Chapter 2: A Child's Filial Impiety Brings You Shame

“Miss Chu certainly has quite the audacity!”

A soft yet slightly sharp female voice suddenly rang out. Turning their heads, everyone saw Lin Wan’er, the legitimate daughter of the Earl of Changping, dressed in luxurious brocade, gracefully approaching flanked by two maids.

Her makeup was exquisite, and an air of arrogance lingered at the corners of her eyes and brows. Her gaze swept over the mournful atmosphere as if inspecting her own domain, utterly indifferent to the sorrow around her.

The steward hurried forward respectfully, bowing low. “Miss, what brings you here?”

Lin Wan’er seemed not to hear him and strode directly into the mourning hall.

She first performed a perfunctory bow toward the coffin, her gesture insincere. Then she straightened and cast a brief glance at Chu Jiutian, a faint trace of disgust flickering in her eyes.

Hmph. Now reduced to such a crippled state, yet still vainly clinging to me—how utterly nauseating!

Lowering her eyes, she parted her crimson lips softly. “Your Highness, this is my father’s will. One cannot go against a father’s orders, so please do not blame me. But in your current condition, if I were to marry you, I fear I would be living as a widow in all but name. If you truly care for me, you should consider my well-being. There is no need to force things so cruelly.”

Though her words sounded reluctantly evasive, the arrogance and coldness beneath could not be concealed.

Chu Jiutian’s eyes blazed with fury. Straining to sit upright, he roared, “Lin Wan’er, I never imagined you could utter such shameless words! My current state is a sacrifice made to protect our homeland. Yet your Changping Earl’s household shows such ingratitude and heartlessness—it is despicable. Though I am crippled, the honor of the Marquisate remains intact. How dare you trample on it so wantonly?”

His words ended in a violent cough. Chu Jiuli quickly stepped forward, gently patting his back with a look full of pain and concern.

Lin Wan’er’s face paled at the outburst. The proud expression flickered with unease but she forced herself to remain composed. “Your Highness, why be so angry? The Changping Earl’s household does not intend to make things difficult. But given the situation, you should consider me as well. How can an unmarried woman marry a man crippled in both legs? What kind of future would that be? Do not only seek your own satisfaction while disregarding my lifelong happiness. My father acts with my best interests at heart. If you continue to pressure me so mercilessly, it would be selfish indeed. I came here carrying some guilt, yet you show no gratitude, making my efforts seem entirely in vain.”

She tried to strike at his heart to mask her own unease, but her words only sounded increasingly hollow.

Chu Jiuli, burning with anger, laughed bitterly. “Miss Lin, your talent for twisting truth is remarkable. My brother bled for our nation and was crippled in battle—that is an honor! How dare you belittle him so? If you intended to break off the engagement, why cloak it under your father’s orders and feign sentiment here? Such pretentiousness is utterly revolting!”

She turned to Chu Jiutian, seeing his grief and unwillingness to accept defeat, his protective affection for his brother only growing stronger. Then she continued, “Enough. Since you are heartless, our Marquisate refuses to waste words. The marriage will be ended as you wish. But mark my words, I, Chu Jiuli, will remember the shame your Changping Earl’s household has brought upon us today. Justice is clear, and retribution is sure. Your cold-heartedness will one day bring about your own downfall!”

Her gaze swept coldly over Lin Wan’er like a tangible frost, causing the latter to shiver involuntarily, her arrogance dampened somewhat.

Her lips trembled. The proud look in her eyes faded, replaced by a hint of panic, though she still forced a haughty sneer. “Chu Jiuli, do you think your toughness will change anything? Anyone can spout empty boasts. I advise you to face reality—your Marquisate’s male heirs are nearly extinct, and those who survive are crippled. Who can you rely on? Yourself? Your infant younger brother? Or your father and brothers who lie in their coffins? Hmph. Stop struggling in vain, lest you become a laughingstock.”

Hearing this cold mockery, the Marquisate’s retainers clenched their fists, barely restraining themselves.

Though cold fire blazed in Chu Jiuli’s eyes, she merely waved her hand dismissively and replied coolly, “Lin Wan’er, do not get carried away here. I, Chu Jiuli, though just a woman, possess unyielding pride and will not collapse under temporary hardship. Your Changping Earl’s household’s acts of cruelty and wanton humiliation will not trample my Marquisate underfoot. Let me tell you, that is wishful thinking! When the Marquisate rises again in glory, it will be the day you pay for your misdeeds. Then, bearing my brother’s honor, I will settle this score with your house thoroughly and make you understand that the dignity of the loyal and brave Marquisate cannot be trampled. The evil you sow today will be your own bitter harvest!”

With that, she ignored Lin Wan’er’s provocations and turned to grasp her brother’s hand, her gaze steadfast—a silent vow to protect the Marquisate and restore all the humiliation suffered by her brother.

Seeing his sister so strong and resolute, Chu Jiutian felt deep comfort in his heart. Though crippled, with such a daughter, the Marquisate still held hope for the future.

The brothers-in-law and retainers of the Marquisate were inspired by these powerful words, responding in kind with uplifted spirits.

Though the mourning hall remained heavy with grief, a new resolve, united against a common enemy, filled the air.

Lin Wan’er grew increasingly flustered but still forced her arrogant posture. “Then I’ll wait and see if you can keep up this obstinance after tomorrow. Don’t come crying when there’s nowhere to hide!”

With that, she snatched the memorial tablet from the steward’s hand and flung it harshly into Chu Jiutian’s lap. Then, flicking her sleeve, she hurried away with her entourage.

Though her figure seemed composed, it betrayed a certain unease.

Onlookers at the entrance shook their heads and sighed.

One whispered, “The Earl of Changping’s household is truly heartless. The Marquisate suffers, yet they not only refuse help but rub salt into the wound—shameless!”

Another said, “But the Marquisate’s Miss Jiutian shows such strength and spirit, reminiscent of the late Marchioness. Perhaps she really can restore the Marquisate someday.”

Voices rose and fell as people watched Lin Wan’er and her group retreat, their eyes filled with disdain and contempt.

After a long while, quiet returned to the loyal and brave Marquisate’s mourning hall, though the heavy atmosphere lingered.

Chu Jiutian clenched the memorial tablet tightly. Supported by others, he moved to kneel before the coffin with a heavy thud.

He gazed at his father’s tablet, his eyes full of remorse. “Father, your son has been unfilial and brought you shame!”