Chapter 131: Behind the scenes, just one step short (2/2)

After missing her chance to grab Han Yunxi today, Grand Concubine Yi was forced to stomach her temper with all sorts of dissatisfaction. But she couldn’t help but admit that Han Yunxi’s words were very reasonable. This was the exact issue she’d been considering herself. This affair had already spread all over the city, so what was the best way to end it neatly and effectively without a trace?

It was obvious that she’d have to let Han Yunxi off, but Lady Xu was unforgivable even without Han Yunxi’s reminder! She was trying to figure out how to deal with the issue so it’d restore her reputation and trust in the eyes of the common people waiting outside the justice courts. After all, all of them had believed with her that Han Yunxi coveted the Han Family properties. If they didn’t think up a good strategy and just threw out the results of their questioning, the matter would end, but the people might not accept it.

Those who didn’t know the details might even accuse her Duke of Qin’s household for torturing the Han Family in the justice courts to force out favorable results. Grand Concubine Yi had spent many years in a position of high power. Though she still felt unsatisfied, she calmed down at this critical juncture to consider all points. She gazed at Han Yunxi for a long while without answering directly. To do that would be admitting her own defeat, a feeling that she loathed.

She looked towards Official Ouyang and said, “Official Ouyang, since the truth is out now, how should Lady Xu be punished for defaming Qin Wangfei and insulting the Duke of Qin’s household name?”

In a moment, everyone’s gazes focused on Official Ouyang, even the cold and silent Lady Xu. On the side, Han Ruoxue stood standing with her palms soaked in sweat. She knew that things had been finalized by this point with no chance of return. When everything was cleared up outside, wouldn’t Mu Liuyue be extremely disappointed?

No, she had to find a way to say some favorable words.

“What’s wrong with you, why are your hands so sweaty?” Madame Li asked in a low voice.

“N…nothing, I’m just angry. Father really shouldn’t have.” Han Ruoxue was quick to reply. She didn’t dare tell her mother that Mu Liuyue was outside, much less the details of Mu Liuyue and Han Yunxi’s bet. When she was delivering tea leaves last time, mother had told her to stop contacting Mu Liuyue since she had bad relations with Han Yunxi. No matter what, she was still Han Yunxi’s little sister and should avoid such taboos.

Within the room, Lady Xu was the quietest one, raising Murong Wanru’s hairs on end. She only felt that Lady Xu was waiting for something, something like a verdict before she erupted and dragged them both into ruin. Murong Wanru clenched her fists, her back covered in cold sweat. What should she do? Could she do anything to stop Lady Xu?

Official Ouyang didn’t quite dare to look at Lady Xu. He turned his head aside and said with difficulty, “According to law…she should be beheaded!”

At this, the kneeling Lady Xu suddenly stood up. Murong Wanru gave a start and couldn’t help but stand up as well, alarmed. “Lady Xu, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Second Madame, merely spreading rumors won’t warrant the death penalty. Yet you not only did that, but stirred up trouble in front of the Duke of Qin’s gates to incite the people. Were you muddleheaded? You actually did such a thing!” Han Yunxi said coldly.

It sounded like a lecture, but she was reminding Lady Xu that spreading rumors wouldn’t lead to a death sentence. She had been used by someone else to end up in this state! A dog at his wit’s end would jump over a wall, much less a human being. Her son was already going to be jailed for three years, herself was stuck with the death penalty. There was no hope of gaining the Han head of house position either. Everything had fallen and broken apart for Lady Xu.

When a person was in her state, what else would she care about? Right now she was like a person who had fallen into water. Anyone she grabbed, she’d drag down with her! When Han Yunxi’s words landed, Lady Xu looked coldly at Murong Wanru before suddenly moving forward.

Scared, Murong Wanru stepped before Lady Xu and blocked her way, as if trying to protect Grand Concubine Yi. Her tone was furious. “What are you planning to do? You’re being outrageous. If you alarm the esteemed imperial concubine, it’ll be an unforgivable crime!”

Lady Xu backed up a step to get a better look at Murong Wanru before slowly breaking out into a cold, mocking laugh. This Murong Wanru had promised that Grand Concubine Yi would still be fair even if she was angered. Otherwise, why would she cause a ruckus at the Duke of Qin’s doors? That was like making a fuss at the imperial palace, a guaranteed death sentence! Murong Wanru’s back faced Grand Concubine Yi, her face flustered. She’d planned so well for mufei’s mood to improve once they dragged down Han Yunxi. A few words then would be simple enough to highlight Lady Xu’s contributions and pull her out of danger! How did she know that Han Yunxi could take the turn for the worse by gaining Han Congan’s support!?

“Wanru, hurry up and come over. Someone come, take Lady Xu away!” Grand Concubine Yi was nervous about Murong Wanru’s safety.

Han Yunxi watched coldly from the side, waiting for Murong Wanru to sit back obediently until Lady Xu spilled everything. But right at this critical moment, Lady Xu suddenly drew closer to Murong Wanru and gripped her by the wrist. She was about to curse her when Murong Wanru spoke in a low voice.

“Lady Xu, don’t forget that you still have a father! If you dare expose me now, you’ll have no support or evidence. My mufei definitely won’t believe you. Moreover, I can guarantee that your Xu Clan won’t meet with a good end!”

At these words, Lady Xu gave a start. That’s right, she still had her father. She still had her fellow brothers and sisters in her clan. Without backing or evidence, if Grand Concubine Yi didn’t believe her and Murong Wanru bore a grudge, the Xu Family would have hard days ahead!

Lady Xu’s hands turned numb before she immediately released her victim. Murong Wanru backed away as if she was fleeing, so frightened that her face turned pale. She patted her heart multiple times as she took deep breaths. Bystanders all thought that she had been scared by Lady Xu. In actuality, she was rejoicing at finding a chance to finally warn the woman. Otherwise, who knew where she’d end up today? Even without evidence, mufei’s heart would have questions if her role was revealed. After all, she’d used her mufei’s reputation as the stakes this time! Mufei wouldn’t forgive her just for this simple fact. No matter what, in the end she was still a foster daughter.

Grand Concubine Yi finally expelled a breath when she saw the yamen runners apprehend Lady Xu. She stood up and hurriedly waved towards Murong Wanru.

“Wanru, come over quick! Let mufei take a look. Are you hurt anywhere? Frightened?”