Chapter 433: Punch First, Ask Questions Later

“A solution… isn’t entirely out of the question, but it requires the prefect’s approval.”

Xu Sanyan, having regained some composure, asked curiously, “Can’t Uncle make this decision himself?”

Associate Magistrate Qin shook his head. “You’re not in officialdom, so you wouldn’t understand the intricacies. This matter concerns the city’s defenses, which falls outside my jurisdiction. We need the prefect’s consent first, followed by Commander He’s agreement to implement it.”

“Commander He?” Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow. “He Wenshu’s father?”

“Exactly. Qianzhou City is already protected by a formation that only three people can activate: the Governor, who oversees all of Qian Prefecture; the prefect, who manages all affairs within Qianzhou City; and Commander He, who bears the critical responsibility for the city’s defenses. Since this matter falls outside my purview, I can’t offer any direct assistance.”

Xu Sanyan nodded slowly, gaining a clearer understanding of the bureaucratic landscape.

“I suggest you pay Commander He a visit, virtuous nephew. He’s the most familiar with the necessary preparations.”

Xu Sanyan nodded. “Thank you for your guidance, Uncle.”

According to Associate Magistrate Qin, establishing a formation in Qianzhou City required the prefect’s approval first, followed by cultivating a good relationship with Commander He. Without both, implementation would be nearly impossible.

If that’s the case…

Xu Sanyan decided to visit Commander He immediately. He wondered what the commander was doing at this very moment…

Meanwhile, at the He Residence,

“Father, stop hitting me! Stop! I was wrong, waaaah…”

He Wenshu dodged the iron rod—a twisted symbol of paternal love—with frantic leaps and bounds, tears and snot streaming down his face. His buttocks were already covered in bloody welts.

At first, he had obediently endured the beating, thinking his father would stop after a few strikes. After all, he was his own son—surely he wouldn’t beat him to death?

But as the beating continued, something felt off. His survival instinct kicked in, driving him to evade the blows. At the same time, he began to suspect his mother’s fidelity.

Looking at Father’s fury, I wonder if I’m even his real son.

“Master, please stop,” a beautiful woman pleaded tearfully, though she dared not physically intervene. “Shuer has the Prefectural Examination tomorrow. You can punish him after the exam is over.”

“Hmph, the Prefectural Examination? With your son’s hollowed-out, pathetic state, do you really think he can pass?” Commander He sneered, his face flushed with anger. Having already started the beating, he decided to give He Wenshu a thorough thrashing to teach him a lesson. As for the examination…

To hell with the Prefectural Examination! I’ll beat him first and worry about that later!

With his official rank, he could easily arrange things for He Wenshu, even if the boy was a useless piece of trash. At least this way, he could vent his frustration!

“If you dare hide again, I’ll break your legs!” Commander He roared, raising his club menacingly at his son, his face twisted in fury.

He Wenshu froze, his eyes darting blankly to his mother. Mother, honestly, whose seed am I?

Whack!

The iron club crashed brutally against He Wenshu’s upturned buttocks. A piercing scream echoed through the courtyard as the servants lowered their eyes, pretending not to hear, and continued their tasks.

They had grown numb to such scenes. The Eldest Son, if left unpunished for three days, would likely develop an itchy rear, always finding new ways to provoke the master’s wrath.

Normally, a few lashes would suffice, but judging by the intensity of today’s beating, the trouble he had caused must be significant.

At that moment, a servant hurried over. He opened his mouth to speak, but seeing Commander He’s expression, he swallowed his words.

Madam He wiped away the forced tears from the corners of her eyes, her expression instantly returning to its usual composure. “What is it?” she asked the servant.

“Madam, someone is requesting an audience at the gate. He says his surname is Liang.”

“Liang?”

Madam He glanced at her son, writhing under the beating. Could Shuer be suffering this punishment because of this man?

“Very well, have him shown in… No, I’ll go myself.”

Madam He glanced at her husband, still seething with rage, then at her son, whose screams remained surprisingly robust. With a brisk turn, she strode away, her steps carrying a hint of lightness.

A father beating his son was only natural. It was just a beating, nothing serious. Shuer should be used to it by now, right?

As for her earlier performance, it was all just for show. She’d seen it in plays: when a father beat his son, the mother had to cry and beg for mercy to make it dramatic.

In truth, she wasn’t a doting mother. She had no idea why He Wenshu had turned out so badly.

Fortunately, she still had her second son, who was obedient and adorable.

Xu Sanyan hadn’t even stepped into the He Residence when he heard the piercing screams. He immediately guessed what was happening and casually asked the gatekeeper, “What’s going on?”

The gatekeeper smiled wryly. “The Eldest Son must have angered the master again. Judging by the sound, this time it’s severe. He probably won’t be able to get out of bed for half a month.”

“Tsk… He’s really beating him?”

“Yes, it’s a terrible beating…” The gatekeeper shook his head, a hint of pity in his eyes.

Just then, a melodious voice drifted from inside the residence:

“Is Young Master Liang here?”

Xu Sanyan looked up, his eyes lighting up. A lady glided toward him, draped in a long pink gown, her hair adorned with gilded phoenix wings. Her lotus-like steps were graceful and dignified, befitting a noblewoman.

Anyone could wear phoenix wings; they weren’t reserved for royalty.

The gatekeeper bowed respectfully. “Madam.”

Xu Sanyan now realized this woman was Commander He’s wife, truly a fortunate man.

“My name is Liang Yongzhuo. I greet you, Madam.”

“Please, come in quickly,” Madam He said warmly, her smile radiating genuine kindness. Yet the screams echoing from within the residence created a bizarrely comical contrast.

Xu Sanyan hesitated before entering. “Is Commander He at home?”

“Yes, Young Master Liang. Please wait a moment. The master is occupied with some matters but will be with you shortly. Please forgive any inconvenience.”

“No need for apologies,” Xu Sanyan said with a smile and a wave of his hand. Far from being inconvenienced, he was rather eager to witness the commotion.

Madam He led him into the main hall, served tea, and engaged in casual conversation while they waited for Commander He to finish his business.

After a while, the screams gradually subsided. Commander He strode into the hall, his face beaming as if nothing had happened.

“Brother Liang, you’ve come! Forgive my failure to greet you properly.”

“Master He, you’re too kind. I hope my intrusion hasn’t disrupted your affairs.”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Madam He tactfully withdrew, preparing to play her role as the doting mother visiting her son.

The couple operated with practiced efficiency: one responsible for discipline, the other for guidance. Poor He Wenshu still believed his mother loved him most.

Commander He rose and said solemnly, “My son is young and foolish. I hope you won’t hold it against him, Brother Liang.”

Xu Sanyan waved his hand with a smile, his tone teasing. “Old Brother, what are you saying? I’ve long forgotten such trivial matters. If your son was beaten for that, it was all for nothing.”

As he spoke, he subtly changed his form of address from “Master” to “Old Brother,” subtly drawing the two men closer.

Hearing this, Commander He relaxed and laughed heartily. “Hahaha, excellent!”

At this point, only He Wenshu remained injured.

(End of the Chapter)