115. Friends

Chapter 115: Friends

Liu Yuerong was speechless.

The monstrous talent of that child shattered all her arguments.

She knew that no matter what she said, it would be useless, and her heart filled with resentment.

"Hao'er has such skills. Isn't it because you and Uncle Five defied the heavens and changed his fate?" Liu Yuerong gritted her teeth.

Li Muxiu laughed angrily, "My opportunity to defy the heavens was used long ago. Jianlan and He Fang know this. As for Old Five's chance, he has kept it as a last resort, to be used when there is no one in the Li family capable of great achievements."

"Does Hao'er need this chance?!"

Everyone focused on Liu Yuerong. They knew that while Li Muxiu had an eccentric personality, he would not lie about such things.

Liu Yuerong felt the weight of everyone's gaze. At this moment, she suddenly felt she understood what Li Hao had experienced under their scrutiny, feeling a mix of bitterness and irony.

Only she could truly empathize with that child's sense of despair.

However, she would not admit defeat. "Second Uncle, everything you're saying is without evidence. Our Li family is large, and even for enforcement, we must rely on evidence, right?"

Li Muxiu coldly replied, "The poison Hao'er described, I've heard of it before. Once ingested, unless examined immediately, it's undetectable. This substance was lost long ago. When the Five Great General's Mansions jointly eradicated it, many ancient families participated. Not only the formula but even the land was turned to ashes."

"I never thought this thing would still be preserved."

The poison that destroys divine blood is feared by ancient families, including the royal family.

After all, only the descendants of families with immortal powerhouses would be targeted by such poisons.

Other families without immortals wouldn't even be targeted for the poison.

"Hao'er is smart. He hasn't found any evidence over the years because this substance leaves no trace. Unless you confess, or we take a trip to Wuliang Mountain and search under that Buddha's seat."

"You dared to poison back then. You should have anticipated the worst outcome, right?"

Li Muxiu's sneer hit her hard, but she maintained her composure, saying:

"Second Uncle, you may hold a high position, but you must adhere to evidence. I've never heard of what you're talking about."

"Then tell me, why would Hao'er falsely accuse you and not someone else?"

"You should ask Hao'er that. I can't fathom what I did to offend him."

"Fine! Very well!"

Li Muxiu laughed in anger. Without her confession, he had no proof.

Unless they went to Wuliang Mountain.

The only place she could have obtained this substance was there, and only that Buddha could have kept it hidden for so long.

"They say the Buddha saves all beings. What a joke. Bringing disaster and then pretending to save?"

Li Muxiu sneered, "Starting today, your son, Li Qianfeng, must either stay at Wuliang Mountain or remain at home and never return there. Choose one!"

Liu Yuerong's face changed drastically, "Second Uncle, you can't make such a decision without evidence. You're not the True Dragon of the Li family, even if your status is high. Are you trying to bully us widows and orphans? How will Feng Ping rest in peace?"

"Shut up!"

Li Muxiu roared, "I opposed Feng Ping marrying into your Liu family. You've been civil officials for years, full of schemes. I disliked it from the start!"

"Second Brother."

Chen Hefang's face changed slightly, "Today, we're discussing family matters. Let's not drag too many things into this."

Li Muxiu's anger flashed but he controlled it.

Indeed, his words could offend both Wuliang Mountain and the court's civil officials.

He could only speak such things within the family.

It felt good to vent!

However, given his status, saying a few words wouldn't matter, as long as it wasn't widely spread.

"Even if you deny everything, it won't matter. I'll get to the bottom of Hao'er's matter. Until then, your son won't leave this house!" Li Muxiu roared, pressuring Liu Yuerong.

Liu Yuerong trembled, "Second Uncle, are you going to oppress us for a lifetime? Will you never let Qianfeng out to train if you can't find the truth?"

Li Muxiu coldly replied, "If you're afraid, confess now and save us all the trouble."

"I won't confess to something I didn't do," Liu Yuerong said sadly.

Li Muxiu, seeing this, didn't bother arguing further. He turned to Li Tiangang, who had been silent, "And you, Tiangang. As Hao'er's father, you never took care of him. Did he ever resent you? We all know your hard work at the border!"

"But with such a big issue, you stand against Hao'er. How do you call yourself a father?"

Li Tiangang remained silent, like a stone. After a moment, he said, "Second Uncle, Hao'er's personality is rebellious. I disciplined him not because I don't trust him, but because he shows no respect for elders!"

He looked at Li Muxiu, "If he had spoken to me properly, I would have sought justice for him. But he went straight for the kill. Do you think that's right?"

Li Muxiu roared, "With your attitude, would Hao'er not see through you? Talking to you is useless!"

"You say you'd seek justice for him. How? Show me now!"

Li Tiangang heard the mockery in his tone but remained calm, "By gradually investigating and interrogating. If Second Sister-in-law is guilty, she will be punished according to her crime and the family laws."

Li Muxiu sneered, "She's an ennobled lady, a first-rank noble. By the time you go through all the procedures, who knows how long it will take? Even if she confesses, what's the punishment? You know it won't be severe."

"At most, she'll lose her title, be demoted to a commoner. Considering our family's merits and Feng Ping's contributions, she won't face harsh punishment."

"She may be punished, but she'll still live a life of luxury. How can Hao'er swallow that?"

"So he should break the law and kill?"

Li Tiangang looked sharply at Li Muxiu, "Should I just watch him kill a widow and orphan and do nothing?"

"You!"

Li Muxiu roared, "You're smart in battle. How can you be so stupid about this? Whether punished or killed, as long as Hao'er feels avenged, isn't that enough?"

"That rebellious son dares to kill me. His temper is huge. I can't appease him."

Li Tiangang snorted, "Second Uncle, I'll investigate Hao'er's matter thoroughly and give everyone an explanation. Our family will not tolerate any crime, nor will we condone anyone!"

His words hinted at his authority as the current family head. Although Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng held higher status, within the family, they couldn't override the head of the family.

It was like the emperor's uncle being a national uncle but unable to dictate to the emperor.

Li Muxiu's face darkened. Li Tiangang's assertion meant he couldn't contradict him.

Otherwise, the idea of the eldest always having the final say would turn the head of the family into a joke.

If only the eldest survived and ruled, no one would dare to charge forward, undermining the family's legacy.

"If your father were here, he would be disappointed in you."

Li Muxiu left without saying more.

Even he couldn't do anything about Liu Yuerong. The God General's mansion had to follow the law. With her title, the court's legal procedures would take too long.

Severe family punishment was possible, but Li Tiangang needed to agree. Without his consent, nothing could be done.

"Liu Yuerong, tell the truth, and Qianfeng can still have a place in the family."

After Li Muxiu left, Chen Hefang spoke to Liu Yuerong, her expression serious.

Liu Yuerong bitterly said, "Mother, even you don't believe me?"

Chen Hefang stared at her for a long time before sighing deeply.

News of the Li family father-son battle quickly spread throughout Qingzhou.

The battle affected the city. Many saw it firsthand, and the news couldn't be hidden.

In taverns and teahouses, people discussed it eagerly. With many guests present during the True Dragon selection, various pieces of information leaked.

Some were true, others false, and some were outrageous.

Some said Li Hao, after gaining the True Dragon title, wanted to kill his father and brother to unify the family.

Others said he spoke nonsense while drunk, sparking conflict.

Some claimed he resented his father for being at the border for years, leading to a furious outburst.

There were even rumors that Li Tiangang, after 14 years in the north, brought back an illegitimate child, sparking the father-son battle.

Regardless of the story, such a sensational fight had everyone speculating about Li Hao's punishment. Some elders believed, even if his father had an illegitimate child, he shouldn't have drawn his sword. It was unethical and unfilial.

Others said he was just a child and should be forgiven.

Time passed quickly, and two days later, with the city abuzz with speculation, all eyes were on the God General's mansion, its high walls seemingly impenetrable.

For two days, the mansion remained silent, as if dead.

Rumors spread that the Marquis was severely punishing his son.

At Tangu Palace Academy, by the cold pool.

Song Yufeng, dressed in white like a Daoist, approached gracefully.

Seeing the woman standing by the pool, he sighed and approached, "You heard?"

"Not heard."

Song Qiumo coldly replied, "This city is small. I saw it myself. That demon-slayer is harsh with his son!"

Song Yufeng was taken aback. Indeed, to a Four-Pole expert, Qingzhou City was visible at a glance.

And he, too, had seen it firsthand.

Sighing, Song Yufeng said, "Such a prodigy, blessed by heaven, even if he errs, shouldn't face this. I wonder what that Marquis went through at the border to have such a temper."

"I don't care what he's been through. I just want him to come out alive." Song Qiumo coldly said.

Two "he's," but not the same person.

Song Yufeng chuckled, "A tiger won't eat its cub. You're overthinking."

"Hmph, not sure."

Song Qiumo glanced at him, "You're not here to stop me, are you?"

"Not at all."

Song Yufeng sighed, "He's a registered instructor at Tangu Palace. I'm just visiting him, persuading him to return to teaching. Reasonable, right?"

Song Qiumo rolled her eyes but softened, "In that case, let's not wait. Let's go."

"We can go, but you must promise we only persuade, no fighting. This is their family matter."

"You don't trust me, do you?"

"Don't be so distant..."

"Why didn't you visit earlier?"

"I said, I like to offer help when it's needed, not just add to the glory!"