Chapter 270: Thrown into the Lake
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Mingzhu frowned as she looked at Zhou Nushi kneeling before her.
If she remembered correctly, the first time she saw Zhou Nushi, Zhou Nushi referred to herself as “this concubine.” That was correct; Zhou Nushi’s status was different, with a rank bestowed by the late emperor, and her seniority and status were high. It was appropriate for her to refer to herself as “this concubine.”
Later, when she went to the northern garden to demonstrate her authority, Zhou Nushi stepped back in front of her and humbly referred to herself as “this maidservant.” She was very humble and submissive. Now, Zhou Nushi, who was accused of instructing her maid to harm someone, refused to be humble again and once again referred to herself as “this concubine.”
This meant that Zhou Nushi’s attitude had become more firm. Was it because she found no way out, so she didn’t want to retreat anymore? Did this mean that today she would witness a good show? Mingzhu picked up her wine glass, took a sip, and cast her gaze to the others.
Ping Nushi covered half of her face with the fan, revealing only a pair of eyes. She looked at Zhou Nushi, her eyes full of hidden resentment, and said sarcastically, “There’s another thing I must inform Your Highness and Your Majesty about. Earlier, when this servant’s maid Ai Cao entered the Xianyin Troupe, she saw Liansheng sneak into the attic where the troupe rested and applied makeup, handing something to that Qiuwen and chatting with her for a while.
Yes, Qiuwen didn’t look like this back then. It’s evident that someone is playing both sides, with sinister intentions. This maidservant shouldn’t have told Zhou Nushi about this matter, or else Ai Cao’s life would have been in danger. These things can be verified. If Your Highness and Your Majesty don’t believe it, you can send someone to investigate.”
Ai Cao added, “Because of what happened, this servant became suspicious. When I saw Liansheng acting suspiciously again and going out, I was worried she would play tricks again, which would harm the mansion, so I secretly followed her. Who knew that when we got to the lake, she suddenly disappeared, and then she suddenly popped up and pushed me into the lake. It’s evident that she and her maid were trying to silence someone, there must be something fishy going on.”
Yuwen Chu remained indifferent and asked Zhou Nushi, “Do you have anything to say?”
It seemed that today’s events were hard to resolve. Zhou Nushi sighed and looked straight ahead, speaking resolutely, “Today’s banquet was proposed by this concubine, and the Xianyin Troupe was invited by this concubine. The performance was also arranged by this concubine in advance. Regardless of what happened, Liansheng is also this concubine’s person. If she’s at fault, this concubine can’t escape the blame for failing to discipline her… However, the pure are clear, and the impure are murky. This concubine didn’t harbor any ill intentions and didn’t have the courage, let alone the stupidity, to instruct her to harm the Wangfei and displease Your Majesty. But after such an unexpected incident, which embarrassed Your Highness and Your Majesty, this concubine should bear the responsibility.”
This confession was somewhat ambiguous. It sounded like Zhou Nushi was trying to salvage the situation out of consideration for the overall situation, which was quite pitiful. Even if she was punished, it wouldn’t be convincing. Just as Mingzhu was about to speak, Yuwen Chu pressed her hand down, looking at Zhou Nushi coldly, “So, what punishment do you think you should receive?”
“Whatever punishment Your Highness and Your Majesty decide, this servant will not object.” Zhou Nushi replied decisively, looking straight ahead, showing no signs of fear or retreat.
Seeing that she showed no signs of backing down, Mingzhu also felt a bit angry. Was it because she knew she was different in front of Yuwen Chu, so she was so bold and unafraid of punishment? Even her defense lacked sincerity, what was she relying on? A sour feeling arose in Mingzhu’s heart, like ants gnawing, sour and painful, making her very unhappy. She knew this was jealousy, real jealousy. She was jealous of Zhou Nushi and Yuwen Chu’s past, jealous that they had the eldest son of the Ying Wang Mansion in their previous life.
Although she knew that all those things happened before she was involved, her jealousy was really unreasonable. Mingzhu’s face darkened, she snorted, and turned her face away, impatiently not wanting to look at Zhou Nushi’s appearance anymore. She muttered under her breath, “So dramatic!”
Yuwen Chu understood Mingzhu’s meaning and looked at her, seeing her pouting high, looking unhappy. He knew she was jealous again, and couldn’t help but find it funny and sweet. He reached under the table and quietly held her hand, still with a stern face, “Since Zhou Nushi is so understanding, this Wang will fulfill your wish.”
Zhou Nushi trembled slightly and stubbornly raised her head to look at Yuwen Chu, tears shimmering in her eyes. Her features were delicate and weak, looking really pitiful. Before, when he saw Zhou Nushi pretending to be like this, he thought she was very dignified and elegant. It turns out that compared to pretending to be like Ping Nushi, who is so open and straightforward, she was more disgusting! Mingzhu couldn’t bear to watch any longer, she was angry, snorted again, and even kicked Yuwen Chu under the table.
It seems that after saying that she liked him, she was jealous differently from before. Before, it was more about not allowing others to touch her things and people, so there was an element of acting in her jealousy. Now it was sour without borders, and even her eyes were red with grievances. If she didn’t want to save face for herself, she would probably throw things to vent her anger at Zhou Nushi, right?
Yuwen Chu almost laughed out loud, but he held it in, looked at Wei Tiande coldly, and said, “Since Zhou Fuyan did not deny the accusations made by Ping Nushi’s maid, it confirms her guilt. Leaving aside the matter of Qiuwen for now, just the act of her maid committing violence and pushing someone into the water, nearly causing loss of life, is a grave crime. Even though no one died, the crime is still severe. Throw both her and her maid into the lake!”
“Huh! What’s going on?!” Mingzhu blinked rapidly and quickly turned her face to look at Yuwen Chu. She still hadn’t figured out what was happening. How could Yuwen Chu just throw Zhou Nushi and her maid into the lake based on Ping Nushi’s unfounded accusations? Yuwen Chu wasn’t someone who acted impulsively like this.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Yuwen Chu asked seriously, “Does the Wangfei have something to say?”
Just moments ago, Mingzhu had wanted to beat Zhou Nushi, but now she felt uneasy. After hesitating for a while, she whispered, “Um, shouldn’t we investigate before throwing them in? They came forward voluntarily, so they should be punished, but we shouldn’t let the real culprit go free.”
Yuwen Chu responded, “She’s guilty! She deserves it!”
At that moment, Li Quanxin walked up and whispered, “Qiuwen said that it was indeed Liansheng who instructed her to dress like this. It was said that by doing so, she could please Your Highness and the Wangfei and receive many rewards.”
Mingzhu had nothing to say but still felt doubtful. In her impression, Zhou Nushi shouldn’t be so foolish.
Yuwen Chu whispered, “Just watch and don’t interfere, don’t rush.”
Seeing the two of them whispering, Zhou Nushi couldn’t help but look desolate. She tightly pressed her lips together, and two tears fell heavily on the ground. However, Yuwen Chu acted as if he hadn’t seen it and glanced at Wei Tiande, saying, “What are you waiting for?”
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