Song Buren was now fully awake. As his mind returned, he was shocked to realize that he had indeed stepped into Gu Qinlan's courtyard and had even seen her.
However, he had no idea how he got to Gu Qinlian's courtyard; his memory was completely blank.
The surrounding guests gasped in amazement, staring incredulously at the Song family.
Madam Song was extremely nervous; her legs trembled uncontrollably. She immediately knelt on the ground and cried out her innocence with a hoarse voice. "Lord Liao, I have been wronged! I did not summon him, much less instruct him to go to the eldest daughter's residence. His words are pure fabrication. I understand now; he must be holding a grudge because he lost his job and took advantage of the commemoration at your residence today, taking advantage of a lapse in security, to sneak in. His purpose is to harm my daughter as revenge!"
No matter what, she couldn't let Song Buren's accusations stand, otherwise she would face not only Gu Dingli's wrath, but also the Zheng family's censure!
Song Buren was stunned for a moment, then retorted loudly, "Aunt, you're lying! You were the one who summoned me! You told me you were going to teach Gu Qinlan a lesson, and even claimed she was a virgin so I could take advantage of her. You even gave me aphrodisiacs... I remember, it was your nanny, Fang, who informed me. Also, when I entered through the back door, it was a servant from your household who opened the door for me. These are all witnesses!"
He now understood that his aunt wanted to sacrifice him to save herself!
He absolutely did not want to be the one sacrificed!
Therefore, he told everything.
Gu Dingli turned around, his eyes wide with anger, and sternly questioned Song: "Is what he said true?"
Madam Song was so anxious that she was almost in tears: "Of course not! Master, even if I really wanted to hurt Qin Lan, why would I do it at Qin Lian's wedding banquet? Besides, I only feel guilty towards Qin Lan, and I have never had any ill intentions. Master, if you don't trust me, I will only prove my innocence with my death."
As soon as she finished speaking, Song tried to rush towards the pillar beside her.
However, at this critical moment, she was pulled back by someone in time.
The one who grabbed her was none other than Gu Qinlan.
“Father, Lord Liao, I firmly believe that what Madam said is true, and I choose to trust her.” As Gu Qinlan finished speaking, everyone was stunned, especially Madam Song, who was completely at a loss.
She originally thought that Gu Qinlan's proposal to interrogate Song Buren in public was an attempt to use this opportunity to put her to death.
However, to everyone's surprise, Gu Qinlan actually defended her.
She knew perfectly well that Song Buren had been lured here to harm her, so why did she still stand up for her? The twists and turns of this are truly baffling.
Song's thoughts were momentarily caught in a chaotic vortex.
Gu Qinlan looked at Gu Dingli and said firmly, "Father, I firmly believe that Madam's words are true. Although my relationship with Madam is not close, she would never do such a foolish thing on my sister Qinlian's joyous occasion. This thief is obviously lying! He is trying to frame Madam and sow discord in our Gu family. Father, please don't fall into his trap and misunderstand Madam."
Although Madam Song was completely baffled by Gu Qinlan's intentions, she knew this was her only chance to clear her name, so she hurriedly nodded in agreement: "Master, Qinlan is absolutely right. Song Buren clearly harbors resentment towards me, which is why he framed me like this. Why is my fate so tragic, to have such a greedy relative?"
As she spoke, Madam Song covered her tear-blurred eyes with a silk handkerchief and began to sob, her voice choked with emotion.
Gu Qinlan gently comforted her, "Madam, there's no need to cry. The truth has come to light, which is a good thing."
Then, she turned to Lord Liao and said, "Lord Liao, please take this villain back to the yamen and imprison him, and punish him severely according to the law."
Lord Liao was naturally happy to give her face and immediately ordered Song Buren to be taken away.
Song Buren struggled, shouting hoarsely, "Gu Qinlan, are you really brainless? I was hired by her to frame you, why are you still speaking up for her? Aunt! Tell me the truth, hurry up! Let me tell you, if anything happens to me, my grandparents and parents will never let you off the hook!"
Madam Song secretly made up her mind; she had reached her breaking point with this bloodsucking nephew of hers over the past few years. The money this spendthrift had plundered from her shops was enough to make him pay with his life dozens of times over!
There was no turning back now, and to protect herself, she had to be ruthless. So, she resolutely decided to eliminate this jinx once and for all!
As for her family, would they really dare to turn against her? He's just a good-for-nothing spendthrift; if he disappears, so be it. She can easily buy a few concubines for her brothers; why worry about continuing the family line?
Having made up her mind, Madam Song shouted, "Stop talking nonsense! Song Buren, I have treated you well, and you not only do not know how to be grateful, but you also dare to repay kindness with enmity! A scoundrel like you deserves to suffer imprisonment! Lord Liao, quickly escort this villain to prison and deal with him according to the law."
Upon hearing this, Lord Liao immediately ordered his men to gag Song Buren and quickly take him away.
Gu Dingli bowed respectfully before the assembled guests, his face displaying humility: "Distinguished guests, I am truly sorry to have startled you all and to have allowed you to witness this farce. The truth has now come to light; it turns out that a vengeful thief broke into the house intending to cause trouble. Fortunately, it ended without serious injury. As witnesses, I hope you will all give me a fair account in the future."
The implication is that we should not slander their family-oriented daughter without cause.
The guests nodded in agreement and made a unanimous commitment.
After thanking them repeatedly, Gu Dingli led the guests back to the front courtyard. As they parted, he cast a sharp glance at Madam Song: "If anything goes wrong again, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to look at Gu Qinlan and said, "You really know what's good for you."
Having made a name for himself in the business world, he naturally possessed keen insight, and he had already foreseen today's events. Thanks to Gu Qinlan, she not only suggested that the case be tried publicly by the government, but also delivered a powerful and resounding statement after listening to Song Buren's ramblings.
This move not only preserved the Gu family's reputation but also highlighted the family's prestige.
This eldest daughter possessed both foresight and wisdom, and was truly sensible, embodying the qualities of the Gu family. In contrast, Song Shi and her foolish daughter were utterly incomprehensible!
What kind of bewitching magic did he possess back then, that he would make such a despicable person his legal wife?
Gu Dingli glanced at Gu Qinlan, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes for the first time.
Gu Qinlan keenly noticed his subtle expression. Although she was filled with doubt, she remained outwardly calm and politely bowed to Gu Dingli: "Father, you flatter me. This is merely my duty. Only when the Gu family is at peace can I be at ease. Father, the distinguished guests in the front courtyard still require your personal hospitality. Please go and take care of them."
Gu Dingli nodded slightly: "Be extra careful here and make sure nothing untoward happens again."
At this moment, he was filled with worry for the Song mother and daughter, and only wanted to marry Gu Qinlian off as soon as possible to avoid further trouble!
Gu Qinlan accepted the order and watched Gu Dingli leave.
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