Chapter 97 Five Notes
Chapter 97 Five Notes
Late at night, moonlight streamed through the window into the study of the Qi family mansion, and the faint candlelight flickered on the desk.
Qi Yuxuan sat alone at his desk, his brows furrowed, his heart filled with confusion and unease.
Today, he broke up with Qi Yushuang, which was extremely painful for him. This sudden marriage left him feeling lost and helpless.
Originally, his relationship with Qi Yushuang had been approved by his father, so why did his father suddenly change his mind and make him marry Qiu Ziyue?
After some internal struggle, Qi Yuxuan finally decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with his father.
"Father, are you still awake?" Qi Yuxuan asked softly as he approached his father's room.
Qi Jiangfeng was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding an ancient book in his hand. Hearing the voice, he smiled slightly: "Yuxuan, it's you. Why are you still up so late? Come in."
Qi Yuxuan walked up to his father, his tone tinged with helplessness: "Dad, there's something I've never understood, and I have to get to the bottom of it tonight."
Qi Jiangfeng put down the book in his hand and gestured for his son to sit down: "If you have something on your mind, just tell me."
Qi Yuxuan took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Father, why did you suddenly change your mind about this marriage? You clearly approved of my relationship with Yushuang before, so why do you want me to marry Qiu Ziyue? This makes me feel like I'm caught in the middle, and I don't know how to face Yushuang, or even how to face myself."
Upon hearing this, Qi Jiangfeng's expression turned serious.
He was silent for a moment, then picked up a pen and paper and began writing as he spoke.
He said, "Well, you know you made a bet, and you can't go against the will of the people."
“But I also have the right to choose. I love Yu Shuang. I really can’t accept Qiu Ziyue’s crazy and troublesome behavior every day, Father.”
Qi Yuxuan said sincerely.
Just as Qi Yuxuan looked troubled, his father handed him a piece of paper with a note written on it.
Qi Yuxuan unfolded the document and read: "Be careful of spies from the Li family. Do you know why I changed my mind? It's not just because of Qiu Ziyue's excellence, but also because of the changing situation and your lack of understanding of Li Maozhen."
Upon seeing this, Qi Yuxuan calmed himself down and began to sense the movements outside. He indeed sensed someone eavesdropping outside the window, so he became even more cautious.
Qi Jiangfeng said, "Yuxuan, I know you are a filial and good son, but a man should stand tall and not let down the people of the world. I also know that you and Yushuang are in love, but I did not expect things to develop like this. Please bear with it."
Qi Yuxuan hummed in agreement, feeling quite puzzled.
Then, Qi Jiangfeng handed the second sheet of paper with the writing on it to Qi Yuxuan.
Qi Yuxuan unfolded the document and read: "Yuxuan, although you are smart, you are still young and do not understand the ways of the world very well. The current situation is turbulent and unstable. Li Maozhen's power in the court is growing stronger and stronger. He is ambitious and wants to use the power of our Heartless Valley to usurp the throne. I have been enduring this for the past few years. Li Maozhen is someone we cannot afford to offend. I had no choice but to agree to your marriage with Yushuang."
Qi Yuxuan understood immediately and changed his words, saying, "Father, but I really feel wronged. That girl Qiu Ziyue is vulgar and likes to play tricks on people. She's always talking nonsense... I'm afraid I'll go crazy. If I marry a woman like that, I'll go insane... Also, she has offended so many martial arts figures. Our Qi family is too small to accommodate her."
After a moment of silence, Qi Jiangfeng said, "Yuxuan, in order not to break the bet, you'll have to put up with this."
Then the third sheet of paper with the writing on it was handed to Qi Yuxuan.
Qi Yuxuan saw that it said: "Over the years, I have not dared to openly confront Li Maozhen. I am worried that sooner or later our Qi family will be doomed. However, I have not found a trustworthy person or opportunity. I have high hopes for Qiu Ziyue. Although she is a bit unruly, she has a lot of skills and can keep Li Maozhen in check."
Qi Yuxuan was slightly taken aback, a vague unease creeping into his heart: "Father, do you mean I should marry that female demon? But, Father, wouldn't that cause irreparable damage to our relationship with Yushuang? I can't sacrifice my own happiness for the sake of the family's interests."
Qi Jiangfeng pretended to be very angry and said angrily, "Don't you understand what I mean? You don't listen to your father anymore. Whether you feel wronged or not, you should listen to your elders. I have no choice but to accept this ridiculous bet you made."
Seeing that the words were not finished, Qi Jiangfeng continued slowly, "Yuxuan, I know that you have deep feelings for Yushuang, but you must also understand that the rise and fall of the family and personal happiness are sometimes incompatible. As the heir of the Qi family, the responsibility you bear is not only your personal happiness, but also the honor and safety of the family. Child, do you understand?"
After speaking, the fourth sheet of paper with the writing on it was handed to Qi Yuxuan.
Qi Yuxuan unfolded it and saw that it read: "Yu Shuang is a good girl, but she may be a spy sent by the Li family. As the heir of the Qi family, you must be able to distinguish the current situation and never become a traitor who betrays the people. After you and Zi Yue get married, you must live in harmony. I believe that girl will be a good wife."
Qi Yuxuan looked up and saw a complex emotion flash across his father's eyes.
Qi Yuxuan lowered his head and remained silent. He understood that his father had his reasons, but he still felt conflicted and struggling inside.
Qi Jiangfeng continued, feigning anger, "Yuxuan, aren't we in a difficult position too? Qiu Ziyue is such a mischievous girl. She has her eye on you, and you made a bet with her, so you have to keep your word. A man should be able to take things in public and let them go. If you dare to gamble, you have to know how to clean up the mess."
"But, Father."
“But what? Yu Xuan, you've already put yourself in this situation. You need to learn to consider the bigger picture and weigh the pros and cons. As for Yu Shuang, I believe she's a reasonable person and will understand your choice.”
The fifth note was handed to Qi Yuxuan.
Qi Yuxuan opened the document and read: "Yuxuan, I saved Li Maozhen before, but I didn't know his identity at the time. After getting to know him, I realized that he is very capable, and even the current emperor is afraid of him. Therefore, I can only agree to your marriage with Yushuang on the surface. The current situation is chaotic, and we cannot form a marriage alliance with the Li family. Otherwise, our Qi family will be implicated. Do you understand? Your father has good intentions, and you must know them."
Qi Yuxuan raised his head, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Father, I understand."
Qi Jiangfeng smiled with satisfaction: "Good, that's my good son."
As Qi Jiangfeng spoke, he handed the sixth note he had written to Qi Yuxuan.
The note read: "In recent years, Li Maozhen has been particularly friendly to me. Once, he asked me about a jade pendant with the character 'Tao' on it. He said it was a key to unlock a treasure. I really don't know anything about it, but you must be careful, Yuxuan. The court and the martial world are complicated. Only by being careful can you turn danger into safety."
The father and son remained silent, and the burden in their hearts seemed to have been lightened considerably.
Qi Yuxuan understood perfectly. After exchanging a knowing glance, he stood up and bowed deeply to his father: "Father, thank you for your guidance. I will consider it carefully and make the best choice."
Qi Jiangfeng nodded and watched his son leave.
After Qi Yuxuan left, the dark figure outside the window also disappeared.
Qi Jiangfeng was also filled with hope and expectation, hoping that his son could find his own path in the complex situation.
Qi Yuxuan brought the few pieces of calligraphy his father had written for him back to his study. He took them out, placed them by the candlelight, and slowly burned them to ashes.
The conversation that night made him realize how young and naive he was. Over the years, the Li family had planted spies in the Qi family without his knowledge.
"Feiyang," Qi Yuxuan called to Yun Feiyang.
Yun Feiyang came to Qi Yuxuan's side upon hearing the summons.
Qi Yuxuan whispered a few words to him, asking Yun Feiyang to investigate Li Maozhen's movements and whereabouts.
Yun Feiyang and Qi Yuxuan grew up together and were trusted guards. He accepted the order and left the house.
In the study, Qi Yuxuan was lost in thought for a long time. He was recalling his conversation with his father and the bad things she said about Qiu Ziyue.
For some reason, Qi Yuxuan felt a little guilty and unconsciously smiled, saying, "That female devil is really crazy and troublesome."
To be continued... For more exciting developments, please read the next chapter.
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