The Song family intended to cover up a disgraceful matter.

But with so many servants in the household, rumors were bound to spread.

“Did you hear? Grand Preceptor Song(Imperial Tutor Song) actually took a widow as a concubine!”

“Wow, Grand Preceptor Song is already in his fifties and still taking concubines. Which widow was capable enough to seduce him?”

“Seems to be the widow of that brave man who saved the Marquis of Xiangyang. Just hearsay though, who knows if it’s true…”

“Truly shameless. Climbing into an old man’s bed.”

“……”

“I knew that Zhen woman was up to no good!” Bai Ruzhu sneered. “If I hadn’t seen through her ambition early on, the one being laughed at by the whole city now would be our Marquis of Xiangyang’s household!”

Li Suiwen declared righteously, “My heart belongs only to Madam. No woman can come close to me!”

Bai Ruzhu rolled her eyes in a very unladylike manner.

If that Zhen woman had already gotten into bed, what could they do besides grudgingly accept it?

Even a high-ranking official like Grand Preceptor Song had to swallow his pride!

Thankfully, Yue Niang had given her a heads-up.

Otherwise, if a widow had entered the household without her knowing, she didn’t know how furious she’d be!

Bai Ruzhu dropped the matter from her mind.

She smiled and said, “Today we have a small family banquet at Grandfather’s place. It’s getting late. Let’s go.”

Li Muyun, preparing for the upcoming exams, had canceled all social events and obediently stayed home to study.

The Bai family were originally from the capital.

Having left for a post about seven or eight years ago, they had now returned and been promoted—naturally they had to host a small gathering.

It wasn’t extravagant, just a few close families for a casual meal.

By the time they arrived by carriage, most guests had already gathered.

There were several relatives from the main Bai lineage, the Fang family (Madam Fang’s side), and the Marquis of Xiangyang’s family.

It wasn’t a large group, but the house was lively.

As soon as Li Zhiyue followed Bai Ruzhu inside, she saw Madam Fang scolding someone at the corridor corner while Concubine Wei stood with her head lowered, looking extremely uneasy.

Bai Ruzhu walked over. “What’s going on here?”

“Sorry you had to see this.” Madam Fang gave a sheepish smile to Bai Ruzhu, then glared coldly at Concubine Wei. “Dressing so gaudily—who are you trying to impress? Hurry and change your clothes!”

Concubine Wei lowered her head. “Yes, madam.”

“Since we’ve returned to the capital, she’s been dressing like a young maiden every day. She’s trying to distract the men!” Madam Fang added, “Your eldest uncle is aiming to pass the civil service exam. If a woman distracts him and ruins his future, none of the Bai family will let her off. I’m saying this for her own good!”

Li Zhiyue’s lips twitched.

Concubine Wei’s family used to run a general store.

Business had grown in the past few years, and when she returned to the capital, they gifted her lots of fine clothes and jewelry—this clearly displeased Madam Fang.

Life under Madam Fang was far from easy.

Li Zhiyue recalled how, when the original host was exiled and gravely ill, Madam Fang was cold and sarcastic, while Concubine Wei had secretly given silver to her elder brother.

In comparison, it was obvious who was closer and who was not.

She said, “I think Concubine Wei is just dressed normally. If this is enough to distract my uncle, then he might as well not study at all.”

“You wear gold and silver, no one can compare with you!” Madam Fang replied in a sour tone. “You’re the junior here. It’s best not to meddle in elders’ affairs.”

“Mother, Yue Niang isn’t wrong,” Bai Tang walked over and gently tried to defuse the situation. “It’s just a small family banquet. Let’s not make things difficult for Concubine Wei. Everyone getting along is more pleasant.”

Madam Fang jabbed a finger hard into Bai Tang’s forehead. “Whose daughter are you? Always siding with outsiders!”

Her finger left a red mark, and Bai Tang teared up in pain.

“Enough! What’s all this fuss?” Old Madam Bai hurried over and scolded coldly.

The Bai family had many strengths, but a good daughter-in-law wasn’t one of them.

Madam Fang was sharp-tongued, always picking fights.

Back when they lived in Lingchuan, it was tolerable due to the lack of nobility.

But now that they were back in the capital—where even a falling plaque could hit three noblemen—if Madam Fang didn’t change, she could bring disaster upon the family.

Old Madam Bai was about to give a few stern words—

When suddenly, the gatekeeper shouted in excitement, “The Grand Justice of the Court of Judicial Review, Lord Cheng, has arrived!”

The gatekeeper was visibly shaking.

He didn’t recognize the man at first—until Cheng Changyan presented his official token, and only then did the gatekeeper shout in disbelief.

The Bai family was stunned.

This was just a small family banquet—how did they manage to attract the Grand Justice?

Although the Grand Justice was only a third-rank official, he was one of the Nine Ministers, close to the emperor, and held real power in court.

When the old master Bai Youtang was previously in the capital, Cheng Changyan hadn’t risen to prominence yet—they had no dealings at all.

He racked his brain and still couldn’t figure out why Cheng Changyan had come.

Could it be… an investigation?

But the Bai family had only just returned to the capital.

What crime could they possibly have committed?

With all kinds of suspicions, Bai Youtang led his family to the entrance to greet the guest.

Before he could bow, Cheng Changyan cupped his hands first: “I’ve long heard of Lord Bai. I’m honored to finally meet you. Forgive my abrupt visit.”

His courteous manner put Bai Youtang at ease—as long as it wasn’t for an investigation!

The old man smiled warmly, “A guest is always welcome. Please, Lord Cheng, come in.”

Cheng Changyan followed Bai Youtang inside, raising his eyes to spot Li Zhiyue in the crowd.

The corners of his lips curled into a smile.

Li Zhiyue smiled back.

Ever since learning that Cheng Changyan was the son of a fellow villager, she had instinctively considered him one of her own—he seemed so familiar and kind.

“Tangtang, was Lord Cheng just now looking at you?” Madam Fang clutched her chest and whispered, “Our Bai family has no connection with this rising star. Could he have come… for you?”

Bai Tang was dumbfounded. “Mother, what are you saying?”

Madam Fang lowered her voice further. “Last time I mentioned a marriage proposal to your aunt, she sounded very reluctant. You should start planning for yourself. This Lord Cheng is far superior to Li Muyun. If you could…”

Bai Tang’s expression instantly turned cold.

She didn’t want to hear another word.

Shaking off Madam Fang’s hand, she strode away.

With Cheng Changyan present, the family banquet became less casual.

Everyone kept sneaking glances at this newly-promoted official.

Cheng Changyan remained calm throughout, chatting with Bai Youtang about court affairs.

Once the banquet ended and guests began to leave—

Cheng Changyan pulled a file from his sleeve and handed it over. “Lord Bai, I didn’t come just for the banquet today. Please look over this list.”

A bad feeling crept into Bai Youtang’s heart.

He quickly took the list and skimmed through it, then shook his head blankly. “I don’t know a single person on here.”

“Oh?” Cheng Changyan looked around at the Bai family. “Then, do any of you recognize these names?”

Everyone gathered to look—each shook their head.

Li Suiwen curiously leaned in as well—he didn’t know any of them either.

However—

Madam Fang suddenly turned deathly pale.

She stammered, “I-I don’t recognize them either…”

“Madam,” Cheng Changyan’s voice was calm but sharp, “I’ve spent years interrogating the most vicious criminals. I can tell truth from lies at a glance. If you insist on denying it, I don’t mind using other methods.”