Xiao Xiong was outmaneuvered by Xiao Ruiyuan and, in the end, he couldn't bear to see his beloved son become a cripple without limbs. Besides, even if he could bear it, a useless cripple would never be able to become the Princely Heir, let alone inherit the noble rank of the Hou Mansion in the future. With all this commotion, it was unclear who would end up benefiting in the end.
It was well known that Xiao Ruiyuan was not someone to be trifled with; Xiao Xiong did not believe for a second that talk of chopping off his youngest son's limbs was mere bluster. Despite the immense frustration in his heart, Xiao Xiong didn't dare to test Xiao Ruiyuan's patience any further. After leaving behind a vicious threat, he took Lady Wei, who was sobbing as if her only son had already been dismembered, and skulked away.
The chilly courtyard regained its usual tranquility, but Xiao Ruiyuan's mood was far from calm, even extremely unpleasant, as he radiated a heavy aura of animosity.
