Seeing that everyone agreed, the black-robed scholar continued, "Some people say that this book tells a true story. Do you know which family they are talking about?"
The noble scholar in red said with shining eyes, "Of course everyone knows this. The world-famous scholar who won the third place in the imperial examination married the daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi in Jinling. Who in the capital doesn't know this?"
The scholar in green came closer and asked, "Ah, I've been in Jiangnan for the past ten years, so I don't know. Could you explain it to me?"
Without waiting for the red-robed scholar to speak, the black-robed scholar snapped open his fan and said, "It's the Sheng family."
After a brief discussion, everyone brought up another version of the story that had been circulating today. The blue-robed scholar, who had been silent the entire time, spoke up. "I'm not very talented, but I think today's version is more accurate. How could a young lady from a wealthy family, and one born into a marquisate, be so concerned with a lowly concubine? If she truly wanted to harm someone, she could have easily killed both the concubine and the illegitimate son."
The other three looked at each other and finally nodded in unison. The scholar in green said with a smile, "That Madam Sheng is really too soft-hearted to allow her concubine to spread such a book."
The scholar in blue nodded in agreement: "That's absolutely right." The other two did not agree.
As they discussed this, rumors were circulating in the palace. Empress Jing'an beckoned Zishu over and instructed him, "Were there any melons offered from the greenhouse at the imperial farm a few days ago? Bring out half a basket and two basins of berries to give to Madam Sheng."
Zishu bowed and withdrew. Ziyan held Empress Jing'an's head and whispered, "Your Majesty, you truly love Madam Sheng. You only sent half of the entire basket of melons. Madam Sheng's dignity is such that these rumors will be refuted."
Queen Jing'an smiled slightly with her eyes closed: "If it weren't for Madam Sheng, I..." She didn't say the rest of the words. If it weren't for Madam Sheng, Queen Jing'an might have died long ago, and there would be no way she would be living the life she has today.
The courtyard of the Sheng family's second house became even quieter. Even the servants walked on tiptoe, fearing to disturb Xu Wen. Sheng Huairen sat in the main seat with a guilty look on his face, and sullenly suggested, "Why not sell Concubine Chun far away and leave Shan'er to Concubine Lan to raise."
Xu Wen, who was sitting on the left with her eyes downcast, nodded noncommittally: "I will obey your Majesty in everything."
Seeing that Xu Wen had no anger or resentment on her face, Sheng Huairen praised her with satisfaction: "Madam, you are very good. With you around, I can focus on my career."
Afterwards, Sheng Huairen accompanied Xu Wen and Sheng Shu to have dinner together. After dinner, he tested Sheng Shu's homework. Then the father and son left the backyard and went to the front yard together.
Far away at the farm, Concubine Chun had finished washing and dressing. Her face, once somewhat dull, had become quite attractive after being embellished with powder and rouge. There was the sound of hurried footsteps outside the door, and Concubine Chun sat in a chair, excitedly waiting for the person who would open the door.
With a bang, the door was kicked open by someone outside. Concubine Chun, who was sitting on a chair, jumped up with a start. Seeing the two maids and two servants in front of her with murderous eyes, Concubine Chun shouted at the top of her voice, "How dare you barge in without knocking? What is your punishment?"
The voice was sharp but trembling slightly, and Concubine Chun held her trembling fists to stand upright. Hua Pozi stepped forward and pulled Concubine Chun's arm, while another woman took out a handkerchief and stuffed Concubine Chun's mouth, then dragged her out of the house regardless of her resistance.
Aunt Chun wanted to scream but her mouth was blocked and she could only make whimpering sounds. She tried to struggle desperately but couldn't get away at all.
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