Chapter 134: Instigation

Lu Man felt speechless. Despite Jiang Zhanwei making it so clear, the old lady still wanted to protect Bao Qin. Not only had Bao Qin given birth to two grandsons for her, making her happy, but perhaps this domineering old woman simply enjoyed having a daughter-in-law with a lower status than her.

She looked at old lady Lu and said, “Old lady Lu, the deed for Renhe Hall is kept under my bed. Only Mama Wang and Bao Qin knew about its location. How did Mrs. Xiao Chen find out, and who helped her with the switch? These matters need to be clarified. I won’t let any evildoer go unpunished.” Turning to Mama Wang, she added, “Mama Wang, Mr. Lu doesn’t know the truth about this matter, you should tell him.”

Mama Wang stepped forward and began to explain how Lady He, for safety reasons, had entrusted them with the deed, and where they had hidden it. She went on to detail how after Bao Qin was suddenly promoted to a higher position by Mrs. Xiao Chen, the deed was altered, all as instructed.

Lu Fangrong stubbornly argued, “This only shows that Bao Qin knew where the deed was hidden, it doesn’t prove she stole it.”

Seemingly losing patience, Jiang Zhanwei suggested, “In that case, let’s hand these two women over to the authorities for interrogation.”

Mrs. Xiao Chen screamed, “I won’t go to the authorities!” Then, she turned to the old lady and said, “Mother-in-law, it was Mama Wang who mentioned the deed switch for the promotion, not me. Don’t blame me for that.”

Despite his doubts, Lu Fangrong persisted, muttering, “Bao Qin is gentle and virtuous, how could she do such a thing? She always praised Mingzhu’s virtues and promised to treat Man well…”

Lu Fangming advised, “Second brother, don’t tarnish our family’s reputation over a woman.” He then instructed the two maids, “Go, bring Mistress Qin here and let her speak for herself.”

Meanwhile, Lu Chang and Lu Feng were in Bao Qin’s courtyard. Hearing about the involvement of Renhe Hall from Lu Man and her husband, they realized the matter might now be revealed. Bao Qin was filled with fear and nervousness. Seeing the maids coming to fetch her, she knew the truth had been uncovered.

Before leaving, tearfully holding her two sons, she said, “Chang, Feng, mom has made a mistake before and will surely face punishment. Remember, don’t get involved with mom, and don’t incur your father’s and grandmother’s displeasure…”

Lu Chang and Lu Feng, upon hearing this, wanted to accompany her to intercede. Especially the younger Lu Feng, who was so frightened he began to cry.

One of the maids said, “Third Young Master, Fourth Young Master, if you truly want to save Mistress Qin some dignity, it might be best not to go.”

Bao Qin’s legs turned weak with fear, needing support from the two maids to be brought to the old lady’s courtyard.

Despite being advised otherwise, Lu Chang and Lu Feng still followed along. However, they were stopped at the courtyard entrance.

Once inside the room, Bao Qin collapsed to her knees in the center. Without making excuses, she tearfully confessed to Lu Fangrong, “Master, I was foolish for making a mistake. I deserve severe punishment.”

Lu Fangrong, shocked to discover that the gentle and virtuous Bao Qin could commit such an act, was overcome with anger. He lifted her up and slapped her, scolding, “How could you do such a thing? You have deeply disappointed me!”

Clinging to his legs, Bao Qin sobbed, “Master, I was so enamored with you, so eager to be with you, that’s why I did it. Despite my countless mistakes, I gave birth to two sons for you, served you wholeheartedly for over a decade, and raised our sons…”

Thinking about his understanding sons and the years of affectionate life with Bao Qin, Lu Fangrong found himself unable to strike her again.

Bao Qin continued, “I apologize to you, to Madam, and especially to Second Young Miss. As long as Second Young Miss forgives me and doesn’t resent you, however you choose to deal with me, I will accept without complaint. Sob…”

Amused by the situation, Lu Man realized Bao Qin was cunning—declaring her love for Lu Fangrong while putting pressure on her, attempting to sow discord between them.

If Lu Man relented, Bao Qin might escape punishment. If she didn’t, she would surely earn Lu Fangrong’s favor, and her sons would receive more affection in the future. Due to Mrs. Xiao Chen’s influence, Lu Fangrong likely held a grudge against Lu Yuan. If he continued to distance himself from Lu Man, he would favor the two sons Bao Qin bore. Although Lu Man didn’t care for Lu Fangrong’s affection, Bao Qin’s manipulative tactics were repulsive.

Unable to bear it any longer, Lu Fangrong released her hand and sternly asked, “If you want to calm Man down, why involve me?”

Bao Qin turned to Lu Man, crying, “Second Young Miss, I altered the deed not just for myself. I thought that by becoming Master’s woman, I could constantly remind him to cherish you, to plan for your well-being as well…”

Lu Fangrong quickly remarked, “Oh, that’s true. Bao Qin often told me to remember to write letters to remind Xiao Chen Shi to treat Man better…” This was indeed something Bao Qin frequently mentioned. At the time, Lu Fangrong was quite pleased, thinking highly of his woman who not only added fragrance to the red sleeves but was also exceptionally virtuous.

Unable to restrain herself any longer, Mama Wang couldn’t hold back. She had wanted to scold Bao Qin as soon as she entered, but she managed to control herself. Now, as she heard Bao Qin speaking nonsense with Lu Fangrong’s support, she couldn’t contain her anger and tears. She exclaimed, “Second Master, do you have no conscience? How will you face Second Madam if you ever see her again? Bao Qin stole the deed to become your concubine. She stole it against her conscience to be with you. Do you think she genuinely wants you to treat Second Young Miss well? If she truly did, she would have had you bring Second Young Miss closer long ago. I’ve pleaded with her about this multiple times. Her constant reminders for you to treat Second Young Miss well were simply meant to make Second Young Miss fearful, to push her to harm by Second Madam sooner. Even a servant like me can see through this, can’t you, Second Master? Second Young Miss is your own blood, the only child of Madam He. Why don’t you cherish her and let Second Madam manipulate her? My poor girl, not only was her mother’s dowry coveted, she was prevented from studying with her sisters, intentionally abandoned in the mountains, and her reputation tarnished by the servants, ultimately leading her to attempt suicide…” She couldn’t continue, breaking down in tears.

During this emotional outburst, the old lady tried to intervene several times, but when she caught Jiang Zhanwei’s stern gaze, she fell silent.

Lu Man’s eyes welled up as she said, “Mama, don’t be upset. Fate is on my side, and I won’t succumb to their desires. I was abandoned in the mountains, but fate brought me to Third Young Master, who saved me and brought me home. Even when I attempted suicide, I survived. Surviving such hardships signifies a brighter future. Now that I’m alive, I will settle all scores one by one.”

Embarrassed by Mama Wang’s questions, Lu Fangrong, confused by the mention of Lu Man being abandoned in the mountains, hurriedly asked, “Abandoned in the mountains? What’s going on here?”