Chapter 20 Unable to Defend

However, in her previous life, this incident occurred after Yu Qingyan married into the General's Mansion. In this life, it seems that Madam Qiao couldn't wait to label her as having engaged in illicit relations.

However, Qiao's current focus should be on having her marry in place of Qiao Yuantao, rather than pushing her towards him, so I should remain calm and see what they have to say.

Madam Qiao urged Qiao Yuantao, "Tell me what exactly happened in front of the old lady. Don't hide anything."

Everyone turned their attention to Qiao Yuantao, who said urgently, "Uncle and Aunt, everything I just said is true, and I have physical evidence to prove it."

As he spoke, he took out a delicately crafted pale yellow brocade pouch from his bosom and held it in his hand for everyone to see clearly.

"This is a purse that my third cousin gave me. I happened to run into her in the garden that day. She was in a hurry to go back and rest, so we didn't talk much. But not long after, the maid named Tong'er who was with my third cousin came back to find me and gave me this purse, saying that my third cousin had specially asked her to give it to me."

My third cousin was naturally beautiful. When Yuan Tao first saw her, he was indeed somewhat attracted to her. Unexpectedly, she also had feelings for me, and I was overjoyed and accepted her.

I carry the purse my cousin gave me with me every day, tossing and turning, unable to sleep at night, because I can never forget the image of my third cousin that day.

However, I am well aware of my own status. I am merely a member of a collateral branch of the Qiao family. Even though I have the title of a scholar, I am penniless and know that I am not worthy of my third cousin. But I can't let go of her in my heart, so I took a chance and wanted to sneak in to see her and ask her for clarification. If she is indeed interested in me, then I will never let her down and will boldly ask my uncle and aunt for her hand in marriage.

If my third cousin's interest is just temporary or she simply denies it outright, then I won't pursue the matter further.

At this point, Qiao Yuantao looked at Yu Jingsheng and Madam Qiao again, his attitude becoming even more sincere: "Uncle and Aunt, it was my carelessness that caused this mess. If you must punish someone, punish Yuantao alone, don't take it out on my third cousin."

Seeing his hypocritical act, Tong'er couldn't hold back any longer and shouted, "You're talking nonsense! My lady never gave you any purse, nor did she ask me to come find you. How can you lie and slander my lady like this? It's outrageous!"

Tong'er's little chest heaved with anger.

Qiao Yuantao, his face full of shame, said to everyone, "Miss Tong'er, if you hadn't given it to me personally, how could I, an outsider, have gotten my hands on your young lady's personal purse? This purse can't be faked."

Madam Qiao took the purse and examined it carefully, saying, "I have a vague recollection of this purse. It seems to be the same style that Third Miss was wearing a couple of days ago. Lord, you may not have noticed. Qingyan and Qingying, you two should have seen it before, right?"

The Yu sisters stepped forward and examined it closely. Yu Qingying then looked at Yu Qingci with a mocking expression: "Isn't this the purse that Third Sister carried with her before? I've seen it before. It's made of this kind of brocade, and the embroidered pattern on it is also the kind that Third Sister often uses. You can't deny it."

Yu Qingyan looked surprised, her gaze towards Yu Qingci filled with conflict, seemingly unsure whether to tell the truth. Yu Jingsheng's face darkened further at his two daughters' reactions.

Madam Qiao then looked at Siqin, who was standing in the crowd, and called out, "Siqin, you've been serving the Third Miss these past few days. Come and take a look at this purse. Do you remember it?"

Siqin stepped forward, glanced at it, and nodded, saying, "I have indeed seen this purse on the Third Miss before; it must belong to her."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at Yu Qingci.

Yu Jingsheng looked at his daughter and asked incredulously, "Is this really yours?"

Yu Qingci's face remained calm and composed as she uttered two words: "No!"

Madam Zhang was already furious. When she saw her deny it, she immediately questioned loudly, "You still dare to lie? So many people have seen you carry this purse, how do you explain that? Are you saying that all these people are framing you? Then tell me, how did your purse end up in the hands of the young master of the Qiao family?"

Qiao looked at Yu Qingci with a helpless expression and said, "Third girl, I know you feel uneasy because you don't feel like you belong here after returning to the Marquis's mansion. It's not surprising that you've met my nephew and developed feelings for him. After all, my nephew is handsome and well-read, and he might one day pass the imperial examination and bring glory to our ancestors. It's normal for you to have your own plans."

But a daughter's reputation is of utmost importance. You grew up in the countryside, so your mother's upbringing in this regard is probably very important..."

Seeing that she was trying to drag her mother into this, Yu Qingci interrupted her bluntly, saying, "Madam, please don't overstep your bounds and question my mother's upbringing of her children. After all, my mother was my father's first wife, while you are just a concubine."

"you!"

As soon as Yu Qingci said those words, Qiao's face turned pale and then red.

Madam Zhang angrily said, "How dare you! How can you talk back to your elders in public like this? I think Madam Qiao is right. Your mother really did not teach you well, which is why you did such a shameless thing."

Yu Jingsheng frowned: "Mother, let's not talk about these unrelated things before we've figured things out."

Madam Zhang looked at her son with displeasure: "You're still speaking up for her? It's already obvious that this shameless girl has been having an affair with someone. How much more do you want to clarify this?"

Granny Wu hurriedly went to Madam Zhang and gently massaged her back: "Madam, please calm down. The most urgent matter is not to teach the Third Miss, but how to handle this matter tonight. After all, so many servants have seen it. Public opinion is a fearsome thing. If it is not handled properly, the marriage prospects of our young ladies may be affected."

Madam Zhang realized what was happening: "Yes, yes, this matter must be handled properly to avoid any hidden dangers. Madam Qiao, Granny Qin, tonight I'm leaving these people who know the truth to you two. Quickly shut up all the servants. Anyone who dares to talk nonsense outside, beat them to death!"

Madam Qiao: "Yes, I will handle it properly and there will be no rumors that are detrimental to our family. As for my nephew, I will also take care of him. Mother, please rest assured."

After saying that, she said to Qiao Yuantao, "As for today's matter, as elders, we should give our blessing because you two are in love. However, you also know that Qingci is, after all, the legitimate daughter of my Earl's Mansion, and her status is noble. Although you are my nephew, your father is a concubine's son and has already separated from the family. Although you have the title of Xiucai and your future is limitless, you are still a step up compared to the Earl's Mansion. Not to mention the Earl and the old lady, even I, your own aunt, would not agree to it."

Besides, marriage is a major life event, traditionally arranged by parents and matchmakers. How could you two secretly agree to be together like this? If word gets out, people will only laugh at your lack of propriety. Therefore, your aunt is making the decision today: return the purse that Third Sister gave you, and from now on, keep your mouth shut. Let's pretend nothing happened.”