Chapter Fifty-One: Then, may I have a turn as well?

"Mother! Please, no! Why?!"
At that moment, Shangguan Kaicheng heard the old woman's words, hurriedly knelt, and looked at her with tearful eyes, begging her.

It was only then that Ye Yu and his companions realized this was Shangguan Kaicheng's mother. Though her clothes were simple, she possessed an undeniable air, a bearing shaped by years of hardship, ineffable yet naturally radiant.

"Constable, take them away. Beat them as hard as you can—show no mercy. Don't spare my dignity."

Upon hearing her words, Shangguan Kaicheng's face fell. In his heart, he resolved never to gamble again.

The constable, feeling awkward, nodded and took both Shangguan Kaicheng and Ji Hongguang away.

...

Shangguan Kaicheng and Ji Hongguang worked at a well-known inn in Chivalry Town. Shangguan Kaicheng was famed for his culinary skills, earning him the title "God of Cooking" among the locals.

Ji Hongguang, meanwhile, served as the waiter. Thanks to his impressive martial arts and lightness skills, many knew of his abilities, yet few paid them heed. Ji Hongguang was a law-abiding citizen of Chivalry Town, and the innkeeper knew he was a retired master, living quietly.

Inside the inn, there were two women, a man, a child, and Shangguan Kaicheng's elderly mother sitting in the main hall.

Shangguan Kaicheng, his young face dark and grim, sat facing the entrance. No emotion showed on his features, but his anger was palpable to those nearby.

A woman dressed in luxurious robes approached Shangguan Kaicheng's mother with a gentle smile. "Madam, please don't let this upset you. It's not worth damaging your health over such a small matter. I believe they both know their mistake—they won't repeat it."

This woman was the innkeeper, Feng Panxue.

Feng Panxue was the daughter of a renowned martial family, who, for reasons unknown, settled in Chivalry Town and took over the inn to run her business.

Another girl, dressed in blue, her long hair cascading to her waist, her lively face and fair skin marking her as a young maiden, crossed her arms and spoke softly, "They weren't betting much—just a few snacks. Please don't be angry, madam."

This girl did odd jobs at the inn, her name was Ruoyun.

"That's right, and they've already been punished. I'm sure they'll never gamble again," said a young man in scholar's robes, holding a folding fan.

He was the inn's accountant, Qin Xinghui, known as Scholar Qin by the townsfolk.

Standing behind them, a girl named Feng Yixue spoke up to comfort Shangguan Kaicheng's mother, "Don't worry, granny. If I ever see them gambling again, I'll be the first to report them to the authorities so they can be properly punished!"

Feng Yixue, about seven or eight years old, was Feng Panxue's younger sister. Innocent and lively, she was also sensible and practiced martial arts from a young age. The only trouble for Feng Panxue was her sister’s dislike of books—she caused endless mischief at the academy, much to Panxue's headache.

Ye Yu and his friends remained in the inn because of the main quest, watching the scene unfold before them.

"What in the world is happening?" Huang Hong was thoroughly confused, watching with a wry smile.

Ye Yu shook his head. "This main quest seems to restrict our actions—apart from talking, there's nothing we can do. We'll just have to wait until it's over."

Luo Feng shrugged, unconcerned. "We may as well enjoy the story—it's no big deal."

"Exactly. It's a good chance to rest, I'm exhausted," Qu Zheng said cheerfully.

Feng Panxue noticed Shangguan Kaicheng's mother was unresponsive, and after a moment's pause, suggested, "Madam, why not rest for a bit? When they return, I'll let you know. Come, let's help you to your room."

Upon hearing this, Ruoyun and Feng Yixue stepped forward to assist Shangguan Kaicheng's mother, but she shook her head slightly. Her left hand, resting on her knee, lifted and waved them off before settling again.

"I don't want to go anywhere right now. Go about your business—don't mind this old woman."

Her words left Feng Panxue and the others feeling slightly helpless.

"Very well. If that's your wish, everyone, back to work. I'll keep the madam company," Feng Panxue said. The others dispersed to their tasks, while she poured a cup of tea and handed it to the old woman. "Here, have some tea. I'll go see if they've returned."

Just then, Ji Hongguang and Shangguan Kaicheng, supporting each other and clutching their sides, limped into the inn.

"Hongguang."

Feng Panxue glanced at Ji Hongguang, whose pale face betrayed discomfort, and asked about his condition.

"I'm fine. Thanks to my training, I'm sturdy enough," Ji Hongguang replied with a smile. But as he sat down, his face suddenly contorted, and he inhaled sharply before forcing another smile.

On the other side, Shangguan Kaicheng looked at his mother, slowly approached her, and spoke softly, "Mother."

Instantly, the old woman slapped him hard, the sound echoing. Shangguan Kaicheng clutched his face and retreated, tears glistening in his eyes. "Mother, I know I was wrong. I've already been punished—please don't hit me again!"

"That was the court's punishment—this is a mother's!"

She slammed the wooden table by her side, scolding, "Come here!"

Shangguan Kaicheng hurried closer. His mother raised her right hand and twisted his ear, making him endure the pain, tears brimming in his eyes.

"What have I always told you? What did I say? Do you remember?"

"You said never to gamble, no matter what. But it was Ji Hongguang who forced me! Right, Ji Hongguang?"

Shangguan Kaicheng looked at Ji Hongguang, who felt guilty and quickly nodded, answering, "Yes, I forced him. But we were only playing—a little bet for fun. Small wagers amuse, big ones harm. We just wanted a bit of enjoyment."

Hearing Shangguan Kaicheng's words, his mother smiled faintly and said, "Is that so? Then may I join in the fun as well?"

...
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