Chapter 165 Seeking Justice
Dou Wenyi hurriedly stopped her, "The princess treats me as a friend, I can't let you risk your life for me. Dealing with Xie Mengyao is not something I need you to do."
Princess Fu'an's face darkened, and she said, holding her breath, "No, I've disliked her for a long time, and you can't just let her ruin your reputation..."
"You're standing up for me like this, don't you want to be friends with Xie Guidu anymore?"
Princess Fu'an snorted, "If the person who becomes her sister-in-law is weak-willed, who knows how badly Xie Mengyao will bully her."
Before she could finish speaking, another voice rang out.
"Xie Mengyao, you're spouting nonsense. What kind of noble lady is it to gossip behind people's backs?"
Xie Mengyao rolled her eyes and said sarcastically, "Who do we have here? Shen Lishu, weren't you also dumped by the Dou family? The world is going to the dogs. How come you're being bullied and now you're trying to curry favor like a lapdog?"
Shen Lishu's face flushed red with anger, her eyes welling with tears, and her voice trembled as she asked, "Why...why are you swearing at me?"
Xie Mengyao didn't care at all and immediately started scolding, "So what if I scold you? You're a girl who just broke off her engagement, and you still have the nerve to stick your neck out? Don't you even know your own limitations?"
Dou Wenyi walked straight up to Xie Mengyao and angrily rebuked, "Those who spread rumors are themselves rumor-mongers."
Xie Mengyao was shocked and panicked. She had never expected Dou Wenyi to be nearby. She had already suffered several losses at Dou Wenyi's hands, and a chill ran down her spine.
Dou Wenyi's eyes flashed with malice as she sternly rebuked, "Xie Mengyao, you have repeatedly provoked me, and even though you have gossiped behind my back and spread rumors to ruin my reputation, I have not held it against you. But you should not take your anger out on the innocent and speak rudely. Don't forget that Third Sister's marriage to the Crown Prince was delayed because of her delusions. His Majesty has issued a decree. Are you expressing your dissatisfaction with His Majesty with these words? Just two days ago, several palace servants who spread rumors were flogged."
"What, do you think these punishments are too lenient and won't deter you at all? Who can you ally with a slanderer? Take that slanderer and throw him to the jackals and tigers!"
"Xie Mengyao, I'm standing right here today. If you don't give me an explanation and give Shen Lishu an explanation, I will never let this go."
More and more people gathered around.
Xie Mengyao was speechless, as if struck by lightning, and all color drained from her face.
Just moments ago, she was full of confidence, wanting to take advantage of the crowd to expose Dou Wenyi's ugly face. But now, the gazes cast by the crowd were like knives, making her so ashamed that she wished she could disappear on the spot.
what to do?
She gripped her sleeves tightly, a layer of cold sweat seeping down her back, and looked to Meng Jingshu for help, hoping she could get her out of this predicament.
But Meng Jingshu seemed oblivious to her embarrassment and deliberately looked away.
Xie Mengyao's eyes were filled with hatred; she would repay the humiliation of today tenfold in the future.
Today, all those who came to the West Garden were from powerful and wealthy families, including many ladies and young women. If she were to bow her head and apologize in public, wouldn't that mean she was wrong and was spreading rumors?
If she doesn't apologize, Dou Wenyi's murderous aura will likely prevent her from leaving easily.
Dou Wenyi's expression was contemptuous, and her voice suddenly rose, "Is it so hard for Xie Mengyao to apologize?"
Xie Mengyao shuddered, her expression conflicted.
As more and more people walked towards her, she took a deep breath and had no choice but to kneel down before her, reluctantly saying, "Dou Wenyi, I'm sorry. I was out of my mind and shouldn't have made assumptions about you. Please forgive my rudeness."
These words caused an uproar among the crowd.
There were indeed some very bad rumors about Dou Wenyi becoming the Crown Princess, but no one dared to speak ill of her in front of the future Crown Princess.
Dou Wenyi, with an imposing air, asked, "Anything else?"
Xie Mengyao clenched her fists and bowed to Shen Lishu again, saying, "Miss Shen, I'm sorry."
That was so embarrassing.
Xie Mengyao swayed precariously, her voice trembling with tears, "I was too reckless and offended you all. Today's events are all my fault, please don't hold it against me."
Dou Wenyi chuckled lightly, "It is a great virtue to admit one's mistakes and correct them. Miss Xie, I hope you will be more careful with your words and actions in the future, and never believe baseless rumors."
"Yes, I've got it." Xie Mengyao felt a sense of fear, afraid that she would not let it go.
"May I leave now?"
"what ever."
Xie Mengyao felt utterly humiliated. Wasn't Dou Wenyi just marrying a short-lived man?
What's there to be proud of?
Once Pei Siyan dies, she will be forced to live a life of widowhood. What a short-sighted thing to do!
But she didn't dare to act rashly; she could only shout these words in her heart.
Xie Mengyao felt incredibly wronged. Her eyes reddened, and tears streamed down her face as if she had suffered some great injustice. She covered her lips and ran away crying.
Dou Wenyi took Shen Lishu's hand, her face showing some apology, "Thank you, you've helped me again, I'm sorry you had to suffer!"
Shen Lishu smiled shyly, "She really went too far."
“Don’t be afraid. If I encounter anyone who goes against Dou Si again, I will definitely deal with her. You are her friend, and you are also my friend. I, Fu’an, will take care of you from now on.” Princess Fu’an, with her cheerful personality, chimed in.
She had actually rolled up her sleeves long ago, ready to give Xie Mengyao a beating. Unexpectedly, Dou Wenyi went all out, presenting her arguments logically and convincingly, and defeated Xie Mengyao in just a few words.
That's truly admirable!
This young lady, Ms. Shen, may seem gentle and weak, but she dares to speak out for justice and is someone worth getting to know.
Just then, the eldest princess sent someone to urge them to go to the auction as soon as possible.
Since this was originally Consort Zhang's suggestion, Dou Wenyi naturally had to go and support it, and the group went to Changchun Garden with great enthusiasm.
"What items did you submit for auction?" Princess Fu'an asked.
Shen Lishu smiled and said, "I handed in a handwritten Buddhist scripture and two pieces of calligraphy and painting."
Dou Wenyi smiled faintly, "I also submitted a piece of calligraphy and painting. What about you?"
However, the calligraphy and painting were not hers, but Dou Bochang's. Didn't he think he was very talented? He just wanted to see how much silver he could get for them.
Princess Fu'an swallowed hard. She really didn't have anything impressive to offer, so she just casually tossed up a whip. Actually, it was one of her prized possessions; she was just waiting to see if any brave warrior would dare to bid for it!
When the group entered the auction venue, the auction had already begun.
This auction not only features rare treasures, but also many calligraphy and paintings by noblewomen, with particular interest shown to unmarried women.
After all, there have always been many stories of people becoming friends through auctions in the Great Zhou Dynasty. It is said that Emperor Taizong took a liking to Empress Ye's embroidery at an auction, which led to a legendary tale.
However, Dou Wenyi never expected that the auction would lead to a major case.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
