Chapter 61: Deserved Retribution

Proofread by : Mim

Many people saw Mr. Su and Mrs. Su, along with the Jin Yi Wei (Imperial Guards) behind them. The people of the Changxing Marquis household were shocked and quickly stood up, looking out the window.

 

Chu Jinyao frowned deeply, her expression serious. How could Mr. Su and Mrs. Su have gotten involved with such ominous figures? Focusing her gaze, she saw that not only were Mr. Su and Mrs. Su there, but Su Sheng had also been dragged along. Su Hui seemed startled as well and was cautiously following behind someone, her head bowed, pleading.

 

When Chu Jinyao followed Su Hui’s gaze, she was shocked—wasn’t that Chief Manager Wei? He had come too?

 

Chu Jinyao immediately sensed something was wrong. Inside, Old Madam Chu and Chu Zhu noticed the commotion and stood up in alarm. Chu Zhu was so frightened that her voice trembled: “Mother, why are the Jin Yi Wei here at our household?”

 

Old Madam Chu’s hands were shaking as she stammered, “I don’t know. We haven’t committed any crimes, so how could they be after us?”

 

“Could it be that the young masters have been careless and caused trouble outside?” Chu Zhu asked suspiciously.

 

This possibility frightened Old Madam Chu so much that she nearly fainted. After calming herself down, she noticed the people behind the Jin Yi Wei and began to relax. “It doesn’t look like it. They brought Su’s family here.”

 

Old Madam Chu and Chu Zhu discussed it for a while, but seeing the commotion outside getting louder, they realized they couldn’t stay hidden any longer. Old Madam Chu, relying on her seniority and status, said, “The marquis should be on his way back. These are the Jin Yi Wei after all, and they must be properly attended to. I will go.”

 

The fear of the Jin Yi Wei was ingrained in the hearts of nobility. Even though Chu Zhu was the Second Madam of the Prince Huailing Residence, she was still too scared to show her face in front of the Jin Yi Wei. Old Madam Chu made her way outside while Chu Zhu hid in the room. The two daughters-in-law, Madam Zhao and Madam Yan, had no choice but to follow Old Madam Chu, though they did so reluctantly.

 

The young ladies in the side hall were all peering outside. When they saw Old Madam Chu, they quickly greeted her. Old Madam Chu turned to the two daughters-in-law behind her and said, “You two are still young, so there’s no need to come out with me. Stay here and make sure the young ladies are looked after. The Jin Yi Wei can be very unruly—don’t let them frighten the girls.”

 

Madam Yan was overjoyed and quickly agreed. Madam Zhao, though, felt conflicted. As the marquis’s wife, she knew it wouldn’t be appropriate not to show herself, but she was terrified of the people outside. In the moment she hesitated, Old Madam Chu had already gone outside. By the time Madam Zhao made up her mind, it was too late to follow, so she stayed behind.

 

Old Madam Chu noticed Madam Zhao’s hesitation, but said nothing. Internally, however, she was disappointed. It was becoming increasingly urgent to find a capable wife for her second grandson.

 

Once outside, Old Madam Chu greeted the Jin Yi Wei politely: “Greetings, gentlemen. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner. May I ask what brings you to our humble residence?”

 

For the Jin Yi Wei, it was highly disrespectful that the head of the household took so long to appear. But surprisingly, they didn’t shout or act arrogantly. Instead, they respectfully asked, “Are you the matriarch of the Changxing Marquis household?”

 

This attitude startled Old Madam Chu even more, and she became increasingly cautious: “Yes, I am.”

 

The leader of the Jin Yi Wei cupped his hands toward her and said, “Madam, our superior, Lord Zhong Fushi, sends his regards. He is preoccupied with official matters and could not personally visit, so he sent us in his place. We were informed that these people caused trouble in your household a few days ago?”

 

Old Madam Chu was trembling so much that her knees nearly gave out. If they had stormed in with arrogance, she would have found that normal. But their respectful tone made her feel even more terrified. She was determined not to let the Jin Yi Wei get involved in her family’s affairs and quickly replied, “It’s nothing serious, just a small internal matter. There’s no need for you gentlemen to trouble yourselves over it.”

 

Old Madam Chu truly didn’t take Mr. Su and Mrs. Su seriously. She was more concerned with how to handle the delicate situation with Prince Huailing’s household. As for the culprits, she had kept them under watch to prevent them from escaping. She had intended to have them beaten and disciplined later. It didn’t matter when—it would happen eventually. For now, her priority was to stabilize the increasingly fragile marriage negotiations.

 

Even today, Old Madam Chu was still hoping to mend ties with the Prince Huailing’s household. Although Chu Jinyao’s status would be as a secondary wife, she still wanted to secure the best possible outcome and avoid bringing shame to the Changxing Marquis household. She had been about to discuss this with Chu Zhu when the arrival of the Jin Yi Wei interrupted her. Now, Old Madam Chu had no desire to continue the conversation, but she also didn’t want things to escalate. The Su family’s matter was one they could handle internally. Involving the Jin Yi Wei would only blow things out of proportion.

 

Old Madam Chu’s words hinted at her desire to downplay the situation, but the Jin Yi Wei officer smiled and said, “You may think it’s a small matter, but others may not. Now, it’s not up to your household to decide.”

 

“What?” Old Madam Chu frowned, feeling increasingly unsettled.

 

The officer didn’t elaborate. He cupped his hands toward someone behind him and said, “Lord Wei, we’ve brought the people you wanted. Since this matter involves you, we’ll leave the rest to you.”

 

Chief Manager Wei nodded, returned the salute, and said, “Thank you for your trouble. I’ll treat you all to drinks another day.”

 

They exchanged polite words, while Mr. Su and Mrs. Su were left in a state of confusion. They looked at each other in fear, completely unaware of what was happening. Su Sheng, who was disheveled, took advantage of the conversation to quietly ask his father, “Father, what’s going on? Who are these people, and why did they grab me?”

 

Although the Jini Wei were infamous, commoners like Su Sheng had only heard of them by name and didn’t fear them the way high-ranking officials did. Mr. Su had seen enough to recognize that these people’s uniforms weren’t ordinary, but he didn’t know who exactly they were dealing with. Thinking they were just from the marquis’s household, Mr. Su reassured his son, “Don’t worry, we are registered as farmers. They won’t dare do anything to us.”

 

Su Sheng relaxed and nodded. “Good. So, it’s all about that girl Su Yao again. She’s so ungrateful, not only failing to repay our family but constantly causing us trouble…”

 

Before he could finish speaking, someone suddenly kicked him hard in the chest. He was practically sent flying, landing with a heavy thud. His face turned red and pale alternately, and blood immediately flowed from his mouth.

 

Everyone in the courtyard was caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, and many screamed in fright. Old Madam Chu was so startled that she took a step back, and Chu Jinyao, who had never seen such violence, gasped in shock, covering her mouth.

 

The young ladies standing in the house with Chu Jinyao were just as frightened. Their faces turned pale as they tightly clutched their maids’ hands. The Third Young Lady, who had picked up many street habits from Concubine Huang, was usually the most unruly, but even she was on the verge of tears at the sight.

 

Chief Manager Wei, having overheard Su Sheng’s slander of Chu Jinyao, didn’t hesitate to kick him in the chest. The maids and young ladies screamed, but the other Jin Yi Wei remained indifferent, some even smiling slightly as they watched.

 

Mr. Su and Mrs. Su were stunned by the scene. When they came to their senses, they immediately rushed to Su Sheng’s side, crying and tending to him. “Son, are you okay? You’re the heart and soul of your parents. If anything happens to you, it will be worse than killing us!”

 

Su Hui, who had been pleading with Chief Manager Wei, was equally shocked by the severity of his actions. She had never expected him to go this far. In disbelief, she covered her mouth. Despite her earlier frustration with her family, she rushed over to check on Su Sheng.

 

Chief Manager Wei coldly looked down at Su Sheng and said, “You’ve got some nerve. Who gave you permission to speak?”

 

Mrs. Su, who usually doted on her only son, felt as if her heart had been ripped out. Seeing her son nearly beaten to death, she was overcome with rage. Ignoring all consequences, she charged at Chief Manager Wei, screaming, “You heartless bastards, I’ll fight you to the death!”

 

One of the Jin Yi Wei standing nearby half-drew his sword with a loud “clink.” “Lord Wei is only sparing you because you’re old and weak. Don’t push your luck.”

 

These men exuded a particular arrogance that was unique to those who frequented the capital’s power circles. It was the kind of arrogance that came from walking in the shadow of the imperial court, where laws and morality held no sway. Mrs. Su, known in the village for her brazen and fierce temper, often bullied and insulted others with her sharp tongue. But now, she realized that her usual tactics were useless against these people. They didn’t need to reason with anyone or worry about others’ opinions.

 

Mr. Su watched helplessly as his son lay on the ground, pale and barely breathing. His heart ached terribly. Hearing the Jin Yi Wei’s words, Su Sheng, his mouth filled with blood, whispered, “Father, save me… they’re going to kill me…”

 

Tears streamed down Su Hui’s face. Su Sheng had always been the family’s spoiled child, doing whatever he wanted without consequence. Although Su Hui didn’t think highly of him, he was still her brother. Seeing him like this broke her heart. Mr. Su, consumed by rage and grief, lost his mind for a moment. He grabbed a stone from the garden and, gritting his teeth, hurled it at the men. In the chaos, he even tried to grab one of their swords. “You dare hit my son? I’ll fight you!”

 

But Mr. Su was no match for the experienced Jin Yi Wei. He was quickly subdued, and his actions only served to further anger the guards.

 

“How dare you! You’re heartbroken over one kick to your son, but where was your compassion when you ruined someone else’s daughter’s reputation?” one of the Jin Yi Wei said, clearly displeased. He was about to land a few punches on Mr. Su when Chu Jinyao, unable to stand by any longer, rushed out and shouted, “Talk if you must, but don’t hit him! He’s too old to take another beating.”

 

Old Madam Chu was startled and immediately said, “Get back inside! This isn’t your place to speak.”

 

Chu Jinyao anxiously replied, “If you don’t stop them, someone’s going to get killed!”

 

Old Madam Chu wanted to say, “What does this have to do with you?” If someone died at the hands of the Jin Yi Wei in the marquis’s household, it wouldn’t affect them. But if they interfered too much and angered the Jin Yi Wei, it would be disastrous.

 

Unable to explain her thoughts openly in front of so many people, Old Madam Chu glared sternly at Chu Jinyao. “How dare you! Take Fifth Young Lady back inside.”

 

The Momo and maids quickly grabbed Chu Jinyao’s arm, trying to pull her away. At that moment, a voice suddenly called out, “Stop.”

 

The Momos trembled at the command and instinctively loosened their grip. Taking advantage of the moment, Chu Jinyao freed herself, rubbing her sore arm in frustration.

 

The Jin Yi Wei exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward and asked, “You’re the Fifth Young Lady of the Changxing Marquis household?”

 

Chu Jinyao looked at them warily. “Yes, I am.”

 

Chief Manager Wei, quick to react, stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Chu Jinyao. “Greetings, Fifth Young Lady.”

 

Chu Jinyao was so startled that she took a step back. Her maids, Linglong and the others, immediately stood protectively in front of her, their eyes filled with caution.

 

What was going on?

 

Chu Jinyao was utterly shocked, and a hint of fear crept in. Why were Chief Manager Wei and the Jin Yi Wei bowing to her? Chief Manager Wei didn’t dare explain in detail. The imperial edict for her marriage hadn’t been issued yet, so he couldn’t reveal the matter concerning the Crown Prince. After all, the Crown Prince himself had kept the matter quiet. If Chief Manager Wei carelessly spilled the news before the prince told, who knew how the prince would react?

 

The other Jin Yi Wei, realizing who Chu Jinyao was, were equally taken aback. This was the future Crown Princess? They marveled at the prince’s good fortune, thinking that only a prince could deserve such a beauty. Even if someone else could marry her, they wouldn’t be able to keep her.

 

Ever since Chu Jinyao had appeared, the atmosphere in the courtyard had completely changed. Chief Manager Wei’s demeanor became respectful, and the Jin Yi Wei also seemed more reserved, averting their eyes slightly. Chu Jinyao found this all very strange. She had no idea why they were suddenly treating her with such deference. But now that she was out, she had to finish what she’d come to say. “Chief Manager Wei, my foster parents caused you trouble the other day and slandered you. Please don’t take it to heart.”

 

Chief Manager Wei dared not let Chu Jinyao apologize to him. In fact, it was he who was to blame for involving the future Crown Princess’s reputation. If not for the Crown Prince’s leniency, he would have been the one lying on the ground today.

 

Chief Manager Wei shot a cold glance at Mr. Su and Mrs. Su. These two fools had almost caused him immense trouble. The Crown Prince had instructed them to resolve this matter for Chu Jinyao and told them to consult her if they were unsure of how to proceed. Although Chief Manager Wei had agreed, he knew that he couldn’t put the burden on Chu Jinyao.

 

After all, these were Chu Jinyao’s foster parents. If the weight of filial duty fell on her, could she really say whether to punish them or not? It wasn’t appropriate for a servant to force the master into such a situation. It was up to him to deal with the Su family based on what he understood of Chu Jinyao’s and the Crown Prince’s wishes.

 

So, Chief Manager Wei said, “Fifth Young Lady, there’s no need for you to apologize. I’m just a merchant, and it’s already an unforgivable crime to have tarnished your reputation. How could I dare accept your apology? Please rest assured, Miss. I’ve been in business for many years and know a few people in certain circles. I’ll ask the Jin Yi Wei to investigate the truth of the matter thoroughly. Once everything is clear, I’ll report back to you.”

 

The Jin Yi Wei, now addressed, cupped their hands and said, “Fifth Young Lady, don’t worry. We’ll investigate thoroughly and make sure you’re vindicated.”

 

Chu Jinyao was surprised. Why were they suddenly being so respectful to her? Just a moment ago, these same Jin Yi Wei had been acting so arrogantly. Now they were politely bowing to her. And why did they call themselves “subordinates” and say they wanted to “stand up” for her? Shouldn’t they be clearing her name instead?

 

Puzzled and suspicious, Chu Jinyao glanced at Old Madam Chu, who was just as confused. Old Madam Chu hesitantly said, “Thank you for your concern, gentlemen, but this is a family matter for the Changxing Marquis household. We wouldn’t dare trouble the Jin Yi Wei.”

 

“Madam, I know what you’re worried about,” the lead Jin Yi Wei replied, unable to hold back any longer. “You’re afraid of airing your family’s dirty laundry, worried that if we investigate, it will implicate others in your household. But fairness and justice must prevail. Fifth Young Lady has been wronged, and we must make things right. No one else will be wronged, but we won’t let anyone wrong Fifth Young Lady either.”

 

Chu Zhu, who had been hiding inside, couldn’t help but murmur to herself, “Who sent these people? Why are they treating Chu Jinyao with such respect, almost as if they’re afraid of her?” As her gaze shifted to Chief Manager Wei, she smirked inwardly. Initially, she had dismissed the rumors that Chief Manager Wei was infatuated with Chu Jinyao as nonsense. But now, seeing his behavior, she wasn’t so sure. And to think they had considered marrying her into the Prince Huailing’s household!

 

Old Madam Chu also began to suspect something. Otherwise, there was no way to explain the Jin Yi Wei’s strange behavior. They showed no deference to her as the matriarch of the Changxing Marquis household, yet they were exceedingly respectful toward Chu Jinyao. If they were trying to show respect to the marquis household, how could they bypass her and directly flatter Chu Jinyao?

 

The Jin Yi Wei couldn’t explain Chief Manager Wei’s true identity as a eunuch, and Chief Manager Wei certainly wouldn’t reveal it himself. As a result, the onlookers were left to their imaginations, which only served to further fuel the rumors.

 

Chief Manager Wei kicked the groaning Su Sheng again before turning to Chu Jinyao and saying, “Miss, don’t worry. We’ll deal with these people, so you don’t have to concern yourself.”

 

Chu Jinyao was shocked. “What are you planning to do?”

 

Chief Manager Wei bowed and said, “Nothing serious. You can rest assured. We’ll handle this according to the law. They’ll only be punished as they deserve.”

 

If Chu Jinyao or anyone else in the courtyard had known Chief Manager Wei’s true identity, they would never have believed his words. A eunuch, known for his ruthlessness, talking about following the law? How could anyone believe that?

 

But the people of the Changxing Marquis household were clueless. They could only watch as the Jin Yi Wei took the Su family away, intending to bring them back to their headquarters. They had only brought them here to vent the future Crown Princess’s frustrations, but the real business would be conducted away from her sight.

 

Chu Jinyao watched as Mr. Su, Mrs. Su, and Su Sheng were dragged away. Su Sheng, looking half-dead, was dragged like a lifeless dog. Chu Jinyao despised their cruelty and how they had been willing to destroy her life for the sake of their own daughter. But seeing the Su family in such a pitiful state, she didn’t know what to feel. She sighed, turned her head away, and said, “You promised there wouldn’t be any deaths?”

 

“Of course,” Chief Manager Wei smiled obsequiously. Just as he was about to leave, he stopped and casually said, “By the way, the people from the Prince Huailing’s household are still here, right?”

 

Chu Zhu, listening from inside, shuddered violently. Old Madam Chu quickly replied, “Yes. Why do you ask?”

 

Seeing Chief Manager Wei and the Jin Yi Wei’s confident demeanor, Old Madam Chu no longer dared to treat Chief Manager Wei as just a merchant.

 

Chief Manager Wei smiled and said, “Oh, it’s nothing. I just wanted to remind your household that if you want to live in peace, it’s best not to rush into any marriage agreements for Fifth Young Lady. Please also pass a message to the Prince Huailing’s household: Fifth Young Lady is not someone they can covet.”

 

This statement infuriated Chu Zhu. Her family was on the verge of becoming the Crown Prince’s in-laws, and yet Chief Manager Wei, a mere merchant, dared to insult their household? Chu Zhu was seething with anger but didn’t dare say a word. Old Madam Chu, meanwhile, forced a smile and said, “We understand.”

 

Did they really understand? In truth, Old Madam Chu had no idea what was going on.

 

As Chief Manager Wei and the Jin Yi Wei left the household, they crossed paths with the Marquis of Changxing, who had rushed back to the residence. Upon seeing them, the marquis quickly dismounted and hurried over to greet them. “Gentlemen, why are you leaving so soon?”

 

The Jin Yi Wei and Chief Manager Wei greeted him politely but ignored his attempts to inquire further. Left puzzled, the marquis asked his advisor, “What did they mean by all this?”

 

The advisor, equally perplexed, replied, “I’m not sure either, but perhaps Old Madam Chu knows more since she spent more time with them.”

 

The Marquis of Changxing rushed inside to speak with Old Madam Chu, still trying to figure out what had just happened. The entire Changxing Marquis household was left bewildered and anxious after the strange visit from the Jin Yi Wei.

 

Meanwhile, over in Su’s village, their lives were also turned upside down.

 

The Jin Yi Wei personally escorted the three members of the Su family back to the village. In front of a large crowd of curious villagers, they threw the Su family to the ground. Unconcerned with secrecy, one of the Jin Yi Wei loudly addressed the village head from across the crowd: “These people went to the city to cause trouble, daring to slander important figures and offend high-ranking officials from the capital. Their son wanted to take the imperial exams, but let it be known that no such disgraceful person will be allowed to read the sacred books. He’s banned from the exams for life.”

 

The village head had never seen such high-ranking officials before, much less the infamous Jin Yi Wei. He couldn’t even imagine what kind of official the “important figure” they mentioned could be. Terrified, he agreed with everything they said.

 

The Su family had always been disliked in the village, and now, with Su Sheng banned from the imperial exams, it was clear he would never amount to anything. Many who had suffered under Su Sheng’s bullying or Mrs. Su’s insults were secretly delighted. Some even stepped forward to taunt them. “Isn’t this the Su family’s son? Didn’t you say your family had connections with important people and that your daughter was living in luxury? What happened? Now your son can’t even take the exams?”

 

“Haha, he never passed the exams anyway. It’s not like they’re taking anything from him.”

 

“This is perfect! Now he’ll never have to worry about the exams again!”

 

In the village, there were no secrets. News of the Su family’s offense spread quickly. Su Sheng had always been lazy and useless, but the villagers had tolerated him because they thought he might one day pass the exams. Now that they knew he had no chance, they no longer held back their disdain.

 

Mr. Su and Mrs. Su had always doted on their only son, but their indulgence had rendered him completely useless. Now that he had been barred from taking the exams, they mourned for a while before deciding that the next best option was to marry him off so they could focus on their grandchildren’s future. However, the families with eligible daughters all saw Su Sheng for what he was: penniless, talentless, and disgraced. No one wanted to marry into such a family.

 

Mr. Su and Mrs. Su, who had always believed that only sons mattered and daughters were a waste of resources, now found that no one wanted to marry into their family. Their precious son, whom they had pampered and spoiled, had no prospects for carrying on the family line.

 

This was more painful to them than death.

 

And because Mrs. Su had made so many enemies with her sharp tongue over the years, no one was willing to speak up for them. Instead, they faced continuous mockery and scorn. With no allies in the village and the village head wary of crossing the Jin Yi Wei, their days grew increasingly difficult. The Jin Yi Wei, or rather Qin Yi, had been truthful when he assured Chu Jinyao that the Su family would be spared their lives. But as for their past sins? All of that had come back to haunt them.

 

They were getting exactly what they deserved.

 

Meanwhile, in the Datong military camp, Qin Yi received an imperial decree from the capital.

 

The emperor was summoning the Crown Prince back to the palace.