Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 2306: Chapter 2305: Nonsense from the Lao Family

This might be the difference between people, or perhaps Du Zhongshu is just seeking revenge for the most selfish part of himself.

”Enough, Duke Du, stop pretending. I’m really tired of your act. Haven’t we already faced each other in court before? During the toothpaste case, have you forgotten so soon?

Du Zhongshu was rendered speechless and found it hard to back down, yet he was unwilling to admit wrongdoing.

Suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats came from afar, followed by Wang Shun’s voice: ”By order of the Emperor, summon Du Zhongshu, Bai Ruozhu, and Lao Wan to the palace to meet the Emperor!”

The onlookers dared not breathe too loudly; it was a Holy Edict. Although just the Emperor’s command, common people might never encounter such a thing in their lifetime.

This matter indeed needs to be spoken in front of the Emperor, Bai Ruozhu doesn’t need to submit an Imperial Decree, leaving the decision to the Emperor.

Bai Ruozhu was clear that Achun already explained everything to the Emperor, and the summons to the Palace was merely to create an opportunity to speak privately.

She respectfully greeted Wang Shun, saying, ”It’s really troublesome for you to work through the night, my apologies.”

Wang Shun returned the courtesy: ”Your courtesy, Bai Daren, this isn’t your fault. Bai Daren has always been sensible; the Emperor knows best. Let not those who lack understanding affect your mood.” Bai Ruozhu smiled; Wang Shun’s attitude reflected the Emperor’s stance.

Lao Wan, though unfamiliar with Wang Shun, had heard of the most trusted eunuch beside the Emperor and instantly guessed his identity. Du Zhongshu’s expression was even more unpleasant, quickly contemplating how to explain before the Emperor to turn the situation.

At this moment, his heart was already desolate, entangled with Bai Ruozhu left him weary, especially each time Bai Ruozhu countered fiercely, showing no mercy, like a sharp dagger piercing his heart.

Every time he wanted to ask Bai Ruozhu: Why are you so cruel to me? How can you bear it?

But every time he confronted Bai Ruozhu’s cold eyes or her sneering face, the words he intended to question stayed stuck.

Led by Wang Shun, the three soon arrived at the Palace, heading straight for the Imperial Study Room. The Emperor, not meeting them in the Bedchamber so late, seemed not too pleased.

Jiang Yichun subtly signaled Bai Ruozhu, indicating that he had clarified everything and she needn’t worry. She secretly grinned, with him present, there was nothing to fear.

”Duke Du, your recent affairs have been quite the sensation, not good for your reputation.” The Emperor spoke, with a tone of severity.

”It’s my own incompetence that has troubled Your Majesty,” Du Zhongshu quickly bowed and replied.

Tang Yin squinted, ”Indeed, I’ve been concerned about you, even tonight without repose, and awakened early for court tomorrow. Why haven’t you been more mindful lately?”

Lao Wan moved slightly, just about to speak, but the Emperor’s gaze, like a dagger, pierced through, ”Guards, slap her!”

No need for further words from the Emperor; the female official followed his gaze to Lao Wan, pinning her down, delivering slaps.

Bai Ruozhu watched with satisfaction, lamenting she hadn’t acted herself; too bad.

But striking such people offered little satisfaction; it’s meaningless if one can’t hit Du Zhongshu severely, suppressing anger, is it worthwhile?

About twenty slaps later, the Emperor finally gestured to stop, and the female official tossed Lao Wan aside, retreating.

By now, Lao Wan was beaten severely, sobbing on the ground, stealing a glance at Du Zhongshu who showed no sign of defending her. How heartlessly cruel!

Bai Ruozhu observed Lao Wan’s expression, smiled secretly, then respectfully pleaded, ”Your Majesty, Lao Family publicly claimed that Duke Du, while intimate, calls out my name; please bring justice for me!”

These words made Jiang Yichun’s eyes, like daggers, sweep fiercely towards Du Zhongshu, hoping to cut him through.

”Oh? Is this what Lao Family says?” The Emperor turned to Du Zhongshu, ”What do you have to say, Duke Du?”

Du Zhongshu froze, before replying, Bai Ruozhu suddenly kneeled, agonizing Jiang Yichun beside her, imploring her to be gentle on her knees. She lacked concern, but his heart ached!

”Please impart justice, Your Majesty! Lao Family fabricates public humiliation despite my status as a married woman; without clarification, what would the people say? As a fourth-rank officer endorsed by the Imperial Court, they disgrace us, bullying others with military merits, what is this?” Bai Ruozhu declared loudly.

Tang Yin’s expression darkened, ”How do you explain, Duke Du?”

Du Zhongshu hurriedly knelt, ”Minister...”

Before speaking, Wang Shun interrupted, ”Your Majesty, though infatuated, Duke Du wouldn’t be so clouded. This Lao Family woman is constantly in chaos; how credible are her claims? Distinguished Ministers’ reputations mustn’t be tainted by such reckless women.”

Bai Ruozhu understood that, due to Yueqiu Tribe’s issue, the Emperor couldn’t punish Du Zhongshu severely, thus blaming Lao Wan solely.

She wasn’t obstinate; as long as Du Zhongshu was disgraced, she’d be content, and for Lao Wan, today’s outcome is deserved.

”Mercy, Your Majesty, every word I uttered is true!” Lao Wan, terrified, stammered.

The Emperor discontentedly shot a glance, as if trash, ”Guards, drag this unruly woman away for thirty lashes, then returned to Dukedom for Duke Du’s proper discipline!”

”Yes,” the guard obeyed, hauling Lao Wan, her cries for help ceased, evidently muted.

”Du Minister, your mismanagement coupled with inappropriate conduct weighed heavily, given your military merits and wounds, reflect upon your actions for two months! No further rumors should reach my ears!” Tang Yin sternly reprimanded, genuinely annoyed.

”I heed Your Majesty’s advice.” Du Zhongshu bowed respectfully.

Impatiently, the Emperor waved his hand, ”That’s it, your internal injuries haven’t healed completely, return to rest.”

Dismissing Du Zhongshu, the Emperor instructed Wang Shun, ”Let them leave; I shall converse with Jiang Aiqing.”

This scene was to console Jiang Yichun and Bai Ruozhu.