Chapter 179.2

Chapter 179.2

This was obviously done to humiliate her. Everything was a deliberate humiliation from the very beginning. Having all these people come and make testimonies was just to show her words were true. This was why these people were so detailed when making their statements. These details were what won the others’ trust. The extra rumours also served to further nail Yaoniang to the pillar of shame for seducing the master and using dirty means to fight for favour.

In this case, the other party kept emphasizing Yaoniang but downplayed Jin Wang’s involvement. The other party was smart to do so. If the focus had been on Jin Wang, if the other party wasn’t careful with their words, they would be suspected and accused of deliberately framing him. But Yaoniang was different. What would a woman who had lived in a backyard all her life know? If she felt humiliated and annoyed, whatever she said in response to this attack could be further used against her.

Amongst everyone present, Consort Qing was probably the only one who looked at Yaoniang with worry in her eyes. She wanted to stand and speak up for Yaoniang several times, but she was stopped by Yaoniang.

Yaoniang stood up. Her chin was slightly raised while her gaze slanted down. Standing tall and straight, she looked neither humble nor overbearing.

“Today Madam Xu came to the palace to cry for justice. She didn’t come sooner or later but chose to come at this time. Anyone who has lived in the capital for a while would know the significance of today, and what is happening in Kunning Palace. After Madam Xu arrived, she first sang about the generosity and benevolence of the consort. Then she confessed her own wrongdoings before confronting this concubine. Although this concubine can only read a few words due to my background, this concubine is still well aware of the Spring and Autumn Annals style. It’s a pity that Madam Xu was born a woman.”

Although there was no slander in her words, she was clearly accusing Madam Xu of orchestrating the entire show today.

“Madam Xu has made such thorough preparations. Unfortunately, this concubine can only react on her feet. These individuals all swear they’re telling the truth, but who knows how many of them have been bought over by Madam Xu? Therefore, this concubine is unable to accept Madam Xu’s accusations. There’s only one more thing this concubine wishes to add: His Highness Jin Wang is not a fatuous and incompetent person, and I, Su Yaoniang, am not a shameless woman. Moreover, it is impossible for me to incite him to do something as presumptuous as muddling the bloodline of the imperial family.

“And Madam Xu doesn’t have to bear all the responsibility for the consort’s sake. Although I am a concubine, I have always been respectful and deferential to the consort. Yet for the sake of personal gain, you pair of mother and daughter plotted to murder people, disregarding the lives of both me and the children in my womb. Don’t you know that although my status is slightly poor, the child in my belly is of imperial blood? The consort tried to murder the emperor’s descendent and was punished to go to the countryside to recuperate. Today you deliberately tried to mix up black with white, purposely scheming against others out of your own selfish desires. I am very ashamed of you! “

Yaoniang’s words echoed through the hall. Duchess Xuguo didn’t expect that the other party wouldn’t panic, but would even try to confuse the others. She had clearly accused the other party of mixing up the imperial bloodline. Yet she was now nailed down by the other party for attempting to murder the emperor’s descendent and distorting the truth to frame her.

And none of what she said was wrong. Earlier, to show off her righteousness and grievances, she had deliberately exposed her wrongdoings. Now she couldn’t blame the other party for using it to attack her.

“What a glib tongue!” Duchess Xuguo sneered, and said, “This old lady already expected today to happen, so there is still one more person left to testify. Asking the empress to allow her to be summoned.”

“Allowed.”