The sight of Zhou Jinbai in such a state surprised even Zhou Tianqiong, who had watched him grow up.
He recalled Zhou Jinbai's father, Zhou Nianqing, also a rare talent in the Dongfang family. He had been proud and successful in his youth, but ignorant of the world's dangers. For the sake of 'love,' he had ultimately met a gruesome end.
As an elder of the Dongfang family, Zhou Tianqiong absolutely could not stand by and watch Zhou Jinbai repeat the same mistake.
With that, Zhou Tianqiong smashed the teacup on the table to the ground.
"You scoundrel, you are truly a heartless beast." This was the first time Zhou Tianqiong had reprimanded Zhou Jinbai so harshly. The other elders sitting beside Zhou Tianqiong also wanted to discipline Zhou Jinbai, but upon hearing Zhou Tianqiong's unpleasant words, they were at a loss for what to say.
Of course, Zhou Tianqiong's actions were a tactic to block the other elders' paths, leaving them with no recourse.
"He's more than a beast. When he had our brothers' hands crippled, he didn't even bat an eye. If your Dongfang family chooses such a cruel and vicious person as your leader, the entire Dongfang family will be plunged into dire straits. Zhou Jinbai can treat his own brothers like this now; what about the future? If you people defy him, what will be your fate?"
Jia Yankang had not slept since yesterday, looking haggard and weak. But seeing Zhou Jinbai in such a predicament, he felt he had to make this man pay a heavy price, no matter what.
"Shut up! You are not members of the Dongfang family at all. Our Dongfang family's rules only apply to our own kin. Who do you think you are to call yourselves brothers? Look in the mirror, besides being born of the same mother, do you deserve it?"
Zhou Bingwen could no longer stand it. After he spoke, a man beside Zhou Tianqiong, who was more than ten years younger but already over a hundred years old, Zhou Qingcang, immediately chimed in, "I think Bingwen is right. Although Jinbai made a mistake this time, it's a minor one. Meng Chuzheng is a stain on our Dongfang family. We've already shown great leniency by not killing the child she bore. These two brothers have another man's blood flowing through them; by rights, they are not Jinbai's brothers. Besides, Jinbai is just a child. Isn't it normal for children to make mistakes? I killed my wife and child back then, but they deserved it!"
Zhou Qingcang was a proponent of extreme violence within the Dongfang family and the only one who had his title of Dongfang Junze revoked.
The reason Zhou Qingcang's title was revoked was that upon discovering his wife had cheated on him, he directly killed her, and even the newborn infant could not escape his wrath.
Although DNA tests were later performed on the infant's body, proving it was not his child, the story spread like wildfire. Zhou Qingcang's murder of his wife and child was undeniable.
Zhou Qingcang, however, did not care. He even bought up all the trending searches to report that he had also killed his wife's lover.
Despite having his title revoked, Zhou Qingcang continued to manage the Dongfang family. Once, an elder disagreed with him, and he directly placed the elder under house arrest, from which he could never leave the villa.
He was so ruthless even to his elders that others feared his retaliation. Even if they disagreed internally, they outwardly showed him utmost respect. Eventually, Zhou Qingcang grew tired of it and directly abdicated.
Although Zhou Qingcang had rarely appeared in recent years, he could be described by one sentence: "Though I am not in the martial world, my legend echoes throughout it."
Everyone was incredulous that the person who was expected to be furious at Zhou Jinbai's actions was instead speaking in his defense.
Conversely, Zhou Tianqiong, who was usually the most reasonable, looked as if he wanted to devour Zhou Jinbai alive.
The two of them gave everyone the impression that their souls had been swapped.
Of course, no one knew that they were actually working together, putting on a show to lessen Zhou Jinbai's punishment.
After all, despite the constant infighting within the Dongfang family, they were also very protective of their own.
"Regardless, Jinbai has committed a grave error and must be severely punished according to family law. He will receive thirty heavy strokes. If he still refuses to admit his mistake, then sixty strokes." Zhou Tianqiong's order made even the old matriarch unable to remain composed.
"Father, if thirty heavy strokes are administered, Jinbai will lose his life. How will he be able to admit his mistake?" Fu Cha Wanrong quickly pleaded for Zhou Jinbai, "Jinbai has never been involved in romance all these years. Now that he has met someone he likes and saw her being bullied, he acted. Considering this is Jinbai's first offense, please show leniency."
After speaking, Fu Cha Wanrong knelt before Zhou Tianqiong with a 'plop.'
Meng Chuzheng wanted to speak at this moment but was gently squeezed by Jia Huaixu.
Meng Chuzheng cast a confused look at Jia Huaixu's hand. Jia Huaixu subtly shook his head, and she relented.
Zhou Bingwen then advised, "Mother, thirty heavy strokes is already a very light punishment for Jinbai. The mistake Jinbai made this time violates our Dongfang family's most severe rule."
Zhou Bingwen tried to help Fu Cha Wanrong up from the ground, but the old woman's resolve was firm. If her grandson was not pardoned, she would remain kneeling on the ground.
"Thirty heavy strokes is too severe a punishment. In all these years, no one in our Dongfang family has been able to withstand thirty strokes. In my opinion, if Jinbai admits his mistake, it should be reduced to ten strokes." Zhou Qingcang then added, "If you beat Jinbai to death, will you be able to cultivate another talent like him yourself? Rules are rigid, but people are alive. How are you becoming so muddled?"
Zhou Qingcang was the only one in the entire Dongfang family who dared to challenge Zhou Tianqiong. In fact, Zhou Qingcang had been at odds with Zhou Tianqiong since his youth.
"Yes, considering Jinbai's young age and his great contributions to the Dongfang family, Father, please just give him ten strokes."
Thirty strokes would be fatal, but ten strokes would leave him with half a life.
If he were well-cared for, he would recover in the future.
"But if we show such leniency to Jinbai this time, how will we command respect in the future? The Dongfang family is neither too large nor too small. The fact that the entire family has been able to survive peacefully all these years is due to the rules that govern us. If this matter is not handled properly today, I fear the entire Dongfang family's cohesion will be greatly diminished."
Zhou Bingwen's face was filled with an expression of impartiality. Just as everyone thought he had ulterior motives, Zhou Bingwen unexpectedly knelt beside Fu Cha Wanrong.
His expression was solemn and stern. After kowtowing to the elders, he spoke in a tone of utmost righteousness, "I, Zhou Bingwen, am willing to endure thirty strokes in place of my nephew, Zhou Jinbai. The Dongfang family's laws cannot be altered arbitrarily, but there is no rule stating that only the offender must be punished. I have watched Jinbai grow up over the years and have long regarded him as my own son. For him to do such a thing is my failure to educate him properly. I am willing to bear the punishment in his stead."
Zhou Bingwen's words caused a moment of stunned silence on the face of the usually defiant Zhou Jinbai, who stood by.
Meng Chuzheng looked at Zhou Bingwen as if she could spit fire. Jinbai only needed ten strokes, but because of Zhou Bingwen's words, given her son's temperament, thirty strokes were unavoidable.
As expected, Zhou Jinbai's subsequent words confirmed Meng Chuzheng's conjecture.
"I will not admit my mistake. I accept thirty strokes, and I don't care about sixty strokes. However, if I survive, the first thing I will do is kill the Jia Yansong and Jia Yankang brothers."
Zhou Jinbai's temper was always very stubborn. If you tried to confront him head-on, the result could only be mutual destruction.
Zhou Tianqiong's displeased gaze fell upon Zhou Bingwen. For a moment, Zhou Tianqiong could not determine whether Zhou Bingwen truly cared about the Dongfang family's laws and was worried about Zhou Jinbai, or if he had other motives.
The Jia Yansong and Jia Yankang brothers turned pale with fear due to Zhou Jinbai's arrogant and defiant attitude, for they knew that Zhou Jinbai was a man of his word.
Therefore, Zhou Jinbai had to die tonight.
However, as Jia Yansong was about to say something, Meng Chuzheng glared at him coldly and mercilessly. Her gaze was unfamiliar and imposing, which momentarily stunned Jia Yansong, leaving him speechless.
"Scoundrel!"
*Crack*—
Zhou Tianqiong, enraged by Zhou Jinbai's words, smashed another cup.
This time, it was directly at Zhou Jinbai's head.
Despite Zhou Tianqiong's old age, his actions were quick, accurate, and fierce.
The cup cut Zhou Jinbai's forehead, and blood flowed down his brow, creating a terrifying scene.
Fu Cha Wanrong was heartbroken and quickly got up from the ground, walking over to Zhou Jinbai. Disregarding her silk attire, she carefully wiped away the blood.
"Since he is determined to die, I will grant him that opportunity." Zhou Tianqiong had initially intended to spare this junior, but he was too impulsive and undisciplined. If this continued, no one would be able to control him in the future.
"Guards, take him away!"
With Zhou Tianqiong's command, two burly figures, at least two meters tall, forcefully dragged Zhou Jinbai to a pillar.
Upon closer inspection, this pillar was covered in dark red blood.
This blood was all from the offenders of the Dongfang family.
Some endured and survived, albeit crippled; others could not withstand it and lost their lives.
As the two burly men tied Zhou Jinbai, another group brought forth the instrument for punishment.
This instrument was even more shocking!
It was an iron rod covered in dense spikes.
Forget thirty strokes; one strike with this would tear the flesh.
Moreover, the iron rod had shrunken pieces of flesh attached to it. These pieces of flesh were from the mangled bodies of those who had been beaten, torn off from their flesh and blood.
After years of wind and sun, they had become dried meat.
Upon seeing the iron rod, Fu Cha Wanrong began to sway.
Xuan Yin quickly supported her and asked, "Old Matriarch, are you alright?"
Fu Cha Wanrong was overcome with grief, "Jinbai, please admit your mistake! It's all my fault. I shouldn't have let you fall in love in the first place. Why did I want a great-grandchild? I am truly a sinner for all eternity."
Fu Cha Wanrong lost control, beating her chest and stamping her feet in distress.
Zhou Bingwen said to Zhou Jinbai, "Jinbai, don't be foolish. You are the future leader of our Dongfang family. I have lived for so many years and have seen and lived enough. I will take these thirty strokes for you."
"Uncle, my mind is made up. There's no need to persuade me."
Zhou Jinbai would never allow someone who genuinely cared for him to suffer this torment. Since it was his mistake, he would bear it alone.
Soon, the pillar to which Zhou Jinbai was tied was lowered, leaving him in a prone position.
The burly subordinate picked up the iron rod, and everyone waited for Zhou Tianqiong's command.
Meng Chuzheng could no longer bear it. She wanted to reveal the entire truth but was held back by Jia Huaixu.
Jia Huaixu whispered into Meng Chuzheng's ear, calming her, "Calm down. This is not the time for impulsive actions."
"I cannot stand by and watch Jinbai be beaten. Absolutely not." Meng Chuzheng had already witnessed her husband's death. If she were to witness her son's death as well, what would be the meaning of her life?
"But we have been planning for so many years! If you reveal the truth now, everything we have done will be meaningless."
Jia Huaixu's words were like a bucket of ice-cold water poured directly over Meng Chuzheng's head.
Instantly, she felt a chilling despair.
Yes, if she couldn't hold her composure, her husband would have died in vain, and her son would never acknowledge her.
Since she had already decided to be a villain, she had to be completely wicked.
Otherwise, Zhou Bingwen's true intentions would never be revealed.
Meng Chuzheng stared intently at Zhou Jinbai, looking at his stern face. The terrifying memories of the past flooded her mind.
She seemed to see Zhou Bingwen smiling contemptuously, but she had no proof.
That despair and heartache made her shiver.
"Jinbai, quickly admit your mistake! Thirty strokes are no joke. I was beaten three times back then and was bedridden for half a year before I could get out of bed." Zhou Qingcang was extremely anxious. The junior he had taken a liking to was about to be beaten to death by Zhou Tianqiong. Zhou Qingcang directly addressed Zhou Tianqiong, "You old fossil, if you dare to touch Jinbai, I'll fight you to the death! If it comes to it, the three of us will go to the funeral together."
Zhou Tianqiong, however, spoke with a cold expression, "Strike—"
The subordinate received the order and raised the iron rod high.
"Grandson—"
"Jinbai—"
"Eldest Brother!"
"Stop!"
...
Suddenly, countless voices rang out simultaneously. Even before the rod fell, a figure rushed forward and took the first blow in place of Zhou Jinbai.