The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 912 - 203: Clever Calculation

Chapter 912: Chapter 203: Clever Calculation

Fang Li, having figured out his plan, promised Widow Yang that he would take her with him to follow Fang Liuming to his post, where they would enjoy the good life of flavors and luxury, and not have to stay in the Fang household, enduring Lady Yu’s demeanor.

Widow Yang, weakly leaning into his embrace, appeared even paler, adding to her fragile beauty, "I’ll listen to you."

At that moment, Fang Li felt the sense of male pride that Widow Yang had satisfied in him, and he vowed to ensure she would live a good life, wearing brocade silks and eating the most exquisite delicacies.

Widow Yang gently persuaded him to keep their plans from his family for now, as the family would certainly disapprove. After the New Year, they could simply leave with Fang Liuming for his post.

Fang Li nodded as he listened, plotting secretly in his heart.

In truth, Widow Yang didn’t really want to confront Pei Qian; the Fang family had already spread the word that she would go with Fang Liuming to his post, without the need to dutifully serve her in-laws at home. If she and Fang Li went as well, Pei Qian, that venomous and mean little bitch, would certainly make her life difficult and scheme against her.

However, staying in the Fang household meant no access to money, not to mention the insurmountable obstacles of Old Scholar Fang and Grandma Fang. Lady Yu also held the title of principal wife. It would be better to go with Fang Li to Fang Liuming’s post. At least Fang Li did not harbor the same hatred and anger towards his parents and Lady Yu, but he despised Pei Qian deeply. And as a daughter-in-law, what could she do to Fang Li?

As the New Year drew closer, the trouble within the Fang household was quietly spreading from mouth to mouth in secret.

After all, where can you find a wall that does not let the wind through?

Upon hearing the news, Old Pei instructed Pei Wenli to find a way to leak the information to Zhang Shiqian, hoping he would step forward to incriminate Fang Li.

Zhang Shiqian was willing to act, even if it meant shaming Sister Peiqin and her brother. He believed the evidence to be credible, especially since Widow Yang was reportedly pregnant, and so he went straight to the Government Office to accuse Fang Li and Widow Yang of adultery.

Jiang Benxin was intrigued by the fresh gossip. Although Fang Li was lustful, Fang Liuming held a Seventh-rank official title. As Liuming’s father, wouldn’t it be easy for him to desire young and pretty women rather than an old widowed cucumber? And, one who had been widowed in the village for how many years? Nevertheless, Fang Li was still Pei Qin’s uncle by marriage. He sent word to Pei Wendong to see what he should do.

Pei Wendong, already aware of the situation, plainly stated Pei Qin’s wishes: proceed with the investigation.

Jiang Benxin’s eyes flickered for a moment before he ordered his men to fetch Fang Li and Widow Yang.

The arrival of the Government Official in Fang Family Village to detain Fang Li and Widow Yang caused their faces to turn pale with fright.

Fang Liuming stepped out to ask a few questions. Upon hearing they were just being summoned for questioning, he did not inquire further, "It’s just questioning."

But as the questioning went on, they were threatened with the beating. Fang Li kept making eye contact, signalling distress, and wondering who had leaked the information after threatening the villagers into silence. Weren’t they all agreed not to speak out?

Widow Yang immediately blamed Pei Qin, secretly resenting her for saying they should keep this quiet and not let it escalate, allowing them to enter the Government Office and be shamed with beatings. While on one hand she falsely agreed to have them enter, she also administered abortifacient drugs to Widow Yang and leaked the news behind their backs. As Fang Li was Fang Liuming’s father, the Government Office wouldn’t be too harsh, but Widow Yang had just miscarried. Even forty, let alone eighty lashes, would leave her on the brink of death.

Fang Li’s cries of being a "great lord" were useless; summoned by the Government Office, they had to go.

Watching the pair being led away with grim expressions by the Government Official, the villagers immediately started gossiping. If none of them had talked, then who leaked the secret?

Fang Li suspected Pei Qin had a hand in leaking the story, and when he saw Zhang Shiqian as the accuser, he became even more certain.

After Jiang Benxin interrogated them and they both staunchly denied everything, he called for a physician to take Widow Yang’s pulse.

Widow Yang turned deathly pale with fear, seeing Fang Li stubbornly denying the accusations, boasting about wanting to take a concubine, a beauty, showing how little he thought of her as a widow. Her resentment grew deeper. If Fang Li persisted in his refusal to admit anything and tried to distance himself from the situation, the Fang family would surely use this as an opportunity to cast him out and then kill her. If her recent miscarriage was diagnosed, and a widow found with child, those treacherous people with a grudge against her might even put her in a drowning cage...

Jiang Benxin, observing her frightened state and Fang Li’s resentful glances, demanded the truth under the threat of flogging if they didn’t confess.

Widow Yang dared not confess, and kept desperately claiming her innocence.

A Government Official approached with a whip in hand and, stripping off Widow Yang’s cotton-padded jacket, landed thirty solid lashes on her body.

Widow Yang’s cries were pitiful, loudly proclaiming her innocence and claiming she was being framed and targeted.

Fang Li didn’t dare look, only listening to the sound of the whip cutting through the air and Widow Yang’s heart-wrenching screams, which made him even less likely to confess. He feared that after beating Widow Yang, Jiang Benxin might start on him too.

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