She wasn't stupid. She didn't reveal that she had seen Song Buren on top of Gu Qinlian. She also knew that at this moment, she had to protect Gu Qinlian's reputation. Otherwise, her own life would be in danger!
Upon hearing this, Song's expression softened slightly.
Gu Dingli pointed at Song Buren lying on the ground and said angrily, "Men, tie up this villain and send him to the authorities!"
Two servants stepped forward and turned Song Buren over. One of the servants recognized Song Buren and exclaimed, "Young Master!"
Gu Dingli looked down and recognized Song Buren. Enraged, he slapped Song Shi across the face: "Why is your nephew here? How did he get in? How dare he hurt my daughter!"
Song was stunned by the beating, and looked down at Song Buren with her eyes wide open.
She quickly regained her composure and hurriedly explained, "Sir, I really don't know. I never sent anyone from my family here. I really don't know why he's here..."
"Men, tie this scoundrel up and take him to the authorities!"
Although she didn't know exactly what had happened, the most important thing now was to protect her daughter!
That damned Song Buren! He was ordered to frame Gu Qinlan, but I never expected he would dare to harm his own daughter!
Since things have come to this, then don't blame her for turning ruthless! While this madman is still in a daze, we must deal with him immediately to prevent any further complications.
Just as the servants were preparing to carry Song Buren away, Song Buren slowly awoke at that moment.
Although the sedative in his body was still taking effect, the sharp pain in the back of his head brought him back to some consciousness.
When he realized he was tied up, he struggled to lift his head and immediately spotted Song Shi. He cried out for help, "Auntie, save me! Tell them to let me down!"
Terrified, Madam Song immediately shouted at her servants, "Quickly gag him and carry him away!"
Just then, Gu Qinlan's voice suddenly rang out: "Wait a minute."
When Madam Song saw Gu Qinlan appear unharmed, she couldn't help but feel a little flustered: "How did you get here?"
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and replied, "I was in my own yard when I heard some noise over here, so I came to check it out."
Song said irritably, "Then could you please move aside and not block our way?"
She had no time to think about why Gu Qinlan was safe and sound; she just wanted to get rid of Song Buren, that good-for-nothing, as soon as possible, and then resolve her daughter's marriage.
If such a thing happens on such a joyous occasion, and the Ji family finds out, they might use it as a reason to cancel the marriage, which would ruin her daughter's reputation!
Gu Qinlan said, "Mother, there's no need to worry. I'd like to suggest that since the officials are all here, we should let them interrogate the criminal on the spot. That way, everyone will understand that Qinlian was just frightened and nothing else happened."
She approached Gu Dingli and Madam Song and whispered, "Father, Mother, with so many guests present, if we don't explain things clearly, rumors will likely spread throughout Yuzhou City the next day. If we let the officials interrogate her on the spot, we can prove Qin Lian's innocence, and no one will dare to gossip about her in the future."
Her tone was sincere, and her face showed that she was thinking of Gu Qinlian.
Gu Dingli thought she made a lot of sense. If it could be proven on the spot that Gu Qinlian's reputation was not damaged, then the impact on the Gu family would be minimized.
However, Madam Song firmly disagreed: "Qin Lian was just frightened. Today is Qin Lian's big day, and we must not delay the auspicious time because of this."
She would never dare to let Song Buren be tried in front of everyone; that would be outrageous. He would definitely expose everything without hesitation in order to protect himself.
If people find out that she framed Gu Qinlan, will the Gu family let her off easily? In addition, if Zheng Dinglian investigates the matter with the Prince Duan's mansion, can she withstand that kind of pressure?
Therefore, sending Song Buren to the government is the safest strategy.
Gu Qinlan's expression revealed deep disapproval: "Madam, although the auspicious time is crucial, Qinlian's reputation is the most critical. Do you really want everyone to mistakenly believe she is guilty? The Ji family values reputation and honor extremely highly. If the facts are not clarified immediately, the Ji family may develop a prejudice against Qinlian. Furthermore, the other girls in our Gu family may also be implicated."
Gu Dingli nodded slightly: "Qin Lan is absolutely right. This matter has far-reaching implications. It would be best to clear Qin Lian's name in front of so many guests."
Madam Song turned pale with anxiety and said in a trembling voice, "Master..."
Gu Dingli waved his hand and said, "Alright, it's decided then. I'll go and discuss it with the officials and have them try the thieves here."
Unable to stop Gu Dingli, Madam Song could only turn around, her eyes wide with anger, and glare at Gu Qinlan: "What exactly are you up to? Do you want to ruin Qinlian's reputation? How can you be so cruel?"
Gu Qinlan looked puzzled: "Why would Madam think that way? If it's not proven immediately that the thief did not damage Qinlian's reputation, what will others think and say about her? Does Madam really want to see Qinlian misunderstood by the world and ultimately looked down upon by her husband's family?"
Song was speechless for a moment and could not respond.
Gu Qinlan sighed softly, "Madam, I know you're flustered because you're worried, but you mustn't lose your composure. It's precisely at such a crucial moment that you need to remain calm. As long as that thief confesses, all problems will be resolved."
The bitterness in Song's heart was indescribable. She knew Song Buren's character better than anyone else; given the slightest chance of survival, he would betray her without hesitation.
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