Chapter 122: Malicious Slander
After dealing with Liu Yiyi, the inner courtyard finally had a few days of peace and quiet. Su Wanrou strictly ordered guards to be on guard at the gates, and no one was allowed to enter without being summoned, allowing her to recuperate in peace. However, the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. The gates could keep out uninvited guests, but they could not stop the rumors and gossip that grew silently and infiltrated like poisonous vines.
A sudden cold snap at the end of the first lunar month caused Su Wanrou to catch a cold and cough incessantly. Although she promptly consulted the imperial physician, who diagnosed it as a common cold that did not affect the pregnancy, she needed to take extra care of herself. To avoid passing on her illness to Mingxuan, Su Wanrou had him temporarily move to the west wing to be cared for by his wet nurse and nannies, while she herself stayed indoors.
This day, the wife of the Minister of War was hosting a banquet to appreciate plum blossoms, which Su Wanrou had already declined due to illness. In the afternoon, as Qingdai was serving her the lung-nourishing pear soup prescribed by the imperial physician, she saw Granny Zhou rush in, her face quite pale.
“Madam,” Zhou Mama bowed, hesitated, and glanced at Qingdai beside her.
Su Wanrou understood and said to Qingdai, "Go and see if the pastries prepared for Mingxuan in the small kitchen are ready."
After sending Qingdai away, Granny Zhou stepped forward, lowered her voice, and said with barely suppressed indignation, "Madam, outside... I don't know when it started, but some outrageous and disgusting things have been circulating outside!"
Su Wanrou's heart sank slightly. She put down the soup bowl and said calmly, "Granny, please speak slowly. What nonsense are you spouting?"
Granny Zhou took a deep breath and said, "Today, I sent my husband to the market to buy some things. I overheard some gossipy women talking about how our Duke suffered a defeat at the border, losing many soldiers and even some people were seriously injured and their fates are unknown!"
Su Wanrou's heart clenched, but she quickly regained her composure. Gu Yangui's letter from a few days ago, though brief, was written in steady handwriting, mentioning only the stalemate in the war and not his own safety. Furthermore, if such a serious matter as a commander-in-chief being seriously injured were truly at large, the Ministry of War would surely have issued an urgent report; it would be impossible for rumors to spread first. This must be a rumor.
"Anything else?" she asked, her voice still steady.
Granny Zhou's anger intensified, and her voice choked with sobs: "And there's more! They also said... that because of your excessive worry, Madam, your pregnancy is extremely unstable, and they're afraid... afraid the baby is in danger, and even you yourself... are so ill you're barely clinging to life! They said our Duke's mansion is on the verge of... on the verge of collapse!"
Even though Su Wanrou was somewhat prepared, her face paled instantly upon hearing these words, and her hand, gripping the edge of the bed, trembled slightly. How vicious these rumors were! Not only were they cursing her husband's life, but they were also cursing the child in her womb—this was an attempt to shake the foundations of the Duke's mansion and throw her into turmoil!
She closed her eyes, took a few deep breaths, and forced herself to calm down. This was no baseless rumor; someone must be deliberately spreading it. Liu Yiyi? She might have the intention, but she might not have the ability or the courage to spread rumors involving matters of national importance. Who could it be? A political enemy in court who was at odds with her husband? Or…
"Granny, besides the common people, are these words circulating among officials' families?" Su Wanrou opened her eyes, her gaze sharp.
Granny Zhou nodded: "I had my husband inquire about it. It seems that there were whispers at the Minister's wife's plum blossom appreciation banquet today. The nanny from Princess Anyang's residence is familiar with me and quietly passed on the word. She said that during the banquet, the Lady of Yongchang (Liu Yiyi's mother) seemed to be very 'concerned' about the lady's health and the situation in the mansion, which aroused everyone's speculation."
The Yongchang Marquis's Mansion! The Liu Family! Su Wanrou sneered inwardly. It was them, after all! The Liu family was in decline, barely maintaining their dignity only through their marriage ties with the deceased Lady Liu. Now, seeing Gu Yangui on his distant expedition and her "serious illness," they thought their opportunity had arrived. They wanted to spread rumors to create panic within the Duke's Mansion, hoping to seize something, or perhaps it was purely out of jealousy, wanting to see her, Su Wanrou, make a fool of herself, or even… more maliciously, wanting to instill fear and anxiety in her, to the point of actually harming her pregnancy!
Their intentions are despicable!
"Madam, what should we do?" Granny Zhou asked worriedly. "These rumors spread like wildfire, and even falsehoods become truth. Although the servants in the manor dare not say it aloud, they are watching with cold eyes, and some of them are starting to feel uneasy. In addition, Miss Biao was recently... I'm afraid people outside will say that you... are intolerant of others, which is why this happened..."
Su Wanrou understood the unspoken meaning of Granny Zhou. Once the rumors spread, any normal action she took would be misinterpreted. If she dealt with Liu Yiyi, she would be seen as being intolerant of the late Madam's family; if she stayed home to recuperate, the rumors of her serious illness would be confirmed; if she came forward to defend herself, she would appear guilty.
She couldn't panic! She told herself that it was especially important not to lose her composure in times like these. Her husband was fighting the enemy on the front lines, while she was at the rear, protecting not only this family but also the reputation and stability of the Duke's mansion.
She pondered for a moment, and then she made up her mind.
"Granny, there's no need to panic." Su Wanrou's voice regained its composure, even carrying a hint of coldness. "The innocent will remain innocent, and the guilty will remain guilty. The more we pay attention to such nonsense, the more it will spread."
"But Madam, are we just going to let them talk nonsense?"
“Of course not.” Su Wanrou shook her head slightly. “We don’t need to shut others up, but we need to let everyone see that the Duke’s Mansion is as stable as Mount Tai.”
She instructed, "First, Granny, go to Princess Anyang's residence in person and thank her for her concern. Tell her that I've only caught a minor illness and will recover in a few days. The Duke also frequently sends letters home, so everything is fine. Please reassure her. The Princess is a wise woman; she knows what to do." Princess Anyang was a well-known shrewd person in the imperial clan and was on good terms with Su Wanrou. If she could clarify things, it would be more effective than a hundred words from Su Wanrou herself.
"Secondly, tell Uncle Fu that tomorrow, in my name, we should send double the amount of rice, grain, and charcoal to several charitable institutions and orphanages in the capital. Tell them that the Duke, though far away at the border, cares about the people of the capital and has specially ordered me to do my part." This action will not only demonstrate the Duke's benevolence but also indirectly show that everything in the mansion is normal and that there is still room for good deeds.
“Third,” Su Wanrou paused, a resolute glint in her eyes, “I’m going to the Daxiangguo Temple to offer incense the day after tomorrow.”
"Madam!" exclaimed Granny Zhou, "You're still not fully recovered, and the weather is cold. How can you go out? What if..."
"I must go," Su Wanrou said firmly. "Only if I appear in person, so that everyone can see that I am safe and sound, and that the Duke's carriage can still travel with dignity, can those rumors that I am seriously ill and on my deathbed be dispelled." This is a risky move, but it is also the most effective way to break the deadlock.
"But your health..."
"It's alright." Su Wanrou stroked her belly, feeling the vitality of the little life inside, and a strong courage welled up in her heart. "I will dress warmly and take a warm sedan chair to the mountain gate. I will only stay in the main hall for one incense stick before returning. Have Qingdai take a few reliable people with her."
She also wanted everyone to see that she, Su Wanrou, the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, could still calmly and steadily support the family even while pregnant and with her husband away on a campaign, and would not be defeated by any rumors or gossip.
Looking at the lady's pale yet resolute face, Zhou Mama felt both heartache and admiration. Knowing that this was a risky move, it was the best solution at the moment, she could only agree: "Yes, this old servant will arrange it right away."
When the news spread, everyone in the mansion was shocked. Uncle Fu and Granny Zhou tried their best to dissuade her, but Su Wanrou's mind was made up.
On that day, the sky cleared up. Su Wanrou, dressed in her heavy official robes and a silver fox fur cloak, with light makeup to conceal her illness, was carefully helped by Qingdai and two strong old women into a warm sedan chair that had been prepared and covered with thick brocade.
The Duke's entourage marched out of the gate in a grand procession, passing through the most bustling streets of the capital, heading straight for the Xiangguo Temple. Along the way, countless eyes were cast upon the procession—some curious, some inquisitive, and others waiting to see them make a fool of themselves after hearing the rumors.
With the sedan curtains lowered, no one could see the true condition of the person inside. However, the majesty of the Duke's carriage and the calm demeanor of the accompanying servants themselves conveyed a silent message.
Upon arriving at Daxiangguo Temple, the abbot, having already been informed, personally greeted her at the mountain gate. Su Wanrou alighted from the sedan chair; though her steps were somewhat slow and heavy, requiring assistance, her back remained straight and her demeanor composed. Guided by the monks, she walked step by step into the solemn and majestic Mahavira Hall.
She took the incense lit by Qingdai, knelt devoutly on the prayer mat, and silently prayed in her heart: First, that her husband Gu Yangui return victorious and safe; second, that the child in her womb be healthy and peaceful; and third, that her family be safe and that the rumors cease.
After offering incense, she did not linger. After donating a generous sum of money for incense oil, she returned home. Throughout the entire process, she behaved with propriety and remained calm. Although she could not hide her weakness after her illness, she showed no signs of being "seriously ill and on the verge of death."
Her appearance was like a drop of cold water falling into a boiling oil pan, instantly causing a huge reaction.
Those who were initially skeptical saw the Duchess of the State go out to offer incense in good health, and the rumors naturally dissipated. Princess Anyang later mentioned with a smile at several gatherings that "Madam Gu had only caught a slight cold and is now fully recovered. I saw her at the Daxiangguo Temple the other day, and she looked great," further sealing the rumors.
Regarding the border war, the Ministry of War subsequently released the latest battle report. Although it did not mention specific details, it clearly stated that the northern defense line was solid and the war was progressing in an orderly manner, indirectly clarifying the lie that the "commander-in-chief was seriously injured".
A vicious attack of slander was thus quietly defused by Su Wanrou's seemingly gentle yet incredibly powerful methods. After this incident, no one in the capital dared to underestimate this young Duchess, and the unsettled hearts within the Duke's mansion finally settled down. Everyone understood that as long as the Duchess was still alive, the mansion would not descend into chaos.
Su Wanrou returned home exhausted, but her mind was clear. She knew the storm had passed, but her enemies lurking in the shadows might not be so easily satisfied. The road ahead might still be filled with trials, but she was no longer afraid. Her belief in protecting her family and her promise to her husband far away had allowed her to grow into a towering tree capable of standing alone.
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