Chapter Twelve: The Dignity of Xia Wutang

  "The facts are clear and the evidence is conclusive. The incident of killing dozens of people in broad daylight during the summer cannot be shirked."

  As soon as Xia Fu finished speaking, Xia Yongfang immediately became spirited and righteous, as if he had suddenly transformed into a messenger of justice. He pointed at Xia Tian and said indignantly: "Although Xia Tian is my younger brother, he has done something that heaven and man abhor, so I have no choice but to draw a clear line with him, even if it means sacrificing family ties for the greater good."

  "Your Majesty, this move in the summer is clearly damaging the reputation of our benevolent royal family. Even some murderous tyrants wouldn't stoop so low. I implore Your Majesty to severely punish them."

  After the most indignant rebuke, Xia Yongfang fell to his knees in front of Xia Wutang and said with a stern tone.

  "Your Highness, I humbly concur. The concerns of the Duke are entirely reasonable. If we do not punish those who tarnished the reputation of our benevolent kingdom during the summer, it will be insufficient to convince the masses."

  Xia Fu immediately followed suit and responded loudly.

  At a glance at Xia Tian, Hu Mei'er's face flashed with anger, and she bit her teeth and stomped her foot, also kowtowing loudly and pleading: "This humble woman is not a member of the royal family and should not interfere in the king's family affairs, but... Xia Tian is such an unkind and cruel person, if the king does not severely punish him, we good people will suffer forever."

  After the three, Zhang Huan and Hu Santao also followed suit. The oppressive force caused by several people together made the atmosphere in the reception hall heavy and depressed for a while, as if the air was filled with mercury.

  "Haha, ridiculous, ridiculous."

  A burst of loud laughter suddenly erupted, that laugh was wild and unscrupulous, sweeping away the heavy atmosphere in the hall.

  "In summer, what are you laughing at? What's so funny? Are dozens of lives just a joke to you?"

  Xia Yongfang was taken aback for a moment before flying into a rage and severely scolding Xia Tian.

  Then turned to Xia Wutang, Xia Yongfang smeared black Xia Tian said: "Father king, you see, Xia Tian is not thinking of repentance at all, the mistake has been made, and we have caught him, but he is still so arrogant and domineering. If we don't teach him well again, in the future, it's likely to become a murderous demon king."

  "Your Majesty, it's not like that. Xiao Tian has always been gentle and courteous to others, normally he wouldn't even dare kill a chicken, let alone a person."

  As Xia Yongfang spoke more and more severely, his hat was pulled tighter and tighter. Wang Suya became anxious and could no longer remain calm, hastily speaking on behalf of Xia Tian.

  Wang Su Ya spoke up to defend Xia Tian, but instead of being surprised, Xia Yong Fang was overjoyed and a hint of a pleased smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

  "Queen, this statement is wrong. The usual behavior and demeanor cannot judge Xia Tian's character, maybe he is just good at pretending. Besides, Queen, you are busy with things every day, neglecting to teach Xia Tian, leading him to make mistakes, it's also possible."

  Xia Yongfang quickly counterattacked, with a hint of implication in his words.

  When someone said she was ill-mannered, Wang Su-ya didn't have the mood to get angry, she said very firmly: "My own son, I'm very clear, he absolutely won't do anything bad."

  "Hum, Queen Wang, you don't have to be so certain. I think you must have been deceived by Xia Tian. Perhaps you know something, but..."

  A smile spread across his face, a smile that everyone understood, and Xia Yong's words were left unspoken.

  Xia Yongfang's words were unclear but extremely vicious, causing Wang Su's expression to change drastically. Just as she was about to speak, Xia Wutang spoke up.

  He said in a low voice: "Xia Yongfang, you are being impudent to your elders, apologize at once."

  "Yes, Your Majesty."

  With a pleased expression retracted, becoming serious and solemn, Xia Yongfang respectfully said.

  "Aunt Wang, I'm sorry, it was my fault just now."

  Although he was unwilling in his heart, under Xia Wutang's seemingly all-knowing gaze, Xia Yongfang had no choice but to yield.

  The younger generations of the Yongcheng County Prince's Mansion, who were so mighty and domineering outside, became even more obedient than a cat in front of Xia Wutang.

  Wang Su Ya ignored Xia Yongfang's apology, her beautiful eyes fixed on Xia Wutang, her tone carrying a hint of sadness and uncertainty as she said: "Prince Wang, you have to believe me, Xiao Tian is a good child, he definitely won't do anything bad, absolutely not like what Xia Yongfang and Xia Fu said."

  "Okay, I'll ask."

  He nodded slightly towards Wang Suya, and Xia Wutang's body moved slightly, as if a sleeping tiger had awakened, dominating the world.

  "In summer, Xia Yongfang said is it true."

  Looking at Xia Tian, Xia Wudao solemnly asked.

  "In the summer, one mouth acknowledged, and said with relish: 'It's true, I really killed dozens of people in the free trade market.'"

  When this was said, Xia Yongfang, Zhang Huan, Xia Fu and Hu Mei'er were overjoyed. Hu San Dao's expression was a mixture of joy and guilt, his emotions complex.

  Wang Suya felt a wave of dizziness as soon as she heard the words, and almost didn't dare to believe what she had just heard. Her body shook, and she nearly fell over.

  Xia Wutang's face still showed no expression, dozens of lives, in his eyes, seemed to be worth less than a speck of dust.

  "Do you have anything to explain?"

  The Xia Wutang was extremely calm, just like the stillness before a storm.

  "Yes. Well, I did kill people, but those people were asking for it, so I don't think I was wrong. If I had the chance to choose again, I would still take action without hesitation, regardless of who lives or dies."

  Frowning with anger, Xia Tian's tone was resolute and clear, his words expressing an unshakeable determination.

  If it were up to Xia Tian's temper, he would have killed him and wouldn't have bothered explaining anything. If someone dared to come and make a fuss, he would have killed them too and that would be the end of it.

  It's just that now his cultivation is no longer there, the occasion is also not right, it's impossible to be so reckless and impulsive. Sometimes, being circuitous and tortuous is also a kind of wisdom.

  At this time, Xia Yongfang jumped out again, pointing at Xia Tian and shouting loudly: "Your Majesty, did you hear that? Now that things have come to this point, Xia Tian still refuses to repent. If we don't discipline him now, it will be impossible to control him in the future."

  "Do I need you to teach me how to do things? Are you implying that I can't even tell right from wrong?"

  A sharp glance swept over Xia Yongfang, and Xia Wutang said calmly.

  The tone was extremely calm, without revealing a hint of anger, but Xia Yongfang's reaction was quite violent, his whole body trembling, and his face suddenly turned pale.

  Xia Yongfang shook his head repeatedly and said in a frightened tone: "No, no, Your Majesty, I didn't mean that."

  "If there isn't, then shut up."

  With a light rebuke, Xia Wutang no longer looked at Xia Yongfang again.

  "Your Highness, isn't Yongfang doing this to maintain the reputation of the Wang Manor as well? Moreover, as an older brother, he doesn't want Xia Tian to go astray. As the saying goes, 'deep love and strict demands'. Perhaps in some aspects, he was a bit too hasty, please forgive him, Your Highness."

  Zhang Huan couldn't sit still and hurriedly defended Xia Yongfang and pleaded on his behalf.

  "Alright, alright, I know. Summer's case will have a fair verdict, so you two mother and son don't need to interfere."

  Xia Wutang made up his mind with just one word.