"Commander Xiao, I express my deepest condolences regarding the demise of your esteemed father," Grand Tutor Du began. "Everyone in the Du family, myself included, held your father in high regard; he was a truly upright and heroic figure."
Xiao Man listened, her expression unchanged, and replied calmly, "From the day Du Yulan married into Prince Qi's household, she became one of them. Her actions have no bearing on the Du family."
"Is the Grand Tutor attempting to sever ties?" Xiao Man inquired softly.
"Now that the Du family is in ruins, I hope you will cease this pursuit," Grand Tutor Du took a deep breath, suppressing his resentment. He couldn't entirely blame Xiao Man. If Du Yulan hadn't attacked Xiao Zhen, Xiao Man would never have retaliated so ferociously against the Du family!
Xiao Man finally understood the Grand Tutor's implication. "Does Your Excellency believe these events are my doing?"
"Are they not?"
"I am a person who distinguishes between grievances and takes responsibility. The matter of Master Du is my doing, but the rest are not," Xiao Man stated unhurriedly. "If I were to kill, I would kill Du Yulan, not Du Yusheng."
Grand Tutor Du gazed into Xiao Man's eyes for a long time. Her eyes were filled with an open sincerity, devoid of any guilt. Grand Tutor Du began to waver. Could it truly not be Xiao Man? But if not Xiao Man, then who?
The Du family rarely made enemies. Their eldest son's wrongdoing was due to a life-saving debt owed to the perpetrator, which clouded his judgment. As for the others in the household…
In the past, Grand Tutor Du would have proudly declared that no member of the Du family would commit such atrocities. But now, he dared not. He looked at his granddaughter, whom he had watched grow up, her heart filled with malice and ingratitude. His son, whom he had always valued, had blurred the lines between public and private, landing himself in prison. He truly didn't know if others in his household had done things he was unaware of.
"Since it was not you, I shall say no more. As for Du Yulan, we will send her to the White Crane Nunnery shortly to become a nun and atone for her transgressions. Are you satisfied with this outcome?"
Grand Tutor Du was somewhat anxious. Even at this point, he wished to spare Du Yulan's life. Even though she had, in her madness, killed her own brother and severely injured her mother, Grand Tutor Du couldn't bear to see her die.
Xiao Man merely smiled at Grand Tutor Du, a smile that sent chills down his spine. He forced himself to endure. "What are Commander Xiao's thoughts?"
"Do as you please, Grand Tutor," Xiao Man said with a smile. "After all, I never ask for others' opinions when I decide what I want to do."
Grand Tutor Du's heart sank. Did she disagree?
"Commander Xiao, show mercy where you can."
"Are you hoping I will transfer my anger to the Du family?"
After a long silence, Grand Tutor Du said dejectedly, "Du Yulan is yours to deal with."
Du Yulan spent three days in a daze. During these three days, she was fully aware, yet utterly incapable of controlling her own body. She watched in horror as she stabbed her loving mother and brother. She was on the brink of madness but could not control herself!
Du Yulan struggled desperately. It wasn't her! She hadn't killed her mother and brother; someone had controlled her body!
Du Yulan's eyes darted around, signaling Qiao Lan to untie her. Qiao Lan, however, was dozing beside her. She hadn't rested well in the past few days either. The day Du Yulan went mad and attacked anyone she saw, in order to prevent further outbursts, everyone had consulted and decided to bind her.
Du Yulan struggled incessantly. Qiao Lan woke up and hurried over. "Miss, do you want some water?"
Du Yulan looked at the ropes binding her and gestured for Qiao Lan to untie her. Qiao Lan hesitated. "Miss, Second Master said not to untie you. Eldest Young Master is gone."
Du Yulan was struck as if by lightning, her entire body turning to stone. She had killed her elder brother. She had killed her beloved elder brother! Moments later, Du Yulan remembered Madam Du. She recalled stabbing Madam Du at the time.
"Are you asking about Madam?"
Du Yulan nodded frantically.
"Madam's life was saved by the imperial physicians, but she remains unconscious," Qiao Lan said fearfully. "Miss, it was just a divorce, why did you have to hurt your own family like this?"
Du Yulan struggled intensely. It wasn't her! Someone had controlled her! She had no control over her body. She hadn't intended to kill anyone; it wasn't her fault!
"Miss, don't get agitated, Miss…" Qiao Lan recoiled in terror as she saw Du Yulan's eyes turn red and her desperate struggle. "Miss, please don't be like this, you're too frightening."
Du Yulan glared at Qiao Lan, her brows furrowed. She gestured for Qiao Lan to untie her. If not for the cloth gagging her mouth, Du Yulan would have been able to say more than just muffled sounds. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with snot and tears. It wasn't her! She hadn't done it!
Qiao Lan was greatly frightened by Du Yulan's frenzied state and rushed to call for help. Soon, the Second Madam arrived. Looking at Du Yulan's contorted face, she felt a shiver run down her spine.
Second Master received the news and also came. Second Madam quickly went to meet him. "Husband, this cannot continue. We can't keep her bound forever."
Second Master's brow furrowed deeply. Looking at the disheveled Du Yulan, he felt a pang of regret. How proud Du Yulan used to be, the pearl of the First Branch, her father's beloved granddaughter. Yet, it was precisely she who had brought so much disaster upon the Du family.
"Yulan, your heart is venomous. You angered Prince Qi, severely injured your mother, and killed your elder brother. You are utterly unfilial. We, the Du family, cannot tolerate someone like you!"
Du Yulan looked at Second Master Du in disbelief. What did this mean? Was he going to expel her from the Du family?
Wailing… Du Yulan struggled violently again, making muffled sounds from her mouth. She wanted to defend herself, but she couldn't utter a single coherent word.
"You… you are audacious!" Second Master Du was greatly startled by Du Yulan's deranged appearance. He was a scholar, and after Du Yulan had gone mad and stabbed the First Madam and killed Du Yusheng, he feared Du Yulan would go mad again and kill them!
"This is Father's wish. We will send you to the White Crane Nunnery. From this day forward, you will live a life of austerity there, atoning for the wrongdoings you have committed!" After speaking, Second Master Du pulled Second Madam aside. "What are you waiting for? Drag her out and send her to the White Crane Nunnery."
Qiao Lan wanted to step forward and intervene, but she also feared Du Yulan. When Du Yulan was mad, she even wanted to kill her. If Qiao Lan hadn't run fast, she would have been a corpse by now. Even though she ran fast, she still bore scars.
The young miss of the dignified Du family, showered with affection by all, the perfect wife in the hearts of many scholars and talented individuals. Who would have thought that this gentle and captivating young lady from a prominent family would end up utterly abandoned by everyone?