TFSRITA Chapter 164

This made her fully decide to educate him properly and straighten out her husband.

Now that she thought about it, he hadn’t truly gone astray.

Yan Qing couldn’t help but feel relieved by her decision. Otherwise, how could she have witnessed such an adorable moment?

Seemingly annoyed by her laughter, Ji Jiaxun suddenly wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, pulling her close. In a low, rough voice, he growled, “Keep laughing, and see what happens.”

Yan Qing cleared her throat, leaned forward, and brushed her lips against his before quickly retreating. Smiling sweetly, she said, “Okay, I won’t laugh anymore.”

Ji Jiaxun froze again.

The next second, he glanced around, seemingly looking for a place to hide. When he found none, he simply buried his face in the crook of her neck.

The coolness of her skin against his warm, flushed face made Yan Qing want to laugh again.

But she held back, worried that overdoing it might cause him to jump out of the carriage.

They finally arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence.

Ji Jiaxun leaped out of the carriage the moment it stopped, as though someone were chasing him. His face was still flushed with embarrassment.

Yan Qing, however, took her time, stepping down slowly with the help of her maid, Lan Hua.

The gatekeeper greeted them warmly. “Miss, Young Master, you’ve arrived. The Master has been waiting for quite some time.”

Yan Qing smiled and headed inside.

At the entrance, Ji Jiaxun had finally regained his composure. His handsome face was stern as he waited for her to catch up, then walked in alongside her.

The Prime Minister and his wife were waiting in the main hall.

As they crossed the marble-paved path and entered the hall, the Prime Minister’s wife, Madam Song, immediately teared up. Just as she was about to stand, the Prime Minister barked out a command: “Kneel!”

Ji Jiaxun’s heart tightened as he instinctively looked at Yan Qing.

The woman who had been fierce and teasing with him moments ago now quietly stepped forward and knelt properly in the center of the hall.

The Prime Minister’s household was relatively simple, and as the legitimate daughter, Yan Qing’s presence was met with only her parents and elder brother in the hall. Not even her half-sisters or the concubines were allowed to appear.

Ji Jiaxun felt increasingly bewildered. Ever since meeting Yan Qing, it seemed like every day brought new surprises.

And now, this fierce, headstrong woman was being so obedient?

His heart ached slightly. After paying his respects to the Prime Minister, he asked, “Father-in-law, why are you making her kneel? She hasn’t done anything wrong.”

The Prime Minister, a man in his forties with graying hair, looked stern despite his otherwise scholarly appearance. He scrutinized Ji Jiaxun, his sharp gaze resting on the young man’s refined features. His brows furrowed slightly as he replied, “She brought shame to the family by entering a brothel. The entire capital is talking about it, and you say she’s done nothing wrong?”

Madam Song, who usually feared her husband, now dared not raise her voice. She whispered timidly, “But, my lord, there was a reason for it!”

Even if she hadn’t gone to the brothel, their daughter would still have been the subject of ridicule. At least this way, she had shown some strength!

Tears streamed down Madam Song’s face as she looked at her kneeling daughter.

The Prime Minister, though refined in demeanor, exuded an intimidating authority. He glanced coldly at his wife and said, “You’ve spoiled her, letting her think she can do whatever she pleases!”

His anger flared anew as he looked at his son-in-law. If it weren’t for Yan Qing’s misstep, they wouldn’t be in this situation now.

Ji Jiaxun frowned and said, “Father-in-law, this was my fault. It had nothing to do with Yan Qing.” With that, he reached out and pulled Yan Qing to her feet.

Surprisingly, she rose without resistance.

Yan Qing had knelt because the original owner of her body had been punished this way before. She didn’t want to break character. But since Ji Jiaxun had given her an out, she immediately stood and even winked at him.

Ji Jiaxun froze. Did he just get played?

Irritated, he released her hand.

Yan Qing ignored him, frowning slightly as she shifted her legs, feeling the dull ache from kneeling for barely a minute.

The Prime Minister’s face darkened. He knew Ji Jiaxun was at fault, but he dared not punish his son-in-law directly. Seeing his daughter stand up, however, eased his frustration slightly.

He spoke in a low voice, “From now on, watch your words and actions. You’re married now. Your mother and I can’t always protect you. If you make another mistake, no one will save you.”

Yan Qing flashed him a sweet smile. “Got it, Father.”

She then turned to Madam Song, taking a few steps forward. “Mother, I’ve missed you!”

“Oh, my darling!” Madam Song cried as she hugged her daughter, tears streaming. “You’ve lost weight! Tell your father if you’ve been suffering. He’ll stand up for you!”

Madam Song’s lack of tact often left her husband exasperated.

The Prime Minister’s eye twitched. “Enough. From now on, take care of yourself.”

Finally, Yan Xu, Yan Qing’s elder brother, interjected, “Father, Mother, the younger sisters are waiting. Shall we let them in to see Qing’er?”

Madam Song pouted. “What sisters? Qing’er is my only daughter!”

Yan Xu frowned but didn’t argue. Raised by their father, he treated the concubines’ daughters more fairly than Madam Song did. His lack of favoritism for Yan Qing made his mother even angrier.

Frustrated, Madam Song twisted her handkerchief, muttering complaints to her daughter.

Meanwhile, Ji Jiaxun had been left ignored for some time. He coughed lightly, but no one paid him any mind.

Realizing this was likely a deliberate attempt to put him in his place, he simply shrugged, lazily found a seat, and leaned back with a casual smirk, radiating calm confidence.