Chapter 543 - Chapter 543: Chapter 550: Actions Prove (2/2)
Seeing their resolve, Su Wenyue did not insist they stand but simply said, “Very well, since you insist, I will accept this bow from you. As for punishment, the past is past, and there is no point in dwelling on it. You both are Han Yu’s right-hand men, and at a time when talent is needed, I will only demand that you serve Han Yu with even greater dedication and assist him in achieving his endeavors, thereby redeeming your faults with merit.”
Su Wenyue’s words only increased the Qi brothers’ admiration for her. They realized what fools they’d been to doubt her virtue and to allow lesser opinions to taint their perceptions, leading to negligence in their duties. Now it was clear that the Madam was a chaste and virtuous woman worthy of respect and certainly the only woman fit to stand by the Master’s side—no other woman was even worthy to carry her shoes.
“We are naturally the Master’s subordinates; it is our duty to devote ourselves to the Master’s business. Besides, the Master has shown us kindness, and for his sake, we would not hesitate to sacrifice even our lives. Now, with the Madam’s words, it seems that you wish to grant us brothers leniency. We clearly understand this in our hearts and are grateful for the Madam’s favor. We will indeed work even harder in the future to serve the Master and not let down both the Master and the Madam.”
“Since that is so, let’s clarify everything and rise,” Su Wenyue said with a smile, allowing the Qi brothers to stand. Although her initial words had another deeper meaning, she believed the Qi brothers had understood but decided not to press the matter. There was no point in demanding promises made out of a sense of guilt. Moreover, though she might not have achieved her initial aim entirely, at the very least, she could tell from the brothers’ words and actions that they now held respect for her, something they had not shown before.
Han Yu watched from the side, of course understanding the deeper meaning in his daughter-in-law’s words. The Qi brothers had acknowledged their mistake, but they had not responded to the part of her speech that truly mattered. They undoubtedly grasped the implications of her words though. Han Yu wasn’t in a hurry, waiting to see how things would unfold, confident in the respect the Qi brothers held for his daughter-in-law.
“The Qi brothers once again ask for the Madam’s forgiveness.”
Indeed, Han Yu had not guessed wrong; the Qi brothers did not disappoint his trust. They had scarcely risen before they knelt again, bowing deeply to Su Wenyue and then remaining there.
“What is this for?” Su Wenyue asked, surprised but also somewhat anticipating it, almost able to predict what the Qi brothers would say next.
“In the past, Qi Yun and Qi Shen were narrow-minded, judging the Madam based on our personal views and perceptions, as well as some unfavorable words about her. We overlooked the Madam’s worth, and though we went through the motions of respect, we did not truly honor her in our hearts, often neglecting our duties in our conduct. Please forgive us brothers for this, and from now on, whenever the Madam commands, we will not refuse and will respect the Madam as we do the Master,” the Qi brothers said sincerely, having genuinely accepted Su Wenyue as their Mistress, and no longer offering hollow courtesies. Knowing she would not hold them accountable, they no longer pleaded for punishment but instead wanted to express a certain attitude.
“Well, I appreciate your sincerity and goodwill. As I’ve said before, let the past be past. You’ve not truly done anything wrong and have met your obligations. I will not punish you, I only hope that you will do even better in the future. Rise now; I’ve never been one to judge through words alone. If you truly intend to, then prove it through your actions in the future.”
“Yes, your subordinates will indeed demonstrate through actions, not just words!”