Chapter 441: We Shall Do as Ah Wu Says

The reactions of the Hu Family’s Three Brothers did not go unnoticed, and sighs of sympathy rippled through the onlookers.

The Wei Family was also a military family. They raised their children with strict discipline, producing many talented individuals. Wei Ting’s military genius had been apparent from a young age, transforming him from the slender, green-robed youth who once roamed the Imperial City to the young general guarding the Northern Border. Wei Ting was the center of attention and the object of countless people’s envy.

The Wei Chi family was similar to the Hu Family, yet also different.

They were similar in that Wei Chi Lianping’s father’s generation had also died a tragic death, a fact he dared not forget for a single moment. Bearing the earnest hopes of his elderly grandmother, he had come to Lin’an to claw his way up. He had risen from a mere Colonel guarding the city gates all the way to becoming the Prince Consort to Princess Hua Chang.

Tears still welled in Hu Chen’s eyes. Hu Lie pounded his fist on the ground, already damp with his tears. Hu Feng kept his head bowed, his expression hidden.

Ji Qingwu quietly walked to Emperor Wu Su’s side, only to see that the Emperor’s face was completely devoid of emotion.

Zhao Mingyan stood before them and said coldly, "I thought you had forgotten your own names!"

His words stirred even deeper shame in the hearts of the Hu Family’s Three Brothers.

Hu Feng’s throat worked a few times before he managed to speak. "I... was born at an unfortunate time. But since I have already done wrong, I am willing to bear the consequences."

"I only hope Your Majesty will not punish my two younger brothers. They were not aware of the situation. Let me bear the blame alone."

Hu Lie and Hu Chen cried, "Big Brother..."

"You alone?" Zhao Mingyan said lightly. "The crime of treason and consorting with the enemy... Can you afford to bear it?"

At these words, all members of the Hu Family lowered their heads in terror.

Once confirmed, such a grave crime meant the punishment of the entire family. It was impossible for Hu Feng to protect his brothers; even their deceased grandfather would have his name sullied in death.

Wei Ting glanced at the Emperor in surprise.

Ji Qingwu quietly turned her head, carefully observing Emperor Wu Su’s expression.

She, too, was filled with surprise.

Right now, the army at the Northern Border was in dire need of generals. The Emperor had specifically sent Wei Ting to persuade them to surrender and had gone to great lengths to bring the Hu Family to the camp. This was all to grant them amnesty and offer them solace.

But now, Emperor Wu Su seemed on the verge of an outburst...

’He’s definitely not trying to punish them.’ Ji Qingwu suddenly felt she was beginning to understand Emperor Wu Su’s intentions.

Ji Qingwu followed Emperor Wu Su’s lead and spoke softly.

"The last person sentenced for the crime of treason was the former Prime Minister, Su Fengyue. Do you know what kind of punishment he and his family received?"

Her tone was light, but the meaning behind her words was profound.

Everyone’s expression changed in unison.

The Su Fengyue affair had caused a huge uproar. It wasn’t just the terrible impact of a Prime Minister colluding with the enemy. What was even more shocking was that while Su Fengyue was still in prison, before he had even signed his confession, Prince Yong had him castrated. Several Imperial Censors who protested fainted from pure rage. The incident was known throughout the land.

Qi Peiyao gasped. ’That punishment is too severe!’

She tilted her head and glanced toward the crotch of Hu Chen, who was kneeling to her right. Hu Chen hastily pressed his knees together. Hu Lie hunched his broad shoulders, unable to accept such a humiliating end.

Hu Feng’s head sank even lower, his face pale. For a long moment, he didn’t dare to reply.

Ji Qingwu secretly raised her eyes to look at Emperor Wu Su’s face again, seeing it was still as calm as still water.

She continued, "Your Majesty, Hu Feng did not intentionally help Xijin. He was deceived. Could you perhaps give the Hu Family another chance to atone for their crimes through meritorious service?"

The three Hu brothers raised their heads. If such an opportunity arose, they would surely seize it.

Ji Qingwu’s gaze swept across their three faces as she said slowly, "Old General Hu is watching from the heavens. He would surely hope for his descendants to become pillars of the state, carrying on his legacy."

"Not bandits who kill and plunder until the day they die."

Her words struck a deep chord within the three Hu brothers. If they’d had a choice, they never would have wanted to be common brigands.

Hu Feng’s eyes reddened. "Thank you, Doctor Ji, for your kind words. That is what I think as well." He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Can Your Majesty give the three of us brothers another chance to turn over a new leaf?"

He knocked his head heavily on the ground.

Hu Lie and Hu Chen followed suit, kowtowing as well. It was as if the three of them were trying to prove their sincerity with each prostration, the sound of their foreheads hitting the ground growing louder and sharper each time.

Ji Qingwu’s gaze turned to Emperor Wu Su. "Your Majesty?" she asked.

Zhao Mingyan said in a low voice, "What merits do you possess that could atone for your crimes?"

Hu Feng lifted his head, a bloody mark now on his forehead, and cupped his hands. "My ancestors were soldiers for generations, and our family has a Cultivation Technique for martial arts and strengthening the body. We three brothers have never dared to be lax in our training."

"We are willing to serve Your Majesty and Beili with the loyalty of dogs and horses, to give our all until our hearts stop beating!"

In truth, Zhao Mingyan had already gauged Hu Lie’s skill level during his earlier exchange with Wei Ting.

Although Wei Ting had been holding back, deliberately baiting Hu Lie into using his ultimate move, Hu Chen had only stepped forward to intervene when Hu Lie was on the verge of losing.

He knew then that they hadn’t been lying.

’Neglecting one’s training for a single day might not be obvious, but neglecting it for seven days would lead to rustiness and a flurry of mistakes.’

Hu Lie’s current skill couldn’t compare to Wei Chi Lianping’s yet, but with more tempering in the army, he had the potential to become a formidable general in the future.

Five pairs of eyes stared expectantly at Emperor Wu Su.

Three pairs belonged to the Hu brothers, and one pair to their wife, Qi Peiyao.

Then there was the last pair of shining eyes. Zhao Mingyan said lightly, "Fine. I will do as Ah Wu says."

With that, Emperor Wu Su rose and left the tent.

As Li Yuzong followed his master out, he shot Ji Qingwu a look, signaling for her to hurry and follow.

But Ji Qingwu didn’t move. She pretended not to see him. She still remembered why she had come: to take Qi Peiyao’s pulse.

’Besides, there’s no guarantee Emperor Wu Su isn’t still annoyed. I’d better wait for him to cool off before I go back.’

Once the Emperor left, the oppressive atmosphere in the tent finally lifted.

Hu Lie, completely bewildered, asked, "Who’s Ah Wu?"

SMACK! Qi Peiyao slapped him. "You idiot! You should talk less and eat more!"

Hu Feng did not get up. Still kneeling, he looked at the woman before him with sincere eyes.

"Miss Ji, my two brothers, Yao’er, and I all owe you our deepest thanks."

He motioned to his two brothers, intending for them to kowtow to Ji Qingwu in gratitude once more.

Ji Qingwu sidestepped, not wanting to accept their prostration. She smiled and said, "There’s no need for thanks. Quickly help your wife up. In her condition, she shouldn’t be kneeling for so long."

At the mention of their wife, the Hu brothers stopped insisting and quickly helped Qi Peiyao to her feet.

But Qi Peiyao shook her head. Shedding her usual delicate demeanor, she pushed away Hu Chen and Hu Lie who were supporting her.

"Miss Ji, my husbands are each stubborn in their own way. In the army from now on, we will have to rely on you to look after them."

"If they do anything wrong, please just tell me. I have my ways. I beg you, Miss Ji..."

Qi Peiyao choked up, unable to continue.