Chapter 75: Let’s Talk

Chapter 75: Let's Talk

After the bandaging, Wu Guoliang and the doctor left, leaving Xiao Yuchen pale-faced, sitting on a chair. Observing the large patch of blood on his body and his pallid face, Tang Shuyi felt a twinge of heartache. After all, having lived together for so long, even if she wasn't his birth mother, a deep bond had formed.

"You reap what you sow. Hasty actions without thorough consideration lead to such outcomes," Tang Shuyi said in a low voice, sitting beside him.

"Mother, I know I was wrong about that matter, but I never wronged Miss Wu in any way," Xiao Yuchen said with a hint of grievance.

"You don't need to understand why I let her hurt you. But now that she has stabbed you, you owe her nothing. If she does anything to harm you or our Marquis mansion again, don't be lenient," Tang Shuyi's voice was laced with cold resolve by the end.

Xiao Yuchen pursed his pale lips, "I understand, Mother."

Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment and continued, "Don't worry about the aftermath. The things she did before might not be public, but her family needs to know."

Without the protection of Wu Guoliang and the Zhang family, Wu Jingyun's possession of the Marquis mansion's secrets posed no threat.

Xiao Yuchen agreed, and Tang Shuyi helped him around the screen. They saw Wu Jingyun and Zhang Wugong kneeling on the ground, being scolded by Old Lady Zhang. Xiao Yuchen whispered upon seeing the two, "Actually, they are quite a match."

Tang Shuyi also glanced at Wu Jingyun and Zhang Wugong kneeling. The woman was graceful and beautiful, and the man was gentle and refined; indeed, they looked well-suited. If Wu Jingyun had married Zhang Wugong in her previous life, she likely would have lived well.

She and Zhang Wugong were childhood sweethearts, and his affection for her ran deep. With the Zhang family as her maternal family and Old Lady Zhang's protection, she surely wouldn't have suffered.

As for the taboo against marrying close relatives, ancient people were not particular about that.

As for this life...

Zhang Wugong was already betrothed. If he were to marry Wu Jingyun, that would mean breaking off his engagement. But then, what about the girl who got jilted?

Of course, this is someone else's business, and she was just musing; how things should be handled is up to them.

"Madam Marquis," said Old Madam Zhang as she saw Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuchen emerge from behind the screen. Rising to her feet, she deeply bowed towards Tang Shuyi and gestured towards Zhang Wugongzi, saying, "This calamity is all because of my family's miscreant. I am so sorry. He is here now, at your mercy for any punishment."

Tang Shuyi gazed upon Old Madam Zhang's wrinkled face, filled with remorse, and sighed internally. A wayward child brings endless worry, even into old age.

Still, necessary matters must be addressed. She said, "Old Madam, there are things that I should have said last time. Considering the long engagement between Miss Wu and my son Yuchen, and the affection that had grown between us, I held my peace. But now, I must speak."

Clenching her fists, Old Madam Zhang knew that no good news was forthcoming, yet she responded, "Please speak, Madam Marquis."

Taking a seat, Tang Shuyi glanced at Wu Jingyun, who was kneeling with her head bowed, and then addressed Old Madam Zhang, "Are Miss Wu's two maids, Xing'er and Tao'er, within the residence?"

Puzzled by Tang Shuyi's inquiry about Wu Jingyun's maids, Old Madam Zhang frowned slightly before responding, "They are here, probably outside the door."

Xing'er and Tao'er were Wu Jingyun's personal maids, who typically accompanied her everywhere.

"Call those two in," instructed Tang Shuyi.

With a grave expression, Old Madam Zhang called towards the doorway, "Let Xing'er and Tao'er come in."

"Grandmother!" Wu Jingyun cried out in panic, realizing what Tang Shuyi intended to do. She feared Tang Shuyi would reveal her deeds at Chongguang Temple. Once disclosed, her father would surely abandon her.

Being abandoned by her father would mean dire consequences, even with her grandmother's protection.

Old Madam Zhang looked at her, wordless, her eyes filled with disappointment, sorrow, and regret.

Xing'er and Tao'er, who were just outside, entered through the curtains within moments. Witnessing the scene, especially Xiao Yuchen's blood-stained garments, they trembled in fear. Having been interrogated by Tang Shuyi at Chongguang Temple, they knew the gravity of the situation likely concerned that incident. Without a word, both maids knelt down swiftly.

Old Madam Zhang glanced at the shivering pair, then turned to Tang Shuyi, "Madam Marquis, they are here. Please, speak your piece."

"Old Madam, the incident at Chongguang Temple wasn't as simple as it appeared. There's more to the story, and these two maids know it well," revealed Tang Shuyi.

"What?" Wu Guoliang sprang to his feet, "More to the story? What is it?"

All his misfortunes had begun with the Chongguang Temple incident, a mere mention of which now set him on edge.

However, Tang Shuyi didn't address his question, instead turning to Old Madam Zhang, "You might not believe me. Let them tell you."

"Speak, tell us now!" Wu Guoliang had lost his usual composure.

Old Madam Zhang cast a displeased glance at him, then addressed Xing'er and Tao'er, "You two, speak up."

Apricot and Peach shivered like sieves, their eyes pleadingly turned towards Wu Jingyun for salvation. However, Wu Jingyun kept her head down, offering them no sign of hope. Wu Guoliang, seeing their silence, stepped forward and barked menacingly, "Speak now or I'll sell you both, along with your worthless parents!"

Apricot and Peach were both born and raised in the Wu household, with their entire family's servitude contracts held by the Wus. For Wu Guoliang, selling them off was as easy as lifting a finger. The two once again sought Wu Jingyun's gaze. She remained kneeling, her head bowed in silence, leaving them no choice but to reveal everything they knew.

They recounted everything, including how Wu Jingyun had instructed her wet nurse’s son, Liu Dayong, to go to Chongguang Temple a day early and light enchanting incense in Xiao Yuxian's room before noon. They also confessed to drugging Wu Jingshu and Monk Chang Jing under Wu Jingyun's orders, leaving out no detail.

After their confession, the room fell into a silence so profound that one could hear a pin drop. Wu Guoliang, Elder Madam Zhang, and Young Master Zhang stared at Wu Jingyun in disbelief, unable to fathom that she could have orchestrated such malevolence.

Meanwhile, Wu Jingyun collapsed entirely onto the floor.