With both witnesses and material evidence present, the county court's verdict ca swiftly.
Liu Wencai was stripped of his Xiucai title without ceremony for the cri of attempting to murder his lawful wife, and sentenced to three years imprisonnt. Despite his mother Widow Lu repeatedly stepping forward in near madness, desperately trying to take all responsibility upon herself, it proved futile.
Had this involved ordinary people, it might have been different. But Xie Second Ya still had two Xiucai in the Xie family, not to ntion the Lin family connection. Regardless of their relatives in the capital, with the Lin family's rising influence, the county magistrate wouldn't dare show leniency for fear of jeopardizing future prospects.
As for Xie Second Ya, since her accusation proved true and she had genuinely been in mortal danger, she was only symbolically detained for a few days before being released - entirely due to An Ning's influence.
"Host... you actually helped the female lead?" In the ntal space, a certain dog-like system looked horrified with its instinctive reaction: What sinister sche was its host plotting now?
Having witnessed its host's terrifying capabilities last ti, the system had been ntally shaken and silent for quite a while. Until it saw its host tacitly accept the county magistrate's favor to release Second Ya early.
"???"
Previously, intervening during the flogging could be explained as preventing Second Ya's death from benefiting Liu. But this ti?
The system looked over curiously, only to receive its host's indifferent response: "Xie Second Ya may suffer for any reason, paying the price for her choices and sins, but never for the cri of 'accusing her husband'."
Because that particular law was utterly ridiculous and absurd to begin with.
Besides, did she really think life would be easier after release? Moving chess pieces calmly, An Ning's expression remained placid: The bleak future of poverty stretching endlessly ahead, resentnt from mother-in-law and relatives, malicious gossip, children's hatred - everything Fourth Sister experienced in the previous life would now be repaid in full to this person.
An eye for an eye. Perfectly fair and reasonable.
An Ning's peaceful life continued undisturbed.
After the new year, the scandal caused by Xie Second Ya quickly faded. Though the high-profile incident did serve as a cautionary tale for many unmarried girls and married won.
As for other consequences - neither the old Xie family, nor First Sister, nor even her blood sister Third Sister suffered any significant impact.
So-called damage to family reputation? What did that matter compared to tangible benefits and descendants' futures?
With An Ning as their cousin, they actually hoped First Sister and others would bring their children to visit more often. Even casual advice from her could help the younger generation avoid countless pitfalls.
Moreover, neither family was foolish enough to mistreat their daughters-in-law over this - that would only invite suspicion about their own character! Risking their grandsons' future prospects over such matters would be utterly foolish.
As for An Ning herself, she remained completely unaffected. Whether dealing with the Lin family or attending seasonal banquets, no one dared ntion the incident. Most sought to introduce their scholarly sons or marriageable daughters instead.
Only belatedly did An Ning realize her ten-year-old Ah Jing had already beco a target.
An Ning: "......"
"What's so strange? Our Ah Jing excels in studies, possesses sharp intellect, and his looks speak for themselves. Isn't it natural he's popular?" Lin Xiuyuan clearly took so pride in this.
An Ning gave him a aningful glance: "No more envy then?"
She clearly rembered soone sulking for days after losing face before their son, turning green with embarrassnt!
Recalling the awkward incident, Lin Xiuyuan coughed lightly and busied himself peeling lotus seeds, pushing the plump, glistening kernels toward his wife.
Playing with white jade chess pieces, An Ning observed her husband. Since abandoning the arduous path of scholarly pursuits, his vitality had noticeably improved.
His business acun particularly shone - evidenced by the increasingly comfortable and refined lifestyle she and their son enjoyed yearly. Clearly, soone had been spending lavishly!
Indeed, literati hobbies burned through money fastest.
Perhaps influenced by his mother, young Ah Jing already displayed refined tastes despite his age. Even with limited ans, he insisted on only the finest tools.
Just recently, he'd fancied a Duan inkstone costing hundreds of taels for its small size - which his father purchased without blinking.
Even Old Master Lin, far from disapproving of such extravagance, rejoiced - finally, besides his daughter-in-law, the Lin family had produced a true connoisseur!
An Ning: "........"
Fine, as long as they're happy.
She conveniently forgot her own fastidious tendencies.
Yet facts proved Ah Jing, though a money-devouring beast, was a talented one. Even An Ning hadn't expected her casual prediction years ago to accidentally co true.
"Ahem... wait, Amber, what did you just say?"
Today should have been purely celebratory - the triennial provincial exam results were announced, with the county magistrate personally sending congratulations that their young master not only passed, but ranked first, earning the Jieyuan title at just fourteen.
But what truly shocked An Ning ca next.
"Amber, you said... the eightieth rank was who?"
The excited maid remained oblivious: "Congratulations, madam! It's your honorable younger brother!"
"This is double happiness, madam!" The maid nearly danced with joy.
An Ning: "........"
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