Chapter 187: Changed Nature
Cao Hongyu pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled, “How do I have a choice? Even if I don’t trust you, you have ways to ruin my reputation, don’t you?”
Wen Mingqian said nothing; Cao Hongyu was right, that was the reality.
She was not qualified to argue with herself. Even if she wanted to drag them both down, she would only lose more miserably.
The Prince’s Mansion would not protect a woman who was not chaste; she knew this clearly.
The Zhou Family would not take her back either. In fact, she would no longer have a place in the Capital City.
At that point, even if Liu Cuiyi were implicated, what would it matter? She would gain no benefit from it.
“Madam Wen, whether your intentions are sincere or not, I thank you for not revealing my secrets,” Cao Hongyu said. “I cannot stay in the Capital City. If you can ensure my mother and I are safe, I will be grateful to you forever.”
“Since that is the case, I also thank Miss Cao for her straightforwardness,” Wen Mingqian replied. “If so, you may return and pack your belongings! I will send people to escort you away properly tomorrow morning.”
After Cao Hongyu left, Wen Mingqian instructed the burly man leading the group, “Brother Ding, please leave a few men to keep an eye on the Cao mother and daughter, in case of any unforeseen circumstances tonight.”
“If she truly intends to leave the Capital City tomorrow morning, you are to escort them out of the city. And give this to Cao Hongyu for her travel expenses on the road!”
“Madam Wen, rest assured, you can leave this matter to us.” The burly man surnamed Ding was named Ding Rui. These men were soldiers.
They had received favors from Wen Mingqian when they were on the border, and their families had also survived thanks to Wen Mingqian’s assistance and support.
The laws of the Great Zhou permitted soldiers to atone for their crimes with silver, but it was prohibitively expensive, and few could afford it. Wen Mingqian had paid for these men to be redeemed.
Because of this, they were all willing to work for Wen Mingqian.
However, Wen Mingqian knew that she would not reveal these people unless absolutely necessary.
The more trump cards she revealed, the more disadvantageous it would be for her.
After returning, Cao Hongyu told her mother about the situation. Her mother sat there stunned for a long time and said helplessly, “There’s nothing we can do. They have leverage over us!”
“Mother, let’s leave here as soon as possible! We originally came to the Capital City, thinking that under the Emperor’s rule, we could surely find a powerful patron.”
“Now it seems we are no match for them. It would be better to find a small, safe place and live out our lives peacefully,” Cao Hongyu had completely lost her fighting spirit and only wished for a peaceful life. “Besides, that Wen Mingqian seems kind-hearted. I hope she doesn’t deceive me.”
The mother and daughter had no intention of sleeping and had packed their belongings overnight.
Before dawn the next day, the old woman accompanying Cao Hongyu opened the door to hire a carriage, but was stopped by Ding Rui and his men.
“The carriage is ready. Just get in. The city gates open before dawn, so the earlier we leave, the less trouble we’ll have.”
After loading their belongings onto the carriage, Cao Hongyu handed Ding Rui a letter she had written. “This is a letter to my aunt in the Zhou Family. Please find a way to deliver it to her!”
“Miss Cao, rest assured, we will deliver this letter. This is from our Madam for you, please take it!” Ding Rui took the letter and handed the money pouch Wen Mingqian had given him to Cao Hongyu.
Inside were some loose silver and two banknotes.
“Please thank Madam Wen for me!” Cao Hongyu felt a little grateful and a little envious, envious that Liu Cuiyi had such a friend.
Madam Zhou woke up earlier than usual today. She had slept poorly last night, leaving her feeling groggy this morning, and she had no appetite for breakfast.
“Where is the Eldest Young Master? Why don’t I see him?” Madam Zhou asked the old woman beside her irritably.
With such a matter at home, her husband away, her mother-in-law ill, and her son not at home, she had no one to discuss things with.
“The Eldest Young Master is not back yet,” the old woman said. “Madam, please eat your breakfast first.”
“I won’t eat, I won’t eat. I have no appetite. Where is that bitch?” Madam Zhou asked.
“The First Madam is in her own room. According to the usual time for paying respects, she should be here soon.”
“Hmph! How dare she show her face?” Madam Zhou muttered. “Go and see if she has done anything drastic.”
As she was speaking, the curtain was lifted, and Liu Cuiyi entered.
She was dressed more meticulously than usual today, and her complexion was good, showing no signs of guilt.
“Greetings, Mother-in-law. Have you not eaten breakfast yet?” Liu Cuiyi asked softly.
“I have no appetite,” Madam Zhou snorted coldly. “I’m telling you, confess the truth quickly, and there will be many benefits!”
“Mother-in-law, I have been your daughter-in-law for so many years. Don’t you know my character and conduct?” Liu Cuiyi was not annoyed and smiled slightly. “How can you believe the rumors from outsiders? No matter what, we are a family. Outsiders only consider their own gains and losses; they will not care about the Zhou Family’s reputation and face!”
“Madam, someone delivered this letter, saying it was from Miss Cao.” At this moment, a maid entered with a letter.
“Where is she?” Madam Zhou asked curiously. “What does she mean by sending a letter?”
Nevertheless, she took the letter.
Liu Cuiyi watched from the side as Madam Zhou’s expression shifted from suspicion to surprise, and finally to anger.
“What is going on? How did everything change overnight?” Madam Zhou stood up, shaking the letter in her hand. “Yesterday she was here swearing oaths, and today she suddenly left the Capital City. It’s truly baffling!”
“What happened to Cousin Cao?” Liu Cuiyi asked.
Madam Zhou glanced at her and impatiently threw the letter over.
Liu Cuiyi picked it up and read it. The letter stated that due to her own foolishness and listening to others’ instigation, she had slandered Liu Cuiyi.
She had now repented, but was too ashamed to face the Zhou Family, so she explained everything in the letter.
It concluded by saying that she had made many mistakes in the more than a year she had been in the Capital City, and had now decided to leave and no longer bother anyone.
“Madam, Cousin Cao has clearly stated in the letter. Do you believe I am innocent now?” Liu Cuiyi did not know why Cao Hongyu had suddenly changed her ways, but she guessed that someone must have intervened.
“But this matter still seems strange. Why would she suddenly change her tune? Could it be…” Madam Zhou looked at Liu Cuiyi with suspicion.
“Madam, First Madam, Madam Wen is here and wishes to see you,” a servant said, entering.
“She’s here? What does she want now?” Madam Zhou disliked Wen Mingqian but could not offend her too much.
After all, she was now a favorite of the Grand Princess and was close with many ladies from prominent families.
So she said indifferently, “Since she is here, please invite her in.”
