TSWRLM -Chapter 285 A Shameful Spectacle

After the mask was knocked off, Wei Lingze’s mind felt as if it had been struck by lightning—he was completely sober and alert.

Though only a few guards stood before him, countless unseen eyes were watching from the shadows.

Just moments ago, he had performed the sword dance and flower-picking act like a Wuyou Pavilion entertainer, even letting people bid for him. It was utterly ridiculous.

Clutching his sword tightly, he wanted to massacre everyone present. But before he could act, Wuyou Pavilion’s guards stepped forward to stop the farce. Lanshu came to his side and whispered urgently, “Wei Gongzi, don’t act rashly! Everyone here is a noble of high standing. If something happens to them, the whole of Hanjing could be thrown into chaos.”

Wei Lingze pressed his lips together and said nothing. Lanshu continued, “They all came secretly and wouldn’t want anyone to know their identities. No one will speak of today’s events.”

Those words hit Wei Lingze. After a moment of thought, he let go of his sword and quickly left.

Everyone else was too shocked by the revelation that Wei Lingze was the head of Wuyou Pavilion to pay attention to the performance—they were only interested in gossip.

Princess Hengyang crossed her arms, displeased, and looked at Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe. “You two recognized Wei Lingze long ago, didn’t you? Why did you deliberately keep it from me?”

Chun Xi quickly smoothed things over. “Your Highness, I only thought his figure looked somewhat familiar, but he wore a mask, so I couldn’t see his face clearly. I couldn’t be certain. And given his status, who would have expected him to appear here?”

That was a fair point.

Princess Hengyang relaxed and said, “Indeed, this is unexpected. Could Wei Lingze have gone mad from the divorce setback?”

Wei Lingze had the same suspicion in mind. After leaving Wuyou Pavilion, he didn’t return to the Wei residence but went to Huichuntang to have a doctor examine the box of incense Lanshu had given him.

“This scent is peculiar. The ingredients are unusual. Even during my years practicing medicine at Huichuntang, I’ve never seen anything like it. Where did you get it, Gongzi? Could you provide the ingredient formula for me to see?”

Where would he even find a formula for something sold so expensively?

Wei Lingze said impatiently, “There’s no formula. I just want to know if this incense is safe.”

The doctor carefully sniffed it again and, after a long moment, said, “It seems non-toxic at present. Gongzi, did you feel any discomfort after using it?”

Wei Lingze had felt no discomfort. In fact, these past few visits to Lanshu, just smelling the incense helped him sleep well, and he woke feeling an indescribable refreshment.

That was why he wanted to buy some to use at home.

But why had he thought of the absurd idea of comparing himself to a Wuyou Pavilion entertainer today?

At the time, Lanshu had tried hard to stop him, but he was like someone possessed—he wouldn’t listen, obsessed with showing off. He hadn’t thought being auctioned like an object was humiliating. Instead, he believed that if he fetched the highest bid, it would prove his charm and even show that divorcing He’er had been a mistake.

Completely irrational!

Wei Lingze didn’t answer the doctor further and took the box of incense back to the Wei residence.

Although Lanshu said the guests were dignified and wouldn’t spread the story, gossip is inevitable.

Wei Lingze being the head of Wuyou Pavilion explained why the establishment had thrived so much in just a few years.

The Wei family was a prestigious clan—how could they secretly run a flesh trade? Had the family run out of money?

And Wei Lingze personally performed—did he know reinstatement was impossible, so he wanted to make more money through Wuyou Pavilion? Where did all those entertainers come from? Could the Wei family have forced innocent people into it?

When the news reached Wei Lingze’s father, he immediately came to Lingfeng Courtyard to confront him. “Unfilial son! Didn’t I tell you to stay at home and behave? Why must you go out and cause trouble?”

His face darkened like iron. Any pride in his son had vanished, replaced entirely by disappointment and anger.

Wei Lingze was stung by his father’s gaze and coldly retorted, “I’m suspended. Can’t I even go out for some fresh air? Do you think my mere existence brings shame to the Wei family?”

His words carried obvious resentment. Wei Father grew angrier, speaking without restraint: “You know you’ve embarrassed the family. Over the years, how have I and your maternal grandfather guided you? Do you even remember the Wei family’s ancestral teachings? Look at what you’ve done recently—how much of it is honorable?”

“All you want is a tool to bring glory to the family, not a living son. I’m already a disgrace, so you may as well pass the headship to my second or third brothers. If they also fail, you can have another son and raise him from scratch.”

“Bastard!”

Seeing Wei Lingze go further and further, his father slapped him again.

After so many beatings recently, this one barely stirred any reaction.

He pressed his tongue against the numb cheek and let out a low laugh. “I am indeed a bastard. If you feel it isn’t enough, Father, you can continue the family punishment. I may be useless and bring no glory, but I am more than sufficient as your punching bag.”

“……”

Wei Father’s chest tightened in anger, and his vision darkened. Luckily, Madam Yun arrived, helping him out of Lingfeng Courtyard, offering water and patting his back until he calmed down.

Finally catching his breath, Wei Father angrily said, “This unfilial son has no sense of reflection. Instead, he grows more reckless. Does he really think the headship of the Wei family must be his?”

Madam Yun twitched her eyelids at this.

With reinstatement impossible, divorced from the Xiao family, and with several uncles and elders critical of him, if even Wei Father had such thoughts, then he truly had nothing left.

Seeing this, Madam Yun quickly spoke: “Don’t be angry, Master. Ze’er has suffered too many recent setbacks, so he speaks without thinking. He respects and admires you deeply.”

Wei Father was still enraged; her words did not improve his expression.

Madam Yun continued: “Your brother-in-law has been appointed Maritime Commissioner. Next month, the court will transport the first batch of grain to Yuexi. He said Ze’er could go along, which would give him something to do, allow him to gain experience, and see the beautiful lands. If he encounters challenges and succeeds, he might even be reinstated.”

When Yun Wantang had mentioned this earlier, Madam Yun had felt some pity. Seeing Wei Father angry now, she resolved firmly: letting Ze’er stay idle would ruin him—some experience outside was good for him.

Wei Father was moved by her suggestion. At the same time, Chun Xi also received the invitation sent by the Grand Tutor’s mansion.