Chapter 123   All That Glitters is Not Gold

After a few days, Shu Yuwan received another request visit from Wei Shi. Upon their second meeting, she appeared even more haggard than before, exuding an air of despair. Even Shu Yuwan couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy upon seeing her.

Since An Shaoyuan was sent to the Peng Mansion, the Mr. Hou had released Wei Shi. When she saw the injuries on An Shaoyuan’s body upon her return, she truly regretted it! Her beloved daughter had been treated in such a manner; it was no different from having her heart ripped out!

“Yuwan… no, Crown Princess, I know that we wronged you. Coming to you repeatedly like this is truly shameful.”

“Now, Shaoyuan is no longer here, and he has received his deserved retribution. I beg you, out of our past relationship, please help Shaoyuan!”

Although Wei Shi came with a glimmer of hope, deep down, she knew that Shu Yuwan might not help her. But as long as there was a glimmer of hope, she had to try for her daughter.

Shu Yuwan dismissed the others and asked, “What mistreatment has Shaoyuan suffered?”

She hesitated upon hearing this question, unsure if she should speak.

Shu Yuwan’s expression turned colder as she said, “If you’re not willing to tell me the specifics, how can I help you?”

Mrs Wei Shi was surprised that Yuwan was willing to help her. She had come with a glimmer of hope, and although conflicted about her daughter’s reputation, she was worried that no one else could save her daughter. After some internal struggle, she decided to tell Shu Yuwan about the situation when An Shaoyuan returned home and what she had said.

She continued, “Crown Princess, you may not have heard due to your young age, but the second son of the Peng family, his former legitimate wife, and later his concubine, all died under mysterious circumstances. There were rumors at the time, but Mr. Peng held a high position in court and had a good reputation, so many believed it. However, the two families related to Mr. Peng have indeed distanced themselves from the Peng Mansion.”

Shu Yuwan listened to her description with undisguised astonishment and said, “Knowing such a situation, how could your family still send Shaoyuan over!”

Wei Shi lamented, “I never expected that this Second Son of the Peng family would be so despicable. Otherwise, I would never have let Shaoyuan go!”

Impatient with the conversation, Shu Yuwan interrupted, “In that case, Madam, instruct Miss An to quietly gather evidence of Peng Er mistreatment of her and other young girl who was mistreated. You can also try to probe the families of Peng Er two previous wives. Once we have solid evidence, I will help you bring down the Peng family and free Shaoyuan.”

Wide-eyed, the Wei Shi looked at Shu Yuwan, “Is that… true?”

Shu Yuwan affirmed, “Of course. Shaoyuan and I had no conflicts. If it doesn’t harm my interests, I am willing to help her. Moreover, someone like Peng Er has no right to enjoy wealth and prosperity in this world!”

She nodded in agreement, “You’re right! This Peng Er is nothing but a beast!”

After discussing the details, Shu Yuwan sent Wei Shi on her way.

Qing Dai smiled and said, “Crown Princess, it seems that help arrives just when you’re about to fall asleep.”

Shu Yuwan nodded, “The Peng family’s Mr. Peng is a respected elder of two dynasties, with a good reputation. Many prominent figures in the court have connections to the Peng family. Initially, the blame for the assassination attempt at the Ning Mansion might fall on the Peng Mansion. Many might come forward to speak.”

With a hint of disgust, she added, “But I never expected that this Second Son of the Peng family, the brother of Consort Xian, would have such despicable behavior. The Peng Mansion has been concealing these matters for so long. The entire mansion is likely a facade of luxury and deceit.”

“Since there is information, try to have people investigate in that direction.”

Qing Dai left to carry out the orders.

In the evening, the Crown Prince returned and informed Shu Yuwan that the Ministry of Justice had made arrangements. The maid, before her death, would point to the Peng Mansion and Consort Xian, no matter what!

Shu Yuwan also informed the Crown Prince about the message brought by Mrs. Wei Shi earlier that day.

The Crown Prince chuckled, “Yuwan, you truly are a lucky star.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

The Crown Prince affirmed, “Without you, how would we have this information?”

In the Peng Mansion, An Shaoyuan, enduring days of despair, finally received a message sent by a maid from her mother.

In the midst of utter darkness, there was finally a glimmer of hope!

No matter the risks, she was not afraid. The days could not get any worse than they were now.

She knew where those young girls were! Perhaps feeling that she had married into the Peng Mansion and her family would not support her, she behaved obediently. Peng Er boldly displayed his despicable side in front of her, even bringing those young girls to their rooms, in her presence…

An Shaoyuan carefully recalled the information she had gathered in the past few days, going over every detail in her mind.

When her mother sent someone to see her again, the news was passed on.

Upon receiving the message from her daughter, Wei Shi realized that what her daughter had told her last time was not the whole truth. Peng Er and the Peng family were even more dreadful than she had imagined! She felt even more guilty towards her daughter.

She hurriedly sent the information to the Palace.