The Double-Chapter 590 - 172 Commoner_4

A common Shen Yurong, a scorned Princess Yongning, their union was destined for endless troubles and resentment. Without Jiang Li’s intervention, their own fervor would fade away, replaced only by grievances.

By then, the Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao case would resurface for justice.

This was her goal; after a long and careful arrangement, since the night she woke up to dark, rain-laden clouds, she finally stepped into a place of light.

...

The scandal of Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning spread throughout Yanjing City, naturally reaching the ears of the Ye Family.

Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie had long known that Xue Huaiyuan’s daughter was none other than Top Scholar Shen’s wife, but since Jiang Li always appeared to support the Xue Family, and considering Xue Huaiyuan’s reputation, no one believed the rumors about Xue Fangfei. They suspected that the story of her indiscretions concealed a hidden truth. Upon hearing the latest news, Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu felt as though they had finally found evidence. Ye Mingyu said, "I’ve always found the past events suspicious, and now it seems that Madam Shen’s tainted reputation might well be linked to this wretched princess. It’s likely they had a hand in this."

"It’s possible," sighed Ye Shijie, "Since I’ve joined the court, I’ve only heard good things about Lord Xiao Shen’s reputation. No one speaks ill of him. Neither members of the Grand Secretary’s faction nor those of the Right Chancellor’s faction have troubled him. Though he’s amiable enough, I’ve never been keen to get close to him, and now I finally understand why. It’s a shame he’s maintained this charade for so long, using the term ’deep affection’ for him seems quite inappropriate."

"Exactly, exactly. Those officials always say we businessmen are cunning and opportunistic, but damn it, at least I’ve never done anything so pretentious. Publicly professing to mourn his wife while secretly cavorting with a princess, even fathering a child. To then have someone else marry the child’s mother... The official circles are a damn mess. Lucky for me, I don’t have enough wit to be an official. But listen here, Shijie, you better not pick up these vices. You know our Ye Family doesn’t engage in such disorder. Although your third uncle has been through the wringer, I’ve managed to come out unscathed. At least I’ve never wronged any decent woman. If you cause any trouble outside, I swear I’ll break your legs so you can’t get out of bed for the rest of your life!"

Ye Shijie could only helplessly respond to his uncle’s fierce words, "...I understand, third uncle."

Ye Shijie glanced again toward the other courtyard and quietly asked, "Third uncle, does Mr. Xue know about this?"

"He knows," Ye Mingyu replied, "Hai Tang just went in to tell him. Oh, the poor man. If Miss Xue was really harmed by that despicable pair, as a father, it would be devastating."

Inside, Hai Tang stood beside Xue Huaiyuan. She had carefully recounted to him everything she had learned about Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong. Prior to this, she had already informed Xue Huaiyuan of the sneaky behavior between Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong while Xue Fangfei was still present in their lives.

Although Jiang Li had adamantly claimed that Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong had been involved long before and had murdered Xue Fangfei to pave the way for the princess to become Madam Shen, there had been no evidence. Now that all of Yanjing City was aware, Hai Tang felt a surge of emotion, an inexplicable urge to cry.

"Master," Hai Tang softly said, "now that their true colors have been revealed, in a few days, Miss Jiang has said, once all the evidence is gathered, we will be able to avenge the young master and mistress."

Xue Huaiyuan listened calmly to Hai Tang, his expression composed but with a profound sadness in his gaze, one he forcibly suppressed, "Yes, Ah Li and Ah Zhao have been waiting for this day for far too long. It’s my fault as a father for not protecting them well enough."

"No, Master," Hai Tang reassured, "it’s those people who are hateful. Please do not blame yourself. If the young master and mistress knew from the heavens above and saw you like this, they would be heartbroken too."

"Rest assured," Xue Huaiyuan composed himself, "I will live on, for Ah Li and Ah Zhao... at least I want to see for myself that Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning receive the punishment they deserve."

Hai Tang nodded.

...

The scandalous case involving the Li Family, by the end, had the people of Yanjing City talking not so much about Li Jing’s affairs, but rather about when exactly Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong got together. The fact that they even had a child, who was then boldly brought into the Right Chancellor’s Residence, with Shen Yurong never interfering. Although the marriage was ordained by Emperor Hongxiao, without his knowledge, there are many ways the princess could have dealt with it, such as not having the child or explaining to the Emperor first. But the method they used reveals their intent to protect Shen Yurong.