Li Xinge's words were utterly calm and mild.
Yet they struck like a heavy hammer, pounding into the two men's hearts.
Both felt as though their hearts had stopped beating.
Only now did they truly understand.
The man before them might be their grandson and nephew, bound to them by blood.
But more than that, he was the emperor of the south, who could decide their life or death with a single word.
Looking at the devastated father and son of the Cao Family, Li Xinge remained unmoved.
His gaze was cold.
If these two had not been the people closest to his late mother, the Cao Family would have been uprooted long ago for Lady Jiang's outrageous remarks in the rear courtyard that day.
This warning was enough.
"Golden Crow Island may be remote, but it is precisely the right place for the Cao Family to develop at present. As long as you behave yourselves there... whatever is yours will come to you sooner or later."
"Withdraw. I am tired."
Li Xinge waved a hand.
Then he turned away, leaving the two men facing a towering figure they dared not look upon directly.
"Yes... yes. This humble commoner thanks Your Highness for your heavenly grace... we take our leave."
With their backs bent, the two men retreated out of the courtyard.
Once outside the courtyard, they stopped.
Waves of cool wind swept over them.
Only then did father and son realize that their bodies were chilled through.
The inner garments they had only recently changed into were soaked with cold sweat again.
Cao Zhengxiong drew a deep breath.
His large hands clamped tightly around Cao Wenzhao's arm, his face twisted.
"The first thing we do upon returning to the island is grant that wretched woman three feet of white