Chapter 45: Justice and Vindication for My Wife

Chapter 45: Justice and Vindication for My Wife

News spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of Changxi Village.

In no time, the village head's house was surrounded by layers of onlookers.

Upon hearing the news, Lu Mingchao's family rushed over in a panic.

"Chaochao," Yunniang's eyes welled up with tears as soon as she saw Lu Mingchao's pale face. "Chaochao, you've been wronged."

Yunniang hugged Lu Mingchao tightly, gently patting her back.

The rest of the Lu family also looked at Lu Mingchao with deep concern.

Even the ailing Old Lady Lu was carried over by Li Lei, determined to stand by Lu Mingchao.

Lu Yao, the scholar, stood by Lu Mingchao's side, protective and resolute, holding the tearful Xiao Xin.

In an era where scholarly achievement was highly esteemed, the presence of a scholar like Lu Yao carried significant weight.

Lu Chunsheng, on the other hand, held a sickle in his hand, ready to fight to the death anyone who dared harm his daughter.

The entire Lu family had come to love Lu Mingchao deeply and couldn't help but feel guilty and heartbroken. They wanted to make up for everything in the best way possible and couldn't bear to see their newlywed daughter suffer such injustice before even the traditional three-day return visit.

"Old Village Head, you must give our Chaochao justice and vindication today, or I will skin the scoundrel who tried to harm her, even if it costs me my life," Lu Chunsheng, the usually mild-mannered man, was now furious, gripping the sickle with gritted teeth, clearly filled with rage.

The second young master of the Sun family: ???

The second young master, whose wet hair had already formed a thin layer of ice, was dumbfounded.

Is this family always so reckless?

What good would it do to throw away a life? He still had a lot of good days ahead.

"I, too, was deceived by Qi Rui," he stammered.

The old village head and Old Lady Fang anxiously said, "Chunsheng, what nonsense are you talking about? Let's talk this through calmly and find a proper resolution."

Old Lady Fang had watched Lu Chunsheng grow up; he was always a hardworking, honest man.

But now, even this honest man had been pushed to his limit.

"Xie Yan, explain clearly what happened," the old village head urged.

Xie Yan took out the signed testimony from his pocket and read it word by word, his voice as cold as ice, sending chills down everyone's spine.

After finishing, Xie Yan raised his voice, his sharp gaze sweeping over the surrounding villagers. "Since I settled in Changxi Village, I have treated the Qi family well and never wronged any of my neighbors. I repaired their house and often provided them with food. I never asked for anything in return, but I cannot tolerate such ingratitude and treachery. All I ask for is justice and vindication for my wife."

"If Mingchao hadn't stood at the door with a kitchen knife, threatening to take her own life, and if I hadn't noticed something amiss while taking Old Lady Qi to the clinic, the Qi family's vile scheme would have succeeded."

"Would those malicious rumors have pierced Mingchao like venomous needles, leaving her and the Lu family disgraced and unable to hold their heads high?"

"As a husband, if I cannot protect my wife, I am unworthy of being called a man."

"Out of respect for our shared village, I haven't taken this matter to the county or prefecture authorities. I have already been more than generous."

"Today, justice must be served."

"My wife's reputation must not be tarnished; we must determine what is black and what is white."

The second young master of the Sun family was utterly bewildered.

What hunter has such grace and demeanor, speaking with such reason and evidence, one argument after another?

If he had even a fraction of Xie Yan's qualities, his father would have revered him, perhaps even kicked out his elder brother and handed over the family business to him.

They say that conflicts lead to friendships; perhaps Xie Yan and the fairy-like beauty could reconcile with him, given his cooperation, and even turn enemies into friends.

He couldn't become Xie Yan, but he could possess Xie Yan.

The second young master of the Sun family's eyes darted around, his mind calculating loudly.

The old village head coughed twice, looking at the three tied-up individuals, "Is this true?"

The second young master of the Sun family and A Xing exchanged glances, then spoke firmly and passionately, "Yes, it is."

"Qi Rui, what about you?" The old village head suppressed his dislike and disgust, asking in an official manner.

Qi Rui shook her head, "No, it's not like this."

"Village head grandpa, my grandmother and I rely on each other, always careful, how could we have such audacity?"

"They are conspiring to slander me." Qi Rui closed her eyes, speaking carelessly, trying to cloud the already clear situation.

Lu Mingchao lifted her head from Yunniang's embrace, her gaze cold and deeply mocking, "Using my own reputation to slander you?"

"Are you even worthy?"

"Village head, since Qi Rui insists on her innocence, why not send her to the authorities?"

"The truth will be uncovered by the impartial authorities."

Qi Rui's breath hitched.

The second young master of the Sun family eagerly sought to make his presence known, "It was Qi Rui who maliciously incited me; other servants in my courtyard can also testify."

"If the village head doesn't believe me, you can ask anyone."

"Village head, I am willing to apologize to the Xie and Lu families and offer compensation."

"But you must not let Qi Rui, this disloyal servant, off lightly!"

"She sold herself into servitude in my home, receiving monthly wages, yet she did not think of loyalty to her master, instead using me as a tool."

Lu Mingchao felt strange, glancing at the second young master of the Sun family.

This level of cooperation was excessive.

The old village head took a deep breath, "Qi family members, what are your thoughts?"

From the crowd, a member of the Qi family spat lightly, "This unlucky one and that old woman have long had nothing to do with our Qi family."

"Don't come to us for any compensation."

"In my opinion, expelling this old woman and her granddaughter from Changxi Village would prevent further disgrace."

"That's right, that's right," someone kept agreeing.

"Old Lady Qi and her granddaughter have taken advantage of Xie Yan more than once, it's plain as day. Yet, this old woman and her young one play the saint while being anything but, claiming they deserve what they got for looking after Xie Yan's children."

"People like them, as venomous as snakes, are not someone we dare to deal with."

"Why would Old Lady Qi and Qi Rui plot against Xie Yan's new bride?"

"Tsk, you don't know this, do you? Old Lady Qi was desperate to marry her unlucky granddaughter to Xie Yan, but Xie Yan refused."

"By plotting against Xie Yan's new bride, Qi Rui might get another chance."

"Speaking of which, the young daughter of the Lu family is also a victim, poor girl."

"Where is Old Lady Qi?" the old village head demanded sternly.

"Village head, village head, I'll wait at the village entrance," an eager young man immediately responded.

Xie Yan slightly furrowed his brows, figuring that Old Lady Qi should be returning soon given her pace.

Sure enough.

In less than a quarter of an hour, two young men came back briskly leading Old Lady Qi.

"Old Lady Qi, you and your granddaughter cut ties with the Qi family many years ago. You were allowed to live at the foot of the mountain out of respect for Qi the Third."

"Now, having committed such a vile act, shaming Changxi Village, as the village head, I, on behalf of the entire village, hereby banish you and Qi Rui from Changxi Village. You must leave within three days."

"With reverence in the heart, one's actions must have limits."