The legitimate daughter returns to the capital and embarks on a splendid life, tearing apart the fak

Seeing that Chu Wanqing's expression was normal and she seemed to have no anger, Yunxiu looked up at Zijuan outside the door and said in a deep voice, "I know that she coveted Father and stole from him, which made Mother very angry."

Chu Wanqing looked at the daughter she had personally taught and asked, word by word, "Such a grave mistake, do you think your father shouldn't have beaten her to death?"

She deliberately emphasized "your father" to remind Zijuan that the person who would kill her was the man she had fallen in love with regardless of everything.

Yunxiu, however, thought that Chu Wanqing was testing her, so she tried her best to put on a generous and proper demeanor: "Mother, haven't you always taught your daughter that a mistress of the house should be tolerant and magnanimous? After all, Aunt Zijuan has served you for many years. If you beat her to death over such a small matter, outsiders will inevitably say that you are a jealous woman, which will damage your reputation."

Chu Wanqing's tone turned serious: "But she's after your father!"

Yunxiu blinked, seemingly taking it for granted: "Mother, Father has only had you as his wife all these years, he's already done very well. Actually, it's normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. Mother, you should be more lenient. Why don't you let Father take Zijuan as a concubine? That way, you'll have another person to help you take care of Father, and Aunt Zijuan is someone you know well. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

Zijuan was overjoyed to hear this. She hadn't expected the young lady to speak up for her. If she could become Yunheting's concubine, she would accept it even if she was resented by the madam.

To everyone's surprise, Chu Wanqing slammed her hand on the table and angrily retorted, "Who taught you to say that?"

These were the principles that Liu Zhixue usually instilled in Yunxiu, and Yunxiu always felt that whatever Liu Zhixue said was right. Liu Zhixue originally intended for Yunxiu to understand her, but she never expected that these were Chu Wanqing's most sensitive and untouchable points.

Yunxiu shrank back in fright, but still argued, "Mother, no one taught me these things. This is just how I think. Doesn't the 'Admonitions for Women' say that women should follow the Three Obediences and Four Virtues?"

Chu Wanqing walked to Yunxiu's side, leaned down and gazed at her: "I don't care about 'Admonitions for Women' or 'Virtues for Women.' I only know that when your father proposed to me, he promised me a lifetime of monogamy. And just now, he swore that if he ever betrayed me, he would lose his official position, be utterly disgraced, and be torn apart by five horses!"

Ignoring Yunxiu's ashen face, she continued, "By saying this, you are putting your father in an unjust position! He is a man of his word; having promised me, he will never betray me! Otherwise, I would gladly let him be infertile so he could have a house full of children and grandchildren!"

Yunxiu was shocked to hear this, never expecting her father to have made such a vicious oath, and was speechless for a moment.

But Chu Wanqing didn't stop: "Besides, Zijuan was once the person I trusted most. Not only did she covet my husband, but she also stole my million-dollar dowry! I absolutely cannot let her off easily, otherwise, others will only think I'm weak and easily bullied!"

"I taught you that a mistress of the house should be tolerant and generous, but it depends on the situation and the person. Why should I be tolerant of a heartless lackey like this?"

"Who taught you these words? Mr. Liu? Mr. Liu prides himself on being a talented woman, with talents comparable to men, and this is how you behave? Zijuan stole my million-dollar dowry, and you actually say you'll just let it go? You even advised me to have your father take her as a concubine? What kind of rule is that?"

She turned to Yunhe Pavilion, her tone even colder: "I think this Mr. Liu is nothing but a figurehead. He is not suitable to teach Xiu'er. Otherwise, when Xiu Yun gets married in the future, people will only think that my daughter is weak and easy to bully, and even the maids who accompany her in her dowry dare to ride roughshod over her! Since you invited him back, you should send Mr. Liu away tomorrow. I will find another teacher for her and Jin'er."

Yun Heting hadn't expected Yun Xiu to say such a thing, nor had he anticipated Chu Wanqing using it as an excuse. He said awkwardly, "It's not that bad, it's not that bad... Xiu'er is still young and her thinking is a bit naive. Mr. Liu is indeed very talented!"

Chu Wanqing showed no mercy: "What, you can't bear to part with it?"

"No, no... then... let's find another gentleman!" Yun Heting stammered, afraid of getting burned, and dared not say another word.

Yunxiu panicked and rushed over, grabbing Chu Wanqing's sleeve and pleading, "Mother, I only want Mr. Liu, you can't replace him!"

Chu Wanqing retorted sharply, "Why can't we change it?"

"Because...because..." Yunxiu stammered, unable to give a coherent answer, "...because Mr. Liu is really good!"

"Very good? So good that you've produced a student like you? Now it's your mother who's being bullied by this wicked servant, and you expect me to tolerate it?" Chu Wanqing could no longer endure it. Liu Zhixue absolutely could not remain in the manor. As long as that person was still in the West Courtyard, she couldn't eat or sleep properly. Why should she have to swallow her anger?

She said coldly, "It's settled then. We'll send Mr. Liu away tomorrow. If you can't bear to part with him, you're welcome to go with him!"

Yunxiu dared not speak again, filled with remorse, but could only wipe away her tears in grievance, stomp her foot, and say, "Mother, you bullied me!" After saying that, she turned and ran out.

Chu Wanqing watched her retreating figure, her eyes darkening. She then looked at the old women by the door and said, "Lock her in the woodshed!"

The old women obeyed and dragged Zijuan to the woodshed.

Now that the fire had been started, Chu Wanqing was not going to let it go out. She called out, "Qinghe, gather everyone outside the courtyard."

Qinghe accepted the order and left.

She then turned to Yunheting, "Master, go ahead and get busy. Don't forget to tell Mr. Liu so she can make preparations as soon as possible."

Yun Heting didn't know what Chu Wanqing was planning, but he knew he had to quickly discuss a plan with Liu Zhixue. He nodded and led his men away hastily.

Yun Jin didn't expect Chu Wanqing to take the opportunity to kick Liu Zhixue out. She thought it was fine this way. Rather than feeling resentful herself, she thought it was better to let others feel resentful.

She walked over to Chu Wanqing and whispered a few words to her. Chu Wanqing's eyes lit up: "Okay. We'll do it your way. I don't believe she can be that shameless."

Yun Jin said softly, "Mother, are you hungry? I'll go prepare some food. Try my cooking tonight."

After saying that, he turned around and went to find Bitao in the small kitchen.

At this moment, all the servants in the courtyard had already stood outside the gate of Qingshui Garden with Qinghe.

Chu Wanqing stared at everyone for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before slowly speaking: "Today, we have seen a traitor like Zijuan who steals from her own side. I believe most of you are innocent, but for the sake of fairness, I will check your residences one by one today."

Looking at the various expressions on everyone's faces, she felt ridiculous. She thought she had the mansion under her control, but she never expected that her dowry alone would be changed so much.

She sneered inwardly and called out in a low voice, "Qinghe, take your men and search every room!"