Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 1094 - 1091_1

Chapter 1094: Chapter 1091_1

Fu Ranhui’s quarrel with Zhao Youwei was overheard by a certain old woman.

The old woman informed Mrs. Zhao of the incident.

What an outrage for Mrs. Zhao! She blamed Xiao’er for enticing Zhao Youwei, causing a quarrel between the married couple early on New Year’s Day.

Ancient people believed that harmony breeds wealth, least of all they’d want a quarrel on the first day of the lunar year.

Mrs. Zhao, unable to remain silent about her indignant feelings, let a few complaints slip to a gossipy lady while visiting during the New Year period.

Thus, the rumor that Xiao’er enticed Zhao Youwei and wrecked the couple’s harmony secretly spread around.

As Xiao’er was focused on nurturing her pregnancy at home, by the time she came to know about this, half the year had already passed.

It was the tenth day of the lunar month when a wife of one of Shen Chengyao’s subordinates discreetly informed her of the rumor.

Mrs. Liu was enraged upon hearing it!

"This is utter nonsense! Who fabricated this baseless rumor? It is undoubtedly malicious! How could someone utter such nonsense?" Mrs. Liu was so furious that she wanted to tear the rumor-spreader to shreds.

"It was Mrs. Zhao who spread the rumor. Our Princess and her husband had a quarrel early on New Year’s Day because of this. There were even rumors of a portrait and a handkerchief."

It’s because of the existence of the handkerchief that everyone believed it! What is more intimate than a woman’s handkerchief! How could it end up in another man’s possession unless there was some kind of secret relationship?

"This isn’t acceptable. I need to confront her about this! What does she mean by saying Xiao’er led her son on? She can’t just throw all the blame onto Xiao’er!"

Mrs. Liu intended to directly confront Mrs. Zhao after hearing this. Yet, she was deterred by Zhu Yan who told her that going there to defend Xiao’er would only make more people aware of the matter.

"Then what should we do, let the rumor continue? What if the Empress or the Empress Dowager hear about it?"

"Inform Prince Rui. Let Prince Rui handle it!" Zhu Yan suggested thoughtfully.

Upon remembering her son-in-law’s competence, Mrs. Liu felt Zhu Yan’s suggestion made sense, and decided to personally visit Prince Rui’s mansion.

Unfortunately, Shangguan Xuanyi had already gone out after his noontime meal. Xiao’er didn’t know when he would return, but he was expected back by dinner for certain.

After waiting for Shangguan Xuanyi for half a day without news of his return, Mrs. Liu grew somewhat anxious.

Xiao’er noticed her mother’s unusual behavior. "Mother, did you come over because something happened at the mansion?"

"No, there’s nothing happening at the mansion. Don’t overthink it."

"Then why are you looking for Brother Shangguan?" Mrs. Liu’s incessant glancing toward the entrance couldn’t possibly indicate that nothing was amiss!

"It’s about Zhu Yan nearing childbirth, isn’t it? The best midwives in the entire country have been invited to Prince Rui’s mansion. I wish to ask Prince Rui if I can get a midwife to the Marquis Mansion as a precaution. However, as I am concerned that you are carrying twins and might deliver prematurely, I’m worrying that there will not be enough midwives."

"Just for this? There’s no need to consult him. I’ll send two midwives with you. It’s just childbirth, why would we need so many midwives? There’s always a process from the initial movements to the actual birth. When it’s time, someone will be sent back to invite them over to our mansion. Prince Rui’s mansion has several midwives. Having one or two more or less, doesn’t matter."

After saying this, Xiao’er instructed Yang Liu to make arrangements.

Mrs. Liu nodded in agreement. When Yang Liu reported that a carriage had been prepared to send the two midwives to Marquis Shengping’s Mansion, Mrs. Liu had no reason to stay and had to bid them farewell.

Xiao’er said, "Mother, why don’t you stay for dinner before leaving? You haven’t dined here in a long time."

Mrs. Liu’s eyes brightened upon hearing this, "So be it." Leaving after dinner guaranteed her a chance to see her son-in-law.

Xiao’er didn’t believe for a second that Mrs. Liu was looking for Shangguan Xuanyi for no reason. There was definitely something up, and this matter was about her. Mrs. Liu was worried about her, so she dared not to speak up.

"Mother, sit down for a bit. I need to use the restroom." Using a random excuse, Xiao’er excused herself, then asked Yang Liu to investigate why Mrs. Liu was behaving unusually.

The person sent to investigate returned quickly with the information. Since Xiao’er is of high status, the lady didn’t dare to discuss the matter in public. However, the word was already out when two people gathered in private. It seems only those from Marquis Shengping, Prince An, Marquis Zhongyong, other princes under the emperor’s rule, and their mansions were not aware of it.

Yang Liu went up to Xiao’er and discretely relayed the news.

Mrs. Zhao accused her of enticing Zhao Youwei and causing their quarrel on New Year’s Day?

Upon hearing Yang Liu’s report, Xiao’er almost laughed due to sheer frustration. The accusation was completely ridiculous!

Zhao Youwei could not compare to Shangguan Xuanyi at all. He was not as handsome, nor as capable, and came from a less prestigious family than her beloved husband. Would she bother herself to entice him?

"Mother, do you know about Mrs. Zhao accusing me of enticement? I can’t believe that even looking like a chubby penguin, people find me attractive!" Xiao’er directly addressed the matter upon returning to the flower hall.

"How did you find out? Don’t worry about this. Let Prince Rui figure out how to deal with it." Who had carelessly informed Xiao’er about it? What if her frustrations cause complications with her pregnancy?"

"You were acting oddly. I had someone look into it, and they found out easily. It isn’t a secret."

At her words, Mrs. Liu found herself speechless. She realized that she unintentionally leaked the truth.

"Xiao’er, don’t worry about this. I came here to find Prince Rui to help you seek justice."

"Mother, I am not worried. I didn’t do any such thing. The ones who should be worried are them. Just wait and see, someone will come begging for forgiveness soon. We don’t need to tell Brother Shangguan about this. He’s preoccupied with his official duties and tirelessly trains the new soldiers. He also takes care of me. He has enough on his plate. I can’t allow this petty matter to trouble him."

"What matter are you not telling me?" Shangguan Xuanyi strolled in just as Xiao’er finished speaking, hearing her entire conversation.

What was this girl hiding from him?

Xiao’er was slightly annoyed. He always returned at the most uncanny timing! If he didn’t know any better, he might think she was badmouthing him.

Seeing Shangguan Xuanyi walk in, Mrs. Liu stood up, ready to pay her respects.

Shangguan Xuanyi quickly stopped her, "There aren’t any outsiders here, mother. There’s no need for formalities."

"What were you two discussing just now? Who is in debt to you? Good thing I’ve finished with my tasks at the imperial court."

He was keen to find out who dared to offend his wife and demanded retribution.

Mrs. Liu glanced at Xiao’er. Should she tell or not?

"Brother Shangguan, there’s a rumor going around that I seduced Mr. Zhao. Who would have thought that even with my body, which is as plump as a penguin, people would still consider me attractive!" said Xiao’er, poking fun at herself.

If she didn’t voice out, he would find someone to investigate just like she did. In order to save manpower, she decided to tell.