Chapter 321: Chapter 321: Why Put On a False Show of Mercy?
Looking at Yan Mi, Shen Hua’s eyes became complex.
Brother has come back, but Yan Mi’s Xie Xun was already gone. Peering into this secret, girl’s lips unconsciously turned pale.
Yan Mi was soon overcome by the effects of the alcohol, a fine sweat on her forehead and her body growing hot.
Just as Shen Hua ordered some hangover tea from the tavern, people from the Yan Family quickly barged in, led by an old woman with her hair meticulously combed, no smile at her lips, appearing very rigid.
She was followed by five bulky servants.
"Madam, enough with the antics, it’s time to return."
With a gesture of her hand, the servants behind her surged towards Yan Mi.
Yingwu swiftly drew the sword from his back, its blade glinting coldly under the light as he held it against the group.
"Out!"
The servants looked at each other, hesitant to advance but still taking the old woman’s lead.
Seeing this, the old woman’s gaze darkened.
She addressed Yan Mi, who was half-leaning on the table.
"Madam is furious upon learning of this matter, and you, as her daughter, must bear the brunt. Old servant advises that it’s better to cooperate to avoid harming the mother-daughter relationship; why the need for this?"
The old woman looked again at Yan Mi as she slightly lifted her head, her face peach-red and her eyes misty with tears, as if drunk on a spring lake. She furrowed her brow deeply.
"Tomorrow is the day to visit the Wei Family, what are you acting like now, Madam?"
As she spoke, her tone softened a bit.
"If Madam returns, admits her mistake, lowers her head, this situation might just blow over. Madam has been frantically busy these days, you really shouldn’t trouble her further."
She glanced over at Shen Hua, who was silently touching the teacups and remembered the specific instructions from the Governor’s wife before coming.
——Although the Nan Family isn’t what it used to be, the ancestors also made remarkable military contributions. Although the girl is just a cousin living under another’s roof, to dismiss the Dowager Nan as worthless, and to hear that she collapsed after returning home, whether it was a real or fake collapse is beside the point, but not a single person from the Cui family came to apologize. This incident reached the official’s ears, yet no words of reprimand were spoken towards Marquis Cui.
——This time I have seen clearly, everyone in Marquis Yangling Mansion is protecting her, even if I disdain her seductive ways, the old master and Marquis Cui are both important ministers and colleagues. After all, consideration is due. During this trip, try not to conflict with her.
Remembering this, the old woman moved forward with a sycophantic grin and curtsied.
"Miss Shen, I hope you are well."
"We are merely looking for the family’s girl, there’s no need for your people to act like this."
"If you truly have our Madam’s best interests at heart—"
Before she could finish, Shen Hua abruptly stood up and threw the teacup fiercely.
"Who are you to teach me what to do?"
Her aim was accurate; it hit the old woman right on the bridge of her nose. With a ’thud’, taken completely off guard, the old woman couldn’t avoid it, and blood gushed out like there was no tomorrow.
"Mrs. Zhou!"
"She is... she’s bleeding!"
"How dare a mere cousin do this, we are after all the Governor’s wife’s people! This is like slapping the Governor’s wife in the face!"
The scene became chaotic momentarily.
But with Yingwu holding a sword, the people were wary.
Shen Hua watched the scene with satisfaction: "You’ve said everything from calling her ’Madam’ to ’it’s for your own good’. All these repeated utterances are just to make your Madam bow down and accept her fate; interesting indeed, such a fine girl ruined by your Yan Family!"
"The Governor Mansion’s servants swarm in, it sounds nice saying you’re asking your Madam to return, those unaware might think you came to kidnap!"
"If you’re going to the lengths of butchering people, why bother putting on a facade of compassion?"
"You!"
The old woman, who had a respected status by the Governor’s wife’s side, and usually flattered by lower servants, even Yan Mi would have to give her some face in her presence.
Angered, her chest heaved.
Seeing her still unconvinced, Shen Hua was about to lash out in anger when someone unexpectedly grabbed her hand.
Gentle and soft, Yan Mi shook her head at her.
She said, "I’ve repaid the silver coins, and now I’m penniless, I’m afraid I’ll have to rely on you this time, let me invite you."
She slightly unsteadily got up.
"I’m also a bit tired, I should head back too. Next time, I will treat you."
Shen Hua pursed her lips twice.
Finally, she grabbed onto Yan Mi’s hem, her lips moved slightly as she formed the words: "When is next time?"
Yan Mi did not specify a time limit, only smiled and asked, "Worried I won’t be able to leave?"
She seemed to love smiling. Her smile was like the gentle flow of spring water, but on a closer look, it was more filled with helpless melancholy.
After Yan Mi left with a group of people, the room became empty and hollow.
"A bunch of old goods obviously have no good intentions! Why did Madam let them take Lady Yan away?" Yingwu sheathed his sword.
He approached Shen Hua expressionlessly, making yet another strenuous effort to garner favor for Cui Yun.
"If Madam is really worried, she could have taken Lady Yan back to Marquis Mansion, whatever you choose to do, the Master will surely support you. Anyway, he’ll think of solutions."
Shen Hua: ...Thank you, Cui Yun.
Her gaze still lingered on the widely opened gatehouse.
"Yan Mi is a daughter of the Yan Family, as long as she bears the Yan surname, these are the challenges she must face."
"Can’t stop it, nor have the standing to stop it."
Slowly, she withdrew her gaze: "That old woman greeting me was nothing more than a formality."
The Governor’s wife had never considered her significant from the beginning, why would now be any different?
Xiaoqi: "Lady Yan looks quite pitiable."
She was holding back from poisoning!
Shen Hua said nothing more.
She suddenly remembered that Yan Mi was isolated and unsupported in the Yan Family. Even more so than herself back in Fengzhou.
Back then, she still had Yicui’s loyalty.
Latterly, she had her brother, ha, and also Cui Yun, but it’s better if this person isn’t mentioned.
She had always been protected by others.
What about Yan Mi?
In that vast Yan Family, even her well-meaning grandmother was scheming against her.
This kind of girl, unlike the rebellious Shen Hua, having been brought up reading saintly books and practicing filial piety.
How could she rebel? Would her resistance be effective? All those she had revered for many years were gone now.
A thought became increasingly ingrained, quickly dominating all her thoughts.
Setting everything aside, Yan Mi must absolutely not marry Wei Xiheng.
"Yingwu."
Yingwu: "...Yes."
"Go and inquire about the Wei Family, how is the Eldest Young Master’s injuries from the incident last time?"
Shen Hua maliciously uttered: "If he’s recovered, let him lie down for a few more months. Slowly! Slowly recuperate!"
————
"Kneel!"
As soon as Yan Mi returned home, she was met with the cold detachment of the Governor’s wife. Her aura, dignified and commanding, frightened the servants in the room into bowing their heads.
Yan Mi said nothing, her expression calm as she knelt before the Governor’s wife.
This incensed the Governor’s wife even more: "You really have grown tough wings!"
"To collude with outsiders, injuring people in my household? You might as well change your surname to Shen."
"Do you realize your mistake?"
Yan Mi lifted her eyes.
"If Mama thinks the daughter is wrong, then the daughter is wrong."