Jiang Songyi's tone was tinged with sarcasm. "Oh, this is truly puzzling. How could that helpless widow of the Liao family expand the courtyard of Xinghua Village to such a grand scale and allow you to dress so extravagantly? Could it be that you're about to have a stepfather?"
Hao Ren and Liao Lingxi knew the secret well, because Hao Ren had been silently supporting the Liao family behind the scenes.
Liao Lingxi immediately retorted indignantly, "Jiang Songyi, how rude of you! She's the mother who raised you. How dare you speak so disrespectfully? My mother was loyal to my father. Why would she look for a stepfather for me?"
"So, where did her money come from? And why do you take the surname Liao instead of your biological father? Could it be that your biological father is a fugitive from the imperial court, never to see the light of day?"
Jiang Songyi spoke seriously, then turned to Madam Jiang and said, "Grandmother, since we've already handed the Liao family over to the authorities, why not investigate their entire family thoroughly? Perhaps Liao Lingxi's father is truly a wanted fugitive."
[It's a pity that Liao Lingxi is not an official, otherwise he could ask the Western Factory to intervene in the investigation, and their scandal would not be covered up.]
Liao Lingxi was enraged by Jiang Songyi's provocation: "Jiang Songyi, shut up! My father is definitely not a fugitive, he comes from a noble family..."
However, before he could finish his words, Hao Ren stopped him from saying anything else with a sharp look.
Jiang Songyi pressed on, her eyes wide with surprise as she asked, "Is your father of noble birth? Why have I never heard Liao mention that? Could it be that your mother is the concubine of some prominent figure in Jindu?"
Liao Lingxi, Jiang Yuyao and the Duke of Huguo were all shocked.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Yuyao guessed the truth by accident.
Jiang Songyi went a step further, feigning surprise and exaggerating, "If that's the case, then that noble is truly shameless. He dares to do it but won't admit it. Furthermore, how could a noble family do such a shameful thing as harboring a mistress?"
[Be angry! You insulted your biological father in front of him, and he didn't even dare to refute you.]
Madam Jiang suddenly felt that her granddaughter was quite amusing at times. She said calmly, "Indeed, in the Western Jin Dynasty, allowing concubines was like keeping a prostitute; it would be subject to impeachment by the censors. A prominent family could openly bring someone into their home with just a sedan chair. Why would they have to be so secretive?"
Hao Ren took a deep breath. When his mission was complete, he would send the entire Jiang family to the Jiaofang Bureau!
Jiang Songyi listened to the old lady's words and nodded, "That's right. Your father, who is always shady, is truly despicable. Unlike my uncle and aunt, they are a loving couple, respecting each other as equals, and have been like this for decades."
Hao Ren forced a smile. At that moment, his mind was in turmoil, unable to discern whether Jiang Songyi's words were praise or sarcasm.
Liao Lingxi and Jiang Yuyao secretly cursed Jiang Songyi's stupidity in their hearts, hoping that one day they could return to the Duke's Mansion and let her arrogance and prejudice get the punishment they deserved.
Jiang Songyi raised her eyebrows slightly and began to unleash her tactic of flattery and desecration. "A man as loyal and faithful as my uncle is said to have even been ashamed of my father's taking a concubine, and he even looked down upon concubines and illegitimate children. Liao Lingxi is of humble origin and has a bad character. My uncle will definitely not allow him to stay by his side and tarnish the reputation of his sect."
Hao Ren's expression froze slightly.
Jiang Songyi has said so much. If he still wants to keep Liao Lingxi as a student, he will probably be criticized.
Hao Ren could only put on a stern face and speak in the authoritative tone of an elder, "Songyi, those rumors about the concubine are nothing but groundless rumors. As a young girl who has not yet been engaged, it is not appropriate for you to talk about them all the time."
However, Madam Jiang spoke up, "Hao Ren, what Song Yi expressed is exactly what I wish. Our mansion does not want to have anything to do with the Liao family. Don't bring your student before me again, so as not to affect my view."
Hao Ren was silent for a moment, then replied softly, "As you wish."
He had originally brought Liao Lingxi here to plead with the Marquis's mansion, hoping they would forgive Liao Lingxi for his student's sake. Unexpectedly, before he could even begin to plead, the old lady had already proposed severing their teacher-student relationship.
Under such circumstances, it would be inappropriate for him to mention forgiving Liao.
Hao Ren decided to seek a breakthrough from Jiang Shu, who always obeyed his orders. "Mother-in-law, how is Ah Shu doing? I'm lonely and unbearable in the mansion. I miss her so much that I'm restless."
The old lady replied, "Ashu is in her own home, no one bullies her, and her children are all filial. She is living a very comfortable life. If she doesn't want to go back, please don't force her."
Hao Ren has always loved his wife, and at this moment he was even more unwilling to go against Jiang Shu's wishes. "Then, at least let me see Ah Shu."
The old lady instructed Aunt Xi, "Take the Duke to my aunt's residence."
She turned her head, pointed at Liao Lingxi, and said coldly, "Throw this filthy thing out of here."
Liao Lingxi felt an indescribable humiliation.
After being pushed out of the gate of the Marquis' Mansion, he stared at the glittering golden plaque of "Marquis Yongding's Mansion" and vowed to make the Marquis Yongding's Mansion pay a heavy price!
Hao Ren went to Jiang Shu's residence, but was told by the maid that Jiang Shu had already gone to bed.
In order to show his consideration for Jiang Shu, he specifically told the maids not to disturb her and went into the room himself to look for Jiang Shu, hoping to express his care and love in this way.
"Why is Ah Shu still craving for coolness and not even bothering to cover herself properly with the quilt?"
Hao Ren gently tucked the corner of the quilt for Jiang Shu and was about to stroke her cheek, but Jiang Shu seemed to be troubled by some sudden horror. She suddenly woke up, subconsciously grabbed Hao Ren's wrist, and bit it hard in an instant.
Hao Ren's face was distorted and he let out a heart-wrenching scream.
Upon hearing the noise, the maid Feiyue and others outside rushed in hurriedly.
"lady!"
Feiyue carefully helped Jiang Shu sit up straight, glanced at the bloody wound on Hao Ren's wrist, and said with concern: "Duke, the lady's pregnancy is indeed not stable. She has nightmares every night. Perhaps you disturbed her."
Jiang Shu slowly regained consciousness. Seeing the deep bite marks on Hao Ren's wrist, she secretly rejoiced, but her face was filled with regret and worry. "Husband, why are you here? I have nightmares every night. I always dream of someone trying to strangle me. In desperation, I bit them, but I didn't expect to hurt you."
As she spoke, she held Hao Ren's hand tightly and gently wiped the wound with a handkerchief. However, the gold embroidery on the handkerchief seemed a bit rough, and it scratched the wound, making people feel painful just looking at it.
Hao Ren could only suppress his unhappiness and said softly, "Ah Shu, you never had nightmares when you were with me before, but now you are restless every night. I came here this time to take you home."
However, Jiang Shu gently shook her head, deep worry in her eyes: "Ever since I learned about my mother-in-law's plan that day, I haven't been able to sleep peacefully every night. I'm worried that my mother-in-law will sacrifice my child, so I can't go back."
As she spoke, she gently stroked her abdomen.
Hao Ren had no choice but to leave in disappointment.
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