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“You are implying with your words that there is something improper between me and him, aren’t you?” Wang Jinhe coldly eyed them, making her point clear.
“I have never seen anyone as audacious as you in front of this Princess.”
“Princess, spare us, we didn’t…”
“Whether you know it or not, deep down you feel unsettled seeing him appointed as the village head by me, don’t you? All your dirty thoughts are surfacing. Have you ever considered how others conduct themselves and how you conduct yourselves?” Wang Jinhe reprimanded them sternly.
The individuals visibly shrank back, some still fearful of Wang Jinhe.
Upon hearing Wang Jinhe’s words, Cao Song lowered his gaze, casting a side glance at the group. Some things can’t be stopped no matter how hard one tries.
“I leave this matter for you to handle. I do not wish to hear any negative implications related to me,” Wang Jinhe stated coldly to Cao Song.
Consider this a test for him, as she was curious to see how far he could go.
“Understood.”
Wang Jinhe took the former village head away. She had more questions for him.
The magistrate, watching Wang Jinhe leave, breathed a sigh of relief, pointing at the individuals on the ground, seething with anger, “Daring to insult the Princess, they truly don’t know their place.”
“Please spare us, Your Excellency.”
“Who said I was after your lives?” the magistrate retorted irritably.
Initially, these individuals could have been taken back to the county office and punished without issue. However, since Wang Jinhe entrusted Cao Song with the task, it was now his responsibility.
“Since the Princess trust you, make sure not to disappoint her,” the magistrate earnestly advised Cao Song, patting his shoulder.
“I understand.”
Once the others had departed, the individuals on the ground rose, casting a contemptuous glance at Cao Song, saying, “You think you can act arrogantly just because the Princess favored you?”
“Do you realize that falsely accusing the Princess could land you in prison and receive a beating?” Cao Song spoke slowly, his eyes filled with mockery as he addressed the individuals.
These people were quite amusing.
“You…”
“The Princess’s kindness spared you from being thrown into the dungeon, but don’t mistake her for an easy target,” Cao Song warned.
“You’re nothing but a dog, Cao Song, daring to speak in such a disrespectful manner. Do you believe I won’t end your life today?” a person nearby threatened with malice.
How dare this scoundrel speak to him like that?
Just because he was favored by the Princess, was he now a target for insults?
Upon hearing this, a respected elder from the village grabbed a vine and fiercely lashed the insolent individual.
“What? Did that scoundrel strike me?”
“I did,” the elder stated sharply, his eyes glaring angrily at the individual.
The once boastful individual now cowered like a quail, not daring to make a move.
“Why are you hitting me, Grandpa?” He, who feared nothing, suddenly feared the vine in his grandpa’s hands.
“I’m hitting you because if you dare utter such nonsense again, I’ll beat you to death today,” the old man said angrily.
“What kind of person is the Princess? Are you the type who can casually speak ill of her?”
“I… I didn’t say anything about her,” the man replied, feeling a bit guilty.
Seeing his reaction, the elder understood the situation perfectly. Seizing his ear, he proceeded to administer a sound thrashing.
“After eating your fill, do you dare forget your gratitude? Your can eat well today, all thanks to the Princess,” the elder scolded.
“If it weren’t for the Princess cultivating high-yield crops, we would still be struggling to eat our fill.” The elder felt enraged at the thought of his grandson harboring such vile thoughts about the Princess, making him want to strike the young man down.
“Cao Cheng, don’t forget that the Princess’s husband is out fighting at the border. Doesn’t it pain the Princess when you speak ill of her like this?” Cao Song addressed Cao Cheng coldly.
As soon as Cao Song spoke, the elder’s expression darkened even further. He raised his hand and delivered a heavy slap on Cao Cheng’s back.
“Ouch, Grandpa, you’re going to kill me!”
“It serves you right for talking nonsense here,” the elder fumed.
“Mom, Dad, help! Grandpa’s going to kill me!” Cao Cheng sought refuge behind his parents, but to his dismay, they didn’t come to his aid; instead, they joined the elder in disciplining him. Even the kind old lady, who usually treated him well, didn’t hesitate to lay a hand on him.
“You, you reckless fool! I warned you before not to associate with those unsavory characters. Look at what has become of you now!” The old lady was furious.
Her once well-behaved grandson had been led astray, and she couldn’t help but feel angry.
Upon hearing the old lady’s words, Cao Cheng finally understood. He had indeed angered everyone today.
Not a single family member was on his side.
He was truly pitiful.
“I won’t say anything more, can’t you stop now?” Cao Cheng, anticipating another reprimand from the elder, quickly exclaimed.
The elder snorted, “If I catch you associating with those people again, I’ll break your legs.”
Cao Cheng instinctively took two steps back, swallowing nervously, “Grandpa, there’s no need for that, right?”
“You can try and see. Don’t think I’m joking,” the elder said sternly.
Cao Song smirked as he observed Cao Cheng’s crestfallen expression, realizing that dealing with him using his family proved most effective – now, they were compliant.
Twirling his fingers thoughtfully, Cao Song glanced at the remaining individuals, planning to address them in due time.
Could the Princess be slandered so easily by them?
Although it was his first encounter with Wang Jinhe, Cao Song admired her and believed she should not be tainted by the vile words of these individuals.
There were always those paying attention to the situation. After listening, Wang Jinhe raised an eyebrow and remarked, “Using a borrowed knife to kill, well played.”
Nan Qiao lounged against the carriage, casually commenting, “This Cao Song is indeed a clever person.”
“Indeed.”
“Sister-in-law, when we arrive at the next village, should we bring the former village head back for questioning first?” Nan Qiao asked with great interest.
“Let’s bring him back for questioning first. I wonder if we’ll uncover any useful clues,” Wang Jinhe mused, stroking her chin thoughtfully.
“We’ll find out once we ask.”
Upon reaching the royal mansion, Nan Qiao took the village head to the dungeon.
Wang Jinhe didn’t inquire about this matter at all, leaving everything to Nan Qiao to handle.
“Princess, Gu Xiruo has visited before. She expressed a desire to see you,” Qiu Yi approached as Wang Jinhe settled down, the chair still warm.
Wang Jinhe looked surprised and questioned, “Gu Xiruo wants to see me? What does she want?”
“I’m not sure, she didn’t say anthing,” Qiu Yi shook her head, finding Wang Jinhe’s actions somewhat puzzling.
“I’ll leave her be. Has she returned to the Qing residence?” Wang Jinhe inquired.
Qiu Yi shook her head, “I haven’t heard. Qing Yukong mentioned asking her to apologize, but she didn’t go to apologize to Madam Qing.”
“I understand. You can go attend to your tasks now,” Wang Jinhe said thoughtfully, indicating that Gu Xiruo might be heading for a clash with Qing Yukong.
“Let’s see how long Gu Xiruo can hold out without apologizing. And when she does, I wonder if Madam Qing will accept it,” Wang Jinhe said with a hint of amusement.