Not only were the onlookers shocked, but Liu Xianglian, the second wife standing next to Imperial Censor Song, also looked at him in disbelief, as if she were seeing his shamelessness for the first time.
Since Liu Xianglian married into the Song family, she has always gotten whatever she wanted. Even though she tormented Song Lingxi and made her life worse than that of a servant, Song Liwen never seemed to care.
Liu Xianglian's eyes widened, his sharp gaze fixed on Imperial Censor Song: "What did you say?"
Imperial Censor Song didn't see anything wrong with doing this, after all, wasn't it all Liu Xianglian's own doing?
He's just making things clear. Besides, Liu Xianglian has been bullying people in the mansion for so many years, he's just making her admit her mistakes.
But seeing Liu Xianglian's angry glare, Imperial Censor Song was initially guilty, but then became somewhat self-righteous.
"Xianglian, I know you have to work hard in the mansion. It must be that the servants are not careful. You just haven't been able to take care of them for a while."
Looking at Liu Xianglian's still defiant gaze, which even seemed to be spitting fire, Imperial Censor Song suddenly thought of Song Lingyu, who was about to marry into the Princess's household.
Imperial Censor Song was quite pleased with his promising daughter. Now that something had happened, Liu Xianglian, as her mother, should naturally be tolerant in order not to offend the Princess.
"Moreover, now that Lingyu has grown up, we can let her get some experience and help you manage the affairs of the manor, so that you won't be caught off guard after she gets married in the future."
Liu Xianglian originally wanted to fight to the death with Imperial Censor Song, but when he heard him mention the Spirit Jade, he immediately lost his temper.
There was no other way; she and Song Liwen had two daughters in total: Song Lingyu and Song Lingzhi.
But the child is still young and not yet of marriageable age. Now is the crucial time for Song Lingyu to marry into the Princess's household, and as her mother, he cannot hold her back.
Therefore, Liu Xianglian could only grit his teeth and admit that it was intentional on her part, and Imperial Censor Song nodded in acquiescence.
Otherwise, without Song Liwen's approval, even if she were bold, she wouldn't dare to embezzle the original wife's dowry. If this matter were to be exposed, it would definitely ruin her reputation.
After all, throughout history, dowry has always been the woman's assets, the foundation for a woman's livelihood in the world. No successful man would use a woman's dowry.
Moreover, if a husband dies young, a woman can remarry with her dowry, so the accounts for the dowry and the accounts for the household should not be the same.
Now he has shifted all the blame onto himself, clearing himself of all responsibility, leaving Liu Xianglian with no choice but to endure it and not retaliate.
Besides, her reputation is already ruined. So many people are pointing fingers at her, and tomorrow her "good reputation" will spread throughout the streets and alleys. Let it be ruined, as long as Lingyu is alright.
Thinking of this, Liu Xianglian forcibly suppressed his anger and managed to force out a passable smile.
"Perhaps the servants made a mistake. Bring me Xi'er's dowry list so I can take a look. I'll make it up for you now."
Upon hearing this, Imperial Censor Song breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he could pin the blame on his wife for her lax management of the household, even if others impeached him for this, the Emperor would not blame him too much.
Xie Changling then brought up the old matter again, mentioning the indentures of the maids and servants who had accompanied the bride.
"Please, Madam, present your dowry—"
"Alright, I understand. A contract of indenture, is that right? Go get it now, but it might take a while. Or would you like to wait inside the manor?"
Faced with the pointing fingers and various discussions, Liu Xianglian had no choice but to put on a gentle and virtuous appearance and greet them with a smile.
She was fed up with this "attention" so she thought she should go into the mansion to avoid it as soon as possible.
Imperial Censor Song nodded repeatedly. He really didn't want to lose face in front of everyone, not only because it was embarrassing, but also because he felt a little guilty.
The events of that year were indeed not so simple. He and Liu Xianglian had plotted it together, because that woman had stood in their way.
Even though so many years have passed, he still remembers that woman covered in blood, her eyes filled with hatred and resentment, so he doesn't want to face the people from the General's Mansion.
However, Xie Changling would not allow them to leave. One of them abused and hurt Xi'er, while the other turned a blind eye to her suffering.
"The strange looks they're feeling now are what they deserve," Xie Changling said with a slight smile.
"There's no need for that. I brought quite a few people with me this time. If you're short-handed, I'll make up for it."
Song Lingxi had just calmed down from the excitement of seeing her third aunt when she heard Xie Changling stand up for her and vent her anger. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him.
She secretly took Xie Changling's large hand and hooked her little finger around his palm. The man held it tightly, his warm palm enveloping her small hand, making her feel exceptionally safe.
Suddenly, Song Lingxi felt a strong gaze fixed on her. She turned her head in response and saw Song Lingyu's jealous look.
When Song Lingyu realized that her thoughts had been discovered, a hint of panic flashed in her eyes, and she quickly turned her head away, her posture somewhat unnatural.
Song Lingxi tugged at Xie Changling's large hand, and when she saw his gaze turn to her, she gestured for him to lean down and whispered what had just happened in his ear.
After listening, Xie Changling looked at his dear little wife's eager eyes, like a child secretly complaining and seeking the support of his elders.
Xie Changling chuckled at his own thoughts, then patted Song Lingxi's hand. What else could he do? His wife had spoken; he could only indulge her!
"Father-in-law, I am truly grateful to you."
Xie Changling's sudden voice startled Imperial Censor Song. He was already feeling guilty, and this made his heart skip a beat.
"Thank you, thank you for what..." Imperial Censor Song was sweating profusely, afraid that he would say something else to trap him and put him in a difficult position.
"Why is my father-in-law so nervous?" Xie Changling asked curiously when he saw the beads of sweat on his forehead, but Imperial Censor Song did not respond.
"My dear son-in-law, please be patient. Your wife has already gone to the storeroom to fetch the things for you. Can't you even wait a little longer?"
Xie Changling readily apologized, and seeing the reaction of Imperial Censor Song, he temporarily suppressed his doubts and continued to praise him.
"Yes, Father-in-law, I am only grateful to you for marrying Xi'er to me. You do not know, but Xi'er is my destined wife."
"Since Xi'er married into the family, my son-in-law's health has improved day by day. He used to be bedridden and even had difficulty going out."
"But with Xi'er by my side, do you see how sick I look now? So please don't be modest. My father and mother are very grateful to you."
Xie Changling spoke earnestly, every word coming from the bottom of his heart. His eyes were even filled with tears, and when he looked at Song Lingxi, his eyes were full of cherishing and doting, which moved everyone present.
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