Chapter 25

Qiao Ling helped Mrs. Liang sit down, her expression worried. She then instructed the maid, “Mother-in-law’s complexion looks very bad. Just in case, we should call a doctor.”

The maid readily agreed and passed the order on. A servant girl was sent to fetch a doctor.

Mrs. Liang sat with a gloomy expression, looking extremely unwell.

Qiao Ling wiped the sweat from her forehead and gestured with a polite bow, “Since you, Aunt, wish to accuse me, then please step forward a few paces. Let all the guests here be witnesses, and let us make everything clear.”

Xiao Jiang was not a particularly quick-witted person—otherwise, she wouldn’t have been entangled with Li Wenhe for decades. Now, suddenly thrust into the center stage, before anyone could say anything, she panicked first.

How did she end up like this?

Earlier, when she was causing a commotion, she didn’t know where she found the courage. The more people tried to silence her, the angrier she became. But now, when she was actually asked to step forward and lay everything out, she felt a surge of fear.

She was angry at her niece-in-law’s actions, finding them outrageous, but she hadn’t expected to make such a big scene…

Qiao Ling gestured with her eyes, not urging her with words, but the gazes of those around them were now concentrated on the two of them, like an arrow drawn back, how could she back down?

So, after a brief hesitation, Xiao Jiang finally stepped forward, but she only sobbed, and instead, softly defended Qiao Ling, “To say ‘intent to accuse’ is too serious. We are all family…”

Not only Qiao Ling and the rest of the Duke of Yue’s family, even the onlookers felt a surge of frustration upon hearing this.

The Princess of Funing sitting beside her parents, couldn’t help but scoff.

“I say, Mrs. Li,” she waved the folding fan in her hand, leisurely saying, “If you’re going to do something, either don’t do it at all, or do it decisively. Otherwise, you’ll end up achieving nothing and pleasing no one.”

The Princess Consort of Qi gave her daughter a sideways glance, whispering, “Say less.”

The Princess of Funing felt a little resentful, muttering, “I wasn’t wrong.”

Xiao Jiang had directly confronted her natal family in front of all the guests on the day of her nephew, the Duke of Yue’s, wedding. This was a complete break, turning them into sworn enemies.

Did she think that after today, the relationship between the two sides could be salvaged?

Since she had chosen to be an enemy of the Duke of Yue’s family, then she should have solidified the blame, presenting solid evidence to prove that it was the Duke of Yue’s family who wronged her. At least that would give her the moral high ground. But what was Xiao Jiang doing now?

She had come to nurse the child after its death, deeply offended everyone, and now she wanted to make amends?

Although I ruined your wedding, I had no ill intentions. As for accusing you, there’s no basis for that. Did she think that the Duke of Yue’s family would be grateful for this slight softening of her words?

What a ridiculous notion!

Xiao Jiang was already feeling a bit regretful, and now, being told off by the Princess of Funing she felt even more uneasy. But she was truly wronged, and the shock and worry she felt when she heard the news still lingered. “I only said that the couple was a bit discordant, I never said you should be so cruel…”

Qiao Ling repeated what was said that day, “You told me that Li Wenhe had beaten you.”

Xiao Jiang stammered, “Which couple doesn’t have some discord?”

Qiao Ling took a deep breath, “Your maid also said that because of this discord, he beat your head until it was broken, and the blood stained your hair!”

Xiao Jiang mumbled, “It wasn’t that exaggerated…”

Qiao Ling took another breath, “I said I was going to find trouble with him, and you said then—only family can be trusted!”

Xiao Jiang became anxious, “I thought you were just going to scold him,I didn’t expect you to beat him so badly! If I had known, I wouldn’t have let you go!”

Qiao Ling now understood why the Old Madam and Mrs. Liang and the others didn’t like to deal with these family matters—this woman couldn’t tell right from wrong!

Her temper flared, “He beat you, and you weren’t angry? He beat your head until it was broken?!”

Xiao Jiang also got angry, “Your head was the one that was broken!”

Qiao Ling angrily retorted, “Then why were you whining back at your family? Why were you making that bitter face? I said I would find trouble with him, why didn’t you stop me? Oh, so getting beaten was your fault, you were willing and happy to accept it, right?!”

Xiao Jiang flushed red, “You said that, I didn’t!”

She started crying again, “You could have just disciplined him, why did you have to beat him so severely? His leg is broken, it will take months to recover. After all, he is your elder!”

Qiao Ling said, “He didn’t break your head too!”

Xiao Jiang glared at her, “He’s one thing, at least he was in the wrong. But Dalang and Erlang are your juniors, how could you be so harsh on them?!”

Qiao Ling looked at her in surprise, “I told you the reason, are you a sieve? You forgot it all?!”

Xiao Jiang was furious, “I only went back to my family to complain about Li Wenhe, I didn’t complain about the two children. You hurt them like this, it’s wrong!”

“I gave you a chance, but you were useless!”

Qiao Ling turned her head, scanning the surroundings, then shouted to Xiao Jiang, “Did you intentionally want me to say it out loud, that your two sons have no filial piety, that they knew their mother was beaten by their father, but they didn’t say a word?! Now your goal has been achieved, almost all the officials and nobles in the capital know what they are like. You must be very happy, right?!”

Xiao Jiang hadn’t really thought about this before, but now that Qiao Ling had pointed it out, her heart sank.

Reputation is so important.

Especially since her eldest son was currently engaged.

A man who was about to start his own family, who didn’t say a word when he saw his own mother’s head broken—if he treated his own mother like this, could he be expected to care for anyone else?

Thinking about this, Xiao Jiang’s face turned pale, “You!”

Qiao Ling timely comforted her, “But you don’t have to worry too much. The guests in this hall today probably won’t become your in-laws, even if they know your sons’ character, the impact won’t be as big as you think!”

That was truly a blow to her heart and soul.

Li Wenhe was still only a sixth-rank official, while those who had a seat in the hall, which one wasn’t high-ranking and powerful?

Xiao Jiang couldn’t help but grind her teeth. Just then, a handsome young man of about ten or twelve years old emerged from the crowd, bowed to her, and said, “Aunt, I shouldn’t be criticizing my elders, but I am your junior, and you are also the Old Madam’s junior, and you should address my mother as sister-in-law.”

“You and the Li family have been at odds for a long time. It’s common for you to go back to your family to cry about the grievances you’ve suffered. Is this because your family, the Duke of Yue’s family, is unwilling to stand up for you?”

“But as far as I know, Grandmother personally went to the Li family to uphold justice for you. Your husband was speechless and had to kowtow to apologize. At that time, it seemed like you were protecting him, and you let the matter rest.”

“Similarly, my mother and my second aunt have also helped you. But how did you repay them? In ancient times, ‘Three admonishments without heed, then leave,’ was already the conduct of a gentleman according to the sages. Your family has already done this much, they should be considered to have fulfilled their duty.”

“As a daughter, you have repeatedly caused your mother, sister-in-law, and sister to grieve, even falling ill because of it. How do you understand the meaning of filial piety and brotherhood?”

“Today is a joyous occasion at the Duke’s mansion, with guests filling the halls. You’ve caused such a commotion in public, how can you justify it to our shared surname?”

The Princess Consort of Qi couldn’t help but ask her husband quietly, “Is that Yu Ge’er, Qiying’s little brother?”

King Qi nodded, “Yes.”

The Princess Consort of Qi slightly nodded, her eyes showing appreciation, “He’s still young, but he speaks very logically. He’s a good child.”

After a moment’s thought, she asked softly, “How old is he this year?”

Before King Qi could answer, the Princess of Funing impatiently said, “Mother, you told me not to speak!”

The Princess Consort of Qi was a bit helpless, “You child…”

King Qi laughed heartily, smoothing things over, “Parents should always set a good example, right? Let’s not talk about it.”

The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, ZhongShu Ling Yu Anshi, was enjoying the gossip when he was suddenly poked by his wife, Mrs. Yu, from behind, “Stop eating, look at young Master Jiang!”

Yu An’shi turned his head in confusion, “Ah?”

Mrs. Yu whispered, “He’s one year older than our Gui Ning!”

Yu An’shi frowned, “Such good gossip, you want to find a son-in-law instead?”

Mrs. Yu said, “You know nothing! If you don’t hurry up, someone else will snatch him away. I just saw the King and Queen of Qi talking!”

Yu Anshi was completely helpless, “You control everything under the sky, do you even control what those two couples talk about?”

He then said, “But speaking of it, he does have a certain presence…”

Xiao Jiang’s argument was that although the Jiang family stood up for her, they went too far, beating people up too severely. She claimed that the fault lay in their lack of restraint in their actions.

But Jiang Yu didn’t argue with her about this issue at all.

His argument was that you, as a daughter, are unfilial, as a sister, you are unloving, as an elder, you are uncaring, and as a descendant of the Jiang family, you have shamed your ancestors—your character is flawed, your conduct is improper!

Which was more important, it was clear at a glance.

Xiao Jiang was stung by those words, tears streaming down her cheeks. She didn’t argue with Qiao Ling or Jiang Yu, but turned to Tang Wuji and said, “Minister Tang, it’s not that I’m being unreasonable, but they went too far. They actually beat people up like that. My husband had a reason for his actions, but the two children weren’t told by me to go beat them…”

Tang Wuji looked at her calmly and asked, “So what is Mrs. Li’s request?”

Xiao Jiang said, “They injured people so severely, shouldn’t there be some compensation?”

Tang Wuji looked at Qiao Ling, “What does the Duke of Yue say?”

Qiao Ling said without hesitation, “She’s dreaming!”

Tang Wuji: “…”

Tang Wuji then looked at Jiang Yu, “What does young Master Jiang say?”

Jiang Yu said without hesitation, “My sister-in-law is right!”

Tang Wuji: “…”

Xiao Jiang sobbed to Tang Wuji, “Minister Tang, look…”

Tang Wuji asked, “Mrs. Li, can you be more specific about the compensation you want?”

Xiao Jiang looked fearfully at Mrs. Liang, whose face was gloomy, and then at the Old Madam, who had remained silent since the drama began. She stammered, “I know I’ve probably offended my family today, but it’s not that I intentionally wanted to cause trouble at this time. I have my own difficulties…”

Tang Wuji smiled and interrupted her, “Be specific about your request, don’t go off on tangents.”

Xiao Jiang could only say, “I’ve been married to my husband for many years, but he’s still only a sixth-rank Secretary. But he was a famous scholar in the capital when he was young, his career shouldn’t be so unsmooth. He used to be very good to me…”

Tang Wuji now also wanted to punch her, “State your request, don’t ramble!”

Xiao Jiang was interrupted twice in a row, her voice growing weaker, “I only hope that the Duke’s family won’t block his career path anymore. At least let him get a taste of being an official who can attend court…”

A small ripple of commotion arose in the hall.

Chi Shaozhang, the Secretary Supervisor, who was Li Wenhe’s superior’s superior’s superior, listened from beginning to end with a sense of bewilderment, as if someone had punched him in the head for no reason.

What?

He really wanted to @ Li Wenhe himself and ask him what he thought about this.

Liang Qiyun, the Shaguogong of the Anguogung Mansion, and Mrs. Liang’s sister, couldn’t help but sigh softly.

The two Prime Ministers, Zhongshu Ling Yu Anshi, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Shangshu Zuo Pushe Liu Zhi, the Left Minister of the Ministry of War, who were gathered together enjoying the gossip, exchanged glances at the same time.

Qiao Ling was puzzled and quietly asked, “What is an official who can attend court?”

Jiang Yu quietly told her, “Officials of the fifth rank and above are eligible to attend court meetings. These people are called officials who can attend court.”

Qiao Ling immediately replied, “You’re dreaming! What kind of official Li Wenhe is has nothing to do with our family. How could we possibly control it? Go look at the plaque outside the gate, it says Duke of Yue’s Mansion, not the Imperial Ancestral Temple!”

Guangde of Marquis Wife gently coughed and said to Xiao Jiang, “Third sister, what you said is really baseless.”

Tang Wuji was also speechless.

By now, he had figured out the whole thing.

Xiao Jiang was beaten by her husband, went back to her family to complain, her niece-in-law stood up for her, went and broke Li Wenhe’s leg, and also beat up her two useless cousins. Xiao Jiang then felt sorry for her husband and son, so she caused a scene…

He thought to himself, how foolish!

The first foolish thing was that Xiao Jiang caused this scene on the day of her nephew’s wedding, completely offending her family.

The second foolish thing was that even if the Duke of Yue’s family didn’t like Li Wenhe as a son-in-law, and therefore tried to cut off his promotion path, you shouldn’t say it out loud in public and demand that your family compensate you!

How could this be said openly?!

This would be tantamount to the Duke of Yue’s family publicly admitting that they could manipulate the court and support their own son-in-law to become an official who can attend court?

Especially since the current Minister of Personnel was none other than Liang Qiyun, Mrs. Liang’s sister, which implied a strong sense of conflict of interest.

How would the court officials, the royal family, and the emperor think of this?!

Therefore, at this moment, Tang Wuji’s inner thoughts were the same as Mrs. Liang’s—are you two couples just planning to make a big splash today and die tomorrow?!

He caught a glimpse of some colleagues carefully suppressing the sound of their shelling seeds, their eyes excitedly looking this way, and he felt his head instantly grow bigger.

He asked a question whose answer he already knew, “Madam Yue, what do you mean?”

Qiao Ling angrily pointed at Xiao Jiang, “You and Li Wenhe are both bastards!!!”

Tang Wuji “…”

Tang Wuji then looked at Xiao Jiang, “Mrs. Li, what do you say?”

Xiao Jiang was about to cry again, “Did our three people get beaten up for nothing? Why?!

At this time, the slightly noisy discussions in the hall quieted down. Several people turned their heads to see that the Old Madam had stood up and was walking towards them.

Xiao Jiang’s face showed a slight fear, “Mother.”

The Old Madam asked directly, “Do you want to settle this publicly or privately?”

Xiao Jiang called out again, “Mother, I…”

The Old Madam raised her voice, “Publicly or privately?!”

Xiao Jiang said, “What does settle it publicly mean, and what does settling it privately mean?”

The Old Madam said, “Privately, then we’ll follow my granddaughter-in-law’s idea. Publicly, we’ll go to court.”

Mrs. Liang and Duchess Jiang of Guangde Hou both changed color, and they both called out, “Mother.”

The Old Madam smiled, “We’ve already lost all the face we could lose. What’s left to lose? Besides, the most embarrassing thing won’t be us. I’ve never heard of a married aunt standing up for herself and being ridiculed instead!”

Xiao Jiang’s face flushed red, caught between a rock and a hard place.

Just as she was hesitating, a man limped in from outside, almost leaping forward, leaning on his cane, and kicked her with his good leg, sending her sprawling, “What have you done, you stupid woman?!”

Li Wenhe, who didn’t know where he came from, first gave Xiao Jiang a few kicks, then, sweating profusely, knelt before the Old Madam and pleaded guilty, banging his head against the ground several times, “She’s gone mad, she’s delirious, she’s said some outrageous things, Mother, don’t bother with her!”

He then bowed repeatedly to Mrs. Liang, “Sister-in-law, you are magnanimous, don’t bother with this sick woman!”

Earlier, when he came to the Duke of Yue’s Mansion, Li Wenhe wanted to find some trouble—the Duke of Yue’s family had blocked his career path, what did he have to fear?

But the trouble he imagined was definitely not as out of control as it was now!

So When Liang Qiyun stopped him and then politely detained him, he didn’t even dare to resist…

Even when he was released, he was still bewildered. Logically, for the sake of safety, shouldn’t they wait until the wedding banquet was over before releasing him?

The person guarding him looked at him with complex eyes and told him, “Go quickly, your wife is having a public breakdown!”

On the way here, Li Wenhe heard the whole story and felt his vision go black.

He even suspected that the Duke of Yue’s family would issue a hit on the Li family tonight…

What kind of hatred, what kind of grudge!

And about getting promoted—he wanted to get promoted, but you, you stupid woman, don’t bring it up in public and hope your family will manipulate it!

How could they manipulate it?!

Mrs. Liang’s sister, the Prince of Angguo , was currently the Minister of Personnel. With this woman acting like this, it’s as if there’s some kind of political transaction between the Yuego Mansion family and the Anguos Mansion family. The Anguos Mansion family wouldn’t hate the Li family to death?!

After today, Li Wenhe would probably be stuck at the sixth rank, because whoever was in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, if they promoted him, it would be suspicious that they were taking orders from the Duke of Yue’s family!

And then there was what the Old Madam said…

The Duchess of Yue was ultimately standing up for her aunt who had suffered grievances in her husband’s family. At most, she went a bit overboard. She wasn’t afraid of what others would say. If things really got out of hand, who would be the first to bear the brunt of the public opinion?

It would be the Li family, and you, you stupid woman!

However, Li Wenhe thought with trembling fear, things had already gotten out of hand…

Thinking about this, he couldn’t help but put on a mask of pain.

This woman, although she was a bit stupid usually, why was she extra stupid today? Why did she have to cause such a commotion at this crucial moment, AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Everyone hadn’t expected things to develop further. They thought that after the Old Madam intervened, it would be over. But it turned out that it was only the end of the first half, the second half was just beginning!

Tang Wuji heard someone whispering from behind, “Go get another plate of watermelon, hurry!”

In the Prime Minister’s group, Yu An Shi whispered to Liu Zhi, “Did someone promise the Li family something in private?”

Liu Zhi spat out a watermelon seed, squinting at Li Wenhe’s expression, and gently shook his head, “Not likely.”

On the other side, Xiao Jiang sat on the ground, sobbing, and complained, “I’m doing this for whom?”

The Old Madam swayed, letting out a weak groan.

Qiao Ling immediately instructed, “Help the Old Madam over to sit down.”

Then, she rolled up her sleeves and asked Li Wenhe and Xiao Jiang, “Publicly or privately?!”

Xiao Jiang was about to speak, but Li Wenhe covered her mouth, “Privately, privately!”

Qiao Ling raised her eyebrows, “Privately, then it’s truly over and done with!”

Li Wenhe said, “Niece-in-law, you’re so fond of jokes. Wasn’t it nothing to begin with? Over and done with!”

Qiao Ling asked, “Before I went to your house…”

Li Wenhe said resolutely, “Didn’t niece-in-law go to visit the sick before? My two sons and I were in a carriage accident, and we accidentally broke our legs!”

Qiao Ling said, “How many legs did you break?”

Li Wenhe said, “Neither more nor less, exactly three!”

Qiao Ling said “Oh,” and then suddenly said, “I’ve only read the ‘Criminal Law,’ I haven’t really read the ‘Household Code.’ Are there any officials from the Ministry of Households present?”

There was a small commotion in the hall, and soon a middle-aged man was pushed forward, “I’ve heard the call, I’m theLangzhong of the Ministry of Revenue. Duke of Yue, greetings.”

Qiao Ling said, “Please help me draft a document to sever the ties between our families. I think that after today, the Jiang family and the Li family will probably not be able to interact anymore.”

Li Wenhe and Xiao Jiang’s faces turned pale.

Wen Zhongdao was initially surprised, but then he thought about it and felt that it was reasonable. He asked in detail, “Is it just severing the ties between the families, or are you also severing the relationship with the Jiang family’s maternal family, including the married daughter?”

Qiao Ling didn’t speak, the Old Madam said calmly, “Together.”

Xiao Jiang couldn’t help but exclaim, “Mother!”

Wen Zhongdao glanced at her and said, “Good.”

The servants of the Duke of Yue’s Mansion were very observant and sent over ink, paper, and brushes. Wen Zhongdao began to draft this document severing the ties between the families in front of many dignitaries.

Xiao Jiang turned her face away, tears welling up in her eyes, “I won’t sign it!”

Li Wenhe pleaded bitterly, “Mother, calm down, calm down! Why go this far…”

He had only said half of it when he felt a pang of guilt himself.

He then pulled Xiao Jiang, twisted her arm, and whispered, “Are you mute? Speak!”

Xiao Jiang then went to the Old Madam, knelt down, and sobbed, “Mother, please forgive me this once…”

The Old Madam closed her eyes and didn’t look at her, “I’ve forgiven you enough times.”

Xiao Jiang then went to Mrs. Liang, her mouth just about to open, but Mrs. Liang’s eyes flashed, she stared coldly at her, “You forgot how you bit me back then, I haven’t forgotten! Get out!”

Xiao Jiang trembled, and could only go to Duchess Jiang of Guangde Hou, bowing and scraping, “Sister, we grew up together as close sisters. Help me, help me!”

The Wife of Marquis Guangde shook her head and said nothing.

Xiao Jiang became anxious, “Sister, if it wasn’t for me back then—”

Before she could finish, Li Wenhe decisively got up from the ground and punched her, “You stinking woman, shut your mouth!”

Mrs. Liang felt a headache, “Doctor Wen, please hurry, hurry!”

Wen Zhongdao wrote with lightning speed, replying, “Okay, okay.”

He quickly drafted it, read it aloud in public, and then handed it to the Old Madam.

The Old Madam read it from beginning to end, making sure there were no problems, signed her name at the top, and finally added her seal.

Mrs. Liang did the same.

Finally, Qiao Ling added her name.

Then she held the paper in front of Li Wenhe and threw out a “Please” word.

Li Wenhe struggled with difficulty, “Niece-in-law, please calm down…”

Xiao Jiang said through tears, “I’m a Jiang, I have Jiang blood flowing in my veins. How can you kick me out? I will never sign it! I…”

Seeing this, Qiao Ling suddenly asked, “Are there any officials from the Ministry of Justice here?”

The Minister of Justice, who was enjoying the gossip, quickly nudged the young Assistant Minister sitting next to him.

The latter dutifully stood up, “Deputy Director of the Ministry of Justice is here…”

Qiao Ling asked, “Without severing the ties between our families, if someone is causing trouble in my house and making my mother-in-law and grandmother ill, can I beat them?”

Li Wenhe: “…”

Xiao Jiang: “…”

Everyone else in the hall: “…”

Tang Wuji heard someone behind him exclaim, “Wow, there’s a fight scene bonus!”

Tang Wuji: “…”

The young Assistant Minister wiped his sweat and said in a gruff voice, “Theoretically, yes…”

As soon as he finished speaking, Qiao Ling’s fist landed, “I’ve really been putting up with your nonsense for too long!!!”

Li Wenhe and Xiao Jiang, with bruised and swollen faces, trembled as they signed the document.

The Old Madam, seeing the drama end, immediately instructed, “Take the Jiang family to pack their things. Once they’re done, please ask them to leave. The Duke of Yue’s Mansion does not welcome the two of you here.”

Li Wenhe and Xiao Jiang looked at each other, their faces pale with fear.

The Old Madam sighed silently, stood up, her face slightly tired, but her voice was firm, “A bit of a commotion, I apologize for making you all witness this…”

She glanced around the room, finally looking at Qiao Ling.

Qiao Ling immediately poured herself a bowl of wine, raised her cup, and said, “Let worries go with the wine. I’ll drink to that. Please do as you please.”

She then raised her bowl and drank it all in one gulp.

Someone echoed with a cheer.

The Duke of Yue’s family’s relatives and friends stepped forward to speak, easing the atmosphere. The musicians played a melody, the dancers appeared, and the hall, which had been quiet for a while, became lively and noisy again.

The Old Madam was getting old after all. After this incident, she was exhausted. Mrs. Liang, seeing her tired face, quietly instructed her son to send her back to rest.

She then went to Qiao Ling, preparing to introduce her to the guests.

Qiao Ling put down her bowl of wine and followed behind Mrs. Liang, subtly scanning the guests.

The royal relatives.

The Prime Ministers of the three ministries.

The Dukes and Marquises who were nobles like the Duke of Yue’s family.

And even the civil and military officials of the court.

In her mind, Xiao Jiang’s words echoed.

“At least let him get a taste of being an official who can attend court…”

Qiao Ling’s heart turned cold.

Because she suddenly realized that among all these guests, there might be a co-conspirator of Jing Yiyu.

Jing Yiyu’s target might be her, but the co-conspirator’s target was in the court, aimed directly at the Duke of Yue’s family and the Duke of An’guo’s family!

Who could it be?

At the banquet, someone toasted Secretary Supervisor Chi Shao’zhang, whispering, “You taught your subordinate well. A mere sixth-rank official, and he actually managed to bring down the Deputy Minister of Personnel!”

With Xiao Jiang’s words, and Liang Qiyun being Mrs. Liang’s closest sister, if the Censors hear about this, Liang Qiyun will probably have a hard time staying in the Ministry of Personnel.

Chi Shao’zhang’s head was as big as a bucket, he bitterly laughed, “It really has nothing to do with me!”

He was a dignified Secretary Supervisor, a proper third-rank official. Li Wenhe, this Secretary, wouldn’t even be worthy to speak in front of him if he wasn’t the Duke of Yue’s son-in-law.

As for today, this couple foolishly brought down a Minister of Personnel, it had even less to do with him.

Chi Shao’zhang cursed in his heart, “Is the Jiang family crazy? They dare to say anything!”

He also thought, “Did Li Wenhe tell her to do this? That bastard, he deserves to die! For no reason, he’s smeared me with this!”

On the other side, Li Wenhe was also cursing, “Are you crazy? I’m going to… I wish I had just beaten you to death!”

He was both angry and afraid.

Xiao Jiang was also both wronged and scared.

Her mother was like this, her sister-in-law and sister were like this, they only wanted to avenge her, to severely teach the Li family a lesson. But the one who would live with the Li family afterwards was her, not them!

What good would it do her if she really offended them, and beat Li Wenhe half to death?

Sometimes she couldn’t help but think, were they really sincerely trying to help her, or were they trying to show off their power and prestige, to show off their methods and status to her?

Her mother wasn’t her biological mother, there was always a distance between them.

She hadn’t spent much time with her sister-in-law, so how could there be any real affection?

As for her sister…

Xiao Jiang thought with mixed emotions, at the beginning, her mother had arranged for her to marry the Marquis of Guangde, while her sister was matched with a young scholar.

If she hadn’t rejected the Marquis of Guangde because he was plain-looking and a widower, and had secretly fallen in love with Li Wenhe, she would be the one who was now living a glorious life as the Marquis of Guangde’s wife.

Did her sister really have no resentment about this?

Was she genuinely trying to help her the previous few times?

It was true that Xiao Jiang harbored dissatisfaction towards her mother and sister, but now, with this document severing all ties with her family, she felt a sense of emptiness in her heart…

Xiao Jiang was in turmoil, filled with resentment, but also with an indescribable fear.

What was I thinking back then?

She was terrified. No matter how angry she was, she shouldn’t have grabbed Mrs. Liang and Qiao Ling and made a scene in public…

Now, the situation was completely out of control.

Xiao Jiang felt a chill run down her spine. She said to Li Wenhe, “Do you think I was possessed? Otherwise, why would I do that?”

Li Wenhe’s temper flared, he really wanted to slap her again, “The child died, and you came to nurse it, right?! Why didn’t you do it earlier? You’ve already done the stupid thing, stop pretending now!”

He was exasperated. Because of his injuries, his legs were still not well, he was too lazy to continue walking, “Fine, go ahead. I really don’t want to see your face again!”

Xiao Jiang felt wronged and walked forward resentfully.

She didn’t know how far she had walked when she felt dizzy, her legs went weak, and a sharp pain shot through her head—it felt like a chisel was drilling into it!

She supported herself against the wall, blood rushed to her head, and in that moment, she could almost hear her heart pounding rapidly in her chest.

Jiang Yu had just sent the exhausted Old Madam to rest and was going to the front hall when he saw someone leaning against the wall, about to collapse. He immediately went forward and instructed the young servant accompanying him, “Go ahead and inform them, and call two maids!”

Although he was young, he was calm and composed. Even though he couldn’t see her face clearly, he could tell it was a female guest.

He quickly walked to her side and recognized the familiar clothes. He hesitated for a moment before reluctantly approaching.

This aunt had just had a falling out with his family. If something happened to her in the mansion, it would be hard to explain.

Just then, a shadow flashed overhead. Jiang Yu was startled and didn’t have time to retreat before someone grabbed his belt from behind and pulled him back.

Almost at the same time, Xiao Jiang suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood!

Jiang Yu wasn’t close, but he wasn’t far either. Even though Xiao Jiang avoided his face, the blood inevitably stained his collar.

His mind went blank, and he froze in place.

The servant behind him had never seen such a scene before, and was about to shout out, but the person who had pulled Jiang Yu back quickly reached out and touched his chest. The servant’s lips moved, but he couldn’t make a sound.

In the blink of an eye, Jiang Yu managed to regain his composure, suppressing his shock, turned to the person who had pulled him back, and hesitantly said, “Sir…”

The young man politely said, “I’m Gongsun Yan, the new bride’s cousin.”

Jiang Yu immediately said, “Cousin, greetings.”

Just as he was about to say something, he saw Gongsun Yan’s gaze shift to behind him. He quickly turned his head back and saw that his elder sister-in-law, Qiao Ling, had already arrived. She was squatting down, extending two fingers to pry Xiao Jiang’s eyelids open.

He heard voices coming from afar. Qiao Ling had no time to hesitate and immediately asked, “Who hurt her?”

Gongsun Yan said, “No one hurt her, she suddenly vomited blood.”

Jiang Yu was puzzled, “Sister-in-law, how…”

Gongsun Yan said, “Your sister-in-law was afraid that something might happen to the Li couple here, so she asked me to follow them.”

Jiang Yu understood and felt admiration, “Sister-in-law, you are truly thoughtful, I admire you!”

Qiao Ling took a jade bottle from her bosom, poured out a pill, and put it in Xiao Jiang’s mouth. She then said to Gongsun Yan and Jiang Yu, “You two go quickly, people will be here soon!”

Jiang Yu was stunned, “Sister-in-law, why…”

Qiao Ling pointed to the blood on the ground and the unconscious Xiao Jiang, then gestured to his bloodstained collar, “Does it make sense now?”

Jiang Yu quickly understood, “Li Wenhe wouldn’t dare to make trouble!”

Qiao Ling looked at the lanterns approaching from afar, and said softly, “The people coming this way now, they definitely will.”

Just as she was speaking, Xiao Jiang twitched a few times and slowly opened her eyes.

Gongsun Yan acted decisively, grabbed Jiang Yu and quickly left.

On the other side, the people with the lanterns had already arrived. Before they could hear any sound, they heard a scream.

Qiao Ling then saw her face, raised her eyebrows slightly, with a sense of surprise and expectation.

It was Mrs. Dong of the Marquis of Huai’an.

A woman who was beaten and abused, but still protected her husband when her family stood up for her.

Another one, in order to leave a male heir for her dear husband, even hired a concubine to bear him a son, planning to give the title to the illegitimate son, even disregarding her own daughter…

It makes sense that they could hang out together.

The Marquisof Huai’an screamed, “Madam Yueguo!”

She said, “I know you’re angry with Mrs. Li, but now you’ve driven her out of the house, and you’re still trying to kill her. How can you justify that?!”

Qiao Ling sighed and first told the servants behind her, “Go and invite the Marquis of Huai’an.”

The Marquisof Huai’an could say this, and she directly accused Qiao Ling, showing that her mind was not right. With such a mind, she didn’t stand by Xiao Jiang’s side and accuse her in the hall earlier, which means someone must have stopped her.

Who could restrain her except for her dearest husband?

The Marquisof Huai’an looked displeased when she heard this. Qiao Ling was too lazy to deal with her, she looked down at Xiao Jiang on the ground and asked, “How are you feeling now, Mrs. Li?”

She said, “I came over and saw you fainted here.”

Xiao Jiang’s mind was still in a daze.

At this time, Mrs. Liang had arrived, and she frowned when she saw Xiao Jiang. When she saw the Marquisof Huai’an, her brows immediately knotted together, and she said in a very irritable tone, “What’s going on now? You’re never going to stop, are you?!”

Xiao Jiang had just regained consciousness, and when she heard this, her already pale face became even paler, and she moved slowly to get up.

She rolled her eyes and glanced at Mrs. Liang, her eyes cold.

The Marquisof Huai’an showed displeasure, “Old Madam, this is not how you treat guests. You’re trying to kill her, look at all this blood!”

Mrs. Liang only then noticed the traces on the ground, and she couldn’t help but take a step back, frowning and asking Qiao Ling, “What happened?”

Qiao Ling answered concisely, “I came over and saw Mrs. Li fainted on the ground. Not long after, the Marquisof Huai’an arrived.”

Mrs. Liang said pointedly, “How did you know she fainted?”

Qiao Ling answered flawlessly, “The servants of the mansion discovered it first. Seeing that it was a female guest, they sent someone to call me.”

Mrs. Liang nodded—she wasn’t really asking Qiao Ling, she just wanted to lead to the next question, “Marquisof Huai’an, how did you know that Mrs. Li had something happen, and then you arrived just in time?”

The Marquisof Huai’an was speechless, and she became uncomfortable, “I…”

She hesitated for a moment before finally saying, “A maid told me that the Duke of Yue’s Mansion was going to kill her to silence her, and that if I didn’t go, Mrs. Li’s life wouldn’t be safe, so I came…”

By the end, she was assertive, “She wasn’t wrong, you are trying to kill her to silence her!”

At this moment, the Marquis of Huai’an finally arrived. When he heard his wife’s words, his head grew large, his face became as dark as water, but his tone was very gentle.

He said, “Kang Le, things haven’t been investigated yet, don’t jump to conclusions.”

Qiao Ling was not surprised to find that the Marquis of Huai’an was indeed a handsome man. Even though he was middle-aged, he could be considered elegant and charming.

She smiled at Mrs. Liang.

Mrs. Liang understood the meaning behind this smile and rolled her eyes subtly.

The Marquisof Huai’an felt a little resentful. She turned her head and asked Xiao Jiang with concern, “How are you feeling? What exactly happened?”

Xiao Jiang didn’t get up, she leaned against the pillar, panting, her eyelids drooping, her face showing fear, she said intermittently, “My head hurts, I can’t remember very well. It seems like I was walking, and then suddenly someone hit me from behind, and then I lost consciousness…”

Qiao Ling showed a slight look of surprise, her mouth opened for a moment, but she didn’t say anything and closed it again.

She looked at Xiao Jiang and smiled.

The Marquisof Huai’an heard this and showed indignation. She was about to speak, but her husband stopped her.

Several maids passed by with trays, they were going to the front hall to deliver melons. Qiao Ling kept two trays for herself and placed them on the wide railing. She took a cantaloupe and took a bite, “crunch.”

In the sound of Qiao Ling chewing on the melon, the Marquis of Huai’an asked Xiao Jiang, “Mrs. Li, can you tell me with certainty that someone attacked you from behind, causing you to vomit blood and faint?”

Xiao Jiang raised her eyelids, about to speak.

But the Marquis of Huai’an turned to Mrs. Liang at the right moment, “There should be a doctor on duty in the mansion, right? Why not invite one now?”

Mrs. Liang looked at him and said, “The servants have already gone to fetch one, they’ll be here soon. But to be safe, we should also invite an imperial physician.”

The Marquis of Huai’an praised, “Old Madam, you are so thoughtful.”

He then asked Xiao Jiang, “Mrs. Li, do you remember now?”

Xiao Jiang’s eyes flickered a few times, she covered her forehead, in pain, “I told you, my head hurts, I can’t give you a definite answer…”

The Marquis of Huai’an smiled gently, “I think Mrs. Li must have been emotionally distressed, and it suddenly burst out, causing her to vomit blood.”

Mrs. Liang looked at Xiao Jiang expressionlessly, “Is that so? I think she might be faking it, trying to make a scene and disgust the Duke of Yue’s Mansion one last time!”

Xiao Jiang’s body trembled, and she lowered her posture, “Sister-in-law, I’m already in a situation where everyone is yelling at me. Why won’t you let me go? Do you really want me to die before you stop slandering me?”

Mrs. Liang couldn’t stand to see her like this—this kind of fake-innocent, weak act, I, Liang Batian, can take on ten of them!

The Marquis of Huai’an also couldn’t bear to see her good friend being bullied.

Just as the two were about to start a verbal battle, Qiao Ling raised her hand and shouted, “Stop it, let me handle this!”

She held the melon in one hand and went to Xiao Jiang, “Although the so-called attack earlier was made up by you, it doesn’t matter. This time it’s real, you have witnesses, how exciting!”

She then pressed the cantaloupe against Xiao Jiang’s face and rubbed it hard!

The cantaloupe, ripe to the point of bursting, exploded with a crisp “bang”!

The juice and seeds flew out together!

Xiao Jiang screamed, “Ah!”

Mrs. Liang was startled and quickly jumped to the side to avoid the flying melon seeds!

The smell of cantaloupe filled the air, it was indeed pleasant, but the pale yellow, sticky juice flowed down her cheeks, it looked a bit…

The Marquis of Huai’an and his wife were stunned.

Xiao Jiang screamed in surprise.

Qiao Ling put her hands on her hips and laughed ferociously.

Finally, the Marquisof Huai’an was the first to scream, “Oh my god, how can you—”

Qiao Ling stopped laughing, turned her hand, pressed another melon against her face, and expertly started rubbing, “What are you yelling about? You’re part of this too!”

Another crisp “bang”!

The Marquisof Huai’an screamed like Xiao Jiang, “Ah!!!”

Xiao Jiang was covered in melon seeds, she couldn’t believe it, and angrily said, “Qiao Ling, how dare you—”

“You damn bitch, shut your mouth!” Qiao Ling pressed another melon against her head and burst it!

Xiao Jiang: “…”

The Marquis of Huai’an hadn’t even had time to speak, but another melon was pressed against her face and burst!

Huai’an Hou trembled with fear, “My, my wife didn’t say anything…”

Qiao Ling attacked on both sides, pressing a melon against each of their faces and bursting it, expertly rubbing, rubbing, rubbing, while laughing cheerfully, “Haha, just a little something I do!”