Kang Yima was struck so hard her face snapped sideways. Her eyes widened in disbelief, the wrinkled eyelids fluttering like stale layered pancakes. Clutching her cheek, she stammered, "...Mother, you..." A wave of intense unease rose within her.
Wang Old Madam spoke through tears, "Since childhood, you followed us to our official posts, praised and pampered by all. You grew to look down on everyone—your elder brother and his wife, your younger sister and her husband, even other relatives. You believed everyone should yield to your whims. The slightest dissatisfaction would breed resentment, and you'd constantly seek revenge, holding grudges over the pettiest matters. Relying on your father's and my indulgence, you grew recklessly bold, making one wrong step after another until now... you've committed this monstrous act that defies natural law! You've dragged your own flesh and blood into this mess. I... I can no longer protect you..." The elderly woman choked on her sobs, her aged face etched with agony.
Madam Wang exhaled in profound relief, gazing at her mother with immense gratitude. Wang Uncle seemed moved to speak, but after a subtle tug on his sleeve from Wang Aunt, he closed his mouth again.
Sheng Hong felt as if a heavy stone had been lifted from his chest. Dealing with his sister-in-law was far preferable to dealing with his own wife. He glanced at Minglan, only to find his youngest daughter standing motionless, quietly observing Wang Old Madam with a peculiar expression—part disappointment, part veiled admiration.
"Mother!" Kang Yima finally snapped back to reality, letting out a piercing shriek. "Are you abandoning your own daughter?!" Her voice trembled with terror and disbelief.
It couldn't be true. Over all these years, no matter how much her mother scolded or criticized, she had always ultimately come to her rescue. That time when her husband's favorite mistress and the illegitimate child in her womb had both met their end, and her husband nearly had the clan elder draft divorce papers—hadn't her mother still shielded her through it all? Having weathered so many storms over the years, surely she could survive this crisis too!
She threw herself across her mother's knees, weeping, "My marriage was arranged by Father. For decades, I've lived a life worse than death. And now you want to wash your hands of me? What kind of cruel parents would do such a thing?! If Father were still alive—"
"Do not tarnish your father's honorable name!" Wang Old Madam erupted in fury. "Of his three children, your father owed you the least! During our many years in the northwest post, your elder brother studied under Chancellor Cheng, and your younger sister was entrusted to her uncle. Only you remained by our side all along! Yet look at all you've done over the years—how can any of it honor your father's spirit in heaven?!... This time, I can no longer cover for you. How could I face our in-laws otherwise?"
Remembering how her eldest daughter had always been clever with words since childhood, coaxing and wheedling her parents, more quick-witted than her honest but dull elder brother and more cunning than her straightforward younger sister, the old couple had inevitably doted on her more. They never expected that overindulgence would lead to such disaster. Fresh tears streamed down her face.
Sheng Hong, deeply moved, couldn't help saying, "This son-in-law thanks his mother-in-law for upholding justice." He then cupped his hands toward Wang Uncle in respect.
Minglan rolled her eyes inwardly.
Kang Yima's face turned deathly pale, a strange light kindling in her eyes. After a day and night of being bound and humiliated, surrounded by filth and starving, she was already lightheaded and disoriented. Now, further provoked and with her mind clouded, she could only grasp that her mother refused to help her this time. The words "how to face our in-laws" echoed endlessly in her confused thoughts.She sprang to her feet and sneered at her mother, brother, and sister-in-law, "Fine, fine! I'm not as fortunate as my sister, who married well. Her sons-in-law and sons are all accomplished, her husband is distinguished—of course, she holds a special place in your heart. Now that I'm down on my luck, with a useless husband, no wonder my own family looks down on me. Even my own flesh and blood are trampling on me now... I... I might as well die..." As she spoke, she rushed toward the wall.
At that moment, there were few maids or servants in the room. Just as Kang Yima was about to crash into the wall, Liu Kun's wife darted out from the side, barely blocking her path, and clung to her tightly with both arms. Having served in the Wang family's inner quarters since childhood, she was well-acquainted with this eldest young lady's temperament. She hadn't accompanied Madam Wang to her marital home immediately after the wedding, so she had personally witnessed several dramatic scenes of Kang Yima returning to her family home in tears after marriage—always the same routine: crying, making a scene, and threatening suicide. Ever since Wang Old Madam had spoken those words, she had been secretly watching Kang Yima's every move.
Liu Kun's wife, her chest and abdomen aching from the impact, struggled to catch her breath and said, "The aunt must be tired."
Wang Jiuma stepped forward, grabbed Kang Yima's other arm, and said urgently, "That's right, elder sister is confused. Let her rest first."She had even uttered such words, almost outright accusing her maternal family of favoring the rich and powerful while fawning over the influential younger son-in-law's family." There was no telling what worse things she might say if she continued, so it was best to drag her away quickly.
Kang Yima, pinned down and unable to move, could only intermittently wail things like, "I want to die, let me die!Nanny Qi, quick-witted, promptly said, "The aunt is right. My lady is both shocked and exhausted, and she has spoken offensive words. I beg you not to take offense. Why not let me attend to my lady and take her back to rest?" Escape first, discuss later.
Wang Old Madam's heart stirred, and she was about to nod when Minglan chuckled and said, "Although the Sheng family isn't as deeply rooted and flourishing as the Kang residence, we have plenty of rooms for Aunt to rest in. Nanny Qi can accompany Aunt to the side chamber to rest."
Nanny Qi, holding Kang Yima's arm, smiled and said, "We've already troubled you for so long—how could we impose further? Besides, it's always more comfortable to rest in one's own home. Old Madam, what do you think?"
Wang Old Madam also hoped to minimize the conflict. They had to contain this powder keg first, so she said to Sheng Hong, "Good son-in-law, your elder sister-in-law is confused now. Why not let her go back first? We can discuss other matters."
Just as Sheng Hong was about to nod, he heard Minglan cut in, "That absolutely won't do!"
Wang Old Madam, having been repeatedly interrupted and pressured by Minglan, was already displeased. Seeing his mother-in-law's expression darken, Sheng Hong hastily scolded, "How dare you be so rude!"
Minglan smiled and said, "Father, it's not that I'm being rude. We must speak plainly from the start—" She turned to Wang Old Madam. "If we let Kang Yima go home, what if she runs away?"
Wang Aunt nearly laughed aloud but managed to suppress it. Wang Old Madam was deeply displeased and said sternly, "I excuse you because of your youth and because you're distraught over your grandmother's critical illness, which is why you're talking nonsense. What do you mean, 'what if she runs away'? Do you take my Wang family for common street thieves? We are all noble families—can't we discuss things properly with civil words?"
Minglan's tone was sarcastic. "That's hard to say. If someone is capable of poisoning, what else are they not capable of? If Aunt really does run away, are we supposed to have Father beat the drum to report to the authorities and post wanted notices all over the land?"Wang Old Madam's face darkened with suppressed anger as she turned to Sheng Hong. "Son-in-law, your daughter certainly knows her manners! Pressing her elders so aggressively—at my age, she won't yield an inch!"
Sheng Hong did not reply immediately, instead giving his daughter a thoughtful glance.
Minglan's words just now were less for the Wang family's ears than for his own. Now that his daughter was single-mindedly seeking justice for Old Madam, if Kang Wangshi wasn't punished, she would never let it rest. This stubborn girl dared to defy even her own father and blockade her maternal family's home. If Kang Wangshi were allowed to escape, she might immediately "beat the drum to report to authorities and post wanted notices everywhere"—that would truly bring ultimate disgrace.
Weighing two evils, he chose the lesser. Avoiding his mother-in-law's gaze, he said calmly, "Elder sister should rest in the residence for now." After a moment's thought, he added some diplomatic words, "My mother remains unconscious. Allowing the culprit to leave lightly would make me unworthy as a son."
One had to admit those seasoned in officialdom knew how to phrase things beautifully. Minglan nearly wanted to applaud her father. Wang Old Madam, however, looked utterly disappointed. She had hoped her young son-in-law would show leniency for her sake, but it seemed impossible.
She could only sternly address her eldest daughter: "You may withdraw now. I will handle the rest!"
By then, Lüzhi had summoned two disciplinary matrons. They seized Kang Wangshi by each arm and began dragging her out. Struggling futilely, Kang Wangshi recalled Minglan's ruthless methods and could only shriek, "Mother, are you going to watch me die? The Sheng family wants my life in exchange for their Old Madam!... How cruel, stepping on your own flesh and blood to gain favor, climbing higher branches..."
Her pleas gradually devolved into curses, the vicious words too foul to hear. Seeing her daughter half-mad, Wang Old Madam wiped her tears. "Go reflect on your mistakes. I... will surely plead for mercy with your brother-in-law..."
Unfortunately, the daughter failed to grasp her mother's implied meaning and continued cursing: "Father and daughter playing good cop, bad cop—they're determined not to let me go! Mother, have you no pity left for your own child..."
Sheng Hong smiled wryly inwardly. This time, he was truly wronged. He had sincerely intended to play the good cop, but circumstances forced his hand—how could he explain in detail under such conditions? Kang Wangshi didn't realize her confinement wasn't Sheng Hong's idea, assuming father and daughter were united.
The curses and pleas faded into the distance before abruptly cutting off, likely because the matrons had employed methods to "silence" Kang Wangshi again. Aunt Qi, uneasy, thought for a moment and followed them out.
Wang Old Madam watched the retreating figures, her heart aching unbearably. Steeling herself, she stood and approached Sheng Hong, then suddenly weakened at the knees as if to kneel. Sheng Hong, greatly alarmed, hurriedly rose to support her. "Mother-in-law, please rise! How could I dare accept this?"
Wang Uncle and Wang Aunt rushed over to assist her, while Madam Wang thumped to her knees beside her mother, weeping uncontrollably.Old Madam Wang grasped Sheng Hong's hand, lamenting sorrowfully, "My two daughters are useless, how could I have the face to see you and your family! Though we are mother-in-law and son-in-law, our bond rivals that of mother and son. The year you first came to our home, I liked you immensely at first sight. Many advised me that your family background was humble, but I believed you were a man of noble character, capable and promising, far superior to my own sons. When you proposed marriage, I was overjoyed. People said my daughter was marrying beneath her, but I felt that with your talent and integrity, it was you who was stooping to marry my foolish girl..."
In truth, the Wang-Sheng marriage had been a significant step up for Sheng Hong. Old Master Wang had been hesitant, but Old Madam Wang, fond of Sheng Hong, overruled all objections and ultimately married her daughter to him. For this, Sheng Hong had remained grateful for many years.
Old Madam Wang rambled on, from the wedding to married life, from family matters to official affairs, all about how she had admired and cherished Sheng Hong, and how she had supported him at every turn. Her tender, maternal affection moved Sheng Hong to increasing sorrow, until tears streamed down his face, and both mother-in-law and son-in-law wept uncontrollably.
Minglan watched coldly without interrupting, listening as Old Madam Wang continued her lengthy, heartfelt speech, gradually arriving at her main point—"...Though I didn't spend much time with your mother, I deeply admired her character. When I heard she had suffered greatly, I wished I could have taken her place. Your mother was such a kind person; surely she wouldn't want this matter to turn our three families against each other, turning relatives into strangers and flesh and blood into enemies..."
Sheng Hong, wiping his tears and deeply moved, nearly nodded in agreement, when he heard a soft, cold laugh from the side. Minglan slowly walked over to Kang Jin and smiled, "Cousin Kang Jin, how are you?"
Kang Jin, inherently honest and somewhat timid, had been shrinking in a corner shedding tears since his mother was dragged away. Startled, he stammered, "Cousin... Minglan, you're well too."
"I'm young and unaware of past events," Minglan said softly, yet her voice was clear and resonant. "Hearing Old Madam's words today, I was deeply moved..." She suddenly smiled mockingly, "I almost thought it wasn't my grandmother who raised my father, hired esteemed tutors, guided him to pass the imperial exams, and arranged his marriage and children, but your maternal grandmother instead?"
Sheng Hong flushed with shame. If his mother-in-law had treated him kindly, his legal mother had shown him even greater kindness, as deep as the sea. It was unjustifiable to let the culprit who harmed his legal mother go free just because of his mother-in-law's affection.
His face, long tempered in official circles, shifted emotions smoothly. He immediately reined in his sentimentality and sighed deeply, "Mother-in-law, I know well how kind you've been to me. But according to moral principles, we absolutely cannot let the person who harmed my mother go unpunished. I can only hope for your understanding."
Old Madam Wang, caught off guard by the sharp sarcasm that hit the mark, saw Sheng Hong's resolve waver only to slip away at the last moment.
Gritting her teeth, she poured more emotion into her plea, "Good son-in-law, those two foolish ones have indeed committed grave wrongs, but they are still flesh of my flesh. If not for anything else, for the sake of my old face, please show them some mercy. From now on, they will abstain from meat, live austerely, chant sutras, and pray for your mother's blessings by the dim light of Buddha's lamp. What do you say?"Sheng Hong hesitated, "This... I'm afraid it's not appropriate..." This proposal had been discussed between father and daughter long ago and was firmly rejected by Minglan.
Minglan felt contempt in her heart and declared resolutely, "If grandmother could recover her former health, I would be willing to fast and chant scriptures from now on. All descendants of our Sheng family have received grandmother's profound kindness and virtue. If grandmother can recover, which of my father, my brothers, my sisters, and sisters-in-law wouldn't be willing to fast and chant Buddha's name? There's no need to trouble aunt!"
Sheng Hong quickly straightened his shoulders: "Exactly. Filial piety is the foundation of family establishment. Every child of the Sheng family keeps this in mind. Fasting and chanting scriptures to pray for mother's recovery is our duty."
Minglan added fuel to the fire: "Moreover, just before aunt left, she was full of resentful words. Who knows what she might pray for before Bodhisattva! Let's just hope she doesn't curse our entire Sheng family to die horrible deaths!"
Sheng Hong also said: "How can someone who hasn't atoned for their sins have the face to serve Buddha? Aren't they afraid of polluting the pure land of Buddhism!" He had to maintain a high moral stance - after all, he had been a filial son for decades.
Listening to the father and daughter trading remarks, Wang Old Madam secretly grew angry. "Then what do you say should be done?!"
Sheng Hong stroked his beard in silence, turning his face aside with a pained expression. Minglan stepped forward without hesitation: "My lady mother didn't know the details of this matter, so that's another discussion. But aunt sought someone to make poison, deceived others into administering it - this was a vicious act intended to take lives. With both witnesses and material evidence present, there's no room for denial or evasion. The punishment is simple - three feet of white silk, or a cup of poisoned wine. Let her pay with her life."
Madam Wang, hiding behind Liu Kun's wife, breathed a small sigh of relief. But Wang Old Madam was greatly startled: "You want to take her life?"
"Debts must be repaid, killers must pay with their lives - this is heaven's law!" Minglan stated decisively.
Wang Old Madam's eyes rolled back, her body went limp, and she immediately half-fainted. Wang Aunt hurried to press her philtrum, while Wang Uncle angrily said: "How can you be so harsh, child! Talking about taking lives so casually! Even if your aunt dies, your family's old madam might not necessarily recover! One should be merciful where possible - your aunt has already admitted her wrongdoing, why not show some leniency?"
Minglan wouldn't let her father hide from responsibility, tugging hard on Sheng Hong's sleeve and saying loudly: "Father, you should speak up!"
Sheng Hong had no choice but to put on a stern face: "Brother-in-law, your words are mistaken. Your sister's life is life, but is my mother's life not life? According to your reasoning, simply admitting wrongdoing is enough - then why do they execute so many criminals at the execution ground?!" Not really wanting to oppose his mother-in-law, he added, "Since mother-in-law is unwell, let brother-in-law decide this matter. But my mother cannot have been harmed for nothing!"
Wang Uncle, less eloquent than his brother-in-law, was stumped by these two questions. Wang Aunt spoke up for her husband, saying gently: "Why must we be so confrontational? After all, the relative's old madam hasn't passed away, has she?"
Minglan nodded: "Our Sheng family isn't unreasonable and brutal either. If by heaven's grace, the old madam survives, my father won't demand aunt's life in return. However, the imperial physician said that ginkgo bud juice is very potent - even if one survives, it's hard to guarantee against paralysis of limbs. If that really happens..."She sneered, "then please have aunt pay with her limbs!""
Wang Aunt gasped, never expecting this young girl to be so ruthless. Since she wasn't sincerely pleading for her sister-in-law anyway, she fell silent. Seeing that both her son and daughter-in-law were useless, Wang Old Madam could only "slowly regain consciousness."Seeing that pleading was useless, she darkened her expression: "My son-in-law has become so accomplished now, with the family fortune flourishing more than ever, that you no longer hold this old woman in regard! Fine! Since you're such a filial son, determined to sacrifice our Wang family to build your good reputation, I cannot disregard familial bonds. Let me ask you this—what if I refuse to comply?"
Sheng Hong looked deeply at the Wang family members: "If we cannot settle this privately, then we'll handle it publicly."
Over these past days, he had finally come to understand one thing thoroughly. Actually, once the matter of Old Mrs. Sheng being poisoned spread, it would become a scandal for the Sheng, Kang, and Wang families alike, though the impact would vary in degree.
Minglan, being a married daughter, would be least affected; the Sheng family, as victims, would be next, but due to Madam Wang's involvement, he would inevitably be labeled 'confused and negligent,' becoming subject to public criticism and ridicule; the Kang family would suffer more, but there was no guarantee that his Kang brother-in-law wouldn't cut losses by writing a letter of divorce to dispose of Kang Wangshi.
"Our family has maintained unsullied reputation for generations—how could we tolerate such a poisonous woman? I've long wanted to divorce her, only tolerating her out of respect for her parents' family"—Sheng Hong had even prepared the lines for that brother-in-law.
But the family that would suffer the greatest impact was actually the Wang family.
What a serious crime it was to plot against an elder! With both Wang daughters involved—one foolishly carrying out the deed, the other even more viciously masterminding it—what would become of the official reputations of the Wang father and son? It might even reach the point where Old Master Wang's memorial tablet in the Hall of Worthy Officials at Fengxian Hall would be removed. Hadn't Minister Li's tablet been removed twenty years after his death precisely because of his unworthy descendants?
The Wang couple also had two older daughters, both married into prominent families. Once this matter came to light, how could their lives in their husbands' households remain comfortable? Not to mention the numerous other Wang clansmen.
Sheng Hong glanced again at Wang Uncle and his wife, thinking to himself that even if his mother-in-law were willing to risk everything to protect her eldest daughter, others might not agree.
Actually, he also wanted to seek justice for the old madam—if only the cost could be smaller.
At this point, since the matter could no longer be smoothed over, he must gather his courage and not let others counterattack, seeing his original intentions and accusing him of 'showing no gratitude for his stepmother's kindness and making no effort to repay it.' He needed to repay her kindness, and substantially at that.
Moreover, ultimately, it was the Wang daughters who were at fault, not the Sheng family. The Wang family should be the one to pay the price—why should the Sheng family suffer in silence? Best to quickly deal with Kang Wangshi, let Minglan vent her anger, obtain the Wang family's tacit consent, then have all three families cover up the matter together. After that, peace would reign! Amitabha!
Understanding this reasoning, Sheng Hong immediately showed a pained expression with underlying anger and profound disappointment. "Our family has always prided itself on scholarly traditions, teaching all our children moral character. Never did I expect that approaching my fifties, such a thing would occur..." He sighed deeply. "I am truly exhausted. If Mother-in-law truly cannot understand, then let's report it to the authorities!"
Wang Aunt's eyelids twitched violently as she was about to speak, but Old Madam Wang already sneered: "I know what you're thinking—gambling that the Wang family wouldn't dare make this matter public. Think carefully: his eldest aunt is merely a relative by marriage. Your mother hasn't died, so his eldest aunt would at most face punishment or exile. With some maneuvering, we could surely get a lighter sentence. But your wife is your own daughter-in-law! What should be the punishment for a daughter-in-law who plots against her mother-in-law?! You know better than I! And what about her children?"
Sheng Hong was taken aback, his heart turning cold.Madam Wang stared at her mother in disbelief, murmuring dazedly, "...Mother, to protect my sister, you would actually have me die?" Since childhood, she had felt her mother favored her elder sister more—never had she imagined it to be true.
Wang Old Madam had no intention of letting her younger daughter die. She was merely engaged in a battle of wills with her son-in-law, testing who could be more ruthless and determined, forcing the Sheng family to concede a step so that both daughters could be saved. At this moment, she couldn't explain in detail and had to harden her heart, refusing to even glance at her younger daughter. Instead, she sneered coldly at Sheng Hong, "My son-in-law is a scholar who passed the imperial examinations, well-versed in the law. What should be the punishment for a daughter-in-law who attempts to murder her mother-in-law?"
Sweat dripped from Sheng Hong's forehead as he gripped his knees—after all, they had been married for decades, and he couldn't bear to see it end this way. Moreover, it would implicate the official career of his eldest son, whom he valued most.
Seeing this, Wang Old Madam grew even more emboldened and declared loudly, "If this matter truly escalates, no one will benefit! Son-in-law, you should think carefully." After delivering this threat, she softened her tone, "This matter is already a tangled mess. Your mother is blessed with great fortune and will surely overcome this crisis. Let's keep this among us in this room. When your mother wakes up, there's no need to tell her, lest she becomes distressed and her condition worsens... Ah, when I return, I will severely punish his eldest aunt, and have your wife dutifully serve her mother-in-law. Won't we remain a harmonious family then?"
Sheng Hong was visibly swayed, his eyes constantly darting toward Minglan. Minglan trembled with rage, her chest heaving with turbulent emotions as a wave of nausea rose in her throat. She felt the urge to vomit right onto Wang Old Madam's despicable face.
Following Sheng Hong's gaze, Wang Old Madam realized Minglan was the key to the situation and put on a mask of affection. "Good child, I know you're filial and want justice for your grandmother. But your mother has raised you for over a decade—can you bear to see her meet a terrible end? And what of your elder brother and sister, your own flesh and blood? If you insist on escalating this, how will they face the consequences?"
These words, half-pleading and half-threatening, drew a cold laugh from Minglan. If she were afraid, she wouldn't have pushed things this far. At worst, she'd have no parents, no siblings. If provoked enough, she might storm out and stab Aunt Kang to death with a hairpin!
Taking a deep breath, she was about to unleash a torrent of scorn upon the old woman when a familiar young man's voice came from the doorway—"Facing consequences is no difficulty. Younger sister, don't worry."
There stood Changbai, clad in a slightly worn blue robe, his hair disheveled and face weathered from a hurried journey. Behind him was a tall man in a crimson python robe—none other than Gu Tingye.
Sheng Hong sprang to his feet. At the sight of her son, Madam Wang felt both shame and relief, weeping, "My son, you've come!" In that moment, she truly believed her son was her greatest support.
Seeing her husband, Minglan didn't know whether to feel joy or sorrow. Though only a few days apart, the tumultuous events made it feel like a lifetime. Remembering how she had commandeered the marquis' guards without permission, sealed the manor, and arrested people—causing major trouble—she lowered her head. "Wasn't the Marquis at the Western Suburbs Camp?"
Gu Tingye first clasped his hands in salute to Sheng Hong, then offered brief bows to Wang Old Madam and Wang Uncle before striding to his wife's side. "Gongsun Xiansheng sent word, so I requested leave and rushed over."
"Will it cause trouble?" Minglan asked guiltily, regretting that she had made him abandon his duties.
Gu Tingye smiled. "As long as there's no war, military officers have more free time than civil officials."
Wang Old Madam smiled faintly, watching Madam Wang cling to her son, weeping and laughing. Her heart lifted—with her grandson here, no one would dare trouble her daughter anymore. Glancing at Gu Tingye standing nearby, she frowned slightly. After a moment's thought, she decided to first sideline this powerful grandson-in-law.
Meanwhile, Gu Tingye was frowning as he examined Minglan. "Why do you look so pale?" When he left, she had been a rosy, plump apple, but in just two or three days, she had turned into a pale, thin little cabbage.
Wang Old Madam quickly interjected, "Ming Yatou has been exhausted from caring for her mother-in-law. Since Marquis Gu is here, why not take her back to rest properly?"Minglan said coldly, "Old Madam, don't be so quick to dismiss people. This matter isn't finished yet."
Wang Old Madam glanced at Changbai with a threatening look. "You're a married woman now. You should worry less about your maiden family's affairs."
Furious, Minglan was about to retort when an arm suddenly stretched out sideways in front of her, blocking her path.
"If married women have nothing to do with their maiden families," Gu Tingye said impassively, "then what are you doing here, Old Madam?"
Minglan was taken aback and nearly laughed aloud. This fellow was twisting logic.
Wang Old Madam snorted coldly and pointed at Minglan. "This girl used to be respectful and filial, but after marrying into the Marquis household, she no longer regards her maiden family with any importance! She actually dares to repeatedly defy her elders! No doubt she's relying on Marquis Gu's influence!"
"Oh, is that so?" Gu Tingye's expression remained blank. "I actually think Minglan is quite respectful and filial. What did you do to anger my wife, who has such a gentle temperament?"
Minglan stared at her husband with her mouth agape. The room fell silent. Sheng Hong's face looked as if he'd been struck by a club. Wang Uncle's lips twitched. Even Madam Wang stopped her endless nagging at her son. Everyone in the room wore expressions of astonishment.
Wang Old Madam, enraged beyond measure, slapped the armrest and shouted, "A mere woman, talking about killing and maiming, even daring to imprison her aunt and administer private punishment! What kind of reasoning is this!?"
Gu Tingye said solemnly, "Minglan has always been timid. She can't even bear to hear chickens being slaughtered (Kang Yima: You're lying!), and she gets frightened for half a day at the sight of blood. May I ask, Old Madam, why did Aunt drive her to such extremes!?"
After speaking, he shook his head with a deeply pained expression, as if lamenting why elders these days didn't behave like elders should.
Minglan looked up at the man beside her. His tall frame blocked the midday sunlight streaming through the window, casting a cool shadow and shielding her from wind and rain, making her feel utterly secure. Her heart swelled with both sorrow and warmth, feeling torn between tears and laughter. The feeling of fighting alone had been unbearable, but now she finally knew she wasn't alone.
Gu Tingye swept his gaze over each member of the Wang family one by one. When his eyes fell on Kang Jin, the latter couldn't help but take a step back.
Then they heard his cold voice: "Aunt committed such heinous acts that defy heavenly principles. I can understand Old Madam being upset. But you shouldn't take it out on honest people. Do you think the Gu family has no one to stand up for them?"
Wang Old Madam had never witnessed such blatant distortion of truth. From the moment she entered the Sheng residence, it had been his wife who was bullying the Wang family! Trembling with rage, her face alternating between green and purple, she was momentarily speechless.
Gu Tingye actually turned to Minglan and smiled. "Were you frightened?"
Wiping away the mixed feelings of sorrow and gratitude, Minglan felt such immense satisfaction that she nearly pounced on him to cover him with kisses!
—Instead, she lowered her long eyelashes, furrowed her delicate brows, weakly lifted a handkerchief with her pale little hand, and said in a sorrowful, helpless voice, "I never knew... there could be such malicious people in this world..."
Gu Tingye looked at her with pity, like a mother hen gazing at a sparse-feathered chick, his eyes so tender they seemed to melt into water. He sighed, "Poor thing, you've never even seen a chicken killed, and now you've witnessed attempted murder by poisoning."
This couple...
Everyone in the room nearly vomited blood—Your poor, delicate, timid wife was just arguing fiercely with others, demanding Kang Wangshi pay with her life and threatening to break her limbs!
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