Chapter 9
The next day, the scandal of the Lord Protector’s Manor shocked the court!
Many officials impeached Ning Zu’an in court. They said that Ning Zu’an had hidden the news of his co-wife’s death and dared to hold a wedding ceremony with no regard for ritual or principle. Such a vicious act was abhorrent!
In the end, it was proved that Madam Ling was to blame, but Ning Zu’an was the Marquis bore some responsibility, as well. If he had valued his co-wife, he would have been aware of her death, and this scandal would not have happened.
His Majesty was so angry that he threw the memorial to the throne to Ning Zu’an and asked him to read it while kneeling. As for Madam Ling, if not for Ning Zu’an’s entreaty, and that she was the mother of Ning Zu’an’s only son, she would have been killed directly.
“Young Miss, Madam Ling has been taken to the palace by the Empress’ people. I heard that she will be stripped of the title of First-class Marchioness, and she will be beaten 20 times!” Mother Han said, nearly screaming with happiness.
Sitting at the window, Ning Xueyan listened to Mother Han and gave a slight smile.
The punishment from the empress would not only punish Madam Ling’s body, but also destroy her dignity as the Marchioness.
Madam Ling was Ning Zu’an’s Official Wife, but she was no longer the First-class Marchioness. It meant that she could not stop Ning Zu’an from marrying someone else as the Marchioness, at which point she would become the co-wife. This was utter humiliation for Madam Ling!
“Is she back?” The Imperial Morning Conference had been over for a while.
“Not yet. But the doctors are ready for Madam Ling to come back for treatment. I heard that the punishment in the palace is more severe than that of the manor. 20 lashings would disable someone!” Mother Han said in a low voice. “It’s better to…”
“Mother Han, this is not an appropriate topic for discussion!” Ning Xueyan said sharply.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell others,” Mother Han replied, nodding. She looked around carefully, then left.
When Ning Zu’an came back from the palace, the bloody Madam Ling was with him, and the waiting doctors hurried to treat her.
The people in the manor were all flustered. Mother Yun, who had been locked in the firewood room, had escaped!
Qingyu, who had been secretly monitoring Mother Yun, returned and was called to dress Ning Xueyan.
Today, she would keep vigil for her mother in the main hall, accepting the condolences of the guests. The Lord Protector’s Manor would hold a funeral for Madam Ming with the standard of Official Wife to show that they did not maltreat Madam Ming to cover up the scandal.
“Young Miss, Mother Yun went to her sister’s on East Street early in the morning. Do I need to monitor her?” Qingyu asked while dressing Ning Xueyan. Her eyes were bright and full of admiration for Ning Xueyan. She couldn’t believe how much her mistress had changed, and how quickly! She’d even predicted that Mother Yun would escape, but avoid her own home. Her mistress was no longer the obedient Fifth Young Lady, and Qingyu was happy to serve her!
“Don’t worry about her for the time being. Did you bring the powder I wanted?” Ning Xueyan asked, standing up. It was not the best time to expose Mother Yun’s escape .
“Yes. Everything was in chaos this morning, so I went to the pharmacy and found the powder you mentioned. Is it what you wanted?” Qingyu took out the powder hidden in her sleeves and put it on the table.
It was exactly what she needed. She nodded and said, “Go to the garden and take a few pots of malus halliana koehne for me.”
Malus halliana koehne was one of Madam Ling’s favorite flowers, and it was fully blooming at this time.
“Qingrui, why are you coming back now? Where were you last night?” Mother Han’s voice came in across the courtyard.