Old Madam Cui turned her gaze to Cui Yunchu. In full view of the public, everyone saw it?
Naturally. Aside from my Wanting, there was also the Li family's daughter, Madam Liu said, her chin raised slightly, full of certainty.
Old Madam Cui said, Yunchu...
To answer Grandmother, what Madam Liu says is pure nonsense. Who among the young ladies in the capital doesn't know that Miss Liu and Miss Li are close friends? How can her words be counted as proof? She alone only has two eyes, so how does that count as being in full view of the public?
Hearing this, Madam Liu immediately retorted angrily, First Miss Cui, you ordered people to press my daughter into a slop bucket. Is that also nonsense?
Madam Liu was imposing and aggressive, her face looking exceedingly ugly.
Tang Qingwan, who knew the truth, remained calm upon hearing this, but Cui Yunfeng and Old Madam Cui both looked at Cui Yunchu in unison.
Especially Cui Yunfeng, whose face showed a trace of disbelief mixed with a bit of being touched, her eyes turning slightly red. Eldest Sister.
Cui Yunchu patted her hand.
Old Madam Cui quickly composed her expression. Suppressing her amusement, she asked in a deep voice, Yunchu, did such a thing happen?
My daughter's filthy dress is still there, and as for Miss Li, she was carried back to her estate unconscious. How can you deny it? Madam Liu said angrily.
Yes... such a thing did happen. Cui Yunchu nodded in admission. Just as Madam Liu pointed her finger to condemn her, Cui Yunchu changed the subject, But the one who gave the order was His Highness Prince An. I was merely a bystander. What does it have to do with me?
Madam Liu glared at Cui Yunchu. Before she could speak, Cui Yunchu coughed lightly, clutched her chest, and began her performance.
Grandmother, do you remember when your granddaughter said earlier that she was frightened and feeling unwell?
Old Madam Cui nodded, naturally cooperating perfectly.
Today, knowing that His Highness Prince An went to the restaurant, your granddaughter specially went there... Cui Yunchu stopped halfway, hesitating to speak further.
But who in the imperial capital did not know of her antics? She must have eagerly run over to seduce His Highness Prince An. Madam Liu's eyes immediately revealed contempt.
Then Cui Yunchu continued, Your granddaughter doesn't know how she offended Prince An, or perhaps he was just in a bad mood, but he said he was going to drown me. I was terrified. Then Miss Liu and Miss Li suddenly barged in for some unknown reason, and Prince An ordered his men to press the two of them in.
Grandmother, Cui Yunchu ran up to the main seat in a few steps, took Old Madam Cui's arm, and stammered pitifully, You don't know, your granddaughter was nearly scared to death today.
Good child, don't be afraid. Grandmother is here. Old Madam Cui stroked Cui Yunchu's back continuously. Even though she knew the girl was faking it, she still comforted her softly.
Mhm... Cui Yunchu sniffled, looking utterly pathetic. She was already beautiful and delicate, and she was used to putting on airs. Her act actually made Madam Liu somewhat doubt the truth of the matter.
Madam Liu, you have heard the whole story, Old Madam Cui said coldly. I won't hold it against you for recklessly accusing my granddaughter today. As long as you apologize to our Yunchu, we will consider this matter closed.
Madam Liu was speechless.
She had come to demand an explanation, so how did it turn into her having to apologize?
Looking at Cui Yunchu again, she was leaning into the old madam's embrace, crying pitifully like pear blossoms bathed in rain, truly looking as if her soul had been frightened out of her body.
You... you... Madam Liu clutched her chest in anger, her breathing heavy.
Madam Liu, our old madam is magnanimous. Just apologize, and we can all get along harmoniously, and let it go, Nanny Li said as she served Madam Liu a cup of tea.
Cui Yunchu added, Yes, Madam Liu. Considering that Lord Liu and my father serve as officials in the same court, Yunchu will not hold a grudge.
Tang Qingwan, who had been silent all along, also spoke up. Miss Liu hasn't entered the Crown Prince's estate yet. Madam Liu probably wouldn't want everyone to know and gossip that the Crown Prince's secondary consort has such a muddleheaded mother who twists the truth and falsely accuses others, right?
Cousin, Cui Yunfeng said in a dark tone. As you said, Miss Liu is the future secondary consort of the Crown Prince, and you are the future Crown Princess bestowed by the Emperor. Perhaps today's scene was directed and acted out by Madam Liu herself to smear your name.
Caught in the middle, Madam Liu was bombarded by their words one after another. It felt as if countless hands were pushing and shoving her back and forth, and the demonic voices spewing from their mouths threatened to pierce her eardrums.
With a loud crash, Madam Liu smashed the teacup on the table, which finally stopped the ringing in her ears. She was so angry that her vision went dark, and her voice trembled.
You, you... the Cui family, you go too far! I... I will definitely explain this to Her Majesty the Empress and get justice for my daughter. Just you wait!
With a flick of her sleeves, she hurriedly left the Pine Crane Garden supported by her maid.
The hall was quiet for a moment. Once Madam Liu had gone far, Cui Yunfeng let out a low chuckle, then said tearfully to Cui Yunchu, Eldest Sister, thank you for venting my anger for me.
Cui Yunchu frowned and immediately pulled her hand back. Hurry up and wipe your tears, it's quite disgusting.
... Cui Yunfeng's warm smile froze on her lips.
Tang Qingwan looked at the two sisters with a smile. Old Madam Cui glanced at them and said, It was also foolishness. How can young ladies use such underhanded tricks?
It's better to be a bit underhanded, Tang Qingwan replied softly. This way, she will be afraid, she will be wary, and she won't dare to provoke us.
