newbobooks Chapter 66
Chapter 66
The news immediately caused a huge uproar in the capital.
Xie Wanqing's name became the talk of the town, with people discussing her actions with shock and disgust.
Some say she's heartless, some say she's ungrateful, and some even say she's insane to have done something so heinous.
The threshold of the Pingyang Marquis's residence was almost worn down by the constant stream of ladies from various households coming to "visit." Song Wan was exhausted from dealing with them all, and her heart was filled with mixed feelings.
The Cheng family was thrown into chaos because of this incident.
Madam Cheng was so angry that she almost fainted. The granddaughter-in-law she had personally hired turned out to be such a vicious woman. Where could she put her old face now?
"The engagement must be annulled! It must be annulled!" Old Madam Cheng slammed her fist on the table and shouted, "Our Cheng family cannot afford a woman like that!"
She's practically a dead woman; what kind of people hasn't she seen? But she's never met anyone as ruthless as Xie Wanqing.
The thought that her grandson almost married such a person filled her with lingering fear.
Madam Bai was also quite frightened. She had initially thought Xie Wanqing had some ulterior motives, but ultimately she couldn't cause any major trouble. All she wanted was the Marquis's connections and resources; she didn't care about Xie Wanqing's situation.
But now it seems that I underestimated her. Xie Wanqing's scheming and methods are simply chilling.
“Mother is right, this marriage must be called off,” Madam Bai quickly agreed, feeling a surge of relief.
Fortunately, it was discovered early; otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble Xie Wanqing would have caused after marrying into the Cheng family.
"I will go to the Marquis of Pingyang's residence immediately to discuss this matter with the Marquis's wife."
She immediately got up, straightened her clothes, and hurriedly left the house. At the same time, she sent someone to the Xie family to deliver a letter of annulment, informing them of Xie Wanqing's actions.
She must resolve this matter as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen complications.
It's just a pity for her son, who is far away in Yanzhou, and doesn't know that such a big thing has happened in the capital.
Bai sighed inwardly, hoping that Cheng Wenhao would return soon.
Inside the Pingyang Marquis's residence, Song Wan was frantically dealing with the various ladies who came to "visit" her. They were asking about Xie Wanqing, whether openly or secretly, their words filled with curiosity and inquiry.
Song Wanqiang mustered her spirits and dealt with each one.
Just then, the gatekeeper came to report that Madam Cheng had arrived.
Song Wan quickly had someone invite Madam Bai in. The ladies of the various families immediately realized that she had come for the marriage between the two families, so they could not stay any longer and all got up to take their leave.
As soon as Bai entered the door, he got straight to the point and explained his purpose.
"Madam Hou, I have come here today to discuss the marriage between Wenhao and Wanqing with you."
As she spoke, Bai took out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Song Wan, saying, "This is the letter of annulment. Please take a look."
Upon hearing that Bai Shi had even changed her self-address, Song Wan took the letter, unfolded it, and saw that it stated that the Cheng family and the Xie family had dissolved their engagement, with the Cheng family's seal affixed at the end.
She felt relieved, but also a little uneasy.
After all, Xie Wanqing was her niece whom she had raised, and it was understandable that she felt saddened by her current predicament.
“Mrs. Cheng, this…” Song Wan hesitated, unsure of what to say.
“Madam Hou, I know you are not happy, but the Cheng family cannot tolerate what Wanqing has done.”
Madam Bai sighed and continued, "Wenhao has not yet returned to the capital, so this matter of annulment can only be decided by me, his mother. Please forgive me."
Song Wan nodded, indicating her understanding, "I understand, this is not your fault."
"Then I am relieved." Madam Bai took out a gift list from her bosom. "This is a small token of the Cheng family's appreciation. Please accept it, Madam Hou."
Song Wan took the gift list, which was filled with various precious medicinal herbs and tonics, clearly prepared for Shen Jingshu.
"This is too expensive, I can't accept it."
Madam Bai insisted on giving it to Wanqing, saying, "Madam, please accept it. It's a small token of the Cheng family's goodwill and an attempt to make amends for Wanqing's mistake. As for the betrothal gifts, the Cheng family doesn't intend to take them back. This matter... sigh!"
Song Wan understood her meaning and accepted the gift list without further hesitation.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Song Wan promised to explain the situation to the Xie family and ensure they wouldn't cause trouble for the Cheng family. Bai then got up to take her leave.
……
Before the officials from the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice could even begin their investigation, the murderer had already become a pariah, known to everyone.
The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and the Minister of Justice personally went to the Marquis of Pingyang's residence and confirmed that Xie Wanqing was indeed responsible for Shen Jingshu's poisoning.
However, how to deal with Xie Wanqing has become a problem.
After all, she was a cousin of the Marquis of Pingyang, and had countless connections with the Marquis of Pingyang's family.
If the punishment is too severe, it may damage the reputation of the Marquis of Pingyang; if the punishment is too lenient, it will be difficult to convince the public.
Unable to make up their minds, the two had no choice but to report the matter to Emperor Hui.
Inside the imperial study, Emperor Hui listened to the official's report and frowned deeply.
He originally thought it was just an ordinary power struggle within the household, but he never expected that it would involve his son, whom he valued.
Emperor Hui pondered for a moment before asking, "What did Shen Zizhong say?"
Song Zhao, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Pingyang said that he would leave everything to Your Majesty's discretion."
"This old fox."
Emperor Hui gave a light snort; Shen Zizhong had thrown a difficult problem at him.
"By imperial decree, summon the Marquis of Pingyang to the palace."
The eunuch quickly went to deliver the message. Shen Zizhong sighed inwardly, straightened his clothes, and followed him into the palace.
Upon entering the imperial study, Shen Zizhong immediately bowed and said in a deep voice, "I am guilty. I failed to properly educate my daughter, which led to this disaster. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."
"You always take everything upon yourself." Emperor Hui's voice was devoid of emotion. "What do you plan to do with your niece?"
"It is entirely up to Your Majesty to decide."
Shen Zizhong repeated the same statement.
Emperor Hui looked at him and remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking: "Xie Wanqing poisoned the daughter of a court official, a crime that cannot be forgiven. However, considering her young age and that this is her first offense, I will grant her a lighter sentence."
"He is hereby ordered to leave the capital immediately and go to Qingyun Temple to practice Buddhism while keeping his hair intact, and to copy Buddhist scriptures one hundred times to atone for his sins. He is not to enter the capital without an imperial edict; anyone who disobeys this order shall be beheaded. What do you say?"
"Your Majesty, thank you for your grace."
Shen Zizhong kowtowed, his forehead hitting the ground with a dull thud, but his heart was filled with bitterness.
Xie Wanqing was just a scapegoat. The Emperor kept silent about Wen Huaiqing, which meant he wanted to protect his son.
"Get up," Emperor Hui's voice rang out again. "How is Shen Jingshu?"
"Your Majesty, my daughter is mostly recovered, but she still needs to recuperate."
Emperor Hui was dissatisfied with this answer. "Didn't you say it was a fake poisoning? Why does she need recuperation? Those old bastards in the Imperial Hospital, they always boast about their superb medical skills, but they're useless when it really matters. Go, take them all back and give her a good check-up. This girl, she's almost ready to die..."
Emperor Hui's words came to an abrupt end.
What? Getting married?
The bride was almost poisoned by her son, and the groom sent her to Yanzhou, where she has not been heard from since.
Shen Zizhong lowered his eyes and remained silent.
Li Delu stood to the side, eyes downcast, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Alright, you can go back now and take good care of her."
"Your subject takes his leave." Shen Zizhong kowtowed again, then rose and left the Imperial Study.
After Shen Zizhong left, Emperor Hui sat alone on the dragon throne, lost in thought. He rubbed his temples and sighed deeply.
Seeing this, Li Delu cautiously stepped forward and asked softly, "Your Majesty, are you tired? Would you like a meal?"
"No rush." Emperor Hui waved his hand. "Go and invite the Empress here. I have something to discuss with her."
Li Delu responded and turned to leave.
Before long, the Empress arrived at the Imperial Study. "Your Majesty, did you summon me?"
Emperor Hui nodded. "Do you know anything about the Pingyang Marquis's residence?"
"I've heard a little about it," the Empress replied, "but I don't know the details."
Emperor Hui then recounted the whole story.
After hearing this, the Empress frowned slightly, recalling the incident at the palace banquet where she and the eldest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion had both fallen into the water. "This Xie Wanqing is truly audacious."
Emperor Hui sighed, "Most importantly, she was also colluding with Huaiqing. If the Shen family girl hadn't discovered it early, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
"What does Your Majesty intend to do?"
"I have issued an edict that Xie Wanqing shall never set foot in the capital again."
The Empress said, "This is already an extraordinary act of mercy. However, what about the Fourth Prince..."
"I have my own arrangements for him," Emperor Hui interrupted her. "I summoned you here so that you could go and see Jing Shu."
The Empress was taken aback, but then understood Emperor Hui's meaning. "Your Majesty, I obey your decree."
After the empress left, Emperor Hui sat alone for a while, then suddenly started coughing.
He was coughing badly. Li Delu, who was listening to the commotion outside, rushed into the hall, gently patted Emperor Hui's back, and said, "Your Majesty, you should take some medicine."
Emperor Hui waved his hand, paused for a few moments, and left the imperial study.