"If you are polite to me, Ming Xia, I will call you Young Master. If you are not polite, do not blame me for speaking harshly!" Qin Yun's unyielding demeanor won the admiration of everyone present.
Ming Qinghua sneered. "Very well, a young hero indeed. Since Young Master Qin is so righteous, Minister Qin, I believe we should take this to court?"
"Elder Ming, we are old acquaintances. Why go to such lengths? We can discuss matters!" Qin Yuanzhang said with a smile.
"There is nothing to discuss. Tomorrow, I will report to His Majesty that Minister Qin is incompetent in raising his son and is unfit for the position of Minister!"
Qin Yuanzhang panicked and roared at Qin Yun, "Scoundrel, are you not going to apologize to Lord Ming and Young Master Ming!"
Seeing that Qin Yuanzhang was serious, Qin Yun lowered his head, his eyes constantly darting, preparing to unleash her superb acting skills.
Reasoning had failed; if force wouldn't work, then softness must be employed!
"Father, your son is innocent. If Father doesn't believe me, he can send someone to inquire. Yesterday, Ming Xia was the one who taunted and then attacked me. Fortunately, I am resilient, or I would have died at Ming Xia's hands yesterday!" At this point, Qin Yun frowned sadly and looked at Qin Yuanzhang with disappointment.
"As for the three thousand taels, it was merely compensation given by Ming Xia to shirk responsibility! Father, believe your son just this once! Is my life not worth three thousand taels?" Qin Yun said, tears about to fall. "Father is a wise man. Although I am usually arrogant and willful, I never quarrel with people without reason. Ming Xia called me an ugly monster, and I couldn't accept it, so I called Young Master Ming Ming the Despicable. Ming Xia then made a sneak attack, intending to kill me. I only asked for three thousand taels in compensation to settle this matter! I am now powerless, without even the most basic dignity or the ability to resist!"
While denouncing Ming Xia's crimes, Qin Yun did not forget to add verbal, physical, and facial expressions. Touching his face, which was swollen with red marks, Qin Yun portrayed his grievance to the fullest.
Just as Qin Yun had expected, Qin Yuanzhang cared most about the life of his only beloved son, Qin Yun.
He could endure anything, but he could not tolerate any threat or harm to Qin Yun's life.
He had only this one son and hoped he would carry on the family line and be there to see him off in his old age.
Hearing this, Qin Yuanzhang's face sank to the bottom. He no longer smiled subserviently at Ming Qinghua. He called for Steward Fu and ordered him to quickly investigate what had happened between Qin Yun and Ming Xia yesterday. Every detail had to be questioned thoroughly.
Ming Qinghua also felt that the atmosphere was not right.
He had originally intended to use his power to suppress Qin Yuanzhang, not only to avoid paying the three thousand taels but also to gain some benefits from Qin Yuanzhang. But now, it seemed that this would not work.
"Minister Qin, what do you mean? If you refuse to apologize, we shall meet in court later!"
Qin Yuanzhang stroked his gray beard and did not immediately answer Ming Qinghua's questioning.
Instead, he walked to Qin Yun's side and patted his shoulder, comforting him. "It's alright. With your father here, we don't seek trouble, but trouble finds us. When we need to fight back, we must fight back. Your father is a coward and has no great abilities. I have bowed and scraped my way through life, and it's alright to be wronged occasionally. But if someone wants to take your life, your father will be the first to object. Even if it costs me this old life, I will protect you."
Qin Yun was genuinely touched by Qin Yuanzhang's words.
This father, though seemingly unremarkable and usually keeping his distance, was reliable in critical moments!
Xiao Ju, witnessing the scene, dared not speak, only acting as an invisible person.
Her young master was truly impressive, having convinced the master himself.
Her master valued his reputation the most and had often flattered people in court to secure his current position.
However, this also showed one thing: the master's greatest affection was for his young master.
Qin Yu and Madam Min on the side were not happy.
They had originally thought that since Ming Qinghua was here, he was also an influential figure. If the matter escalated, Qin Yuanzhang would severely punish Qin Yun, and Ming Qinghua would use his power to have Qin Yun imprisoned for a year or half.
Then, Qin Yun would not only be unable to attend Blue Mountain Academy, but with a few more maneuvers, Qin Yun could be killed in prison.
The matter would be completed without anyone knowing. How could the situation now seem so wrong?
Madam Min hurried forward, anxious, "My lord, Lord Ming is still here. If Lord Ming is displeased and collaborates with the County Princess to report to His Majesty, wouldn't our Qin mansion be ruined? Yun'er is fine now, and nothing has happened to him, right?"
Looking at Qin Yun, Madam Min smiled, "Yun'er, stop making trouble. Go and apologize to Lord Ming and Young Master Ming!"
Qin Yun sneered inwardly, but outwardly, he looked at Qin Yuanzhang with a wronged expression, "Father...?"
This tearful plea softened Qin Yuanzhang.
He turned and said sternly to Madam Min, "You, a mere woman, what do you know? This is none of your business. Take Qin Yu and withdraw. Huifang knows to withdraw, don't you understand? Do I need to teach you how to behave?"
Madam Min was stunned into silence. Qin Yu still wanted to say something, but upon seeing Qin Yuanzhang's stern gaze, she wisely shut her mouth.
"Yes, my lord. Your concubine will withdraw!" Madam Min's face turned pale.
It was unprecedented for Qin Yuanzhang to be so harsh with her for that brat Qin Yun, how could she accept it?
Madam Min gritted her teeth secretly, feeling extremely aggrieved. Fortunately, Qin Yu supported her, or she wouldn't even be able to walk steadily.
The Ming father and son continued to accuse them relentlessly, but Qin Yuanzhang remained extremely calm.
Only when Steward Fu returned did he bring with him a doctor, who was none other than Doctor Qiao, who had examined Qin Yun yesterday.
Upon seeing Doctor Qiao, Ming Xia became agitated.
If this matter were truly brought to light, he would not have much confidence.
"Your Excellencies, this old man pays his respects!" Doctor Qiao bowed.
Qin Yuanzhang signaled Doctor Qiao to rise and then inquired about what had happened between Qin Yun and Ming Xia at the commoner's shop yesterday.
Doctor Qiao, being an honest man, quickly recounted the events.
After listening, Qin Yuanzhang felt that he had failed Qin Yun greatly over the years.
His precious son's health was so poor, and he could die at any moment. This was breaking his heart!
"Lord Ming, how do you wish to handle this matter?" Qin Yuanzhang asked, his face stern and displeased.
Ming Xia, knowing he was in the wrong, remained silent with his head bowed.
Ming Qinghua snorted, "Who knows if this Doctor Qiao was arranged by you to put on an act!"
"This old man is not so easily deceived!"
"Since Lord Ming does not believe, he can invite any doctor in the capital to examine Young Master Qin. Young Master Qin was harmed by Young Master Ming yesterday and was on the verge of death. It is remarkable that he has such spirit now!" Doctor Qiao also felt that Qin Yun was a pitiable child.
He had been practicing medicine for many years and had never seen such pulse readings as Qin Yun's, which were extremely disordered.