CHAPTER 474: CHAPTER 161 XIE RUILIN PUBLICLY HUMILIATED (SMACK IN THE FACE)

Xie Ruilin’s agitation surprised everyone.

Logically, after clarifying Xie Ruotong’s identity, the matter should have ended there, especially since it’s getting late, and it’s time to start the banquet.

Yet, Xie Ruilin persisted so doggedly, as if she had an ulterior motive.

The madam had no choice but to say again, "I truly do not recognize the young lady before me, and I’ve never seen her before. With my years of experience, I’ve seen countless young ladies, including those as beautiful as the one we have here. So when it comes to recognizing the girls, I rank second to none."

Xie Ruilin’s eyes were red with urgency.

It took her so much effort to reach this point.

Everything was in place, except for a key opportunity.

How could it be, that she would fail at the last minute?

It must be that Xie Ruotong had schemed with the madam in advance.

It has to be her.

She hadn’t realized that this woman was so deep and calculating.

She always seemed generous and kind in her dealings, showing no hint of cunning.

But now, she had been outwitted by her.

No, this cannot stand.

She cannot just let it go so easily.

After making all these preparations and inviting everyone from Yicui Pavilion over, if she doesn’t shift all the blame onto Xie Ruotong, she will be ridiculed for losing her composure and looked down upon by both the Song Family and Duke Mansion.

Just thinking about the outcome.

Xie Ruilin couldn’t keep her composure.

She randomly called over a dancer and asked her, "Do you recognize her? Is she not Xiang Qin, the lead performer of Yicui Pavilion?!"

The dancer hurriedly replied, "Miss Xiang Qin has already been redeemed and, I heard, has married a landlord in Shu. This lady here is not Xiang Qin, and I don’t recognize her either."

How is this possible?!

How is it possible that everyone has been bribed by Xie Ruotong?!

When did she bribe them?!

During this time, she had been closely monitoring Xie Ruotong in secret, thinking that Xie Ruotong, being entangled with Qin Shuyang, might visit Yicui Pavilion to set things up in advance so her past wouldn’t be exposed; but over such a long time, Xie Ruotong was never seen visiting the pavilion, nor did she send Qiao’er there.

How did she manage to collude with all these people in advance?!

She quickly turned her head, thinking of Qin Shuyang.

She said to Qin Shuyang, "Mister Qin, they all say she is not Xiang Qin, so why did you mistake my sister for her? Could it be that you frequent Yicui Pavilion and have sought out Xiang Qin?!"

Qin Shuyang wasn’t foolish either.

At the moment, his father was beside him, hinting with his eyes not to speak recklessly.

Moreover, given the current situation, even if he insisted that Xie Ruotong was Xiang Qin, no one would believe him. They would only think he was deliberately creating trouble and this could severely damage his relationship with Song Yanqing. Indeed, he did harbor improper thoughts about his friend’s wife, but he never considered breaking ties with Song Yanqing.

He said, "It might’ve been a case of mistaken identity. Knowing Xiang Qin’s talent in singing and dancing, seeing the young madam’s extraordinary beauty and graceful posture, I might have been momentarily blinded..."

"Qin Shuyang!" Xie Ruilin completely lost control of her emotions.

So Qin Shuyang has betrayed her like this!

He sold her out just like that!

Now, she would certainly be the one to face everything alone.

"Enough!" Xiao Qinghui suddenly slammed the table, clearly angered.

And when Xiao Qinghui became angry.

The whole scene fell silent.

Nobody dare provoke the elder princess.

In Duke Mansion, her status has always been respected.

Xie Ruilin was also frightened by Xiao Qinghui’s slap.

She knew that today, she had crossed the line and lost decorum.

What was originally a well-orchestrated birthday banquet praised by all, now because of Xie Ruotong, has left her in a no-win situation.

"You are now a part of the Song Family, and Duke Mansion no longer has the right to discipline you, but your current actions have embarrassed both families! How much longer will you continue this farce?! Are you disappointed that your sister is not from Yicui Pavilion?!" Xiao Qinghui’s scolding voice exposed Xie Ruilin’s true intentions outright.

"Grandmother, no, that’s not it..." Xie Ruilin hurriedly explained, "I was just seeking justice for my sister. Mister Qin slandered my sister, and I was just eagerly wanting everyone to understand that my sister is not..."

"All those seated here are government dignitaries; do you really think your petty thoughts are imperceptible to them?" Xiao Qinghui directly interrupted Xie Ruilin, not sparing any face for her granddaughter, "I used to feel somewhat guilty before, as your sister’s marriage has wronged you, but now, seeing how out of line and indelicate you are, I feel you are fit to be someone’s concubine!"