Chapter 195: Slander - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 195: Slander

The Emperor was reminded of Lin Wang's actions over the years, and although he had been diligent, he had never shown partiality. The Yingtian Prefecture under his control had always remained loyal only to him, which eased the Emperor's anger somewhat.

“Alright then, you may receive twenty blows yourself. If anyone else dares to speak of this tomorrow, I will deal with them.”

With a raised hand and a gentle drop, it was clear to everyone present that Lin Wang’s crisis was resolved, while the Bai family’s situation had now escalated into a full confrontation with the Wei family.

Having achieved their goals, the parties involved prepared to leave.

Once they were gone, Consort Shu emerged from the inner palace and approached Emperor Qi to soothe the furrowed brow of his worries.

“Your Majesty, you are in a difficult position. Both the Wei and Bai families are important to Great Jin, and yet they are causing such chaos. The ministers, instead of understanding their place, are making things hard for Your Majesty.”

While this might seem like a complaint about the Bai family’s lack of propriety and their late-night petition causing trouble for Emperor Qi, it was actually a rebuke towards the Wei family. The Wei family had provoked the Bai family to the point of no return, forcing Emperor Qi to clean up the mess.

“Alright, it is a rule of Great Jin that the harem does not discuss state affairs. Though Qinglei is led by a female ruler, in Great Jin, you must follow Great Jin’s rules, understand?”

“This servant has spoken out of turn. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.” As she spoke, she leaned closer to Emperor Qi, causing him to lose focus momentarily.

However, being a disciplined ruler, even with a beautiful consort beside him, Emperor Qi remained focused on state matters.

“Wang Yu.”

“Here, Your Majesty.”

“Send Meng Da to investigate whether the abductor's confession is true. If it is, then there is no need to keep him alive. We should avoid further unrest in the court.”

“Yes.”

Emperor Qi’s instructions were clear. Whether the matter was true or not, Lu Yuanfeng had no future. One wondered where he found the courage to provoke two major families in the court.

A person who spoke carelessly and schemed foolishly, seeking to rise quickly.

Truly, fate was closing in on him.

After the departure, Zichen Palace enjoyed another night of spring-like tranquility.

The scandal of the Bai family’s daughter eloping spread rapidly through the streets and alleys the next day, as if someone was stoking the flames. The news seemed to have wings, with everyone from elderly citizens to three-year-old children gossiping incessantly.

The gossips, munching on sunflower seeds, spoke disdainfully about it.

“If such a shameless daughter were in my family, it would be a wonder if she wasn’t beaten to death. The Bai family prides itself on being a prestigious noble family, yet their own daughter is raised so badly? Truly a sin!”

“Indeed, such disgraceful behavior, and now it’s being spread around. The Bai family’s daughter should be finished.”

“But who is that man? What kind of man could make her leave even a distinguished young master of the Prince Kang’s mansion?”

“Hmm, who knows?”

For the common people, the truth was irrelevant. What mattered was that something scandalous happened to someone else. Spreading rumors required no resources—just idle chatter.

Everyone was eager to see the Bai family’s embarrassment or their response. Many believed that if the Bai family didn’t punish this daughter severely, they would lose their standing in Great Jin, and anyone could step in to criticize or deride them. People seemed to forget the contributions the Bai family had made to the state in the past.

Shen Shi and Bai Sihan had been hiding in a small courtyard, recuperating, and rarely causing a stir. They intended to quietly heal their injuries and return to Qiongzhou once they were better. Although the capital was fine, it was not a place where they could comfortably stay.

Unexpectedly, mother and daughter heard about Bai Siruo’s scandal.

Shen Shi’s maid, Zheng Mama, returned from shopping with an excited expression and approached Shen Shi.

“Heaven has opened its eyes. Our young miss Bai is spared from this trouble. I heard yesterday that the Fourth Master beat the eldest miss, and I was curious about why the Bai family’s precious daughter would be beaten. But today, I heard this news.”

Shen Shi, focused on caring for Bai Sihan, was not in the mood for idle talk.

Zheng Mama noticed her impatience and said, “Madam, it’s being rumored that the eldest miss eloped with a man. The Fourth Master must have used family discipline on her because she was caught. Such a big matter seems like a windfall.”

To Shen Shi, this was as if a pie had fallen from the sky. Her first reaction was that if Bai Siruo’s reputation was ruined and the Prince Kang’s mansion had to address it, her own Sihan might have a chance to marry into the Prince Kang’s mansion!

Although the reputation might suffer, the actual benefits were substantial.

Once Sihan was married into the Prince Kang’s mansion, Shen Shi would become the maternal grandmother of the Prince Kang’s mansion’s heir. She could walk proudly not only in Qiongzhou but even in the capital.

Her previously subdued thoughts were revived. She instructed Zheng Mama, “Quickly find out how the family is reacting to this matter and when the Prince Kang’s mansion will come to annul the engagement. If we seize this opportunity, it could be a good chance for Sihan and me to rise.”

Zheng Mama, who had served her for many years, understood her intentions and quickly nodded. “Madam, rest assured. I will investigate this immediately, but the First Madam has issued a strict order prohibiting any discussion of this matter among the household servants, so it might require some extra silver.”

At such a time, Shen Shi was not stingy with silver. She took out a hidden box filled with various small coins, grabbed a handful, and placed it in Zheng Mama’s palm, saying with satisfaction.

“If this matter is successfully handled, you will be rewarded. I remember your husband in Qiongzhou is merely a steward. Once Sihan marries into the Prince Kang’s mansion, you can have him and the children move here to manage the estate.”

Zheng Mama immediately promised to do her utmost.

As Shen Shi envisioned the scene of the Prince Kang’s mansion bringing a lavish dowry to their small courtyard, the Prince Kang’s mansion indeed sent people.

After the old prince had consulted with the Emperor, all external matters were handled by the heir and the heir’s wife. Now, they were the ones who arrived along with Xiao Mu Qian.

The onlookers did not know what was happening, but seeing the three of them hurrying in, they thought it might be to annul the engagement.

Given the unpleasant rumors outside, no one would be pleased in such a situation.

Zheng Mama used some silver to ensure a serving maid would report the conversation to her.

If it was truly an engagement annulment, then her own miss might have a chance.

The group went straight to the Fourth Master’s residence. When they met with Princess Wen Yi, the heir and his wife were deeply concerned.

Xiao Mu Qian asked directly, “I heard that yesterday Uncle beat Siruo. How is she now? Are her injuries serious? I brought some military medicine that promotes healing and scab formation.”