Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qu Shan was filled with excitement when he was asked about the situation. Instead of merely expressing his excitement, he began to mock and ridicule the second section of the family. The strained relationship between the two sections had always been evident, with Ms. Mi Junior frequently bullying Qu Shan and the servants. Therefore, when the second section of the family encountered trouble, Qu Shan eagerly seized the opportunity to mock them.
In light of these circumstances, Qu Shan and the others became more inclined to align themselves with Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan. After Qiao Xuan and
Shao Yunduan left the province, Madame Qiao, her daughter, and Concubine Du also departed soon after. Subsequently, rumors about what had transpired involving Yuezheng Ting began to circulate.
Although Qiao Wei was involved, very few people discussed it, and numerous versions of the rumors regarding Yuezheng Tings situation emerged. Soon enough, her reputation plummeted to the lowest point, subjecting her to constant ridicule. Even some troublemakers resorted to creating vulgar jokes at her expense.
Yuezheng Ting and Ms. Mi Junior withdrew from public life for several days, and the servants were well aware of the situation but dared not speak of it to them. The Second Old Master, who had been out, returned home in a fit of anger and confronted Ms. Mi Junior. He lashed out at Yuezheng Ting, blaming Ms. Mi Junior for her inability to raise their daughter properly. In his rage, he even slapped Yuezheng Ting across the face.
The mother and daughter were taken aback and overwhelmed with distress upon learning about the situation. They couldn’t comprehend what had transpired and demanded an explanation.
The recent events had left a deep scar in Yuezheng Tings life, resembling a haunting nightmare. The news she heard from her father only intensified her anguish. Overwhelmed by shame, she instantly blushed and sought solace in Ms. Mi Junior’s comforting embrace, avoiding any contact with others.
She couldn’t fathom her future anymore. She knew she would never be able to join her friends at their homes or on trips. Those who held grudges against her would surely revel in her misfortune and mock her mercilessly.
The weight of her disgrace left her unable to face anyone ever again. Thoughts raced through her mind—what would Brother Xie think of her? Would he believe she was an utterly frivolous girl? No. no. that couldn’t be true!
The idea of marrying Xie Jingrong seemed unbearable as the thought of being looked down upon by him filled her with misery.
Ms. Mi Junior experienced a mix of embarrassment, surprise, and fury, overwhelmed by the situation and its implications.
Ms. Mi Junior reached her breaking point, unable to tolerate the humiliation inflicted upon her by her own husband.
“Old Master, it must be the Elder Sister-in-law who orchestrated this scheme! The people from Lingyuan Temple vowed to keep the secret, and our servants are too afraid to speak up. It must be the Elder Sister-in-law’s doing! She wants to humiliate us, to tarnish Tings reputation! She must have paid people to spread the rumors!”
“Old Master, we implore you to help us! Ting is being bullied and her prospects for marriage are now ruined! ”
“Marrying someone?” The Second Old Master scoffed. “l consider us lucky that she isn’t engaged. Otherwise, we would have faced even more embarrassment when the engagement fell apart.”
Ms. Mi Junior sobbed even harder, expressing her grievances. “It has to be the Elder Sister-in-law’s doing! Otherwise, why would the rumor single out Ting and not mention Elder Miss Qiao, even though both are involved? It’s clear as day!”
“The Elder Sister-in-law has a close relationship with Qiao Xuan, so they shield Elder Miss Qiao from scrutiny!’
Infuriated, the Second Old Master found himself believing Ms. Mi Junior’s reasoning. It seemed logical to him given the circumstances..