Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 1025: Use the Other’s Way to Give Them a Taste of Their Own Medicine (2)

Chapter 1025: Chapter 1025: Use the Other’s Way to Give Them a Taste of Their Own Medicine (2)

Just as Xiao Ruiyuan had predicted, the very next day, Emperor Huian learned the truth of the matter. Not only did he severely punish the Imperial Censor who had submitted a report without investigating the truth, but he also ordered Jingzhao Yin to quell the rumors within the city.

Jingzhao Yin did not dare to take the matter lightly and quickly commanded his underlings to plaster clarifying notices all over Jing City, explicitly stating that if anyone dared to spread rumors about Rui Beasts scaring people to death, they would, upon capture, receive a minimum of thirty lashes and at most ten years of penal labour.

The Court’s actions proved incredibly effective, and within a day, the rumors had vanished. People, who had been made anxious by the misinformation, were now reassured and willing to believe that the wild beasts—which neither bit nor scared anyone to death—were auspicious Rui Beasts bestowed by the heavens.

Even if there were those with darker inclinations who doubted the Court’s impartiality and suspected a cover-up in favor of Mo Yan, they only dared to grumble a few words within their own homes.

However, no sooner had one wave of commotion settled than another arose. That very afternoon, new rumors targeted Princess Hejia, this time accusing her of being unfilial and unvirtuous!

The Mid-Autumn Festival was meant to be a day for family reunions. What did it mean when a bride-to-be enticed her betrothed to engage in intimacies, leaving the future parents-in-law out in the cold? Even a married daughter-in-law was expected to spend the day in her husband’s home, accompanying him in filial duty to his parents, letting them revel in family harmony.

Yet, who could have imagined that Princess Hejia, personally appointed by The Emperor, would, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, shamelessly seduce General Xiao to spend the holiday at her home for her company, causing Lord Wei Yuan and Lady Marquis to wait fruitlessly well into the night.

In no time at all, the rumors of Princess Hejia’s unfilial and unvirtuous behavior spread through every street and alley. This time, tinged with a hint of scandal, the gossip proved even more sensational than the tale of Rui Beasts frightening dozens to death.

Inside the hall of an ordinary teahouse packed with citizens chatting over tea, gossip was unavoidable wherever people gathered. At this moment, the crowd was drawn to one table, captivated by a portly man in the center revealing the inside story of the hottest rumor.

"It’s said that Lord Wei Yuan waited up until the late night for his son, General Xiao to return home and couldn’t help but voice a few complaints. This led to an argument between him and General Xiao. Overcome with anger, Lord Wei Yuan said to General Xiao, ’Once you’ve got a wife, you forget your father.’ General Xiao, outraged on behalf of his beloved, quarreled with Lord Wei Yuan. Infuriated, Lord Wei Yuan called for a doctor that very night and has been bedridden all day," the portly man exclaimed with dramatic gestures, appearing as though he had witnessed and heard everything firsthand.

"Is that so... Lord Wei Yuan is, after all, General Xiao’s biological father. Could General Xiao really argue with his own father over a woman?" Someone immediately raised doubts, seemingly defending Xiao Ruiyuan while concealing their own scheming.

"Heh, why couldn’t they argue? If you knew what’s really going on, you wouldn’t ask that," the portly man teased, deliberately being mysterious. Seeing the others eagerly turning their attention to him and pressing him for details, he felt waves of satisfaction.

"The inside story? What inside story? Just spit it out!"

"Exactly, it’s so dull to only tell half the story."

"..."

The audience, seeing the portly man fall silent, prompted him eagerly.

"Hey, hey, what’s the rush? I’m about to tell you, aren’t I?" The portly man, after soaking up all the attention of the audience, finally began to speak: "My cousin’s wife’s aunt’s cousin’s brother-in-law is fortunate enough to work at Lord Wei Yuan House, and he personally saw General Xiao return at Zi Hour last night. Then, General Xiao started arguing with Lord Wei Yuan and Lady Marquis Weiyuan! You might not know this, but Lady Marquis Weiyuan is Lord Wei Yuan’s second wife, not General Xiao’s birth mother. General Xiao has never liked this stepmother, either mocking her coldly or plainly ignoring her. Because of her, Lord Wei Yuan and General Xiao have argued frequently, and every time Lady Marquis tried to mediate and prevent discord over her between the father and son, General Xiao would ruthlessly rebuke her. Lady Marquis Weiyuan has often wept in secret over this. If it were me, I would weep too. Being a stepmother is not easy!"