Tit for tat

"Rise. Let me introduce you—this is Ning'er, and he is your younger brother.

He did some things wrong before, but I have already taught him a harsh lesson. Be broad-minded and do not bear a grudge against him over that matter.

You share the same bloodline. From now on, the two of you must watch over and support one another, and together make the line of the King of Zhenbei flourish."

Xia Hong spoke calmly to Duàn Yì and Qin Xin. Then he cast a glance at Xia Ning beside him and said,

"Ning'er, why have you not yet greeted your elder brother and paid him your respects?"

Xia Ning instinctively flared with anger, but when he caught sight of his father's expression, his heart gave a jolt.

Born into the royal mansion, honored beyond measure and doted upon, he had developed a lawless temperament. Yet just as sons everywhere feared their fathers, Xia Ning was no exception. He did not dare defy Xia Hong's wishes, so he perfunctorily cupped his hands toward Duàn Yì. The expression on his face, however, was exceedingly punchable.

And whether the brat did it deliberately or not, he specifically muttered in a very low voice,

"I only had one elder brother, and he died long ago. Where did another elder brother suddenly pop out from?"

Though there were not many people in the hall, several servants stood waiting at the sides. Most of them practiced martial arts and had keen ears and sharp eyes. How could they fail to hear Xia Ning's quiet muttering? Thoughts stirred in their hearts, but none dared reveal them.

Xia Ning was not wrong. He truly had an elder brother who had died young, while Duàn Yì could only be considered his cousin—one he had never crossed paths with