Chapter 118: Hello Chang’an
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### Chapter 118: Not Yet Finished
Moments later, Madam Jie smiled slightly and nodded, saying, “These two paintings are not comparable, which shows that Lady Chang is innocent.”
Her tone suggested a kind of authoritative endorsement, almost as if she was elevating herself above the others.
And she remained detached from the situation.
After all, she had merely proposed a method for the other party to prove herself, without making any accusations or slander, hadn’t she?
Chang Suining also smiled faintly, “Then I thank Madam Jie for upholding justice for me.”
Madam Jie lifted her chin slightly, “As long as Lady Chang is truly innocent, no one can frame her.”
“I can’t agree with that statement.”
At this, Madam Jie raised her eyebrows, looking at the girl who dared to contradict her.
Chang Suining asked seriously, “If that painting were indeed drawn by me but was somehow stolen, how would I prove my innocence with the painting?”
In this world, logic often took a backseat, and if she had said this before her “self-proving,” it would have been seen as an excuse.
But now that she was in the process of “self-proving,” she could speak on it.
“If it were just a stolen painting, that would be somewhat fortunate. But if what was stolen were a woman’s intimate belongings, once displayed publicly, her reputation would be irreparably damaged, and she wouldn’t even have a chance to explain. What then?” The girl’s voice was calm. “Should one die to ‘prove’ one’s innocence?”
At this moment, the surroundings grew even quieter.
Duan Shi sighed.
Throughout history, there had been many women forced to sacrifice their lives to prove their innocence, and not a few at that.
But what would happen to them after they died?
Even if they could not prove their innocence, they would still bear the burden of gossip and shame.
If they were lucky enough to prove their innocence, they might gain a reputation for chastity.
But once dead, what good would that do?
Seeing that the girl was waiting for her response, Madam Jie calmly countered, “What do you mean by saying this, Lady Chang?”
Meanwhile, the old tutor, who had been drowsily on the verge of sleep, was being scolded by his servant—how could an old tutor sleep at a time like this!
If he missed such a wonderful painting, he’d have something to cry about later!
In response to Madam Jie’s question, Chang Suining said, “I just feel that the so-called reputation and innocence of women is like a double-edged sword; just walking down the street, anyone could rush up and splash a bucket of mud labeled ‘lost virtue’ on them, and then they would be forced to prove themselves—”
Master Zhu’s eyelids twitched slightly.
The girl continued, “If it’s just idle talk, then why should they be forced to prove themselves? If someone truly wants to slander them, how can they prove their innocence? Therefore, I believe that the expectation for women to prove their innocence is completely unreasonable.”
Grand Tutor Zhu suddenly opened his eyes.
The people around him had various expressions as they listened.
Madam Jie’s gaze turned slightly colder as she fixed her eyes on the audacious girl before her: “If that’s the case, then my request for Lady Chang to paint as proof to clear her name was wrong?”
“But what if I can’t prove myself? Madam Jie has yet to answer my earlier question—” Chang Suining glanced at the helpless man beside her, “What if this painting was stolen? How would I prove it?”
This was the second time she had asked this.
Madam Jie pursed her lips tighter.
Today’s events had not gone smoothly, and she had to let this unruly girl go for the time being. But now the girl was refusing to let go… how absurd!
Did she really think that just because she had painted a highly praised painting, she could look down on her?
The servant beside her coldly interjected, “Lady Chang, you’re being quite aggressive, using hypothetical scenarios to criticize my lady’s actions. Don’t you know the proper etiquette for guests?”
Her accusatory tone was sharp, creating a sense of oppression that made many young ladies change their expressions.
They were still young and had known Madam Jie as a model of virtue since they could remember, like a towering mountain standing before each of them.
If the mountain were to be angered, it would be unbearable.
They instinctively looked towards the girl standing in front of the mountain, only to see her cast a casual glance at the servant.
“I’m speaking with your mistress; who gave you the right to interrupt? How uncouth, and so lacking in decorum—did you come from the palace?”
Chang Suining secretly scoffed; this was no mere hypothetical. If it had been A Li here today, it wouldn’t have been a hypothesis.
Her question left all the women stunned.
The servant’s face shifted between red and white, wanting to retort but being unable to because of the implications in the other’s words.
Her lady was respected for her virtue and decorum, and if she truly took on a reputation for being uncouth, it would only reflect badly on Madam Jie!
Madam Jie sneered, “Lady Chang has quite the authority, even teaching my servants a lesson.”
Chang Suining remained unperturbed: “Madam Jie is joking. Since you are a model for women, why would my guidance be needed for your servants?”
Madam Jie’s eyes darkened as she enunciated each word, “It seems Lady Chang not only wants to instruct my servants but also wishes to teach me—”
Her words seemed to carry a heavy weight.
The atmosphere around them suddenly stiffened.
“What does it mean to teach? I may not be a teacher, but I understand a bit about the principles of being one.”
Chang Suining stood confidently, looking at the Jie family matriarch, who was attempting to crush her with intimidation: “Madam Jie has long resided in the deep palace and managed the harem affairs. You must have become accustomed to the schemes of deceit; you are surely familiar with theft and framing. Given this, when you proposed publicly that I should prove my innocence, did you really not consider the possibility that someone might steal the painting and slander me?”
In the presence of those who seldom saw foolishness, her clear analysis caused many to reconsider.
Indeed, how could such an astute person as Madam Jie not think of it?
But once this idea was put forth by Madam Jie, which woman could refuse?
“Being upright leads to unbidden respect. Being improper, no matter the orders, will not be followed.” Chang Suining looked at Madam Jie’s increasingly darkened expression and concluded, “Since you are revered as a teacher of women, every word and deed is treated as truth, having such a significant influence, you should consider your actions carefully, shouldn’t you?”
In that moment, one could hear a pin drop.
The women around were astonished, as if they had never thought they would hear such words addressed to Madam Jie!
Madam Jie’s expression could hardly be described as merely difficult.
Wei Miaoqing stared at Chang Suining, dumbfounded.
How… how could she be so bold?
Though she had known Chang Suining was daring, she hadn’t expected her to be so audacious!
And Chang Suining was still able to maintain her composure under Madam Jie’s piercing gaze… If it were her, whether right or wrong, she would have flushed red and cried, probably unable to utter a single word!
Chang Suining quietly observed the humiliated Madam Jie.
The two were not of the same kind; Madam Jie had come here today intending to “teach a lesson,” using her so-called prestige to act wantonly, while the so-called rules and morals were merely tools to control and pressure other women.
A mere wet nurse of the good-for-nothing Li Bing dared to come uninvited and overstep her bounds, wanting to teach her a lesson? It was truly absurd.
To stir the pot while still wanting to maintain a lofty demeanor and leave without a scratch—was she not daydreaming?
If such a thing happened once, there would be a second time. Today, she was teaching her a lesson, and tomorrow, it could be someone else.
Relying on her prestige among the women, to prevent her from repeating her old tricks, Chang Suining figured she might as well attempt to dismantle that unearned reputation of hers.
In the silence, someone suddenly laughed, “Well said!”
Madam Jie’s expression trembled as she turned to see it was the old tutor, Grand Tutor Zhu.
Grand Tutor Zhu, supported by his servant, stood up with a pleased smile, pointing at Chang Suining, “You little girl, you have a sharp mind!”
Chang Suining smiled back at him, “Thank you for the compliment, Grand Tutor Zhu.”
Students generally appreciate being praised by their teachers.
Seeing the girl’s smiling face, Grand Tutor Zhu suddenly felt a moment of daze.
It seemed that his eyesight had grown dim; he almost saw something reminiscent of…
Madam Jie’s face quivered slightly as she forced out a cold laugh, “Today’s poetry gathering has not been in vain; not only did I witness Lady Chang’s talent, but I also experienced her sharp tongue and good upbringing… The General’s residence has indeed taught her well, broadening my horizons!”
Chang Kuo had long disliked her, and now he laughed instead of getting angry: “Indeed, that’s true! I, Chang Kuo, may lack other skills, but I have raised a good daughter! As for the teachings of raising daughters, we have plenty of insights, so there’s no need for Madam Jie to condescend to instruct us!”
Hearing this blatant dismissal and sarcastic tone, Madam Jie’s anger intensified, and she repeatedly sneered, muttering “very good indeed,” unwilling to stay a moment longer. With her composure intact, she turned to leave.
She would remember today’s events!
Just a presumptuous little girl… she had many ways to deal with her!
Based solely on what was said tonight, even a rumor of her disrespecting her elders could crush her!
As Madam Jie angrily prepared to leave, Chang Suining called out, “Madam Jie, please hold on.”
Madam Jie turned back, coldly asking, “What further instruction does Lady Chang have?”
“This matter is not yet finished.” Chang Suining looked at the man who was trembling on his knees. “Isn’t Madam Jie curious about who instructed this person?”
Madam Jie mocked, “How could I dare to be curious about Lady Chang’s matters?”
“How can you know if you don’t listen?” Chang Suining fixed her gaze on the man. “Speak up! Who instructed you, and where did the painting come from?”
The man trembled like a leaf, “I didn’t… I didn’t do anything! I just came to ask about my nephew’s whereabouts!”
Chang Kuo interjected, “At this point, you still dare to deny it! Do you know the penalties for slandering others with falsehoods and fabricating evidence against the reputation of an official’s family?”
Yao Yi hesitated, unable to find the words.
Madam Jie sneered inwardly.
The man trembled as he spoke, “Then… then just take me to the authorities… I did nothing wrong; the magistrate will surely uphold justice for me!”
Chang Suining understood, “It seems someone has informed you that tarnishing a young lady’s reputation carries no real consequences.”
The Da Sheng legal system inherited laws from the previous dynasty, which included defamation laws. However, defamation was categorized into three types: the first being spreading rumors that disrupt public order, the second involving inappropriate comments about state affairs or disrespect towards the emperor or officials, and the third being defamation or false accusations.
The third type was only applicable in cases under investigation, while the first two were often proposed for abolition due to the need for open discourse within the court, making them mostly nominal. Whether someone would be punished for such offenses depended largely on political needs.
Therefore, falsely accusing a woman of immorality truly did not amount to a significant crime at present.
At most, considering the severe social implications, the man could be taken to the authorities, given a few lashes, and locked up for ten days to a month.
The reason such slander against women was so common was likely due to the absence of stringent penalties.
The man clearly understood the “weight” of the situation and remained unfazed by Chang Kuo’s threats.
A different approach was necessary—
“The law may not be able to impose any severe punishment on you, but aren’t you afraid of retaliation in secret?” Chang Suining asked curiously.
The man’s expression changed: “You….”
Retaliation in secret?
While it was human nature… was that something she could directly say?
So many people were listening, yet this young girl dared to openly threaten him with retaliation?
“I fear this opportunity won’t be easily afforded to me,” Chang Suining corrected him, “Didn’t you hear clearly how Zhou Ding died?”
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