Chapter 112 : Frantic (Part II)

Trigger Warning: mentions of abortion, disturbing remains of a dead body, placenta.Xia

Yan knitted her brows, sensing that something was amiss. However,

spoken words were like spilled water, and there was no other option at

this point.

Jiang Su Su walked to stand before Xuan Li, bestowing

him a full curtsey, “Begging that Your Highness would preside over this

matter.”

Xuan Li reached out to support Jiang Su Su up.

In the past he had never paid her any attention but at this moment a

beauty was right before his eyes, her every movement captivating and

mesmerising, and her natural features evoked feelings of pity. Xuan Li

could not help revealing a sliver of surprise. His voice gentled in

reply, “This prince will not be remiss in doing his honor bound duty.”

After saying this, he gave orders to his chief guard, “All of you go

investigate, be thorough in your search.”

Looking at those two

people standing together, Jiang Ruan couldn’t help the disgust that

arose in her heart, “In order to show impartiality, please take both

Mother’s and my personal maids along. Furthermore, we shouldn’t restrict

the search to Mother’s courtyard but search all the courtyards in the

fu– what do you think?”

Xuan Li was taken aback but smiled, “Naturally that’s for the best.”

Very

quickly the guards began their search, while the atmosphere within the

hall grew frantic. Xia Jiao Jiao hid behind Shen Rou, her eyes revealing

her delight in the others’ misfortune. At the mere thought of Jiang

Ruan being dragged off to court, her reputation destroyed, Xia Jiao Jiao

could not resist smiling in delight. Jiang Su Su stood beside Xuan Li,

intermittently lifting her head to gaze at him. Xuan Li smiled back at

her in consolation, the two of them together depicting a picture of a

concerned loving couple.

Jiang Li gnashed her teeth as

she silently cursed Jiang Su Su for being a vixen. Her own mother had

just lost a child and yet she still had the heart to seduce a man.

Jiang

Quan softly consoled Xia Yan who was nestled in his arms and neglected

to notice the aggrieved look in Hong Ying’s eyes. Second Yiniang looked

at Hong Ying’s abdomen and thought that if her baby were to be lost too,

that would indeed be the best outcome.

Xia Cheng’s attention was

transfixed on Jiang Ruan. The more Jiang Ruan was calm and collected,

the more his heart felt an increasing sense of unease. He was a stately

Marquis and in all his years he couldn’t believe that he would feel an

impending sense of fear all because of a mere girl. If this was known to

others, that would indeed be the joke of the day. However, back then at

the Xia family’s ancestral hall, Xia Cheng had personally experienced

Jiang Ruan’s strategic manipulation. And now, moving forward three

years, Jiang Ruan’s schemes and machinations could only have become more

profound and intricate when compared to before. So how could he not be

afraid?

Time seemed to pass by quietly but it wasn’t long before

one of Xuan Li’s guards returned to the hall after completing his

search, followed by Lin Lang, and Tian Zhu in the rear.

Xuan Li asked, “Did you find any medication?”

“To answer Your Highness, there was none.” The chief guard answered.

Hearing this, tears streamed down Xia Yan’s face, “Ruan’er, what more can you say for yourself?”

“What

more is there to say, obviously it’s to have her dragged off to court.”

Xia Jiao Jiao immediately responded, “This kind of poisonous heart.

Your Highness will need to do right by my aunt and my dead cousin!”

“Evil daughter, aren’t you going to admit your sins now? Jiang Quan bellowed.

At

the very same time that he saw Jiang Ruan smile, Xia Cheng noticed that

the blood had drained from Lin Lang’s face, and he felt as though he

heard a “kaboom’ drop in his heart. Before he could utter a word, he

heard Tian Zhu coldly state, “Master, while we didn’t discover any

abortion medication in Furen’s courtyard, we managed to find this.

Please take a look.” Then, she presented something with both hands. Xia

Yan was stricken with horror once she saw the items. It was an article

of clothing and a pair of light green boots.

At a

glance, there was nothing particularly wrong with discovering an article

of clothing and a pair of boots but as Jiang Quan unraveled the

article, immediately his face turned ashen. That’s because the clothing

was very large and the pair of boots were much larger than Jiang Quan’s

size. The Jiang family men were of the literary aristocracy and were of a

smaller stature but this article of clothing was obviously prepared for

someone both robust and sturdy. It wouldn’t even fit Jiang Chao or

Jiang Xin Zhi; moreover there weren’t any other men within the fu. On

top of that, in a hidden part of the collar of the outfit was an

embroidery of twin lotus on one stalk*,

並蒂同心* 并蒂莲(bìngdìlián) – lit. twin lotus flowers on one stalk / fig. a symbol of a devoted married couple.

Since

the symbol was in a hidden spot, it would not be seen when worn but for

this piece of clothing to appear now, it caused Jiang Quan to feel a

great deal of humiliation and shame. Absolutely livid, he threw the

items into Xia Yan’s face, “Slut!”

Xia Yan was stupefied, and upon

closer inspection, her face paled in fright. Harriedly she beseeched,

“Master, this concubine has never done such a thing. Master, this is all

slander and defamation from Ruan’er!”

“Mother surely knows how to

jest,” Jiang Ruan placidly responded, “Since Mother was found to be

pregnant, you have insisted on not being disturbed, so Ruan niang had

not taken a single step into Yan Hua Yuan. What’s more, I have been

standing right here along with Father, so how can Mother say I slandered

and framed you. Furthermore, I’d like to ask Mother, what type of

method could I have employed to be able to hide something like this in

your personal chambers under your watchful eyes?” Then as if she thought

of something else, she smiled and added, “Moreover, in regards to

Mother’s distinctive embroidery work, I’m sure Father is most

knowledgeable and should be able to distinguish it at a glance. Unless

Father is not able to recognise it?”By now, Jiang Quan was fuming so

much his whole body was trembling. His own wife’s handiwork, obviously

he was most familiar with it. From the moment he laid eyes on that

article of clothing and boots, he was able to ascertain that it was

indeed the handiwork of Xia Yan! No matter how much he usually was

partial towards Xia Yan, generally overlooking her meager treatment of

Jiang Ruan, no man could remain indifferent when he was made aware of

how his wife had cuckolded him. Jiang Quan was totally resentful and

enraged towards Xia Yan. Where could there be any of his usual

tenderness towards her anymore?

Upon seeing the spectacle, Xia Cheng glowered at Jiang Ruan, “What kind of underhanded actions have you done?”

Jiang

Su Su also fell to her knees in tears, “Father, you should be clear on

what kind of a person Mother is, so how can you suspect her?”

Jiang

Quan looked down at his most beloved daughter. For three years she had

lived a spartan and destitute life at the ancestral temple, and he felt

some remorse towards her. Also, since Jiang Su Su’s return, she had

become more sensible, obedient and well behaved. Watching her pitiful

cries caused his heart to soften.

However, once Jiang

Ruan had undertaken a task, she would not leave anyone any leeway. She

cast a look towards Tian Zhu, and Tian Zhu continued indifferently,

“Second Miss, the servants have also uncovered some suspicious items

from your courtyard.”

Lin Lang’s face became even more white,

almost as if she would faint right away. Jiang Su Su knitted her brows,

as Tian Zhu took a cloth bag from the guards and threw it before

everyone.

The thing in the cloth bag seemed to be stained with

blood and a heavy fishy scent arose. Since Tian Zhu had thrown down the

bag, the cloth bag had unraveled and whatever was in it fell out. It was

a blood coated clump of flesh and the sight was quite nauseating for

those watching.

“What is this?” Xia Yan was startled, somehow finding that piece of cloth somewhat familiar.

“A

dead fetus.” Tian Zhu was by virtue a killer so she answered with an

air of icy detachment. Additionally, once she spoke such eerie words, a

cold silence descended upon the room and a chill entered everyone’s

heart.

Jiang Ruan smiled, “Mother, at this point are you still

going to persist in saying that Ruan niang deliberately pushed you?

Isn’t it obvious that you took a medication for abortion awhile ago,

then hid our little brother in Second Sister’s courtyard, and have now

turned around to incriminate me.”

“What nonsense are you

spouting!” Xia Yan began to get frantic, as she had no idea how this

thing had come to be? Impatiently she questioned, “Su’er, what in the

world is this? What’s happening here?”

A hint of agitation flashed

past Jiang Su Su’s eyes. She had not expected Jiang Ruan to repeatedly

torment and vex her, even to the point of discovering this matter. Yet,

in front of Xuan Li, Jiang Su Su could only delicately reply, “Mother,

this is a placenta. Su niang learned that partaking of an infant’s

placenta was beneficial in maintaining a youthful appearance, moreover,

you also know how I fell off the cliff…. However, this is definitely not

our little brother as Su niang bought it from a medical store.”

“A

placenta?” Shen Rou covered her mouth, her expression shifting as she

looked upon Jiang Su Su. A placenta was such a bloody item, it was

unthinkable that this weak and feeble niece could stomach ingesting such

a nauseating thing.Jiang Quan was also quite disappointed. The

Jiang Su Su in his heart was like a pure and honest fairy, seated high

above all others. She was his pride and joy but right now, she had

utterly trampled and discredited his reputation. Xuan Li’s expression

was also slightly disfavorable, whereas Jiang Su Su became aggravated

but could only pretend to be aggrieved.

“Master, you’ve heard it

right, this is a placenta but not my stillborn.” Xia Yan quickly tried

to explain, while catching a glimpse of Lin Lang’s sheet white

appearance. Why was Lin Lang so frightened, as if she was going to

collapse from severe oppression? Xia Yan suspiciously paused, as a

terrifying notion flashed through her mind.

No…. That’s

impossible. She once again perused that cloth bag, that familiar looking

brown material- it was almost identical to the material used by Lin

Lang to remove the fetus after she had miscarried…

“Ahhhhh —-” Xia

Yan let out a blood curdling screech, causing everyone in the house to

startle in fright. She collapsed and imploded within as she tugged on

her hair, “It can’t be, it can’t be, it can’t be….”

“Mother,

what’s wrong?” Jiang Su Su became overwrought as she took in the

situation, and rushed to support Xia Yan up. Xia Yan had not known where

she found the strength to shove aside Jiang Su Su while retreating a

few steps, looking as if she had seen the devil himself.

“Mother,

what’s wrong? It’s me, Su Su.” Jiang Su Su was rather upset with Xia

Yan for behaving in such a manner in front of Xuan Li.

Xia Yan yet

again collapsed and started tugging on her hair in anguish. Jiang Su Su

ate infant placenta; a sister had eaten the placenta that belonged to

her brother! If this matter were to be spoken aloud, it would be the

pinnacle of absurdity and cause people’s blood to run cold, yet, against

all odds, it had happened!

Jiang Ruan’s lips slightly lifted at

the corners. This was her goal. Xia Yan had spent her life lavishing

Jiang Su Su with her love, but to come to the realization that the child

of her womb had become the placenta that her daughter had purchased

from the medical store, it would become her very own nightmare.

There is retribution for good and evil; it’s the way of the Heavens.

Suddenly

Xia Yan went berserk and while everyone was trying to make heads or

tails of the proceedings, a middle aged man ran in. On his back was a

medicine sachet, and as he rushed in enraged, even the servants at the

door were not able to hold him back. When he spotted Xia Yan, he began

to rain curses, “You black-hearted woman, you thought you could make a

fool out of me! Attempting to hoodwink me with those lead coated fake

pieces of silver! Out of the question! You will have to accompany me to

see the magistrate!”

Lu Zhu blinked and immediately went up to restrain the person asking, “Excuse me Mister, why are you tugging at our furen?”

“Pei!”

The man was in a towering rage, “This person miscarried a few days ago

and it was I who came to help her deliver. She told me not to divulge a

single word about what had transpired, and had even given me a huge sum

of silver for my silence. However when I was on my way home, I stopped

over at a shop to buy some things only to realise that the silver was

actually fake!”

“Utter drivel!” Jiang Su Su raged, “Who bribed you

to slander my mother? Be careful or else I’ll drag you before the

magistrate for a hearing.”

“Humph!” The man was not that easily

handled as he continued with a sneer, “You still won’t believe me, then

you can head into the capital’s Bao Zhi Hall. At that time, it was I who

prescribed medication for this woman, and there are some particular

herbs that are only available at Bao Zhi Hall. Bao Zhi Hall also keeps a

record of all the sales and purchases made, you can go verify that

there. Then we will know who is actually a liar!”

Bao Zhi Hall was

the largest medical store in the capital, and their business ethos was

based on honesty and integrity, otherwise it was synonymous with

destroying the business reputation, thus there was no subtlefelge or

dishonesty. If Xia Yan had indeed obtained a prescription for medication

required after suffering a miscarriage, then this would definitely be

found in Bao Zhi Hall’s record.

That man, still unable to vent his

anger, was about to drag Xia Yan who was sitting on the ground, “You

woman, hurry and go with me to the magistrate!”

However, currently, Xia Yan was in a state of insanity and dazed, thus there was no way to even have an argument with her.

“That’s

enough!” Jiang Quan finally bellowed out furiously, his eyes bloodshot,

and both his cheeks trembling. Obviously he was overwrought. This had

confirmed the fact that Xia Yan had already lost the baby some time

back. Moreover, in his heart he could bet that the baby belonged to the

owner of that piece of clothing. However, he would not be able to get an

answer out of Xia Yan in her current state of mind. In a frosty tone he

instructed, “Support and escort Furen back into the room and keep a

tight watch over her!”

This was ultimately a house arrest for Xia

Yan. Xia Cheng could not have imagined this outcome of today’s visit and

looked askance at Xuan Li before trailing after Jiang Quan,

“Son-in-law, regarding this….”

Now that the show had come to a

close, Shen Rou and Xia Jiao Jiao had no reason to stay any longer. Xia

Jiao Jiao was totally disappointed to not be able to see the fall of

Jiang Ruan. However, Jiang Li and Second Yiniang were still rather

pleased at the outcome. They had been with Jiang Quan for so many years

and were well aware that this time it was almost impossible for Xia Yan

to turn the tide and return to her former position.

Hong Ying

wanted to comfort and console Jiang Quan, so naturally she would no

longer remain in the hall. For a moment, all who remained in the hall

were Jiang Ruan and Jiang Su Su. Jiang Su Su stepped towards Jiang Ruan

with a somber expression, “Today, this was yet another one of your

brilliant works. Da Jiejie’s machinations are indeed ingenious.”

“Second

Sister, aren’t you even a tad bit curious as to why Mother has suddenly

lost her mind?” Suddenly Jiang Ruan’s quiet gaze fell upon her asking.

Jiang Su Su was taken aback, “What?”

Jiang

Ruan smiled slightly, and there was a strange vibe that Jiang Su Su

beheld in that smile, only to see Jiang Ruan looking towards that

bloodied clump of flesh and softly say, “Because, that placenta was in

actual fact the very same one that Mother personally discarded.”