Shen Yong took it and gave it a shake, the sound cutting through the air sharply.
Shen Junxu's legs trembled as he kept signaling to Zhou Qing with his eyes.
Zhou Qing shrugged, looking very helpless.
Shen Yong said, "Even if the Emperor himself came today, you would not escape this family punishment."
He had to strike, to make a statement. The Emperor had given him a harsh reprimand in the morning. No matter what, reputation still mattered, especially since his elder brother once commanded great popularity.
Moments later, wails echoed from the study. Madam Liu was barred outside, crying, "My son, my son..."
Madam Lu also came, and though she felt heartache upon hearing, she said nothing. Indeed, be it the blind one or Zhou Qing, each had the ability to handle things alone; Xu'er needed to be toughened up.
In the end, Shen Junxu was carried out. Madam Liu's heart ached as she looked at her son's bloodied back.
