Madam Qi watched as the room was thrown into disarray, with Madam Cens servants and maids scurrying about, carrying large and small bundles. Some trunks and chests that were easy to carry had already been moved out into the courtyard. Peony was also being helped by someone to wash her face and dress up in fine clothes, with her hair styled and adorned with ornaments, looking as if she was preparing to go out. Madam Qi couldnt help but ask urgently: "Whats going on here?"

  "Madam Qians face sank as she said, What are you doing? Dont you understand yet? The He family hasnt died out yet, and we wont just stand by and watch our daughter be abused to death without taking action. Im taking her back home now. Later, my family will slowly discuss the matter with your family, take care of what needs to be taken care of, and from then on, the two families will have nothing to do with each other."

  Madam Qis heart skipped a beat, and she hastily stepped forward to intercept Madam Cen: "Sister-in-law! Werent things fine just now? How did it suddenly come to this point? There must be some misunderstanding here. Lets talk things over calmly, dont be impulsive! This isnt a trivial matter, its the lifelong affair of our children, and we cant afford to let emotions get in the way!"

  Madam Cen had already harbored thoughts of separation and naturally would no longer speak kindly to her, nor bother to curry favor. She coldly smiled and said: "What misunderstanding? Is it that Liu Cheng has not beaten or scolded Dan Niang in the past three years, but instead has always been loving and respectful, never having an affair with Qing Hua Countys mistress, publicly humiliating Dan Niang? Or is it that your family has treated Dan Niang with all their heart, never speaking coldly to her, nor treating her harshly? Or is it that you, as her mother-in-law, have been extremely loving and considerate towards her?

  "All the way here, I only saw that your familys servants dont treat Dan Niang as their master, being lazy and slow in front of her, and cursing and despising her behind her back. What kind of time is this? She cant even eat dinner or breakfast, and when shes ill, not a single doctor comes to visit. Ive only seen the most ignorant and stingy families of common people treat their daughter-in-law like this. This young woman is just the wife of a merchant, and hasnt read as many books as you have, nor does she understand as much as you do, yet youre explaining things to her and clearing up misunderstandings - wheres the misunderstanding here?"

  Not even relatives are called. If its said in detail, this mistake is all on our own familys body, returning money is a small matter, what if that ugly thing is exposed? Mrs. Qi was so anxious that she had a fine sweat on her head, but only dryly smiled: "Really misunderstood, how about we slowly explain?" Seeing that Mrs. Cen didnt respond, she turned to look at Ms. Xue: "Good child, you persuade your mother-in-law, since ancient times, its always been better to demolish a temple than to demolish a marriage, persuading reconciliation not separation, who in their youth wont make mistakes? The sage has said, knowing ones mistake and being able to change is the greatest virtue, I guarantee that Zichu will never do it again!

  Xue Shi had just seen his mother-in-laws ugly face and didnt dare to be the first to speak, so he just smiled bitterly and looked at Peony.

  Madam Qi gazed at Peony, but saw that she was sitting in front of the mirror, carefully selecting a crimson lip balm from a jade box and applying it to her lips with utmost concentration, as if the outside commotion had nothing to do with her.

  Madam Qi was so angry that she couldnt catch her breath. Just now, Madam Cen had already been persuaded by herself and was about to turn a big deal into a small one, but after talking with her for a while, she suddenly changed her mind. What kind of ghost is this? Is it borrowing the opportunity to raise its own value and venting its anger? As soon as I thought of this, I rushed to Peonys side in large strides and raised my voice sternly: "Dan Niang!"

  Peony was startled, her hand trembled, and she applied lipstick beyond the boundary. Dissatisfied, she picked up a fine white handkerchief to wipe it off, turned around, and looked at Madame Qi, saying: "What advice does the lady have?"

  Not even calling out for her mother? Youre a sly and vicious one, He Mudan! The gentle and timid appearance youve been putting on all this time was just an act. Youre as cunning and hateful as can be, and utterly detestable! Madame Qi pointed at Mudan, her anger flaring up like a raging fire, gritting her teeth in rage for a moment before thinking to herself: Whats the point of speaking softly now? Ill deal with you later!

  Then, she suddenly withdrew her hand and changed her expression to a smile: "Dan Niang, whats going on? You were fine just now, how could you suddenly say such frightening things? Cant you advise your mother? Teeth will still bite the tongue, young couples will have their ups and downs, where wont they have some conflicts? Dont let a moment of anger ruin your whole life! If Zi Shu did something wrong, Ill make him apologize to you, we can still live in harmony, okay?"

  Peony has been here for more than half a year, and when she has nothing to do, she thinks about the temperaments of Madam Qi and Liu Chuan, Liu Chengcai and their family of three. How could she not know that Madam Qi is hypocritical, smiling while hiding a knife, and is best at deceiving people? At this time, she smiled and said: "Thank you, madam, for your kindness. Peonys talent and beauty are not worthy of the young master of the noble family, nor do I want to be the one who separates lovers and makes people dislike me. Today, I take the initiative to leave, and in the future, when the young master and the princess get married, they will also remember my kindness and say that I have accumulated virtue and done good deeds."

  Madam Qi still refused to believe that Peony was truly seeking a divorce, thinking she was just trying to raise her value, and impatiently said: "Dan Niang, I admit that previously I have been neglectful of you, not taking good care of you, and Zi Shu also has his wrongdoings, letting you suffer grievances. Now that your family members are here, just tell us what you want in order to calm down, we will try our best to do it. Dont mention that divorce and returning home nonsense, the more you talk about it, the more likely it is to become a reality, and once it does, youll regret it."

  She thought she had already humbled herself, saying all the good things she could say, but her tone and expression were still arrogant and disdainful, as if bestowing a favor, with an underlying threat.

  The peony couldnt help but laugh, and the mother and son were indeed worthy of being a mother and son, but they were overly confident. What made them so certain that they could just get angry and take their cards? Was it because of the Liu familys power and status? Or was it because Liu Chuan was young and handsome? Or was it because He Mudan was sentimental, weak, and kind-hearted?

  Madam Qi found the smile on Peonys face extremely piercing, it was the first time she saw such an expression on her. In a sudden turn of mind, she burst out laughing coldly and shouted: "Hold on! Dont rush to move things, Ive never heard of the brides family suddenly coming to the grooms house to move things! This is called open robbery, do you know? Whoever dares to move anything in this room again will be taken to see the official!"

  Everyone in the He family stopped what they were doing and turned their heads to look at Mrs. Cen.

  Is this going to be tough? Madame Cui calmly adjusted the silver hairpin with four butterflies and amber inlays on her peony-shaped bun, narrowed her eyes to take a close look, and said nonchalantly: "Want to see the official? Just right, lets get it all done at once. Dan Niang, where is your dowry list?"

  Mrs. Lin immediately took out a piece of paper from a small sandalwood box and smiled: "Madam, its all here."

  Madam Cen smiled: "Oh, I remember theres one more thing that wasnt written on the dowry list. Would you like me to have someone bring it back from home for your inspection?"

  Thats not written on the dowry list, its that money, of course. Mrs. Qi was so angry that she trembled with rage. She knew that dealing with these unscrupulous merchants would bring no good. Look, look, at a critical moment, they exposed her shortcomings! In the first place, it was agreed that the matter would never be mentioned again. Even if its time to settle accounts, how can you mention it in front of so many people?

  "In the rush, things cant be packed properly. Lets go back first and trouble you, madam, to help us pack some of these bulky items. Well send someone later to move them." Mrs. Xian looked at Mrs. Qi with disdain, thinking that she was used to being arrogant and bossing her own husband around, so she thought she was invincible and everyone should give in to her. She had seen many officials wives like this before. They were just like paper dolls, easily deflated with a slight poke."

  Madam Qi had never suffered such humiliation before, how could she bow her head? She was so angry that she clenched her fists tightly, gritted her teeth, and turned pale with rage, trembling uncontrollably. Seeing her face looked really too awful, Old Madame Zhu hastily whispered: "Madam, why not go invite Master to come over?"

  Madam Qi was suddenly awakened and thought to herself, "How could I be so muddled?" This was just the plan of Madam Xun and her daughter, and they hadnt even gotten the agreement of the He family men yet. What was she competing with her for? She hastily pushed Zhen Mama away and said in a low voice, "Hurry up and go! Have someone close the second gate tightly for me, dont let anyone out!"

  Madam Zhu was summoned, and she left in a hurry. As soon as she arrived at the entrance of the courtyard, she saw a group of onlookers gathered around the door, with Biyu and Xiansu standing at the front. Yuer and Yutong themselves were not present, but their attendants were peeking out from a distance. Madam Zhus face sank, and she coldly smiled at Biyu, saying: "Are you here to report something to the mistress? The mistress is inside, Ill help you announce your presence?"

  Biyu was startled and hastily said, "No, no, its just that I heard the young mistress is ill, so my sisters and I came to visit her together." As she spoke, she quickly walked away. With her leading the way, the crowd immediately dispersed.

  Zhus mother-in-law continued to walk away with her head held high and her chest out, and as soon as she was far enough away, the crowd immediately popped their heads back out from behind the flower bushes, rocks, and trees, stretching their necks to peek into Peonys courtyard and perking up their ears to catch any suspicious sounds coming from inside.

  "Look, I knew she would be abandoned sooner or later."

  Xian Su said disdainfully: "Cant you see? This isnt being abandoned, but rather not being allowed to leave." Remembering something, she smiled at Bi Yu: "I suppose you must be the happiest one now. From now on, no one will be able to surpass you."

  Biqiu let out a cold hum and turned her head back to continue looking inside, sighing: "Tsk, so many chests..."

  Aunt Zhu is gone, she must have invited the old master and young master to come, this place cant be stayed, Xian Su tilted her head and thought for a moment, then quietly slipped away.

  Liu Changan had just entered the gate when he was informed that someone from the He family had arrived. Because he was accompanying Dr. Zhu, he was asked to go and speak with Liu Chengcai first, after Dr. Zhu had taken the pulse of the Dan Pavilion. As soon as he entered the second gate, he saw Old Lady Zhu rushing forward like a gust of wind, scolding people as she walked, causing everyone to scatter in all directions. Unhappy at heart, he asked: "Where is the old lady going?"

  Madam Zhus face lit up with joy as soon as she saw him, and she hastily stood aside with her hands hanging down, saying: "Young Master, youve come at just the right time, I have something to report to you."

  Liu Chang hurriedly bowed and apologized to Imperial Physician Zhao, then walked aside and asked, "Whats the matter?"

  "Congratulations, young master!" said Zhus wife with a smile.

  [bookid=1736421,bookname="Joyful Gate"][bookid=1296881,bookname="Heavy Flower Shadows"][bookid=1421817,bookname="Leftover Woman is Not Virtuous"][bookid=1589709,bookname="Heavenly Clothes are Seductive"]