Chapter 122: A Benefactor? Yama?

When the words ended, his head was knocked aside by Chi Shao yuan: "Ungrateful dog, if it weren't for my grandfather you would have starved and frozen to death in the great drought years ago. Your wife and children died at the Chi Family, but that was due to an assassin, not our will. You don't blame the assassin, yet you lay all the blame on us, and this matter happened over ten years ago, you…."

So what!

Heh. The ever‑silent Chi Nan Yi smiled and said, "Is it really because of this?"

What?

I ask, did you really do this to avenge your wife and children?

The Chi butler turned his head toward Chi Nan Yi, sensing the cold in her eyes, and instinctively recoiled his throat.

Naturally I must avenge my wife and children.

If it's vengeance, why wait so many years? During the years you've served as butler of the Chi Family, you clearly had many chances to avenge, yet you hesitated. Most importantly, where did your gu insects come from? Gu insects are common in Xijiang; you, a citizen of Daqi, where did you learn the gu arts?

No comment.

You're a tough nut, but that's fitting; only someone like you would make the court comfortable placing you among the various noble families.

The Chi butler suddenly looked up, his face incredulous as he stared at her, "You… how did you…"

You want to ask how I know? Chi Nan Yi smiled, "Just guessed, but now I can confirm."

You deceived me!

Hmm, if you don't want to be scammed, I suggest you install a nationwide anti‑scam app.

The Chi butler glared at her, unsure how to reply, because he didn't understand a word of what Chi Nan Yi was saying.

I knew from early on there was a spy in this courtyard, but I didn't know who; I made up a random lie, never expecting you'd bite.

The Chi butler's eyes no longer held the kindness of when we first met; now they glared viciously at Chi Nan Yi.

I didn't expect to fall at your hands.

But you, a Xijiang native, how did you become a court spy?

Irrelevant to you. The Chi butler lifted his chin, "Kill or dismember, as you wish; getting any information from my mouth is impossible."

Then kill me then. Chi Shao yuan laughed, "Consider it fulfilling your wish."

You! The Chi butler didn't expect the Chi family to not take the bait; he had intended to stall and find a chance to leave.

The court's spy has been lurking in our Chi Family for so many years; that's hard on you. Chi Shao yuan waved his hand, and the guards dragged him out.

The Chi butler's heart startled, and he shouted loudly, "Wait!"

What else do you want to say?

Regarding the Miss's death, I'll tell you the reason; you let me go.

The Miss he referred to is the Chi family's cherished daughter; there is no one else.

Xin Xin? Chi Xianshi said, his tone a bit hurried.

Correct.

Ha, weren't you just boldly saying you could kill or dismember? How come you surrendered in just a moment? Chi Shao yuan nodded, "Speak, and if it's useful, we might consider letting you go."

The Chi butler gritted his teeth and said gravely, "The Situ Family suffered because of the Bai Family. The Bai Family was powerful and overreaching; the court wanted to eliminate them, so they targeted General Situ, ambushed him outside the city, annihilated his entire army, then framed the Bai Family, claiming all this was due to General Bai's crime of colluding with the enemy and betraying the nation, solidifying the Bai Family's guilt. Previously, General Situ had exchanged many letters with the Miss; when they were sorting General Situ's relics, they noticed something odd in the Miss's reply to him. Fearing prolonged uncertainty, they massacred the Situ Family, and the Miss died unnaturally. That's all I know."

The members of the Chi Family turned ashen at his words.

You mean, the mastermind behind all this is…

The words "Emperor" rolled in Chi Xianshi's throat a few times, but he did not utter them.

Chi Nan Yi knew most of what he said was probably true, yet something still felt off.

I've said everything I know; can you now let me go?

Let you go? Chi Nan Yi sneered, "What you say isn't rare; the Millennium Pavilion alone has a dozen versions. You pick any one to tell us, who would believe?"

Everything I say is true!

You claim it's true, but who can prove it? A kiss of lips and you spin lies; just now you said you could kill or dismember at will! Clearly your words are untrustworthy. Chi Nan Yi rolled her eyes. The Chi butler, seeing this, clenched his teeth, "This is the Chi Family; where can an outsider like you interject?"

Chi Xingzhi said coldly, "An outsider is still better than a sinner like you." He turned to Chi Xianshi and said, "Father, I think Brother Nan Yi's words make sense; this person lies constantly, utterly untrustworthy."

Hmm, indeed. Chi Xianshi nodded, "Take him out for disposal!"

Family head! Family head! Waa… The Chi butler was gagged and dragged out.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the main hall grew heavy.

Chi Nan Yi saw they had something to say, and she excused herself directly.

After Chi Nan Yi left, Chi Xianshi sat on the main seat, his expression heavy.

Father, our Chi Family has left Jingcheng, yet the court still won't let us go. Chi Shao yuan clenched his fists, "It seems they won't cease until they eradicate us completely."

Yes, Father, Second Brother is right; the court indeed wants to wipe us out, but we have no rebellious intent. Why does the Emperor act so?

Chi Xianshi shook his head, "It seems some matters can't be solved by hiding and sleeping soundly. Since the court refuses to let us go, the Chi Family cannot just wait for death."

Father, you mean…

Find a chance, return to Daqi, and we must investigate these matters thoroughly.

When Chi Nan Yi returned to the inn, dawn was near; she lay on the couch, her mind replaying the Chi butler's words.

If the court truly seeks to exterminate the Chi Family, then I and Mo Junyan are enemies.

I haven't even secured this benefactor yet, and now I'm turning against them—what should I do?

Later, when I go to Jingcheng, I still plan to use his influence to avenge the original owner!

Now it seems I haven't embraced a benefactor at all; it's clearly a death‑bringing Yama.