Chapter 991: Chapter 991: Rules are rules, no excuses!

Li Beijue’s thin lips were tightly pressed together, and he did not utter a single word in defense.

The old butler was immensely anxious, wishing desperately to say a few softening words on his behalf, but he knew that was not his place.

Old Master Li waited for more than a minute but did not hear any sign of reflection from him. Disappointment deepened in his eyes. His hale and hearty eyes closed briefly and, when opened again, they were filled with cold decisiveness. “Since you made a mistake, you must bear the corresponding punishment. You understand this, don’t you?”

“I understand.” This was exactly why he didn’t let Chi Enen come in with him.

Old Master Li furrowed his eyebrows. After all, this was the grandson he had personally raised and mentored since childhood. There was a fleeting moment of hesitation in him. His all-seeing eyes shifted to the upright figure standing before him, and he suddenly asked, “Qiyun is also in Country T. Does this matter have anything to do with Qiyun?”

He had no idea what had happened, nor did he wish to know. What he needed to understand was why the grandson he had cultivated had made such an unthinkable error in a decision of great importance. This error–who was involved?

Li Beijue’s falcon-like eyes flickered briefly. Under the old butler’s hopeful gaze, he gave a firm denial. “No.”

The old butler was utterly stunned.

How could it be unrelated?

From what he had uncovered, it clearly had to do with Miss Qiyun. The Old Master was offering Young Master a chance to back out gracefully. Why wasn’t he taking it?

“Completely unrelated?” Old Master Li narrowed his eyes, staring at his face as though scrutinizing how much truth his words held.

Li Beijue let him scrutinize him. His proud jawline outlined a cold and austere curve.

Since he had decided to sever ties with Li Qiyun, he wouldn’t bring up this matter again. That was the best way to protect Chi Enen. Otherwise, the old man would undoubtedly investigate what had happened back then.

Whatever he chose not to disclose, no one could extract from him. Old Master Li studied him for a moment longer, and the disappointment in his eyes was complete.

“Bring the family discipline!”

“Old Master Jue, the young master just…” The old butler’s heartbeat skipped a beat the moment he heard the words “family discipline,” and he couldn’t help but plead.

Old Master Li sat back down on the sofa, his tone indifferent yet leaving no room for debate. “Rules are rules, no excuses!”

“Bring it over!”

The old butler was reluctant beyond words but ultimately had no choice but to retrieve the whip.

Old Master Li narrowed his eyes. “Strike!”

The old butler hesitated, unable to bring himself to do it. “Old Master Jue, the young master has just returned, I…”

“Do you want me to do it myself?”

The old butler’s words abruptly came to a halt.

If the Old Master took matters into his own hands, it would surely end the same way as last time–leaving the young master on the brink of death. If a beating was inevitable, then he…

The old butler gritted his teeth and cast an apologetic glance at Li Beijue.

Then, hardening his heart, he gripped the whip tightly and murmured to Li Beijue, “Young Master, it’s about to begin.”

The whip, as thick as a thumb, tore through the air with a sharp crack, landing on Li Beijue’s back.

Li Beijue let out a muffled groan as his body swayed slightly. His handsome face grew noticeably pale. Yet, he curiously narrowed his falcon-like eyes.

The force of the whip seemed deliberately controlled. Though it appeared heavy, the impact on the body wasn’t as harsh as it looked.

Even so, the moment the whip struck his back, he could still feel the searing pain of his muscles tearing.

As the second strike was about to fall, Old Master Li suddenly called out to stop. “That first strike doesn’t count! Start over–with three strikes! If you continue shielding him, we’ll start over again!”