Chapter 132: Lofty words, rectifying her name (2/2)

“Yes! This commoner obeys your command.” Han Congan rose to his feet.

At this moment, Third Madame Li pulled Han Ruoxue along as she drew closer with one word, “Old master…”

Han Yunxi looked over, silently laughing in her heart. Li Mingmei[1], ah, Li Mingmei, you can certainly hold yourself back, waiting until now to speak up. Even if you’re even-tempered and indifferent, saying things now is a little too late. It makes it look even more intentional. Just wait, you’ll be exposed very soon!

Han Congan glanced over with a soft sigh. “Mingmei, this matter…”

Before he could finish, Madame Li quickly bowed. “Everything will be as old master says. It’s better for esteemed wangfei to have the storehouse key than those other uncles, qieshen[2] understands.”

Han Congan had accepted this Third Madame in the past because 1) she liked to read medical books and could talk with him on the same topics, and 2) she wasn’t weak or feeble, 3) and she held herself apart from strife as well.

Her mother was peaceful and tranquil, but Han Ruoxue’s face was ashen pale. She had no desire to go outside.

“Official Ouyang, set up the platform!” Grand Concubine Yi lazily rose to her feet. She didn’t spare a glance toward Han Congan or the others before passing by them. Han Yunxi brought up the rear, but sent Han Congan a grateful look before catching up to her mother-in-law.

After all that had passed, a sizable crowd had gathered outside of the justice court gates. Right now, they were still gossiping amongst themselves. The ones who’d managed to wait this long were all busybodies who liked to talk behind people’s backs. Of course, Mu Liuyue hadn’t left yet either. Her heart was filled with anticipation to see Han Yunxi brought out tied up with her hands behind her back.

As soon as Murong Wanru emerged, supporting Grand Concubine Yi by the arm, the entire area fell silent. When they saw Han Yunxi come out afterwards by herself, the crowd was astonished. Mu Liuyue’s bright eyes immediately narrowed as they filled with doubt. How could Han Yunxi be perfectly all right?

Suspicion and doubt fell onto the crowd. Judging by Qin Wangfei’s state, nothing calamitous had occurred. So what was the final conclusion?

When Third Madame came out supporting Han Congan, the crowd fell into an uproar. Mu Liuyue actually backed up a few steps, realizing that things had gone terribly wrong.

“Where’s Lady Xu?”

“Why did Divine Doctor Han come out personally?”

“Heavens, I thought we’d never see Divine Doctor Han again!”

“Where’s the Seventh Madame? And that little young master?”

“Exactly what happened? What are they doing?”

… …

Between all the commotion, Grand Concubine Yi had no way of discerning what they were talking about. She could tell that they were calling things into question, though. Her face remained dignified and calm, but her heart was wholly sick of everything.

These were all boorish, uncultured commoners!

If not for the fact that her reputation was at stake, she wouldn’t even had bothered standing around to be the subject of their gossip! She’d long ordered them punished for their crimes and imprisoned. After all, she was Tianning Country’s most respected Grand Imperial Concubine, the only one left. She was also mother to the revered Duke of Qin, the mufei to the country’s only Imperial Uncle! It wasn’t simple for mere citizens to see her! Grand Concubine Yi didn’t want to stay a moment longer. She cast an unhappy glance towards Official Ouyang, who hastened forward and raised his hand to silence the ground.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the results of the hearing show that Qin Wangfei coveting the Han Family properties and stealing the storehouse key was all a fabrication made to frame her! Lady Xu spread groundless rumors with ill intentions to smear the innocent. She assembled a crowd before the Duke of Qin’s gates, not only harming Qin Wangfei’s name, but Grand Concubine Yi’s name as well. She’s already been given the death sentence according to our Tianning laws, and will be beheaded after the new year…” Official Ouyang’s words cast a quiet stillness over the entire crowd, enough to hear each and every breath clearly.

Heavens!

How could this be?

Lady Xu was framing Qin Wangfei, and now she had a death sentence?

In an instant, all the old ladies that Lady Xu had brought along, along with the people who’d vocally expressed support for her, fell into terror. Their fear was such that their legs lost strength and their breathing stopped, afraid that they’d be found out and implicated in the mess. Of course, it was impossible for everyone to not fear. Who would be so bold as to call things into question now!

Grand Concubine Yi looked at the silent masses before casting another cold glance over. Official Ouyang hurriedly dragged out Han Congan from the shadows. Han Congan took a deep breath and stood forward, speaking in a loud voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Han Family storehouse key was willingly given by me, personally, to Qin Wangfei. I earnestly requested her to take care of it on my behalf. In the future, Qin Wangfei will aid in assisting and selecting the next clan head. As for Qin Wangfei hankering after the Han Family properties, that has no basis in fact. From this day on, cease these preposterous censures against my Han household’s matters. I exhort those who are observant and conscientious to stop inciting discord on the relationship between Qin Wangfei and my Han Family matters!”

-o-

[1] Li Mingmei (李明媚) – Third Madame Li’s name as known in the Han Family.

[2] qieshen (妾身) – form of self-address used by a wife when speaking to her husband. Also means ‘concubine.’