Chapter 227 Asked the Wrong Person

Liao glanced at Yu Qingci with a sarcastic smile.

Yu Qingci didn't even glance at her: "So, it seems that Old Madam Wen has come here today to interfere in the affairs of my General's Mansion. Even the cats and dogs she brings with her dare to meddle in my husband's private quarters. Anyone who doesn't know better would think that the Qiao family likes to send their daughters to be concubines."

Wen suddenly tightened her grip on Luo Yi's hand, causing Luo Yi pain, but she dared not utter a sound and could only endure it.

Liao was startled by the phrase "cats and dogs," and then remembered that Yu Qingci's husband was the Ningyuan General, personally appointed by the Emperor. The Third Miss, whom she had previously looked down upon, was now a true general's wife. She was so frightened that she shrank back and dared not utter another word.

Wen gritted her teeth and endured for a moment before remembering her true purpose for this trip. She couldn't afford to offend her too much right now; the matter she was about to discuss would have to be agreed upon by this brat.

Wen released his grip and said with a dry laugh, "What are you saying? We were just talking in a hurry. If you don't like it, just pretend we didn't say anything."

His expression towards Yu Qingci returned to its usual gentle and pleasant tone.

"Besides visiting your mother-in-law, I also have some things I'd like to say to you privately today."

After speaking, he glanced at Old Madam Ning and the others.

Only then did Madam Ning realize that the people hadn't come to visit her specifically.

She looked at Yu Qingci, and seeing that her daughter-in-law did not refuse, she stood up and said:

“I was just thinking of going up to offer incense to the Bodhisattva again. Daughter-in-law, you don’t need to come with me. Just have Yiyi come with you. You stay here and talk to Madam Wen.”

As she spoke, she walked out with the help of others, and didn't forget to wave to Luo Yi to come out with her.

Luo Yi actually wanted to stay and listen to what they had to say, but since no one spoke, she could only go forward and help Old Madam Ning out, turning back to look at her every step of the way.

After everyone left, the room became much quieter. Madam Wen looked at Yu Qingci with a loving expression.

"Qingci, even if you are not born to my daughter, I am still your elder. When you were able to marry Yunqi with a grand wedding procession, it was my daughter who arranged your dowry. You can't deny that."

I won't beat around the bush; you probably already guessed why I'm here today. I heard about what happened the day you and Yunqi returned to your parents' home. My granddaughter made a mistake and offended you, and now she's been confined to the mansion by her father-in-law to reflect on her actions.

Qingyan is a child with no bad intentions, just a bit stubborn. She may have said something that upset you, and now she regrets it deeply. She spends her days in her courtyard weeping, regretting her actions and hoping for a chance to apologize to you in person.

You are sisters, after all. It's inevitable that sisters will have some quarrels. It's really a bit much for the Earl to confine her to her quarters for such a trivial matter. Besides, Qingyan is about to get married. She is marrying into the Cheng'an Prince's Mansion. If word gets out that she was punished, I'm afraid the marriage will be ruined..."

Wen glanced at Yu Qingci's face and saw that she was indifferent and had no intention of replying. He knew that this girl was indeed hard-hearted, so he had no choice but to continue, forcing himself to speak:

"I know you're a good child, and Qingyan was indeed wrong in this matter, but blood is thicker than water, and even broken bones are still connected by tendons. Qingyan is, after all, your own sister. She's young and doesn't understand things, so it's understandable that she makes mistakes."

But now that she's been punished and disciplined, shouldn't your anger have subsided by now? I hope you can forgive her this time for the sake of your sisterhood, put in a good word for her with your father, and get her released from confinement as soon as possible. Then we can all continue to be good sisters peacefully. As the saying goes, harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things, don't you think?

Madam Wen spoke with deep emotion, and she didn't mention Madam Qiao, who was also under house arrest. Once her granddaughter was released from confinement, her daughter would naturally be spared further punishment. Now it all depended on whether the brat could be persuaded.

Yu Qingci picked up her teacup, gently blew away the foam, and the rising steam blurred the mockery in her eyes.

Wen stopped talking and quietly looked at her.

Setting down her teacup, Yu Qingci's voice was calm and even, revealing no emotion whatsoever:

"Madam Wen has asked the wrong person. As the saying goes, a married daughter is like water spilled from a bowl. Yu Qingyan's rude and unruly behavior angered Father, which is why Father ordered her to be confined to her quarters to reflect on her mistakes. What does this have to do with me?"

Furthermore, as children, filial piety should be our priority. As a daughter, I must obey my father's decisions; how could I possibly object? Instead of coming to me, Madam, you should teach your granddaughter more manners and etiquette, so she won't do anything that would damage the reputation of the Earl's family.”

The loving expression on Wen's face could barely hold back; the muscles at the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and said, "Qingyan is still your second sister. How can there be so many unresolved issues between sisters? She spoke rudely and offended you. As her maternal grandmother, I apologize to you on her behalf. Isn't that enough?"

Furthermore, regarding the Cheng'an Prince's Mansion... with the wedding date fast approaching, if word gets out that Qingyan is under house arrest, it will be a disgrace for both the Cheng'an Prince's Mansion and the Earl's Mansion.

You are a sensible and filial person. Your father was too angry to think of such things. You should think carefully about the future of the Earl's family.

Despite Wen's earnest words, Yu Qingci remained unmoved. Wen gradually lost patience and glanced at Liao, who was standing to the side.

Madam Liao stepped forward and said, "Miss Qingci, it's good to be lenient. You are now the wife of a general, after all. You can't trample all the sisters in the mansion under your feet. Why don't we each take a step back? When the second young lady marries into the royal mansion, you two sisters can help each other. Isn't that a good thing? Why do you have to make things like this?"

Yu Qingci slammed down her teacup: "Let me say it again, Yu Qingyan's confinement is her own fault. I have no right to interfere with Father's decision. Madam, you should go back and rest."

"Granny Pei, see the guest out."

After saying that, he picked up his teacup and didn't look at them again.

Knowing that further words were useless, Wen uttered a few harsh words with a gloomy face before leaving with his men.

As they left, Granny Pei spat disdainfully and said, "I've never seen such shamelessness. They actually dared to use their seniority to pressure the madam. Do they really think they're something special?"

"Madam has a strong personality; she should be given a firm rebuke like this to make them realize their place."

Yu Qingci didn't speak, closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. Dealing with people like this was exhausting.

On a sudden thought, I wondered if he had arrived yet.

Just then, a little maid ran in from outside. She was the one who had gone out with Old Madam Ning earlier.

The young maidservant approached respectfully and said, "Madam, the General has arrived. He and the Old Madam are offering incense in the main hall in front. The Old Madam said that after you finish entertaining your guests, you should also go and pay your respects."

Yu Qingci and Granny Pei went to the front hall. Before they even stepped into the hall, they saw Lu Yunqi's tall and upright figure standing next to his mother-in-law. When he saw her come in, he immediately looked over with concern in his eyes.