Volume One, Chapter Four: It’s Just to Show Him!

Then she would send Wanshuang to invite him over. As soon as he stepped into the Graceful Courtyard, she would burst into tears, complaining about her grievances. Yet this time, she had held out for a full seven days—could it be that she was truly angry?

Qin Lang clenched his fists tightly behind his back. Seeing her still wearing an indifferent expression, unwilling to acknowledge him, an inexplicable irritation stirred within him.

“Qin Wan, since you’re able to get out of bed, come with me to the front hall. Father, mother, and Yan’er are already waiting there. Today, you must apologize!” Qin Lang’s tone was stern, though he knew well enough she wouldn’t want to. If she cried and begged him, he would plead with father on her behalf...

But Qin Wan’s cold and curt reply cut through Qin Lang’s presumptions.

“Fine, I’ll change my clothes and go.”

She certainly had no desire to apologize. However, because of the punishment she’d received, her grandmother and father had argued repeatedly. If she refused to go this time, her father would surely be angry.

If grandmother sided with her, it would only lead to more disputes with father. At her grandmother’s age, she should no longer be troubled by such matters.

Having said that, Qin Wan turned and returned to her room with Wanshuang’s support.

Qin Yi was stunned. “Did I hear that right, second brother? She’s actually willing to apologize? Is this really her?”

Qin Lang was equally surprised. Was this still the same girl? She had been spoiled since childhood—when had she ever apologized before?

Indeed, the corporal punishment had taken effect!

Yet, would she rather go against her own feelings to apologize than plead with him even once?

This thought only fueled Qin Lang’s anger, which had been simmering inside for days. Now it surged uncontrollably, making him restless.

As they made their slow way to the front hall, Qin Wan’s injuries caused her to walk sluggishly.

Qin Lang deliberately kept within five steps ahead of her, hoping to catch any plea she might make.

He thought to himself, if she begged him, said she didn’t want to apologize, he would immediately explain everything to their parents.

But as they neared the front hall, his impatience grew inexplicably.

“Qin Wan, the front hall is just ahead. Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance. Father, mother, and Yan’er are all waiting. This apology is unavoidable. If you...” Qin Lang began.

Before he could finish, Qin Wan interrupted coldly.

“If it’s unavoidable, then let’s get it over with quickly. Everyone’s busy; don’t waste time here.”

She naturally wanted to avoid it, but the lessons from her previous life had taught her that begging and pleading only made them more resentful.

Qin Lang intended to say that if she truly refused, the apology wouldn’t be necessary...

But in the end, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. Her coldness only fueled his anger further, and with a swish of his sleeve, he strode quickly toward the front hall.

***

In the front hall, Qin Huai and Han Shu sat on the main seats to the left and right, while Su Yan’er, having recovered from her cold, sat beside Han Shu.

The recent rest had done wonders for Su Yan’er’s complexion, and today’s pink dress made her skin appear even softer.

Upon Qin Lang’s entrance, Su Yan’er intended to rise and greet him but refrained, intimidated by his angry demeanor.

“What’s wrong?” Han Shu asked first. “Is Wan’er refusing to apologize?”

At this, Qin Huai snorted coldly, deliberately raising his voice.

“Hmph, she pushed someone into the water and then denied it. Even after twenty strokes of the cane, it’s still not enough to forgive her actions. Today, she must apologize!”

He waved his hand, about to order the steward Wang Heng to fetch Qin Wan, but before he could speak, Qin Wan appeared at the doorway.

Supported by Wanshuang, she walked slowly inside.

The Graceful Courtyard was not far from the front hall—normally just a few minutes’ walk. Yet this time, Qin Wan took the length of an incense stick to arrive.

This was her first time walking so far since the punishment. Had she not gritted her teeth, she might have collapsed long before.

Upon entering, Qin Wan’s pale face was drawn tight with pain.

Han Shu, seeing this, felt a sharp pang in her heart. She instinctively wanted to rise and tend to her daughter.

But she recalled Qin Huai’s earlier instructions: no matter how Wan’er appeared, they must not show softness.

If she wasn’t made to repent thoroughly this time, she would be beyond hope.

With that thought, Han Shu furrowed her brow and suppressed the urge to rush forward. The handkerchief in her hand was already wrinkled from her grip.

Wan’er had been injured these past days, and Han Shu had only visited twice. Surely, Wan’er resented her for it.

Well, if this could make her repent, she would find a way to make amends afterward.

Once Qin Wan steadied herself, Wanshuang stepped aside and bowed slightly.

“Father, mother.”

Han Shu dared not speak, fearing she would burst into tears.

Qin Huai, however, spoke loudly.

“Qin Wan, do you know why you have been brought here today?”

“Yes.”

“Since you know, do you admit your fault?”

“I admitted my fault seven days ago at the Empress’s birthday banquet.”

Qin Wan’s indifferent tone made it sound like a trivial matter.

Qin Huai had prepared himself, expecting that if she cried and protested, he would be harsher to make her understand her mistake. Yet her response caught him off guard.

She showed no emotion or tone. Previously, she would cry and throw tantrums, claiming her parents no longer loved her, throwing herself into their arms to coax them.

Though surprised, Qin Huai’s authority as head of the family remained unyielding.

“Since you admit fault, apologize to Yan’er. If your attitude is good today, we can forgive and forget. If you remain defiant, further punishment will follow!”

Hearing this, Qin Wan almost laughed in anger. When had they ever given her a choice?

Qin Lang stared intently at Qin Wan. She still had a chance. If she begged him, he would plead with their parents to forgo the apology!

But watching her slowly turn toward Su Yan’er, the veins on Qin Lang’s hand bulged instantly.

Fine! Since she refuses to beg, the next time she causes any trouble—even if she cries for three days and nights—he will never agree!

Qin Wan then slowly faced Su Yan’er and said,

“Little Sister Yan’er, the incident at the birthday banquet was my fault. I caused you to fall into the water and catch a cold.

During these days of recuperation in the courtyard, the thought of you gravely ill has filled me with guilt. I sincerely hope you can forgive me.”

With that, she bowed slightly to Su Yan’er. Her wounds had yet to heal; the long walk and the bow caused her injury to tear open painfully.

It was an excruciating pain.

Seeing Qin Wan stagger slightly, Wanshuang hurried forward to support her.

Han Shu’s heart was painfully tugged. She wanted to step forward but was silently restrained by Qin Huai.

Meanwhile, Qin Lang remained restless.

Though her body could hardly endure, she insisted on pushing through. Who was she doing this for?

Wasn’t it for him?