Chapter Sixteen: The Banquet's End and the Unraveling of the Conspiracy

Steward Qian collapsed to the ground, limp like a deflated ball, yet the venom in his eyes remained undiminished, sharp and poisoned like a hidden blade aimed directly at Qu Wanqing. Madam Chen and Miss Zhao turned ashen; their carefully plotted scheme had been so effortlessly dismantled by Qu Wanqing, like a meticulously built tower of blocks crumbling to dust in an instant.

Yet Qu Wanqing did not lower her guard, fully aware of the adage that villains perish by speaking too much. The banquet hall appeared calm on the surface but concealed turbulent undercurrents. With a composed gaze, she swept across the room, catching the doubtful looks cast her way. Such fickle windsocks, she thought disdainfully—they would be made to bow and accept the truth today. She noted every expression, as the nobles whispered among themselves, some praising her intelligence, others harboring unease.

Suddenly, Madam Chen sprang to her feet, pointing fiercely at Qu Wanqing’s nose, her voice sharp and accusing: “Qu Wanqing, don’t think you’ve won! You’re only slandering us by leaning on Jiang Yu’s power! You’re the true mastermind behind this!” The unexpected accusation stirred the previously placid hall into a storm once more. Nobles whispered and speculated; some eyed Qu Wanqing with suspicion, while others held back, awaiting further developments.

Facing Madam Chen’s frenzied counterattack, Qu Wanqing sneered inwardly. These people still clung to desperate struggles, but today she would silence them utterly. She took a steady breath, her eyes resolute as granite, a stark contrast to Madam Chen’s hysterics. An invisible pressure spread through the hall, like the calm before a tempest. “Madam Chen, one can eat carelessly, but words must not be spoken recklessly. You claim I slander you—where is your proof?” Qu Wanqing’s tone was calm but carried undeniable authority. She did not rush to defend herself but instead, with a lofty demeanour, compelled Madam Chen to produce evidence.

Madam Chen was cowed by Qu Wanqing’s imposing presence, momentarily lost for words. She had hoped to muddle the truth but had not anticipated Qu Wanqing’s composure. “I…” Madam Chen opened her mouth but found no reply.

At that moment, a deep voice rose from the crowd: “Evidence? I have it here.” Jiang Yu, knowing the letter he held was pivotal to turning the tide, had observed silently for some time. Seeing Qu Wanqing falsely accused stoked his fury, prompting him to step forward. His measured steps seemed to press upon the hearts of all present; the letter in his hand was like a decree of judgment. The air thickened, and all eyes fixed on the document as Jiang Yu approached Qu Wanqing, handing it to her with unwavering gaze. At that instant, the banquet hall’s fate seemed to hinge on this single letter.

“This letter is proof of Steward Qian’s collusion with the true mastermind, detailing their entire plan to frame Madam Chen,” Jiang Yu’s voice was low but clear enough for all to hear.

Madam Chen’s face drained of color upon seeing the letter; her lips trembled as she struggled to respond but found herself powerless. Miss Zhao was stunned beyond words, unprepared for the turn of events. The nobles whispered among themselves, casting contemptuous glances at Madam Chen and Miss Zhao, their earlier doubts about Qu Wanqing evaporating like mist.

Qu Wanqing accepted the letter with grace, swiftly scanning its contents. A subtle, meaningful smile curved her lips. “Madam Chen, what do you have to say now?” Her eyes pierced Madam Chen’s heart like a sharp blade.

Madam Chen slumped back into her chair, her gaze vacant. She knew she was utterly defeated. “This… this can’t be…” she murmured as if bereft of soul.

Qu Wanqing ignored Madam Chen’s collapse and looked around the room, her eyes radiating confidence and dignity. “Ladies and gentlemen, I believe you have all drawn your conclusions. I, Qu Wanqing, stand with integrity and fear no slander.” Listening to the praises, a surge of emotion welled within her—only she knew the hardships endured to reach this moment, and the glory now was won through countless battles of wit. Her voice rang clear and firm, resonating through the hall.

The nobles nodded in unison, admiring her wisdom and courage. “Lady Qu truly rivals any man!” “Indeed, admirable beyond measure!” The compliments flowed like a tide, greatly enhancing Qu Wanqing’s standing among the aristocracy.

The atmosphere shifted once more; tension and suspicion vanished, replaced by respect and admiration for Qu Wanqing.

With elegance, Qu Wanqing folded the letter and turned to Jiang Yu, her eyes softening with affection. Jiang Yu returned her gaze, a gentle smile playing on his lips, his eyes brimming with love and pride.

Just then, the banquet hall’s doors were flung open abruptly. A bloodied servant stumbled in, breathless and frantic. “Madam, something terrible has happened…”

Jiang Yu looked at Qu Wanqing, who commanded the room like a queen, his heart melting into a pool of warmth. He stepped to her side, gently embracing her and whispering in her ear, “Wanqing, you’re amazing! My heart is about to burst for you!”

Leaning into his arms, Qu Wanqing felt his warmth and smiled slyly. “Keep it low-key, it’s just basic moves.” Though she said it lightly, inside she was elated—this maneuver was nothing short of brilliant.

The nobles nearby cast envious glances. Madam Hu led the applause, praising, “Lady Qu’s wisdom is unparalleled, truly admirable! The rumors before must have been false; Lady Qu is the epitome of a noble lady!” Other noblewomen echoed her sentiments, and soon, praises surged like waves.

Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu exchanged knowing smiles—tonight’s banquet crowned them the undisputed victors. It was a grand moment of triumph, surely those who had awaited her downfall now nursed swollen egos.

Suddenly, the doors were shattered open again. Another bloodied servant crawled in, sobbing and shouting, “Madam, it’s terrible! The old master… the old master has passed away!”

Qu Wanqing’s smile froze instantly, a chill racing from her feet to her head. “What’s going on? How could the old master suddenly be gone? This plot twist doesn’t feel right!”

Jiang Yu frowned, sensing something amiss.

Before they could react, yet another servant burst in, panic-stricken. “The old master’s mourning hall… it’s haunted!”

Haunted? Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu exchanged a shocked glance, seeing the same disbelief mirrored in each other’s eyes.

Chaos erupted in the banquet hall as whispers and speculation filled the air.

Amidst the turmoil, Qu Wanqing received a mysterious letter containing only a few words: “Strange occurrences in the mourning hall—be cautious. Your second marriage crisis may lie hidden within that hall.”