Twilight lingered in the sky.
Ji Liuguang knelt at the entrance of Hibiscus Manor, wailing uncontrollably.
Steward Yu, who had been instructing the servants on lawn maintenance, heard the cries and hurried over. He crouched down and said, "Fourth Young Master, what are you doing? Get up quickly..."
Ji Liuguang shook off Steward Yu's hand, sobbing, "If Grandfather won’t forgive me, I’ll keep kneeling here."
Steward Yu sighed and went to the greenhouse to report.
Old Master Ji had already heard the cries. The elderly man sat stiffly in his chair, sipping tea with a stern expression. "Ignore him. Let him cry."
The fourth grandson’s nature was rotten to the core, devoid of the gentleness and magnanimity expected of the Ji family. Raising such a disgraceful child filled him with shame toward their ancestors.
Rong Yu closed her book. "He’s no longer part of the Ji family. Steward Yu, have security escort him away."
"Yes, Miss Rong."
Steward Yu summoned two security guards, who flanked Ji Liuguang and dragged him toward the gate to throw him out.
"Grandfather, I know I was wrong. I truly regret it. I’m willing to join the military and discipline myself..." Ji Liuguang’s face was streaked with tears. "If Grandfather won’t give me a chance, I might as well die. Living like this only brings shame to the Ji family. Let me die—then everything will be over..."
He broke free from the guards and lunged toward the main road.
Steward Yu was terrified out of his wits and yanked him back. "Fourth Young Master, don’t be reckless! Reflect on your mistakes properly. Once you’ve truly changed, the Old Master’s anger will fade, and he’ll forgive you. After all, family is family—blood runs thicker than water. The Old Master won’t abandon you forever..."
Ji Liuguang’s body stiffened.
If they were truly bound by blood, he might still have the right to act rebellious.
But the truth was—they weren’t.
He had only just learned that he wasn’t a real member of the Ji family...
Without the Ji family’s protection, he was nothing.
"Grandfather, your grandson has been unfilial." Ji Liuguang wept. "I failed to complete my studies, tarnishing the Ji family’s century-old reputation. I was willful and immature, embarrassing you. I don’t even know how I became like this... I want to change, but I don’t know how. Maybe only my death can spare the Ji family further disgrace. From now on, your grandson won’t be able to serve you anymore. I’m sorry, Grandfather..."
He suddenly stood up and charged toward a pillar—
Only to collide with someone’s waist.
Ji Zhiyuan grabbed him by the collar, his eyes as cold as icicles. "If you want to die, fine. But don’t do it at the Ji family’s doorstep."
The fourth brother was truly despicable.
Using his life to threaten the Old Master?
If the Old Master yielded, he’d be letting Ji Liuguang manipulate him.
If the Old Master remained unmoved and Ji Liuguang actually got hurt, it would only wound the Old Master’s heart and health.
A man in his twenties—why was he even more immature than the fifth brother?
Ji Zhiyuan was tempted to slap him across the face.
Ji Liuguang choked back sobs. "Eldest Brother, when I was little and our parents died, Grandfather was busy with work. For a long time, you were the one who raised me. Later, when you went abroad to study, I even secretly asked the steward to take me to see you. I flew for an entire day just to catch a glimpse of you. Back then, you were so happy to see me... Why is it that now, your eyes are filled with nothing but disgust?"
"I know I’m useless and foolish. But for four years after I left home, no one guided me. If I turned bad, it’s not entirely my fault... If you all cast me out and no one cares for me, and I end up on the wrong path, my life will truly be ruined, Eldest Brother..."
"If even you won’t stand by me, I don’t know what to do anymore. Other than death, I can’t think of any other way..."
He cried until he was nearly unconscious.
Ji Zhiyuan’s expression remained indifferent.
But behind a tree, Old Master Ji had begun silently weeping.
After all, this was his own grandson—he couldn’t bring himself to sever ties completely.
He looked at Rong Yu.
Rong Yu sighed deeply.
Her Yingbao—soft-hearted since childhood, and even now in old age.
It was obvious that this fourth grandson hadn’t genuinely recognized his mistakes.
She was curious: Ji Liuguang had always been defiant and unruly. Why had he suddenly come to apologize? It didn’t align with his usual behavior.
Something felt off.
"Since he claims to know his wrongs, Yingbao, give him one last chance."
At Rong Yu’s words, Old Master Ji brightened immediately.
He wiped his face and strode out. By the time he reached the gate, his expression had darkened again. "Fourth, are you truly willing to join the military?"
Ji Liuguang nodded vigorously. "I’ll follow Grandfather’s arrangements."
"Rest your arm these next few days and prepare yourself." Old Master Ji’s voice was cold. "Only when your behavior satisfies me will your status as the Ji family’s fourth young master be restored. Understood?"
Ji Liuguang lowered his head. "Understood."
After a pause, he added, "Is He Jingchuan still at the Ji residence?"
Old Master Ji narrowed his eyes. "Why do you ask?"
"I want to apologize to him in person." Ji Liuguang’s voice trembled. "After returning to the country, I’ve done too many wrong things—bullying He Jingchuan, disrespecting Miss Rong, mistreating Duoduo, even shouting at the servants. I know my mistakes now and will change. An apology is the first step."
Old Master Ji’s face finally softened with relief. "If only you’d realized this sooner."
He Jingchuan was summoned over.
Ji Liuguang looked up at him. "He Jingchuan, I’m sorry for bullying you. Can you forgive me?"
Meeting his gaze, He Jingchuan’s lips pressed into a tight line.
He knew Ji Liuguang’s expressions too well—this wasn’t a sincere apology. There was something darker beneath it.
He averted his eyes. "It’s fine, Fourth Young Master. I didn’t take it to heart. I’ll go attend to my duties now."
He turned and left quickly.
Ji Liuguang’s eyes lingered on his retreating figure.
Rong Yu’s brows furrowed.
Something about Ji Liuguang’s gaze felt... malicious.
He Jingchuan was merely the son of a servant, temporarily assisting in the Ji household. He hadn’t done anything to provoke Ji Liuguang—so why such hostility?
A thought flickered in her mind but vanished before she could grasp it.
She must have overlooked something.
Ji Liuguang turned to Rong Yu. "Miss Rong, I apologize for my past disrespectful words and actions. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Rong Yu studied his eyes.
Under her scrutiny, he faltered and lowered his head.
Rong Yu suddenly chuckled.
That defiant glint in his eyes—this was no genuine remorse.
Strangely, she found herself curious about what schemes he might still have up his sleeve.
With a faint smile, she said, "You must be tired. Go upstairs and rest."
Ji Liuguang didn’t dare say another word and hurried upstairs.
Old Master Ji instructed Ji Zhiyuan, "When the fourth goes to the military in a few days, assign extra people to watch him closely. Report immediately if anything seems amiss..."
Ji Zhiyuan nodded in acknowledgment.
