Zhao Jingli Arrived
Hearing this, the second wife was seething with hatred. Even if she went to the old lady to complain, what good would it do? Weren't the old lady and the first wife in cahoots?
"Law is no exception to human sentiment. Even the laws of the land are not immune to human considerations. When did our Marquis's mansion ever enforce the rules so strictly? Is it possible that you, sister-in-law, are bullying us like this because we are a concubine's branch of the family?"
Unable to argue with the First Madam, Lady Wei simply pinned a heavy label on her.
"Even princes are subject to the same laws as commoners. Qingliu just a maid in this household, yet the Second Madam elevates her above even a prince, allowing her to disregard the rules of the Marquis's mansion and use this to question my authority and impartiality as the Marquis's wife. I just don't understand, who exactly is she to you that you would protect her to this extent and even risk breaking ties with me for her sake?" the First Madam sneered.
Lady Wei paused, looking at the First Madam with some confusion.
In her memory, this elder sister-in-law had a very magnanimous personality. Although she would stick to her bottom line and was not someone who was easily manipulated, she was still very kind to the people in the household. Especially to her and her two younger siblings, Lady Su, she spoke very kindly and would never say such sharp words to each other, lest it increase the conflict between them.
What's wrong with me today?
By this time, Matron Li had helped Qingliu to her feet. Seeing that Lady Wei was in a daze, she quickly tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to speak.
Everyone present was watching.
Lady Wei snapped out of her daze, her face growing even more somber. "What kind of talk is this, sister-in-law? What kind of relationship do I have with Qingliu? Of course, it's a master-servant relationship. She's Matron Li's granddaughter, and I chose her as a concubine for Brother An, so naturally I have to protect her. Does your eldest son's servants always punish you harshly when they make mistakes, without considering their hard work and the affection they've shown you? Shouldn't you forgive them when you can show leniency?"
Matron Zhou standing behind the First Madam, had to admire the Second Madam.
No wonder she dared to switch the children; this second wife is truly shrewd. She either directs the conflict at the legitimate and illegitimate children or incites the servants to unite against a common enemy.
Aside from the First Madam, the Second Madam, and Zhao Jing'an, everyone else watching was a servant.
If the First Madam insists on following the rules and having Qingliu beaten with thirty strokes of the cane before being sold, the servants in the mansion, after the Second Madam's instigation, will inevitably feel that the Madam in charge of the household is too harsh and inhumane. Their trust and respect for the First Madam will not only be greatly diminished, but will also generate a lot of resistance and dissatisfaction.
The second wife, who clearly intended to protect Qingliu, gained a good reputation because of these words.
"Second sister-in-law, you have quite the eloquence. You're clearly protecting someone who's done wrong, yet you portray yourself as righteous and compassionate. I truly admire you," the First Madam said with a smile, unhurried.
She glanced at the crowd. "Without rules, there can be no order. If a servant in this household were to commit murder, theft, or adultery, and this is reported to me, and his master and family plead for leniency, I will release him or give him a lighter punishment. I wonder if everyone here agrees? If you think this is acceptable, then won't some of you think that since the Lady of the Marquis is so lenient in managing the household, even murder and arson go largely unpunished, he might commit all sorts of evil deeds, stealing your property, beating your children, and humiliating your wife and daughters? Do you feel safe staying in such a mansion?"
At first, everyone thought the Second Madam's words made sense, but after the First Madam said that, everyone realized: Yes, that's indeed the truth.
Someone immediately shouted, "It's not safe, we should handle it according to the rules."
Upon seeing that it was the person in charge of the outer courtyard who had spoken, everyone quickly echoed, "Yes, follow the rules."
Just kidding. Even if what the First Madam said makes sense, and they are not happy that they are not punished for doing wrong, even if it were the Lady of the Marquis who is in charge of the household who said this, they should agree with the First Madam instead of being led astray by the Second Madam.
If we only consider personal relationships and ignore rules, wouldn't those who don't know how to flatter, have no connections, and work diligently be doomed? It's better the way it is now, with clear rewards and punishments.
Seeing that Lady Wei's expression was becoming increasingly unpleasant, the First Madam also became more composed, her gaze turning towards the doorway.
Her plan wasn't just to make things difficult for Lady Wei regarding how to deal with Qingliu; she also wanted Lady Wei to experience the unspeakable pain she had endured these past few days.
The servant who went to deliver the message did not disappoint her. At this moment, the crowd at the door made way again, and a servant carrying a lantern accompanied a young man in a royal blue robe as they entered.
"Mother, Second Aunt," the boy said as soon as he entered, clearly having overheard their argument from the doorway.
His face was as handsome as Ruyu. He walked to the First Madam's side, his clear eyes lingering on Lady Wei's face for a moment. His composed demeanor was remarkably similar to that of the First Madam: "Second Aunt, if you intend to protect Qingliu, aren't you afraid that tomorrow morning, this courtyard will be filled with people again, and some maids will follow suit and climb into Second Brother's bed?"
Zhao Jing'an, who had been relegated to a supporting role and was secretly watching the commotion from the doorway, was ashamed upon hearing this and quickly shrank back inside, fearing that his elder brother would come and reprimand him.
"So..." Zhao Jingli paused, his gaze returning to Lady Wei's face, "Are you still going to insist on not following the rules?"
"I..." Lady Wei was speechless, looking at Zhao Jingli, who stood protectively in front of the First Madam and spoke up in her defense, her expression extremely complicated.
The First Madam watched this scene with great satisfaction—this was exactly what she wanted to see.
When Lady Wei sent her child away, did she ever imagine that one day her own child, because of the conflict between the first and second wives, would verbally abuse and confront Lady Wei in order to protect what he believed to be his biological mother? If the conflict between the first and second wives escalates, Lady Wei might face a life-or-death struggle with Lady Wei Zhao Jingli. If that day truly comes, how will she feel?
But for some reason, despite the exhilaration, a dull ache lingered in a corner of the First Madam's heart.
"Second brother, come out here." Zhao Jingli called out to the house again.
Zhao Jing'an respected his elder brother and knew he couldn't avoid this matter, so he reluctantly came out of the house and called out softly, "Aunt, Mother, Elder Brother."
"How do you intend to deal with this girl? Should we follow the rules of the manor, or do as your mother says?" Zhao Jingli asked again.
"Naturally, we'll follow the rules of the manor." Zhao Jing'an glanced at Qingliu, who was sobbing in Matron Li's arms, and said fiercely.
Whether it was because his body hadn't developed or because he was psychologically immature, he had absolutely no interest in matters of men and women.
Because Qingliu was beautiful and liked to linger around them, his mother had warned him not to touch Qingliu before the wedding. She also carefully analyzed the disadvantages of having concubines or maids during the marriage. Therefore, Zhao Jing'an had no liking for these women who liked to seduce men.
These maids are just like those described in the stories; they're like wild bees and butterflies. Even if you marry one and she stays in the inner quarters, she won't be peaceful. She'll definitely cuckold him in the future.
Besides, he wasn't blind; he could clearly see that Qingliu repeatedly made excuses to run to their outer courtyard, but actually wanted to see Zhao Jingli, not him.
Although he was short and not as handsome as his cousin, he still had dignity.
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