Chapter 81. After Chapter 81, which family would still be willing to give their daughter away...?
Liu Shen knew about Qiu Qingfang's death as early as the day before the funeral at the Qiu residence, but he did not know that his son had visited the Qiu residence before Qiu Qingfang's death. So when he heard that Qiu Chili's eldest daughter had died, he only thought it was a pity.
It's really a pity.
Liu Shen had never met Qiu Qingfang, but he knew she was a beautiful, well-educated, and graceful young woman. Although she was not destined to be his daughter-in-law, it was still a pity that such a woman passed away so young.
But that's all there is to it.
Since you're not related by blood, and marriage proposals are impossible, you don't even need to send a funeral gift. If you do, people will think you're being provocative.
So they didn't bother with it.
Until rumors started circulating.
I was both shocked and angry.
He immediately ordered his attendant, "Go to the Imperial Academy and find the young master. Tell him to go home!"
I packed my things and rushed home.
Liu Min, unlike his father who had connections to the highest levels, knew nothing at this time. When a servant came to him, he only asked in confusion, "What are your orders, sir?"
The servant dared not say more, so he only said he did not know, but urged Liu Min to go back quickly.
Although I didn't know what it was about, my father called me back, so I had to go back.
Liu Min then asked the doctor for leave and returned home with his servant.
The journey was filled with emergencies, and the bumpy ride made people very uncomfortable. All of this inevitably caused great dissatisfaction.
Of course, he was only dissatisfied in his heart; he didn't show it on his face and remained quiet and unassuming.
Someone was already waiting. Before he even got out of the car, he heard someone say, "The master is at Yihetang. Please invite the young master over quickly!"
What could be so incredibly urgent?
He walked quickly to Yihe Hall, and before he could even bow, his father asked, "Have you ever been to the Qiu residence without permission?"
I never expected it would be about this.
He had thought that his outburst at the Qiu residence would surely earn him punishment from his father, but the punishment never came. He couldn't help but wonder if the Qiu family was guilty and dared not tell anyone.
Indeed, raising a daughter who dares to kill—does that sound good? Of course, one wouldn't dare to shout it out loud.
Therefore, Liu Min felt that the matter was over.
Unexpectedly, it was brought up again today.
He has no regrets about this, so he is not afraid at all and does not hide it at all.
"I've been there."
Then the rumors are not unfounded.
"Did Miss Qiu really hire someone to commit assault? Do you have any evidence?"
The two sentences left Liu Min stunned.
I really don't know if it's true or not.
It was all Shanlai's side of the story. She said it, and he believed it. After that parting in the garden, he avoided her, and the two never saw each other again. Naturally, they couldn't talk to each other. Apart from what Shanlai had already told him, he knew nothing else, and he had no evidence.
But Shanlai would never lie.
"Anyway, she wasn't wronged! She hired someone to kill someone, how dare she turn around and accuse them? She's truly shameless!"
Liu Min was a little angry.
The Qiu family is going too far.
"Nonsense!" Liu Shen shouted. "Even if she really did hire someone to kill someone, why didn't you tell me? What were you doing running to their mansion? Is your head filled with mush? Why didn't you tell me! When did you become so stupid!" In his anger, he grabbed the teacup next to him and smashed it on the ground.
With a loud bang, shards of porcelain scattered everywhere.
Liu Min remained silent.
"What are you doing! You'll scare Lian Si!"
"Scared him?" Liu Shen was furious, not even giving Madam Yue any face, and sneered, "He's got some nerve!"
Liu Min also sneered.
This was all he could do; he couldn't express what was in his heart.
Why didn't I tell you? Why are you asking me? Don't you even know the reason yourself? What have I said to you? How many words have we, father and son, exchanged?
That's kind of funny.
"You dare laugh! Do you know what people outside are saying right now?"
"Alright!" Madam Yue took two steps forward and hurriedly grabbed Liu Shen's arm, advising, "This is clearly someone else's fault. What does it have to do with Lian Si? It was the Qiu family girl who hired someone to kill him first. It's all her fault! Just because she died doesn't mean the blame should be shifted onto us. Isn't that bullying? Lian Si has already suffered enough. To get involved in such a bad thing is simply unlucky! You don't blame others for harming your son, but instead you blame him. What kind of logic is that?"
"He's not wrong! He's made such a huge fuss over a concubine; what family would want to marry their daughter to him in the future!"
"Oh dear! Is this some big deal? Is it worth all this trouble? When Liansi is getting married, of course we should choose others, not others. Our family isn't a place where just anyone can come and go as they please. You're underestimating me, sir!"
"Madam!" Liu Shen slammed his hand on the table, panting, "This is no small matter! Don't try to argue with me!"
"How am I being unreasonable?" Madam Yue retorted, not backing down an inch. "I'm telling the truth! Even if it's not a small matter, it has nothing to do with us. She hanged herself in her own home. None of us forced her to put the noose around her neck. She brought it on herself, so why should she blame us? It's only fair that Lian Si came over and cursed a few times. If it were me, I would have torn down their front door! What a scoundrel! How dare he try to get his hands on my property!" Saying this, she released Liu Shen's arm and turned to put her arm around Liu Min's shoulder. "Let's go! Ignore him. It's alright, I'm here. Don't worry, if anyone dares to talk nonsense again, I'll tear their mouth apart!"
Liu Min allowed Lady Yue to take him away.
He was intimidated.
She's dead? She's actually dead!
I never imagined she would commit suicide...
Why did he commit suicide?
Was it because of what he said?
Although his insults were indeed very harsh, it's not worth dying for!
I truly hate her, but I never intended for her to die for it.
Did he kill her?
He didn't hear a word his stepmother said to him; his mind was preoccupied with only one thing.
She's dead...
I don't know what to do.
Madam Yue suggested that they postpone their trip to the Imperial Academy, rest at home for a few days, and wait until the turmoil subsided before making any further plans.
But if he's at home, he'll inevitably have to see Shan Lai. If he sees her and she says those things from that day, what will he say?
We still need to go to the Imperial College.
By this time, the whole city was in turmoil.
He had barely arrived when some busybody came all the way across half of the Imperial Academy to find him, asking, "Liu Liansi, what exactly does your beautiful concubine look like? Is she really as stunning as people say, and does she have other charms? I'm really curious. I'm willing to exchange two, no, four, maids with you. I'm sure you won't lose out. Anyway, she's not clean anymore, so why not give her to me? I won't mind..."
Enraged, Liu Min turned pale as paper, swung his fist, and smashed his nose.
The man let out a pig-like scream, his face covered in blood, and swung his fist at Liu Min.
The two of them got into a physical fight.
The onlookers, eager for a good show, cheered and applauded.
The Imperial College has always strictly prohibited private fights.
Those who incite others will be punished with fifty strokes of the brush, and two people who fight will also be punished with fifty strokes of the brush, plus being sent home to reflect on their actions, with no set date for their return.
It is also a form of favoritism.
Liu Min was personally escorted back to the Liu residence by Hong Zhiyao, so that Hong could speak well of his beloved disciple to Liu Shen.
It's all because of those good-for-nothing good-for-nothings; no wonder they feel sorry for him.
In front of his friend, Liu Shen was naturally polite and courteous, but as soon as his friend left, he summoned the family law.
"You've really got some nerve! Fighting in the Imperial Academy! Do you think your reputation is too good to be true?"
Twenty strokes were delivered solidly.
Asking questions reveals one's mistakes; remaining silent is futile.
Enraged, Liu Shen wanted to hit him again.
Madam Yue rushed over in a panic, clung to the board and begged for mercy, her face streaked with tears.
Liu Shen remained unmoved, determined to teach this rebellious son a lesson.
Seeing him like this, Madam Yue cried, "You gave birth to this child. If he is bad, it is your duty to discipline him... But you only have one Lian Si, and I only have one Lian Si! If you beat him badly, how will I explain it to the old lady in the afterlife?"
Upon mentioning his deceased mother, Liu Shen couldn't help but burst into tears. He sighed deeply, threw down the board, and left without looking back.
That's in the past.
Lady Le rushed to check on Liu Min and found that he had fainted at some point. She hurriedly took him into her arms and called for a doctor repeatedly.
It was really badly damaged. His entire back was covered in bruises and purple marks, with no unscathed areas. There were also red marks, indicating that the flesh had rotted and blood was flowing out.
When Liu Shen saw this, he was filled with regret. He didn't know that Liu Min had already been beaten at the Imperial Academy. If he had known, how could he have been so cruel? This child is also bad; why doesn't he know how to beg for mercy and say something soft?
Ultimately, it's all the fault of the person surnamed Qiu!
Those kinds of detailed rumors, if they weren't spread by his family to ruin people, what else could they be?
You old scoundrel, do you really want to fight me to the death? Do you think I'm an easy target? Otherwise, why would you dare to do this? I haven't even pursued you yet, and you've already messed with me!
Liu Shen never felt that his son should be held responsible for Qiu Qingfang's death. Just like Madam Le said, she brought it upon herself. Liu Shen was furious that Liu Min had foolishly gone to the Qiu family and handed them a knife. Otherwise, even if the entire Qiu family had died, it would have been none of their business. Who told you to have evil thoughts and harm people first?
It's already annoying enough to get involved in such an unlucky thing, and instead of keeping a low profile, you dare to cause trouble? Do you really think everyone else is made of clay!
Liu Shen was determined to avenge his son, and Lady Yue also went to her parents' home to cry.
With this two-pronged approach, Lord Qiu was left in a state of utter distress.
Lord Qiu was truly wronged. Even if his daughter had died, he wouldn't dare to go against the Le family!
But the rumors did indeed originate from the Qiu residence.
She was one of Lord Qiu's beloved concubines, young, beautiful, and charming. She was Lord Qiu's new darling and was three months pregnant.
A lecherous man, when drunk, will say anything; a young girl, unaware of the immensity of the world, will believe anything.
She truly believed that with her by her side, her husband would finally settle down.
Therefore, being a concubine was truly a disservice to her.
What does it matter if the young lady dies? It would be better if the wife died! With her dead, it would make room for her.
If the eldest daughter dies, the madam will lose half her life. If the eldest daughter’s shameful deeds are exposed, the other half of her life will be taken away. Even if it doesn’t kill her with anger, it will make her lose all face in the future. It’s a sure-fire deal, so why not do it?
Even though this girl came from the brothel and reformed, she didn't cut off contact with her former girlfriends. She had quite a few connections, and because this matter involved the grudges and love affairs of the young masters and ladies of high-ranking families, which was the kind of drama that the world loved to watch, she didn't need to put in any other effort. She just casually spread the word, and it would spread throughout the entire Xingdu City overnight.
Unexpectedly, before the madam had even died, news of the eldest son's death came back from outside.
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