Chapter 159 Kill them all
Chapter 159 Kill them all
Going back decades, the Ning family was once a prominent family in the court. Concubine Ning's brother was highly regarded by the emperor. He was talented and promising at a young age, and was the dream husband of many women.
His wife, the granddaughter of the Zhao family, also came from a prominent family. The two were deeply in love and were a perfect match.
However, fate played a trick on them. The Zhao family was executed for suspected treason, and the pregnant daughter of the Zhao family was ruthlessly expelled from the Ning family.
When Ning Fei's brother returned from abroad and learned the truth, he was heartbroken and searched everywhere for his wife, but he could not find the whereabouts of her.
From then on, he became addicted to alcohol, and the Ning family gradually declined with his depression.
Just as Su Rao was immersed in memories of the past, a gentle knock on the door brought her back to reality.
Yun'er, her personal maid, walked into the room quietly and said, "Miss, are you going back to the Su Mansion to visit Madam today?"
Only then did Su Rao realize that it was time to go back to her parents' home again.
Although there have been many affairs inside and outside the palace recently, and there are crises everywhere, she almost forgot about this matter.
Fortunately, the current turmoil has temporarily subsided, and I can take this opportunity to go home and see my mother.
"Well, help me prepare some gifts suitable for the Madam, and then order the carriage to be ready." Su Rao ordered.
Yun'er stepped back and began to prepare quickly.
Su Yi, Su Rao's sister, happened to be invited to a banquet by another noble lady, so Su Rao was the only one who returned to the Su Mansion this time.
In front of the gate of the Su Mansion, Su Rao had just stepped out of the beautifully decorated sedan chair when she heard a familiar and slightly sarcastic voice: "Oh, isn't this Prince Yi's concubine? Who else did I think it was?"
The person who spoke was Chen. Her attitude was completely different from the last time Su Rao returned home.
Last time, Prince Yi had not encountered any setbacks. As a concubine, Su Rao had a noble status and attracted much attention. But now is different from the past, and Chen's attitude has changed.
At that time, it was a warm spring day with the fragrance of flowers. Chen's attitude towards Su Rao was gentle and attentive.
Not only did she often send exquisite pastries, she also personally selected the finest silk, and begged Su Rao to say a few good words for her brother-in-law Shen Jinghong in front of Prince Yi to help him in his official career.
At that time, Chen's words were sincere and her eyes were full of expectation.
But now, times have changed. When Chen's gaze rests on Su Rao, it no longer contains any tenderness. Instead, it is replaced by an unconcealable contempt and disdain, as if Su Rao has become a grain of sand in her eyes, not worth mentioning.
Her eyes were so proud that they seemed to pierce the sky.
“People, don’t get too carried away when you are proud. The world is like a new chess game. It’s lonely at the top. Once you fall, it will be smashed to pieces in a moment.” Chen’s words still carried a bit of sarcasm.
Su Rao did not respond directly to her sarcasm, but cleverly changed the subject. Her eyes lightly swept over the heavy package in the hands of Chen's follower, as if she inadvertently revealed her curiosity.
"Mrs. Zhang, where are you going? Is there something precious hidden in the package in your hand? If you are raising funds for Sister Wan'er, then Brother-in-law Gu is really lucky. Since our family has received help, if he can really become the top scholar in the imperial examination in the future, he must remember his roots and repay them."
There was a hidden meaning in Su Rao's words, suggesting that Shen Jinghong's success seemed to be entirely due to the support of women rather than his own strength.
Chen's face changed slightly when she heard this, but she still tried to remain calm, with a deliberately firm tone in her voice: "Of course, Jinghong is so talented, it's only a matter of time before he becomes the top scorer in the imperial examination."
"Indeed, with a virtuous wife at home and a confidante outside, you will be in a good mood and your learning efficiency will naturally be extraordinary." Su Rao's words fell lightly, but they stirred up waves in Chen's heart, and her expression became complicated and difficult to read.
"What exactly do you mean by this?" Chen's voice trembled slightly, and it was obvious that Su Rao's words touched a sensitive nerve.
Su Rao pretended to be surprised, with a hint of amusement in her tone: "A few days ago, I accidentally saw my brother-in-law and my sister's most trusted maid Chuncha behaving intimately, and I thought they had already secretly decided to spend their lives together. It turned out that I misunderstood?"
There is an ungrateful person hiding beside Su Wan, who not only stole her money, but also her heart, but she is still immersed in the dream of becoming the wife of the Prime Minister, unaware of it. Now that Su Wan's dowry is exhausted, Su Rao feels that it is time to let the truth come to light.
Chen's face became increasingly gloomy. How could Shen Jinghong, whom her daughter had worked so hard to support, have an unclear relationship with a maid?
This thought lingered in her mind, making her extremely angry.
But she forced herself to remain calm, fearing that this was just Su Rao's instigation. She must not lose her composure because of a momentary impulse.
So, Chen forced a stiff smile, trying to hide the turbulent waves in her heart: "You should go see your mother first. I have urgent matters to deal with here."
After saying that, she hurriedly turned and left, leaving behind a resolute back.
Su Rao watched Chen leave with a meaningful smile on her lips.
……
In the Shen family, thanks to Su Wan's generous dowry, they got rid of the dilapidated thatched cottage and moved into a small courtyard with two entrances and two exits and an elegant layout.
Su Wan bought several new maids, who served her together with the servants she brought from the Su family. Her life seemed peaceful and comfortable.
As soon as Chen stepped into the Shen family's doorstep, she was seen by a maid.
This maid was Chuncha, who came with Su Wan as a dowry. She was sharp-eyed and recognized Chen at a glance.
"Madam, you are here. The young lady is staying in the shop and the son-in-law is at home. Do you need me to inform him?" Chuncha asked respectfully in a clear and pleasant voice.
Su Rao's warning echoed in Chen's mind. She changed her mind and decided to investigate on her own: "No need. I can go in by myself."
She walked with heavy steps, crossed the threshold of the Shen family, and entered a completely different world.
The outer courtyard is where servants are busy, while the inner courtyard is the master's private area.
Shen Jinghong's mother, Li, lives in the left wing, and Shen Jinghong and Su Wan live on the right. The rest of the rooms are empty and lonely, with only Shen Jinghong's study standing quietly.
Chen's steps involuntarily moved towards the study, but a bad premonition suddenly arose in her heart.
In the study, there should have been the sound of reading, but at this moment, a faint charming sound was heard, which coincided with Su Rao's hint and made her heart shudder.
Before she could think about it, Chen suddenly pushed open the door of the study. The two people in the room were suddenly panicked and looked at each other.
……
clap clap clap!
Chen's palm landed hard on Chuncha's face. The originally pretty face quickly swelled up, and a red mark was clearly visible.
At this moment, Su Wan happened to step into the house. Seeing this scene, she frowned and was full of confusion.
"Mom, why do you want to make spring tea?" Su Wan's tone was full of obvious dissatisfaction. She couldn't understand her mother's behavior.
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