258 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

"If I hadn't discovered it early, were you planning to bring that lover into our home tomorrow, presenting her as my sister, while forcing me, your lawful wife, to bow down and call her 'sister'?" Ran Fanyan's fierce accusations left Ning Songwu utterly speechless, caught off guard by the fabricated scenarios she couldn't immediately refute. At this moment, Zhou Huaxiu, Cha Le, Wen Xiang, and others, upon hearing the commotion, emerged from the house, astounded to find that it was Ran Fanyan causing such a ruckus. "Are you mute? Pretending to be a turtle with its head inside its shell won't help you," Ran Fanyan reminded sharply when Ning Songwu remained silent. "Madam, please, believe me. I have always been faithful and have never fraternized with other women. Tonight, I am just tired. Please come inside; it's late, and you should rest," Ning Songwu stammered, unsure if her response was sufficient. "Wu'er?" Zhou Huaxiu's mind buzzed, her head resting against her hand as her body swayed, relying on Wang Mama for support. She replayed Ran Fanyan's words repeatedly, the impact and vivid visuals were overwhelming. Zhou Huaxiu even began to suspect she was dreaming—or rather, experiencing an impossibly absurd nightmare. "Mother," Ning Songwu shook her head at Zhou Huaxiu, denying Ran Fanyan's claims. However, her denial seemed unnecessary; Zhou Huaxiu knew better. Zhou Huaxiu pleaded, "Yan'er, I can vouch for Wu'er with my dignity as the house's matriarch. There must be some misunderstanding. Come back inside with me, and we'll discuss this in private." "Mother, she proclaims lifelong loyalty yet secretly flirts with her lover. If she thinks her mistress is better, then let’s divorce!" Ran Fanyan obviously knew, but the show was just beginning. It is said that domestic scandal should not be publicized, but Ran Fanyan's loud accusations displeased Zhou Huaxiu greatly. Holding back her anger, Zhou Huaxiu said, "Yan'er, let's talk inside. Don't let outsiders see us make a scene." "Mother, unless she gives me an explanation today, I won't let this go," Ran Fanyan insisted stubbornly. Finally, all those staying at the inn were awakened, unwittingly becoming spectators of this drama. The scar-faced man among the four onlookers signaled with his right hand, causing the other three to sheathe their swords and continue observing quietly from behind the inn’s staff. "Wu'er, just apologize to Yan'er, and we'll talk inside," Zhou Huaxiu urged, seeing more and more people gathering in the lobby. "Mother, you always taught me to be honest. This baseless accusation tarnishes my reputation—how could I admit to it?" Ning Songwu was determined not to argue with Ran Fanyan outside. "Oh, baseless accusation, you say? Ning Songwu, do you think I'm slandering you? Well then, everyone, behold this scoundrel's shamelessness," Ran Fanyan said confidently, raising the sachet in her right hand. "Mother, have you ever seen this sachet before?" Ran Fanyan asked while shaking it. "Yan'er, what's this all about? Can't we discuss it inside?" Zhou Huaxiu, seeing Ran Fanyan still unwilling to yield, grew anxious. "Mother, have you ever seen it? Just answer yes or no." "No, I haven't," Zhou Huaxiu replied hesitantly. Ran Fanyan laughed bitterly, "Mother, I hadn't seen it either until today." "Everyone, take a look at this intricate peony embroidery on the sachet—clearly a woman's handiwork," Ran Fanyan said, turning it around for everyone to scrutinize. "This is the evidence, a gift from Ning Songwu's lover!" She threw the sachet to the ground in disdain. "Yes, and it reeks of makeup powder," Ran Fanyan pointed out coldly at the sachet on the ground. "Miss, isn't that…" Wen Xiang started, trying to understand the situation. How could the sachet, usually cherished and seldom carried, end up being linked to her mistress? "Wen Xiang, you're right. This is just how she is. With such incriminating evidence, how dare she deny it? We're leaving," Ran Fanyan cut off Wen Xiang, signaling her to keep quiet. With that, she stormed inside, grabbed a bundle from the table, and, without looking back, dragged Wen Xiang along, showing a glimpse of a rolled-up painting from the bundle. The four onlookers, noticing the painting in the bundle, followed them out. "Wu'er, go after them and bring them back," Zhou Huaxiu shouted at the stunned Ning Songwu in the house. "Yes, Mother. Apologies, everyone. My lady just had a bit of a temper. Sorry for disturbing your rest," Ning Songwu apologized, clasping her hands before running out. Before leaving, Ning Songwu discreetly handed Cha Le a note, instructing them not to leave the inn and to wait for her return. If she didn't return by the afternoon, they were to continue to the capital and report to the authorities. Ning Songwu really didn't know how to put on an act, Ran Fanyan thought as she walked, feeling frustrated by Ning Songwu's lack of cooperation and acting skills. "Madam, wait! Be careful, it's dark," Ning Songwu called while pursuing. "Miss, slow down, wait for me!" Wen Xiang shouted as she followed. Ran Fanyan slowed down a bit, allowing Ning Songwu to catch up. She glanced around and noticed the four followers were right behind them. The bait was taken. The women, laughing, pulled Ning Songwu into a private room, making her look like a reluctant newcomer forced into service, amusing to watch. In the pleasure district, it was rare to find such pure-hearted people. The young and attractive Ning Songwu, who didn't take advantage of or bully others, was a rarity and a highly valued guest to the women, who attended to her attentively with food and drink. Being more concerned about protecting herself, Ning Songwu wouldn't think of having any intentions towards these women, who were, after all, like her.