Upon hearing this, Tang Ning merely looked expressionlessly at the people inside. Princess Le Yang said nothing, and Madam Wenxin Hou beside her furrowed her brows.
This Fourth Prince’s Consort…
From start to finish, she had been using Old Princess Lu as a pawn.
Madam Wenxin Hou didn’t know what the Fourth Prince’s Consort’s true intentions were, nor what her goal was in provoking Princess Lu and Tang Ning’s group.
Seeing that the Old Princess of Lu’s expression was bad, and the atmosphere in the private room had become tense, as more people gathered outside, Madam Wenxin Hou felt that once things escalated, it might be hard to control the situation. After a moment of silent thought, she finally spoke.
“Today, it was indeed the actions of a treacherous servant, and the Old Princess of Lu was misled by this person.”
The “treacherous servant” she mentioned seemed to refer to An Mama, but in reality, she was pointing at the Fourth Prince’s Consort and Princess Le Yang.
Madam Wenxin Hou knew Tang Ning was sharp and would understand her meaning: “Old Princess Lu has a strict personality, which led to the misunderstanding, but she never intended to harm you.”
Old Princess Lu could tell Madam Wenxin Hou was trying to smooth things over. Although she was still upset, she reluctantly went along: “It is my fault for not managing my servants properly.”
Madam Wenxin Hou sighed in relief. “Since it was the fault of a treacherous servant and she hurt Miss Qian, this matter must be punished severely to prevent anyone from daring to harm a noble lady from the capital. What do you think, Old Princess Lu?”
Old Princess Lu remained silent with a stern face, but An Mama, who was kneeling on the ground, quickly responded in a panic: “It’s my fault. I am willing to accept punishment.”
Madam Wenxin Hou then turned to Tang Ning and Qian Qiyue: “Tang Ning, I know you two have been wronged, but the treacherous servant’s actions were not the Old Princess Lu’s intention. Tonight is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and these matters being escalated to His Majesty would not reflect well. Would you give me face, punish the treacherous servant, and let this matter pass?”
Qian Qiyue turned to look at Tang Ning.
Tang Ning understood Madam Wenxin Hou’s intentions. She didn’t want her to escalate things to the point of a complete disaster with the Lu Palace, giving the evildoer an advantage.
She glanced at the people in the room and spoke coldly: “This matter can pass, but since this treacherous servant slapped sister Qian, she must slap herself thirty times as compensation.”
“You…”
The Old Princess of Lu was about to speak as she saw Tang Ning retreat, but Tang Ning was still pressing the issue. She had been prepared to speak but was interrupted by An Mama.
“Princess, this matter is entirely my fault. The County Lord is already being magnanimous. These thirty slaps are what I deserve.”
Without hesitation, An Mama raised her hand and slapped her own face.
She didn’t hold back, and every slap sounded loud and clear as it landed on her face.
After thirty slaps, An Mama’s face was swollen and red, and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. She bowed obediently to Tang Ning and Qian Qiyue, speaking in a muffled voice: “I thank the County Lord for her magnanimity. I thank Miss Qian.”
Qian Qiyue couldn’t help but feel pain for An Mama’s severely swollen face, but she only snorted in response and said nothing.
Tang Ning gave An Mama a long look, then turned her head and said, “Since An Mama has been punished, let’s consider this matter settled.”
The Fourth Prince’s Consort quickly spoke up: “That’s good. You both had a dangerous fall into the lake. Don’t stand here, please sit down…”
“There’s no need.” Tang Ning didn’t give anyone face this time. “After we fell into the lake, we’re not feeling well, so we want to go back and rest. We won’t disturb the Fourth Prince’s Consort, Old Princess Lu, and the eldest Princess.”
Madam Wenxin Hou quickly added: “I’ll have Chang’er escort you out.”
Tang Ning nodded, supporting Qian Qiyue as they headed toward the exit.
This time, no one dared to stop them.
When they reached the stairs from the private room and looked down, they saw Fu Laiqing and his men looking anxiously at them. As soon as they descended, the group immediately surrounded them.
“Tang Ning, are you alright?”
“County Lord, is Miss Qian okay?”
Tang Ning ignored Song Jinxiu, just nodding at Fu Laiqing and the young man beside him, speaking softly: “Qian sister and I are fine, but there are some matters that require trouble for Lord Fu and this gentleman to accompany us to Tang Manor. I wonder if it’s convenient for you two?”
Fu Laiqing immediately agreed: “Of course.”
Qi Cheng naturally had no objections.
Song Jinxiu saw Tang Ning and Fu Laiqing speak and prepare to leave. He had been ignored entirely. His face turned pale, and he took a step forward, calling out, “Tang Ning…”
“What is it, Lord Song?”
The way Tang Ning addressed him as “Lord Song” made his face turn white.
“I also saw someone push you into the lake earlier.”
Tang Ning frowned and looked at Song Jinxiu: “What do you want?”
Song Jinxiu’s tone was bitter. “In your eyes, is there not a shred of kindness left for me…”
He had once been her older brother, someone who grew up alongside her, but in her eyes, it seemed as though even his desire to protect her was nothing more than an attempt to exchange benefits.
Seeing Tang Ning remain expressionless and silent, with eyes full of detachment, Song Jinxiu felt a bitter ache that spread through his whole body. It felt as though he were drowning in a sea of bitterness. “I don’t want anything. I just happened to see the face of the person who pushed you into the lake. If you want to find them, I can help you…”
Tang Ning could tell that he wasn’t lying. Furthermore, Song Jinxiu had indeed been by the lake. With many people around now looking in their direction, she interrupted him, saying, “Since you saw the person, please accompany us to Jiyun Alley. We can talk there.”
After Tang Ning and the others left, Princess Le Yang above sneered: “No wonder Xiao Yan protects this person so much. She relies on His Majesty’s favor and doesn’t even give face to Old Princess Lu.”
"She said it as if she gave you face."
The Old Princess of Lu was straightforward, not foolish. Although she had been used initially, she had now realized what was happening. Her words immediately caused Princess Le Yang’s face to turn pale, and she spoke coldly: “I was wondering what you invited me for, but now I see your true intentions. You wanted to make trouble for Tang Ning and Miss Qian.”
Princess Le Yang’s face changed slightly: “What are you saying? I only invited you over because you were bored in the mansion and wanted to liven things up…”
“Enough!”
Old Princess Lu stood up with a cold face. The private room was already a mess, and she looked at An Mama, whose face was swollen beyond recognition, her gaze darkening. “You know what you’re up to. My Lu Wangfu never offended you, yet you’ve been using me like a pawn. Le Yang, you’ve gone too far!”
She didn’t like interacting with other officials’ families and only had meaningful conversations with royal people.
Princess Le Yang had invited her to the western city to appreciate the moon, saying it was lively near the lake. She also mentioned that she had invited Madam Wenxin Hou and the second lady from their mansion. The Old Princess of Lu thought it was time for her legitimate grandson to consider marriage, so she came along to observe. But then she coincidentally met the Fourth Prince’s Consort.
Who would have thought!
Old Princess Lu glared at Princess Le Yang and then turned her gaze to the Fourth Prince’s Consort.
“Great Aunt…” the Fourth Prince’s Consort spoke softly and stepped forward. “Please don’t misunderstand Princess Le Yang. How could she intentionally harm you?”
“Whether it’s a misunderstanding, she knows best.”
The Old Princess of Lu gave the Fourth Prince’s Consort a deep, penetrating look, as though she were trying to see through her.
It was Princess Le Yang who had invited her here, but it was the gentle, virtuous Fourth Prince’s Consort who had instigated the anger and punishment of Tang Ning and Miss Qian. Yet, afterward, the Fourth Prince’s Consort immediately denied any responsibility, pushing An Mama out to take the blame.
Meanwhile, Princess Le Yang seemed completely unaware. Seeing the Fourth Prince’s Consort’s calm and troubled expression, the Old Princess of Lu scoffed. It was clear that these royal people were all playing their games. She was too tired to point it out to the arrogant Princess Le Yang, and instead waved her sleeve.
“We’re leaving!”
CWTGD Chapter 332 - Fanning the Flames
"Who does she think she is?!"
Princess Leyang was furious after being publicly slighted by Dowager Princess Lu.
She had invited the old woman with the intention of intimidating Song Tangning, using her authority to solidify the "rescue from drowning" incident and force the "compromised" Song Tangning into marrying into the Fourth Prince household.
Princess Leyang had planned it all out. Once her son pulled Song Tangning from the water, even if he barely touched her, she would use Dowager Princess Lu’s influence to spread the scandal far and wide, pressuring Song Tangning into submission.
But now?
Tangning had indeed fallen into the water yet her son and the other useless men from the household were nowhere to be found.
If she couldn’t secure Song Tangning, ensnaring the Qian family’s daughter would have been a decent consolation prize. But in the end, she got neither.
When the two young women emerged from the water, they were perfectly composed, without a single man in sight. Princess Leyang nearly fumed herself into a rage.
Then, when Song Tangning humiliated her, she had hoped Dowager Princess Lu would step in to discipline the girl, only for the old woman to fail miserably, nearly getting outmaneuvered by two young ladies.
What was the point of inviting her in the first place?!
Princess Leyang kicked a teacup that had fallen to the ground, sending it smashing against the steps with a loud crack.
"That old hag has no sense of propriety, yet she dares blame me for her own blunders! Just because I call her ‘Aunt,’ she thinks she’s someone important!"
The Fourth Prince’s consort nearly got hit by the shards. As her maid shielded her, a flicker of disgust passed through her eyes.
"Your Highness, don’t be angry. The Dowager Princess only lashed out at you because Yiyang County Princess and the others embarrassed her. But speaking of tonight… isn’t it strange? How did they end up falling into the water out of nowhere?"
Princess Leyang stiffened slightly.
The Fourth Prince’s consort continued as if she hadn’t noticed:
"Life is already hard enough for women. With so many people witnessing their fall, the County Princess and Miss Qian must have suffered greatly."
"Your Highness may not know, but not long ago, the daughter of Commandant Mu was stranded outside the city overnight due to a broken carriage. The gossip nearly drove her to become a nun. If County Princess and Miss Qian hadn’t had maids who could swim, and with the chaos tonight, what if some man had ‘accidentally’ rescued them? That would have been a real disaster."
"They must still be shaken from the ordeal. Please don’t hold it against them…"
Princess Leyang clenched her fists, her gaze flickering uncertainly. She couldn’t tell if the Fourth Prince’s consort was speaking deliberately or just making idle conversation.
She was both frustrated by her household’s incompetence and terrified that someone might uncover the truth behind tonight’s events.
Fortunately, the Fourth Prince’s consort seemed to have merely been musing aloud. After speaking, she bowed slightly in apology.
"I only came tonight to relax, but who knew such a mess would happen? I must return now."
As if worried Princess Leyang might misunderstand, she added:
As if she was afraid that Princess Leyang would misunderstand, she explained, "In a few days it will be the Zhongyuan Festival. Lingyun Temple will hold the Yulan Festival. In previous years, my mother would lead the officials and their families to chant sutras and walk around the altar, but this year my father is angry with my mother, so she is afraid that she cannot leave the palace."
"Rituals require sincerity. I also need to light a lantern for my late mother, so I must return to prepare. Forgive me for not accompanying you further, Aunt."
With a half-curtsey, the Fourth Prince’s consort took her leave.
Princess Leyang didn’t stop her, only murmuring thoughtfully:
"The Yulan Festival…"
A servant from the Princess’s household, assuming she was unfamiliar with it, quickly explained:
"The Yulan Festival is held annually. Her Majesty has always led the palace women in sutra recitations, and many noble families visit the temple to honor their deceased."
"The deceased…"
Princess Leyang’s eyes gleamed.
Wasn’t Song Tangning an orphan?
The very reason she had clashed with the Song family before was because of that bastard daughter of a concubine who had knocked over her mother’s memorial lantern at Lingyun Temple!
Lately, Song Tangning had been holed up in Jiyun Alley, refusing all social invitations except for trips to Rongsheng Academy. There had been no chance to get close to her.
Tonight’s plan had failed, but now another opportunity had fallen into her lap!
Lingyun Temple was far easier to manipulate than the capital. Tonight’s scheme had been rushed and poorly executed. But if she could lure Song Tangning to the temple…
This time, she wouldn’t fail.
A scandal of seduction before the Buddha would be far more damning than a mere "compromised" reputation.
At that point, even if she offered Song Tangning nothing more than a concubine’s position, the girl would have no choice but to accept or hang herself with a silken rope.
After being repeatedly humiliated by Tangning, Princess Leyang no longer held her in high regard.
If she could bind Song Tangning as a secondary wife, her son would still be free to marry a more useful match, someone like the Qian family’s daughter, whose connections far outweighed those of a parentless girl.
Princess Leyang frowned.
But how to get Song Tangning to Lingyun Temple?
---
Later That Night
As the group left Yinghu Lake, the surroundings grew quiet.
After thanking the Marquess of Wenxin’s wife for her support, Tangning bid farewell to her and her daughter before returning to Jiyun Alley with Qian Qiyue and the others.
Zhou Yuchang noticed her mother’s troubled expression. "Mother, what’s wrong?"
The Marquess of Wenxin’s wife frowned. "Tonight’s events… there’s something off about them."
Zhou Yuchang blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Don’t you think it’s too coincidental that Tangning and the others fell into the water just as we happened to pass by?"
The marchioness gazed in the direction of Tangning’s departing carriage, her instincts warning her that the "accident" had been staged.
Princess Leyang and the Fourth Prince’s consort had clearly been egging Dowager Princess Lu on, trying to provoke a confrontation. What was supposed to be a simple gathering had spiraled into chaos.
If she had known, she would never have accepted Princess Leyang’s invitation.
Zhou Yuchang’s expression shifted as she grasped her mother’s meaning. "Should we warn Tangning?"
The marchioness shook her head. "She’s likely already realized it. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have retaliated so decisively at Yuelai Tower. I’ll send word to Rong Yue. You stay out of this and keep your distance from Princess Leyang and the Fourth Prince’s consort from now on."
She paused, then added: "And the Lu Prince’s household as well."
Dowager Princess Lu had always been known for her strict but fair adherence to propriety. But tonight had revealed the arrogance festering beneath her noble facade.
She was easily manipulated, her temper harsh and unreasonable.
Such a family was unfit for the Marquis household and unfit for Yuchang.
Any thoughts of a marriage alliance were now out of the question.
============
You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
Comments
Post a Comment