Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 190 The Poor Scholar and the Young Lady (2)

The light rain showed no signs of stopping.

Opposite the Fang residence is the Wu residence.

Looking at the gilded plaque, Fang Hai even felt an urge to laugh. What a wonderful daughter! She actually arranged for her lover's rendezvous to be right across from her own house.

I've been busy dealing with the Japanese pirates lately and haven't had time to attend to anything else. How dare these people be so presumptuous?

A matriarch of the household attempts to kill her daughter-in-law, Princess Gaoyang.

An eldest daughter of a concubine brought her lover to her doorstep.

Very good, truly very good.

Do you really think Fang Hai has a good temper? Doesn't he even consider that anyone who can become the heir of the Fang family has a good temper?
Fortunately, Luo Yuheng had investigated these matters in advance, so there was still a chance to remedy the situation. He stood silently at the door and waited. Before long, he heard footsteps splashing through the puddles behind him. Fang Lingyue had arrived, her pretty face showing some impatience.

It was drizzling today, so excuses like going on a spring outing or picnic wouldn't work. She was racking her brains in her room trying to come up with a good excuse to go out when she was told that her father wanted to see her.

It's probably about the marriage alliance with Song Yan again.

hateful.

Fang Lingyue really couldn't understand why her father valued a son-in-law who didn't even care about a man's dignity so much.

Does he think he can fight a war?
What good would it do for Ningguo to fight now? It's all the civil officials' world now.

Thinking of what Song Yan had promised her last night, Fang Lingyue felt a little relieved, but she quickly became nervous again. Would that guy really refuse the marriage? After all, she was so beautiful, any man would be attracted to her.

A sense of anxiety arose in his heart, and he bowed to his father, saying, "Greetings, Father."

The crisp sound was as pleasant as a silver bell.

Fang Hai slowly turned around, his eyes as still as an ancient well. For some reason, Fang Lingyue felt a chill run down her spine and subconsciously stammered, "Father..."

"Lingyue, tell me, how does your father treat you?" Fang Hai finally spoke.

Fang Lingyue immediately replied, "That would be excellent."

Because Fang Hai had no legitimate daughter, there were very few young ladies like Fang Lingyue who, despite being born out of wedlock, enjoyed the privileges of a legitimate daughter.

"Then tell me now, what did you say to Young Master Song last night?" Fang Hai's voice remained calm.

Fang Lingyue's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but curse Song Yan inwardly for being such a grown man, yet still tattling on others—truly shameless. A layer of cold sweat beaded on her smooth forehead: "Father, daughter...daughter just doesn't know Song Yan very well, so..."

Hearing Fang Lingyue's words, Fang Hai looked somewhat disappointed. He shook his head and said, "Follow me."

Without waiting for Fang Lingyue's response or opening her umbrella, he walked straight towards the other side.

When Fang Lingyue saw her father stop in front of the Wu residence, she panicked and turned pale.

Did Father discover something?
If something like this happens in a large family, how would the father deal with himself?

All sorts of terrifying images flashed through her mind. No, no, her father doted on her so much, he would never do this to her. If she just shed a few tears and begged him, her father would definitely forgive her, and maybe even agree to her relationship with Brother Wu Ming.

Thus, she felt a sense of anticipation and secretly peeked at her father's expression, but his face was stiff and she couldn't tell anything.

Just then, Fang Hai grabbed the door knocker and knocked lightly twice.

Not long after, footsteps were heard coming from inside the door.

Squeak.

The door opens.

At the same time, another voice clearly reached everyone's ears: "Lingyue, why did you come to find me from the main gate? If your father finds out... Huh? Who are you?"

Behind the gate stood a handsome scholar.

He was in his early twenties and extremely handsome, almost as good-looking as a woman.

He exuded no masculinity whatsoever, and his face was filled with intense impatience as he spoke, clearly showing that he didn't take Fang Lingyue, the eldest daughter of the Fang family, seriously.

Before she could finish speaking, she saw that it wasn't Fang Lingyue standing in front of her, but an old man, and her expression turned to confusion.

These words caused the expressions of the nearby guards to turn somewhat strange.

They had a vague feeling that they had heard something they shouldn't have heard.

Fang Hai's expression remained as cold as ever: "I am his father."

The scholar named Wu Ming was taken aback, only then noticing Fang Lingyue following behind him. His eyes darted around, and he immediately bowed respectfully, saying, "So it's Lord Fang."

"I have long admired you, sir. It is truly an honor to meet you today."

Fang Hai didn't speak, but with just a glance, one of the guards immediately stepped forward and kicked Wu Ming in the chest. With a whoosh, Wu Ming's body flew backward instantly, crashing heavily to the ground more than ten steps away, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

The guards were seventh-rank martial artists.

Extremely strong.

One kick would kill not only a frail scholar, but even a strong man; it was clear that the kicker had held back.

Seeing Wu Ming's miserable state, Fang Lingyue screamed and angrily rebuked, "Father, how could you treat Brother Wu Ming like this, you..."

Snapped!
Before he could finish speaking, Fang Hai turned around and slapped Fang Lingyue hard across the face.

The remaining sound was abruptly cut off, and half of her face quickly swelled up, revealing five clear finger marks.

"shut your mouth."

After cursing, Fang Hai strode towards the hall.

Fang Lingyue was stunned by the slap, her whole body trembling uncontrollably. It was the first time she had ever seen her father so angry. She was somewhat unruly and mischievous, and had caused a lot of trouble since she was a child, but her father would only scold her with a stern face each time, at most punishing her by making her copy the Analects or the Rules for Women. This was the first time she had ever been hit like this.

For a moment, I was filled with extreme fear, and my body was trembling.

Then two guards grabbed his arms and dragged him inside.

Such behavior was rude and violent, showing absolutely no tenderness or respect for the young lady.

These guards were all his most trusted confidants, and the master knew their temperament well.

Normally you are the young lady, and everyone treats you with deference and fawns over you. But when the master slaps you across the face, it means that you have no value in the master's heart, no status in the Fang family, and are even less than a maid.

If that's the case, why should I indulge you?
The doors closed one by one.

The hall was plunged into a terrifying darkness.

As the candle was lit, the faint flame finally brought a little light.

Fang Hai didn't care at all that he was soaked. He sat down in the main seat and looked down at Wu Ming and Fang Lingyue. The invisible oppression became more and more terrifying.

"You must be Wu Ming?" After a long while, Fang Hai slowly spoke.

The man forced a smile and said, "My lord, I am Wu Ming."

"Are you a scholar? Do you hold any official rank or title?"

"Young man, I have studied diligently for ten years. Now I am well-versed in poetry and literature, and my writing is full of erudition. When I pick up my pen, I will surely write beautiful articles. When the imperial examination comes next spring, I will surely pass with top honors and become the top scholar." Wu Ming puffed out his chest and said proudly.

Fang Hai's lips twitched suddenly, and he couldn't help but want to curse. "You've been bragging so much, but you're just a nobody without any official rank."
The chattering sounds were as noisy as frogs in a rice paddy.

"You've never participated in the imperial examinations before?"

"I've participated three times..."

Fang Lingyue quickly chimed in, "Brother Wu Ming told me that the examiners were cheating in those three imperial examinations. Brother Wu Ming is very talented, but he was rejected time and time again. There is obviously something wrong with that. If our Fang family had helped him, Brother Wu Ming would definitely have passed with flying colors."

Judging from his father's expression, he clearly already knew everything, so there was no point in continuing to hide it; it was better to just lay it all out.

Fang Hai sighed, his eyes filled with utter disappointment. Disappointment in Fang Lingyue.

Everyone knows about cheating in the imperial examinations, but generally they don't go too far. Seven out of ten positions are filled by people with connections, and they still try to recruit some truly talented scholars. The number of places for the preliminary examinations is extremely high, and Wu Ming failed the examinations three times, not even becoming a preliminary examination candidate, which is enough to show that he is truly a good-for-nothing.

A good-for-nothing, poor, relies on women, has no masculinity whatsoever, and only knows how to talk big... Where did Fang Lingyue find such a perfect man?
With the Fang family's help? What a joke! If the Fang family were helping, even a fool could pass the imperial examination. He chuckled, his gaze turning sinister as he stared at Wu Ming: "Boy, let me guess what you poor scholars are thinking?"

"Are you thinking that if you meet a young lady from a wealthy family, you can find an opportunity to rush up and hug her, kiss her, and then, because she has already lost her chastity, she will have no choice but to marry you afterwards?"

"Then you'll have the opportunity to climb the social ladder. As long as you say a few sweet words and make the young lady happy, someone will support your studies."

"If that doesn't work, then find a way to spread the word. By then, it'll work even if it doesn't work?"

Wu Ming's breath hitched, and his eyes darted around in panic.

Fang Lingyue was also slightly taken aback.

The unbearable oppression lasted for a few breaths before Wu Ming hurriedly replied, "Uncle, my meeting with Lingyue was just an accident. I didn't have such sordid thoughts. I know I'm just a poor scholar now, but fortunes change. Please believe me, Uncle, I will definitely become the top scholar and bring happiness to Lingyue."

Fang Lingyue also subconsciously opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say a few words in support of her good brother.

But Fang Hai didn't give him that chance. He didn't even care what Wu Ming said, and just sneered: "Do you know how a powerful family like the Fang family would handle this kind of thing?"

"Go to the authorities, they'll arrest you on some random charge, and you'll die in prison. As for the young lady, she'll remain pure and innocent."

"Or, just kill them directly, and the government won't interfere."

"Trying to climb the social ladder through such despicable means? Who do you think you are?"

Wu Ming and Fang Lingyue's faces turned deathly pale, and their bodies trembled even more violently. Wu Ming, in particular, was terrified. How could this be? It's not like what's written in the storybooks!

Fang Lingyue, however, mustered her courage and said, "Father, you...you can't do this to Brother Wu Ming. If you're going to kill Brother Wu Ming, then kill me first. I...I'm already pregnant with Brother Wu Ming's child."

Fang Hai was surprised to find that he wasn't angry at all; perhaps he had gone too far with anger. He glanced at Fang Lingyue, and his cold gaze sent chills down Fang Lingyue's spine: "Fool, do you know how I would know about your messy affairs?"

"It was this poor scholar who spoke with those prostitutes in the Jade Garden."

"You, Fang Lingyue, the dignified eldest daughter of the Fang family, have actually degenerated into this fool, having secret rendezvous with him and even seeking pleasure in the wild. Now, it is probably common knowledge throughout the entire Songzhou Prefecture."

"Do you know how much face my Fang family has lost because of you?"

He slammed his hand heavily on the armrest, and his last words were delivered with a fierce and stern tone.

It's no wonder he was so angry; such behavior not only made him a laughingstock, but could even shake his foundation as the heir of the Fang family.

Fang Lingyue stared at Wu Ming in disbelief, her face pale. She never imagined that Wu Ming would spread their private affairs everywhere. Her reputation was completely ruined.

He even went to places like Qunyu Garden.

Wu Ming remained silent, terrified by Fang Hai's imposing aura and murderous intent, and dared not utter a sound for a moment.

“Lingyue, oh Lingyue, how can this kind of person compare to Song Yan? Song Yan is already a baron, and in a few days he will be a viscount, and also a county magistrate…” Fang Hai said quietly.

Wu Ming trembled and hurriedly shouted, "Uncle, please calm down. I promise I will never bother Miss Lingyue again. Nothing happened between me and Miss Lingyue, and I will absolutely not interfere with Miss Lingyue's marriage."

Boom... click.

Like a thunderbolt striking Fang Lingyue's head, her body swayed, her face paled, and tears streamed uncontrollably down her beautiful cheeks. She stared at Wu Ming in disbelief, never imagining that her beloved brother Wu Ming, who usually showered her with sweet words and doted on her, would utter such heartless words.

She had sacrificed so much for Wu Ming. She spent money to support his education, provided for his food, clothing, and daily necessities, and even took safflower twice for his sake...

How could he be so heartless?

Fang Hai sighed, too lazy to listen to Wu Ming's nagging any longer, and nodded to the guards: "Drag them away and beat them to death."

Immediately, two guards stepped forward, grabbed Wu Ming by the shoulders, and dragged him outside. Wu Ming was terrified and struggled desperately, but as a weak scholar, he had no chance against the two guards.

"Fang Hai, you...you can't do this! You're treating human life like dirt! I'm going to sue you!"

Fang Hai pursed his lips: "It doesn't matter, I am the Prefect of Songzhou."

"Lingyue, save me."

"Have you forgotten the days we lived together? We promised to be inseparable."

"Lingyue, you can't do this..."

clap clap clap...

The sounds turned into screams and the thud of sticks hitting the body.

Fang Lingyue opened her mouth, but finally spoke: "Father, I've figured it out!"

"As long as you let Brother Wu Ming go, I will follow your arrangements and marry Song Yan."

She knew that Wu Ming's words were forced upon him; he must have been frightened by their father. As for going to Qunyu Garden, he must have been influenced by the other scholars. Wu Ming would never do such a thing.

Everything was forced upon me by my father.

For the sake of her brother Wu Ming, she had no choice but to reluctantly marry Song Yan.

Even if he marries Song Yan, he can only have her body, not her heart. Her heart will always belong only to Brother Wu Ming.

Upon hearing this, not only Fang Hai, but all the other guards were stunned. They stared at Fang Lingyue in shock, seemingly unable to understand what she was thinking to say such a thing.
Does she even understand Song Yan's identity and status?
Those are the real powerful and wealthy, and what are you?
Why do you look like you've suffered a great injustice after marrying Song Yan?

Also, is this how the phrase "marrying down" is used?

Besides, you are no longer a virgin, and your reputation in Songzhou City is ruined. What decent family would want you? They wouldn't even consider taking you as a concubine.

Have you forgotten that you're pregnant? Song Yan is a ruthless man who can slaughter tens of thousands of Japanese pirates. If you really marry into that family, given Song Yan's temper, he'd probably just lead his troops and massacre the Fang family.

Fang Hai chuckled; he had underestimated Fang Lingyue's stupidity: "No need."

"I don't want to ruin my current pretty good relationship with Song Yan because of you, you idiot."

Fang Lingyue frowned deeply. She didn't understand why her father was pressing her so hard even though she had already made concessions. Who could understand? Living in such a family was truly too oppressive.

"So, what are Father's plans for me?"

Fang Hai sighed: "Don't worry, I'll arrange a good place for you."

"Issue my order: from this day forward, Fang Lingyue's name shall be removed from the Fang family genealogy, Fang Lingyue shall be expelled from the Fang family, and all her property, land and houses shall be reclaimed."

Fang Lingyue's expression changed drastically in an instant. She did not expect things to be so serious. Everything she had was given to her by the Fang family. If she was expelled from the family, wouldn't she be no different from those village girls?

No!

How can this be?

“Fang Lingyue’s mother, An, was divorced and expelled from the Fang family.”

Fang Lingyue could no longer hold back and screamed, "Father, you can't treat me like this! I'm your daughter! I've already agreed to marry Song Yan, what do you want from me?"

Fang Hai's eyes were icy cold: "I've said it before, the Fang family doesn't support idlers. As a woman, marriage is the value you can create for the family, but you are no longer a virgin, so that value is gone."

"I spoiled you before, and even though you didn't want the arranged marriage, I didn't say anything."

"But now your existence has become a stain on the Fang family."

“As long as you live, people will remember the sordid things between you and Wu Ming, and those memories must be erased.”

"For the sake of the Fang family's reputation, let you make the last bit of use."

For some reason, Fang Hai's words made Fang Lingyue tremble all over. Then she saw Fang Hai stand up, and somehow, a white silk ribbon appeared in his hand.

The reputation of aristocratic families must not be tarnished!

(End of this chapter)