Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 175 - 116: That’s Just How Stubborn I Am!

Chapter 175: Chapter 116: That’s Just How Stubborn I Am!

Two days before New Year’s Eve, the streets and alleys were already filled with the festive atmosphere.

The turmoil in the Luo Family was at most a topic of casual conversation among the common folk, but the closure of Xichu Pavilion still gave many something to relish over after meals.

The main topic of discussion was where those fairy-like girls had gone.

Whether they had been sent to the Bureau of Music, beheaded at the vegetable market, or taken in secret by some official to be privately kept... even several scandalous novels had begun to circulate.

Unfortunately, these novels were written rather crudely, and those old lechers who bought them were disappointed, for not only did their eyes not find satisfaction, even their junior brothers looked upon them with disdain. Eventually, someone leaked a document impeaching Mr. Luo for an affair with his daughter-in-law, and it became immensely popular overnight, making even the junior brothers feel nauseated.

During that time, quite a few old men were driven out of their homes by their daughters-in-law, fearful of becoming the subject of gossip.

And Mr. Luo gradually acquired several nicknames, such as "Old Ash-Lifter," "Invincible Whirlwind Drill," "Upside-Down Revered One," "One-Finger Wave Breaker," "Nascent Soul Nurturer," and so on, putting the Luo Family back into the spotlight of discussions.

...

In the study of Luo Mansion,

Having read the rumors presented by the steward, Luo Mingtang, the head of the Luo Family, laughed them off and joked to Hu, who stood respectfully in the study, "They’ve really outdone themselves with these names, each more amusing than the last."

The pillar of the Luo Family, Luo Mingtang, was advanced in years but had jet-black hair without a trace of frost, and his body remained strong.

In the past, when the former Emperor’s health declined day by day, many court officials started placing their bets on various Princes.

Luo Mingtang, however, chose to go against the consensus, ignoring the opposition from many in his family, and resolutely backed the least favored Prince, Zhou Chang. He even forced his daughter, Luo Wanqing, to marry him, at the cost of their last bit of affection.

His gamble paid off.

The Luo Family soared to great heights, becoming the number one external family of the Dazhou Empire.

Hu said solemnly, "Master, shall I lead some men to close down those bookshops?"

Luo Mingtang waved his hand with a smile and said, "You can control their eyes, shut their mouths, but you can’t stop their thoughts. Let them talk; it’s harmless."

"The entire Luo Family debacle is my fault," Hu said with heavy self-reproach, "Had I not miscalculated and underestimated Jiang Mo, such a big mess would not have happened, causing the Luo Family to suffer heavy losses."

Luo Mingtang stood and walked to the window, saying indifferently, "Water overflows when full, the moon wanes when it is full. The Luo Family was bound to face such difficulties sooner or later, it all comes down to His Majesty’s whims. Although the heavy losses are indeed distressing, it has also alleviated some of His Majesty’s frustrations. At least for the short term, the Luo Family will be very safe."

Hesitating, Hu then asked, "Shall we send someone to kill Jiang Mo?"

"Would you dare to touch even a single hair on his head at this time?"

Stroking a plum blossom that extended from outside through the window into the room, Luo Mingtang said with resignation, "The Emperor originally offered us compensation, but unfortunately, Yuan Anjiang insisted on protecting that young man. Since the Emperor has agreed, if we take action now, it would be inappropriate."

He turned to look at Hu, "Has the mole been found yet?"

"Still investigating," Hu replied.

Luo Mingtang chuckled, "What? Can’t bear to part with her, huh?"

Hu clenched his fists tightly, speaking in a low voice, "Master, I truly can’t think of a reason why Qin Shier would betray us. Perhaps this matter has nothing to do with her, maybe—"

"She’s been with you for sixteen years, hasn’t she?"

Plucking a plum blossom, Luo Mingtang twirled it between his fingers, "This girl has great ambition and was born rebellious. She’s broken many rules before and you’ve always protected her.

I know why you value her; her father was once a good friend of yours and saved your life. You’ve always felt indebted, wanting to care for his daughter in his stead.

But Hu, loyalty has its price, it can be measured and weighed, a little less with each use. After all these years, you should have repaid that debt."

Sorrow flickered in Hu’s eyes as he spoke softly, "I will personally deal with her."

Luo Mingtang suddenly sighed, "Let it be, give her another chance. Send her to Qingzhou. With Yuan Anjiang’s temperament, once Jiang Mo loses that protective layer, he will definitely send the young man to accompany Ran Qingchen to Qingzhou to investigate Qu Hongling’s murder of the Magistrate. After all, staying in the Capital is a dead end. Whether Shier can prove her innocence is up to her."

"Understood."

Hu breathed a sigh of relief.

After a moment of thought, Luo Mingtang asked, "You told me earlier that Jiang Mo wants to kill Nalan Xie?"

Hu nodded, "He did say so, but I’m not sure if he just used my words to scare Nalan Xie."

Luo Mingtang smiled, "Then let’s give him the opportunity. Although we can’t actively harm Jiang Mo, we can certainly defend ourselves in danger. If Jiang Mo really has the guts to go after Nalan Xie and something happens, they can’t blame us."

"Knock, knock..."

The door to the study was suddenly knocked on.

A tall and graceful matron appeared at the doorway, her eyes red and her face covered with frost.

"Master, I shall take my leave," Hu said as he excused himself.

Once Hu left, the woman entered the study and angrily said, "Master, everyone outside is slandering us, even my husband... he also rebuked me. Aren’t you going to do anything about it?"

Luo Mingtang returned to his seat and said with a smile, "The clean do not need to clean their names, and the dirty cannot wash away theirs. Idle gossip can’t be stopped, let them talk."

This lady, who hailed from a scholarly family and was particularly diligent in observing proper conduct, clearly could not swallow the indignation. She said harshly, "If that’s the case, then I’ll just throw myself into a well!"

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