But it was too late. Everyone had already heard what Wu's father said. He was filled with regret, wishing he hadn't fainted in the first place! Now that things had come to this, he didn't know how to face it and could only continue to faint.
He was filled with regret, but Wu's father's words were exactly what Gan Tao Niang wanted to hear.
She understood perfectly well that now that her lies had been exposed, she might as well take the opportunity to throw the mud at her. Even if she bore some infamy, people would remember that she was forced into it and wouldn't have the heart to be too harsh on her.
Now that Mr. Wu has said this, it has become even more certain.
Sure enough, when Lord Lu heard what Wu's father said, he immediately flew into a rage—in front of everyone, in front of him, the local official, how dare he threaten people's lives? Did he not respect him at all?
Is there no law anymore?
"Men, seize this man surnamed Wu and order him to reveal the whereabouts of Gan Tao's brothers. Go and rescue them immediately!"
The constables swarmed forward, arrested Wu's father, and took him out for interrogation. Chen Danian was also dragged away and moved aside.
The other people also cursed the two men, venting their anger at having been 'fooled'.
There were some who criticized Gan Tao Niang, but soon someone spoke up for her, saying that although she was hateful, she was forced into it. Both sons were her flesh and blood, and she couldn't abandon her sons for the sake of her daughter, could she?
Gan Taoniang listened intently, then smiled with satisfaction.
Ganli saw the smug smile on her face and smiled too, but it was a speechless smile.
It's hard to say whether Gan Tao Niang is naive or simply stupid. Even now, she still thinks she can escape unscathed?
...Gan Tao Niang had a beautiful idea: even though she had failed, she had managed to extricate herself and her sons from the situation.
Her slander of her daughter was entirely out of 'helplessness,' she was forced into it. Not only could the county magistrate not punish her, but he also had to help her rescue several sons who were being held hostage by the Wu family.
Once this matter is settled, even if she can't get the money the Wu family promised, she can still cling to her daughter and let her daughter support her!
What? Gan Tao doesn't want to? She dares!
After all, she was forced to do these things, and Gan Tao, as her daughter, should be understanding. If anyone dares to blame their mother, that's unfilial! That's an ingrate!
Gan Tao Niang was busy calculating her plans, unaware that her beautiful bubble was about to be burst.
Seeing the scheming smile on Gan Tao Niang's face, Gan Li knew without a doubt what she was up to. She sneered, stepped forward, and said loudly:
“Reporting to you, sir, Gan Tao’s mother just said that she was forced to come and identify Gan Tao. This may be true, but I have also learned some shocking details about the matter. I have to get this out of my mouth.”
"Oh?" Magistrate Lu looked surprised upon hearing this.
Actually, at this point, Gan Tao had already turned the tables, and she would definitely be found not guilty in this case. So he originally thought that this was the evidence Gan Li used to overturn the verdict.
I never expected there would be something more to this.
He said in a deep voice, "What other secrets are there? Tell me all at once."
The onlookers were also surprised. They thought the mother's slander of her daughter was outrageous enough, but judging from Ganli's tone, there was something even more outrageous.
Like Magistrate Lu, they were curious and fell silent, wanting to hear what Gan Li had to say next.
Only Gan Tao Niang looked at Gan Li in horror upon hearing this—she had a strange intuition that what this vile woman was about to say was detrimental to her!
Having received permission, Gan Li glanced at Gan Tao Niang and, seeing her terrified expression, said, word by word:
"Gan Tao Niang just said that she was forced to go to court to slander her own daughter. But as far as I know, this whole farce started because of her!"
As Chen Danian said before, Gan Tao and my nephew Gan Quan did indeed discuss marriage. They were originally a good match in terms of social standing, but Gan Tao's mother disliked my nephew's poor family background. Not only did she refuse the marriage, but she also spread rumors that my nephew was a toad trying to eat swan meat, making the situation extremely ugly, and the marriage was naturally called off.
However, not long after, Gan Tao's family suffered a sudden and drastic change, and their fortunes plummeted. Meanwhile, my nephew's family, who now run a small business with me, are gradually improving their situation.
Seeing this, Gan Tao's mother repeatedly urged Gan Tao to get close to my nephew Gan Quan again. However, Gan Tao was a girl of good character. She felt that her mother had ruined the marriage because she looked down on Gan Quan, and that she should not fawn over him now that he was doing well. Therefore, she refused Gan Tao's mother's request.
Because of this, the mother and daughter had a very unpleasant argument. At this time, Gan Tao had a great opportunity. If she did well, she would no longer have to worry about the family's livelihood. However, this job required her to leave home for a year.
When Gan Tao Niang learned of this news, she did not understand her daughter's good intentions, nor was she worried about her daughter's safety leaving home alone. Instead, she was afraid that her daughter would abandon their family. Therefore, she conspired with the matchmaker Li to devise a vicious plan to marry her daughter off to the Wu family.
The Wu family's son had a notorious reputation, so Gan Tao naturally refused. She then devised a plan to invite the Wu family's young master to her home, intending to force a marriage into a fait accompli! By then, even if Gan Tao was unwilling, the deed would be done, and she would have no choice but to comply!
The few words left everyone stunned, but Gan Li's explanation was clear and logical, and everyone understood the ins and outs of the matter!
It turns out that Gan Tao Niang was nothing more than a shrew who despised the poor and loved the rich.
As for Gan Tao, although it wasn't her fault, her mother's actions came first, so it was understandable that she refused her mother's offer to reconcile with Gan Quan out of shame.
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