Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 175 The Wang Family's Scheme, Sheng Hong Enters the Palace

"Mother!"

Wang Ruo knelt at the old lady's feet, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes.

The inner prison was a place specifically for detaining the families of officials. It did not need to go through the Kaifeng Prefecture; the families or the imperial family handled the cases directly, thus preventing scandals from being spread.

She knew that once she entered the inner prison, she would have to do hard labor, eat coarse tea and spoiled food, and be punished by the female officials if she was not careful.

“Mother, I was such a well-behaved and obedient daughter at home. Ever since I married into this filthy place, the Kang family, I have suffered a fate worse than death. Mother, you know that in your heart.”

Wang Ruo wiped away her tears and cried out, "How many times have they tortured Qi Da and Qi Er so severely? The servants are spineless, and they've been forced to confess under torture! Mother, you can't believe their lies!"

Aunt Wang couldn't stand it any longer and raised her voice, shouting, "When have you ever been obedient and well-behaved!"

"Over the years, no matter who it was, if they did anything that displeased you in the slightest, you would hold a grudge and rack your brains to seek revenge."

"After causing such a disaster, do you expect the Wang family to clean up your mess?"

Seeing that Old Mrs. Wang's expression was not right, Wang Shiping quickly tugged at his aunt's sleeve, signaling her to say less.

Just as Old Mrs. Wang was pondering how to devise a grand plan, Kang Haifeng, who had been silent all along, said quietly, "Someone, bring me paper and pen."

“My Kang family is not what it used to be, but for generations no family member has ever been imprisoned. Now that things have come to this, we cannot allow such a vicious woman to remain in our home and bring shame upon our ancestors.”

"Mother-in-law, I'm sorry."

Wang Ruoyu suddenly turned to look at Kang Haifeng, "You...you want to divorce me?!"

"Father, you can't divorce Mother!" Kang Jin knelt down in front of Kang Haifeng with a "plop," and Kang Yuan'er, crying with tears streaming down her face, also knelt down.

Kang Jin was already mediocre, and with a mother like that, losing the Wang family's protection would completely ruin his life.

Kang Haifeng snorted coldly. Over the years, he had long since lost all feelings for Wang Ruoyu.

However, because of the Wang family's influence, he had to endure it all.

"Don't you, as her son, know how many lives she has on her hands? Stop pleading for her; the bigger picture is more important."

Seeing this, Kang Jin turned around and went to ask Old Madam Wang for help again.

A moment later, Old Mrs. Wang closed her eyes.

“Child, I can’t protect you anymore. You’ve done too many stupid things over the years, and each and every one of them is enough to make you suffer.”

"Considering your father's lifelong reputation for kindness and goodwill, he would not rest in peace if he knew what had happened today."

“Your brother-in-law and sister-in-law have to report to the officials, and they can’t explain it to General Wei either. So I… had no choice but to follow their orders and punish you.”

“Mother!” Wang Ruoyu looked at the old lady in disbelief.

In the past, no matter what big mistakes I made, my mother would do everything she could to clean up my mess. I never expected her to give in so easily now.

However, as soon as Grandma Wang finished speaking, a subtle calculation flashed across her eyes. She took Wang Ruoyu's hand and squeezed it gently.

"elder sister……"

After years of being sisters, Wang Ruofu couldn't bear it any longer and was about to say something when Wang Ruoyu suddenly pushed her away.

"Get out of here, you useless idiot!"

"Years ago, you were trampled underfoot by a concubine surnamed Lin, and now you're being suppressed by Wei Xiaoniang. You don't even dare to say a word of protest. What else can you do besides complain to me?"

"If those two bitches had fallen into my hands, they would have been dead in some mass grave by now!"

"Idiot! Useless idiot!"

Wang Ruofu opened his mouth, but was silenced and couldn't say a word.

Sheng Hong stepped forward, shielding Wang Ruofu behind him, and said loudly, "My wife may not be as clever or scheming as you, but she is kind-hearted and treats her children well."

"I have made a few mistakes over the years, but you have been involved in all of them."

"Today you have harmed Wei Xiaoniang, and the evidence is conclusive. Confess your guilt now, and it will be better to end this sooner rather than later."

Liu Ge'er clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying, "My mother has never offended you. You have repeatedly spoken rudely to her and even resorted to such a vicious act. If she suffers any lasting damage, I will never let you off the hook!"

Wang Ruoyu already knew from the look and gestures given by Old Mrs. Wang that she had a way to save her, and now she felt even more confident.

She tilted her head back, a sinister smile playing on her lips. "No matter how powerful your mother is, she'll always be just a concubine. I only regret that I couldn't poison her."

"How dare you take advantage of me! You even dare to support that wretched mother and son from the Su family to suppress me. Do you really think I'm easy to bully? You've gone too far!"

"She deserves to die!"

Looking at her hopeless state, Aunt Wang took a deep breath and exclaimed, "You're crazy! You're really crazy!"

By sending Wang Ruoyu to the inner prison, the Wang family has gotten rid of a scourge.

It wasn't until Wang Ruoyu signed her name on the divorce papers and obtained the testimonies of Qi's mother, Qi Da, Qi Er, and others that things became clear.

Sheng Changbai and Sheng Hong exchanged a glance and instructed Dong Rong and Han Niu to take Wang Ruoyu to the Sheng family for safekeeping.

It was nearly dawn, and the east was beginning to lighten with the first hint of white.

Hanlin Lane, the Prince's Mansion.

In the back room, Old Mrs. Wang had been sleepless all night, leaning against the soft couch. The jewels in her hair had been removed, and a few strands of hair hung down by her temples. Her face showed exhaustion and pain.

The same applies to Wang Shiping and his maternal aunt.

“Mother-in-law, my sister brought this upon herself. The matter is already settled, so why torture yourself like this?”

"After all these years, doesn't your mother-in-law know what kind of person she is? She acts lawlessly and never cares about the lives of others."

“Mother-in-law can’t let the whole family be dragged down by him. You’er is still at the Imperial Academy.” Aunt Wang said softly, sitting upright on a soft stool.

Old Mrs. Wang was furious. She gave her a cold look and said, "I know you don't like Ruoyu, but you are also a mother. Can you just stand by and watch your daughter fall into prison?"

"But the matter has already reached the authorities, and the Sheng family is determined to punish my sister. There's no way to turn things around."

"She won't be able to do anything wrong in prison, and our family can finally have some peace and quiet."

"My daughter-in-law made it clear today: as long as she is alive, our Wang family will never be able to regain its former glory."

Aunt Wang turned to look at Wang Shiping again.

"My lord, think about it. If it weren't for her, with your father-in-law's connections and former subordinates, you would have been transferred back to the capital long ago. Why would you have wasted so many years in Runzhou?"

Wang Shiping lowered his eyes and remained silent, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Kang Yuan'er clutched her handkerchief tightly and sobbed incessantly.
Grandma Wang gritted her teeth and said, "Get out, you stupid thing who tries to sow discord between siblings!"

“That’s right!” Kang Yuan’er wiped away her tears and moved closer to Old Madam Wang.

“My mother and uncle are blood relatives, so you, my mother-in-law, naturally can’t understand how I feel. My mother didn’t do it on purpose; she was just so angry with that young lady from the Sheng family that she resorted to such a desperate measure.”

"Which concubine is as arrogant as her? Even a noble concubine wouldn't dare to talk back to the head mistress. She clearly doesn't respect my mother or the Wang family!"

“Grandmother, you can’t watch my mother suffer in prison.”

Aunt Wang's face flushed red as they continued to criticize her. She was about to retort when Wang Shiping raised his hand to stop her.

"Stop talking, go back and rest."

Aunt Wang swallowed back the words she was about to say, glared at Kang Yuan'er, and turned to leave.

He thought to himself, "Once Wang Ruoyu is in the inner prison, I'll see how I deal with her!"
A short while later, inside the side room.

Old Mrs. Wang looked at Wang Shiping and said in a deep voice, "Your sister has never lifted a finger since she was a child, she absolutely cannot be put to suffer in the inner prison."

“Your third sister doesn’t consider herself a member of the Wang family anymore. She didn’t even say a word of pleading today. We can’t count on her for this matter.” “Tomorrow I will go to the palace first to ask the Empress Dowager if she can make an exception. If that doesn’t work, the female officials in the inner prison are not a monolithic group. They will surely find a way to get your sister out.”

Wang Shiping opened his eyes wide, his heart rising and falling slightly.

"Mother, the inner prison is a forbidden area for the royal family. If we help prisoners escape, our royal family will be doomed once we are discovered!"

Grandma Wang gave a soft hum.

"Your father was a veteran of three reigns, and he received seven 'Ten Thousand People's Umbrellas' (a symbol of public service). He died in office and was posthumously honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The late emperor personally bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Wenzhong (文忠), in recognition of his loyalty and diligence."

"This little thing is nothing to be ashamed of."

"The Wei family only dared to talk back to your sister several times because she has a brother who is an official in the court and a daughter who is a concubine in the harem."

"Besides, she's not really dead. If the Sheng family still considers us relatives, they can find any excuse to hand over your sister."

"Think back to when you were a child, you were playful and skipped school. If you had pleaded with your father for her countless times, would you be able to stand by and watch her suffer in prison now?"

"Even after I die, I will not be able to rest in peace!"

Kang Yuan'er's eyes darted around, and she knelt down, tugging at Wang Shiping's clothes. "Uncle, please save my mother! She's your own sister!"

“The risk is too great…” Wang Shiping sighed, feeling utterly helpless.

“I will plan everything carefully. As long as your sister is safe and sound this time, I will send someone to take her to the ancestral home in Lanxi to settle her life.” Old Mrs. Wang raised her head slightly.

The Wang family originated from Lanxi, and several branches of the clan still remain there today. They enjoy a high reputation and are far from the capital, making it the most suitable place for Tibetans to avoid trouble.

"I'll think about it some more. Mother, please go and see what the Empress Dowager thinks first."

Wang Shiping raised his hand and frowned, unsure of what to do.

-

The next day, the sun rose higher and it was nearly noon.

Under He Hongwen's care, Wei Xiaoniang has awakened. Hai Chaoyun, knowing Minglan's worries, quickly sent her trusted maid to the palace to inform Minglan.

As for Wang Ruoyu, he was imprisoned in the woodshed in the backyard, with more than ten servants guarding outside, never leaving his side.

After learning from Wang Shiping that the old lady had the idea of ​​breaking into the inner prison, Aunt Wang felt that she and Wang Ruoyu were both crazy.

She secretly vowed that she would not let this matter succeed no matter what. Once Wang Ruoyu came out, she would definitely have a hard time, and the Wang family would live in constant fear.

The Imperial Palace, inside the Funing Hall.

Only after learning that Wei Xiaoniang had woken up did Minglan feel relieved. Holding a teacup, she walked to Zhao Han's side, lowered her eyes and said, "I didn't expect Aunt Kang to be so audacious."

"It's one thing to cause trouble repeatedly, but to go so far as to poison her? If it weren't for Physician He's timely treatment, I'm afraid my young lady..."

Zhao Han took the teacup, turned to look at Minglan, and her face looked a little haggard after a sleepless night of worry.

Wang Ruoyu was pampered by Old Madam Wang since childhood, and her behavior was arrogant and domineering. Over the years, the Wang family has been helping her handle murder cases without any mistakes.

She had assumed that Wei Shuyi would die as planned, and that even if the matter came to light, the Wang family would try to cover it up.

Moreover, she has always looked down on concubines and illegitimate children; in her view, these are people she can dispose of at will.

The Kang family had several concubines. If someone broke a teacup or accidentally spilled a few drops of tea in front of her while serving tea, they would be beaten to death and carried out.

Wang Ruoyu could not tolerate Wei Xiaoniang's repeated rebuttals and her living a more glamorous and respectable life than her own.

With their own son's future thwarted, the Wei family even sided with Kang Haifeng's favorite concubine, Su Xiaoniang.

"Once Lady Wei has recovered, I will allow her to enter the palace to see you. With Brother Liu taking care of her, you can rest assured," Zhao Han said slowly.

Minglan nodded gently. Just as she was about to speak, Qingyun bowed and came forward respectfully, saying, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Wei and Lord Xiao Sheng request an audience."

Zhao Han smiled slightly, "Let them in."

Soon, Sheng Hong and Sheng Changbai appeared in the hall. Minglan stood beside Zhao Han, her back straight, her spirits up, looking dignified and composed.

After the two finished their formal greetings, Sheng Hong spoke first, "Your Majesty, I am guilty. I failed to manage my household properly, which allowed the treacherous to take advantage of the situation. The Wei family suffered this calamity and almost lost their lives."

“This matter is all due to my poor management of my household. I hope Your Majesty will punish me.”

"However, the person who poisoned the body, Kang Wangshi, has been imprisoned at home by me. The documents sent to the inner prison have been signed and acknowledged by both the Kang and Wang families."

"If there is anything inappropriate, please give your instructions, Your Majesty, and I will certainly correct it accordingly."

Sheng Hong spoke with particular respect, and as soon as he finished speaking, he cautiously glanced ahead out of the corner of his eye.

Zhao Han pondered for a moment and nodded, "Lord Sheng has always been prudent in his actions, so let's do it this way. It would be a loss of face for everyone to know about matters within the inner chambers."

"Wei, who has been sent to be well taken care of, is now on my orders to go to the southern border. It would be a shame to let a meritorious official be disheartened."

"Your Majesty is right, I deserve to die a thousand deaths." Sheng Hong bowed deeply, and Sheng Changbai followed suit.

About half an incense stick's time later, Sheng Changbai remained in the hall and reported on the recent performance evaluations and performance reviews of officials by the Examination and Assessment Department.

Sheng Hong and his daughter Minglan then retreated outside the hall.

On the flat bluestone road, Sheng Hong looked at Minglan and couldn't help but say, "Why did you have to make such a fuss about this in front of the Emperor?"

"What if we make a wrong move and take one wrong step? Have you thought about how our family will be dealt with?"

Minglan twitched the corner of her mouth. "Doesn't Father know what kind of person Old Madam Wang is?"

“She is always protective of her own and values ​​her reputation. She can’t be reasoned with by ordinary logic. If we don’t frighten her, how can she obediently hand over Kang Wangshi?”

Sheng Hong sighed softly, "Your mother is safe and sound, so all the trouble wasn't in vain. As for Wei Ling, you..."

"Father, rest assured, I will write a letter to my uncle as soon as I get back and explain the reason to him. I will not make things difficult for you."

"That's good, that's good. You've always been my most obedient and well-behaved daughter."

After Sheng Hong finished speaking, he stroked his beard. Jiaozhi was restless, and Zhao Han intended to launch a military campaign. If Wei Ling could make another contribution to expanding the territory, the Wei family's status would be elevated even further.

Meanwhile, inside Qingshou Palace.

Dressed in the robes of an imperial consort, Old Madam Wang knelt before Empress Cao and tearfully pleaded, "The concubine of the Sheng family, relying on her family's power, has repeatedly spoken rudely. My daughter was so angered by her that she lost her mind and did such a shameful thing to the family."

"I hope that Your Majesty the Empress Dowager can consider our past relationship and say a few words on my daughter's behalf in front of the Emperor."

"Or let her stay in the inner prison for a year or two, learn a lesson, and she will definitely change her ways. If she stays in there for the rest of her life, she will definitely be tortured beyond recognition."

Empress Dowager Cao gestured to the palace maids nearby to help Old Lady Wang up.

“We’ve known each other since we were young girls. After you married Wang Yan, your life was getting better and better. It’s a pity that he didn’t live long, leaving you to support him alone for so many years.”

“I am a lonely man with no children. Your daughter murdered the elder sister of a rising star in the court. How can this end so easily?”

"You've lost one, but you still have two by your side. Why come to me for help? Think positively. I've lost three of my own children, but I still manage to live my life."

Grandma Wang sat on the soft stool, wiping away her tears. "But if she really dies, it would be a relief. I, as her mother, just can't bear to suffer in the inner prison every day!"

“She poisoned a concubine, which is not a serious crime. Although the inner prison is not as comfortable as home, it is not a dead end. There are still several opportunities to visit each year. There is no need for this.”

Empress Cao picked up her teacup, her tone indifferent. The Wang family was not as powerful as it used to be, and she was unwilling to bother with such trivial matters.

She also knew that Zhao Han was not her biological son, and that interfering in everything would not benefit either her or the Cao family.

Seeing that Empress Dowager Cao was determined not to get involved, Old Lady Wang exchanged a few pleasantries and then reluctantly bowed and took her leave.

(End of this chapter)