Chapter 196: Returning Defeated
The scene was truly chaotic, a mess like a pot of porridge.
Just then, the Princess Consort of Shoushan Commandery arrived.
Upon returning home, she heard the butler say her daughter had come to the Zhou Family. Madam Jiang felt a premonition of trouble and hurried after her.
As soon as she entered, she saw that the situation had devolved to an unbearable state. Liu Huanchun’s hair was disheveled, making her look utterly disheveled.
She quickly stepped forward to shield her daughter.
“Princess Consort, you’ve arrived at the perfect time.” Madam Zhou, after losing her son, had become surprisingly clear-headed. She knew she had no other recourse and that protecting Liu Cuiyi was protecting herself. “Today, County Princess Liu publicly slandered my daughter-in-law and grandson, forcing my daughter-in-law to attempt suicide. If my Zhou Family were to have a life lost because of this, I would tear myself apart to report it to the Emperor and Empress to preside over!”
Madam Jiang was not as reckless as her daughter. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, she had to lower her stance.
She said, “I truly didn’t know she would act so wildly. To tell you all the truth, this child has been acting strangely lately, only speaking nonsense at home. I had confined her to the house, not letting her out. Who would have thought that today, just as I went to the palace to pay respects, she would run out on her own? This is all due to my poor supervision. I beg for your forgiveness!”
“Mother, you clearly…” Liu Huanchun was not giving up. Seeing that her mother was unwilling to stand up for her, she became angry.
“Silence!” Madam Jiang reprimanded sternly. “If you speak any more nonsense, I’ll send you to court myself!”
Although she said this, anyone with eyes could see she was indirectly reminding her daughter.
As expected, although Liu Huanchun’s expression was clearly unwilling, she ultimately closed her mouth.
“Everyone, I am truly sorry. I have failed as a mother.” Madam Jiang knew that at this moment, she had to put on a good show, otherwise, it would lead to endless trouble. “But this child has been unwell lately, so I implore you to be understanding. Considering our long-standing friendship, please spare her this once! I will certainly visit with the Prince to apologize and guarantee she will never speak nonsense again.”
Madam Zhou, hearing her say this, knew that things couldn’t be pushed too far. She softened her expression slightly and said, “Since the County Princess is unwell and speaking nonsense, then we need not investigate further.
However, it must be clearly stated in front of everyone that everything the County Princess said was baseless. If we hear such false rumors again in the future, we will only seek out your residence for answers.”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry, it will never happen again.” Madam Jiang had no choice but to accept defeat. “I also ask everyone to be a witness that this matter is settled here and will not be dragged out endlessly.”
Afterward, she had servants escort Liu Huanchun away from the Zhou Family.
The crowd also advised Liu Cuiyi, “First Madam Zhou, please relax! Who doesn’t know you are a person of integrity? Above all else, you must consider the child in your belly; that is of utmost importance.
You and the Eldest Young Master were a married couple. You must protect this descendant he left behind.”
Then, Wen Mingqian took Liu Cuiyi back to their room and bandaged her hand with gauze.
“Sister, do you think this matter is over after this incident?” Liu Cuiyi asked.
“It should be fine. You should focus on nurturing the fetus!” Wen Mingqian said.
“But this is too easy on Liu Huanchun,” Liu Cuiyi was still somewhat resentful. “Look at her arrogant demeanor today, as if she wanted to devour us both.”
“She may be finished with this, but we are not,” Wen Mingqian smiled. “Just wait and see!”
Liu Cuiyi wanted to ask more, but her mother, Madam Liu, entered, supported by a maid. The two then stopped their conversation.
“Oh my! I was almost scared to death.” Madam Liu sighed and said, “How did you get involved with County Princess Liu? She is notoriously overbearing; we cannot afford to offend her.”
“Whether we can afford to offend her or not, today’s events have happened,” Liu Cuiyi felt impatient from the bottom of her heart seeing her mother’s demeanor, and her tone couldn’t help but turn cold. “You know she is overbearing and rude, so how could we have provoked her? She clearly doesn’t want us to live.”
“Oh, after all, she is from a Prince’s Mansion, and we are from a humble family. You are also a widow. It’s better to avoid trouble than to seek it.” Madam Liu said earnestly, “If the Liu Family comes to apologize later, you should accept it graciously. Don’t let them hold a grudge and cause you trouble elsewhere.”
The Liu Family was known for being extremely cautious, and Liu Cuiyi’s father was even nicknamed “Liu the Quail.”
“I understand, don’t worry.” Liu Cuiyi knew that if she didn’t agree readily, her mother would start lecturing endlessly again.
“Ah, good, good, that puts my mind at ease. By the way, you must take good care of this pregnancy! Heaven bless you, may you quickly give birth to a son! I offer incense morning and evening every day, praying to the Bodhisattva to bless you with a healthy baby boy.” Madam Liu chattered on.
She naturally didn’t believe her daughter would commit such a scandalous act, so she didn’t inquire further about the matter with Liu Cuiyi.
Liu Huanchun sat in the horse carriage returning to her residence, filled with indignation.
Madam Jiang reprimanded her, “Why were you so reckless? Who allowed you to go to the Zhou Family? Aren’t you sacrificing yourself?”
“I just can’t accept it! Why are they getting away with it? Zhou Jing San’s death was suspicious; Liu Cuiyi clearly murdered her husband!” Liu Huanchun said.
“Without catching them in the act, such matters can only be spread through rumors, making people suspicious. Unless the Zhou Family itself wants to escalate the situation, we outsiders have no recourse,” Madam Jiang patiently explained. “You claim Liu Cuiyi murdered her husband, but that would require Madam Zhou to agree to exhume the body for examination. Otherwise, even the Emperor’s decree would be useless.
But with Zhou Jing San’s death, Madam Zhou can only be on the same side as Liu Cuiyi, or their family would risk losing their title. Didn’t you see how much Madam Zhou protected Liu Cuiyi today?”
“But I just can’t accept it! Liu Cuiyi is one thing, but I will definitely kill Wen Mingqian!” Liu Huanchun’s face contorted with rage. The Spring Water Jade seemed to constantly flicker before her eyes.
“You! When will you ever learn to be more composed?” Madam Jiang sighed, her daughter unlike her in the slightest.
“Mother, I don’t care! In any case, I will never let that Wen Mingqian go!” Liu Huanchun started crying. “She has brought me such shame; I will never forgive her!”
When Liu Huanchun cried, Madam Jiang could only feel heartache.
“Alright, alright, stop crying. You haven’t been well these past few days,” Madam Jiang said, dabbing her daughter’s tears with a handkerchief and coaxing her. “Some things cannot be rushed. Don’t worry, with effort, we can find another opportunity later.”
