Having navigated the official circles for many years, Meng Qinrui prided himself on having cultivated a composure that remained unshaken even if Mount Tai collapsed before him. Yet at this moment, the scandal perpetrated by his own daughter and son sent his blood boiling with shock and fury.
He felt the world spinning around him, his legs growing weak and unsteady, barely able to stand.
Immediately afterward, a surge of overwhelming resentment shot straight toward Ji Shi!
Was this kind of earth-shattering scandal—one that could bring shame upon the entire clan and ruin his official career—something to be shouted about with the gates wide open, in front of all the servants in the manor?!
If even a single word of it were to be leaked by some gossipy servant, what face would the people of Zhongyong Hou Estate have left to stand on in Jingcheng? How could Meng Qinrui still show his face in the imperial court?!
This foolish woman! Hopelessly stupid!
Little did he know, this was precisely Ji Shi’s calculated plan. Only by making the entire manor aware could she completely block off all of Meng Xizhou’s escape routes!
Otherwise, given Meng Qinrui’s profit-driven nature, in order to preserve the utility value of his daughters, he would undoubtedly make a show of severity but ultimately go easy! He might even order her to keep the matter buried in her heart and whitewash the situation for the outside world!
Now, with such a public uproar, every master and servant in the manor had heard it with their own ears. Under the watchful eyes of all, Meng Qinrui had no choice but to punish severely! If he dared to shield her, by tomorrow, memorials impeaching him for lax household management and disregard for ethics would pile high on the imperial desk!
Sure enough, no matter how unwilling he was, Meng Qinrui immediately adopted a stance of strict household governance: “Wretched creature! Take her to the Ancestral Hall at once and administer the Family Law—fifty lashes!”
Everyone present gasped in unison upon hearing this!
The Family Law of Zhongyong Hou Estate was a whip with barbs, perpetually soaked in saltwater. A single lash could tear open flesh, cause excruciating burning pain, and take a very long time to heal!
In the past, when the fourth son of the old Zhongyong Hou, Meng Qincheng, became addicted to gambling and secretly misused most of the estate’s assets, forcing the household to tighten its belt for over half a year, the old Zhongyong Hou flew into a rage but only punished him with thirty lashes. Those thirty lashes left him bedridden for months.
Now, the master actually intended to make a frail young lady endure fifty lashes! She might not die, but she would likely never stand again for the rest of her life!
The servants swiftly moved into action, seizing Meng Xizhou.
Meng Xizhou was not surprised by Meng Qinrui’s decision, but if she were to suffer even a single lash, all the hardships of her previous life would have been in vain!
Her peripheral glance swept over Ji Shi. Such a seemingly hopeless predicament was most suitable for turning the situation to her advantage.
Struggling, she maintained a timid tone, but her voice carried the desperation of one staking everything: “Father, I did not! You watched me grow up—don’t you know what kind of person I am?”
“I would never do such a shameful thing! I went to handle a matter of great importance. If not for that, why would the Crown Prince specially dispatch his Guards to escort me back to the manor? However, this matter concerns vital military secrets of the court. I dare not speak of it recklessly. I beg you to send a message to the Crown Prince. His Highness will clarify everything for you.”
“Enough!”
Seeing the slight change in Meng Qinrui’s expression, Ji Shi hurriedly cut Meng Xizhou off sternly, then began to plead with feigned concern, “Just admit your mistake obediently. At least this way, you can keep your life!”
“Mother!” Meng Xizhou fixed her tear-filled eyes directly on Ji Shi. “I endured great hardships to return, and now you accuse me of such a crime? Who exactly has been slandering me to you?”
“Still making excuses! What sin have I committed to raise such a…” Ji Shi was extremely agitated, like a parent utterly heartbroken by their disappointing child.
Meng Xizhou let out a light laugh, forcibly cutting off Ji Shi’s words: “Let me finish for you, Mother. How could you have raised a daughter like Meng Nanyi—so shamelessly wanton and habitual in her lies?”
To others, these words sounded like self-mockery born of utter disappointment, but to Ji Shi and Meng Nanyi, each syllable cut like a blade!
Hidden in her sleeves, Meng Nanyi’s hands nearly shredded her handkerchief!
That wretched girl, facing certain doom, still dared to insult her so openly before everyone!
Yet Meng Xizhou raised a hand to wipe the tears from her face, her gaze resolute: “Father, would you send someone to inquire with the Crown Prince? If I have spoken even half a falsehood, I willingly accept death by a thousand cuts!”
Meng Qinrui’s fury subsided slightly, his sharp eyes sweeping over this “second daughter” before him.
After her time away, this daughter who had always been as delicate and fragile as a dodder vine seemed utterly transformed, having gained both courage and cunning?
His second daughter had been spoiled by Ji Shi since childhood, raised timid and pampered, not one to withstand pressure or tell lies. Her current demeanor truly seemed like someone who had accomplished something significant.
If what she said truly involved court military secrets, this would be an extraordinary opportunity!
Hesitating briefly, he quickly formed a plan in his heart and slowly nodded: “I suppose… you wouldn’t dare fabricate such an enormous lie. Someone, prepare ink and brush in the study.”
In stark contrast to Meng Qinrui’s anger temporarily suppressed by prospects of great profit, Ji Shi felt a chill surge from her feet to the crown of her head, freezing her entire body! Her clenched fists drove nails deep into her tender palms, nearly drawing blood!
Sold off to some remote backwater—put nicely, to become a wife; put bluntly, to become a lowly servant—how could she have possibly climbed aboard this ship of immense wealth and honor?!
Was Heaven truly blind, sparing this wretched girl’s life against all odds?!
If she had really connected with the imperial court, how could Ji Shi possibly extricate herself from her earlier slander? Darkness swam before her eyes as she hardly dared to think further.
No, such a thing was absolutely impossible! Even if it were true… since Nanyi had already taken her place, what harm was there in claiming one more credit?
Ji Shi shot a glance at her servants, signaling them to cover Meng Xizhou’s mouth. No sooner had Meng Xizhou been released than she was restrained again, the hand over her mouth so forceful she nearly suffocated!
Seeing Meng Xizhou rendered powerless to resist, Ji Shi immediately spoke up to stop Meng Qinrui: “Husband, every word I said earlier was true. You know I’ve always cherished her most—if she hadn’t committed such grave errors, I would have protected her if at all possible!”
Meng Qinrui paused mid-step, and Ji Shi pressed her advantage: “You’re well aware of Nanyi’s temperament—she’s been far too spoiled to achieve anything significant. We should be thankful if she doesn’t cause trouble! Her claims now are likely just attempts to save herself…”