Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 302: Accepting the punishment.

Chapter 302: Accepting the punishment.

Peng Xiu’s eyes flicked to the cake crumbs scattered across the small table, a look of disgust flashing across her face. She turned her gaze to Xiang Yu, her voice laced with a thin veneer of politeness. "Don’t forget what you promised me, brother."

Xiang Yu, genuinely puzzled, raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be?"

Peng Xiu’s smile stiffened, but she maintained her composure. "Brother, why are you like this? Just because Han Xin is your attendant doesn’t mean you should abuse him. You promised me that after he receives the rest of the punishment on your behalf tomorrow, you would hand him over to me. Don’t tell me you’re going back on your word."

The memory clicked into place for Xiang Yu. Peng Xiu had been relentless in her efforts to have Han Xin serve her instead. The Xiang Yu of this world had steadfastly refused to let Han Xin go. At one point, he had promised Peng Xiu that after Han Xin took the punishment for an accident that Xiang Yu had caused he would hand him over. It was an accident that destroyed ten mechs in the lower city and nearly killed one of the best mech pilots in their class. But, true to form, Xiang Yu had not followed through.

In reality, the accident had been orchestrated by Peng Xiu, not a misjudgment on Xiang Yu’s part. Yet, Xiang Yu had borne the blame, and Han Xin had been made to suffer the consequences.

Peng Xiu had indeed managed to embarrass Xiang Yu with the mech accident, once again tarnishing his reputation in front of the Republic. However, she hadn’t anticipated her father’s unexpected support for Xiang Yu, allowing Han Xin to take the punishment on his behalf. Xiang Yu’s lips curled into a sly smile as he recalled this twist of fate.

"Sure, I am a man of my word after all," Xiang Yu said, his voice dripping with malice.

Peng Xiu noticed the smile and felt a chill run down her spine. She couldn’t fathom what Xiang Yu was plotting. "Good," she replied, trying to maintain her composure. "And where is Han Xin? I haven’t seen him in a while."

Xiang Yu shrugged nonchalantly. "Do I look like I have a leash on him?" he sneered.

Peng Xiu struggled to contain her anger, her fists clenching at her sides. She swallowed her frustration and said, "If he is hurt, I won’t let you go."

Xiang Yu’s sneer deepened. "Show yourself out of my palace grounds."

Peng Xiu’s smile was tight as she turned to the twins. "Goodbye," she said, her voice strained. She then walked away, her elegant dress swishing with each step. As she left, she spoke to her attendant in a low voice. "Find out how those two got here and what they want from that bastard."

"Yes, Your Highness," the attendant replied, following closely behind.

Once Peng Xiu was out of sight, Lian turned to Xiang Yu, her eyes filled with concern. "Master, are you really going to give up Brother Xin?"

Mei chimed in, her voice trembling. "Master, she is so evil. We can’t let her get her hands on Brother Xin."

Xiang Yu took another sip of his tea, the warmth calming his nerves. "I will handle it," he said firmly.

The twins exchanged worried glances but nodded, trusting Xiang Yu’s judgment. As they settled back into their seats, the tension slowly dissipated.

Xiang Yu’s mind, however, was already working on a plan to protect Han Xin and outmanoeuvre Peng Xiu’s schemes. There was no way he was giving up Han Xin to this witch.

***

Xiang Yu lay on his bed, staring up at the floating screen that displayed Han Xin’s peaceful, sleeping face. The soft glow of the screencast a gentle light across the room. Hex had been observing his master’s obsessive gazing for days. Finally, Hex couldn’t hold back any longer. "Yu Yu, why can’t you go and see him?" Hex asked, its voice tinged with concern.

Xiang Yu sighed deeply, waving his hand to turn off the floating screen. "You wouldn’t understand," he murmured, rolling onto his side. He pulled a pillow into his arms, imagining it was Han Xin he was holding. The thought brought a bittersweet comfort, and he closed his eyes before falling asleep.

The next morning, Xiang Yu dressed in a simple white silk shirt, knowing it would be easy to remove later. He walked out of his palace, where the steward was already waiting, holding the car door open for him. Xiang Yu slid into the seat, and the steward closed the door with a respectful nod.

The hover car glided smoothly through the imperial palace grounds, finally coming to a stop in front of the main palace. The grand hall doors were already open, and the area buzzed with activity. An imperial guard opened the car door for Xiang Yu, who stepped out with a calm, composed demeanour.

The guard’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. He had expected to see Han Xin, the one who was supposed to receive the last of the punishment. Instead, only Xiang Yu emerged from the car. The guard’s confusion was evident, but he said nothing, merely stepping aside to let Xiang Yu pass.

Xiang Yu walked into the grand hall his steps measured and deliberate. His presence immediately drew the attention of everyone present. The room was filled with spectators from noble families and councillors of the imperial court, all waiting for the spectacle they believed would involve Han Xin. Among the crowd were Lian and Mei.

They had tried to dissuade Xiang Yu from his plan when they found out but they had failed to change his mind. They hated to see their master hurt but they could only come and care for him after the punishment.

As Xiang Yu approached the throne, the imperial Lord’s eyes narrowed upon seeing his son alone. Xiang Yu knelt on one knee, his voice steady as he greeted his father. "Long live, long live the imperial father."

Imperial Lord Xiang, his head propped on his fist, stared lazily at his son, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably. After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Han Xin isn’t here. State your reason."

Xiang Yu raised his head slightly, his voice unwavering. "Imperial father, allow me to accept my punishment."

Peng Xiu, standing a few feet away, knitted her brows in annoyance. She swore she saw a mocking glint in Xiang Yu’s eyes. The imperial Lord clicked his tongue, his displeasure evident. He despised when his son acted without consulting him, and his fury was barely contained.

"I will allow it," the imperial Lord said, his voice cold. "But you will receive the full punishment of twenty lashes by my hand."

The entire grand hall gasped, whispers spreading like wildfire. Some thought the punishment too cruel, while others believed it was merely for show, assuming the imperial Lord would go easy on his son. They were about to be proven wrong.

"Do you accept?" the imperial Lord demanded.

Xiang Yu kowtowed, his forehead touching the cold marble floor. "This son accepts the punishment."

The imperial Lord stood, his imposing figure casting a long shadow. He took the electromagnetic whip, its coils crackling with energy.