Le Yuanhou looked at the scene before his eyes, truly uncertain whether to harbor suspicions or not. Lady Sun had been in his mansion for nearly twenty years, and she had never made any significant mistakes. She had managed the manor with the utmost efficiency. And she had never exhibited any bias against Xin He before, not even when Li Junyao was overbearing, had she ever targeted her. Xin He was generally gentle and amiable, she was not likely to provoke Lady Sun into such action.
Yet, all evidence today indeed pointed towards her.
Recognizing Le Yuanhou’s hesitation, Lady Sun immediately said, "Lord Marquis, there must be some misunderstanding in this matter. I am truly wronged. Even if you don’t believe me, shouldn’t you trust my moral conduct over these many years?"
Le Yuanhou was silent for a long time, it was indeed a dilemma for him. There were lots of evidence and loopholes in today’s incident. He didn’t believe Lady Sun’s words today, but he did trust her character. After all, they had been married for twenty years, and she had never really disappointed him. There were too many peculiarities in this incident.
If it was just a petty concubine stirring up trouble, he would not hesitate to punish her immediately, but the allegations were against Lady Sun, hence his hesitation.
Lady Sun wept pathetically, "My Lord, do not let those with ulterior motives blind you. I am truly wronged. Just a few days ago, Jun Yan fell into the water. She was deliberately pulled under the water by someone trying to kill her. This proves that there are people in the mansion secretly scheming against me. I must have been framed!"
Le Yuanhou recalled Li Jun Yan’s drowning incident. Although Lady Sun had said she would not make a big fuss about it and had the two women who were involved beaten to death, now it seemed, someone might indeed be harming her. Or was that all just her acting?
Le Yuanhou felt caught between a rock and a hard place, hesitating for a long time before sternly ordering, "Take Jinxiu and this thief out and beat them to death immediately. Send Lady Sun back to her own courtyard, she is not allowed to leave for a month! We’ll discuss this matter further later."
"Yes," the servants responded in unison.
Only then did Lady Sun seem to breathe a sigh of relief, she wiped the sweat from her forehead. Thankfully, the Marquis was a man who valued old relationships. Otherwise, she didn’t know if she would have survived today’s predicament.
Le Yuanhou waved his hand impatiently, "You may all disperse! Today’s incident isn’t to be mentioned again."
As the saying goes, don’t air dirty laundry in public. News about such a disgraceful event should never be spread.
Since today’s affair did not result in any major problems, everyone was relieved and left immediately.
Lady Sun was taken away too.
Just as Xin He was about to leave, Marquis called out to her, "Xin He, wait a moment. I have something to ask you."
"What does it be, father?" Xin He asked.
Le Yuanhou observed her. Her demeanor remained undisturbed throughout, devoid of any fluctuations. He felt somewhat apprehensive. She had been wandering outside for many years and he still didn’t understand her character. She seemed to be stronger and tougher than he had imagined.
A sense of regret seeped into Le Yuanhou’s eyes, "Regarding today’s incident, I almost wronged you. It was my fault. Please do not take it to heart. I was blinded by anger."
Xin He shook her head, "Father doesn’t need to say so. I understand your predicament. The dossier you’ve painstakingly compiled over half a year was suddenly lost. Naturally, you’re upset. Now that everything is clear, it no longer matters."
Le Yuanhou sighed deeply, "Xin He, you might not be familiar with the intricacies of the Imperial Court. But it is complicated. Le Yuanhou Mansion has been a prominent family for centuries. For generations, we have faithfully served the Da Qian Dynasty. Even though we have gradually declined over time, how can I allow the Empire to be monopolized by powerful ministers?..."
Upon saying this, Le Yuanhou paused before continuing, "I know you are fond of Mu Houchu, so I didn’t want to tell you this. I didn’t want to put you in a difficult position. Yet, you still found out."
Xin He laughed lightly, "Whether I know this or not, it doesn’t matter. I am not involved in matters of the court. As for how father wants to proceed, it’s up to you. You don’t need to consult me."
Actually, she had realized that Le Yuanhou Mansion and Marquis Mu were rivals. Her father agreed to let her marry Mu Houchu despite this rivalry. This must be because he was too indulgent towards her.
How could she blame such a father?
"The matter involves Mu Houchu. Are you truly not concerned?" Le Yuanhou asked hesitatingly.
"Of course, I am concerned. But I have little understanding of court affairs. I also know everyone acts in their own interests. I can’t force you to change your position because of me. Father, don’t worry. Since I chose Mu Houchu, I am prepared to face everything." Ji Xinhe said firmly.
Whether he wins or loses, I will accompany him for the rest of his life.
Only then did Le Yuanhou reluctantly say, "Fine then, you should go back and rest. It’s getting late. Let the kitchen prepare dinner for you. Don’t treat yourself badly."
"Thank you, father." Xin He bowed and then left.
Xiaoyu was already waiting for her in the Glazed Tower. Upon seeing Xin He return, she immediately approached to ask, "Miss, Lord Marquis kept you back to speak to you alone. Did he say anything?"
Xin He smiled, "He didn’t say much. Why the panic?"
"I was just a bit worried." Xiaoyu sighed with relief.
Xin He took a sip of her tea and snorted lightly, "The person who should be worried is not us, but Lady Sun. We’ve not done anything to feel guilty about."
Xiaoyu’s expression darkened slightly, "Today, Lady Hou managed to escape the disaster. Lord Marquis has suppressed this matter. He apparently wants to let it fade into oblivion."
"I never intended to topple her over this time," Xin He said in a cold voice. "She has been in the mansion for twenty years. Her influence and weight in Lord Marquis’s heart are not insignificant. Lord Marquis is not an unfeeling person, giving her a chance is only reasonable."
"So, our master plan was in vain?"
"How could it be in vain? Although Lord Marquis did not severely punish her this time, the trust built up over many years has started to dwindle. From now on, Lady Sun will have to be more careful in her actions. It would be easier if we want to deal with her again."
Xiaoyu nodded continuously, "Miss is right!"
"That’s enough. You’ve made a significant contribution to this matter. Starting tomorrow, you will temporarily replace Jinxiu. Go and inform the housekeeper about this." Xin He ordered.
Overwhelmed with joy, Xiaoyu thanked Xin He, "Thank you, Miss!"
"By the way, what happened to Jinxiu and that man? Were they beaten to death? Could she really accept such a fate?"
Xiaoyu lowered her voice, "Of course they were not beaten to death. Lady Hou has deep roots in Hou Mansion. They were probably her people. The executioners must have intentionally taken it easy. Otherwise, how could Jinxiu and that thief possibly risk their lives like this?"
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