Chapter 314: Chapter 315: Demanding an Explanation

Everyone agreed and set a time for their next get-together. Just as they were preparing to leave, however, Old Mrs. Ning suddenly spoke up. "It seems Mrs. Gu feels no shame at all for obtaining the top scholar’s position through trickery."

Jin Qianqian’s smile immediately froze, her face darkening. "Out of respect for your age, I have tolerated your disrespect. But how can you so easily utter such appalling words?

My husband’s position as top scholar was personally appointed by the Holy Emperor, and his essay was reviewed and praised by several Grand Scholars. Are you questioning their fairness?

Furthermore, you claim we used trickery. I must ask you to present evidence, Old Madam. Based on your baseless accusations alone, I could go to the government office and sue you for slander."

"Am I wrong? Everyone said my son had the talent of a top scholar! It’s because some villain was plotting against him that he only ended up as the runner-up..."

"Old Mrs. Ning, what you’re saying makes no sense," Yang Wenlan said, stepping forward. "By your logic, if someone has the talent of a top scholar, does that guarantee they will become one?

If you have doubts, go beat the official drum and file a grievance. Mr. Gu’s essay has been circulated and read by many people. That can’t be faked!

If you continue to make a scene and spout nonsense like this, the only one who will be affected in the end is Lord Ning."

"Are you threatening my son?"

Everyone was floored. This old woman was truly something else, completely unable to tell good intentions from bad.

Fang Yuan wished a hole would open up in the ground and swallow her. She could only apologize to Jin Qianqian over and over.

Jin Qianqian, however, was not prepared to let it go so easily. "Seeing as the Old Madam speaks with such conviction, if you feel you’ve been wronged, then you should hurry up and file a formal complaint. In any case, my husband has a clear conscience.

Besides, the position of top scholar isn’t something one can get based on the words of a few Magicians. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many students spending a decade in arduous study. If everyone could do as the Old Madam suggests—just find someone to shout a few praises and have the top scholar position fall into their lap—what ’fairness’ would there be to speak of?"

No longer wanting to look at the woman’s dead-fish eyes, Jin Qianqian turned to the other young ladies. "Since everyone is here today, you can all bear witness. I too look forward to seeing if the Old Madam can help Lord Ning obtain the top scholar position with nothing but empty words."

"Mrs. Gu, the old madam is probably just confused and spouting nonsense. Don’t lower yourself to her level," Mrs. Hu said, stepping in to smooth things over.

Completely unaware of the trouble she had caused, the Old Madam tried to walk over and argue further, but Fang Yuan grabbed her tightly. "Mother, I’m begging you, please stop making a scene! If you keep this up, Husband will be furious when we get home."

"He’d dare? Who do you think I’m doing all this for? This is for the honor of the Ning Family, not just for him alone!"

The four maids—Chun, Xia, Qiu, and Dong—formed a protective circle around Jin Qianqian, afraid she might get bumped. If their Madam were hurt, they wouldn’t be able to answer for it back home.

Yang Wenlan’s expression darkened as well. "Madam Ning, you should take your mother-in-law home at once! But I expect you to give me an explanation for this later."

At this point, Fang Yuan could no longer worry about saving face in public. She called over her personal maid and an old servant woman, and with their combined strength, they managed to drag the still-struggling Old Mrs. Ning away.

"I truly never expected her to cause such a scene." With the troublemaker gone, Fang Yuan could only steel herself and apologize profusely.

Jin Qianqian said, "I’m just a little curious. Where did Old Mrs. Ning get these ideas? How can she be so certain that my husband stole the top scholar’s position from Lord Ning?"

Fang Yuan gave a stiff smile. "It’s all just nonsense from some Magicians. When my mother-in-law has nothing to do, she likes to visit Daoist Temples or monasteries to pray. She probably placed too much hope in my husband, which is why she was spouting such nonsense here. I hope all the madams won’t take it to heart."

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Jin Qianqian looked at her with a half-smile. "What you say is quite interesting, Madam Ning. She slandered my husband in front of so many people. If this matter isn’t cleared up, wouldn’t those who don’t know the truth say my husband has a guilty conscience?

In that case, could I also say that your Lord Ning is all form and no substance, and that he stole his exam paper from another scholar?"

"How can you spout such nonsense?" Fang Yuan’s expression changed, and she snapped sharply.

"Can’t take it already?" Jin Qianqian laughed mockingly. "You and your mother-in-law really have a double standard. You’re allowed to run your mouths and spout nonsense, but others aren’t even allowed to say a word?"

The young ladies nearby covered their mouths and snickered. ’She has a point.’

...

Perhaps because she had been so thoroughly embarrassed that day, on the day of Jin Qianqian’s flower-viewing banquet, Fang Yuan sent a messenger to say she was unwell and would not be attending.

Jin Qianqian didn’t mind, but she still told Ancient Wenheng what had happened at the He Family’s home. Afterward, Ancient Wenheng found Ning Yuchen and had a serious talk with him. After all, he couldn’t just swallow such a grievance.

&

Despite Bai Jinglie’s resistance, his marriage was finally settled.

Upon hearing that the bride was truly the legitimate daughter of a first-rank general from the Northwest Border, Old Madam Bai was all smiles. Kuang Yunqiao, on the other hand, had a completely rigid expression from the moment she received the Holy Decree.

Kuang Tianman, who was always by her side, covered her face and ran back to the rear courtyard. Everyone in the mansion knew why she had been staying in the Marquis Mansion for so long. Now, with this imperial marriage decree, her reputation was being trampled into the dust.

As soon as Kuang Tianman ran back to her room, she began to pack her things. She truly couldn’t stay in the Marquis Mansion any longer.

Kuang Yunqiao had no time to worry about her. She hurried to Marquis Wu’an’s side and asked anxiously, "How could a Holy Decree suddenly be issued? Did the Marquis request it?"

Bai Yugang looked worried. "Do you think I’m that foolish? I’m afraid this is the Holy Emperor’s intention. I probably won’t be able to keep my current post.

Especially the little bit of military power I hold. I’ll probably have to hand it all over this time. By marrying into the family of a Supreme General, it’s impossible for both in-laws to hold military power.

Deng Zhiyi is still guarding the border, so the Holy Emperor would never touch him. The meaning behind this is obvious—he’s probably waiting for me to take the initiative."

The thought of this frustrated him. "Eldest son, did you say something to the Holy Emperor behind my back?"

Bai Jinglie replied, "This is the first I’m hearing that General Deng even has a legitimate daughter. What could I possibly have said to the Holy Emperor?"

Old Madam Bai walked over with her cane and stood before her eldest grandson. "Isn’t this wonderful? A good family connection. From now on, our Jing Lie will have someone to rely on."

Bai Yugang felt a headache coming on as he looked at his old mother. "Mother, what do you know? This isn’t necessarily a good match. The moment this new daughter-in-law walks through the door, my post will be gone."

"If it’s gone, it’s gone. At your age, you should be resting anyway. When your father was your age, didn’t he pass the title on to you? If you ask me, you should submit a memorial to the throne and pass the Marquis title to Jing Lie. Go and live a few comfortable days."

After speaking, the old madam glanced at Kuang Yunqiao. "It’ll give you more time to spend with your dear Madam, lest she feel lonely all day and have to bring her niece from her maiden family over for company."

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