"Whether she is innocent or not, a quick examination will tell," the third concubine said faintly. "The eldest young lady was out all night. Who knows what shameful things she might have done. If the eldest young lady wishes to prove her innocence, why not let her be examined? What do you say?"
"Shut your mouth! When the mistress is speaking, it's not for a concubine like you to interrupt!" Xiao Man said, filled with indignation. "Grandmother, your granddaughter is innocent."
"Innocent? Then how do you explain this belt?" the third concubine said sarcastically. "The evidence is clear, and the eldest young lady still tries to deny it. I must say, I truly admire her."
"Old Madam, this matter cannot be taken lightly. It concerns the honor of the General's mansion. The eldest young lady, emboldened by her father's favor, has always been arrogant. Now she has gone so far as to consort with someone and stay out all night. If this gets out, the General's mansion will be utterly disgraced. Old Madam, you absolutely cannot indulge the eldest young lady any longer."
"Mother, this daughter-in-law believes Man'er is not that kind of person," the secondary wife, Madam Yan, finally spoke. "Man'er, the pure will remain pure. Mother believes you. For your own good, let yourself be examined."
"Mother, daughter..." Xiao Man said anxiously. "As the eldest daughter of the General's mansion, how can I allow myself to be examined so carelessly? If this matter spreads, how will I ever be able to live my life?"
The old madam also hesitated. After all, Xiao Man was the legitimate daughter of the household. If this matter got out, it would tarnish Xiao Man's reputation. Moreover, if this angered Xiao Zhen and his eldest grandson, it would be more loss than gain. Although she disliked her eldest granddaughter, she did not want to fall out with her own son over her. However, if this matter was not investigated thoroughly, it would remain a hidden danger.
"Grandmother, Ting'er believes older sister is innocent," the fourth young lady, Xiao Ting, said softly, nestling beside the old madam. "Grandmother, you must uphold justice for elder sister. Elder sister is so good to Ting'er." The fourth young lady was the youngest child in the household, barely ten years old, born to Concubine Lin. Xiao Ting usually liked to play with Xiao Man and, with her sweet words and ability to charm people, was quite favored by the old madam.
"You are still young and don't understand. But don't worry, if your elder sister hasn't done anything, no one can wrong her," the old madam said, glancing at Xiao Man, this troublemaker who never had a peaceful day. "Guards, close the doors. Everyone else wait outside. Xiao Man, you will come in with me. Granny Xu, you too."
Xiao Man looked pleadingly at Madam Yan, hoping she would intercede for her. Madam Yan merely smiled and nodded. "Eldest young lady, rest assured. The old madam will surely not allow you to be wronged."
Xiao Man gritted her teeth, lowered her head, and followed the old madam into the inner chamber. The third concubine and the second young lady exchanged a look. Given the old madam's emphasis on family reputation, if she discovered that the eldest young lady was no longer a virgin, she might even execute her on the spot. And Madam's position as the head of the household might also become unstable.
A moment later, the old madam emerged, her face ashen and her expression grim. The third concubine and the second young lady rejoiced inwardly. It was done! The "Fire Charm Poison" required carnal intercourse. If Xiao Man was unharmed, she was certainly not a virgin. If the old madam dealt with Xiao Man according to family law, even if the General returned, they would not be implicated. They could finally get rid of Xiao Man, this bane, and at the same time strike a blow against the secondary wife, Madam Yan. It was killing two birds with one stone.
Xiao Man emerged from the room, knelt properly, her lips bitten between her teeth, looking as if she was on the verge of tears, as if she had suffered a great blow. Seeing the eldest young lady in such a state, everyone seemed to have reached their own conclusions. Even the secondary wife, Madam Yan, her expression changed.
"Grandmother, elder sister really didn't consort with someone, did she? Grandmother, has this matter really been investigated clearly? Please don't wrong elder sister," Xiaoxiang said sarcastically.
"Eldest young lady, I never thought you would do such a foolish thing. You are the legitimate eldest daughter of our Protector General's mansion, representing the honor of the General's mansion. You, the legitimate eldest daughter, are so shameless. You are dragging your younger sisters down with you."
"Indeed. Elder sister, father loves you the most. If he knew you had done something to disgrace the family, he would be heartbroken. Elder sister, quickly tell Grandmother, who is the person elder sister consorted with, so that Grandmother can uphold justice for you." The second young lady's eyes sparkled with cunning. It was all well and good to be favored, but ultimately, she would still be trampled into the mud and never rise again!
Concubine Lin looked at the old madam. "Old Madam, as things have come to this, why not fulfill the eldest young lady's wishes? Before the matter spreads, Old Madam, please take charge and arrange a marriage for the eldest young lady. This will help conceal this scandal. After all, our Protector General's mansion has more than just the eldest young lady among its daughters."
The old madam heard this and could not help but let out a cold laugh. "Enough! Today, I have truly witnessed a good show. Do you all think I am old and foolish, and can be manipulated at your will?"
"This concubine dares not."
"This matter ends here," the old madam said coldly, lowering her eyes. "I do not wish to hear any rumors spreading. Do you understand?"
Upon hearing this, the second young lady realized that the old madam intended to let the matter rest, clearly intending to protect Xiao Man and smooth things over. She became anxious. They had put so much thought and effort into this scheme. As long as Xiao Man was here, their father would not see anyone else. Only by eliminating Xiao Man could they have a chance to rise in the Protector General's mansion! With this thought, the second young lady stood up and took Xiao Man's arm. "It seems that today, your sister misunderstood elder sister. Your sister apologizes to elder sister." The second young lady had intended to lift Xiao Man's sleeve to check if she still had the 'Shou Gong Sha' on her arm. Who knew that she would actually tear off Xiao Man's sleeve. The 'Shou Gong Sha', blood-red on her arm, was strikingly visible. Everyone was stunned, seemingly unable to believe that Xiao Man was still a virgin. They were all astonished!
The third concubine also had deep suspicion in her eyes. She had clearly heard a maid say that she had personally seen Xiao Man drink the wine. It was absolutely impossible for her to be unaffected! Eager to verify, she stepped forward, grabbed Xiao Man's arm, and vigorously rubbed the 'Shou Gong Sha'. To her surprise, it did not fade at all. She looked as if she had been struck by lightning.
Xiao Man pulled her hand away and, with lightning speed, slapped the third concubine across the face. The blow sent stars flying before the third concubine's eyes, making her spin around and nearly fall to the ground. If not for the second young lady catching her in time, she would have tumbled to the ground in a most undignified manner.
"Elder sister, what are you doing?"
Xiao Man looked at her arm, reddened by the third concubine's rubbing, and said with a fierce glare, "As a concubine, you show disrespect to the legitimate daughter. I am merely teaching you a lesson, letting you know what rules are!" The second young lady was choked by her words and, clenching her back teeth, dared not reply.
"Enough!" the old madam reprimanded. "Have you not caused enough trouble already?"