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Amidst the chaos, a well-dressed young man stepped down from a luxurious carriage and sternly reprimanded Wang Haobai and Song Xian, “Hey, have you both drunk too much and come out causing trouble on the street?” As he approached them, he gestured towards them and continued, “Come, come, since we’re all here, let me treat you to a drink.”
Song Xian and Wang Haobai quickly bowed and greeted him. Song Xian chuckled, “Uncle.”
Pointing towards the carriage, Prince He, Song Ming exclaimed, “This maid might be beautiful, but she’s your sister-in-law’s maid. As your younger uncle, it’s inappropriate for you to publicly tease your sister-in-law’s maid. Come, let’s go for a drink.” He deftly shifted the blame towards Lu Man’s maid.
At that moment, soldiers from the Fifth City Garrison pushed their way in, inquiring, “What’s going on? Who’s causing a disturbance on the street?”
Song Ming replied, “Nothing serious”, and then gestured towards Song and Wang, saying, “They had a few too many drinks and got into a scuffle with the coachman.”
With that, he forcefully led Song Xian and Wang Haobai into the tavern.
The guards from Prince Zhou’s estate and the Marquis Wang’s residence, seeing their masters follow Prince Song Ming, ceased their actions and followed suit.
Meanwhile, the guards from Prince Zhou’s estate insinuated to the crowd that Song Xian and Wang Haobai had taken an interest in a maid, using the influence of alcohol to harass her. They hinted at the involvement of a sister-in-law but left the specifics ambiguous.
Tao climbed into the carriage, while Wang Dawang, covering his head with a cloth, drove the carriage away.
Lu Man seethed with anger, her face pale, fists clenched tightly, lips pressed into a thin line, yet not a tear shed.
Today, she was determined to seek justice, even if it meant risking everything. She couldn’t allow this behavior to go unchecked. Not only would her dignity and reputation be at stake, but these two troublemakers could tarnish her name and cause further problems in the future.
She refused to believe this was a mere coincidence. Wang Haobai bringing along the audacious Prince Song Xian was too convenient.
Although Song Xian appeared to be the culprit in this situation, he was likely influenced by Wang Haobai.
As the granddaughter-in-law of Princess Changting, she couldn’t fathom being treated in such a manner in public. While she wasn’t sure if Prince Song Xian was merely teasing her, she was certain that Wang Haobai had ulterior motives.
Would these guards and maids dare to behave in such a manner, eating from within and betraying their mistress, if it were another master? Their actions, even without explicit approval from Madam Hong, stemmed from fear of her.
Lu Man despised Madam Hong, as well as Empress Wang and the Wang family, for resorting to such despicable tactics to drive her away.
As for that Empress Wang, who had previously shown no concern for Lu Man, the Lu family would have ousted her long ago. Why did she suddenly start paying attention to her after she married into the Princess Changting’s residence, going to great lengths to expel her?
It seemed that He Huang’s death was definitely not as simple as it appeared. Even after his death over a decade ago, Empress Wang couldn’t sit still upon learning that Lu Man was his granddaughter. Fortunately, despite being the Empress, she lacked the Emperor’s favor and still harbored a sense of fear. Otherwise, even as the granddaughter-in-law of Princess Changting, if she displeased the Empress, she would have met an early demise.
With things having reached this point, she had to secure a clear future for herself. If she won this gamble, her path ahead would be much smoother. She also needed to uncover the truth behind the murder of He Huang. Moreover, this grudge must be settled, as vengeance was necessary. Once she established herself, she would seek retribution for today’s humiliation. If she lost the gamble, it would only cost her life…
Tao was trembling in fear, tears streaming down her face as she apologized, “Third Young Madam, I’m useless. I’ve caused you distress.”
Lu Man, preoccupied with her own thoughts, simply shook her head without offering any consolation.
Tao continued, “Third Young Madam, what should I say when we return?”
“Tell the truth.” Lu Man replied.
Tao hesitated, “But if I speak the truth, it might tarnish your reputation…”
“It’s fine, speak the truth, and don’t leave out Wang Haobai.” Lu Man insisted.
As the carriage arrived at the Princess Changting’s residence, Lu Man alighted. Wang Dawang approached her, “Third Young Madam, shall I go and explain to the Master?”
Seeing Tao trembling uncontrollably, Wang Dawang feared she might not explain clearly or might disclose too much, which could harm Lu Man.
Lu Man shook her head, “No need. I understand. You may return and tend to your wounds.”
Lu Man directly took a sedan chair to the Crane Hall.
As the evening lights began to illuminate the surroundings, Lu Man finally let her tears flow, which she had been holding back. Two elderly individuals were there to support her, but Lu Man was unsure of their stance in the situation unfolding.
Entering the eastern room, Lu Man was greeted by a full house. Not only had the men from the yamen returned, but even the old Marquis was seated on a couch. The old Marquis could now sit on his own for a short period of time.
Hurrying to the front of Princess Changting, Lu Man immediately knelt down, prostrating herself on the ground, crying, “Grandmother, Grandfather, your granddaughter-in-law is useless. I do not wish to bring any shame upon you both, nor let the Third Young Master lose face. I humbly request to leave…” Her words were choked with tears.
Princess Changting was taken aback, “Oh, what’s wrong with Zhanwei’s wife? Speak quickly!”
The old Marquis also demanded, “Who has offended our granddaughter-in-law? Tell me, and I’ll deal with them!”
Tao approached, knelt down, and sobbed, “Third Young Madam went to the Drunken Spring Pavilion to buy wine for the old Marquis, where she encountered Young Master Wang from the Marquis Wang’s residence and Prince Song Xian from Prince Zhou’s estate. They stopped her, spoke nonsense, and even injured our coachman…”
Madam Hong sternly interjected, “Even if Haobai is a fool, he wouldn’t dare stop a young daughter-in-law on the street and speak nonsense. Explain clearly — was it Haobai or Prince Song Xian? What did they say?”
Tao tearfully explained, “Both of them spoke. Prince Wang said our eldest Madam is his cousin, and he’s related to Third Young Madam as well. He claimed they were relatives and it was normal to chat. Prince Song Xian said that Third Young Madam displeases the Third Young Master, who will eventually divorce her… He also complained of headaches and chest pains, asking Third Young Madam to check his pulse and perform acupuncture…”
The listeners in the room were shocked and incensed by Tao’s account. Speaking such words to a young daughter-in-law in public was highly inappropriate.
Madam Hong exclaimed, “What? Song Xian dared to say such offensive words? This is nothing short of public harassment of a young daughter-in-law. This is unacceptable! We must speak to Prince Zhou’s estate and ensure that child is disciplined properly.”
Glancing at Madam Hong, Princess Changting knows she intentionally omitted Wang Haobai from her response, appearing to defend Lu Man. However, the term “harassment” painted a more disgraceful picture for Lu Man. Princess Changting refrained from making a hasty decision, wanting to gauge the reactions of those present.
Growing increasingly upset, the old Marquis angrily demanded, “Prepare a carriage for me, bring my whip… I want to… to punish… them…” He was unsure whom he should reprimand.