Chapter 362: Chapter 361: Is His Son Really Entangled with Another Man?
Wei Xiheng’s attendant was quickly summoned.
Xie Xun ordered people to bring Li San before him.
"This man, do you recognize him?"
Ji Zhui’s expression changed slightly. Soon after his arrival, the adults attending the banquet at the pavilion also arrived, crowding the place with their staring eyes, leaving Ji Zhui with no position to intervene.
He had no choice but to inconvenience the Wei Family first. Once Xie Xun finished questioning, he planned to get rid of Li San—the dead can keep the tightest secrets—burying the truth deep in the ground, hoping to also protect Ji Shimin.
Once this matter was settled, it would be time for Mama to take charge of her.
If she spoils his plans again, even if she is his legitimate sister, he would not acknowledge her.
Seeing the situation growing more tense, Li San finally panicked; the attendant was Wei Xiheng’s man and would surely slip up. He inwardly cursed his misfortune.
In full view, the attendant glanced at Li San, his eyes darting around nervously.
"Speak!" Xie Xun commanded coldly.
He was a man forged in battlefield slaughter, with a jawline clenched tight, his authority undeniable when he was serious.
Fierce like a wolf.
The attendant shuddered in fear, daring not to conceal anything: "I recognize him."
"He and our young master..."
His face flushed, he stammered and didn’t dare to continue.
But the more he hesitated, the more it fueled speculation.
Xie Xun asked again, "Since you left the seat, why weren’t you attending to him upfront?"
"The young master’s injuries have not healed, and he was feeling exceptionally cold. Thus, he ordered me to fetch a blanket."
Speaking thus, he tremulously offered up the item in his hand—indeed it was a blanket.
Both witness and evidence were present.
"Is the young master alright? If I had known something would happen, I definitely would not have..."
Ji Zhui stood to the side, silent all along, undoubtedly perplexed.
This was clearly a trap set by the Princess, so how could it be real? He inexplicably felt a chill down his spine, as if a venomous snake was targeting him.
His heartbeat even skipped a beat. He felt as if a cage had descended from the sky, enveloping him so tightly that no light could penetrate, making it impossible to turn the situation around.
No, something must be wrong.
Who is plotting this!
Li San had another realization!
The chaos completely faded away. Nor did he show any cowardice in front of the distinguished guests.
Princess! She even bribed the person attending to her lover.
What a huge game this was!
When girl gets ruthless, she truly is terrifying!
He hurriedly claimed, "We naturally recognize him, every time the Eldest Young Master and I meet secretly, it was he who arranged it."
"The Eldest Young Master does not come from an ordinary background, but from our first encounter, we felt a kinship. With the unpredictability of life, I dare not gamble and feared exposure. Duke Wei Mansion would never tolerate me, and I never sought a formal status. Thus, every meeting was conducted with utmost caution. The last time was several months ago in the wilderness outskirts. After a moment of affection, he said he would never meet again..."
"Shut up!" Duke Wei came with a face livid with rage, clearly extremely furious.
He had received the information and almost fainted. He rushed over non-stop, initially thinking it was an outsider framing them, considering the Wei Family had been framed a lot these days!
But unexpectedly, the attendant by Wei Xiheng’s side had confessed!
That was his trusted aide, specifically appointed to Wei Xiheng!
Of course, he wouldn’t lie!
But...
Did his son really have unclear entanglements with another man?
Duke Wei could hardly bear the stimulation, his breathing rapid.
The Duchess seemed almost driven mad. Already disfavored by her mother-in-law, these days the rumors from outside, the mother-in-law’s difficulties, and Xiheng’s illness had exhausted her completely.
"Do not act recklessly."
As soon as she spoke, Princess Consort Gong affectionately came forward, comforting without any pretense.
"You, relax your heart. Your children and grandchildren will have their own fortune."
As soon as Princess Consort Gong spoke, those commanded women also busied themselves with persuasions.
Was it for the Duchess Wei?
No, they were performing for the distinguished Princess Consort Gong.
"Although current societal norms have degraded, it’s indeed unbearable to witness. But the fact remains here, and days must go on; do not harm your health over it."
"This preference for male company is preposterous, and we happened upon it, but we will also help conceal a thing or two. You can rest assured on that."
Some intelligent ones sought to please Princess Consort Gong by saying: "It’s just a pity for Lady Yan. Given the Wei family’s situation, it’s indeed untoward. It would be better to end the engagement early to save her from wasting her life."
"Ladies!"
Duke Wei’s voice was robust, as if scolding and roaring.
"The Wei family has never had conflicts with other residences. My son Wei Ce, and Duke Wei Mansion, although declined over the years, cannot erase the ancestral achievements!"
"This matter is not yet concluded, how can mere words smear my son completely!"
He darkened his face, staring hard at the servant: "Say that again?"
"Consider this! Framing your master, even deserving death, isn’t over the line; the Wei family has been generous to you! You’ve been diligent all these years. If there’s any conscience left, take back your previous words and tell the truth. Speak! Has someone forced you to do this?"
Saying this, he secretly signaled the servant with his eyes.
As long as the servant changed his testimony, there was still room for maneuver.
Ji Huo rolled his eyes.
"Old Wei."
"With things like this, what more are you stirring?"
"Does someone really go through great lengths to target your son?"
Ji Huo kicked at the stones on the ground, sloppily and carelessly out of shape.
"Do you think Xiheng is like Xie Xun, like Cui Yun? Does he need someone specifically to slander and ruin his reputation? Go outside and see, your ancestors’ offerings have paid off; your son is now a big name in Shengjing."
"He’s not some treasure. You also said Duke Wei Mansion has declined a lot. Who would bother harming him?"
"I, the Princely Heir, have concubines filling my backyard, and I spend money on pleasures; that’s just my nature. Whatever I do, I admit it, why bother hiding it repeatedly? You and your household should learn to be forthright like me!"
Princess Consort Gong maintained her smile.
Even with rage simmering, she refrained from interjecting. Only sighing resignedly with the aristocratic lady beside her.
"He’s spoiled by me; rather than taking shame, he takes pride. These words, even I, as his mother, am too ashamed to listen. I can’t control him anymore, I can only let the Prince handle it later."
"This Duke Wei is older than him, a senior, yet he behaves like this. Once this passes, Prince Gong Mansion will surely visit to offer apologies."
Aristocratic lady: ...
Stirred.
They inevitably recalled Prince Gong’s usual style. They feared on the day of the apology, they might stand outside Duke Wei Mansion gate, announcing to the gathered crowd.
—Wei Ce, this Prince wrongs you for this. That brat told the truth, but mistakes were made because he shouldn’t have hit where it hurts you most.
—Rest assured, he’s learned his lesson! He won’t dare speak of your son’s affairs with men anymore! But, your boy sure has a temper, unpleasant himself, seeks out similar men. Good, they don’t harm others together.
—You as a father, why not let him be? It’s rare for him to find a match.
Is this an apology? This is clearly seeking vengeance!
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