Song Qiming crouched by Ye Liangyu's bed and whispered softly, Teacher, do not move just yet. Ah Jie will be here right away.
The scenes of the execution replayed in his mind. After a moment of silence, Ye Liangyu turned his head to look at Fei Yanzhang, who was lying on the next bed.
Brother Fei, I have dragged you down with me this time.
Fei Yanzhang squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them again.
Do not speak of dragging me down. I could not stomach this matter any more than you could.
What disappoints me even more is His Majesty. He has become deaf to counsel, covering up his faults and acting with absolute tyranny. If this continues, the country will no longer be a country, and the ruler no longer a ruler.
Father! Young Master Fei cried out in terror.
He looked nervously at the maidservants standing in the room, terrified that they might leak these words.
This was the crime of great disrespect; if anyone found out, they would be beheaded.
Suddenly recalling something, Ye Liangyu urgently asked Song Qiming, What happened with the case? Was it left unresolved, or...?
Song Qiming let out a soft sigh. His Majesty ordered the Minister of Justice, Sui Zhuangling, to investigate thoroughly. The case was closed last night. All the charges were pinned on Earl Zhongqin. The entire Li household is to be executed, and the sentence will be carried out at noon today.
Ye Liangyu's eyelashes trembled, and he pressed on unwillingly, Did Prince Qi receive no punishment at all?
Song Qiming's face darkened as he shook his head. None. Not a bit.
His hopes dashed, a wave of coldness surged through his entire body. Ye Liangyu felt as if he were lying in an ice cellar.
A rebellious thought popped into his mind uncontrollably.
Does a monarch who bends the law for personal gain still deserve to be emperor?
Not long after, Song Jinzhao and Song Shixue, dressed in short martial arts attire, walked over from the training room. The two skillfully put on their gloves, preparing for the examination.
Seeing that Song Jinzhao was about to lift the blanket to look at his buttocks, Fei Yanzhang hastily spoke up to stop her.
As he twisted his waist, a sharp pain shot through his tailbone, and his brows instantly furrowed into a tight knot.
County Princess, it would be better to find a male doctor to take a look.
Standard medical observations and questions were one thing, but now she was going to look at his backside. Given the strict boundaries between men and women, he was truly quite embarrassed.
Expressionless, Song Jinzhao grabbed a corner of the blanket and pulled it back.
In the eyes of a healer, there are no men or women. Whatever should or should not be seen, I already saw it all yesterday. Lord Fei, there is no need to be shy.
A chill struck his skin. Seeing his backside exposed before everyone, Fei Yanzhang buried his head in his arms, feeling completely mortified.
Young Master Fei stood nearby and said, County Princess, my father just said his wounds hurt a lot.
After finishing the examination, Song Jinzhao covered him back up with the blanket, took off her gloves, and tossed them into a basin.
With a fractured bone and so much flesh cut away, how could it not hurt? Using too much anesthetic is bad for wound recovery; he will just have to endure it.
Young Master Fei asked, Then can I take my father back to our manor now?
Song Jinzhao nodded. Change the dressing once a day. I will have someone pack the medicine for you to take back. If you do not have a doctor at the manor, Shixue can visit your home.
Fei Yanzhang looked at Song Shixue, who was four years younger than Song Jinzhao, and shook his head faster than a rattle-drum.
No need, no need. We have a doctor at the manor who can help me apply the medicine.
She could tell he was lying, but Song Jinzhao did not expose him.
Applying medicine was something any ordinary doctor could handle. If he was not willing, she would not force it.
I will visit your home in three days for a follow-up. For the time being, keep to a bland diet and strictly avoid stimulating foods.
The father and son nodded simultaneously.
Seeing that it was almost time to report for duty, Song Qiming called out to Ye Liangyu, Teacher, I will head to the Hanlin Academy first. We can discuss other matters when I return.
Ye Liangyu nodded, his voice somewhat heavy. With your teacher being punished, it is inevitable that others will direct their mockery and sarcasm at you. Be careful and cautious during this time.
Song Qiming nodded. Rest assured, Teacher. I will stay inside the Hanlin Academy and not go out. Even if others gossip, they will not be able to say it to my face.
