Xun Ding knew a thing or two about Shen Tang and Gongxi Chou's history, but he'd never imagined their relationship was closer than he'd thought. What did she mean, Gongxi Chou would lend her men if she asked?
That wretched Gongxi Chou had a generous side, too?
Even if he was just an extra...
An extra still had his dignity!!!
He declared firmly, "I refuse!"
Then he added, "How can you force someone into this?"
What had he done to deserve this? First Gongxi Chou had forced him to work without pay, and now he'd fallen into his own father's hands and was still working without pay?
He was, after all, the dignified governor of Minfeng Commandery!
Xun Zhen's tone turned dangerous. "You refuse?"
Xun Ding stuck out his neck and stubbornly said, "I refuse!"
Xun Zhen drew a deep breath and bowed to Shen Tang. As Xun Ding stared wide-eyed, looking as horrified as if he'd seen a ghost, he said, "My lord, please wait a moment. I'll fetch the family discipline rod. Since this matter started with my foolish son, he should bear the consequences."
"F-family discipline rod?" Xun Ding stammered.
"I used to spare you because you were frail. Now you're strong and healthy, so you can take it. One beating should teach you a lesson."
As he spoke, Xun Zhen was already rolling up his sleeves.
Xun Ding looked at his father's wrist, revealed beneath the sleeve—a man's wrist, with distinct knuckles, delicate bones, fine skin, and veins visible beneath it. It didn't seem threatening, but then he remembered his father lifting him with one hand...
The grievance in Xun Ding's eyes deepened.
"Father—"
Was he no longer his precious darling?
"Pfft—" Gu Chi was a professional, but sometimes he just couldn't keep a straight face.