Helan Yue Zheng bowed to Xiao Chengyan: “The Helan Family matriarch has a strong temperament and took immense pride in bearing an outstanding son like my father. As for Fifth Uncle Lin, her own biological son, he spent his days chasing cats, walking dogs, and visiting brothels—excelling only in worthless pursuits.”
“When the truth came to light, the old lady was ill. Grandfather tested the waters cautiously, but Grandmother grew so agitated she nearly fainted from distress. Thus, both families agreed not to disclose the matter publicly, which is why outsiders remain unaware.”
“Nong Er accompanied her uncle to his provincial post and only returned to the capital at age six. That was when this commoner first met her as cousins! I consider myself upright in character, and my cousin even more so—disciplined and knowing her boundaries. How could we possibly harbor filthy delusions knowing we are cousins?”
His explanation was crystal clear.
Xiao Chengyan’s suspicions dissolved.
Zi Sangli saw the guilt and pity in Xiao Chengyan’s eyes. Anxious and resentful, she clenched her fists so tightly her nails nearly pierced her flesh, barely restraining herself from losing composure publicly: “Wangye…”
Helan Yue Zheng’s voice overpowered hers: “It’s rare for my cousin and me to meet, and we happened to encounter Wangye accompanying Wangfei to enjoy an opera. Though a misunderstanding arose, it’s just as well—today we’ve clarified everything to prevent future misunderstandings or discord between Wangye and my cousin.”
“The Helan and Lin Families are both wholeheartedly devoted to Wangye’s great cause and would never dwell on such trivial matters.”
Since they had known since childhood they were cousins, how could they possibly develop improper thoughts!
Xiao Chengyan naturally understood this was the Lin and Helan Families turning the situation to their advantage—to show him exactly who was stirring trouble behind the scenes!
Moreover, the Lin and Helan Families had previously stayed out of factional struggles and only offered full support after he married Lin Nong! This proved both families valued Lin Nong deeply!
What he should do now was comfort Lin Nong, granting her dignity and favor!
Yet his wife, fully aware of how crucial these senior officials’ support was to him, willfully schemed to frame an innocent!
If Lin Nong had truly been wronged and taken her own life, the consequences would have been unthinkable!
His expression appeared calm, but the intimidating authority he radiated amply conveyed his fury.
He was a distinguished Qinwang!
The legitimate son of the empress!
He could tolerate Zi Sangli’s willfulness and petty schemes, but he would never allow her to plot against him, undermining his authority in the eyes of his subjects!
He had repeatedly assured her that, regardless of the future, her position as principal wife would remain unshakable. Besides, she knew well how urgently he needed a legitimate son to consolidate his status!
Instead, she orchestrated this scheme, nearly causing him to misunderstand Lin Nong and offend the Lin Family!
Perhaps she needed a lesson—otherwise, who knew what reckless plots she might devise next.
He looked at Lin Nong.
She wasn’t crying or resentful, merely bowing her head, unable to conceal her sorrow and grievance.
Meeting Xiao Chengyan’s gaze, she shuddered.
Biting her lip hard, she suppressed the urge to weep.
“This humble concubine is unwell and begs to take her leave!”
With a hasty curtsey, she fled swiftly, tears glistening in her eyes.
Fearing Xiao Chengyan might chase after her, Zi Sangli desperately clutched his sleeve.
Old Madam Lin hailed from a top-tier powerful family, bearing both a First-rank Imperial Order and the noble title of Junzhu, exuding dignity and authority: “Nong Er said the Wangfei was tolerant and magnanimous, treating her well. The entire Lin Family believed it, never expecting such pettiness behind the scenes—daring to slander Nong Er in broad daylight!”
“Wangye, you must give Nong Er a proper explanation for this matter!Without giving Zi Sangli a chance to argue or speak softly, she bid farewell to Xiao Chengyan and strode away with her entourage!
Zi Sangli never expected the Lin Family to be so overbearing!
She was the Wangfei!
A first-rank Imperial Order holder!
Did they not know how much Wangye doted on her? How dare they confront her like this!
How could they!
Later, she realized: the Lin Family was helping that pretentious wretch Lin Nong suppress and scheme against her, attempting to replace her!
The filth bred in high-born families was indeed full of schemes!
“Wangye! This humble concubine was misled by rumors earlier, mistakenly believing Lin Shi and Helan Gongzi were truly involved! This humble concubine was wrong, but I was only thinking of you and the Wangfu, not intentionally slandering Lin Shi.”
“You must believe this humble concubine!”
Xiao Chengyan looked at her delicate face, her eyes filled with anxiety and grievance.
In the past, even knowing she was scheming, he would have forgiven her for the sake of her once risking everything to escort him back to Jing.
But today, he suddenly felt he no longer knew her.
When they first met, she was so charming and straightforward—how had she become like those scheming women in the palace?
And what he hated most were the dirty tricks of the inner chambers!
He had promised her “one lifetime, one love” partly because he loathed concubines’ schemes and never intended to fill the Wangfu with women, and partly because his elder brother bore the burden of producing heirs, freeing him from such worries.
But now, knowing how crucial heirs and officials’ support were to him, she still schemed and held him back!
If he were to enter the East Palace someday, he would inevitably have to take in noble concubines to appease and reward supportive ministers.
If she schemed and framed them like this, wouldn’t she offend all his key supporters?
The Lin Family had shown him face today by not exposing her on the spot.
Others might not have such restraint and magnanimity!
At this thought, Xiao Chengyan’s face darkened further: “Must the Lin Family present evidence of your rumor-mongering before you admit your fault?”
Zi Sangli’s eyes darted.
If the Lin Family had evidence, they would have produced it earlier—why only threaten without acting?
They must be bluffing!
They had no evidence at all!
“This humble concubine has done nothing—the Lin Family is slandering me!”
Her stubborn denial deeply disappointed Xiao Chengyan.
It seemed she needed a warning and lesson, or she would eventually cause disaster!
He pushed her hand away and left with a flick of his sleeve.
Zi Sangli staggered.
She stared in disbelief at her husband’s retreating figure.
Then she chased after him: “Wangye!”
She thought: he had always forgiven her past mistakes—this time would be no exception. Besides, she hadn’t actually harmed that wretch Lin Nong, had she?
But by the time she reached outside the building, Xiao Chengyan had vanished.
The coachman approached: “Wangfei, Wangye orders you to return to the Wangfu immediately. You are forbidden to leave Wutong Hall without his permission and must reflect on your mistakes!”
Zi Sangli trembled.
Reflect on her mistakes?
He didn’t even care about evidence and directly convicted me?
She stared blankly as tears fell, both resentful and anxious: “How could he treat me like this! I am his lawfully wedded wife, the one he promised to treat well for a lifetime!”
…
Helan Yue Zheng’s carriage passed slowly, watching her desolate and pained expression coldly.
She was clearly the one framing Nong Er, yet she had the nerve to put on a victim’s expression!
She lowered the carriage curtain.
Glancing at the maid pouring tea for her, she said gently: “It’s fortunate you’re loyal and told me about Zi Sangli’s schemes, otherwise Nong Er and I would have fallen into their trap!”
The maid smiled brightly and said: “The young master treats this servant well, and Miss Nong is also a rare kind soul. This servant naturally couldn’t betray you and the young lady.”
…
After returning to the residence, Xiao Chengyan went directly to Changning Hall.
Entering the Imperial Chamber, he saw Lin Nong sitting thinly clad on the couch, silently weeping. Her body trembled slightly, looking as helpless as a leaf falling in the cold wind.