Chapter 473: Lu Hanyi vs. Li Bihan

Chapter 473: Lu Hanyi Confronts Li Bihan

"Aunt, Aunt Shuang Hong mentioned you needed to discuss something important with me?" Xu Yinyin sat in front of the lady of the house and asked.

"Yes," the lady of the house nodded, pouring her a cup of tea, and spoke unhurriedly, "I've uncovered some clues regarding the incident where you and Shou Ye were slandered."

Xu Yinyin didn't expect the lady of the house to bring this up. Her expression darkened slightly, "Is it... Third Master Cheng?"

After being slandered, she had also wondered who could have done it.

She had never made enemies with anyone, except for Cheng Bingzhi that day.

If it wasn't him, she couldn't think of anyone else!

But there was no concrete evidence.

"Yes, it was done by the third branch of our household, who moved out long ago and now lives in Luogu Lane," the lady of the house told her. "Third Master Cheng is truly despicable. Not only did he harbor inappropriate feelings for you, but after being exposed by you and Shou Ye on the street, he sought revenge in secret."

"He devised such a despicable scheme, spreading rumors about you and Shou Ye everywhere, ruining your reputation, just to force you into marrying Shou Ye with no alternative."

Hearing this, Xu Yinyin's expression turned serious, "Lady of the house, have you found any evidence?"

"Not yet," the lady of the house said. "But I know his character, and I know only he and his mother could do such a thing. What I'm thinking is to take you there and compel him to apologize to you face-to-face."

Xu Yinyin pondered for a moment, then shook her head at the lady of the house, "Lady of the house, let's drop it."

"Are you worried he won't admit it if confronted?"

"No, since I've married Shou Ye, these things aren't that important anymore."

"But Yinyin, if Third Master Cheng hadn't ruined your reputation, forcing you into marrying Shou Ye with no alternative, you wouldn't be in this situation."

"Lady of the house, I'm happy to marry Shou Ye. Let's just say Third Master Cheng inadvertently arranged a good match for me," Xu Yinyin smiled at the lady of the house.

Xu Yinyin didn't want to dwell on her past.

Firstly, as she said, she had already married Li Shouye, which was what she wanted, and it didn't ruin her future.

Secondly, Third Master Cheng was still a member of the Cheng family. Even though he had moved out, he was still a direct blood relative of the Cheng family. If she asked the lady of the house to stand up for her and make Third Master Cheng apologize, it would somewhat place the lady of the house in a precarious situation.

Xu Yinyin didn't want to trouble the lady of the house over this, nor did she wish for the lady of the house to accompany her to confront Third Master Cheng and demand an apology. If that rogue adamantly denied it, it would surely damage her dignity.

Xu Yinyin was smart. She knew that their family would have to rely on the lady of the house in the future and seek her help. Her mother had even told her to regard the lady of the house as a quasi-mother-in-law. After careful thought, Xu Yinyin chose to be cautious and avoid troubling the lady of the house.

Seeing that Xu Yinyin didn't want to pursue the matter, the lady of the house displayed neither joy nor displeasure. She looked at the gentle Xu Yinyin, "Since you think this way, I won't say more. It's just a pity that Third Master Cheng slandered you and Shou Ye, forcing the two of you together. You originally had a bright future. Even if you were to marry Shou Ye, there was no need to rush into it. Had they come to propose, they would have held you in higher regard."

The lady of the house spoke considerately.

Hearing such thoughtful words, Xu Yinyin lowered her eyes, experiencing a hint of regret.

Yes, her family and the Li family were not far apart in status. It was just because of this incident that ruined her reputation, resulting in her parents' distress, and she herself was publicly humiliated by Lu Hanyi.

Had the Li family come to propose, the situation would definitely not have been like this...

While she was filled with regret and disappointment, on the other side, Lu Hanyi's mind was in turmoil, like firecrackers during New Year after hearing her conversation with the lady of the house.

So, that's what happened!

Turns out, her son was so desperate to marry Xu Yinyin because her beloved son had been tricked into a scheme!

Someone had tarnished her son's reputation, forcing him to marry Xu Yinyin!

Ah! So that's how it was!

Her son's bright future, his marriage, his entire life—all ruined by someone!

Cheng Bingzhi and his mother, huh? She was ready to tear them apart today!

Meanwhile, Lu Lingyun continued chatting with Xu Yinyin. Out of the corner of her ear, Chunxing whispered softly.

"Madam, that person has just left."

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun smiled faintly and turned back to continue chatting with Xu Yinyin about other matters.

She hadn't invited Xu Yinyin today expecting her to deal with Cheng Bingzhi.

She lacked evidence to prove Cheng Bingzhi and his mother were behind it, even though both she and Xu Yinyin knew in their hearts it must have been them—no one else.

But without evidence, it was hard to make Cheng Bingzhi admit it willingly.

Now, things were looking up.

She had sent Lu Hanyi to handle Cheng Bingzhi and his mother, since Lu Hanyi never required evidence to take action.

If someone harmed her son, she would tear them apart.

At this moment, in Lugu Lane.

The Cheng Bingzhi family had barricaded themselves indoors.

Since Lady Qin succumbed to illness, they hadn't dared to step outside.

Traditionally, Cheng Bingzhi and Cheng Lanying should have paid their respects to Lady Qin, but since Cheng Bingzhi had caused her death, how could he dare to go out?

They were lucky Cheng Binghao and those men hadn't come knocking. Going to the mourning hall would be like asking for trouble.

They couldn't risk going out.

Just as the Cheng Bingzhi family, having been cooped up for over a month, thought the storm was passing, today their door was suddenly slammed open.

"Who's there?"

At the noise, everyone inside peeked out.

"Come out, you Cheng brat!"

A loud curse rang out.

Soon, their courtyard gate was forced open by a crowd from outside.

As Cheng Bingzhi and the others stood bewildered, a woman in her thirties or forties barged in, leading a large group.

At the sight, no one in the house dared utter a word. Wei Dahai stepped forward, asking, "Who are you looking for?"

"Cheng Bingzhi! Which one of you is the Cheng brat!"

Lu Hanyi stormed into the house as she spoke.

Li Bihan, seeing her purposefully seeking out Cheng Bingzhi, was baffled. She stepped forward to stop her, "What do you want with my son?"

"Your son?"

Upon hearing Li Bihan's words, Lu Hanyi immediately yanked her hair and clawed at her face.

"And you, you bitch! You and your beastly son have ruined my son's life, I'm going to kill you!"

"Ah—"

Li Bihan screamed in pain.

Seeing his mother defeated, Cheng Bingzhi shouted, "Wei Dahai! Dahai! Help me!"

His plea fell on deaf ears, as Lu Hanyi had brought a large group of people who charged in, wreaking havoc. Wei Dahai, seeing the situation, focused on shielding Cheng Lanying inside the house, with no time to care for others.

On the scene, Lu Hanyi was yanking Li Bihan's hair and clawing at her face in a frenzy, while a group of servants rushed up to surround and beat Cheng Bingzhi. Even his chambermaid got slapped several times in the chaos, howling as she covered her face and head, scrambling to hide under the table.

The courtyard in Luogu Lane was instantly bustling with activity.