Chapter 195: Refusing to Yield
Madam Zhou stood up shakily, her voice filled with anger, “County Princess, what is the purpose of your visit today? I don’t believe you’re here to offer condolences.
Although our Zhou family has fallen on hard times, we will not tolerate such slander. No matter how noble your status, with your baseless accusations, you ruin a person’s innocence. My son’s spirit is near, and the ancestors of the Zhou family are watching from above!
Cuiyi is carrying my Zhou family’s child. You claim she is unchaste, but do you have any real evidence?
With all our relatives and friends present today, I will absolutely not allow you to be so presumptuous! Go, go, go, I will accompany you to the yamen!”
The Zhou family’s background was indeed far inferior to the Liu family’s, but it depended on the situation.
Now, at the funeral of their son, Liu Huanchun spoke wildly, slandering Liu Cuiyi, a widow. It wasn’t just the Zhou family, but even common laborers would not tolerate such defamation.
Therefore, Madam Zhou’s words were not excessive at all; they were entirely justified.
Liu Huanchun was stunned. She had learned from Cao Hongyu that Madam Zhou also leaned towards Liu Cuiyi being unfaithful! Why was she now…
But she immediately understood. Madam Zhou was still counting on Liu Cuiyi’s belly to produce a male heir to inherit the Zhou family’s title!
She then said, “Madam Zhou, I know why you are protecting her. Now that your son is gone and the Zhou family has no male heir, you are relying entirely on her pregnancy. For the sake of your own future and your two married daughters, you have no choice but to swallow your pride.
But I advise you, such a woman is not trustworthy at all. If you indulge her, are you being true to your deceased son? Are you being true to the ancestors of the Zhou family?!”
“County Princess Liu! We have been more than polite to you, yet you repeatedly utter such unspeakable words! You, an unmarried young lady, are full of talk about baseless affairs. Could it be that you are old and can’t get married, and have contracted a venereal disease?!” At this moment, Granny Zhao, Liu Cuiyi’s companion, rushed out. As a servant, she was not qualified to speak to County Princess Liu, let alone be disrespectful. However, Liu Huanchun was simply too excessive, clearly intending to force her young lady to death in public. At this time, as her companion, she had to protect Liu Cuiyi.
Moreover, who told County Princess Liu to be so disrespectful, spewing vulgarities from beginning to end, showing no semblance of a county princess.
“She’s gone mad! Your Zhou family’s upbringing! To have such a lunatic speak to me!” Liu Huanchun trembled with anger.
“County Princess Liu still has the nerve to lecture on upbringing? Where is your own upbringing? This old woman sees none of it,” Granny Zhao said, throwing caution to the wind. “Who in the Capital City doesn’t know our young lady is timid and weak, and follows the rules? You treat her like a soft persimmon to be squeezed, but you know best what dirty thoughts you harbor yourself!”
Actually, there was no need for Granny Zhao to say it; everyone could see that Liu Huanchun’s intentions were impure.
Moreover, everyone knew that this county princess was somewhat mentally unstable to begin with, but it had never escalated to this extent before today.
At this point, several noble ladies came forward to mediate, “This is the Zhou family’s private matter; how can outsiders interfere?”
“Let’s discuss any issues after the funeral! After all, the deceased should be respected.”
Liu Huanchun refused to back down, shouting, “Everything I say is true! I dare to swear an oath! It was Wen Mingqian who incited Liu Cuiyi to commit adultery!”
At this moment, Wen Mingqian, who had been silent, spoke, “I respect you as a county princess, and I fear your family’s power, which is why I have repeatedly tolerated and avoided your harassment.”
She gracefully walked forward. The Spring Water Jade tied at her waist appeared even more noble and pure against the backdrop of her dark gauze skirt, drawing attention.
“I never expected you to be so aggressive, even attempting to frame me by slandering Cuiyi. You repeatedly claim Cuiyi is of loose morals, yet you cannot produce any evidence. How laughable!
Your speech, which you believe to be reasonable, is actually full of loopholes. You say I would go to great lengths to help Cuiyi establish herself in the Zhou family, even helping her find a lover.
But would I risk my own reputation to do such a thing to help her? Even if I didn’t care about my own reputation, wouldn’t I consider my son, Chang An?
Think about it, I have already left the Gong family. In the latter half of my life, my only hope is my son. To put it immodestly, my son is exceptionally outstanding.
I feared gossip, so since leaving the Gong family, I have resided in a nunnery. I live a secluded life and dare not be negligent.
Even if Cuiyi and I are close, can we be closer than my son and I? Even if she were to give me benefits, how much could they be? They couldn’t possibly compare to the Spring Water Jade on my waist, could they?”
Wen Mingqian’s words were powerful, logical, and well-supported. Those who had been somewhat suspicious about the matter now believed her wholeheartedly. Indeed, who in this world would harm themselves for others? It was even less likely to ruin their own son’s future for a friend.
Moreover, these officials’ wives all knew that Wen Mingqian was not lacking in money, and her connections surpassed those of the Zhou and Liu families.
If nothing else, the Grand Princess’s appreciation for her alone was beyond reach.
Yet, Wen Mingqian did not appear arrogant or flaunt her favor.
Therefore, Liu Huanchun’s insistence that she helped Liu Cuiyi find a lover was utterly unbelievable. As for why she was doing this, everyone naturally understood.
County Princess Liu was deeply in love with Prince Changliu and had been assiduously trying to curry favor with the Grand Princess.
However, years of waiting had yielded nothing, while Wen Mingqian had gained the Grand Princess’s appreciation, and had even been gifted the Spring Water Jade.
There were even rumors that Prince Changliu had long harbored feelings for her. This was precisely why Liu Huanchun had gone mad and caused a scene at the Zhou family’s home.
Wen Mingqian’s words left Liu Huanchun momentarily speechless. She seized the opportunity and challenged, “As the saying goes, power is not as great as reason, which is why commoners dare to defy royalty. I, Wen Mingqian, may not have much else, but I have my backbone.
Since enduring silently has not brought peace, I will be presumptuous today and invite the county princess to confront me at the yamen! Whichever one loses will be punished according to the law!”
“You… don’t push your luck!” Liu Huanchun, despite her arrogance, knew she was in the wrong, and her momentum faltered slightly. “I’m not afraid of you!”
“Do you think I’m afraid of you?!” Liu Cuiyi cried. “Relying on your family’s power and influence, you trample on us like this. I don’t even care about my life anymore! But one thing I will say: after I die, the Zhou family must report this to the authorities! I will make County Princess Liu pay with her life!”
Saying this, she took out the scissors hidden in her sleeve and lunged them towards her chest.
Granny Zhao desperately tried to stop her, and both mistress and servant cut their hands, bleeding profusely.
Madam Liu cried out, “Heavens, what is this all about? Do you truly want my daughter’s life?! I don’t want to live either!”
Madam Zhou also wailed, “My poor son! You left us so early, leaving us helpless crabs to be bullied! I will go with you!”
Saying this, she, along with Madam Liu, threw themselves into Liu Huanchun’s embrace, crying and making a scene.
