Chapter 208: Debate on the Stage

Chapter 208: The Duel of Words

"I wonder if the ancestors of the Sun family, if they knew of this in the afterlife, would also think that you, father, are disloyal, unjust, and undeserving of being buried in the ancestral tomb?"

Sun Zhiye's eyes were filled with mockery, his tone casual, yet every word he spoke was sharp, igniting Old Master Sun's rage like an unstoppable wildfire.

Sun Zhiye ignored it and continued, "Father, what wealth do you have left? The Sun family's coffers are nearly empty, and all the shops are in my name."

"Just before you were imprisoned, I sold the shops cheaply to a trusted party. Under the witness of the county magistrate, all the necessary paperwork was completed and registered by Clerk Yuan. From now on, they are no longer tied to the Sun family."

"At this moment, the only one in the Sun family with any remaining resources is mother. But do you think mother would sell her dowry and personal property to get you out?"

"Or do you think Qu Ying, whom you loved so deeply, can save you?"

"Qu Ying is barely able to fend for herself. Do you think she will be drowned in a pig cage or live out her days in a nunnery?"

"Father, it's time you experienced this for yourself."

"By the way, father, you probably don't know yet, but Qu Ying has been given a medicine that causes infertility, making it impossible for her to conceive."

This was what his mother told him during her visit.

Yet, the doctors claimed Qu Ying was pregnant.

He believed his mother, so Qu Ying's pregnancy was a setup from the start.

"And father, do you know why, during these days since you returned to Changhe County, despite taking concubines and trying every day, you've had no success?"

"Well, I arranged for someone to give you a drug that renders you sterile."

"Surprised?"

"Father, calmly await your exile."

"Given your age and health, there's a nine in ten chance you'll die during exile, maybe even before me."

"When you meet my second brother down there, tell him not to rush, I'll be there soon."

Old Master Sun's face turned pale, and cold sweat beaded densely on his forehead.

"You..."

"Are you insane!"

Sun Zhiye looked up at the light streaming through the only small window, his eyes crinkling into a smile. "I'm not mad."

"My tactics, my strategies, are what you taught me."

"When I was young, I didn't want to learn, so you beat me with a cane soaked in saltwater, over and over again."

"You said, I live to expand the Sun family's legacy, to become a man above men."

"You said, a real man doesn't fuss over minor details, better to betray others than to be betrayed."

"You said, those who achieve great things must not be soft-hearted or indecisive, they must stop at nothing."

"So how come, now that I've grown up and you've grown old, you've forgotten your own words and only care about being a rich man?"

"That just won't do!"

"Father, you can be sure, even if you and I die, the Sun family will endure."

Lu Mingchao's business empire will be built on the foundation of Sun's legacy.

So, his ambition remains alive.

Old Master Sun's lips quivered, but he remained silent.

After a long pause.

"I never taught you to kill your brother and father!"

Sun Zhiye's smile deepened. "But you ordered the servants to withhold the life-saving medicine from Uncle's unborn child."

"With his death, Uncle's share fell to you."

"Like father, like son, so why are you angry now?"

"Father, don't worry; the Sun family, having claimed so many lives, will become the ultimate nourishment for a towering tree."

Sun Zhiye turned away, refusing to look at his father, who lay curled on the ground, wailing in agony.

How utterly repulsive!

He saw his father as repulsive, and he, who mirrored his father in every way, even more deceitful and cruel, could only be more so.

No wonder, when he confessed his feelings to Lu Mingchao, she considered drawing her bow to shoot him.

He could barely recall the appearance of the lanterns in the long alley outside the county office.

Yicheng.

The year's final debate at Shouzhan Pavilion commenced as planned.

The wind carried delicate, fluttering snowflakes.

The light snow resembled pear blossoms, gently touching the heart.

Xie Yan and Lu Mingchao traveled in one carriage, while Lu Yao and Xu Qingxing rode together in another.

As the carriage halted, Xie Yan alighted first, offering his arm to the side.

Lu Mingchao, taking Xie Yan's arm, descended from the carriage swiftly with the aid of the footstool.

Grand debates, forging friendships through discourse.

Today, Shouzhan Pavilion buzzed with exceptional liveliness, the atmosphere particularly grand.

For no other reason than Prince Duan's presence to observe today's debate competition. The debate competition aimed not only to argue justice and morality but also to achieve renown.

Prince Duan, the emperor's eldest son, whose favor could propel one to meteoric success.

From a distance, Lu Mingchao noticed Chu Hanyu standing tall and graceful by the debate platform.

Only slightly older than Lu Yao, he possessed a jade-like complexion, standing tall and slender yet robust, clad in a sky-blue robe adorned with osmanthus patterns, draped in a milky white cloak, a white jade belt at his waist, and a white jade hair crown engraved with lotus motifs.

Truly noble and graceful, akin to a rare and precious tree.

Young Master Bright Moon?

Chu Hanyu.

His demeanor and appearance certainly live up to his reputation.

If Lu Yao and Chu Hanyu were to debate on the same stage, the crowd would be captivated by their presence.

Xu Qingxing whispered, "That’s Chu Hanyu."

"After the completion of the Shouzhan Pavilion in Yicheng, Chu Hanyu has been the reigning champion with the most consecutive wins."

"His first famous debate topic was whether to trust without doubt or to doubt even while using someone."

"He argued that one should doubt even while using someone, leaving his opponent speechless and utterly convinced."

"His second and third successful debates were on whether to work together despite differences and whether alleviating poverty or eradicating ignorance is more important."

Lu Mingchao felt a spark of curiosity. "What arguments did he choose?"

Xu Qingxing replied, "Work together despite differences."

"Alleviating poverty."

The water clock ticked steadily.

A drumbeat echoed, and a young attendant from the Shouzhan Pavilion stepped forward, holding an incense burner.

This signaled the start of the debate.

The noise and chatter died down, replaced by a solemn, serious air.

"Master Xie, Madam Xie, His Highness requests your presence upstairs."

A familiar attendant of Prince Duan bowed and said.

Lu Yao, who was set to debate, was led to his spot by an attendant.

Lu Mingchao glanced at Xu Qingxing, who looked a bit lost, thought of the influential Runan Xu Clan backing him, and raised an eyebrow, asking softly, "Could our friend join us to pay his respects?"

The attendant lowered his gaze. "Certainly."

"Madam Xie’s friends are His Highness’s friends."

"Please."

The attendant stepped aside, gesturing with an outstretched arm.

Xu Qingxing was floored.

Did Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan have connections in Yicheng too?

Had he and his father underestimated Xie Yan and Lu Mingchao after all?

Xu Qingxing trailed behind them like a dutiful child.

As he entered the private room upstairs and saw the man sitting calmly in an armchair, sipping tea, Xu Qingxing felt as if his soul had fled and his courage crumbled.

Prince Duan himself?

It was Prince Duan in the flesh!

His father had gone to great lengths to win Prince Duan's favor, yet here was Prince Duan treating Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan with such courtesy.

No, the clan needs to put in more effort.

Otherwise, why would Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan remember this favor?

"Commoner Xu Qingxing greets His Highness Prince Duan."

Prince Duan set down his teacup, "At Shouzhan Pavilion, it's all about knowledge, not status. There is no need for grand formalities."

"Do you have to pick a side to get into government service?"