Su Xiaoqi was growing tired of Bai Yuzhu constantly targeting her.
However, upon further thought, she felt something was amiss.
She recalled hearing Huang Yaying mention that Bai Yuzhu had been divorced.
Of course, this wouldn't be considered much in modern times.
Marriage and divorce were the freedom of both parties.
But in this era, she should have been more discreet.
Other women who were divorced and sent home either became Buddhist nuns or stayed indoors, never to be seen again.
Yet here she was, appearing at every event, from the Lantern Festival to the Prince's spring banquet.
And every time she saw her, she was unwelcoming.
Su Xiaoqi suspected they might have a deep-seated enmity, like a father's murder.
An unresolvable feud that caused her such strong feelings against her.
She decided she could no longer indulge this habit of Bai Yuzhu's.
With the help of Madame Da Wu, Su Xiaoqi resolved to thoroughly investigate the matter of Xiao Wu, Madame.
To prevent Bai Yuzhu from being blamed for everything that happened.
She beckoned Zhang Yu and whispered a few instructions into her ear.
Zhang Yu's eyes widened in pleasant surprise as she left.
Meanwhile, Madame Da Wu was recounting the events leading up to Xiao Wu, Madame's death.
And why she had been driven to such despair.
"She was forced to her death. I've said it before, that person was not Madame Song. Life and death are destined. I didn't want to say much.
But there are always people who refuse to let this matter rest.
Disturbing my sister in the afterlife.
As a sister, I must speak up for her."
Madame Da Wu set the stage, cleared her throat, and addressed everyone:
"My sister was actually forced to her death by this Mrs. Bai."
"Ah..."
"Heavens, how could this be?"
"Alas, if she truly did nothing wrong, how could she know so much about Madame Song's affairs?"
The crowd buzzed with discussion, their gazes turning to Bai Yuzhu, their eyes clearly demanding an explanation on the spot.
Bai Yuzhu immediately panicked.
She was skilled at slandering others, but she hadn't learned how to handle it when others slandered her.
No, the key was that the dirty water being thrown at her was not baseless.
Regarding the death of Xiao Wu, Madame, she was indeed not innocent.
However, very few people knew about this matter. Let alone the others present, even Madame Da Wu did not know.
She believed Xiao Wu would not have told Madame Da Wu everything they had discussed.
Feeling a little scared, her face flushed, but seeing that Madame Da Wu did not continue speaking, she quickly regained her composure.
She vehemently denied any responsibility for the death of Xiao Wu, Madame.
She claimed her relationship with Xiao Wu, Madame was extremely good. After being divorced by her husband, no one treated her well.
Friends she had always kept in touch with now acted as if they didn't know her.
Only Xiao Wu, Madame remained as kind to her as ever.
How could she possibly want to harm such a good sister?
What she said made sense.
After all, those who knew Xiao Wu, Madame and Bai Yuzhu at the time often saw them together.
Meeting up to shop for clothes, jewelry, or going out for excursions.
In the eyes of outsiders, they were as close as could be.
Bai Yuzhu indeed had no motive to harm Xiao Wu, Madame.
So, what was the cause of Xiao Wu, Madame's death?
Perhaps she had simply lost the will to live.
Listening to everyone's words, Bai Yuzhu lowered her head, a barely perceptible smile curling her lips.
She knew it; these people, with their outwardly blooming appearances, were the most inwardly corrupt.
A person's life or death meant nothing to them; it was merely entertainment.
No one sought to establish true justice.
Bai Yuzhu thought this, but it was a pity that she couldn't drag Su Xiaoqi down with her this time.
She secretly glanced sideways at Su Xiaoqi.
Su Xiaoqi stood in her original spot, having not spoken a word since her initial defense.
But her demeanor was noble and dignified; just standing there commanded respect.
Suddenly, she felt a pang of unease.
Was it foolish of her to confront Su Xiaoqi so rashly?
She didn't seem easy to deal with.
But she had already embarked on this path and there was no turning back.
Otherwise, without their help, she would have no chance to participate in such a grand and high-class spring banquet, let alone leave her home.
Thinking of being alone in the backyard, watching withered vines and old trees, with crows cawing, living a solitary life, the mere thought terrified her.
Princess Ning was right; being divorced was not her fault; it was the man's family who failed to recognize a gem.
She should attend more gatherings like this, meet more influential ladies and young mistresses.
To find a way to remarry in the future.
But given her background and circumstances, she certainly couldn't attend such high-profile gatherings.
She could only rely on Princess Ning's invitations.
Just like this time.
Princess Ning had also promised her that whenever she hosted any banquets, she would invite her.
The condition was to occasionally trouble Su Xiaoqi.
Preferably, to cast all sorts of scandalous rumors upon her.
Whether it succeeded or not was irrelevant.
Just being able to provoke her was enough!
The condition was not harsh, and Bai Yuzhu was happy to oblige.
Because it wasn't just Princess Ning; she herself disliked Su Xiaoqi.
She was jealous of her good fortune, and even more so of her being able to have such an understanding and loving husband.
Why should she have all that!
Bai Yuzhu's expression remained unchanged, but in her heart, she had cursed Su Xiaoqi thoroughly.
When she looked up again, she found Su Xiaoqi staring at her.
Her gaze was clear and pure, like a bright pearl, shining into her heart.
Exposing the darkness and baseness deep within her.
Bai Yuzhu was startled and quickly lowered her head.
Then, while everyone was not paying attention, she secretly looked up at Su Xiaoqi again.
She saw that Su Xiaoqi was no longer looking at her.
She was talking to someone.
That person was wearing a light green vest and had her hair styled in twin buns.
It was a maid.
Upon clearly seeing the maid's face, Bai Yuzhu's heart sank, and her fingers involuntarily tightened on the silk handkerchief she held.
She nervously rubbed it, wishing to leave.
As she stepped forward, she heard Su Xiaoqi's voice: "Mrs. Bai, come and see who this is."
As Su Xiaoqi spoke, she brought the little maid she had been speaking with forward.
Until she stood before Bai Yuzhu. The little maid looked at Bai Yuzhu, making her nervously lower her head. She hesitated and said,
"I, I don't know her."
"Mrs. Bai, you really don't know her? Her name is Tao'er, and she was Madame Song's personal maid.
Didn't you say you had a close relationship with Madame Song?
How is it that you don't even recognize her personal maid, who was with her day in and day out?
So you were lying earlier, weren't you?
It seems your relationship with Madame Song was not as good as you claimed.
Since your relationship was not good, then Madame Song must have been killed by you..."
"Nonsense, I, I didn't, I didn't kill her. She, she was herself..."
Bai Yuzhu was extremely flustered, her voice trembling.
She truly hadn't killed Bai Yuzhu.
But her death was indeed related to her!
Seeing that the topic was about to be resolved, Su Xiaoqi let out a cold snort: "Tao'er, tell everyone what you told Zhang Yu earlier.
Let them judge and seek justice for your lady."
"Wuwu... Yes, yes, my lady." Before Tao'er could even begin speaking, her eyes were already brimming with tears, and her face was filled with sorrow.