CHAPTER 268: CHAPTER 268: TREASON AND BETRAYAL

As Xie Pan’Er made her statement, a buzz of disturbance spread throughout the Flower Hall, and the gathered individuals began whispering amongst themselves.

"Is what the Third Young Lady saying true? Both the Fifth Master and the Third Young Master were actually afflicted with a Gu Insect by the Eldest Madam since they were children? I knew it! The Fifth Master had clearly passed the provincial exam, but then he suddenly lost the use of his legs, became self-destructive, and spent his days drinking himself into a stupor. So that’s what happened!"

The whispers of the maids and servants reached the ears of their masters, instantly making their blood run cold!

Old Madam Xie, infuriated by Xie Pan’Er’s words, slammed her hand on the table and snapped at her, "Third Girl, don’t talk such nonsense! Your father and brother have always been perfectly fine. How could they possibly have any of those wretched Gu Insects? You mustn’t slander your Eldest Aunt in front of outsiders just because she’s usually a bit harsh with you!"

Xie Pan’Er met Old Madam Xie’s scolding with a cold laugh. "Since Old Madam doesn’t believe me, why not summon my Eldest Aunt? My parents are willing to confront her!"

"Yes, yes! Let that wicked woman, Eldest Madam Xie, confront the pretty sister’s parents!" Xiaosuisui, nestled in Madam Ji’s arms, nodded enthusiastically. She thought the pretty sister was right; that wicked woman, Eldest Madam Xie, should confront the pretty sister’s parents!

"If you have evidence, present it. Otherwise, stop spreading such fabrications," Old Madam Xie glared fiercely at Xie Pan’Er. What an ungrateful wretch! How dare she ask an outsider to intervene on her behalf right in front of Madam Ji! Just wait. Once Madam Ji leaves, I’ll show her how I’ll deal with her!

As Old Madam Xie was seething with these venomous thoughts, Nanny Zhang, who stood by Madam Ji, spoke in a measured tone. "The Eldest Princess has ordered a confrontation between the Eldest Madam of the Xie Family, and the Fifth Master and his wife. Hurry and bring your Eldest Madam here!"

Old Madam Xie was stunned by Nanny Zhang’s words.

Seeing Old Madam Xie hesitate, Madam Ji added more pressure, "Old Madam Xie, the matter of the Nanjiang Gu Insects is extremely serious. If your eldest daughter-in-law is not brought here to clarify matters, I fear the Xie Mansion will be accused of treason!"

"What? Madam Ji, you can’t be serious!" Startled, Old Madam Xie shot up from her armchair. Her fingers trembled as she clutched the handkerchief in her hand.

Madam Ji looked at the assembled crowd and said, "I am not trying to be alarmist. The Nanjiang Gu Insects have been involved in a major crime in the Great Han, and the imperial court is currently conducting a thorough investigation. Old Madam Xie, you had best bring your eldest daughter-in-law here for questioning. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to inform Xiaosuisui’s seventh maternal uncle."

Hearing this, Old Madam Xie trembled so violently she could barely stand. Nanny An, her attendant, quickly supported her and offered advice. "Old Madam, perhaps we should summon the Eldest Madam for questioning. I’ve heard that the Ji Family’s Seventh Young Master possesses the Emperor’s ’As If I Have Personally Arrived’ Gold Medal, which grants him special authority when handling cases. If he were to come and uncover any involvement, our entire Xie Family could be imprisoned!"

Old Madam Xie’s heart pounded with panic. She found Nanny An’s reasoning sound and said, "This matter cannot be decided solely on the words of Third Girl and her parents. Today, we shall ask Madam Ji to act as a witness and let them confront my eldest daughter-in-law. As for your Seventh Young Master, he must be very busy. We shouldn’t trouble him with this."

Heavens! They say that Ji Youzhi has earned the title of Divine Hunter for his investigative skills. If he truly comes to the Xie Mansion, who knows what he might uncover or how he would investigate?