Xiao Zhuo's treacherous words at Ci'en Temple, like a stone thrown into a deep pool, though temporarily suppressed by Xiao Xun's forceful stance, stirred up undercurrents that spread rapidly through the capital's elite circles. Xin Jiuwei, this "low-ranking daughter of the Xin family," became a thorn in the side of some, and the best evidence of Xiao Xun's "poor judgment of character" and "infatuation with beauty."
Rumors, like vines dipped in deadly poison, grow wildly in the shadows, clinging to every possible crevice.
"Have you heard? That Miss Xin wasn't well-known in Yingzhou. It's said she was very aloof and even caused her mother's death..."
"More than that! That mark on the back of her neck... tsk tsk, the Sixth Prince said it was a 'life-saving medicine,' but who knows how it was 'saving' her? He probably used some underhanded and shameful means!"
"Princess Yongjia is such a good person, from a distinguished family, and she is so devoted to the Sixth Prince. It's a shame that she was snatched away by this vixen!"
"The Xin family? Ha, just a down-and-out household! I heard her brother is a lowly soldier in the Northern Frontier, living a life of constant danger, who knows when he might... tsk tsk, someone from such a family dares to dream of becoming a prince's consort? Is it because their ancestors' graves are emitting auspicious smoke... or something sinister?"
"It's not just about her low social standing! Haven't you heard? The other day at Ci'en Temple, the Second Prince subtly reminded her to behave herself and not tarnish the Sixth Prince's reputation! The Second Prince is such a kind person; if he hadn't really couldn't bear to see it..."
Malicious speculation, vile conjectures, and deliberate slander, like countless tiny poisonous needles, pierced Jingyuan from teahouses and taverns, deep courtyards, and even the streets and alleys. Even worse, some crudely made storybooks, with extremely malicious titles—such as "The Flying Branch Chronicle" and "The Record of the Crow Climbing the Phoenix"—featured content that was utterly obscene and imaginative, portraying Xin Jiuwei as a lowly woman who used seductive tricks to climb into the prince's bed and was deeply scheming, twisting that night in Yuncheng into something utterly unbearable.
Xin Kui's injuries had not yet healed. Hearing the foul language coming from outside, she trembled with anger and tried several times to rush out and tear those people's mouths apart, but Xin Jiuwei held her down firmly.
“Miss! How could they… how could they slander you like this! Slander the Xin family! Slander the Madam!” Xin Kui’s eyes were bloodshot, and her voice choked with sobs.
Xin Jiuwei sat by the window, the autumn rain outside pattering against the withered banana leaves. Her face was even paler than the windowpane, her lips tightly pressed together, almost devoid of color. Those rumors, every word like a red-hot iron, seared her heart. She could endure the insults and curses, but they dared to slander her deceased mother! To defame the Xin family's generations of impeccable reputation! To slander her brother who had fought so valiantly! This pained her more than any open attack, threatening to shatter her carefully constructed facade of composure.
She clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, leaving deep bloody marks. Xiao Xun wasn't entirely inactive; Chen Qing, under orders, investigated the source of the rumors and arrested a few henchmen who had fueled the fire, giving them a light punishment. But the source was like an eel, slippery and elusive, and once the rumors spread, they spread like wildfire; extinguishing a few sparks was utterly futile. Xiao Xun himself hadn't shown his face for several days, only sending someone once with ordinary tonics, as if everything at Jingyuan was none of his concern.
Xin Jiuwei knew that Xiao Xun was waiting. Waiting for her to collapse under the weight of these rumors, or... waiting for her to grovel before him, becoming a complete puppet dependent on him. She couldn't fall! For her mother's reputation, for the Xin family's honor, for her brother's future, she had to persevere!
Just as Xin Jiuwei was almost suffocating under the invisible net of rumors, an elegant invitation arrived at Jingyuan like a glimmer of light piercing through the dark clouds.
The invitation came from the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence and was signed by the Marquis of Zhongyong's matriarch.
The Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion had long since fallen into decline, its title vacant, with only an elderly lady over sixty years old guarding the vast estate, wielding little influence within the nobility. However, this old lady was a close confidante of Xin Jiuwei's mother from before her marriage, and their friendship was very deep.
Xin Jiuwei held the invitation, her fingertips trembling slightly. She remembered that before her mother passed away, she had held her hand and mentioned this "Aunt Lin" who lived far away in the capital, saying that she was a truly insightful and open-minded person.
"Prepare the car." Xin Jiuwei took a deep breath, a faint light rekindling in her eyes. No matter what, this was the only warmth she could find in the cold capital city, a connection to her mother from the past.
The Zhongyong Earl's mansion appeared somewhat deserted, but the courtyard was meticulously maintained, with towering ancient trees exuding a serene tranquility. Xin Jiuwei was led to a warm pavilion, where a faint scent of sandalwood filled the air, and the furnishings were simple yet elegant.
The old lady of the Marquis of Zhongyong sat upright on the soft couch in the main seat. Her hair was white and neatly combed. She wore a dark purple jacket with dark patterns. Her face was kind, but her eyes were unusually clear and sharp, as if they could see through people's hearts.
"Child, come here, let your aunt take a good look at you." The old lady beckoned, her voice gentle and filled with the loving kindness of an elder.
That one word, "Aunt," instantly broke Xin Jiuwei's carefully constructed defenses. Her nose tingled, and she almost burst into tears. She did as she was told and sat down on the embroidered stool in front of the old lady's bed, her posture respectful.
The old lady held her hand, carefully examining her features, her eyes filled with reminiscence and heartache: "She looks... just like your mother when she was young, especially those eyes, so bright and clear, unable to hide her feelings." She gently patted Xin Jiuwei's hand and sighed, "These days, you've suffered. I've heard all the rumors going around."
Xin Jiuwei lowered her head, her throat choked with emotion, unable to speak.
The old lady's gaze swept over the several invited ladies-in-waiting in the warm pavilion, all of whom were of similar age and held considerable influence within their respective families. These elderly women, mostly seasoned by life's vicissitudes and worldly wisdom, though inevitably influenced by worldly perspectives, possessed a greater sense of maturity and understanding than the younger, more opportunistic noblewomen.
"I've invited you all here today for a cup of simple tea, to reminisce about the old days." The old lady's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority. "And by the way, let me introduce you to the daughter of an old friend." She tightened her grip on Xin Jiuwei's hand, her gaze sweeping over everyone with a frank expression. "Her mother, Qi of Yuncheng, whose given name was Qi Ning. Perhaps some of you still remember her? Back in her youth, in terms of talent, character, and virtue, she was outstanding! How could she be such a frivolous and unruly person?"
The old lady spoke with a firm and resounding voice: "Although the Xin family is a lowly family, Jiuwei's grandfather was an official in Yingzhou back then. He was honest and upright, loved the people like his own children, and was a well-known and upright official! If it weren't for bad luck... how could things have come to this?"
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