In the Liang family's Buddhist temple, Madam Zhang had just finished reciting scriptures, and her eyes turned to the imperial decree bestowing upon her the title of Fifth Rank Anren.
This imperial edict was originally a symbol of her glory, but at this moment, it seemed to have become some kind of shackle in her eyes.
Her originally dull eyes suddenly flashed with a hint of coldness and cruelty. She suddenly grabbed the imperial edict and tore it apart with both hands, trying to break it into pieces.
However, the delicate silk cloth was extremely tough and difficult to tear apart for a while. In anger, Da Zhang actually bit it with her teeth. The only sound echoing in the silent Buddhist hall was the sound of silk being torn.
Da Zhang's eyes were red, filled with crazy anger and unwillingness.
She tore and bit it, growling in her throat, but tried her best to suppress the sound, for fear of being noticed. Finally, the imperial edict was torn into pieces by her, and the fragments were scattered all over the ground.
Finally, Da Zhang threw the fragments into the brazier in front of the shrine and watched them turn into ashes in the fire.
A sneer appeared on her face, mixed with endless ridicule and unwillingness.
"I never thought that Liang Fushan could achieve such success." Da Zhang murmured to herself, and every word seemed to be squeezed out from between her teeth.
She recalled the past, Liang Fushan, the child who was once insignificant in her eyes, has now become the pride of the Liang family and is appreciated by the court.
Even though she was once the mistress of the Liang family, now she can only stay in this Buddhist temple with the green lamp and ancient Buddha for company.
The flames in the brazier jumped, and the fragments of the imperial edict gradually turned into ashes in the fire, as if burning away the jealousy and resentment in her heart.
"Hmph, so what if you've achieved success and fame?" A cold arc appeared on the corner of Da Zhang's mouth.
She secretly thought that even though Liang Fushan was now famous, she would never let him consolidate his position. She still had a chance to turn the tables.
Da Zhang slowly stood up and walked out of the temple. The night breeze blew gently, swaying the lanterns in front of the temple. Her figure gradually disappeared into the night.
A few days later, Jiang Lun solemnly sent an exquisite visiting card to the Liang residence, expressing his desire to visit in person. The Liang residence immediately replied with an equally solemn attitude, confirming the date of the visit and expressing their eagerness to welcome Jiang Lun.
On the day of the visit, sunlight filtered through the clouds onto the gates of the Liang residence. Jiang Lun and his wife, Xue Huichun, prepared themselves, carrying carefully selected gifts, and rode in a carriage to the Liang residence. The streets were bustling with people, but within their hearts, a strange mixture of anticipation and nervousness lingered.
The carriage slowly stopped in front of the Liang residence, and Jiang Lun and Xue Huichun alighted. Seeing this, the Liang residence's doorkeepers immediately stepped forward to greet them respectfully. Jiang Lun handed over the visiting card, and the doorkeeper took it, carefully examining it, and then smiled and led them into the residence.
The inner courtyard of the Liang Mansion was shaded by green trees and filled with the fragrance of flowers. After walking through the winding corridors, they finally arrived at the reception room. By then, Liang Fushan had been waiting there for a long time.
"Brother Jiang, sister-in-law, welcome, welcome!" Liang Fushan came forward warmly and shook hands tightly with Jiang Lun.
"Brother Liang, it's been a while since we last met. You're still as charming as ever," Jiang Lun replied with a smile, handing over the gift. "This is a small gift from Huichun and me. Please accept it, Brother Liang."
"Oh, Brother Jiang, you are too polite. Please sit down, please sit down." Liang Fushan invited them to sit down and ordered someone to serve tea.
Zhang Ruoshu was clear-headed today. She was wearing a light and elegant dress with her hair tied up in a bun. Although she didn't wear too many beads, she naturally exuded a gentle temperament.
The maid Xiuyun accompanied her carefully, and the two walked towards the reception room to meet Liang Fushan's guests.
When they entered the living room, Jiang Lun and Xue Huichun were chatting and laughing with Liang Fushan. Seeing Zhang Ruoshu come in, Liang Fushan immediately stood up with a gentle smile on his face.
"Ruoshu, you're here." He said softly, walked over and held Zhang Ruoshu's hand.
Jiang Lun and Xue Huichun also stood up quickly and greeted Zhang Ruoshu. Zhang Ruoshu smiled and nodded in greeting. Her smile was as warm as a spring breeze, which made people feel good.
"This is Brother Jiang and his wife whom I often mentioned to you." Liang Fushan introduced the guests to Zhang Ruoshu.
Zhang Ruoshu exchanged a few words with Jiang Lun and Xue Huichun, then sat next to Liang Fushan.
Although she usually stays at home, she is not at all unfamiliar with guests. She behaves properly and her words reveal her good upbringing and connotation.
When Xue Huichun saw Zhang Ruoshu's dignified and gentle appearance, she felt much more at ease.
During the subsequent conversation, Xue Huichun learned that Zhang Ruoshu would soon be traveling to Suzhou with her mother-in-law to recuperate, and she couldn't help but feel a touch of regret. However, she also understood that this was for Zhang Ruoshu's health, and that a trip to a place like Suzhou, with its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, would surely be beneficial to her recovery.
So Xue Huichun and Jiang Lun agreed that they would come to see Zhang Ruoshu off on her departure day. Jiang Lun nodded in agreement.
A few days later, the Liang Mansion was bustling with activity again. Zhang Ruoshu and her mother-in-law, Xiao Zhang, had packed their luggage and were ready to set off for Gusu.
Although Liang Fushan was reluctant to let her go, he also understood that this recuperation was extremely important for Zhang Ruoshu.
We were planning to set off the next day, but a sudden thunderstorm hit at night and lasted until early morning, and the road was still slippery and difficult to walk on.
Just when the storm had just stopped, an unexpected scene took place in front of the Jingzhao Yin government office.
Mrs. Zhang, the wife of the Liang family, struck the drum in front of the government office with a look of grief and indignation on her face. The clanging drum sound echoed in the streets in the early morning, attracting people's attention.
Beside her, a corpse covered with white cloth lay quietly on a stretcher, being carefully carried by several servants. This scene undoubtedly added a solemn atmosphere to the street in the early morning.
Soon, this scene attracted many onlookers from the capital. They whispered and discussed, full of curiosity and speculation about this sudden lawsuit.
Jingzhao Yin Prefecture Governor Li Zhengxuan heard the drumbeat and hurried out of the back hall. He immediately saw Da Zhang standing in front of the hall and the body covered with a white sheet. Li Zhengxuan's heart sank, thinking that this matter was of great significance.
He quickly walked up to Mrs. Zhang and bowed, saying, "Madam Liang, if you have any grievances, please feel free to tell us. This government will handle it impartially and will not show favoritism."
Da Zhang's eyes were filled with tears. She held up the petition and spoke in a sorrowful voice.
"Your Excellency, I am suing Liang Fushan, a scholar in the cabinet, for murdering my wife, Liang Zhang. I ask you to help me and severely punish the murderer." As she spoke, she handed over the complaint.
There was an uproar among the crowd, some of them sympathizing with the Zhang family's plight, while others expressed doubts about Liang Fushan.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
