“Ye Jiayi, I wasted my sympathy on you for becoming a widow at such a young age. You tricked me into going to the temple to fetch a peace charm, only to scheme against me behind my back. What a despicable person!”
Yun Ci hurled the peace charm fiercely at Ye Jiayi.
“What nonsense are you spouting!” Ye Jiayi felt a pang of panic. She had indeed been too carried away with arrogance yesterday and ended up revealing everything.
But it was all because she had been suppressing her feelings for too long and couldn’t hold back any longer.
As long as she didn’t admit to it, no one could prove that what Yun Ci said was true. Ye Jiayi turned a pitiful gaze toward Old Madam Lu.
“Nalan Yunci, haven’t you caused enough trouble!”
Old Madam Lu scolded, “Hurry up and apologize to Jiayi!”
Yun Ci sneered again. “I’ve been slandered, and even defending myself has become a crime. Is there any justice left in this world? Or does Lu Jia intend to cover up the truth and shield the wicked, condemning me based solely on a lost jade pendant and the words of a disloyal maid? Isn’t that too rash?”
“Nalan Yunci, the disgraceful things you’ve done are already known to everyone. How dare you still quibble!” Lu Yanci snorted coldly.
It was already lenient enough that they hadn’t killed her.
“Did you catch me in the act, or did you witness it yourself?”
Yun Ci retorted.
Lu Yanci was left speechless.
“Everyone says you’re clever and have a bright future ahead, but I think your brain is addled. You can’t even see through such a simple trick!”
Insulted by Yun Ci, Lu Yanci’s face turned ashen.
“Although I didn’t witness it myself, I’ve never touched you since we were married. Do you dare to undergo a purity inspection?”
“Yes!” Ye Jiayi immediately chimed in, peeking out from behind her maid. “As long as you’re proven innocent, last night was just a misunderstanding. Otherwise…”
That little wretch had been dosed with Hehuan Powder. If she didn’t find a man to relieve it, she would surely die.
Yun Ci lifted her chin. “Fine!”
“But I have one condition. I don’t trust anyone from Lu Jia. Bring someone from outside.” Yun Ci didn’t trust them at all. Even if nothing was wrong, they would surely find something.
Ye Jiayi’s expression shifted slightly, but then she thought it over—no matter who came, the result would be the same.
“Enough!” Old Madam Lu slammed the table and said sternly, “Haven’t you brought enough shame upon us? Yun Ci, you’ve been too insolent today. I originally couldn’t believe you were capable of such a thing, but now I have no choice but to believe it.”
Yun Ci remembered from the original owner’s memories that Old Madam Lu had been ill for over a month and could barely walk.
But now, she seemed healthier and sturdier than anyone else.
“Is Old Madam so quick to condemn me? Are you trying to drive me to my death?” Yun Ci questioned.
“You!” Old Madam Lu was so furious she could barely speak. After a moment, she nodded repeatedly. “Fine, fine. Since you remain obstinate, let the inspection proceed!”
Old Madam Lu then suggested summoning Guan Pozi, who had once been a palace maid.
She had even served in front of the Emperor, so no one would dare contradict her words.
“If this matter blows up, it’s your own fault. Don’t blame Lu Jia!”
Old Madam Lu had also come to terms with it. If the matter escalated, it would be the perfect opportunity to divorce Yun Ci.
Yun Ci remained calm and composed. She had plenty of ways to change the outcome.
Soon, Guan Pozi was invited. She had examined many women’s bodies before, but this was the first time she had been called to do so openly for such a prominent family.
“Thank you for your trouble,” Old Madam Lu said politely.
Guan Pozi led Yun Ci to a side room. Just as Yun Ci was wondering how to broach the subject, Guan Pozi lowered her voice and said, “Your late mother once showed me kindness. Today, as you find yourself in distress, I can only repay her in this small way.”
Huh?
Such good fortune?
Outside the window, Fu Xi barged in and handed Yun Ci what she needed.
Guan Pozi glanced at the newcomer, her knees going a bit weak, but Fu Xi stopped her with a look.
One incense stick later
Guan Pozi announced publicly: "Second Madam is pure and flawless."
"This can't be!" Ye Jiayi shot to her feet, pointing angrily at Yun Ci. "You must have bribed someone."
"Enough!" Old Madam Lu roared. Guan Pozi was a former palace maid who had served the emperor and was respected throughout the capital—how could she possibly be helping Yun Ci?
"Grandmother, she…" Ye Jiayi found herself at a loss for words.
She had clearly been dosed with Hehuan Powder—there was no way she could be intact.
"If Old Madam Lu doesn't trust me, feel free to have someone else examine her," Guan Pozi said coldly, flicking her sleeve as she left.
Seizing the opportunity, Ye Jiayi suggested, "Grandmother, let's have her examined again."
Yun Ci walked in. She glanced at Ye Jiayi, then turned her gaze to Old Madam Lu.
No jade pendant, no witness—nothing could compare to Guan Pozi's declaration of purity and flawlessness.
All the rumors were shattered.
Old Madam Lu no longer had grounds to divorce Yun Ci. Instead, she was left in an awkward position, glaring furiously at Ye Jiayi and inwardly cursing her as a fool!
If not for Ye Guifei's status in the palace, Old Madam Lu would have severely punished Ye Jiayi today.
Watching Yun Ci's retreating figure, Lu Yanci felt a strange pang of guilt.
Thinking back carefully, everything had been guided by Ye Jiayi.
There was no solid evidence.
Lu Yanci looked at Ye Jiayi with displeasure. Panicked, Ye Jiayi was about to explain when a commotion erupted outside.
"Now that my innocence has been proven, it's my turn to demand justice," Yun Ci said calmly, straightening her clothes. Gone was her usual gentleness, replaced by an icy coldness in her eyes.
She seemed like a completely different person from the day before.
"What do you want? Haven't we been embarrassed enough today?" Old Madam Lu said irritably, signaling Yun Ci to stop causing trouble.
Tilting her head, Yun Ci asked, "Second Madam of the Lu Family was accused of losing her purity and forced to undergo a humiliating examination. What explanation will be given to me?"
"Yun Ci!" Old Madam Lu's tone sharpened, her eyes carrying a warning.
Their gazes met, and Yun Ci's presence was in no way inferior.
Finally, Old Madam Lu waved her hand and ordered some rewards for Yun Ci, adding, "Once I've investigated this matter, I will give you an explanation."
"No need to trouble you, Old Madam. I'll demand justice myself."
Yun Ci silently approached Bi Ye, gripping her arm tightly with one hand and squeezing hard.
"Ah!!!" Bi Ye screamed in pain.
Then the other hand followed.
Crunch, crunch!
Both hands were crushed by Yun Ci right before everyone's eyes.
The sudden punishment shocked the onlookers. Bi Ye lay on the ground, unable to get up, her face filled with terror as she looked at Yun Ci.
Since when did Second Madam know martial arts?
"Yun Ci! Your methods are too cruel," Ye Jiayi said, her face full of pity. "This maid is your dowry companion."
"You said it yourself—she's my dowry companion. Her deed of sale is still in my hands. I can punish her however I see fit. Knowing I was at the temple, she deliberately led people to Yuntai Ge to catch me in adultery, and there's the matter of the missing jade pendant… This disloyal servant—doesn't she deserve to die?"
Yun Ci stepped on the back of Bi Ye's leg, applying slight pressure. Bi Ye wished she could faint on the spot, but unable to bear the pain, she finally begged Yun Ci for mercy.
"Spare me, madam! I… I was coerced into this, it was all the First Madam who threatened me. I beg for your mercy!"
"Nonsense!" Ye Jiayi's brow twitched as she stubbornly denied the accusation. "This girl's words are unreliable; she cannot be trusted."
Yun Ci lifted her foot and cast a sidelong glance at Ye Jiayi. "Since this is such a grave matter, we should simply report it to the authorities. The officials will uncover the truth."
"Have you lost your mind? If this scandal spreads, what will become of Lu Jia's reputation?" Old Madam Lu slammed the table. "You've made enough of a scene and vented your anger. Do not push your luck. Today, you were indeed wronged, and Lu Jia will not treat you unfairly. Since we will be living under the same roof from now on, it's best not to go too far in such matters."