The streets and alleys of Nanxuan Prefecture were still abuzz with news of Madam Qin. Perhaps it was because Huang Bin and Granny Hao had confessed to framing Madam Qin, and then both met their demise in the courtroom. Madam Qin's reputation had been somewhat salvaged.
However, some people with rigid ideas still firmly believed that Madam Qin had lost her chastity, even if she had been framed.
The backyard of the Qin family.
Finally free from confinement in the ancestral hall, Madam Qin had changed into clean clothes. Looking at her beautiful yet gaunt face in the bronze mirror, Madam Qin curled her lips into a cold smile. She would not let anyone who had harmed her off the hook.
"You still have the leisure to look in the mirror?" a sharp and angry voice boomed from the doorway of the bedroom. A young girl glared at Madam Qin with fierce eyes, as if she wanted to flay her alive.
"Qin'er, where are your manners?" a scolding voice followed immediately. The middle-aged woman speaking looked reproachfully at her daughter. "Whether the Li family broke off the engagement or not, such a fickle family is not worthy of my daughter!"
"Mother." Qin Qin, who had been furious and eager to rush into the inner chambers to settle accounts with Madam Qin, nodded. Mother was right. The Qin family had not yet fallen, and the Li family, fearing implication, was quick to break off the engagement. They were indeed not a good match.
Even so, Qin Qin still hated her cousin, Madam Qin. If it weren't for her improper behavior, how could she have been jilted?
As for Granny Hao and Huang Bin's confession, Qin Qin didn't believe it at all. Everyone knew that old woman was loyal to Qin Qiong, willing to remain unmarried her whole life to care for her. Granny Hao was merely trying to exonerate Qin Qiong, otherwise, why would she have slit her own throat?
Although Madam Qin was the lady of the Qin family, Madam Qin's incident had implicated all the young ladies of the Qin family. Otherwise, how would people from collateral branches dare to barge into Madam Qin's bedroom?
"Sister-in-law, Qin'er is just upset. We'll go to the outer hall now." The woman spoke with a cold expression, patting Qin Qin's arm reassuringly. Mother and daughter left together.
Those shameless wretches! Despite her anger, Madam Qin could only suppress her emotions and step into the inner chambers.
Looking at the slender and delicate Madam Qin, and thinking that she would perish so young, Madam Qin was overcome with grief. Her lips trembled slightly. "Qiong'er."
"Mother, are they here to settle accounts?" Madam Qin laughed self-mockingly, looking at Madam Qin, whose eyes were red-rimmed, a flicker of mockery in her expression.
If Mother truly loved her, why would she have allowed the Qin family to force her to death? In the end, it was only for the sake of her son that she was considered a daughter!
Lowering her head to hide the sorrow in her heart, Madam Qin completely missed the coldness in Madam Qin's eyes. "Your third sister and the others are also coming."
As the daughter of the main branch, and skilled in disguise, most of the Qin family's young ladies were friendly with her. However, as they spent more time together, some of the more intelligent ones discovered Madam Qin's hypocrisy.
"I'll go out and see. What must be faced will be faced." Madam Qin's voice was still gentle, but her eyes were filled with mocking coldness. They all wanted to force her to death. Hah, just wait. In three years at most, she would make these people beg for life and wish for death!
The flower hall was filled with the female members of the Qin family. The married women remained silent, as the Qin family had more or less weathered the storm, and the head of the Qin family was still the head of the family.
But the unmarried young ladies of the Qin family were different. Their faces were stern. Whoever denounced Madam Qin would likely have their own marriages affected. Hadn't Qin Qin been jilted?
The young ladies of the Chu family also looked displeased. Madam Qin's alleged adultery, whether true or false, had ruined the reputation of the Qin family's women. They were either reprimanded by their mothers-in-law or mocked by their sisters-in-law and sisters-in-law. Even their husbands looked at them with suspicion.
"Second sister, don't cry. Father and Mother said they would go to your home in a while and surely get your nephew and niece back!" The young girl speaking was only twelve or thirteen, looking at her second sister, whose eyes were red from crying, with pity.
After the rumors of Madam Qin's adultery spread, her mother-in-law used it as an excuse to take her five-year-old son and one-year-old daughter into her own courtyard, saying that the Qin family's upbringing was poor and she didn't want her mother to corrupt the Ai family's children.
"Second sister, you're still fortunate. At least your second brother-in-law cares about you." The woman in the red dress gritted her teeth in hatred. She glanced at Madam Qin, who was walking gracefully into the courtyard, and said hatefully, "My mother-in-law actually wants to marry that vixen cousin as a principal wife!"
Even though her relationship with Madam Qin had been good before, at this moment, the woman in the red dress wished she could eat Madam Qin alive. Even if the Qin family was safe this time, after such an incident, that old witch would surely have her husband bring the vixen cousin back. If not as a principal wife, then at least as a favored concubine!
As Madam Qin entered, all eyes converged on her, mostly with resentment and hostility.
"Since you're all here, say what you want to say!" Madam Qin said with a cold smile, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. Her daughter was being pushed to her death. She couldn't deal with these women for the time being, but as the lady of the Qin family, she had plenty of time to avenge Qiong'er.
"Sister-in-law, even if Qiong'er was wronged." The woman speaking raised her eyebrows, deliberately emphasizing the word "wronged" with a tone full of mockery. Her husband had almost become the head of the Qin family back then, so this feud had been brewing for years. Naturally, the woman had to add insult to injury.
"But Qiong'er's reputation is now ruined. For the sake of the reputation of our Qin family's young ladies, Sister-in-law, you must give us an explanation." The woman looked at Madam Qin mockingly, and said word for word, "After all, as long as this person is alive, outsiders will always remember this matter."
With one woman starting, the other women present also chimed in. As long as Madam Qin was alive, she was a living disgrace, and anyone could use Madam Qin to mock them in the future.
Even though she knew this would happen, Madam Qin's hands trembled with anger. She knew in her heart that her daughter had no way out, but these women also had daughters. How could they be so malicious!
"Aunties and sisters." Madam Qin, standing beside Madam Qin, spoke slowly with a cold expression. "After I've settled my children, I will commit suicide. It is my fault that my sisters have suffered unwarranted disaster. I apologize to everyone. Fortunately, after my death, this storm will subside in a few years."
Uh... Although they had all wished Madam Qin dead before, hearing her words this time, everyone's faces showed sadness. After all, she was a junior they had watched grow up.
Before anyone could speak, Madam Qin said again, "Just give me three days."
Madam Qin, hearing this, could no longer control her tears. But despite her reluctance, Madam Qin could not speak. Three days later would be her daughter's death day.
...
East Lake Inn. After receiving the letter from Scholar Gu from the capital, Zhan Feiyu was thoroughly scolded. Even more terrifying was that the daily poem requirement was increased to three poems per day. In Scholar Gu's words, since she had so much free time to meddle in other people's affairs, she might as well hone her poetic talent.
"Fat girl, you wrote one in the study, then ran around the streets for two hours and wrote another one. Are you planning to write another one looking at East Lake now?" In the octagonal pavilion, Chong Guang, gnawing on a juicy pear, teased Zhan Feiyu, who was deep in thought. "But the imperial examinations will all be held in examination halls from now on. How can you write poetry inspired by the scenery?"
"Uncle Chong Guang, eat your pear!" Zhan Feiyu glared at him impatiently. She would rather write an extra essay every day. Poetry was bad enough, but the teacher also stipulated the topics and rhyme schemes.
After finishing the pear in a few bites, Chong Guang looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was almost pulling her hair out. He picked up the papers on the stone table. "Ping Zhong Jun Qian? I remember someone named that. He wrote a poem about moving house?"
Patting Zhan Feiyu's shoulder, Chong Guang shook his head sympathetically. "Scholar Gu must be furious with you. Fat girl, work hard. Strive to win the top scholar within three to five years, and then you won't be bullied by Scholar Gu."
Three to five years? Top scholar? Zhan Feiyu couldn't be bothered to deal with the gloating Chong Guang. She snatched the paper from his hand, her fingertips moved, feeling a sweet sensation. Zhan Feiyu unceremoniously kicked him.
"I forgot to wipe my hands." Chong Guang quickly dodged backward, laughing at Zhan Feiyu, who looked disgusted. "You can't write it anyway. Why don't you change the topic? What's so special about someone moving house? Write about East Lake in March, or write a poem for this pear. The pear seller will surely thank you."
"Yan Ying, courtesy name Zhong, posthumously titled Ping. People called him Ping Zhong. Don't say 'someone.' You're embarrassing Big Brother!" Zhan Feiyu glanced at Chong Guang disdainfully. "Uncle Chong Guang, don't say you're Big Brother's companion anymore. Just say you're a pageboy."
"Is there such a handsome and mighty pageboy as me?" Chong Guang thumped his chest, raising his chin and boasting. "If I hadn't been practicing martial arts back then, I'm sure I could have passed the imperial examinations as well. It was martial arts that delayed me. Alright, fat girl, hurry up and write about Yanzi moving house."
Zhan Feiyu, with her round face, chanted, "《Fu on the Withered Tree》: If we speak of Pine Seed, Gu Du, Ping Zhong, Jun Qian, their branches stretch for a hundred acres, their trunks gnarled for a thousand years."
Chong Guang, a true academic slacker, asked suspiciously, "Fat girl, it's fine if you're fooling me, but this poem is going to be submitted to Scholar Gu in the capital for review. Are you sure this is about Yanzi moving house?"
"Ping Zhong, Jun Lan, Pine, and Cypress. Nanmu and Pomegranate trees, Acacia trees." Zhan Feiyu turned to look at the bewildered Chong Guang and burst into laughter. "Ping Zhong is not a person, but a tree. The name of a tree!"
Chong Guang was stunned for a moment, then kicked at Zhan Feiyu. "If you don't get beaten for three days, you'll climb the roof and tear off the tiles. Fat girl, your skin has gotten thicker!"
Because he knew Zhan Feiyu practiced martial arts every day, Chong Guang's kick, though fast, didn't carry much force.
Dodging with a sidestep, Zhan Feiyu glanced outside the pavilion. "Big Brother is here."
"All's fair in war! You can't trick me!" Chong Guang didn't fall for it at all and attacked Zhan Feiyu again. He had been tricked by the fat girl with this move yesterday.
As Chong Guang attacked, Zhan Feiyu defended and retreated, instantly reaching the lakeside. She had nowhere else to retreat.
"Fat girl, keep dodging!" Chong Guang said triumphantly. How dare she mock him with a tree? He flicked a finger at Zhan Feiyu's forehead, threatening her menacingly, "Are you going to jump into the lake yourself? Or should I kick you into the lake..."
Before he could finish speaking, Chong Guang felt a strong gust of wind from behind him. He wanted to dodge, but the other party was faster. By the time he realized what was happening.
With a splash, the sound of falling into the water was heard. Chong Guang, who had been kicked into the lake, surfaced, wiped the water from his face, and looked at the person beside Zhan Feiyu as if he had seen a ghost. His voice, filled with twists and turns, said, "Seventh Master..."
Serves you right! Zhan Feiyu laughed heartily. "Uncle Chong Guang, why don't you catch a few East Lake fish while you're at it? You're already in the water anyway."
If it weren't for Seventh Master's backing, would this fat girl dare to be so smug? Before Chong Guang could glare at Zhan Feiyu, he met Seventh Master's icy phoenix eyes and immediately cowered. "Alright, we'll have fish tonight."
Seventh Master's gaze was too terrifying. He could catch fish himself! He couldn't afford to offend him, so he'd avoid him!
After Yin Wuyan took Zhan Feiyu back to the study, Chong Guang surfaced from the water again. With a wave of his hand, there was a splash, and a carp was thrown into the grass.
"I say, you just watched?" Chong Guang said unhappily to He Sheng, who was leaning against a tree. "As a brother, shouldn't you share the hardship and come down to catch fish for your fat girl?"
He Sheng was a man of few words, at least not as garrulous as Chong Guang. He glanced at Chong Guang, who was eager to drag him into the water. "Miss said that whoever provokes first is in the wrong, and will not be blamed even if they are beaten to death."
Chong Guang, floating in the water, shook his head in disappointment. "He Sheng, oh He Sheng, you've been corrupted by the fat girl..."
As the last word fell, Chong Guang suddenly leaped out of the water.
A moment later, with a loud splash, He Nuan, who had just walked in from outside the courtyard, glanced over. She saw her elder brother and Chong Guang fighting in the lake. Although it wasn't cold in March, the lake water was still icy. Were these two bored to death?
In the study, Zhan Feiyu glanced at Yin Wuyan, who was sitting by the side reading, her eyes darting around.
She had already written the poem "Ping Zhong Jun Qian." With Big Brother's help, her poetry writing speed had increased dramatically. Why not write all five poems assigned by the teacher at once?
No sooner said than done! Zhan Feiyu took out the second poem to write, "Reading by Candlelight." Where did this title come from?
Because she had the ability to memorize anything she saw, Zhan Feiyu, despite her short time studying, could be considered well-read. Whether it was the topics assigned by Gu Qingzhou or the fixed-form poems in the imperial examinations, they usually had allusions.
Just like the first poem, if one didn't know that Ping Zhong was the name of a tree, they would probably write a poem about Yanzi moving house, just like Chong Guang.
But this title... Zhan Feiyu thought for a full quarter of an hour and could only seek help from outside. "Big Brother, do you know the allusion behind this title?"
Yin Wuyan turned to glance at it. Although he had been in the Imperial Guards, he could still guide Zhan Feiyu's studies. Yin Wuyan's knowledge, while not as good as Gu Qingzhou's, was definitely superior to many provincial graduates and Jinshi scholars.
When the sun set, He Nuan had already brought the dishes to the table. However, anyone with eyes could feel that the atmosphere at the dinner table was somewhat off.
Seventh Master's expression looked somewhat sinister. Chong Guang felt a chill down his spine. Was Seventh Master still angry? But he had only teased the fat girl a little. Even if he had the courage of a leopard, he wouldn't dare to actually kick the fat girl into the lake!
Chong Guang was about to ask Zhan Feiyu to put in a good word for him... no, to beg for mercy! After all, the sweet and sour fish and white fish stewed with tofu on the table were all provided by him. He believed in the saying that one is short of words when eating someone's food.
But Chong Guang was horrified to find that Zhan Feiyu was also wearing a serious, round-faced expression. Had Seventh Master and the fat girl quarreled?
He Nuan and He Sheng, who were also called to eat at the same table, naturally noticed something was wrong. The siblings' eating speed unconsciously quickened, and they only dared to take dishes in front of them.
In the silent atmosphere of not speaking while eating, "I understand," Zhan Feiyu suddenly said. Chong Guang was so startled that his chopsticks fell to the table with a clatter.
"Big Brother." Zhan Feiyu suddenly looked up at Yin Wuyan, who was sitting beside her. Her fair, round face wore a dangerous smile.
No way! Are they going to fight again? Chong Guang forgot about picking up his chopsticks. If they really fought, should he help Seventh Master? Or help the fat girl?
No! With the fat girl's mediocre martial arts skills, Seventh Master could probably defeat her with one move. So he should help the fat girl.
"Big Brother, we must have been tricked by the teacher." After racking her brains all afternoon and not coming up with the allusion for "Reading by Candlelight," Zhan Feiyu was so angry that she laughed. "I guess the teacher was sitting to the right of the candle, which is why this topic was given!"
Yin Wuyan was stunned for a moment. Thinking of how Gu Qingzhou usually "ambushed and intercepted" ministers in court, it wasn't strange for Scholar Gu to give this topic.
Chong Guang, who finally understood, let out a sigh of relief. Well, he had worried for nothing.
...
The next morning, upon seeing the innkeeper's visiting card, Zhan Feiyu was amused. "Is Qin Qiong trying to drag me down with her even as she's about to die?"
The card was indeed from Madam Qin, and it was delivered in a grand manner.
After the court trial, that afternoon, a group of scholars who had slandered Madam Qin solemnly apologized to Madam Qin outside the Qin family mansion.
Unlike the illiterate women and children in the streets and alleys who muttered about Madam Qin losing her chastity and being an unchaste person, Wan Yunhao's classmates were all reasonable people. Although Madam Qin had lost her reputation, it was not intentional, but she had been framed by Huang Bin and Granny Hao.
These scholars had previously not only sat outside the Qin family mansion but many had also written articles and poems denouncing Madam Qin. Now that the "truth was revealed," they naturally had to apologize.
When Madam Qin went to East Lake Inn to deliver a card to Zhan Feiyu, these scholars found out. And when they found out, it meant that most of the families in Nanxuan Prefecture knew.
"Oh, the card says she wants to apologize to you on behalf of Wan Yunhao?" a gruff voice sounded. When people are down on their luck, even drinking cold water can get stuck in their throats. Chong Guang had made a fuss in East Lake yesterday and caught a few fish, but he caught a cold in the morning, and his throat was hoarse.
He Sheng, who was also dragged into the lake by Chong Guang, slept soundly and was rosy-cheeked. It made Chong Guang want to fight He Sheng for three hundred rounds, but because of his cold, his limbs were weak, and his head throbbed. He had the will but not the strength...
"We'll know when we go to see at noon," Zhan Feiyu said with a smile, her eyes curved. "Uncle Chong Guang, did Instructor Zhao arrive in Nanxuan Prefecture last night?"
"Yes, because it was too late, he didn't come to East Lake Inn. He stayed at an inn closest to the city gate," Chong Guang nodded, feeling his nose tickle, and sneezed.
Glancing at Yin Wuyan, Chong Guang immediately jumped away from Zhan Feiyu. "Seventh Master, I'll stay far away from the fat girl!"
Yesterday, he was kicked into East Lake just for playing with the fat girl. If he passed on his illness to the fat girl, Chong Guang felt he might as well die to atone.
Amused by Chong Guang's exaggerated behavior, like a mouse seeing a cat, Zhan Feiyu looked at Yin Wuyan, who was walking over. "Big Brother, are you planning to let Pharmacist Di join the Imperial Guards?"
"Yes, after this matter is settled, he can no longer stay with the Huang family." Yin Wuyan was interested in Di Lianchuan's ability in medicine and poison.
At noon, the lobby of East Lake Inn was already full, and the private rooms upstairs were all booked. Eighty percent of them were Wan Yunhao's classmates and friends.
Knowing that Madam Qin was coming to see Zhan Feiyu, their presence was not considered Madam Qin's support. However, they had misunderstood Madam Qin before, so coming here now would alleviate some of their guilt. Moreover, Zhan Feiyu's actions were always ruthless, so they were a little worried.
Madam Qin got out of the carriage and walked into the lobby. All eyes turned to her. Seeing Madam Qin still in white mourning clothes, her face pale and haggard, but with no resentment in her eyes, she bowed gracefully to everyone and then walked upstairs step by step.
"I shouldn't have been so impulsive that day. I'm sorry, Brother Wan!" a scholar said guiltily. Madam Qin's outwardly gentle yet inwardly strong demeanor made him feel deeply ashamed of his previous slander.
"Listen to both sides to be enlightened, and listen to one side to be in the dark." A companion echoed. When had he not been the same?
Madam Qin sat down in the private room. It wasn't time yet, so it wasn't strange that Zhan Feiyu hadn't appeared.
Before coming to the inn, Madam Qin had already met the substitute brought by Chai Yi. After disguising herself, she looked almost ninety percent similar, and her figure was even more so. Thinking that she could survive, Madam Qin curled her lips into a sinister smile.
After waiting for a moment, footsteps were heard outside the private room. Madam Qin immediately sat up straight. That vixen Zhan Feiyu wanted her dead, but she wanted to live!
With a creak, the door of the private room was pushed open. Huang Li looked at the pretentious Madam Qin with mockery. "Qin Qiong, Zhan Feiyu said it well, 'When a person is shameless, they are invincible!'"
If it weren't for her reputation, Huang Li would have opened the door of the private room and let everyone outside see the shameless appearance of this vixen Qin Qiong!
Sitting down in front of Madam Qin, Huang Li poured herself a cup of tea and drank it leisurely before continuing, "If I were you, I would have hanged myself with a white cloth long ago. You're still showing off. Huang Bin, that adulterer, is dead. Are you planning to continue seducing those scholars downstairs?"
Madam Qin's eyes fixed coldly on Huang Li. "Get out!"
"Oh, you're not pretending anymore?" Huang Li said with a mocking smile, feeling extremely pleased. "You really should let the elders of the Qin family see your true face! Qin Qiong, oh Qin Qiong, you never expected to have this day, did you? I heard you promised three days. That means you can only see tomorrow's sun."
"My life or death has nothing to do with you, Huang Li." Madam Qin couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on this fool. For years, she had been suppressed by herself and couldn't turn the tables. Now she dared to mock and ridicule her!
Madam Qin's eyes turned more vicious. She had already decided that after going to the Chen family, her first target of revenge would be this fool Huang Li, and Zhan Feiyu would be second!
Just as Huang Li was about to retort, Madam Qin suddenly stood up and looked down at Huang Li, who was holding a teacup and about to smash it at her. "Since you know I won't live long, aren't you afraid I'll kill you before I die? No! Dying would be too good for you. What if I scarred your face and made you an ugly monster? Could you still marry Prefect Zhang?"
Huang Li's face turned pale again and again. Facing Madam Qin's vicious and bloodthirsty eyes, Huang Li felt a chill spread from the soles of her feet to her entire body. At this moment, she finally realized how wrong it was to come to East Lake Inn to mock Madam Qin.
"Zhan Feiyu is coming. I'll leave now!" Huang Li hastily threw the teacup on the table and fled from the private room in a panic. Downstairs, looking at the crowded hall, Huang Li finally felt alive again.
"Fools are indeed fools. They can't change their ways in a lifetime," Madam Qin said with disdain, waiting for Zhan Feiyu's appearance.
As the person who was summoned, Zhan Feiyu arrived right on time. If it weren't for the principle of not listening to what one shouldn't hear, the scholars in the lobby would probably have rushed upstairs to spectate.
"Madam Wan." Unlike Huang Li's previous caution, Zhan Feiyu did not close the door after entering the private room. Her voice was clear and crisp. Not to mention the adjacent private rooms, even those further away could hear Zhan Feiyu's voice.
After a moment of hesitation, the doors of several private rooms on the second floor opened slightly.
He Nuan, who was guarding the door, twitched her mouth. So the scholars of Nanxuan Prefecture also had such a gossipy side! Thinking of this, He Nuan suddenly understood why Zhan Feiyu was willing to stay up late studying to squeeze out time to join the fun.
"Miss Zhan, please sit." Madam Qin glanced at the open door and He Nuan, looking at Zhan Feiyu with mockery. However, her voice was gentle and soft, like a clear spring in the valley, making people feel good.
"It was selfish of me to invite Miss Zhan here so presumptuously, delaying Miss Zhan's studies when the prefectural examination is imminent. But a person on the verge of death does not want to leave any regrets."
"Madam Wan's words are quite interesting. I don't understand. Previously, when Scholar Wan was poisoned to death by Liu Jian, I remember Madam Wan, you brought your children to kneel before the Yamen of Shangsi County, repeatedly accusing me of murder. Furthermore, Madam Wan, your reputation..." Zhan Feiyu clicked her tongue twice, as if disdainful of associating with the infamous Madam Qin. If she weren't so young, she would have directly said Madam Qin had committed adultery.
The more unpleasant her words, the more they damaged Zhan Feiyu's own reputation! Madam Qin hid a hint of smugness in her eyes, but suddenly, a sense of unease surged in her heart. No, Zhan Feiyu was not a fool like Huang Li.
In several private rooms, the eavesdroppers, who wished they could prick up their ears, now had complex expressions. Zhan Feiyu's words were not wrong, but people always sympathize with the weak. Everyone knew that Madam Qin couldn't live.
Even though the truth was revealed, to salvage the Qin family's reputation and for the sake of her children, Madam Qin could only die to completely resolve the matter.
Therefore, everyone present was somewhat displeased with the aggressive Zhan Feiyu. What if she had great literary talent, but as a nine-year-old girl, her disposition was so cold-blooded and malicious? If she treated even a dying person so harshly, who would dare to associate with her in the future?
"Madam Wan, you sent a card to meet me. What exactly do you want to say?" Zhan Feiyu urged.
Suddenly recalling her thoughts, Madam Qin stared coldly at the calm Zhan Feiyu. Was she really overthinking?
No! Thinking of how she was forced to the point of death, it was all due to Zhan Feiyu's planning. Who else could have mobilized the yamen constables to catch her in the act?
But the world was so short. Even Madam Qin, who was skilled in planning, couldn't figure out Zhan Feiyu's schemes. She could only deal with the current situation first. "Miss Zhan, you have some resentment towards my husband. This is because of the misunderstanding between your husband and Instructor Zhao back then. Now that my husband has passed away, and I will also..."
Her voice paused for a moment, and Madam Qin's gentle voice suddenly rose a few decibels, as if with a sense of openness. "No matter what the truth was back then, I want Miss Zhan to apologize to Instructor Zhao on behalf of my husband and myself. After all, Instructor Zhao was my husband's first teacher."
"Actually, I should have gone to Shangsi County myself, but I don't have much time left... I can only trouble Miss Zhan. In the afterlife, my husband and I will be grateful to Miss Zhan."
This was moral blackmail, forcing her to forgive Wan Yunhao on behalf of Instructor Zhao? It also solidified the fact that Wan Yunhao had switched mentors, thus making her previous impoliteness towards Wan Yunhao in Shangsi County a stain on her character.
After all, according to Madam Qin's statement, Instructor Zhao was only her first teacher. If it were an ordinary young lady who misunderstood Wan Yunhao, it would be nothing. But Zhan Feiyu was going to take the imperial examinations, and this might become a handle for her enemies to attack her.
Zhan Feiyu raised her eyebrows and looked at the earnest Madam Qin. "If I don't agree, will Madam Wan die with regret?"
Uh... Not to mention Madam Qin, who was choked by Zhan Feiyu's shocking words, the eavesdroppers in the private rooms were also dumbfounded. Putting aside her literary talent, Zhan Feiyu's eloquence could definitely debate with a hundred scholars.
"Actually, Madam Wan doesn't need to be like this." Zhan Feiyu suddenly smiled, her small voice crisp and cheerful. "Since Madam Wan wants to apologize, why not apologize to Instructor Zhao personally?"
"What do you mean?" Madam Qin felt increasingly uneasy. Was something going to happen? But Zhan Feiyu was so unfathomable that Madam Qin couldn't continue her act.
Zhan Feiyu smiled meaningfully, hooking her lips. "I estimate that the time is almost up. If Madam Wan isn't in a hurry to hang herself, you can wait a little longer."
As Zhan Feiyu finished speaking, footsteps were heard from the stairs. It seemed a group of people had arrived.
Before Madam Qin and the eavesdroppers in the private rooms could understand, the footsteps suddenly increased, as if many people were squeezing to go upstairs. Had something happened?
Geng, the head constable, nodded slightly at Zhan Feiyu, his sharp gaze falling on Madam Qin, who had stood up in surprise. "Take the prisoner Madam Qin back to the yamen!"
"Yes." Two constables immediately responded. Before Madam Qin could react, they grabbed her.
This dramatic scene stunned not only Madam Qin herself but also caused the doors of several private rooms to open. Those inside watched in astonishment as Madam Qin was handcuffed.
A group of people who had rushed from the lobby downstairs parted to the sides. Fortunately, they cleared a path, at least not hindering the constables from taking Madam Qin away.
"Madam Wan, I guess you won't be able to hang yourself now." Zhan Feiyu said leisurely, shouting. If it weren't for her identity as a scholar, she would have applauded and bid farewell with schadenfreude.
Madam Qin suddenly turned her head, her eyes filled with vicious hatred towards Zhan Feiyu. But seeing the crowded scholars around her, Madam Qin forced tears from her eyes. "In broad daylight, under the clear sky, I am innocent. Why should I fear going to the yamen?"
Innocent? Zhan Feiyu was so choked by Madam Qin's thick skin that she couldn't speak. She was practically entwined with Huang Bin, and yet she had the nerve to say she was innocent?
"Miss, your eyeballs are about to fall out," He Nuan had to remind her.
"A Nuan, she's embarrassed to say those vulgar words because I'm young, that's why she dares to claim innocence!" Zhan Feiyu's expression was indignant and helpless. If this were her past life, she would have definitely ripped off Madam Qin's skin.
He Nuan looked at Zhan Feiyu, whose cheeks were puffed out in anger, and wanted to say, "Miss, you really don't look like a scholar."
Looking at Madam Qin being taken away by the constables, Zhan Feiyu let out a long sigh. "I finally understand that there are people with thicker skin than Uncle Chong Guang."
...
Given Zhan Feiyu's terrifying destructive power, even though they were curious as cats, the people at East Lake Inn did not dare to ask Zhan Feiyu. The group rushed straight to the yamen.
Some even speculated that perhaps there had been a change in Madam Qin's previous adultery case. However, considering that Huang Bin and Granny Hao were both dead, even if the yamen found something, it would be a case without evidence.
Madam Qin knelt in the courtroom for the second time. Looking at Prefect Zhang under the plaque of "The Mirror of the Heavens," and then at Instructor Zhao, who stood not far from her, Madam Qin finally understood Zhan Feiyu's words in the private room. Instructor Zhao was actually in Nanxuan Prefecture!
In the solemn atmosphere of the court, the hall was silent. However, some witnesses had not yet arrived, so Prefect Zhang did not immediately begin the trial.
At this moment, the scholars from the inn immediately surrounded the outside of the courtroom. Many passersby had seen Madam Qin being arrested by constables in handcuffs, so a moment later, many commoners also came to watch the excitement.
It was not surprising that the head of the Qin family, Madam Qin, and several key figures of the Qin family appeared. After all, Madam Qin was a daughter of the Qin family. However, when the head of the Huang family and his wife arrived, it made many people feel strange.
"Isn't that the Huang family from Xinglin? They are related to the Qin family by marriage. Why are they here in the courtroom?" someone who recognized Master Huang muttered in confusion.
"Who is that old man standing there?" someone pointed at Instructor Zhao. He looked like a scholar, but they didn't recognize him.
Some scholars who had gone to Shangsi County to seek apprenticeship with Scholar Gu recognized him. "That's Instructor Zhao, the instructor of Shangsi County School, and formerly Scholar Wan's first teacher."
As soon as this was said, many people nodded in understanding. But upon closer thought, it became even more confusing. Wan Yunhao was already dead, so why was Instructor Zhao in Nanxuan Prefecture? And why was he standing in the courtroom? Was this case related to him?
"Ascend the court!" With a clap of the gavel by Prefect Zhang, the yamen runners pounded the court staffs rhythmically. In the imposing sound, the court officially ascended.
Instructor Zhao, who was a provincial graduate, did not need to kneel. After he submitted the indictment, the onlookers outside the court were all dumbfounded, as if their eyeballs were about to pop out.
"A Nuan, do you think Madam Qin really regrets not hanging herself earlier?" Zhan Feiyu, relying on her status as Scholar Gu's disciple, had obtained preferential treatment from Prefect Zhang. She was now hiding in the inner room behind the courtroom to listen.
He Nuan nodded in agreement. "Chai Yi had already found a substitute for Madam Qin through the Chen family. After tomorrow night, Madam Qin will be free. But now she faces prison time. Even the Chen family cannot take her out of the prefectural yamen's prison. The risk is too great."
If the Chen family really wanted to help, there might be a possibility of success. But for the sake of Madam Qin, the Chen family would absolutely not take the risk.
Originally, Prefect Zhang and the Chen family were on opposing sides. If the Chen family failed to rescue her and instead gave Prefect Zhang a handle, it would truly be lifting a rock only to drop it on their own feet.
In the courtroom, after listening to Instructor Zhao's accusation, Madam Qin's face drained of all color. It was even paler than when she was caught by the constables that day. How could it be? How was Tan Min's death discovered? That person had been dead for ten years!
Since Instructor Zhao had sounded the drum to accuse, he was naturally well-prepared. The doctor who had treated Tan Min back then, and the maid who served Tan Min, were all brought to the courtroom.
The head of the Qin family was also stunned at this moment. If looks could kill, the head of the Qin family would have personally killed his daughter Madam Qin. She wouldn't stop until she dragged down the Qin family!
"Alas, isn't that Pharmacist Di?" some of the onlookers recognized Di Lianchuan, who was being escorted to the courtroom by constables. Finally, they understood why Master Huang was also present.
It's over, everything is over... As Di Lianchuan confessed without expression, Madam Qin's kneeling body softened, and she slumped to the ground.
In these years, how many people had died at Madam Qin's hands, not just Instructor Zhao's granddaughter Tan Min! Even though Granny Hao was dead, many things were still done by people sent by Granny Hao. Although some were sold off far away, Madam Qin thought they would never return to Nanxuan Prefecture in her lifetime.
But with the investigation by the Imperial Guards, even if they were sold to barren lands, as long as they were not dead, the Imperial Guards could find them all.
"What? Did Scholar Wan's parents not die of illness?" The shocked onlookers forgot that Prefect Zhang was still presiding over the trial. This news was simply too astonishing.
In the back hall, Zhan Feiyu also blinked in a daze. Because she was busy studying, she really didn't know that Madam Qin had also poisoned Wan Yunhao's parents to death. "Even if she didn't want to be suppressed by her illiterate mother-in-law, she wouldn't go so far as to poison people to death, would she?"
Zhan Feiyu could understand Madam Qin's thoughts. Wan Yunhao was born into a humble family. After marrying Madam Qin, it could be said that she had soared to the heavens. But no matter how noble Madam Qin's status was, her mother-in-law was still her mother-in-law, and she could only respect and obey her.
Moreover, most rural women were crude, shrewish, and unreasonable. Madam Qin was willing to pretend, but that didn't mean she was willing to be a good daughter-in-law and dote on a rural woman. She simply poisoned them to death and be done with it. If you talk about ruthlessness, this was truly ruthless.
He Nuan knew this in advance, so she wasn't as shocked. "When Madam Qin was young, she had already caused the deaths of two maids in the Qin family and an old woman. At the age of ten, she pushed a cousin into a pond and drowned her. Once she started killing, thinking of another person was commonplace for Madam Qin."
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