Chapter 4643: Cold Retort 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖 Hearing this, the Black Tortoise Monarch felt a throbbing pain. “How can you even compare the two? You know perfectly well that if it hadn’t been for the Ghost Doctor saving our son, he would have perished long ago. He is still so young. How can you utter such words as his mother?” “If I had known that he would never accept us as his parents, I would have preferred that he had died out there!” The moment the words left Black Tortoise Mistress’ lips, she realized the enormity of her transgression and fell silent, her gaze shifting to Hao’er with a look of guilt. Seeing the colour drain from his face, a sharp pang of regret pierced her heart. Impulse was the devil. No matter what, he was the son she had carried for so many long months in her belly, and she should never have spoken to him in such a cruel manner. Just as she was about to say something to retract her harsh words, Feng Jiu’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere, edged with a chilling coldness. “In that case, Black Tortoise Mistress, just pretend you never had a son.” Feng Jiu entered the courtyard, Muchen and Muyue close behind her. The two little ones had clearly overheard the earlier exchange, and their small faces were tight with anger. “Big Brother!” “Big Brother!” They both ran forward and reached Hao’er’s side, each taking one of his hands, their gazes fixed on Lady Black Tortoise with the fierce protectiveness of small animals. “Ghost Doctor, it’s a misunderstanding, truly a misunderstanding. My wife didn’t mean it; she spoke impulsively. Please don’t take it to heart.” Seeing Feng Jiu’s arrival, the Black Tortoise Monarch hurriedly stood up, attempting to smooth over the situation. However, the iciness of her expression made him feel profoundly uneasy. Feng Jiu completely ignored him, walking slowly towards Hao’er. She reached out and gently stroked his head, her voice soft with reassurance. “It’s alright, Hao’er. We are still here for you.” Hearing her tender words and feeling the warmth of her hand on his head, a wave of hurt and sadness washed over Hao’er. He forced himself to swallow the lump in his throat, looked up at the person beside him, and called out, his voice filled with helplessness, “Mother.” Feng Jiu patted his shoulder gently and then turned to face Black Tortoise Mistress, her gaze frosty. “Hao’er was raised by me. In my heart, he is as dear as my own child. He has always been the treasure of my life. I cannot bear to see him suffer even the slightest injustice. I never imagined that upon coming to you, he would be treated in such a way, made to feel so unwanted. Since you do not want him, I will take him away with me. In the future, do not ever claim him as your son. In my eyes, you are not fit to be his mother.” Her face paled visibly under Feng Jiu’s unwavering gaze. She tried to speak several times, but the sheer force of Feng Jiu’s cold fury rendered her speechless. She lacked the courage to utter a single word. “Ghost Doctor, please calm down, Ghost Doctor, please calm down,” the Black Tortoise Monarch pleaded, his voice laced with anxiety. “My lady truly did not mean it.” Feng Jiu turned her piercing gaze upon him. “Black Tortoise Monarch, since we are already addressing this matter, let us be clear! When I entrusted Hao’er back into your care, what promises did you both make to me? You swore that you would love him and never allow him to suffer even the slightest injustice. And what has transpired? Since you are incapable of loving, tolerating, and cherishing him as parents should, I am taking him with me today. You need not say anything further. When he grows up, if he chooses to return and see you, that will be his decision. I will never again bring him back here to endure such humiliation and injustice.” “He is my son! I gave birth to him! How dare you try to take him away from me!” The Black Tortoise Mistress finally exploded, her voice filled with rage and indignation at Feng Jiu’s words.