Chapter 14: Why Are You Interrupting When I'm Speaking to Your Father?

The timely arrival of General Ji shifted the scene of this farce from the gates of the general’s residence into its grand hall. The crowd of curious onlookers was swiftly dispersed, leaving no one able to witness what unfolded next.

Yet, the events quickly multiplied into countless versions that swept through Jin’an City, and by evening, storytellers were already adding vivid color to the tale. In no time, it became the talk of the town, even reaching the ears of the imperial family.

Within the inner hall of the general’s mansion, General Ji Huaili and Lady Chen sat solemnly in the seats of honor. Ji Yuanruo occupied the place to the left, her gaze fixed intently on Ji Tianxin, as if she wished to bore a hole right through her. The remaining seats were taken by the other concubines of the general’s household, all eyeing Ji Tianxin with undisguised curiosity, whispering among themselves.

The old master of the Ji family had sequestered himself in cultivation three years prior, leaving General Ji as the sole authority in the household. Ji Huaili was a martial general, his cultivation already at the ninth perfection of Bone Cleansing, on the verge of entering the realm of Enlightened Aperture. Even in this consummate state, he was a rare talent, which was why the imperial family held the Ji household in such high regard.

Suqing marched straight up to one of the concubines, her imposing manner so alarming that the woman shot to her feet. Suqing then took the chair and placed it behind Ji Tianxin, respectfully saying, “My lady, please sit.” Ji Tianxin accepted without ceremony and seated herself in the very center of the hall.

The concubine who had lost her chair was left standing awkwardly, dabbing at her eyes with her kerchief, near tears—why did it have to be her chair?

“How ill-mannered! Do you know nothing of propriety or shame? This is the general’s residence, not a place for your arrogance!” Lady Chen slammed her hand down on the table in fury.

Ji Tianxin felt a wave of drowsiness; at this hour, she was usually lying down. She yawned, her eyes growing misty with sleep, and paid Lady Chen’s words no heed.

Ji Huaili glanced at Lady Chen, his displeasure evident. With him present, what right did any woman have to shout and command others? Though Lady Chen was resentful, she stifled her anger, fixing her gaze on Ji Tianxin.

“Husband, this little demon not only injured our guards but also hurt Yucheng! She must not be allowed to stay!”

“Silence!” Ji Huaili roared.

Startled, Lady Chen fell silent at once.

Ji Huaili scrutinized Ji Tianxin. The girl was clearly only seven years old—how could she possibly have injured those guards? Moreover, he sensed no cultivation from her at all, suggesting she was but an ordinary practitioner. If she were truly a martial artist, only one at the Return to True Self stage could so completely conceal her aura. But that was impossible.

Instead, the aura emanating from the maid beside her—a girl of about fifteen or sixteen—wait! That aura… it was the perfection of Bone Cleansing!

A wave of shock surged through Ji Huaili, his hand on the table trembling slightly. Only after a moment did he master his astonishment and, face stern, voice thunderous, demand, “Was it you who smashed the plaque of the general’s residence and injured my guards and my daughter?!”

He had said “you,” not “you alone.” In his eyes, the true culprit was clearly the maid.

“So young, yet already so vicious,” Ji Yuanruo added coldly.

Ji Tianxin glanced at her, replying with a cool detachment, “I’m speaking to your father. Why are you interrupting?”

The childish yet sweetly stern rebuke caught Ji Yuanruo off guard, and for a moment, she forgot how to retort, a flush creeping up her cheeks.