In this situation, it’s inevitable to say that those involved are muddled.
Otherwise, if anyone was clear-headed, would they really expose another’s wife’s reputation in public and expect others to uphold justice for them? Isn’t this akin to slapping oneself in the face?
The Heir Pei’s words were rely polite platitudes, do you understand such formal talk? You truly wish to expand your influence with just so slight favor.
Otherwise, if a hat of moral deficiency is placed on the Young Lady, would Pei Mansion have face if this spreads?
This is the Young Lady granted marriage by the Emperor. Saying she lacks virtue not only slaps the Pei Mansion but also dares slap the Emperor’s face; how can that be tolerated?
Thus, with matters escalating to this point, even if it’s true, it must be feigned as false. Preserving the reputation of an insignificant Master or the Young Lady’s reputation, it’s easy to know the answer with just a thought.
This reflects the thoughts of the three masters of the Pei Family, whose ideas are surprisingly unanimous.
Being people of the officialdom, they comprehend the stakes, unlike the won of the inner chambers, who are short-sighted and focus only on imdiate interests without considering the bigger picture.
"Master Lu, there might be so misunderstanding in this matter? Speak out, only by unraveling the misunderstanding can rumors be prevented in the future," said Marquis Pei.
The second master also said, "Indeed, it must be a misunderstanding; if the servants were uninford, miscommunication is possible."
The third master said, "Surely it’s a misunderstanding; since it is, it must be tily resolved."
Each one aims to keep the peace, mindful of the overall situation.
Even Pei Yuan and Pei Lian think likewise, though they refrain from speaking in front of elders. Such matters aren’t ant for their interference.
Clearly, these people genuinely care about the bigger picture, disregarding rights and wrongs for the sake of peace. In their view, the truth is irrelevant compared to the overall situation.
But won’s thoughts are indeed different from n’s.
Pei Lan, for one, hopes the situation escalates, so in the end, the responsibility wouldn’t fall onto her.
Yao Xing shares this sentint.
Among the other ladies, the eldest lady doesn’t believe Qu Fulan lacks virtue. However, since rumors have spread, investigation is necessary to clear her na, understanding a woman’s reputation is paramount, even if she’s indifferent to inner chamber affairs.
The second lady also pursues the truth, ensuring the outco follows suit, refusing to tolerate, lest future household managent becos unfeasible.
The third lady firmly believes Qu Fulan lacks virtue, insisting the issue shouldn’t be trivialized.
To Heir Pei, if the involved party weren’t Qu Fulan today, he would’ve been content with smoothing things over.
Finally, the matriarch spoke, "The matter has escalated, yet now you want to smooth things over, keeping the mansion’s rules intact? Today’s matter must be thoroughly investigated, leaving no ambiguity! Master Lu, since you have evidence, present it. As it is ant, it shall be without leniency."
No one dared to make a sound after the matriarch spoke.
However, Master Lu’s expression beca even more unpleasant; how did the issue end up with claims of having evidence?
Was there ever any evidence?
Must it be claid that seeing Qu Fulan’s superior chess skills, likened to being guided by a master, led to the conclusion that she disrespects her teachers?
What credibility would such words hold?
At this mont, Master Lu’s deanor remained composed, though internally, she was in chaos, feeling as if on a hot iron, enduring intense affliction.
"Master Lu?" the matriarch said.
Master Lu’s mouth moved, but no words ca out.
Attempting to claim a misunderstanding was already insufficient; with such an escalation, how would others view her? How would she explain the rumors originating from her?
Ning Xin assud the teacher had misgivings and appeared concerned, "Teacher, you needn’t worry; simply speak the truth of the matter, for we are all reasonable people."
In her youth, Ning Xin’s considerations were straightforward; Master Lu consistently portrayed hatred toward wrongdoings, so Ning Xin was certain the teacher held solid evidence. She was rely protecting the Pei Mansion’s reputation by staying silent, but given the current state of affairs, not speaking was no longer feasible. Otherwise, it would be said the Pei Mansion lacks even the ans to investigate the truth.
Master Lu truly couldn’t articulate, rendered speechless.
Pei Ji’an calmly said, "Master, regarding the Pei Mansion’s reputation, please speak truthfully."
Ning Xin observed the teacher’s perplexed expression and grew anxious, "Teacher, do speak up."
The teacher still couldn’t speak.
Pei Ji’an then smirked lightly, "If she doesn’t speak, you shall. How did Master Lu initially tell you about your cousin’s disrespectful behavior? Just state it; I shall not tolerate leniency."
Everyone awaited the teacher’s explanation, growing impatient after such a delay. Upon hearing Pei Ji’an’s words, all eyes turned to Ning Xin, hoping for a swift clarity, to finally resolve matters. Who has the leisure to remain in this standstill?
Once everyone looked at her, Ning Xin imdiately felt an imnse pressure and grew nervous, yet youthful naivety emboldened her. She courageously spoke, "It’s because the teacher saw my cousin’s impressive chess skills, surpassing all other girls in the mansion who studied for years. Surely she learned from a master, and she is greatly revered. The teacher wished to engage, and inquired where my cousin learned. However, my cousin only said she was taught by her cousin, with no master present. Isn’t this disrespecting teachers and elders?"
Pei Ji’an recalled the issue as she had ntioned before; Master Lu disliked her, seemingly because she incredulously didn’t believe she learned in less than half a year, thinking she lied.
Master Lu questioned her claim of half a year’s study, but who knew she hadn’t even studied chess for six months?
Such firm disbelief led to unequivocal conviction of falsehood—such prejudice?
"Beyond this, is there other evidence?" Pei Ji’an asked.
Ning Xin had plenty to say but found herself silent at the realization of no further evidence?
Initially, the teacher only said my cousin’s chess skills were superb, surely taught by a master, though she’d never disclose who instructed her. Isn’t this disrespecting teachers and elders?
"Just from this, it can be shown my cousin disrespects elders, as she wouldn’t reveal her teacher’s identity."
"So you’re saying you have no solid evidence, basing their judgnt on personal bias, sentencing soone without proof, letting a lady suffer public backlash, tainting her reputation?" Pei Ji’an’s voice turned suddenly cold.
"She, she didn’t reveal the master’s identity; that’s fact!" Ning Xin retreated two steps in fear but shakily refuted.
"How can you be certain she had a master she wouldn’t disclose? Suppose she truly lacked master guidance, how should she respond?" The absurdity of the matter made even the matriarch notice the flaw.
Ning Xin opened her mouth yet found herself speechless again.
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