Chapter 15 Overheard Cruelty
“Father, once the Women's Examination begins, order itself will collapse.”
I had just hidden beneath the corridor when Xie Yunting’s urgent voice reached me.
He was still catching his breath from rushing over.
“The Long Princess has barely taken power and already disrupts the natural order. Many courtiers are displeased.”
“No one dares oppose openly yet, but if women take office in the top three, they will become targets of scorn.”
“Our house must not let Yaohua take it, or we will suffer later.”
Xie Chengzong snorted. “Of course. She just begged me to let her go—typical woman’s thinking.”
“She doesn’t consider: if she places high, she steals the spotlight.”
“But the princess’s regency won’t last forever.”
“When accounts are settled later, will our house be dragged down because of her?”
He paused, eyes darkening. “Besides, Wanrong said she wants to try it.”
“She’s never been strong at letters; she only wants to see it for herself. No harm.”
“But Yaohua is different. She’s clever and well-read. If she competes, she might actually place.”
“Two girls from the same house—one succeeds, one fails—Wanrong would be hurt.”
I froze.
Xie Yunting agreed at once.
“Yes. Rongrong isn’t petty, but Yaohua loves to show off. It would strain their bond.”
“You stopped her, but she’s stubborn. She’ll find another way.”
“I was just about to discuss this with you.”
His voice turned cold, nothing like the brother I remembered.
“We both know Yaohua. Once she decides something, she won’t stop.”
“With the examination so close, to prevent trouble…”
He lowered his voice. “Better to cut the root. Disable her right hand.”
Silence fell inside.
After a long moment, the brother who once swore to protect me said,
“Fine. A woman managing the inner household doesn’t need her right hand anyway.”
Outside, the sun blazed.
Cold sweat soaked my back.
I retreated, became invisible.
They were still my father and brother—blood.
I thought they were only blinded by the plot, unable to see their own hearts.
If I stayed quiet and obedient, they wouldn’t truly harm me.
But it was all my wishful thinking.