.
Lin Qingyang seemed to have lost weight. His facial features became more pronounced, with a refined and delicate appearance. The contours of his face showed a hint of maturity, and even the texture of his muscles was visible on his neck. His skin was smooth and delicate, indicating good quality. In fact, looking at his eldest sister and mother, one could tell that his facial features were not inferior. It’s just that they were concealed before, and now, upon closer inspection, he had a captivating appearance that could stir a woman’s heart.
However, unfortunately, he liked men, and even more unfortunately, he had taken a liking to him.
What’s so good about men? Doesn’t everyone have what they should have? What’s so attractive…
Chu Lishu looked at the approaching Lin Qingyang, feeling the warm and moist breath that was almost spraying onto his lips. It was as if there was a potent aphrodisiac in the air, making Chu Lishu feel dizzy in waves.
In a moment of sudden fear, Chu Lishu instinctively supported Lin Qingyang’s arms with his hands, but it seemed like he couldn’t bear this weight.
At this critical moment, a tear suddenly dropped onto Chu Lishu’s face.
Chu Lishu snapped back to reality and realized that Lin Qingyang wasn’t trying to kiss him; he was simply unable to hold on and fainted.
Regaining his composure, Chu Lishu gently turned his head, and Lin Qingyang collapsed onto the pillow beside him.
Chu Lishu sighed and, with a calm expression, gently pushed Lin Qingyang away. He wanted him to lie down properly, but he found that even though Lin Qingyang had turned to the side, his hands were still tightly holding on, unwilling to let go.
“Sigh… Do you really like me so much?”
There was no answer.
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