Chapter 8: What I Learned from You

Looking at her husband's cold and stern expression, Yu Xiuzhi felt completely terrified. He came from humble origins, but through his own abilities, he gradually rose to become the top scholar in the imperial examinations. Even before he achieved this, she had been devoted to him wholeheartedly.

He had never explicitly said he would marry her, but she had already considered him her husband in her heart. However, after becoming the top scholar, he unhesitatingly married the daughter of the current prime minister, completely disregarding her feelings.

His pride had been deeply wounded by this incident, and he was furious.

"Sir, I...," she began.

"Father, grandmother!"

Luo Yingfan grabbed the hand of the second lady and knelt down.

"Mother would never do such a thing. Sister lost her mother at a young age, but she is exceptionally intelligent and diligent in her studies, especially in learning things that others have not. The tutors in our mansion are all renowned figures, and none of them would have taught her such things."

"Oh? Is big sister implying that I am self-taught? Then I suppose big sister has also achieved the same level of learning? With big sister's intelligence, she must have surpassed me in knowledge."

"You..." Luo Yingfan bit down hard on her lip, her nails digging into her flesh, barely restraining the urge to scratch Luo Qianqian's face.

"Sister misunderstood, that's not what big sister meant."

"Father, grandmother, please remember, the maid Meiniang in the mansion comes from a disreputable background, and I remember that my younger sister often went to play in Meiniang's room."

Meiniang did indeed come from a disreputable background and was once a renowned courtesan. Her delicate handwriting and charming singing attracted nobles, scholars, and even Luo Yujue, who went to great lengths to win her over. This woman had a strong hold on Luo Yujue's heart, and even her daughter received more attention than the other concubine-born children.

This...

Meiniang, the person in question, stood up looking bewildered. After a moment of silence, she showed a tearful expression and said, "I did not."

Well done!

Luo Qianqian couldn't help but applaud silently. Luo Yingfan had managed to come up with a perfect excuse in such a short time, shifting the blame away from her and resolving the issue with Meiniang.

"Yes, sir, I manage the entire prime minister's mansion, and there are times when I may not be aware of everything that happens. If someone in the mansion has taught the children something inappropriate, I would not have known. Please, sir, spare me this time, as I have suffered as well. I will strictly adhere to the rules in the future, and no one will be allowed to indulge in such behavior."

The second lady wore a sorrowful expression on her face, but in reality, she was quite pleased. This daughter was truly worth all the effort and investment, displaying such cunning. Meiniang, how could you compete with me in the future?

"Luo'er, what do you think?"

Luo Yujue's gaze towards Luo Qianqian was filled with hostility, as if he wanted to tear her apart. One was his beloved concubine, and the other was his wife, the mistress of the prime minister's mansion.

If she said yes, then Meiniang would be in deep trouble for instigating her legitimate daughter to learn such dirty things. If she said no, then the second lady would still be implicated.

In either case, the reputation of the prime minister's mansion would be tarnished.

And regardless of her answer, it would imply that she had indeed learned those dirty things.

How could she let them have their way?

"Father!" Luo Qianqian blinked her eyes.

"I think big sister looked just like Meiniang when she shed tears just now! Especially after she finished speaking, she blinked and a tear fell, it was so similar!"

This...

Meiniang immediately understood and gave her daughter, Luo Yunshang, a meaningful look.

Luo Yunshang was only ten years old, but being raised by Meiniang, who came from such a background, she was exceptionally sharp. After receiving the signal, she immediately spoke up:

"That's right, father, I always felt that big sister resembled Meiniang, but I couldn't pinpoint where. It was only after what second sister said that I understood. Could it be that big sister also learned from Meiniang? But I am Meiniang's daughter, so why wouldn't I be able to learn her skill of shedding tears with just a blink? Big sister is truly exceptionally clever, even though she never comes to our courtyard, she has learned everything perfectly."

Luo Yujue furrowed his brows. In a large family like theirs, comprehensive education for daughters naturally included such content, but it was never openly discussed. Today, Luo Yingfan had brought it to light, and if this were to spread, it would be...

"What nonsense are you two talking about? Can you fabricate such things about Yingfan as well?"

The second lady, who was used to scolding, couldn't hold back and blurted out, not caring that Luo Yujue and the old lady were present.

"Shut up!"

Luo Yujue felt the surge of anger that he had just suppressed rising again. After so many years, he had never realized that Xiuzhi was actually a shrew, just like those women who quarreled in the village. How could this be?

"Mother~"

Luo Yingfan tightly held the second lady's hand, signaling her to calm down and not speak out of turn.

The second lady also realized her mistake and lowered her head, casting a glance at Luo Yujue.

"Yingfan, go back to your room first."

Luo Yujue thought for a moment. After nurturing Yingfan for so many years, there must not be any negative rumors about her.

"Thank you, father."

Luo Yingfan let out a sigh of relief. As long as her father was there, today's incident would not implicate her in any way.

Before leaving, he gave a fierce glare at Luo Qianqian.

The love between father and daughter is truly deep. He can't stand to see even the slightest blemish on his daughter.

Looking at the people on the scene, especially Luo Qianqian, Luo Yujue felt a sudden dizziness and couldn't help but shiver a few times. He suppressed his discomfort and said to the old lady, "Mother, about today's matter, what do you think?"

"It's already very clear. Mei has been causing trouble in the mansion for quite some time. The children in the mansion are still young, fortunately they haven't been influenced by her. In the future, we will invite some reputable nannies to come and educate them. Surely they will be able to walk the right path. Have you all understood?"

Everyone answered in unison, their expressions loyal and tight-lipped. It was well known that the reputation of the daughters of the Prime Minister's mansion must not be tarnished. There would definitely be a thorough cleansing afterwards, so at this time, they must not reveal anything to others.

"Mei."

Luo Yujue glanced at Mei, the girl who had once captivated him. Today, she could not be kept.

Mei was startled and quickly knelt down, saying, "Sir, I have been wronged."

"Guards, take Mei to the ancestral hall, and everyone else, disperse!"