The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 405: Not Even a Single Copper Coin?

Chapter 405: Not Even a Single Copper Coin?

Chu Hanming was initially stunned before he questioned, "Big Brother, how could you casually reveal such a big secret in front of a younger generation?"

Even though he had threatened his brother, he had never intended to expose the secret and subject Chu Yan to disdain and alienation.

Chu Hanlin looked at him with an expression of deep disappointment, saying, "Have you forgotten what happened with A’Li at Prince Zhuang’s manor?"

Back then, Nanli had taken one look and could tell how many daughters someone had in the manor. Because of this, he was certain that his daughter had long known that her fifth brother was not his biological son.

Chu Hanming stared dumbfounded at Nanli. Seeing her calm and unsurprised demeanor, he was once again shocked. Stammering, he asked, "You... did you really know all along?"

Nanli nodded slightly. "I had my suspicions as soon as I returned to the manor. After meeting Father, I was certain."

Chu Hanming was embarrassed. "It’s been nearly two years, and you haven’t let on, not even asking a single question."

Chu Shuo and Nanli seemed to get along well because he made an effort to be close to her. But Nanli treated all her brothers equally, showing no favoritism. In contrast, the secret he guarded sometimes kept him up at night. Knowing Chu Yan wasn’t truly part of the Chu family, he occasionally taunted and showed disdain.

Nanli said, "There’s nothing to ask. Father said he’s my fifth brother, so he’s my fifth brother."

This statement left Chu Hanming speechless, his mouth open, unable to speak for a long time.

He then began to wail, "Big Brother, even though Fifth Brother isn’t your biological son, you’ve never treated him poorly. But as for me, we’re blood brothers, yet now you want to kick me out of the manor and give me so little money to get by!"

He almost cursed Chu Hanlin, wondering if his brother’s conscience had been eaten by a dog.

Chu Hanlin’s expression had turned icy. "It’s best to silence him. I’ll just pretend I never had this brother."

Nanli even seriously nodded, "Then I won’t do it myself, so as not to bear this sin."

"Just have someone drag him outside and kill him."

Seeing Chu Hanlin about to call someone in, Chu Hanming quickly shouted, "Three thousand taels of silver! I’ll leave after the curse is set, immediately!"

He was determined not to stay a day longer or say another word.

Chu Hanlin snorted coldly, his face showing faint disdain.

They had been brothers for many years, and he knew exactly how to handle this brother. However, he hadn’t forced a split in the family because he feared their mother wouldn’t have anyone to care for her if he left. But now, the marquis’ manor was under scrutiny, with many eyes watching. He couldn’t let his brother’s reckless behavior drag down the entire family.

He only hoped his brother would grow a little wiser after leaving the marquis’ manor.

"A’Li, I’ll leave it to you," Chu Hanlin said.

"Don’t worry, Father. I haven’t had much practice with curses; now’s a good time to hone my skills," Nanli said, even showing a hint of excitement.

She walked over.

This filled Chu Hanming with dread.

His body trembled. Practice on him? What if she accidentally cast the wrong curse and killed him?

Although life outside the manor wouldn’t be easy, his daughter was still with his mother, so he could occasionally get some support.

Right now, he was terrified of dying.

"A’Li, be careful. Don’t make any mistakes," he pleaded, his voice trembling.

Nanli simply smiled.

Chu Hanming became even more anxious.

He watched as Nanli raised her hand and drew a talisman in the air. A faint red light flashed, and she handed it to him.

He hesitated, reluctant to take it.

"Second Uncle, hurry up," Nanli urged, but she had already taken action, pulling him forward.

She was incredibly strong; Chu Hanming couldn’t resist.

The talisman fell into his palm, burning hot. He cried out in pain, trying to withdraw his hand, but Nanli wouldn’t let go.

"Second Uncle, swear now," Nanli commanded. "Swear that you will never reveal Fifth Brother’s secret to anyone. If you utter even a single word, you will die instantly."

Hearing "die instantly," Chu Hanming’s face turned pale, and he tightly shut his mouth, refusing to speak.

What if he accidentally let something slip one day?

Chu Hanlin, ruthless as ever, unsheathed his sword and said, "If that’s the case, then we’ll cut out his tongue and sever his tendons."

Seeing the cold gleam of the sword, Chu Hanming broke into a cold sweat. Uncontrollably, he blurted out, "I, Chu Hanming, swear today that if I ever reveal the secret of Chu Yan’s lineage, even one word, I will die instantly!"

He said it in a rush and then shouted, "Big Brother, is this good enough? Are you satisfied?"

Put down the sword, quickly!

Nanli, seeing that he had sworn, made a hand sign and pressed the talisman into his hand.

A beam of red light, searing hot, moved up from his palm and settled in his heart.

"The death curse is set, Second Uncle. You’d better watch what you say from now on," Nanli warned.

Chu Hanming felt utterly aggrieved.

Chu Yan was just some child of unknown origin, but Big Brother had Nanli put a death curse on him to protect Chu Yan!

What kind of blood bond was this!

Chu Yan was just an outsider!

"Big Brother, even though you’ve treated me this way, as your brother, I have no complaints," Chu Hanming said, though he still tried to flatter.

Chu Hanlin, who had long seen through his tricks, sheathed his sword and smirked, "Since you’re so aggrieved, I’ll have the steward give you a bit more money later."

"Really?! Thank you, Big Brother!" Chu Hanming had achieved his goal.

Nanli, seeing his reaction, became suspicious. "Second Uncle, have you ever mentioned Fifth Brother’s matter to anyone?"

The death curse couldn’t affect the past.

Chu Hanming scowled. "What are you talking about? This matter is so important; why would I tell anyone? I haven’t even mentioned it to your second aunt. Rest assured."

Seeing his confident assurance, Nanli believed him half-heartedly.

With the matter resolved, Chu Hanlin didn’t linger. Before leaving, he instructed the steward to give him a bit more money, then called Nanli to leave with him.

The steward handed over a box. "Second Master, please count it."

Chu Hanming took it with delight. Since his rear was still sore, he remained lying on the stretcher. To make it easier, he placed the box on the ground, rubbed his hands together, and began counting the banknotes.

After counting over and over, it still totaled only three thousand taels.

His initially joyful expression turned dark.

"Where’s the extra money? Why is it still three thousand taels? Big Brother clearly said to give me more money. Did you pocket some?" Chu Hanming shouted angrily.

Lady Tian also glared at the steward. "How dare you embezzle! Do you want to go to court?"

The steward remained unafraid and pointed to a copper coin in the corner of the box. "That’s the extra money the marquis asked me to give. Second Master, the amount is correct. You should pack up and leave the manor soon; don’t delay."

Chu Hanming stared at that copper coin, dumbfounded.

Big Brother, you seriously gave me a copper coin?!

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