Punishment

Yi Chang's frigid gaze remained on Yi Tian, their quiet tension wrapped in the silence of the night. After a pause, a sudden burst of laughter erupted from Yi Chang. His facial expression was enigmatic, leaving Yi Tian to guess if his mirth stemmed from the response, the situation, or some hidden joy.

As his laughter subsided, Yi Chang directed his gaze back at Yi Tian, his face shifting to a more solemn expression. "A changed man? Ha, my son, you didn't even deny the accusations."

Turning away from Yi Tian, he once again faced the tranquil view of the garden, his robes gently twirling with the motion. With a sigh heavy with emotions, he spoke, his tone laced with regret. "Yi Tian, this situation is difficult for me. You must understand that."

Briefly glancing back at Yi Tian, he posed a question. "Do you know what your punishment should be?"

Taking in the gravity of the situation, Yi Tian paused to consider Yi Chang's question. His knowledge of history, gleaned from movies, books, and other sources in his previous world, suggested that the typical punishment in such cases would be immediate execution. But he also understood that his unique circumstances might grant him a stay of execution.

Nevertheless, he decided to answer based on what he thought was the appropriate punishment. "Death."

"Indeed," Yi Chang nodded.

After another heavy sigh, he lapsed into silence, seemingly listening to the sound of the nearby stream and absorbing the reflection of moonlight on the water's surface. "As previously decided, you will be sent to battle. We will determine your punishment upon your return."

As his final words echoed in the night, Yi Chang turned his back to the serenity of the garden, his steps carrying him past Yi Tian. Pausing briefly beside the table, his gaze fell upon the wooden tube and the parchment that lay there. Bending slightly, he picked them up before resuming his departure into the recesses of the main residence.

Yi Tian, now alone on the patio, ambled up to the wooden railing, casting one last glance at the peaceful garden before he, too, took his leave.

As he made his way into the central hall, a household servant approached him. Bowing respectfully, the servant offered him the wooden tube and relayed a message, "Young Master, the Master has commanded me to present this to you. He requests that you follow Li Tingguang's instructions."

Yi Tian's gaze lingered on the wooden tube for a moment before he accepted it, silently acknowledging the servant's words before departing the grand hall.

...

Enlightened Tome Pavilion

Yi Tian confidently stepped into the pavilion, having decided that he should hand over the tube to Bai Lu promptly. However, his primary purpose was to meet Butler Feng, as he was unfamiliar with who Bai Lu was. Treading along the high-vaulted corridors, Yi Tian eventually made his way into the grand entrance hall. Finding no one around, he proceeded down the elegant archways leading to the building's library.

Inside, he spotted Butler Feng, carefully inspecting the scrolls in a massive bookcase. As Yi Tian made his entrance into the library, Butler Feng swiftly turned towards him, quickly setting aside the scroll in his hands.

"Young Master, the night is far spent; please accept my apologies for not greeting you upon your arrival," said Butler Feng respectfully. His wispy gray beard wavered as he brought his hands together in a respectful bow.

"Think nothing of it," Yi Tian dismissed with a wave of his hand. Then, in a tone that hinted at curiosity, he asked, "Butler Feng, I have a query."

"Please, Young Master, do not hesitate to ask," Butler Feng replied, bowing once more.

"I seek an individual named Bai Lu. Are you acquainted with such a person?" inquired Yi Tian calmly.

Butler Feng's brows furrowed in brief perplexity, but quickly smoothed over as he brought his hands together and replied, "Ah, certainly, Young Master. She serves as a personal maid within your residence."