Old Madam Ren’s words carried a clear threat. No matter how one looked at it, the Ren Family was not in the wrong. If this matter were taken to the authorities, it would be the Kang Family and Madam Kang who would suffer.
Unexpectedly, although Sister-in-Law Kang looked somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, her reply was anything but vague. Despite her tone remaining respectful and humble, she said, "What the Old Ancestor says is reasonable. My sister-in-law was spoiled by my mother-in-law from a young age. She never lifted a finger at home, and even in her maiden family, she showed no respect for her elders. As her sister-in-law, I didn’t want to argue with her, but I never imagined she would end up doing something so shameless. She has utterly disgraced our old Kang Family! At this point, even though she is my husband’s own sister, I have no face to protect her. Once this matter is settled, even if you are magnanimous enough not to hold her accountable, our Kang Family will take her back and clean up our own house to give you an explanation."
She paused briefly before continuing, "As for reporting this to the authorities... in my humble opinion, it’s better to let it go. It’s not that we fear the authorities—after all, our Kang Family has no intention of letting that little wretch off the hook. If she dies, so be it; it would put an end to everything. But for families like ours, while climbing over walls and stealing men is shameful and earns us scorn, it’s nothing more than being pointed at and cursed for a while. It doesn’t cost us a piece of flesh, and life goes on as usual. But for a distinguished family like yours... this kind of disgrace is something you simply cannot afford, isn’t it?"
Sister-in-Law Kang’s sharp words left everyone in the room stunned.
Old Madam Ren narrowed her eyes and looked at Sister-in-Law Kang, her voice low and serious. "What do you mean by that?"
Seeing this, Sister-in-Law Kang smiled instead. "Old Ancestor, please don’t be angry. I come from a humble background and can barely read a few big characters, let alone understand the rules of a distinguished family like yours. So, I’ve always spoken plainly, and my words might not be pleasant to hear. I hope you’ll forgive me."
As she spoke, Sister-in-Law Kang glanced up at Old Madam Ren, whose expression was as still as water and whose demeanor was stern and imposing. Her gaze eventually shifted slightly, lingering on the lone teacup lid beside Old Madam Ren’s hand. "I truly mean no harm by my words. I just thought that, given what has happened, your Ren Family might not want to make this matter bigger. That’s why, on the way here, I tried my best to persuade the Liu Family, all for the sake of everyone’s reputation. As for how to handle this matter, our Kang Family will naturally follow your lead."
Listening from inside the room, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but smile. This Sister-in-Law Kang was truly eloquent. If not for the difference in status and her fear of Old Madam Ren, she would likely have been even more unrestrained.
"Who from the Liu Family has come? Who is in charge?" Old Madam Ren lifted her eyelids slightly. After all, she had been managing the household for many years and would not be easily swayed by Sister-in-Law Kang’s words. Though angered, she remained composed.
"Today, I came with the Liu Family’s old steward and the wet nurse of the Liu Family’s young master, along with a few young men to run errands," Sister-in-Law Kang replied.
Old Madam Ren sneered. "Do they take our Ren Family for a vegetable garden? Do they think any stray cat or dog can come here and cause trouble?" The Liu Family had only sent servants, with no one of authority to take charge.Concubine Kang's sister-in-law hurriedly explained with a smile, "Originally, Madam Liu sent her younger brother, a young man in his twenties. I was afraid he was too young and impulsive, so I persuaded him to stay temporarily at a tavern in town. If you wish to see him, Old Ancestor, I can send someone to fetch him right away."
Old Madam Ren couldn't help but glance at Concubine Kang's sister-in-law, then pointed to a guest seat nearby and said calmly, "Sit."
Concubine Kang's sister-in-law happily took her seat.
"As you said, the child is already gone. Why are the Lius still coming to demand someone?"
Earlier, Concubine Kang's sister-in-law had mentioned that the young master of the Liu family was their only heir. Originally, they looked down on Madam Kang's humble birth and were unwilling to marry her into their family. Now, they were rushing to demand her back because this sole heir of the Liu family was infertile, and they had remembered Madam Kang, who was secretly pregnant.
Although Old Madam Ren did not fully believe Concubine Kang's sister-in-law's words, she couldn't help but feel suspicious about the child in Concubine Kang's womb.
Back then, allowing Concubine Kang into the mansion was not only because she was pregnant but also because Old Madam Ren wanted someone to annoy Madam Lin. Concubine Kang had arrived just in time. Otherwise, the Ren Family's gates were not so easy to enter.
Concubine Kang's sister-in-law spoke with an earnest and sincere expression, "When the Liu family heard the child was gone, they initially thought our family was making excuses. After believing it, they said they wanted to seek justice from the Ren Family. That Liu family uncle said that the child in the young lady of the Wang family's womb was likely the only remaining heir of the Liu family, yet it was gone just like that..." Concubine Kang's sister-in-law glanced at Old Madam Ren, "This humble woman thinks they are unwilling to accept it and have come to stir up trouble. That's why I managed to persuade the Liu family uncle to stay put."
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Ren inwardly sneered, thinking that the Liu family was likely taking advantage of the situation to extort them. The Liu family was an obscure name. Although Concubine Kang's sister-in-law claimed they were a wealthy household in Jizhou, Old Madam Ren knew very well what prominent families existed in Yanbei. In her eyes, a family like the Lius was nothing more than a disreputable, low-class household, and she truly did not take them seriously.
However, Concubine Kang's sister-in-law was right about one thing: this matter truly could not be blown out of proportion, or else the Ren Family's reputation would be utterly ruined. Her son, Fifth Master Ren Shimiao, would also lose face and be unable to show himself in public.
As Old Madam Ren was secretly pondering how to handle the situation, another commotion arose outside.
"Old Madam, Concubine Kang requests an audience," the maid guarding the door reported from behind the curtain.
Concubine Kang's sister-in-law instinctively turned her head to look, her lips curling slightly as if in disdain.
Nowadays, Old Madam Ren felt quite weary at the mention of Concubine Kang's name. However, after a moment's thought, she still ordered her to be admitted.
Concubine Kang was helped in by someone, a white cloth bandage wrapped around her forehead. Her face was pale and bloodless, her small features looking even more delicate, giving off an air of pitiable fragility. Though she came from a humble family and was not exceptionally beautiful, objectively speaking, Concubine Kang was still quite a decent woman.
As soon as she entered, Concubine Kang's gaze swept over Concubine Kang's sister-in-law's face, a flash of hatred flickering in her eyes. Then, she broke free from the old woman's support, stumbled forward, and knelt before Old Madam Ren—right beside the teacup Old Madam Ren had earlier smashed. It was unclear whether there were shards of porcelain beneath her knees.Old Madam Ren did not even glance at Concubine Kang, who bit her lip and kowtowed to the old madam.
Concubine Kang's sister-in-law watched coldly from the side, now revealing a mocking smile: "You still dare to come. If I were you, I would have already taken my own belt and hung myself from the beam by now. You've completely shamed the Kang family."
After finishing her bow, Concubine Kang glanced at her sister-in-law, her gaze filled with fear and resentment: "Sister-in-law, why won't you let me go? At home, you were always thinking of trading me for benefits. Now that I've left the Kang family, why must you still target me everywhere?"
Upon hearing this, the sister-in-law couldn't help but spit in contempt, pointing angrily at Concubine Kang and scolding: "You little whore who lies through her teeth, you were nothing but trouble at home. Me targeting you? I don't have that kind of free time! You brought this on yourself—first seducing the young master of the Liu family to climb the social ladder, then when he fell and became disabled, you turned around and schemed to get with Fifth Master Ren. Now the Liu family has come knocking, and you still want to deny it?"
Concubine Kang's face turned pale again, looking as transparent as crystal. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to Old Madam Ren: "Old Madam, don't believe her. She's slandering me, I didn't do it."
The sister-in-law sneered: "I'm slandering you? Did I bring the Liu family here? Did I bribe the young master's personal servant? Were you really innocent with the sixth young master? Dare you swear on the Kang family graves?"
Concubine Kang felt dizzy, her knees trembling, yet she looked at Old Madam Ren: "I didn't... I..."
Old Madam Ren watched the two women coldly, unmoving.
Concubine Kang closed her eyes, looked at her sister-in-law, and tears streamed down her face: "Where's my father? I want to see Father, he'll believe me and give me justice. And my brother? Why hasn't he come?"
The sister-in-law laughed coldly: "Father is already half-dead with anger and still not in his right mind. As for your brother... he's a grown man, he can't bear this shame!"
Concubine Kang stared blankly at her sister-in-law, then turned to Old Madam Ren, her eyes filled with despair and grievance.
After a long moment, she sniffled, straightened her kneeling posture, and with reddened eyes looked at Old Madam Ren: "Old Madam, this humble concubine is wronged, I..."
As she spoke, she suddenly found strength from somewhere, quickly stood up, and rushed toward the pillar beside the curio shelf on the right side.
Ren Yaoqi and her two sisters were sitting silently in the eastern side room, not yet understanding what was happening, when suddenly they heard a loud "thud" from the pillar beside them.
A crystal qilin ornament and a blue-and-white porcelain vase fell from the curio shelf to the ground.
The maid attending to Ren Yaoyin let out a sharp scream.
However, none of the three sisters—Ren Yaoqi, Ren Yaohua, and Ren Yaoyin—made a sound. Ren Yaohua reacted quickly, grabbing Ren Yaoqi's sleeve and pulling her up, retreating a few steps inward. Ren Yaoyin stood up herself and also backed away.
At the same time, Old Madam Ren's somewhat shocked and angry voice came from next door: "Go check on her, call a physician to the mansion!"******************************************************************************************************************************************(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please come to Qidian () to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
OpenNovel