Chapter 322: Now It's Getting Serious

The next day, at daybreak, the capital erupted in chaos; on the first day of the New Year, what greeted every household was not spring greetings but explosive news.

Upon hearing these three pieces of news, who still has the mind to celebrate the New Year?

Those who were offering New Year greetings gathered to discuss the matter: the Empress and the Princess became fools, the death of Liu Yuyi and his spouse, and over a hundred dismembered limbs on the streets—each of these three news items made the capital's people shudder.

This is the capital, the world's foothold; in a single night these three shocking incidents occurred—who wouldn't be frightened?

Even the Imperial Palace, a place so strictly guarded, could be entered at will; what about other households? Just thinking about it makes one break into a sweat. Because of this, every family has strengthened its defenses, and even the playboy youths who used to indulge in wine have become much more obedient.

Qiao Mai's family got up, ate breakfast, received the servants' New Year greetings and gave them rewards, and only then rode a carriage to Bichun Garden.

Grandfather and Grandmother also learned of the matter; the two said no idle words, only exchanged a glance.

Wang Zongsheng was the same; only Wang Furen still asked him foolishly.

"Will Lady Qiao's family come today? You haven't started looking down on us just because you became a Prince, have you?"

Wang Zongsheng glared at her and said, "Immediately order the kitchen to prepare a table of fine wine and feast."

In fact, she knew it well in her heart; she was a bit resentful and wanted to spar with Qiao Niang.

Frightened, Wang Furen immediately knelt before Grandfather and said, "Daughter‑in‑law, I was wrong."

"Punish me? Because of a Prince from another surname's family? Does your natal family dare offend?"

"Zhou family, it's not that Zongsheng doesn't want a promotion; our family's estates are all in the north and need protection. The capital is not a place we can stay; with deceit and scheming, sooner or later the Wang family will be doomed. I've told you this countless times—you must conduct yourself modestly—so why have you become like this now?"

"It was always like that,"

Prefect Wang glared at her, walked to the desk, lifted his brush and began writing the Separation Document; he doesn't want a woman so muddled!

"I think your days have been too smooth; if you despise Zongsheng's low rank, you can divorce him by mutual consent and find someone with a higher official position."

"That's not enough; I'll tell you again—if you can't remember, next time we'll just go with the Separation Document. Without her, your daughter would become the capital's laughingstock. She saved Jiaru's marriage; she turned your son from a fool into an appointed court official. For such a great favor, what will you repay? A few coins? Does she lack those? She accepted it to give us peace of mind."

"You!"

Father-in-law had never spoken such harsh words to her; the words she just said to Xianggong were heard by Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, and also by Qiao Niang.

"With a character like hers, if she cannot change, she'll bring disaster upon herself in the future. Do you wish to see her assassinated like this morning's incident, or live out her life peacefully?"

"Fine, we'll wait for you two elders at home,"

"Nonsense. If it weren't for her, perhaps my daughter could marry someone else instead of being confined in the Prince's mansion."

Wang Furen knelt on the ground and cried, "Daughter‑in‑law, seeing Jiaru like this really hurts me; as a mother I can do nothing for her?"

Grandmother sighed and said softly.

"They aren't interested at all; they eat delicacies and spicy foods every day, why would they fancy our home‑cooked meals?"

Wang Zongsheng raised his hand and gave her a hard slap; on the first day of the New Year, Wang Furen took a beating, and he stared coldly at his wife.

"What favor? Care? Do you think, with her abilities, she needs your care? Hmph!"

"On the first day, on the second day I return to my natal home; on the third, fourth, and fifth days I've arranged to meet a few old sisters from the capital for tea."

"Hmm, then I'll give you another chance; if you cause trouble again next time, even if Zongsheng keeps you, we won't be able to keep you."

Wang Zongsheng set down his brush and snorted coldly, "Out of respect for your parents, I'll spare you this time; if it happens again, it won't be a Separation Document but a Divorce Letter."

People are like that: when they see others living better, jealousy arises; when they see others worse off, even impoverished, it can stir their kindness.

Wang Furen was left speechless by Wang Zongsheng's words, and only after a long while managed a reply.

"Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, your words awaken the dreamer; daughter‑in‑law truly knows her mistake,"

"Alright, I know you act this way because of Jiaru's matter, but her character won't change; the Shun Qin Wangfu won't release her. Do you think Qiao Niang is capable enough to alter her nature?"

"Daughter‑in‑law, I was wrong!"

Liu Yuyi died; the Liu family no longer has anyone stronger than him, and Mingren Medical Hall lost this powerful patron and will gradually decline.

The authorities cleared the dismembered limbs from the streets and cleaned the bloodstains, after which silence returned. Although the Liu family filed a report, the Emperor's decree ordered them to handle the deceased's funeral directly.

"Since you think so, I'll write you a Separation Document now; take your dowry and get out of the Wang family."

"Because of the Qiao family's matter, how many times have your mother‑in‑law and your husband told you? Are you a dog that can't stop eating feces, never learning?"

"Yes! Daughter‑in‑law will definitely change."

Wang Furen, seeing him get serious, was so frightened that she immediately knelt on the ground.

"No need; we won't dine at your house. Uncle, Happy New Year."

"Me!"

Qiao Mai turned and smiled at them, "Grandfather, Grandmother, when will you return to the mansion?"

Their family wasn't in a hurry to go home; they wanted to wander around the capital for a while.

"Daughter‑in‑law, daughter‑in‑law"

"Sir, I was wrong; don't write it. I'll go to the kitchen right away to arrange things and make sure the Qiao family is satisfied."

Because of these three incidents, the Emperor directly waived the palace's New Year greetings ceremony; he didn't sleep all night and spent the morning of the first day of the New Year catching up on sleep.

"The Empress and the Princess must have offended someone to become fools; even the royal family can't escape retaliation. What trouble do you think someone like Jiaru would cause once released?"

Behind them, Grandfather and Grandmother glared fiercely at Wang Furen; if it weren't for her, the Qiao family wouldn't have witnessed this spectacle today.

The Wang family's affairs passed like that, and Qiao Mai's family returned home, if not for the palace banquet and the appointment with Jia Mei last night.

"No, no, no, daughter‑in‑law didn't; it was just a momentary outburst,"

"In short, our family first showed her kindness; her behavior toward Jiaru and Zihan is justified."

"You scoundrel, thinking the New Year gifts were insufficient? There were five whole carts of gifts; everything her family had was sent to you. What cold words are you saying?"

But that's a matter for the future; at least it will give Qiao Mai some peace for a while.

He shouted, "Kneel!"

Jia Mei, because of this, reported early to the Empress, and went with her personal maid Momo and guards to Jixiang Yuan.

It was her first time coming alone to the Qiao family; after accompanying Father Emperor once, she had never returned.

Wang Zongsheng glared at her in anger, "If you won't go, crawl back to Weicheng; stop coming here to anger me, you heartless thing."

This truly isn't something human effort can handle; even the emperor is powerless, who could solve the case?

Wang Zongsheng forced an awkward laugh, looking worse than crying, "Happy New Year, Happy New Year,"

"Dream on, I gave you a son and a daughter, and you dare to go for a Divorce by Mutual Consent? I'll return to my natal family and let them deal with you."

Just as she was speaking, Qiao Mai's voice sounded.

"Going or not?"

"I bet everyone from your natal family would fawn over you, right? Only you are clueless, utterly ignorant, just like that little lady of yours."

The whole family paid respects to the two elders and followed Qiao Mai, while the two old gentlemen stayed, sitting down on the chairs.

"How could I be heartless? The silver I've given her over the years still isn't enough?"

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang abruptly lifted her head to stare at the mother‑in‑law, and the elderly lady continued speaking.

The streets and alleys remained as they were; there was no lockdown or searches because of those three news reports.

Her upbringing is excellent; if the fiancé's family didn't actively invite her, she wouldn't come.

This time she came not empty‑handed, bringing a fair number of gifts.

Upon entering, she was very gentle toward the Qiao Family's servants; not to mention Qiao Mai, even Yuan Jiaqi was quite pleased with this daughter‑in‑law.

Ling'er saw her and shouted loudly, "Is the elder sister‑in‑law here?"

(End of chapter)