Chapter 2: The Clash of Fates
"Take me to see," Wei commanded Bao, urgency lacing his voice. The air was thick with tension as they approached the courtyard, where the sound of a cane striking flesh echoed ominously. By the time Wei arrived, Wang Mei had already endured three brutal strokes.
"How dare you?" Wei's fury erupted as he stepped forward, his eyes blazing. He gestured sharply to Bao, who immediately moved to lift Mei from the ground, her body trembling in pain.
"Who dares to stop you?" a mocking voice interjected. It was Young Master Haoyu, the second son of General Wang, known for his spoiled demeanor and ruthless behavior. He sauntered into view, a smirk plastered across his face, the epitome of arrogance.
"Give me the cane," Haoyu demanded, snatching it from a servant's trembling hands. He raised it high, ready to wipe Mei again, but Bao stepped in front of him, blocking the blow.
"How dare you stop me?" Haoyu sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I am a legitimate son too, just like Wei." He added, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Wei.
"If he moves, cut off his finger," Wei ordered Bao, his voice steady and resolute. A cough escaped Wei's lips, a harsh sound that echoed through the mansion, reminding everyone of his frail condition.
Haoyu laughed, a cruel sound that filled the air. "You are just a sick puppet. How dare you tell your guard to cut off my fingers?" he taunted, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Bao moved closer, a glint of determination in his own gaze as he prepared to carry out Wei's command. "Stop!" a commanding voice boomed from behind them.
General Wang strode into the courtyard, his presence demanding immediate respect. Haoyu darted behind his father, a child seeking refuge. "Dad, Wei just told his guard to cut off my finger because I told them not to stop beating Mei, as you instructed," he whined, his voice laced with feigned innocence.
"Wei, how dare you defy my order?" General Wang's voice was thunderous, but Wei remained silent, his gaze unwavering. He instructed his guard to wheel him away, Mei's frail form beside him.
"He's become so arrogant," Madam Feng muttered, her voice low but filled with disdain. General Wang's temper boiled beneath the surface, his face a mask of fury.
"Your Highness, what are you going to do?" Xiu asked, concern etched on her face as she looked at the disappointed princess.
"The imperial edict is here," the king's eunuch announced, his voice echoing through the tense atmosphere. "Princess Hua is betrothed to General Wang's eldest son and should marry him in the next three days." The eunuch read the edict aloud, handing it to Princess Hua, who felt her heart sink.