For the first time in his life, Sheng Hong had become the center of attention in court, yet he was far from happy. His heart had gone cold.
More than ten censorial officials and other court officials had impeached him, with dozens more voicing their support. He had felt as though the sky were falling. Though he had not been punished in court, he had stormed home in a rage.
He went straight to Wang Ruofu's courtyard and erupted, "Look what you've done! You're trying to destroy the Sheng Family and kill Hualan!"
Wang Ruofu had no idea what he meant. "What are you talking about, my lord? What have I done? How could I possibly harm the Sheng Family or Hualan?"
"Usury! Usury!" Sheng Hong slapped the table furiously. "You, the wife of an official, dared to lend money at usurious rates in private! Today in court, more than ten men impeached our Sheng Family, your Wang Family, and that Kang Family. Dozens supported them, and the ministers all condemned us. They demanded that His Majesty investigate and punish us according to the law. They even impeached Ziyan, saying he was unworthy of his position and should be stripped of his post as Left Patrol Commissioner.
His Majesty summoned Ziyan to the Government Affairs Hall in court. Right now, His Majesty and all the ministers are holding him accountable there. Tell me, what have you done? Huh? I struggled for more than ten years, walking on eggshells, just to reach my current position. Ziyan has an immense future ahead of him, with the talent to serve as a grand minister. Hualan and Shulan are both pregnant and close to giving birth. If both our families are demoted now, will Hualan even survive?
You had a considerable dowry to begin