TSWRLM -Chapter 178 Suspended from Duty to Recuperate

That very day, Prince Ying went before the emperor and fiercely lodged a complaint against Wei Lingze. He said that when Wei Lingze lost his temper, he became completely irrational—like a mad dog that would bite anyone it saw. Not only was he unfit to serve before the emperor, but even walking outside could pose a danger to others.

Though his words carried a lot of personal resentment, his concerns were not without merit.

Wei Lingze couldn’t even trust the person beside his pillow, and when he attacked, he did so with the mindset of catching adultery. If he had barged into Princess Hengyang’s quarters instead of Prince Ying’s meditation residence, the two women might already have died under his sword.

Early the next morning, an imperial decree arrived at the Wei residence, suspending Wei Lingze from his post.

Along with the palace attendants came an imperial physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau.

After carefully examining Wei Lingze, the physician prescribed medicine to calm the mind and soothe the spirit, and even instructed that his diet be kept light to avoid excess internal heat.

Madam Yun personally escorted the physician and the palace attendants out of the residence. After giving them gratuities, she cautiously asked, “May I ask when my son will be able to resume his post?”

The attendant who delivered the decree immediately replied, “That depends on when Young Master Wei fully recovers. Serving before the emperor is a matter of protecting His Majesty’s safety—there can be no room for error.”

“And you, Physician Meng—when do you think my son will recover?”

Madam Yun pressed further. Physician Meng sighed and said, “His condition is quite unusual. I dare not guarantee anything, but as long as he cultivates his temperament and rests properly, in time he should be able to return to duty.”

The Wei family had some acquaintance with Physician Meng, but even he didn’t dare promise a quick recovery. It seemed Wei Lingze’s return to office would not come easily.

Madam Yun’s heart sank.

The attendant in charge of the decree added comfortingly, “Madam need not worry too much. His Majesty greatly appreciates Young Master Wei’s talent. Originally, Prince Ying wanted to charge him with concealing matters, but His Majesty, mindful of his past merits, not only refrained from punishment but also retained his official position. This shows how much His Majesty values him.”

In other words, the emperor had already shown great leniency. For now, Wei Lingze should focus on recuperating at home and not rush to think about returning to office.

Madam Yun quickly showed her gratitude. “You are right. His Majesty is wise and mighty. The Wei family is deeply grateful.”

After seeing them off, Madam Yun went to see Wei Lingze.

The atmosphere in the courtyard was heavy and tense. Servants knelt all over the ground. Inside the room, everything was in disarray. Xingzhou knelt on the floor, his forehead bloodied, while Wei Lingze stood in the room, his expression dark and sinister—like a furious beast trapped in a cage.

Even as his mother, Madam Yun couldn’t help but feel her heart tremble at the sight.

If people from the palace saw him like this, he might not even be able to keep his position.

She told Xingzhou to get his wounds treated, raised the servants’ monthly pay, and dismissed everyone before stepping up to Wei Lingze.

“Physician Meng said there’s nothing seriously wrong with your body. You just need to take your medicine and rest. Why are you so angry?”

“If there’s nothing wrong with my body, why do I need medicine?” Wei Lingze shot back. Then he asked again, “Did His Majesty say when I can return to duty?”

“What matters most now is that you restrain your temper. Returning to duty can be discussed later.”

Madam Yun gave no clear answer. The aura around Wei Lingze turned violent, and he became visibly more bloodthirsty and terrifying.

“Ze’er, your temper recently has indeed been terrible. You’ve hurt He’er several times already. And this time—how could you believe others so easily and go to catch her in adultery? You even offended Prince Ying—”

“Enough!” Wei Lingze roared, cutting her off. “Get out. I want to be alone.”

As he spoke, he kicked over the stool in front of him.

He was in the height of anger and couldn’t listen to anything.

Madam Yun pressed her lips together but said nothing more. She turned and went to Lingfeng Courtyard.

In Lingfeng Courtyard, Xiao Qinghe was blending incense with Quezhi. Hearing that Madam Yun had arrived, she immediately came out to greet her.

“Mother.”

Her expression was calm, showing no grievance.

Madam Yun held her hand and sighed. “He’er, you’ve suffered. Ze’er has truly gone too far this time. His Majesty has already suspended him. In a few days, I’ll personally make him accompany you back to the Xiao family to apologize with a thorned rod on his back. After that, he’ll stay home and reflect—he won’t be allowed to go anywhere!”

The incident at Yunshan Temple had already spread throughout the capital. Even if Xiao Qinghe hadn’t returned to complain, the Xiao family already knew everything.

Wei Lingze, without any solid evidence, had gone to catch adultery—this was not only distrust toward Xiao Qinghe but also a slap to the Xiao family’s dignity.

Xiao Qinghe replied calmly, “I’ll follow Mother’s arrangements.”

Though obedient, ever since Wei Lingze had grabbed her by the throat last time, Xiao Qinghe had hired guards for Lingfeng Courtyard and handed all household matters back to Madam Yun. After returning from Yunshan Temple, she stayed inside the courtyard and didn’t step out at all. Even upon hearing of Wei Lingze’s suspension, she remained indifferent.

If this continued, the rift between the couple would only grow deeper.

And with Wei Lingze’s return to office uncertain, losing the Xiao family’s support would make his future even harder.

Madam Yun’s eyes reddened as she spoke of the past.

Wei Lingze had been born into privilege but never developed the bad habits of a wastrel. He studied diligently from a young age and trained hard in martial arts, never complaining despite injuries. Later, when he trained in the military camp, he lived and ate alongside ordinary soldiers without special treatment.

He had once risen to fame at a young age and should have had a brilliant future—until he was severely injured and paralyzed, turning all praise into pity.

“That injury hit him especially hard. To treat his legs, he endured countless hardships and tried every method, but they had no sensation. He couldn’t stand, couldn’t ride a horse or wield a sword—he could only lie in bed, relying on others even for basic needs. It was worse than death for him.”

Though Wei Lingze had now recovered, Madam Yun still couldn’t help but cry when recalling those days.

Xiao Qinghe understood. She wiped Madam Yun’s tears and gently comforted her, “Mother, it’s all in the past now. He has already recovered.”

Madam Yun shook her head. “His physical wounds may have healed, but the wounds in his heart remain. That’s why he keeps losing control and hurting you. He’er, I beg you—can you set aside your grievances for now and spend more time with him?”

Xiao Qinghe asked calmly, “By ‘accompany,’ do you mean I should be like my aunt-in-law before—obedient in everything and never leave his side?”

Chun Xi had been a maid, so caring for Wei Lingze attentively was expected. But Xiao Qinghe was different—she was the cherished daughter of the Xiao family and the properly married young madam of the Wei household. She could not behave like a servant, constantly catering to him.

Madam Yun paused. “That’s not necessary. I just hope you’ll spend more time with him. After all, you are husband and wife.”

Xiao Qinghe nodded. “I can accompany him, but I will bring guards with me.”

“That won’t do,” Madam Yun refused immediately. Realizing it sounded too harsh, she softened her tone. “His suspension has dealt him a heavy blow. Bringing guards might provoke him.”

“What if he hurts the young madam again?” Quezhi couldn’t help but speak up.

Madam Yun reassured her, “He won’t. Ze’er knows he was wrong—he won’t harm her again.”

After repeated assurances, Xiao Qinghe did not refuse further. Once Madam Yun left, she went to see Wei Lingze.

However, not long after, Madam Yun received news—

Wei Lingze’s father had taken people to drag him to the ancestral hall and punish him with family discipline.

By the time Madam Yun arrived, Wei Lingze had already been beaten into a bloody mess.

Xiao Qinghe stood to the side with her head lowered, one side of her face swollen high.

Madam Yun’s eyelid twitched.

These two didn’t look like husband and wife at all—they looked like enemies.