Once Doctor Miaoâs words rang out, Matriarch Heâs first reaction was stunned silence before her expression instantly darkened.
Chu Lian was also shocked by the doctorâs action. She helplessly shook her head. Great Doctor Miao was too accustomed to acting as he liked. Although he had spoken up to defend her, it had backfired instead. Judging by the expression on the matriarchâs face, it seemed that the misunderstanding between them had deepened.
Great Doctor Miao only realised that he should have put more thought into his words after the fact.
However, there was no use in regretting it now. Words couldnât be taken back once thrown out.
He made a cupped fist salute towards Matriarch He before finding an empty seat in the corners of the parlour and sitting down.
Matriarch He wasnât in the mood to be angry with Great Doctor Miao right now. Her expression turned grim and she abruptly turned her gaze towards Chu Lian, who was seated beside He Changdi. She demanded with a thunderous shout, âMadam Chu, do you still have anything to say for yourself!â
It was out of Chu Lianâs expectations that the matriarchâs first reaction was to condemn her, let alone with such a hostile tone.
This was likely all âthanksâ to Great Doctor Miaoâs previous remark.
Likewise, He Changdi hadnât expected that Grandmotherâs mindset hadnât changed even after a whole night. It wasnât as if this incident was airtight. If Matriarch He had her wits about her, then she would have already realised the truth overnight.
He Sanlangâs expression darkened. He was about to stand up to defend Chu Lian, but Chu Lian tugged at his hand and lightly shook her head.
After that, she stood up in a calm and easy manner.
There was a faint smile on her face, as if she wasnât facing a âtrialâ and interrogation from all sides. Instead, her peaceful expression made it seem like she was enjoying a lakeside garden with beautiful scenery. She looked around leisurely. Her gaze stayed the longest on Madam Zou and Eldest Madamâs faces, before she finally made eye contact with the matriarchâs muddled yet sharp eyes.
There wasnât a single trace of fear in Chu Lianâs bright eyes. A moment later, her reply to the matriarch resounded in the parlour for everyone to hear.
âIn reply to Grandmother, Granddaughter-in-Law has plenty to say!â
Matriarch Heâs expression became even darker and uglier. Beside her, He Yingâs temper was also provoked by Chu Lianâs nonchalant attitude.
She sneered coldly, âSanlangâs wife, do you think that everyone will believe you just because youâre acting this way? Let me warn you! Even if the child is safe, we wonât pretend like this never happened! Mother, our estate canât tolerate the existence of such a cruel and vile woman!â
He Yingâs words were very harsh. She had obviously said those words because she wanted to kick Chu Lian out of House Jingâan and to have He Changdi divorce her.
What a pity that she didnât have much in the way of smarts. The Empress Dowager herself had decreed He Changdi and Chu Lianâs marriage. He Changdi wouldnât be allowed to divorce his wife as he liked. Furthermore, Chu Lian had a noble title on her that gave her the status of an imperial daughter.
âAunt, please make sure to your brain before speaking in the future. Polish your eyes while youâre at it too.â
When dealing with people like Eldest Madam, there was no need to reason with her and give her respect.
Although Matriarch He knew that He Yingâs words had been out of line, since He Ying was her very own daughter, she still sided with He Ying in the end. She reprimanded, âMadam Chu, Miaozhen nearly had a miscarriage because she ate the candied hawthorns that you made! Though that child will be born an illegitimate child, but heâs still your eldest brother-in-lawâs first son!â
The first person to feel guilt from the matriarchâs words was Countess Jingâan. She couldnât resist glancing at her youngest daughter-in-law, who was standing ramrod straight, âMother, Iâm also at fault regarding this matter. Iâm the one who told Sanlangâs wife that I wanted to eat some candied hawthorns to boost my appetite. It didnât occur to me that the pregnant Miaozhen liked sour foods...â
âDonât say anymore. Even if thatâs true, she was still the one who made those harmful candied hawthorns.â
Anyone who had a mind would probably have realised what was going on by now.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Matriarch He hadnât convened this trial just to investigate the truth regarding Miaozhenâs miscarriage. Her hidden motive was to take this opportunity to discipline Chu Lian.
He Changdi clenched his fists as a glint flashed in his deep eyes.
The matriarch had been wielding great power and influence within House Jingâan for many years after all. Moreover, Countess Jingâan had been bedridden for so long that she hadnât managed the household for a long time. Thus, her character was much weaker in comparison. After that retort from her mother-in-law, she couldnât continue speaking.
Chu Lian didnât seem to care about Matriarch Heâs harsh words. She calmly took a couple steps forward, tilted her head, and said, âGrandmother, even if youâve already decided that Iâm guilty, you should let me have a chance to defend myself at the very least!â
Matriarch He stared at Chu Lian without saying a word. Her silence meant that she had agreed to give Chu Lian a chance to explain herself.
He Ying smirked. Her eyes were full of pride for herself. She wanted to see what kind of explanation her nephewâs wife could come up with today.
Chu Lian wasnât stupid. She wasnât really going to let others slander her.
She turned her head towards Countess Jingâan, âMother, do you still have some of the candied hawthorns that I sent you?â
Countess Jingâan quickly nodded in response, âThere is. Miaozhen only ate a few because she wanted a snack. The rest are still here.â
After she said that, Countess Jingâan turned around and told her handmaid to retrieve the hawthorns.