Chapter 34

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Lu Xiangwan didn’t know why her aunt was taking Shen Li so seriously.

“Aunt, this isn’t that serious. Shen Li is a nobody. Maybe…”

Before Lu Xiangwan could finish her sentence, she was scolded by Empress Dowager Lu.

“You’re usually quite smart, but why is your brain failing you right now? Her father is Shen Hai! Anyone can marry Si Yan, but not her.”

Lu Xiangwan’s heart clenched at that thought. Even so, Shen Hai was dead. What big waves could he possibly set off?

Empress Dowager Lu continued.

“In any case, this cannot slide. We have to overrule that Imperial edict by all means.”

Lu Xiangwan nodded, and suddenly, an idea flashed in her mind.

“Shen Li was once married. Can we make an issue out of this?”

Lu Xiangwan told Empress Dowager Lu about the ins and outs of Shen Li’s wedding incdient, as well as all the rumors in the streets.

After Empress Dowager Lu heard this, her expression gradually calmed down. She gave Lu Xiangwan some pointers.

“Go pay Shen Guang a visit. Clarify the matter.”

…

Lu Xiangwan did as the Empress Dowager said. Shen Guang’s family had always disliked Shen Li, so they did not need much encouragement.

After that day, Shen Li, who had tried hard to fall into obscurity, became popular again. The rumors became even more rampant.

Although these rumors were related to Shen Li, she was not the main target. It was Zhong Ning.

There were rumors that she couldn’t stand the loneliness and didn’t feel at ease being a widow. Instead, she had relations with the servants in the mansion and her behavior was frivolous and unrestrained.

Shen Li was furious when she found out. Just as she was trying to shield Zhong Ning from those rumors and think of a way to solve the problem, trouble came to her doorstep.

Many people used the excuse of cleaning up the mess for the dead Shen Hai and demanded for Zhong Ning to be drowned. They gathered at the entrance of the palace and surrounded it.

By the time Shen Li and her hired help arrived at the entrance of the manor, the front door was already splattered with rotten vegetables and rotten eggs.

The group of people outside were still shouting in anger.

“Drown the adulterer, drown the adulterer!”

At that moment, someone shouted.

“She should be drowned in a cage of swine and filth!”

As soon as the voice fell, an arrow suddenly flew over the walls and pierced the thigh of the offending man.

The man immediately fell to the ground, clutching his thigh and wailing.

At that moment, Gu Sheng walked out of the door with a bow in his hand. He stood among the wolves outside the door and spoke angrily.

“Who’s next?!”

Gu Sheng’s presence shocked the people outside. But they had the advantage in numbers and now that someone was injured, they had the chance to make a big deal out of it.

One of the braver ones stood out and shouted.

“Who are you? You’re standing up for your Madam. Are you the one who had an affair with her?”

“That’s right, adulterer!”

Many people had gathered around the palace. Almost the entire Street had come out to watch the show.

Zhong Ning stood in the yard and looked at everything that was happening outside. Her heart felt like it was being stabbed.

For the sake of the Shen family, she had been forced to be a widow, and this was how they recognized her efforts?

Shen Li finally realized the seriousness of the matter. This was a premeditated protest. Someone had put these people up to this.

They wanted to completely destroy their palace!

Shen Li stepped forward and spoke boldly.

“Where did you see my mother having an affair with someone? Do you have evidence? Any witnesses willing to volunteer themselves?”

As soon as this was said, the people fell silent. Only a few stubborn people were still talking.

“That’s what the outside world says. How can it be fake?”

“That’s right. She’s a widow. She’s so young. How could she stand the loneliness?”

Shen Li realized that there was no reasoning with this crowd. She could stand here all day and be at an impasse.

She turned to give Xiao Shuang some instructions.

“Go to the authorities and get them to arrest all those who started these baseless rumors!”