The Xiao Family's End

Ye Lily lowered her head, pretending to be shy.

Xiao Jack died at the age of twenty-two.

The former emperor wanted to punish the Xiao family.

The Mingqi royal family became more and more incompetent over time. They didn't think about strengthening the country but only about self-preservation.

Noble families were threats. As Xu Hao said, even the humble Ye family was a target. The rebellious Xiao family was an even bigger thorn in the emperor's side.

When the Huns invaded, the Xiao family led the troops.

General Xiao Ding fought his last battle and was completely annihilated. Xiao Jack waited for his father's return during the New Year, but all he got was a coffin.

Xiao Ding's death wasn't the end. At his funeral, the people of Dingjing mourned deeply. This was a big taboo for the royal family.

Not long after, young Xiao Jack was appointed to lead the troops in his father's place.

This wasn't Xiao Jack's first battle. Like the Xiao family, his talent on the battlefield struck fear into the enemy.

But knowing how suspicious Xiao Ding's death was, this imperial decree almost pushed Xiao Jack to his doom.

Xiao Jack accepted the decree and went to battle, only to face defeat. Exposed to the enemy, he was shot by thousands of arrows.

Not only that, his body was taken by the Huns, skinned, dried, and displayed on the city walls as a warning.

Another tragic ending unfolded, and the whole of Mingqi mourned.

Father and son both perished on the battlefield. The people only saw the Huns' cruelty and the generals' bravery, missing the hidden undercurrents of conspiracy.

By then, the former emperor was on his deathbed. Xu Hao took over the court affairs and expressed regret over the Xiao family's fate, posthumously honoring them.

The titles meant nothing to the deceased father and son, but they benefited the concubine and her two illegitimate sons.

Ye Lily still remembered Ye Xin's grief when Xiao Jack died. She had thought that with the enmity between the Ye and Xiao families, Ye Xin shouldn't feel sad about the Xiao family's downfall.

Now she realized Ye Xin must have felt like a rabbit mourning the loss of a fox.

The balance was broken. With the Xiao family gone, the Ye family would soon face disaster.

How laughable that she had once eagerly dragged the Ye family into the succession struggle.

Ye Lily didn't care much about the Xiao family, but she lamented Xiao Jack's fate. Such a brilliant young man should have left a significant mark on Mingqi's history.

Who would have thought he'd meet such a tragic end? Knowing the imperial decree was a death sentence, he still went.

Perhaps it was to preserve the Xiao family's dignity, proving their unyielding spirit.

But choosing to do the impossible showed Xiao Jack's extraordinary character beneath his mischievous exterior.

He was indeed a very upright and brave person.

Thinking this, Ye Lily saw Cai Lin push through the crowd, holding a small cloth bag. He respectfully said, "Young Master, here is the rare medical book you asked me to find."

A little tyrant showing such respect was shocking. But compared to Cai Lin, Xiao Jack was an even bigger tyrant in Dingjing.

The Xiao family was the top among tyrants. Thinking this way, Cai Lin's attitude towards Xiao Jack made sense.

Feng Anning whispered to Ye Lily, "What do you think of Young Master Xiao compared to Duke Ding?"

Ye Lily choked, not used to Feng Anning being so friendly. She seriously replied, "Young Master Xiao is far superior."

Far superior indeed. In her eyes, a black-hearted person like Xu Hao couldn't compare to Xiao Jack.

When Qing and Yi read Mingqi's official history, they secretly told her that Xiao Jack was a remarkable young man whose death was truly regrettable.

If even her own children praised him, he must be good.

Feng Anning was surprised and said after a while, "Looks like you're really heartbroken."

Ye Lily didn't bother to explain. Xiao Jack grabbed the package, tied it to his saddle, glanced at Cai Lin, said nothing, and rode away with a flick of his whip.

The horse stirred up clouds of dust, yet the young man's charm remained undiminished. Like the morning sun, he was naturally dazzling.

Cai Lin felt a bit disappointed. The girls around couldn't hide their disappointment, probably wishing Xiao Jack would stay longer.

Strangely, Xiao Jack was the only noble youth admired by girls without arousing jealousy among boys. Perhaps his unique behavior was enviable.

Ye Lily concealed her deep thoughts. With the Xiao family's fall, the Ye family would soon face disaster.

If the two families shared a lip-and-teeth relationship, could they reconcile? If the royal family wanted to act, perhaps they should consider if they had the ability?

Saving the Xiao family, saving Xiao Jack. Doing so would give the Ye family an advantage.

The Ye family was honest and kind, the Xiao family arrogant and unruly. The royal family targeted the Xiao family first. Perhaps she could make a deal with the Xiao family.

...

Xiao Jack rode until he stopped in front of a tavern.

He dismounted and walked straight to the back room. Inside, a white-robed young man with delicate features smiled and said, "Third Brother."

"Here!" Xiao Jack threw the package over. "Don't ask me to do this kind of thing again."

If Gao Yang hadn't asked him to find that rare medical book, he wouldn't have bothered with Cai Lin or made a fool of himself at Guangwen Hall.

Thinking of the handkerchief flower, he felt disgusted and brushed his clothes.

Gao Yang knew his younger brother had always been a clean freak. Smiling, he teased, "With your personality, you should get out more. Those students are about your age. You should learn from their vitality."

He paused, a sly smile appearing on his face. "Maybe there are cute girls. Why are you always alone?"

Xiao Jack was used to his senior brother's outwardly serious but inwardly bored nature. Impatiently turning his head, he thought of the pair of eyes he had seen earlier.

Eyes as clear as a young beast, filled with deep pity and helplessness. That look made him pause. Later, the owner of those eyes lowered her head, seemingly shy.

But Xiao Jack was no ordinary person. He had followed his father south and north since he was young, fought battles, killed people, and developed sharp eyes.

That girl probably wanted to pretend to admire him. Unfortunately, she didn't realize her own eyes were like a still pond, without a ripple.

Truly interesting.