Chapter 35: Meting punishment, the fox exploits the tiger’s might (1/2)

Chapter 35: Meting punishment, the fox exploits the tiger’s might[1] Original and most updated translations are from volare.

Having her shortcomings exposed before the crowd left Mu Liuyue at a loss.

“You…I was worried about big brother’s safety. In that situation, who knows if you had good intentions…a woman like you shouldn’t hold onto small grudges!”

“Contrary girl, why haven’t you shut your mouth yet!”

A fierce ‘pah!’ stuffed back the rest of Mu Liuyue’s words.

“Ah…father! You hit me!” A cut appeared on her arm where a whip had fell, the exposed flesh revealing a much deep wound than Han Yunxi’s.

General Mu’s rage reached to the skies. “That’s right, you’re the one I hit! So young and already so vicious! The Qin Wangfei came with sincere intentions to help, but your guesses and presumptions blocked her at every turn! You almost lost your brother’s life, shouldn’t I hit a such an obstinate girl?”

So speaking, he lashed out with the whip again, adding another bloody welt to Mu Liuyue’s skin. The terrified girl covered her head with her hands as she wept bitter tears.

“Don’t hit me! Father…I know my wrongs! Sob, sob…I won’t dare do it again! I won’t dare!”

General Mu threw his whip aside and went to kneel at Han Yunxi’s feet. “Esteemed wangfei, this old official thanks you for saving my son!” His head banged heavily against the ground as he kowtowed. “It was I who placed the blame on you, a crime that deserves punishment! I ask the Duke of Qin and Qin Wangfei to punish me accordingly.”

This coarse old fellow was barbarous and simple, but had an open mind. He admitted his mistakes instead of offering a slew of excuses like the North Court Official and Mu Liuyue. But that didn’t clear his guilt when he was the main reason for all this mess! Han Yunxi wasn’t so compassionate.

Seeing that Long Feiye still didn’t move to speak, Han Yunxi dared to speak in his place. “General Mu, you’ve gathered quite a few years beneath your belt. You’ve eaten more salt than my younger generation has eaten rice, so why can’t you see clearly the difference between right and wrong?”

This ‘difference between right and wrong’ was a clear jab towards Princess Changping and Mu Liuyue. The angry princess clenched her fists and wanted to argue, but couldn’t without Han Yunxi mentioning any names.

General Mu only nodded. “It was I who was muddle-headed, muddle-headed!”

“In the future, you have to keep your eyes clear when observing people and situations. You’re a person with high morals and strong standing, so this wangfei won’t punish you. I’d just like you to remember that I’m not useless trash.”

At these words, Long Feiye’s eyes grew dark.

This woman was intelligent enough. General Mu was a different case than the North Court Official. He was the commander of the imperial army! Not only that, he’d neither reported Han Yunxi to the courts or locked her up. For her to rebuke him to this point was already quite good. How could they really penalize him? In this way, Han Yunxi had saved a lot of face for the general.

The Mu Family would need to owe her a favor for this.

“Yes! This old official shall obey.” Appreciation flashed past General Mu’s eyes as he readily agreed.

After that, Han Yunxi turned her gaze to Princess Changping. From the start, all the torments and persecution she’d suffered came from the hands of this crafty princess. If she didn’t teach her a lesson, she wouldn’t be able to appease the indignation in her heart. But disciplining a princess wasn’t something an imperial aunt like her could do. She glanced at Long Feiye and mused, This Giant Ice Cube, I wonder if he’ll say some words on my behalf.

Princess Changping also stole a glance at Long Feiye. Seeing that his expression looked rather unpleasant, her heart grew turned flustered as she went over to pay obeisance. “Imperial Uncle Qin, Changping was worried about Qingwu gege. That’s why I lost my head, listened to slander, and caused the North Court Official to make trouble. Just forgive me this time, okay?”

“The one who suffered was your imperial aunt, not me,” Long Feiye said coldly.

Such words were beyond Han Yunxi’s expectations. This fellow had come, that was true, but rejected any involvement in the matters concerned. Who could tell what he was thinking with such equivocal actions? Giant Ice Cube had rescued her to save face for the Duke of Qin’s household and for the sake of his antidote. Of this, Han Yunxi was very clear.

Princess Changping couldn’t figure him out either, but she didn’t believe that Imperial Uncle Qin came for Han Yunxi’s sake. It must be to preserve the dignity of the Duke of Qin’s household. Before him, she didn’t dare to act out. Even if she nursed a thousand grievances, in the end she still bowed her head.

“Imperial aunt, Changping wronged you…”

Her apology sounded like a mosquito talking. She was too dissatisfied with the course of events, so much that her hands had turned to fists inside her sleeves and left nail marks against her skin. Today she had been thoroughly disgraced. Glancing towards Mu Qingwu, she only saw Qingwu gege giving her a disgusted look. Princess Changping was about to go mad from rage. Deep down in her heart, she bore a grudge. Han Yunxi, everything was because of you, you abominable woman. You were lucky this time, but that won’t be the case next time!

At this point, Mu Qingwu held onto his injury as he kneeled down. “Many thanks to Your Highness the Duke of Qin and Qin Wangfei for saving my life!”

Han Yunxi hastily reached out a hand. “Young general, your wound isn’t healed yet. Hurry and rise, if the cut opens again, you’ll have to lie down for eight to ten more days!”

Mu Qingwu didn’t dare have Han Yunxi support him, but hastily avoided her. In actuality, he really wished he had more time to talk with this woman before they opened the door. When he saw her walk alone into the Duke of Qin’s gates that day, he knew that she was someone different! However, his injury was too severe. As soon as he dodged, his vision turned black as he staggered and fell towards Han Yunxi.

“Qingwu gege!” Princess Changping cried, dashing over to pull Mu Qingwu to her side. He was already faint and soon lost consciousness. Princess Changping looked at Han Yunxi with a face full of anger. “Han Yunxi…why did Qingwu gege faint again, did you do anything to him?”

Han Yunxi ignored her to wave General Mu over for support so he could help Mu Qingwu back onto his bed. She then checked his pulse before speaking.