Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Fu Lianyin was shocked: "What are we going to Duke of Yan's Residence for? Could it be that something went wrong at last night's ‘Hundred Day Feast’? But Zhuo Min shouldn't have let anything slip, was he drunk?" While she was lost in thought, Yun Yang had already dragged the Fu Family to the door, the commotion attracting Old Lady Zhou, Second Matriarch, and some casual maids and servants.
"Third, what are you doing?" Old Lady Zhou had become more assertive since the deaths of the Three Old Lords, especially with her son safe and sound. Her tone carried a hint of authority, "Making such a racket early in the morning and pulling at Third Madam like this—what kind of behavior is that?"
Fu Lianyin hurriedly climbed up the ladder of excuses, saying, "Yes, yes, Mother, please persuade Master. Ever since he returned from attending Young Master’s ‘Hundred Day Feast’ at Duke of Yan's Residence, he has been like this." She grew increasingly aggrieved, feeling sorry for herself as tears fell, "I don’t know who has been spreading rumors to sow discord between us..."
After patiently listening to Fu Lianyin's complaints, Old Lady Zhou and Second Matriarch exchanged glances. Qian Hanqiu turned to Yun Yang, her expression darkening as she said, "Third, you are the well-known Deputy Minister of Justice of Great Taihe. How can you so blindly believe these baseless claims that are meant to drive a wedge between you two?"
"Second Aunt," Yun Yang interrupted coldly, "I may not be clear on everything right now, but if you're interested, come with me to Duke of Yan's Residence. Then you'll see whether these claims are baseless or if there is solid evidence."
"What exactly is going on?" Madam Zhou impatiently paused her fidgeting with the prayer beads and said, "You need to explain things clearly before I make any decisions."
"Mother has been so concerned about Fourth Brother, perhaps she has completely forgotten about Second Brother's tragic death," Yun Yang spoke with a hint of resentment. "But I haven't forgotten; I will never forget!"
A look of shame crossed Old Lady Zhou's face. The death of her second son, Yun You, had indeed caused her great grief for a time. Initially, she had even asked Yun Yang about the progress of the case. However, as years passed without hearing him mention it again, she gradually dulled the pain of losing a child due to time. Yet it was impossible for her to completely forget; hence her expression became awkward.
"How do you know that I have forgotten about your second brother's death?" Old Lady Zhou said angrily. "Isn't it because you, as a dignified Deputy Minister of Justice, can't find any clues?" Then suddenly realizing something, she turned sharply to look at Fu Lianyin, her tone dropping low as if speaking to herself but heavy with tension. "Is this related to Third Madam?"
The Fu Family gasped in shock. She hurriedly shook her head in denial but dared not utter a word in defense. This only deepened Madam Zhou's suspicions. She knew her third daughter-in-law all too well; back when she and Dai Chun Ni had caused chaos in the Third House, it had been quite a scene.
First there was the issue of “adoption,” then they set their sights on the marriage of Han Wangfu. However, there had been an agreement that the marriage of the Seventh Young Lady Adopted would not be interfered with by the Third House, which had been sealed in a brocade box. If the Fu Family were unwilling to accept this and sought every means to obtain the brocade box, disrupting the bond between a father and his biological daughter would surely lead them down a dangerous path!
As she looked at the Fu Family, Madam Zhou's gaze turned sharp like two gleaming blades aimed directly at Fu Lianyin, making her unable to lift her head in guilt.
"Mother, if you are willing, come with me to Duke of Yan's Residence," Upon hearing this from Zhou, even he felt ashamed. "You understand everything, but I refuse to speak another word with this wretched woman." Knowing that her son acted decisively and would not insist without solid evidence, Madam Zhou made up her mind: "I will go with you; it's been a long time since I've seen Seventh Aunt. I miss her very much. But will we disturb them by going so early? We should inform them first so they can prepare for our visit."
Realizing what she meant, Yun Yang released his grip on the Fu Family. He went over to whisper something to a servant who nodded repeatedly before quickly leaving the residence. Then he returned to everyone else while allowing himself to remain silent despite attempts from Second Matriarch to question him further. The members of the Fu Family knew this visit was unavoidable; even if they had ample reasons not to go, refusing would only expose their guilt further. It would be better to see for themselves what was happening and act accordingly; after all, visiting the Duke of Yan's Residence wasn’t like entering a den of tigers—what harm could it do?!
Half an hour later, Yun Yang estimated that the servants he sent might have arrived at the Yan State Duke's residence to report, so he ordered the other servants to prepare the carriage and set off immediately.
The Second Madam watched from a distance as the person disappeared at the garden gate, a hint of cold indifference appearing in her eyes. She had heard from Yun Ke about what happened after the Hundred Day Feast last night, yet she remained unexpectedly calm. It seemed she was well aware of Fu Lianyin's methods; however, what could a woman do? All she could do was wait, and finally, she had waited for this moment. She sighed inwardly, feeling that fate had its eyes on them. Fu Lianyin had finally received her comeuppance, and she was grateful for the restraint and decisiveness of Duke Feng.
She actually wanted to accompany them to see how the Seventh Young Lady was avenging her father and to see how her grandchildren had grown. However, after much hesitation, she decided not to go and would let Yun Ke convey her message afterward.
When they arrived at the Yan State Duke's residence, the Feng family was already waiting in the hall. Since the servants had previously reported Yun's intentions, Feng Hongrui merely exchanged some formal pleasantries before leading them to the dungeon where Zhuo Min was imprisoned.
Zhuo Min was shackled hand and foot, sitting with a dazed expression. Upon hearing sounds from the direction of the dungeon door, she immediately perked up, turning her face in anticipation of seeing her children. She even fantasized that Feng Hongrui would come to visit her out of old feelings but was frightened into changing her expression when she saw who entered: it was actually members of the Yun family—both Third Master and the Third Madam were present, along with Madam Zhou. What did this mean?
Before Zhuo Min could "sniff" out any clues, Yun Yang had forcefully pushed Fu Lianyin forward. The Fu family stumbled and leaned against the wall, turning to look at Zhuo Min with an expression full of disappointment.
"What are you doing here?" Zhuo Min spoke first, trying to take control of the situation. "My dear cousin, haven't you harmed me enough?"
Fu Lianyin did not expect Zhuo Min to be so eager to draw a line between them; this only made her hate Zhuo Min's foolishness even more.
"It’s not that I wanted to come," Fu Lianyin coldly glanced at those in front of her.
Her intention was to inform Zhuo Min that she had nothing left and not to "act too hastily." However, Zhuo Min secretly mocked Fu Lianyin for still being as self-righteous as before, thinking everything was under her control. If it weren't for Fu Lianyin's solemn guarantee of "absolute safety," she wouldn't have been so foolish as to "help."
"Well then, Consort should thank my cousin for her concern," Zhuo Min said sarcastically. After last night's ordeal, she no longer had the strength to stubbornly deny anything. She only hoped that Duke Feng would spare her life for having given birth to his children. Rather than resist stubbornly, it would be better to confess at an opportune moment and draw a clear line for survival. "I appreciate you bringing this group of people to 'visit' me."
Fu Lianyin felt somewhat awakened by Zhuo Min's cold mockery: indeed, something significant had happened at the Yan State Duke's residence last night. However, she couldn't understand how things unfolded or how Zhuo Min's family had exposed themselves. At the same time, she reminded herself that Zhuo Min's family could no longer be relied upon.
"I already said it wasn’t my choice," Fu Lianyin said with a cold smile as she observed everything clearly. "But you—how did you end up looking like a stray dog overnight? It's quite pitiful."
"You feel pity?" Zhuo Min laughed as if she didn't understand. "Did I hear you wrong? My dear cousin should be pleased instead; sorry, but I can't accept your good intentions."
"Isn't it so? Even if she refuses to admit it, the Duke of Yan's household will surely kill her, and there will never be any witnesses to this matter. Fu Lianyin will remain carefree, continuing to live her life as the legitimate wife of the Third House. How could things be so easy? Whoever drags her down with them, she will take them to hell with her. Perhaps it might even stir some compassion in the Duke of Yan's household, allowing a few children to be spared and well taken care of.
In an instant, Fu Lianyin understood Zhuo Min's intentions. Just as she hesitated about what to do next, Yun Yang spoke coldly.
'Zhuo Family, today I have also invited my elderly mother here. You should honestly confess your collusion with the Fu Family that led to my brother's death.'
Zhuo Min knelt down, dragging her chains, and 'sincerely' said, 'Yes! The Consort and Fu Lianyin are distant relatives; my mother and her mother were also close friends. However, the Consort is not very familiar with the Fu Family.' Zhuo Min glanced at Fu Lianyin with disdain, eager to distance herself from the situation but speaking slowly. 'Later, when she married into the Duke of E's household and became the legitimate wife of the Third House, we began to have contact. Originally, like all distant relatives, our relationship was not deep. But then she came to me and told me about her inhumane life in the Duke of E's household, pushing all the blame onto the Second House. She claimed that unless the Second House was eliminated, her hatred would never subside.' Zhuo Min continued while rolling her eyes, waiting for the Fu Family to refute her. Seeing Fu Lianyin stunned into silence without uttering a word only made her feel more emboldened. She timely changed the subject. 'As for the subsequent plans, I have already confessed everything to the Duke and the Third Master last night, so I won't elaborate further. I hope you can show mercy considering I am merely a pawn in this matter.'
Fu Lianyin sneered inwardly: I really underestimated Zhuo Min; this embellished account could come out of her mouth without a change in her expression—truly impressive.
'Fu Family, what else do you have to say?' Yun Yang asked with a face darkened with anger.
Fu Lianyin understood that Zhuo Min had likely revealed most of their 'partnership,' and any further argument on her part would only add fuel to Yun Yang's anger. However, letting Zhuo Min succeed like this left her unwilling.
'My lord, the Consort is guilty,' Fu Lianyin knelt down on both knees and calmly stated without crying or arguing. 'She has been blinded by hatred and committed many unforgivable mistakes. However, what Zhuo Family just said contains many discrepancies, and given her own unclean conduct and infidelity, how can we trust someone like her!'
Zhuo Min was first taken aback and then smirked: finally desperate enough to jump over the wall!"
Comment 0 Comment Count