"More than just acquaintance, I almost became the prefect's wife," Wu Caiwei said, seemingly unfazed by the shocked gazes around her. "Speaking of which, the prefect and I were childhood sweethearts. We were on the verge of marriage, but then my family's fortune declined. The current prefect's wife quickly moved in with the Kong family and pestered Old Madam Kong, her aunt, to marry the prefect. The prefect initially refused, but he couldn't withstand his mother's insistence and reluctantly agreed."
Though the crowd remained silent, they all enjoyed gossip, especially of this nature. Since Madam Meng dared to speak of it, it must be true. After all, as a mere merchant's wife, she couldn't possibly withstand the wrath of the prefect and his wife. Moreover, she was once a daughter of an official family, and being childhood sweethearts with the prefect wasn't impossible.
"Alas, what a pity. It's been so long, yet the prefect still can't forget me. He used to send me gifts often when we were in the capital, and even more so since he was assigned to Wu Lake. He sent us gifts again this morning. He's spent so much each time, I feel quite embarrassed," she mused. She figured that even if she didn't mention it, it would spread throughout Wu Lake soon enough. If she flaunted her influence today, the prefect and his wife wouldn't be able to sit still.
The onlookers exchanged glances, not daring to respond. This was a serious matter. They wondered what was wrong with Madam Meng today. She usually appeared so composed, why would she say such things? Didn't she know her reputation would plummet after today?
"Oh, and the prefect and his wife insisted on sending all these things in front of my husband. What do you think they meant by that? Trying to sabotage our marriage? I've told them many times that he has a new wife, and I have a new husband. We should all live our own lives. But the prefect and his wife wouldn't agree. Last time, when the prefect's wife hosted a banquet, she specifically kept me behind to have a word. It's troublesome to be so highly valued." Wu Caiwei sighed dramatically, but everyone could see a hint of triumph in her expression as they began to ponder her words.
Seeing everyone lost in thought, Wu Caiwei couldn't help but curve her lips. She wasn't like the original owner who could be bullied. Since they dared to act behind her back, she dared to expose them face-to-face. These people were all sharp individuals. While they were initially excited by the gossip, they would undoubtedly ponder the underlying implications afterward.
Just as she had expected, after her words, everyone's speculations varied. Some guessed it was the prefect's unrequited love, which Madam Meng was unwilling to accept. Others believed these two were simply trying to ruin someone else's happiness out of jealousy. Although their guesses were diverse, they weren't foolish enough to voice them. They decided to wait and see how things unfolded, confident that the matter would eventually reach the ears of the concerned parties.
As they predicted, Jiang Yin could hardly believe what she heard. She hadn't expected that woman to be so audacious as to spread this matter, and the set of rubies contained a secret that must not be discovered.
Kong Jialiang was stunned when he heard about this. He absolutely refused to believe that Zhou Shaoqiu had leaked the information. Given her personality, if she had indeed encountered such a situation, she would have kept it hidden, fearing it would affect her and the Kong family's reputation.
However, the details provided by everyone were so vivid that he couldn't help but become suspicious. When had he sent her gifts? If there was any longing, it was only a secret thought in his heart.
He quickly sent someone to inquire about the banquet. Just as the rumors suggested, after the banquet, his wife had indeed kept her alone for a conversation. However, her expression when she left seemed calm, as if nothing had happened.
It seemed as though his wife was at the center of everything. He hurried to her courtyard to inquire. Jiang Yin refused to admit anything, as admitting it would make her a laughingstock. The idea of a prefect's wife constantly causing trouble for a merchant family was simply demeaning.
An expected guest arrived at the Meng family's reception hall. Wu Caiwei had intentionally brought Meng Changqing with her. Although Meng Changqing was reluctant, the prefect had come to visit. As the master of the Meng family, if he didn't receive him, it would be seen as disrespect or ill will. His rationality hadn't completely deserted him.
The couple bowed as soon as they saw him. "No need for formalities," he said, his only words before he impatiently inquired, "Are the rumors going around that Madam Meng spread them true? I want to know if it's real."
Wu Caiwei looked at his stern expression and smiled, nodding. Before he could speak, she interjected, "I did indeed spread those words. If I hadn't, how would I have attracted the prefect to my residence?"
"If you wanted to see me, you could have said so directly or requested an audience. You didn't need to resort to such roundabout methods. Do you know that after today, the several of us will be famous in Wu Lake?" Kong Jialiang looked at her with some disapproval. Honestly, this woman was vastly different from the Zhou Shaoqiu he remembered. In his memory, she was always considerate of the bigger picture and acted with great prudence. Yet, the woman before him seemed like a stranger – so flamboyant, so willful.
"I am speaking the truth. The rubies I'm wearing were indeed a gift from you. Oh, and there's something harmful mixed in them. If you don't believe me, you can have a doctor examine them." Wu Caiwei looked at him with an innocent gaze, and as she spoke, she removed the rubies from her head, placed them in a nearby box, and handed it to him.
"When did I ever send you gifts? As you said, we are already in the past, and there can be no future. I have been striving to live my own life." Kong Jialiang didn't reach for the box, looking at her with a bewildered expression, wondering if there was some misunderstanding.
"Whether there was or not, wouldn't you know if you investigated when you returned? By the way, take the rubies back with you. I believe you'll find something." Wu Caiwei forcefully placed the box into his arms.
"See the guest out," she said, looking at the Meng family's steward. The steward looked helpless. This was the prefect. How could he ask someone to leave? But seeing that the prefect didn't seem angry, he hesitantly approached him and asked cautiously, "Your Excellency, what do you think?"
Kong Jialiang stood there with a grim expression after the other party had left, looking at the box in his arms. He felt like throwing it on the ground, but after a moment's hesitation, he left with it, determined to investigate thoroughly. He refused to believe that this matter had anything to do with him.