Upon hearing this, Su Qingyao's eyebrows shot up in anger, like two sharp willow-leaf swords. She slammed the banknotes in her hand on the table, and the silver notes collided with the surface with a crisp sound, as if to express her anger. "This old hag is really too much! How dare she slander my sister so brazenly? I'll tear her mouth apart and let her know the consequences of spreading rumors and causing trouble!" Su Qingyao spoke furiously, waving her fists vigorously, as if she would rush out like a tiger in the next second to seek an explanation from Liu and vent her anger on her sister's behalf.
"Don't worry, sister." Su Jinli smiled softly, a smile that carried an innate confidence and composure, as if she had already made up her mind, as if victory was certain. "That's just right, I have something to say, and I'd like to take this opportunity to discuss it with everyone." Su Jinli said, walking slowly to the table with a leisurely pace. She gently picked up the paper and pen, lowered her head slightly, thought for a moment, and then picked up the pen and wrote quickly on the paper. The handwriting was elegant and strong, every stroke seemed to contain her wisdom and unwavering determination, a true reflection of her inner world.
After finishing, she gently handed the paper to Lu'e, her eyes filled with trust and instruction: "Lu'e, take this and immediately have someone post it in the most conspicuous places throughout the capital." Lu'e respectfully took the paper, her eyes scanning the contents, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. Then, she quickly turned around and walked away with a brisk but determined step, following the order.
Soon, the streets and alleys of the capital were like a sea of flowers caressed by a spring breeze, plastered with notices everywhere. The notices read: "The Gambler's End is intended as a warning to the world, using this story as a mirror to urge everyone to stay away from the evil habit of gambling. Please do not take it personally, as this may lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. Any resemblance to a certain prince is purely coincidental and not intentional on the part of the author. Also: This prince owes a gambling debt of three thousand taels, which remains unpaid. Any creditors may inquire at Jufulou to verify the authenticity of this story."
The moment this notice was posted, it instantly exploded like a bombshell, sending shockwaves through the capital. Citizens flocked to the notice, their voices buzzing with discussion. Everyone knew Wang Erlang was addicted to gambling, already mired in debt and a notorious reputation. Now, Su Jinli's notice, both overtly and covertly, pointed the finger at him, undoubtedly exposing his hidden scandals to the public once again, leaving him completely humiliated.
Upon learning of this, the Earl Wang's residence erupted in fury, the atmosphere akin to a tinderbox, poised to explode. They eagerly rushed to the Prime Minister's residence, confronting Su Jinli and the Prime Minister's office and demanding an explanation. However, as they angrily arrived at the Prime Minister's residence and fiercely stated their intentions, they were bluntly rebuked by Prime Minister Su's resounding, unyielding, "How can a scholar's affairs be called an insinuation?" His words, brief yet powerful, stood like an impenetrable barrier before the Earl Wang's residence, leaving them speechless and forced to retreat in despair. Though filled with resentment, they could only grit their teeth in silence.
Upon learning all this, Liu trembled with rage, like a leaf in a gust of wind. Her eyes widened in anger, and she slammed the teacups from the table to the floor. With a sharp, piercing sound, the shards scattered like snowflakes, a reflection of her shattered heart. "Su Jinli! How dare you be so bold and defy me? I will never let you down!" Liu grumbled, her voice thick with anger and resentment. Yet, deep within her, a sense of powerlessness grew, as if she were gradually losing her former advantage in this fierce battle with Su Jinli, like sinking into a dark abyss, unable to extricate herself.
Seeing this, Nanny Zhou hurried forward cautiously and gently soothed, "Madam, please calm down for now and save your energy. The whole city is laughing at the Wang family now, and no one will believe what you say..." Nanny Zhou's voice was filled with deep helplessness and worry. She looked at Liu, knowing that after this sudden turmoil, Liu's status in the Prime Minister's Mansion and even the entire capital would collapse like a towering platform, and it would be difficult to regain its former glory.
Liu stared blankly out the window, her eyes filled with resentment and despair, as if the entire world had retreated from her. Once, she had believed she was in control, toying with Su Jinli's fate like a powerless puppet. Yet, now, she was horrified to discover that the girl she had once considered weak and vulnerable had, through the trials of time, quietly grown into a deep-rooted, unshakable tree. It seemed she could no longer contend with her. The sunlight outside the window was still bright and brilliant, pouring down unreservedly, yet Liu felt as if her world had been shrouded in endless darkness, with no trace of light or hope left.
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