Chapter 165 Wicked Stepmother, Poor Child 58
To their surprise, Shen Ci did not completely reject her brother's suggestion. She did not even refute it, nor did she protect the Gu family as she had before.
"My brother's method, though direct, also gave me a reminder."
If, in the end, there is truly no other way out and one is forced into a desperate situation, this is not a bad option.
But we're far from that point yet, Father, Mother, Elder Brother, please give me some more time.
This time, I want to try it myself, to settle the score with my own strength for the mistakes I made back then and for the price I paid for misjudging people.
I want to fight for a clean and honest future for myself and my child with my own hands.
Seeing the determination and sincerity in her eyes, Mr. and Mrs. Shen exchanged a glance, feeling both pain and relief in their hearts. Their daughter had truly grown up, but the price of this growth was too heavy.
If possible, they would like their daughter to be the apple of their eye for life and never grow up.
Shen's mother held her daughter's hand, tears welling in her eyes.
"Okay, okay, whatever you want to do, your parents will support you. We'll be here waiting for you."
If there are any problems you can't solve, don't hide them from us. We just want you to be okay. If you really can't take the two children with you, you must protect yourself first, and then we can think about other things gradually.
They love and cherish their daughters because their children are born to their daughters. They love their daughters and therefore love the children born to them.
So the three members of the Shen family settled down in the house on Zhuque Street. With their family members moving in, it became a real home, warm and peaceful.
Shen Ci stopped returning to the suffocating Gu residence every day and spent most of her time at the Shen residence with her family and children, enjoying such peaceful and happy times, being able to spend time with her children and make up for the lack of time with her family.
She hesitated to make any further significant moves, and even the child's teacher, the King of Qin, noticed this.
During a break in his lectures one day, the King of Qin dismissed his attendants and, unusually, spoke up.
"If you need it, I can request an imperial edict to grant you a divorce, and no one will dare to disobey."
Gu Hongjian is not a cause for concern.
As long as she speaks up, or rather, names a price, this matter can be easily resolved.
However, Shen Ci slowly shook his head, bowed to the King of Qin, and did not agree to his proposal.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."
But this time, I wish to try on my own first. If I am ultimately unable to succeed, I will shamelessly beg Your Highness for help.
She did not want to live under someone else's wing forever, not even under the protection of someone as noble as the King of Qin.
She wanted to rely on her own planning and abilities to get out of this quagmire and personally break free from the shackles of the past. This independent and unyielding approach earned a hint of appreciation from the King of Qin.
Having broken free from the old shackles, I now know who I truly am.
He nodded slightly and said nothing more. His evaluation of Shen Ci rose even higher. Such a woman should not be confined to the inner quarters and entangled with such petty people.
Not only does she have so much money, but she's also so good at making money. How could she be so blind as to fall for Gu Hongjian?
Winters in Beijing are exceptionally cold, with the chill growing stronger each day. In these freezing weather, it seems as if everything has been frozen solid, as calm as water beneath a layer of ice.
But a major event occurred on this seemingly peaceful winter day.
The wife of a minor official in the Hanlin Academy sued her husband in the Jingzhao Prefecture. It is said that the wife had been living in seclusion for many years, bedridden with illness, and was originally on the verge of death.
The charges against him were even more appalling: favoring a concubine over his wife and plotting to murder his first wife!
The news of this unusual event broke out during a peaceful day and spread like wildfire, reaching every household. The news quickly became so widespread that the area outside the Jingzhao Prefecture government office was packed with onlookers.
When the drum for appealing grievances was sounded, the hearts of the onlookers were also stirred.
The Prefect of the Capital sat high in the hall, his face solemn.
This case involved court officials and concerned human ethics, so he dared not be negligent in the slightest. The yamen runners lined up on both sides, holding water and fire sticks, creating a solemn and murderous atmosphere.
"Bring the plaintiff, Ms. Shen, and the defendant, Mr. Gu, to court!"
Shen Ci, dressed in plain clothes and without makeup, walked into the courtroom step by step, her back straight and her eyes firm. Although her face was still a little pale, she walked into the courtroom step by step.
Behind her followed her personal maid, Dan Gui, who was carrying some physical evidence.
Gu Hongjian, on the other hand, rushed over without even changing out of his official robes, his face still filled with shock and surprise. He was dumbfounded; he was just at work when he suddenly heard about such a big thing!
He never expected that Shen Ci would be so shameless as to expose his family's dirty laundry and even take the matter to court!
Behind him, Old Madam Gu was also allowed to be present. She was being supported by a maid, her old eyes fixed on Shen Ci, filled with resentment.
This vicious woman dared to sue her own husband. At this moment, the old lady realized that her daughter-in-law had truly become a different person, no longer the weak woman who could be manipulated at will.
Anyone who dares to harm her son is her enemy.
"Madam Gu, you accuse your husband Gu Hongjian of favoring his concubine over his wife and plotting to murder his first wife. Do you have any evidence?" The Prefect of the Capital asked first.
Shen Ci slowly knelt down to pay her respects.
"Your Excellency, I have proof."
Gu Hongjian wasted his time studying the classics and was of low character.
Since the woman married into the Gu family, she has managed the household affairs, borne children, and never failed in her duties as a wife.
However, Gu Hongjian was heartless and cruel. When the commoner woman was seriously ill, he brought his concubine, Zhou, into his mansion, showering her with affection and allowing her to provoke the wife. This was one example of favoring his concubine over his wife.
She wasn't afraid of Gu Hongjian's murderous gaze at all, nor was she afraid of the old lady muttering something under her breath, though she figured it was just curses.
She paused, then continued, her voice sounding as if tinged with pain.
"What's even more appalling is that Gu Hongjian, fearing that the woman would interfere with his love with Zhou, harbored evil intentions and poisoned her food for a long time, causing her to be bedridden, emaciated, and nearly die!"
This is the second reason: he plotted to murder his wife!
I beg Your Honor to uphold justice for this humble woman, uncover the truth, and deliver justice!
"Nonsense! You're spouting nonsense!"
Before Shen Ci could finish speaking, Gu Hongjian retorted urgently, almost jumping up and down! He bowed deeply to the Prefect of the Capital, his tone furious, wishing he could rush over and cover her mouth.
"Your Excellency is wise! Since giving birth, Madam Shen has been weak and sickly, and her temperament has become eccentric and jealous. She is harsh to her subordinates and disrespectful to her mother-in-law."
Out of consideration for our marital bond, I have been diligently seeking medical treatment for her. How could there be any talk of poisoning?
She is clearly harboring suspicion and resentment due to her illness, and therefore falsely accuses me!
As for Zhou, she and I were only together because we were mutually attracted, and it was for the sake of having children. How could I dare to monopolize her favor? The truth is, Shen is jealous and intolerant!
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