The next day.
The expelled members of the Xiao clan gathered together early in the morning.
Leading them was an old man who had not only been dismissed from the shop by Cui Anru but also had his son arrested.
"She's just an orphan girl—what right does she have to stop us from working?"
"Let's go and demand an explanation from her."
The group marched off in a grand procession, and even Xiao Rang, who was at home, heard about it.
Lady Yang was still somewhat worried: "If we let them go like this, will it cause trouble for you?"
Xiao Rang only wanted to see Cui Anru in a state of panic: "Mother, if they want to make a scene, let them! Let's go to the Lin family first. Although this marriage was arranged by The Emperor, we still need to ensure the other party is satisfied."
Old Madam also nodded: "That's right. Madam Lin's maternal family is a genuine prominent clan. Zhiyin's maternal grandfather is the Grand Preceptor of the court, and her uncle is the Prime Minister. With these two figures supporting you and Zhiyin's marriage, who would dare to truly mock you?"
"Hmph, just wait and see. Rang'er is now in his prime. Once Zhiyin enters our household, we will become in-laws with the Wen family. In the court, there will surely be some support. Putting pressure on Cui Anru will be as easy as turning over a hand."
"By then, even allowing her to enter as a concubine with her dowry would be an act of grace."
Old Madam painted an incredibly beautiful picture of the future, as if the current problems had already been resolved. Meanwhile, the Xiao clan members, who had marched grandly to Zhenguogong Mansion, hesitated as they stood before the main gate.
They lacked the courage to force their way in as they had done at Annan Hou's residence and could only shout at the gate.
"Bring Cui Anru out to give us an explanation!"
"Can the people of Zhenguogong Mansion just bully others as they please?"
"Cui Anru! Come out!"
"…"
Chunlan Pavilion, the place where Cui Anru had lived before her marriage.
A desolate east wind brushed past the windowsill, and sunlight, fragmented by the window lattice, cast claw-like shadows on the table.
Cui Anru toyed with the wolf tooth her elder brother had sent her from the border before his death, not letting go even when her finger was cut.
"Miss, the Xiao clan members have indeed been sent here…"
Danqing was not surprised by this.
If not for Danzhu holding her back, she would likely have rushed out to scold those shameless individuals.
"Yes, it's time to point them toward a clear path."
Cui Anru stood up, carefully placed the wolf tooth in a small box, and simply wiped her hands.
The Xiao clan members at the gate were still arguing with the commoners when the mansion's main gate opened, and Cui Anru walked out with a calm expression.
"Cui Anru, today you must give us an explanation. Why did you stop us from working?"
There had to be a scapegoat; otherwise, this play couldn't go on.
"That's right, and you even arrested my son."
Looking at the Xiao family members who remained unchanged in their stubborn ways over the past two years, Cui Anru felt nothing but contempt.
"The state has its laws, and the family has its rules. They falsified accounts—shouldn't they be arrested?"
The Xiao clan members' arrogance was instantly deflated by half. Cui Anru pressed her advantage: "It was already an act of mercy on my part not to drive you away with a big stick right away."
Seeing the incredulous expressions on the Xiao clan members' faces, Cui Anru smiled warmly: "However, considering we were once relatives, I'll give you one last reminder."
"The Emperor has already arranged the marriage. The Xiao family will soon have a new bride. The Lin family's daughter claims to be more virtuous than I am, so she will surely respond to every request from the Xiao clan members."
"As for those Xiao clan youths who were sent away, perhaps the Lin family's daughter's uncle, the Prime Minister, can help."