Bai Shi could not stand being confined for even six days. She had been married into the Wang family for many years, and regardless of whether her relationship was smooth or not, she had always held power in her hands, making decisions without question.
How could she tolerate being overshadowed by a concubine of no standing?
However, the mistake she made this time was far too grave.
Although the Old Madam was unharmed, she was Bai Shi's elder and mother-in-law. Bai Shi had poisoned her, harming her health, which was deliberate harm to one's parents and a grave act of filial impiety.
In ancient times, impiety could be a death sentence.
If this matter were to spread, not only Bai Shi but also Wang Da would be implicated.
No daughter from the Wang family would dare to marry into another household.
But Bai Shi was fortunate that she still had a son, Wang Da's only son.
This son was like Bai Shi's get-out-of-jail-free card; no matter how big her mistake, the Wang family could not and would not divorce her.
As long as she remained Wang Da's legal wife, she would find a way to turn the tables.
When Wang Da heard Bai Shi's words, he indeed hesitated.
No respectable family would have a concubine entertain guests; this not only disgraced the host family but also the guests.
However, Wang Da could not make this decision alone; he had to discuss it with Old Madam Wang.
Bai Shi adopted a humble posture, her eyes welling up with tears: "I know I made a mistake. I only wanted to contribute to the Wang family. After Yao Yao is married off, I will hand over the management of the household to Concubine Ying. From now on, I will build a Buddhist shrine in this courtyard, chant scriptures and pray for the Old Madam and the Wang family, and atone for my sins."
Bai Shi's words were more melodious than any song, portraying a picture of genuine repentance.
Wang Da was swayed.
—
Xiao Yun, leading the guards of the Ding'an Royal Residence, went to the Wei family to apprehend someone in broad daylight.
Seeing the imposing display, the gatekeeper quickly went to inform Grand Tutor Wei.
Xiao Yun did not enter; instead, he ordered his men to smash the doors and the plaque.
By the time Grand Tutor Wei rushed out, the two red-lacquered doors of the Grand Tutor's mansion had already been battered beyond recognition. The "Grand Tutor's Mansion" plaque that had been hung high was also on the ground. As for the other decorations, there was nothing left untouched. Everything that could be smashed was smashed, and even the stone lions at the entrance were kicked several times.
The people of the Grand Tutor's mansion dared not stop Xiao Yun. Though they felt the pain, they dared not make a sound.
Fortunately, the Grand Tutor's mansion occupied a vast area, spanning half the street. After Xiao Yun's commotion, there was surprisingly no crowd of onlookers.
Grand Tutor Wei, feeling guilty, put on an angry expression: "What is the meaning of this, Prince Ding'an? If my Wei family has offended you, you may report it to His Majesty. This act of smashing doors is no different from the behavior of a ruffian! It is an insult to civilization!"
He was confident that Xiao Yun, for Wang Qingyao's reputation, would not dare to publicize last night's events.
Xiao Yun sneered: "Hand over your butler, Ji. He killed my trusted subordinate. A life for a life. Are you, Grand Tutor, going to harbor a murderer?"
Grand Tutor Wei's eyelids twitched. This Prince Ding'an was truly a scoundrel!
He feigned great surprise: "Is there such a thing? I was completely unaware. Guards, go and summon Steward Ji!"
Immediately, a servant went to fetch him.
Grand Tutor Wei added: "Even if Steward Ji accidentally killed the Prince's man, the Prince should have sought legal recourse. Smashing my Wei family's doors is an insult to me!"
Xiao Yun snorted coldly: "I am happy to do so. If Grand Tutor Wei is not satisfied, he may report it to His Majesty."
Grand Tutor Wei gnashed his teeth in anger.
Xiao Yun was usually a bit of a scamp, but he never expected him to be this brazen, smashing his Grand Tutor's mansion with such impunity!
After a moment, Steward Ji did not appear, but Grand Tutor Wei's two grandsons did.
"Prince Ding'an, you have gone too far, daring to come to our Wei family and cause trouble!"
"Don't think that just because the Emperor favors you, we can do nothing. I will go into the palace immediately to tell Noble Consort, you are pushing your luck too far!"
Grand Tutor Wei's two grandsons, the elder named Wei Wenbin and the younger named Wei Wenci, were not particularly accomplished descendants.
They often bullied the weak and oppressed the meek, relying on their family's influence and Noble Consort Wei.
Xiao Yun had never paid them any mind. Upon hearing their words, he did not even lift an eyelid and coldly made way: "Go ahead!"
Wei Wenbin, who had threatened to go to the palace, was skilled at creating a scene, though he lacked other abilities.
Seeing that Xiao Yun was unmoved and he was in a difficult position, he had no choice but to bravely step out. Whether he actually went to the palace or not, no one knew.
Wei Wenci, seeing his elder brother disappear in the blink of an eye, was stunned for a moment, then shouted again: "Don't think you can act recklessly and bully people just because you are a prince! Our Wei family is not afraid of you. Do you want to fight?"
He raised his arms, and more than ten household retainers rushed forward.
Xiao Yun's guards also rushed forward. The two groups faced each other. One side consisted of well-trained and strong guards, while the other was composed of showy, bullying lackeys. The contrast was stark.
Normally, Grand Tutor Wei would have reprimanded his descendants for their lack of humility and courtesy. This time, however, he remained silent.
He watched indifferently as Wei Wenci and Xiao Yun exchanged sharp words.
After a round of scolding, Xiao Yun grew tired and no longer wished to engage with Wei Wenci.
He turned to Grand Tutor Wei and said coldly: "I never knew that the servants of the Wei residence had such airs. A mere steward, and yet he fails to appear after being summoned thrice! Do you think he has fled in fear of punishment?" His eyes narrowed, and a chilling glint appeared.
Grand Tutor Wei remained unfazed: "How could that be? My Wei family has always abided by the law!"
Xiao Yun waved his hand: "Guards, go in and search!"
Grand Tutor Wei finally became angry: "Presumptuous! Do you take my Grand Tutor's mansion for a marketplace?"
Xiao Yun sneered: "A marketplace is much cleaner than your home!"
Grand Tutor Wei's face turned extremely unpleasant.
At that moment, the servant who had gone to fetch Steward Ji ran out with a panicked expression.
"Master, bad news, bad news! Steward Ji is gone."
Steward Ji had not only fled but had also left a farewell letter, stating that he had committed a mistake and, to avoid implicating the Wei family, he was severing all ties with them and leaving for distant lands.
Grand Tutor Wei, holding the letter, breathed a sigh of relief and looked apologetically at Xiao Yun: "I never expected Steward Ji to have actually killed the Prince's subordinate and fled in fear. Alas, what can be done? It is all my fault for my lax discipline and excessive indulgence..."
Xiao Yun watched his performance with cold eyes, then his expression suddenly changed, adopting a sorrowful, pained look: "My poor subordinate, who was like a brother to me. So young, with an eighty-year-old mother, a newly married wife, and a baby in arms, gone just like that. How will his aged mother, wife, and child live on?"
Grand Tutor Wei was startled by Xiao Yun's sudden change of demeanor and was about to offer a sympathetic remark when Xiao Yun continued: "Since Grand Tutor acknowledges his lax discipline led to this, he should at least offer some compensation to make life easier for that widowed mother and her orphaned child."
"That is only natural." Grand Tutor Wei was also very agreeable; matters that could be resolved with money were not problems.
"Twenty thousand taels of silver, all at once."