Chapter 130: Your Love Is Flawless

Chapter 130: Your Love Is Flawless

Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming left Shi'an Garden towards the dungeon. On the way, Xiao Yuming asked in a low voice, "Brother, if Su Bingcang really knows that Qiuyun Xiu and her companion are spies, or if he himself is a spy for the enemy, could there be accomplices in the court?"

Xiao Yuchen hummed in acknowledgment; he was pondering the same question. After a moment, he said, "Who do you think would be his accomplice if he had one?"

"The Second Prince," Xiao Yuming suggested.

Xiao Yuchen nodded, "I think so too. He harbors a grudge against our father, and it would be natural for him to want father dead on the battlefield. However, it seems unlikely that he would betray his country."

"It's not impossible," Xiao Yuming argued. "His influence in court doesn't compare to the Crown Prince's. Reaching an agreement with the enemy isn't out of the question."

Xiao Yuchen's brows furrowed deeply, "That's a possibility. We'll know once we investigate Su Bingcang."

As they spoke, they arrived at the dungeon. Niu Hongliang was still inside. Seeing the brothers return, he came over to pay respects. Xiao Yuchen gestured dismissively, "Those two cannot be spared."

Niu Hongliang nodded in understanding, then said, "I will take care of them immediately."

Upon hearing their conversation, Qiuyun Xiu and Qiuyun Shan both screamed, begging not to be killed. Annoyed by the noise, Xiao Yuming ordered their mouths to be gagged, then told Niu Hongliang, "We'll do it ourselves."

With that, he turned to Xiao Yuchen with a smile, "Brother, how about one for each of us?"

"Alright," Xiao Yuchen agreed without hesitation. He had decided to join Xiao Yuming, prepared to kill if necessary. As the eldest son of the family, it was his duty, and he was ready to bear it.

This incident made him realize how naive he had been, only seeing what he wanted to see. His marquisate, his surroundings were fraught with danger and bloodshed, which he had deliberately chosen to ignore.

Now, he had to face reality and shoulder his responsibilities.

Upon hearing his resolute agreement, Xiao Yuming flashed a grin, then reached for two swords from the nearby rack, handing one to Xiao Yuzhen. Xiao Yuzhen took it, forcefully drawing the blade from its sheath before advancing towards Qiu Yunxiu with a chilling gaze.

Fearfully shaking her head, Qiu Yunxiu did not wish to die. Having hidden in the Yongning Marquis residence for nearly three years, she had almost forgotten her own identity, often pondering if it would be best to continue this way forever.

"Young Master," Niu Hongliang approached Xiao Yuzhen, gesturing towards Qiu Yunxiu's heart, "Stab here, and she'll die instantly."

Knowing the Young Master preferred books to swords, he stepped forward to offer guidance. Xiao Yuzhen, heeding his words, tightened his grip on the sword hilt, aiming at Qiu Yunxiu's heart before thrusting with all his might.

A muffled sound followed as blood burst forth, splattering across his face. Xiao Yuzhen felt an overwhelming nausea but suppressed his discomfort, withdrawing the sword to discard it on the ground. Then, he took out a handkerchief, meticulously wiping the blood from his face and hands.

The exquisite young lord, having committed such a bloody act, remained eerily composed afterward. Niu Hongliang couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration, thinking of the saying, 'like father, like son.' Both generations of the Yongning Marquis were decisive and ruthless, producing sons just as unflinching.

As he mused, Xiao Yuming strode toward Qiu Yunshan, brandishing his sword. With a swift motion, the trembling figure was silenced forever, her throat pierced.

"Let's go," Xiao Yuming turned, patting Xiao Yuzhen's shoulder.

Xiao Yuzhen hummed in acknowledgment, discarding the bloodstained handkerchief, and departed the dungeon with Xiao Yuming. Upon exiting, he said, "I shall bathe first, then visit our mother."

Without a wash, he felt he might succumb to disgust.

"Alright, go on. I'll head to mother alone," said Xiao Yuming, unaffected.

Xiao Yuzhen glanced at the bloodstains on his brother, suggesting, "You should change too, lest you frighten mother and Yuzhu."

Xiao Yuming looked down at the conspicuous bloodstains on his dark grey robe and, agreeing with Xiao Yuzhen, hastened back to his courtyard to change.

When Tang Shuyi saw her sons again, they were refreshed and clean. Without inquiring about the dungeon, she instructed, "Tomorrow, visit the Duke's residence and inform your grandfather about today's events, so he's prepared."

Xiao Yuzhen and Xiao Yuming nodded. Tang Shuyi continued, "Leave the investigation of Su Bingcang to Steward Zhao. He'll report any findings to you."

The brothers agreed, and Tang Shuyi smiled, adding, "With the New Year approaching and two menaces removed, we ought to be joyful."

"Let's roast meat in the courtyard to celebrate," proposed Xiao Yuming.

"I think a celebration is due," Xiao Yuzhu added eagerly, looking up at Tang Shuyi.

"Agreed," Tang Shuyi declared, sweeping her hand, "Let's roast meat in the courtyard."

Then, glancing at Xiao Yuming, she teased, "Our Second Young Master must strive harder. I'm still waiting for you to hunt a deer, eager for its meat."

Xiao Yuming sighed in resignation. "Mother, please wait a bit longer. Your son will make sure you have venison to savor one day."

"Alright, I'll be waiting," Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, and her three children joined in the mirth.

Indeed, the evening meal was a lively barbecue in the manor's garden. With winter nights arriving early, two rows of lanterns were hung, lending a unique ambiance to the night-time feast. Elated, Tang Shuyi even clinked a few drinks with her sons, feeling slightly tipsy by the end.

Seeing their mother's state, Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming escorted her back to Shi'an Yuan, only returning to their own quarters once they were sure she was safe.

Tang Shuyi lay in the bathtub, eyes closed, relishing the pampering from Cuizhu and Cuiyun. "Our eldest and second sons are growing up!" she remarked.

She had already learned of the incident in the dungeon where Xiao Yuchen had taken a life. She hadn't expected such decisiveness from him, feeling a sudden pride as if witnessing her child's coming of age.

Cuizhu and Cuiyun chuckled, with Cuiyun adding, "It's all thanks to your teachings, madam."

"They were always good," Tang Shuyi said with a mother's pride. "Even if I exhausted myself, I couldn't have taught a blockhead."

"Our young master and miss are indeed very bright," Cuizhu commented with a smile.

Tang Shuyi laughed. Yes, all three children were wonderful. Every mother believes their children are the best.

After stepping out of the bath, she let Cuizhu and Cuiyun help dry her hair before dismissing them. Sitting at her table, she gazed into the copper mirror at her blurred reflection, as if seeing another Tang Shuyi.

In her heart, she consoled, "You needn't be sad anymore. Xiao Huai never wronged you, those concubines were a sham, and your love was flawless."