Chapter 5: When Ensnared by Rumors, Wisdom and Courage Break the Deadlock

Qu Wanqing suddenly sat up in bed, her heart pounding uncontrollably. Thankfully, it was only a nightmare, yet the oppressive weight within it felt suffocatingly real. Rumors about her and Jiang Yu had spread through the mansion like a plague. The servants’ gazes shifted from respect to disdain, even laced with a hint of schadenfreude.

Cui’er entered cautiously, carrying water for washing, her eyes flickering nervously at Qu Wanqing’s pale face, as if wanting to speak but holding back. This only deepened Qu Wanqing’s irritation. “Madam, are you alright? You don’t look well...” Cui’er asked timidly.

Qu Wanqing took a deep breath, forcing down her anger. “I’m fine.” She knew this was not the time to lose her temper. The priority now was to find the source of these rumors; otherwise, she would once again become the target of scorn, and all her previous efforts would be in vain. She was almost certain that Mistress Su was the mastermind behind it all, but without proof, it was mere speculation. She needed undeniable evidence.

From outside the door came the shrill, sarcastic voice of Nurse Lin. “Oh, what’s the matter with the Second Madam? Putting on such a sour face first thing in the morning, one would think someone owes you millions of silver taels!”

Qu Wanqing shot her a cold glance. “Nurse Lin, one can be careless with food, but not with words. Everyone in the household knows what sort of person I am. There’s no need for you to spread gossip here.”

“Hmph, Second Madam, I wouldn’t dare. I’m but a servant; how could I spread baseless rumors? It’s just that things haven’t been peaceful lately—rumors abound—and I’m only worried about your reputation...” Nurse Lin’s forced smile was laced with mockery.

Steward Zhao then stepped forward, feigning concern. “Second Madam, please take care of yourself. The Master’s mood has been sour lately. If anything happens to you, he might lose his temper again.”

Qu Wanqing clenched her fists, suppressing the fury boiling within. She knew these people had come to gloat. The more she showed anger, the more triumphant they would feel. She had to remain calm and find a breakthrough.

“Cui’er, go find Jiang Yu,” Qu Wanqing ordered. She needed an ally, someone to fight alongside her against these schemers.

Cui’er nodded and hurried out. Qu Wanqing watched her retreating figure, her gaze growing resolute. She would not be a victim. She would strike back and make those plotting against her pay dearly.

“Mistress Su...” Qu Wanqing whispered, a cold gleam flashing in her eyes.

Mistress Su’s courtyard was a riot of blossoms, fragrant and serene, a picture of tranquility. Yet Qu Wanqing knew beneath this beauty lurked a venomous snake, ready to strike fatally at any moment.

“Mistress Su, let’s have a talk,” Qu Wanqing said calmly, standing at the gate with an unyielding aura.

Mistress Su approached gracefully, feigning surprise. “Second Madam, what wind brings you here? Please come in.” She gestured invitingly, her delicate, fragile demeanor as if a breeze could topple her.

Qu Wanqing didn’t bother with pleasantries and stepped inside directly. “You must be aware of the rumors, aren’t you?”

Mistress Su blinked innocently. “Rumors? What rumors? I remain inside the courtyard day and night, never stepping beyond the gates. I know nothing of the outside world.”

“Are you playing dumb on purpose?” Qu Wanqing sneered. “In this household, who else but you would go to such lengths to ruin my reputation?”

Mistress Su’s expression flickered before she restored her feigned frailty, eyes reddening as if on the verge of tears. “Second Madam, how can you say such things of me? I have always respected you. How could I do such a thing? Your accusations are truly unfair... I am so wronged...” The surrounding maids and elderly servants whispered among themselves, casting suspicious glances at Qu Wanqing. Mistress Su’s acting was indeed top-notch.

Qu Wanqing’s anger surged but she forced it down. Taking a deep breath, she fixed Mistress Su with a cold stare. “Your performance is excellent, but I’m not one to be easily fooled. Do you think this will bring me down? You’re mistaken.” Without another word, she turned and left, ignoring Mistress Su’s sobbing.

The murmuring from the onlookers grew louder as Mistress Su stood there, a flicker of triumph hidden in her eyes.

Jiang Yu arrived in a rush, witnessing the scene and silently admiring Qu Wanqing’s composure. “Let’s go,” she said to him.

“Where?” he asked.

“To Cui’er’s place.” A spark of determination lit Qu Wanqing’s eyes. “There are things that need to be uncovered.”

They reached Cui’er’s cramped chamber, where the young maid anxiously twisted her fingers. Seeing Qu Wanqing, she rose quickly. Without beating around the bush, Qu Wanqing asked, “Cui’er, think carefully—have you noticed anything unusual recently? Especially concerning Mistress Su?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Cui’er whispered, “A few days ago, I saw Mistress Su’s maid, Xiao Hong, sneaking around in the garden, talking with Nurse Lin. It looked like they were passing something back and forth, but I couldn’t see what.”

“The garden...” Qu Wanqing mused, then turned to Jiang Yu. “Let’s go check it out.”

In the garden, Qu Wanqing carefully scanned the surroundings. Suddenly, she noticed a patch of soil by some flowers was disturbed, as if recently dug up. Crouching down, she gently sifted through the earth and uncovered a crumpled piece of paper. Written on it were the words: “Ensure the rumors spread throughout the entire mansion. Great rewards await upon success.”

Though unsigned, Qu Wanqing’s mind leapt to a conclusion. “It seems we’ve found the key evidence.” A faint smile crept to her lips.

She immediately summoned all the servants to the main hall, where the atmosphere was thick with tension and curiosity. Qu Wanqing stood firmly in the center, her gaze commanding and resolute. Mistress Su remained nearby, feigning calm, though occasional flickers of panic betrayed her.

Qu Wanqing publicly confronted Mistress Su, daring her to have Xiao Hong and Nurse Lin searched if the note was not hers. Mistress Su, concealing her guilt, reluctantly agreed. During the search, servants found additional papers on Xiao Hong matching the handwriting on the note.

Qu Wanqing then had Cui’er identify Xiao Hong and Nurse Lin before presenting the incriminating note, leaving Mistress Su utterly defenseless. The servants’ expressions changed from curiosity to shock, then to contempt for Mistress Su. Throughout the ordeal, Qu Wanqing’s every movement and word radiated strength, earning her admiration and cheers from the onlookers.

Xiao Hong and Nurse Lin were left speechless and confessed to spreading rumors under Mistress Su’s orders. Mistress Su’s face turned pale, trembling in disbelief that her carefully laid plan had been so easily exposed. The servants’ disdain shattered her once-gentle image.

Qu Wanqing looked at Mistress Su’s pitiful state with no joy, only a deep sadness. She knew Mistress Su was merely a pawn; the true mastermind had yet to reveal themselves.

Jiang Yu stepped beside Qu Wanqing, gently taking her hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll always stand by you.” His eyes brimmed with affection, as if he could melt her with a single glance. Qu Wanqing felt the warmth of his love, filling her heart with sweetness. In this treacherous household, Jiang Yu was her only refuge.

Yet the matter was far from over. As Qu Wanqing delved deeper into the investigation, she discovered troubling links between the rumors and her impending second marriage crisis. Behind it all lurked a far greater conspiracy.

Late at night, Qu Wanqing stood by the window, gazing into the distant night sky, her thoughts tumultuous. She spread out the documents she had collected, flipping through them carefully.

Suddenly, her eyes fixed on one page inscribed with a familiar name.

“It’s him...” Qu Wanqing murmured, shock flickering in her eyes. “How could it be him...” She spun around, grabbed a cloak, and strode briskly toward the door.

“Jiang Yu, let’s go.”