The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 142: A Life Lost, Morality Shattered

Chapter 142: A Life Lost, Morality Shattered

The next morning, the servants discovered that the heir had passed away in his bed, his eyes bulging and his face turning purple.

The Lord of Jin, who doted on his legitimate son, had always shielded him from any misdeeds.

Now, with his son’s sudden death, the Lord was overwhelmed with grief.

When the household staff wanted to prepare the heir’s body for burial, the Lord, upon awakening, drove them all away.

He stared at the fallen talismans on the ground, his eyes filled with anger.

"Chu Nanli! Your talismans were utterly useless! You owe me my son’s life!" he shouted, demanding that his son be placed in the coffin.

Unable to swallow this indignation, he carried the coffin and went to block the gates of the Anyang Marquis Mansion.

Despite the cold winter and the swirling snow, the common people never missed a lively spectacle.

The Lord’s household staff shouted loudly, "Chu Nanli, you incompetent fool, you have caused a loss of life and abandoned all morality!" The voices were loud and continuous.

Not only the common people, even the dignitaries living on this street gathered to see what was happening.

The people in the Anyang Marquis’s residence naturally heard the commotion outside.

As the gates opened, Chu Hanlin and Lady Shen led a group of people out, with Nanli following behind.

The Lord of Jin’s face was filled with sorrow, and upon seeing Nanli, he quickly stepped forward, seemingly wanting to grab her and make her pay for his son’s life.

Chu Hanlin’s expression turned cold as he intervened.

"Lord of Jin, you insulted my daughter, and now you want to act recklessly?" Lady Shen, who was usually delicate, stood by his side without flinching.

The Lord of Jin coldly said, "Your daughter’s talismans were of no use. They killed my son, and she should pay with her life!"

Everyone in the capital knew that Miss Chu, the sixth young lady of the Chu family, had spent time in a Taoist temple and was proficient in Taoist arts.

She had even saved the current emperor several times. Moreover, she had opened a shop specializing in selling talismans.

To say that her talismans were useless, could it be that Chu Nanli had been deceiving people all along?

Did she not possess any real talent or knowledge?

Chu Hanlin was filled with anger and wanted to retort.

However, Nanli stepped forward, her cheeks rosy and her expression indifferent. "I remember that when you brought your son to my shop, I did not draw any talismans for sale."

"You didn’t draw any talismans at that time, but I asked someone to help me buy your talismans!" the Lord of Jin said, then took out the remaining talismans and asked Nanli to take a good look.

"These are the talismans you drew, and they were completely useless!"

Nanli glanced casually and realized that the exorcism talisman was probably drawn by a third-rate Taoist priest.

It had some effect, but it couldn’t withstand someone like the Lord of Jin’s son, who was entangled with evil spirits.

"Lord of Jin, these talismans were not drawn by me. I don’t know who you asked for help, but I can tell you that you have been deceived," Nanli said.

Of course, the Lord of Jin didn’t believe her and said, "Now that my son is dead, of course, you won’t admit it. Seize her!" He had brought many guards with him.

At his command, they all rushed forward.

Chu Hanlin also wanted to call for help, but someone was faster than him.

The sound of horse hooves echoed through the street, sending shivers down everyone’s spines.

Ye Siheng had arrived, accompanied by his Black Armor Guards, fully equipped.

The common people automatically made way, and the guards from the Lord of Jin’s residence were forced to retreat.

Ye Siheng’s eyes were pitch black, devoid of any emotion, as he coldly said, "Lord of Jin, dare you lay hands on my people?"

The Black Armor Guards looked fierce and menacing, their hands resting on their swords at their waists.

It seemed that if Ye Siheng uttered a single word, they would draw their swords and kill all the guards from the Lord of Jin’s residence.

The Lord of Jin swallowed his saliva, but having rolled in the court, he wasn’t so easily intimidated by Ye Siheng that he couldn’t utter a word.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Ninth Prince, I only want to invite Miss Chu to clarify things in front of the emperor!"

"You are quick to accuse without verifying the truth, and you would bring your complaint before our royal brother?" Ye Siheng remained atop his horse, looking down with disdain.

"Allow me to enlighten you. The Lady Yan, whom you entrusted, did not acquire the talisman for A’li. Instead, she sought the favor of the personnel from the Lord of Jin’s residence and went to Sanqing Temple outside the city to seek a love talisman."

Is the truth truly as such?

The Ninth Prince is revered in their hearts, and his words are naturally deemed trustworthy.

The commoners glanced at each other, suppressing their laughter.

Who would dare to visit Sanqing Temple now?

Even a Daoist priest from a small local temple would be more skilled at crafting talismans than those from Sanqing Temple.

The Lord of Jin’s anger flared, but he remained unconvinced, pointing at Ye Siheng with trembling fingers.

"How is this possible? Surely, you art attempting to absolve your betrothed!"

"Whether it is so or not, the Lord of Jin can send someone to inquire at Sanqing Temple to ascertain the truth," Ye Siheng replied with an increasingly indifferent expression.

At this moment, Lady Shen also spoke up. "Indeed, my cousin did come to request a talisman yesterday, but my daughter refused her without hesitation. Lord of Jin, you has come early in the morning to block our door, bringing such ill fortune. If this reaches the Emperor’s ears, how wilt you explain yourself?"

The Lord of Jin clenched his fist, contemplating a visit to the Yan’s residence for a clear answer.

Ye Siheng tugged at the corner of his mouth, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"Lord of Jin, they merely provided you with useless talismans, but they never harmed the young master. What can you do? Even if you were to report this to our royal brother, your son has already perished. It would be best for you to swiftly return with the young master and arrange a grand funeral."

Nanli couldn’t help but glance at Ye Siheng.

So, he possessed such a sharp tongue.

Indeed, the Lord of Jin was seething with anger, nearly spewing out a mouthful of blood.

Fortunately, his attendants supported him and administered a heart-stabilizing pill, preventing him from fainting in public.

The Lord of Jin stared at Nanli with a deathly gaze, gritting his teeth.

"Nanli, you can’t not escape blame! If you had drawn the talisman, my son would not have died!"

"Evil spirits were afflicting him, and his life was nearing its end. I would not defy the heavens," Nanli met his gaze directly.

"You are speaking nonsense!" the Lord of Jin retorted.

"You are so righteous in your words. But if your parents, your elder brother, or even the Ninth Prince were plagued by evil spirits, nearing their demise, wouldst you save them or not?"

All eyes were fixed on Nanli, eager to know her answer.

"They would not commit wicked deeds, and thus, evil spirits would not afflict their lives. Even if they did, I would not defy the heavens and go against fate," Nanli replied solemnly.

Chu Hanlin and Lady Shen both breathed a sigh of relief.

If their son had done wrong, they would guide him, rather than burdening their daughter with everything.

Seeing her unwavering response, the Lord of Jin choked on his words, unable to retort.

Furthermore, Nanli continued, "Lord of Jin, you has indulged your son in his misdeeds. Now, the laws of karma are simply taking their course. I advise you to take it as a lesson, rather than harboring thoughts of revenge and causing harm to others and yourself."

The Lord of Jin clenched his teeth.

Indeed, he couldn’t accuse Lady Yan and her son openly, but he could secretly manipulate events, ensuring they would not see the light of another day!

However, when hatred takes root in one’s heart, it is often impervious to advice.

Nanli had spoken her piece.

The consequences were sown by Lady Yan and her son, and regardless of the outcome, they would have to bear it.

Ye Siheng dismissed his Black Armor Guards, remarking that since he had "rarely" visited the Anyang Marquis’s residence, he naturally ought to enjoy a cup of tea.