The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family-Chapter 1140 - 260: The Death of Qian Wanxiu _3

People have their preferences and aversions: it’s only because Pei Qin made significant contributions that she escaped public condemnation.

But soon, everyone in Capital Jingcheng knew that Pei Qin’s biological mother had an affair with her uncle, eldest uncle Jian Shen, while her husband was still alive, and Pei Qin’s three younger siblings were all borne by Jian Shen.

Although the decree regarding Jian Shen was issued by the previous emperor, there were hardly any families in Jingcheng who followed this practice; even in families without heirs, adoption was generally preferred.

The fact that Pei Qin and her siblings were born from this relationship was ultimately dishonorable.

Some even contested that Wendong’s examination success relied on his family’s power rather than genuine ability, questioning if he cheated during the examinations. Being born from Jian Shen, he was claimed to be unqualified to participate in the examinations since one must list their biological parents’ names in the registry.

As soon as Pei Qin arrived, she faced such a situation. After Lady Fang passed away, Pei Qin taught the three Radishes not to care about their origins—they must only focus on living well in the future!

Yet, who could really ignore such backgrounds?

Wendong cared deeply; he clenched his teeth every time he had to write down his parents’ names during the examinations.

But he ranked high, no one lingered on this issue; his success did indeed stem, in part, from Pei Qin and Mo Heng’s influential positions.

Now someone was openly criticizing and wanted to strip Wendong of his titles.

Then, a group of chancellors who supported Pei Qin emerged, backing Xiao Guangzhao’s decision to allow women to serve in government and listing numerous accomplished women who, although not as renowned as Pei Qin in military achievements, were far better than some incompetent ministers.

Xiao Guangzhao did not back down on this decision, establishing rules for women to serve as officials and allowing them to participate in examinations.

This move was unacceptable to many: women should not be seen in public, let alone compete with men in examinations and serve in government! Wasn’t this an utter disruption of social order?

All the blame was on Pei Qin; if she had not become an official, if she had not established a precedent, such severe consequences would not have followed.

Within just two days, Pei Qin became a targeted criminal.

Hearing the news from outside, Pei Qin scoffed, "My official seal is still hanging at the Manufacturing Bureau!"

Wendong was in a terrible state, with responsibilities towards Princess Xi Yun on one end and explanations due to Xie Yi on the other, leading him to extreme distress amidst the circulating rumors and criticisms.

"Find out where those statements are coming from!" Pei Qin ordered.

On Pei Qian’s side, people had already been instructed to spread the word, "Why bother checking? It’s certainly the Feng family and those scoundrels from Old Pei’s house propagating this! If we don’t teach them a lesson, they’ll think we’re easy to bully!"

Several people deliberately discussed Pei Qin’s biological father and stepmother.

That day when Pei Zongli and Qian Wanxiu, along with Pei Wenchen, came to cause trouble, many onlookers stayed to watch the drama unfold. When they heard about Pei Qin’s father and stepmother, they couldn’t help but spill the major secret they heard that day.

Pei Wenchen was illegitimate and his origins were dubious! It was highly likely that Qian Wanxiu had him out of wedlock at her parent’s home, using Pei Zongli as a cover, saddling him with a massive cuckoldry!

Such secrets were explosive and shocking enough to amaze society; previously, only a small group knew. The adulterous affair between a father-in-law and his daughter-in-law was already fodder for gossip, but this was even more scandalous! Lady Qian and Old Master Qian were regarded as worse than animals!

As more people talked, the matter quickly spread, especially near where Pei Zongli and Qian Wanxiu lived.

Pei Zongli could never have imagined that Qian Wanxiu would commit such intolerable deeds, and she even denied it to her death! No wonder he always felt his eldest son resembled the Qian family rather than himself. Qian Wanxiu merely said it was normal to look like her maternal family, and he never thought much about it. Now, everything had changed!

Pei Zongli, who hadn’t slept at all, had bloodshot eyes, a waxy, sallow complexion tinged with purple, terribly unsightly.

Qian Wanxiu was defensively sharp, adamantly denying any guilt, and bitterly accused Pei Qin and Mo Heng of slandering her and trying to kill her and her son, "Both your sons were killed by that vile woman! Now only this one remains, and yet you listen to her, wanting to personally finish the job!? If you get us both killed, will you be able to enjoy wealth and honor with her then?"

In agony, Pei Zongli clutched his head, wanting to undergo a blood test to confirm paternity, yet he dared not. If it truly wasn’t his child, if it was really the result of Qian Wanxiu and...someone else, what should he do? These past years, he had become a complete joke! Qian Wanxiu would face utter disgrace and death by public condemnation, but he would forever be known as a cuckold!