tallest building

Chapter 195 No Give Way

Madam Zhou stood up shakily, and said angrily, "What exactly does the county princess want to do today? I don't think she's here to offer her condolences."

Although our Zhou family is now in decline, we will not tolerate such slander from you. So what if you are of noble birth? You've gone and ruined my reputation with your lies! My son's spirit is not far off, and our ancestors are watching from heaven!
Cuiyi is carrying the child of my Zhou family. The county princess says she is not a virtuous woman, but does she have any real evidence?
With all our relatives and friends here today, I absolutely cannot tolerate your insolence! Come, come, I'll take you to the yamen!"

The Zhou family's social standing is indeed far inferior to that of the Liu family, but it depends on the situation.

Now, at someone else's son's funeral, Liu Huanchun is spouting wild words, slandering Liu Cuiyi, the widow. Not to mention the Zhou family, even ordinary people would not tolerate such defamation.

Therefore, Madam Zhou's words were not excessive at all, and were perfectly justified.

Liu Huanchun was stunned. She had learned from Cao Hongyu that Madam Zhou also favored Liu Cuiyi's infidelity! How could things be different now...?

But she quickly realized that Madam Zhou was hoping that Liu Cuiyi's belly would give birth to a son so that he could inherit the Zhou family's title!

So he said, "Madam Zhou, I know why you're protecting her. Now that your son is gone, and the Zhou family has no male heirs, everything depends on her unborn child. For the sake of your own future and your two married daughters, you have no choice but to swallow your pride and bear it."

But I advise you, a woman like that is not trustworthy at all. By indulging her, how can you face your deceased son? How can you face the ancestors of the Zhou family?!

“Princess Liu! Our family has been more than polite to you, yet you keep uttering such vile words! You are an unmarried young lady, yet you speak of baseless illicit affairs. Are you perhaps too old to marry and have developed a lustful madness?!” At this moment, Zhao Mama, Liu Cuiyi’s maidservant, rushed out. As a servant, she was not qualified to speak to Liu Huanchun, much less to be disrespectful to her. However, Liu Huanchun had gone too far, clearly intending to force her young lady to her death in public. At this moment, as her maidservant, she should protect Liu Cuiyi.

Moreover, it was Liu Huanchun's own fault for being disrespectful, constantly using foul language and showing no semblance of a county princess.

"You're insane! Your Zhou family is so well-mannered! Sending such a crazy woman to talk to me!" Liu Huanchun trembled with anger.

“Princess Liu, you still have the nerve to talk about manners? Where are your own manners? I haven’t seen a single one.” Zhao Mama went all out. “Everyone in the capital knows that our young lady is timid, weak, and obedient to the rules. You treat her like a pushover; you know perfectly well what filthy thoughts are hidden in your heart!”

Even without Zhao's mother saying it, everyone could see that Liu Huanchun's motives were impure.

Moreover, everyone knows that this county princess has always been somewhat mentally unstable, but she has never caused such a big fuss as she has today.

At this point, several ladies of high rank came out to mediate: "This is a family matter for the Zhou family; how can outsiders interfere?"

"Let's talk about this after the funeral. After all, the deceased should be respected."

Liu Huanchun refused to admit it and shouted, "Every word I said is true! I swear on my life! It was Wen Mingqian who instigated Liu Cuiyi to cheat on me!"

At this moment, Wen Mingqian, who had been silent, spoke up: "I respect you as the county princess, but I also fear your family's power. That's why I have tolerated and avoided you every time you have made things difficult for me."

She walked gracefully to the front of the group, the jade pendant tied at her waist appearing even more noble and pure white against the backdrop of her dark gauze skirt, attracting attention.

"I never expected you to be so coercive, even attempting to frame me by slandering Cuiyi. You keep saying Cuiyi has behaved improperly, but you can't produce any evidence. It's laughable!"
Your argument, though seemingly reasonable, is riddled with flaws. You claim that I helped Cuiyi find a lover so she could secure her position in the Zhou family. But would I risk my own reputation for such a thing? Even if I didn't care about my own honor, wouldn't I consider my son Chang'an's well-being?

Just think about it, I've already left the Gong family, and the only thing I can rely on for the rest of my life is my son. And to put it bluntly, my son is exceptionally outstanding.

Fearing gossip, I moved into a nunnery after leaving the Gong family. I live a secluded life, rarely daring to slack off.

Even if Cuiyi and I are very close, we can't be closer than my son and me, right? Even if she were to offer me something, how much could it be? It certainly wouldn't compare to this jade pendant I wear at my waist, would it?

Wen Mingqian's words were forceful and well-reasoned. Those who had initially been skeptical were now convinced after hearing her explanation. Indeed, who in the world would harm themselves for the sake of others? And it was even less likely that they would jeopardize their son's future for the sake of a friend.

Moreover, all these officials' wives know that Wen Mingqian is not short of money, and the connections of the Zhou and Liu families are not as good as hers!
Putting everything else aside, the fact that the eldest princess held her in such high regard was already something that most people could only dream of.

However, Wen Mingqian did not appear arrogant or conceited about this, nor did he flaunt his favor.

Therefore, Liu Huanchun's repeated claims that she helped Liu Cuiyi find a lover are absolutely unbelievable. As for why she does this, everyone naturally knows.

Princess Liu was deeply in love with Prince Changliu and also tried to curry favor with the princess.

But after so many years of waiting, he got nothing in return, while Wen Mingqian gained the appreciation of the eldest princess, who even bestowed the Spring Water Jade upon her.

There were even rumors that the Prince of Changliu had long harbored feelings for her, which explains why Liu Huanchun went crazy and caused a scene at the Zhou family.

Wen Mingqian's words left Liu Huanchun speechless for a moment. Taking advantage of the situation, she challenged, "As the saying goes, no matter how great the power, it can't overcome reason. That's why commoners dare to be arrogant towards kings and nobles. I, Wen Mingqian, may not have much else, but I still have a bit of pride."

Since I can't find peace by swallowing my anger, then I'll be insolent this time. I request that the county magistrate come with me to the yamen for a confrontation! The loser shall be punished according to the law!

"You...you're pushing your luck!" Despite his arrogance, Liu Huanchun knew he was in the wrong, and his momentum weakened somewhat. "I'm not afraid of you!"

"Do you think I'm afraid of you?!" Liu Cuiyi cried. "You rely on your power and influence to trample on us like this. I don't care about my life anymore! But there's one thing: after I die, the Zhou family must report this to the authorities! I'll make her, County Princess Liu, pay with her life!"

As he spoke, he took out the scissors hidden in his sleeve and stabbed them into his heart.

Zhao Ma tried desperately to stop them, and both of their hands were cut and bleeding profusely.

Liu's mother cried out, "Heavens above, what are you saying? Do you really want my daughter dead?! I don't want to live either!"

Madam Zhou also burst into tears: "My poor son! You left us so early, leaving us legless crabs to be bullied! I'll go with you!"

As she spoke, she and Liu's mother bumped into Liu Huanchun's arms, crying and making a fuss.