Xue Qinghe Is Dead

"Qinghe, you can know a person's face but not their heart. You know perfectly well what kind of reputation Xue Beng has in the Heaven Dou Empire.

Is there anyone more of a wastrel than him? You're still speaking up for him—what if he turns around and comes after you?"

Xue Ye earnestly tried to persuade Xue Qinghe.

"Father, we are both your children. I am his elder brother, and I believe he would never do such things to me. Rest assured, Father.

If you insist on punishing him, then let Qinghe take the punishment for Xue Beng." Xue Qinghe looked at Xue Ye and spoke solemnly.

"Qinghe, why put yourself through this?"

Xue Ye looked at Xue Qinghe, and his desire to punish Xue Beng vanished.

He could not truly punish Xue Beng and have Xue Qinghe punished as well.

That was simply unacceptable!

He could not bring himself to do it either.

However, Xue Ye still placed Xue Beng under house arrest. "Xue Beng, do you see this? Qinghe said he would be punished alongside you. This time, I will believe you for now. But from today onward, you are not to leave your home even a single step. You need not attend the academy either."

"...Yes, Father. Your son understands."

Xue Beng answered tearfully, filled with gratitude.

As long as nothing else happened, it was fine. If anything else happened, he would truly be finished.

It was only house arrest. That was nothing.

Still, Xue Qinghe's attitude remained impossible for him to understand.

It left him deeply puzzled as to whether those matters had anything to do with him.

"Xue Xing, watch your conduct. Do not run around the imperial capital recklessly in the future."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Xue Xing lowered his head as he answered. This