Chapter 117 – Free dog food distribution in large quantities~

Translator: ChuRen/ YuQiChen

The girls whispered among themselves:

“What a guy, thinking of his husband while drawing.”

“I came to see the awards ceremony, why am I suddenly fed dog food?”

“The Empire’s number one beauty and the disfigured Royal Madman unexpectedly is…”

Tang Xiaobai continued to defend himself, “Even if you guessed a few data points correctly, it still doesn’t prove that this drawing was designed by you. I happened to randomly write a few data points that day, and there are many people in the world whose height data matches that of Duke Xie Qingzhi. How can you use this as evidence…”

“I started drawing this picture a month ago. After such a long time, it was just a moment of nervousness that made me forget.”

As Tang Xiaobai kept trying to justify himself, everyone felt a bit speechless. It was clear to anyone with eyes that such a coincidence was unlikely.

Several teachers also hesitated. Although the conclusion seemed set in stone, when it came to determining plagiarism, it wasn’t enough to rely solely on the data matching Tang Qing’s husband. It wasn’t rigorous enough.

Moreover, everyone knew that Tang Xiaobai was General Shen Yanxia’s fiancé, and General Shen Yanxia had been invited to speak at the competition. It would be embarrassing to label his fiancé as a plagiarist and potentially damage their relationship.

One bald professor sitting in the judge’s seat thought for a moment. Regardless of whether Tang Xiaobai had plagiarized or not, it wasn’t wise to make a big deal out of it. It could tarnish the school’s reputation and strain the relationship with General Shen Yanxia.

And after all, he had given this drawing a high score initially.

In case it was mishandled, it could jeopardize his own position.

So he decided to smooth things over for now, leaving it to the deans to discuss later. If it turned out to be plagiarism, Tang Qing and Tang Xiaobai could handle it privately, minimizing the issue.

After all, if a case of plagiarism emerged in the school, it would be a disgrace for them all.

He spoke nonchalantly, “Concerning plagiarism, just relying on the words of the two students isn’t sufficient to determine the truth. Later, we will invite more experts for an assessment. Let’s not delve into this matter for now and avoid affecting the award ceremony for the other winning students.”

Tang Qing understood that the organizers were trying to calm things down. He was about to speak up to argue further, but someone beat him to it.

“Plagiarism is a serious matter that must be resolved on the spot. Professor Tu, are you trying to cover it up?”

“Which blind fool…” Professor Tu muttered under his breath.

He had finally opened his mouth to steer the conversation away, and someone dared to question him? He was the oldest honored professor at the school, and even the principal had to be polite to him.

He muttered a few curses under his breath.

Then, with an impatient expression on his face, he turned around and saw, walking towards him was the most notorious mad dog of the Imperial family.

Professor Tu’s attitude immediately did a 180-degree¹honestly should I have used 360? The author wrote 360 but isn’t 360 degree just a whole circle??? If you wanna reverse then 180 degree is just right… turn. His face, which looked like a wrinkled bun, was now full of fake smiles. He stood up, bowed deeply, and said, “Your Grace, I didn’t realize it was you. How come you’ve come to the Imperial College today…”

Who is he kidding, compared to General Shen Yanxia, a rising star from a declining family background, Duke Xie Qingzhi was unreasonable and ruthless, ready to bite anyone he pleased.

Even though he could walk around the school with his head held high, he still feared this high-ranking, powerful, and cruel member of the Imperial family!

If he offended Xie Qingzhi, losing his job wouldn’t be the only consequence.

However, Xie Qingzhi didn’t even spare a glance at the bald professor; he couldn’t be bothered.

With long strides, he walked straight to the stage and stood next to Tang Qing.

“So, you want evidence, right? I have it.”

In his mind’s eye, he pulled up a video clip and projected it onto the big screen. “These are the details of Tang Qing creating this drawing, dating back two months ago, earlier than what the plagiarist claimed.”

On the projection, Tang Qing was seen in the painting studio at the Tang Mansion, earnestly working on his drawing. The time of the video was displayed in the upper right corner, proving that it was recorded two months ago.

Tang Qing couldn’t help but be taken aback.

The evidence Xie Qingzhi presented was this video clip.

He couldn’t believe that a video recording of him working in the Tang Mansion’s studio before he married into the Duke’s family would end up with Xie Qingzhi.

Seeing this video, Tang Xiaobai’s face immediately turned pale.

He couldn’t refute anymore. Why did Tang Qing start the draft design before he even began his drawing?

He could only stutter, “This video cannot be used as evidence…”

Then, a sudden realization struck him. Like grasping at a last straw of hope, he exclaimed loudly, “Because, this video was taken without consent! Illegally obtained recordings cannot be used as evidence!”

Xie Qingzhi looked at him with a disdainful expression, as if observing a fool.

Suddenly, Tang Xiaobai understood that if Xie Qingzhi wanted to get rid of him, it would be as easy as squashing an ant.

Xie Qingzhi chuckled, “How is that considered spying? After seeing Tang Qing once, I couldn’t forget him, so I specifically had Tang Qing’s father send me the surveillance footage from the Tang Mansion to alleviate my lovesickness.”

“My wife is so beautiful, I want to see him every day. Is that a crime?”

With the consent of his father-in-law, watching a video of his fiancé earnestly drawing to ease lovesickness couldn’t be considered illegal.

The Duke was truly skilled at handling such situations…

The girls present couldn’t help but burst into uncontrollable giggles, but they also feared the ruthless Duke overhearing, so they blushed and suppressed their laughter.

Accidentally overhearing the Duke and Duchess’s bedroom antics wouldn’t lead to consequences… right?

Seeing this, everyone understood who the real plagiarist was.

Only Tang Qing blushed deeply at Xie Qingzhi’s bold words.

He had later heard that Xie Qingzhi had arranged their marriage on the first day he saw him.

In just half a day, was there still any lovesickness to alleviate?

Xie Qingzhi always spoke his mind without regard for others. Surprisingly, in front of everyone, he openly admitted to peeping on him before their marriage.

It was hard to decide whether to praise him for his honesty.

At this point, even the bald professor realized the situation. With the Duke Xie Qingzhi personally testifying for his wife, there was no more room for calming things down.

He immediately followed the protocol, questioning both of them about the details of their design drawings. Tang Xiaobai still had a pale face, stuttering and unable to answer properly.

On the other hand, Tang Qing not only answered the details but also explained the design concepts, clearly showing he was the original creator.

People couldn’t help but put aside their casual attitudes and listen attentively as Tang Qing explained. They discovered that this cute-looking mech had intricate and thoughtful designs behind each adorable feature.

Finally, the bald professor concluded with a stamp of approval, “Considering that Tang Xiaobai’s submitted design was plagiarized, his competition results are revoked, and the award is granted to the original creator of the design, Tang Qing. We hope everyone can learn from Tang Qing’s example…”

Tang Xiaobai’s face turned completely pale. He knew his reputation was ruined, all the effort to maintain the image of the ‘Light of Omegas’ at school was shattered. He might even face disciplinary action or expulsion.

After the awards ceremony, Tang Qing returned to the Duke’s mansion with Xie Qingzhi.

Tang Qing awkwardly opened his mouth and said, “Your Grace, thank you for coming to testify for me just now. I was actually quite afraid they would settle this matter privately.”

Xie Qingzhi replied, “It’s nothing. I can’t stand to see my wife being mistreated.”

As they reached a fork in the road, one path led to Tang Bo’s recovery area, while the other led to their residence.

There were a few orchid trees in the yard, emitting a faint fragrance of orchids.

Tang Qing pointed to the other side and said, “Your Grace, would you like to accompany me to visit my gege?”

Xie Qingzhi didn’t respond and walked away in a straight line.

Tang Qing watched Xie Qingzhi’s tall back and sighed softly.

He walked to Tang Bo’s ward.

Tang Bo was already able to stand and move slowly today.

In order to recover quickly and protect his younger brother, Tang Bo displayed the resilience of an Imperial General, gritting his teeth every day to persist in his recovery training.

Looking up at Tang Qing, Tang Bo, displeased, said, “You’re alone again? Is that kind Xie Qingzhi, who is good to you, so busy that he can’t spare time?”

Tang Qing had to reluctantly say, “Gege, he just accompanied me to the school to testify for me, and now he has to go back to handle official matters.”

Tang Qing told Tang Bo about the plagiarism incident that had just occurred.

After listening, Tang Bo also felt sorry for his brother encountering such troublesome matters again and sneered, “Tang Xiaobai, the son of a mistress, can only do these underhanded things.”

“But this Xie Qingzhi is somewhat useful.”

He thought for a moment and asked, “So, it wasn’t after the marriage. Xie Qingzhi had his eyes on you much earlier, right?”

“He’s quite a pervert.”

Tang Qing blushed instantly and tried to explain, “Gege, he probably arranged for the surveillance to help me testify.”

“He better be.” Tang Bo snorted through his nose. “If I find out he has any ill intentions towards you, hmph…”

Tang Qing linked arms with his gege as they walked to the dining area to have dinner, but a tall man was standing by the dining table.

It was Xie Qingzhi.

Tang Qing’s eyes lit up instantly.

He didn’t expect him to be there.

Xie Qingzhi somewhat awkwardly avoided Tang Qing’s bright gaze and said, “General Tang, I heard that your health is gradually improving, so I specially had the Royal Chef prepare a few dishes suitable for recovery.”

Tang Qing let go of his gege and rushed over to Xie Qingzhi, taking his hand and introducing, “Gege, this is my husband, His Grace Xie Qingzhi.”

Feeling Tang Qing’s soft and tender hand in his palm, Xie Qingzhi’s slight uneasiness dissipated.

Tang Qing affectionately linked arms with Xie Qingzhi, his fair face beaming with a smile.

He was surprised to see that Xie Qingzhi wasn’t wearing the same outfit as before; instead, he had changed into a fitted British-style shirt, with a hint of his shampoo’s fragrance still lingering.

It turned out that Xie Qingzhi had left without looking back earlier to freshen up.

Tang Qing couldn’t help but laugh, his eyes full of brightness and joy.

Tang Bo, observing his brother’s happy expression upon seeing his husband, couldn’t help but snort.

His own prized cabbage was seeking the pig.

No reuploading anywhere else.

Your ko-fi donations would be greatly appreciated.

Ko-fi goals? Extra chapter release once we reach our goal!!

• 1
  honestly should I have used 360? The author wrote 360 but isn’t 360 degree just a whole circle??? If you wanna reverse then 180 degree is just right…