TSWRLM -Chapter 270 The Wei Family Should Prepare for Losing Face

Fearing that the Xiao family would seize the opportunity to escalate matters, Wei Lingze’s father dared not favor Wei Lingze and openly instructed the inspecting officer to impose the harshest possible punishment.

Even if Xingzhou took all the blame, Wei Lingze was still guilty of failing to manage his household properly.

Having made the decision, Wei Lingze’s father didn’t hesitate and immediately went to Huichun Hall.

By now, it was late at night. The temple fair had dispersed, and the streets were calm again, but Huichun Hall was brightly lit.

Many people had been injured in the stampede. Although their injuries were not severe, there were so many of them that the entire hall was busy. Master Xiao personally led the family’s servants in helping the doctors treat the wounded.

When Wei Lingze’s father found Master Xiao, he was kneeling beside a young scholar, supporting his arm so the doctor could stabilize the injury with a wooden splint.

The scholar had injured his right hand. The doctor diagnosed it as a sprain, with no fractures.

Master Xiao comforted him gently: “You won’t be able to use your hand for a few days, but the Xiao family has instructed the inn to take special care of you. All your meals and lodging will be covered by the Xiao family until you recover. Tomorrow, we will also hire a respected teacher to answer any questions, so you don’t have to worry about falling behind in your studies.”

A simple visit to a temple fair had turned into an unexpected disaster. The injured were understandably upset, but once the Xiao family arranged proper care at Huichun Hall, their resentment disappeared, replaced entirely by gratitude.

It became clear that not all noble families were arrogant or looked down on commoners. The Xiao family was reasonable, considerate, and thorough—truly deserving of their century-long prestige.

“I only sustained minor injuries. They’ll heal in a few days. And if the two young masters of the Xiao family hadn’t reacted so quickly to put out fires and maintain order, the consequences could have been disastrous. We should be the ones thanking the Xiao family,” the scholar said, his voice catching as if he were about to cry from gratitude.

Wei Lingze’s father’s eye twitched. He hurried forward and said to Master Xiao, “Young master is right. Tonight’s incident is the responsibility of the Wei family. We should take full responsibility.”

Wei Lingze’s father had brought many attendants, and they quickly joined in to help. Gradually, the cries of pain softened.

Seeing Wei Lingze’s father, Master Xiao’s previously gentle expression turned cold. Without sparing Wei Lingze’s father any courtesy, he said in a stern voice, “Brother Wei, our families have long been close. No matter what conflict arises between the children, it should be resolved amicably. How can innocent people be implicated?”

Wei Lingze’s father: “……”

Weren’t you the ones preventing Ze’er from seeing He’er? And now you’re talking about resolving things properly?

Silently cursing Master Xiao as a sly old fox who played one way in public and another in private, Wei Lingze’s father knew he couldn’t quarrel openly, so he softened his tone: “Brother Xiao, you’re right. I failed to properly educate my son. I’ve already instructed the night patrol to deal with this severely and will not protect this wayward son. If you feel it’s insufficient, once the patrol finishes, I will personally come with him to apologize.”

Wei Lingze’s father lowered himself as much as possible. Master Xiao sighed, remarking, “Brother Wei, our families have been long-time friends, and a marriage alliance should have been a wonderful thing. I thought the situation between the children today was due to the shock Ze’er suffered from his injury. But now, after his recent serious illness, he has already lost his memory yet still acts recklessly. I realize that for so many years, I have misjudged him and harmed He’er.”

By the end, Master Xiao’s eyes were red, and his voice softened, full of a father’s guilt and concern for his daughter.

Everyone present fell silent, their faces showing righteous indignation.

The Xiao family’s eldest daughter had always had an impeccable reputation before marriage. Now, seeing Master Xiao’s pain, it was clear that the Wei family had failed in raising their son properly.

Moreover, it seemed from Master Xiao’s words that Wei Lingze was very good at pretending, having even deceived Master Xiao in the past.

Wei Lingze’s father’s eyes twitched in alarm. Wei Lingze had been faking amnesia to cover up his past misdeeds. The Xiao family had accepted it without questioning, but now, using tonight’s incident, they completely condemned him. This would inevitably affect the Wei family’s reputation and values.

Wei Lingze’s father hurriedly defended, “Brother Xiao, Ze’er truly cares for He’er. Even while ill, he thought of her constantly. Tonight’s incident was his fault, but his devotion to He’er is sincere.”

“Hmph!” Master Xiao sneered, “He endangered innocent lives, deliberately caused chaos, took He’er away alone, and nearly caused harm to her brothers and sister. Such love is something He’er cannot bear!”

Those present had all been injured because of Wei Lingze and agreed with Master Xiao.

Love between two people should never harm those around them. Wei Lingze’s actions hurt He’er’s closest family—how could that be considered true love?

Wei Lingze’s father felt ashamed. Realizing the Wei family was in the wrong, he spoke pleadingly: “Brother Xiao, our families are still connected by marriage. Can we have a private word?”

There were too many people around, and any further scene could lead to rumors.

Sincerely, Wei Lingze’s father guided Master Xiao to an empty room in the back of Huichun Hall.

Once the door closed, Wei Lingze’s father said, “Brother Xiao, Ze’er has indeed been behaving poorly recently, but he has been suspended, which is punishment enough. Our families have been friends for so many years. We cannot let the children continue like this. Please give Ze’er another chance. As long as He’er is willing to return, she can take full control of the household, and you may make any other requests.”

Wei Lingze’s father’s tone was sincere, hoping to restore the friendship between the families.

Master Xiao glanced at him coldly: “Brother Wei, do you think the Xiao family is the type to sell a daughter for prestige?”

“Brother Xiao, that’s not what I mean—”

Wei Lingze’s father hurriedly explained but was interrupted: “He’er has suffered so much in the Wei household that even if I killed Wei Lingze, I could not feel satisfied. Now, the Xiao family is only demanding a divorce and still showing consideration for our friendship.”

Master Xiao was firm. Wei Lingze’s father’s heart sank, but he still pleaded: “Brother Xiao, Ze’er will change.”

Master Xiao ignored him and continued: “Recently, rumors are spreading that He’er cannot bear children, and that the Wei family pressured the household to deal with that illegitimate child. You know better than anyone where these rumors came from. The Wei family is secretly spreading filth while publicly acting devoted. Do you think the Xiao family is so naive?”

“Brother Xiao, we are longtime friends. You should know I would never do such a thing.”

Wei Lingze’s father argued seriously. Master Xiao laughed mockingly: “If you didn’t, what about the rest of the Wei family? Should the Xiao family take the blame for them?”

Wei Lingze’s father was left speechless.

After a moment, Master Xiao said: “Let the children separate amicably. Only then can our families maintain some dignity. Otherwise, the Wei family should prepare for losing face.”