Chapter 439 Compromise is a Kind of Aggression
“Father!” Qu Moying bowed to Qu Zhizhen and spoke softly.
They had already returned to the Qu Mansion. Qu Qiuyan was carried back, but Qu Moying walked back. Alongside them was Granny Zhu, who was sent by the Duchess Qi. She was the Duchess’ trusted steward, always standing by her side. Even Qi Xiangyu and Liu Jingyu treated her with respect, indicating her close relationship with Duchess Qi.
Granny Zhu was efficient and explained the situation in a few words. However, she shifted the blame entirely onto Qu Qiuyan. Then she expressed her sympathy towards Qu Moying, saying that as long as Qu Zhizhen knew the truth, Duchess Qi and even County Lady Jingyu could testify in Qu Moying’s favor.
After Granny Zhu left, Qu Zhizhen took Qu Qiuyan to Furong House. Considering the time it took for them to arrive, Qu Qiuyan should have already awakened.
The situation was handled in such a way that all the blame fell on the members of the Qu Mansion. It had nothing to do with the Qi Mansion. Moreover, Liu Jingyu seemed to have become a victim in the process.
Qu Moying was not satisfied with this outcome. If it were only about dealing with Qu Qiuyan, there would be no need to put in so much effort. However, even if the Duke Qi’s Mansion managed to suppress the matter, there would still be consequences. Pei Luo’an would likely have this matter on his desk.
It wouldn’t be easy for Liu Jingyu to escape unscathed.
Now, with Qu Zhizhen’s arrival at this time, it seemed that something was amiss.
“Ying, how are you feeling? Is everything okay?” Qu Zhizhen sat down on a chair and signaled for her to sit as well, showing his concern.
“Father, I’m fine!” Qu Moying shook her head, her face displaying a hint of confusion. “I just don’t understand why things turned out this way.”
“Ying, I know that your third sister is at fault, but this is an internal matter of our mansion. I can handle any punishment for your sister within the mansion, but it shouldn’t involve allowing others to criticize and tarnish the reputation of our Qu family.” Qu Zhizhen looked deeply at Qu Moying and spoke with conviction.
“Father, I understand.” Qu Moying lowered her head, gazing at her own toes.
“You and your sisters are my daughters, and you are the only two daughters I have. Your strained relationship is partly my fault. I failed to take care of you properly, and I did something wrong to your mother. I also failed to provide your sister with proper guidance. All of this was caused by Yu, but the root of the problem lies with me.”
Qu Zhizhen sighed, pressing his brow with his hand, causing three wrinkles to form. He didn’t intend to evade responsibility.
“Father…” Qu Moying began to speak.
Qu Zhizhen raised his hand weakly, silencing Qu Moying, and sighed again. “I know that I owe you. After this matter is resolved, I will ensure that your grandmother compensates you. But for now, we must unite and face this together. The Duke Qi’s Mansion is too dominant and ruthless.”
His words were filled with anger and helplessness.
Qu Moying silently pursed her lips, choosing not to respond. Since her father had spoken this way, there must be more to his plan.
“I have thought it through. Our top priority right now is our own family. If your third sister causes a scandal, your own involvement will be revealed. It may even bring up past events, including your relationship with Xu Lipeng. It won’t bode well for a woman to be associated with a broken engagement, not to mention…”
Qu Zhizhen didn’t continue, as Lord Yun was currently not in the capital. However, any man wouldn’t be pleased with such a situation.
He wondered what actions the lord might take. Just the thought of that possibility made Qu Zhizhen’s expression even darker.
He had always thought that his talent was not bad and was not inferior to Minister Liu. However, after so many years, he had not made any progress. He was also very unwilling.
“I know you are my daughter, but you are also a daughter of the Qu family. This is a crisis for our mansion.” Qu Zhizhen collected his myriad thoughts and looked at Qu Moying with a solemn expression.
Qu Moying lifted her face slightly, gently biting her lip. “Father, what do you want me to do?”
At this moment, Qu Moying was undoubtedly a victim. As for Liu Jingyu, she seemed to be a victim compared to Qu Qiuyan, but she still had her suspicions compared to Qu Moying.
“If anyone asks, you will claim to be a victim, but you don’t know who framed you. As for the matter of the sachet, you are unaware of it as well. The only reason you suspect your third sister is because of what County Lady Jingyu and your sister said at the time. However, it seems that your sister was also framed.”
Qu Zhizhen looked at Qu Moying and spoke in a deep voice.
Qu Moying’s heart filled with a cold smile. Her father’s visit clearly had a reason behind it, and it turned out to be for Qu Qiuyan. Of course, some of it was for his own sake as well.
However, she didn’t oppose this suggestion.
If Liu Jingyu wanted to break free completely, she would never agree. Since her father wanted to go after Liu Jingyu fiercely, it suited her plans perfectly. She would go along with it.
“Yes, I will do whatever you say, Father.” Qu Moying said softly.
Relieved that she agreed, Qu Zhizhen let out a breath and looked deeply at his daughter. She was small and thin, with long eyelashes and soft, gentle eyes. Her appearance seemed pitiful and vulnerable, yet her actions made Qu Zhizhen feel that she was magnanimous and composed. Even after such an incident, she returned to the mansion with composure.
Now, upon hearing his words, she even acknowledged the situation completely.
This showed her understanding of the overall perspective of the Qu family, and her face revealed no trace of reluctance. It was a sign of her acceptance of her own identity.
He was genuinely afraid that Qu Moying would strongly disagree, which would make things difficult. After all, Qu Moying had the backing of Pei Yuanjun, who was known to be the most formidable.
At present, this was the best situation. If Qu Moying sincerely agreed with his viewpoint, the entire Qu family would unite against outsiders, making things much simpler.
Qu Zhizhen even thought to himself that it would have been better if this daughter were a son.
Qu Mingcheng’s actions had left Qu Zhizhen dissatisfied to some extent.
“That’s for the best. No matter who asks, say it was arranged by the Duke Qi’s Mansion, that you heard it from County Lady Jingyu and your third sister. As for whether it’s true or not, we’re not entirely sure. One thing is certain: County Lady Jingyu definitely knows about this matter.” Qu Zhizhen cautioned, fearing that Qu Moying might forget and reiterated his instructions.
Qu Moying nodded. “Father, I’ve taken note of it.”
She wanted to see how Qu Zhizhen would make Liu Jingyu suffer this time. Judging from Qu Zhizhen’s actions, she had a feeling that Liu Jingyu would face trouble.
A person like Qu Zhizhen was not to be taken lightly once he made a move.
As expected, not long after, Qu Moying learned that Lord Jing had arrived. He came alone but brought the imperial physicians with him. The imperial physicians were busy at the Furong House, and Granny Miao had been keeping an eye on them. She returned with the news that Qu Qiuyan still hadn’t woken up. The imperial physicians sent by Lord Jing were at their wits’ end. They had reportedly tried everything, including using needles, but she remained unconscious.
Qu Qiuyan lay there unconscious and motionless. The imperial physicians couldn’t diagnose what had happened. Moreover, they said that Qu Qiuyan’s legs and feet were injured. They didn’t know if they had bumped into something.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the entire mansion was not peaceful.
Qu Moying heard this news and smiled faintly. She continued playing the strings in front of her, producing a melancholic tune.
“Your Highness, this is the situation. However, we don’t know if Yan will be alright.” Qu Zhizhen said with a pained expression. He looked at Qu Qiuyan, who lay on the bed with his head lowered. A trace of bitterness could be seen in his eyes. “Your Highness, if you don’t believe me, you can ask my little daughter to come and explain.”
The chain of events made it clear that Liu Jingyu had targeted Qu Qiuyan intentionally, wanting to establish her dominance and show Prince Pei Luo’an that she had no connection with him. The past rumors were just that—rumors.
Pei Yusheng slammed his hand on the table with a stern expression on his face.
Initially, he had considered marrying Liu Jingyu at Noble Consort He’s suggestion. He wasn’t fixated on marrying anyone in particular, and he didn’t have strong feelings for Liu Jingyu. In fact, he was even more interested in Liu Lanxin, the daughter of General Liu, whom he had later taken a liking to. At least with her, he felt a slight attraction.
Although her family’s power was the main factor, it couldn’t erase the positive impression he had when he saw her.
Compared to Liu Jingyu, Pei Yusheng preferred this Lady Liu.
For Pei Yusheng, it was actually a good thing that Liu Jingyu was going to marry the Crown Prince. Otherwise, the Duke Qi’s Mansion and Minister Liu’s House would continue pressuring him to marry Liu Jingyu, and he would have to give them an answer eventually, considering the status of the Duke Qi’s Mansion.
The current situation worked out well, as everyone could part on good terms.
However, what did Liu Jingyu mean by trampling on his dignity to please Pei Luo’an?
This was something Pei Yusheng couldn’t tolerate.
“Your Highness, please don’t get angry. The truth of the matter might be more complicated than we know. I only know these details. Currently, I don’t know why she hasn’t woken up yet. As long as she remains unconscious, I can’t rest easy… Her mother is in this state, and now she…”
Qu Zhizhen’s voice trailed off as he wiped away tears, feeling the pain in his heart.
Turning around once more, there still stood the steadfast vice minister.
“Let the physicians treat Qiuyan here. I will pay a visit to Duke Qi’s Mansion.” said Lor d Jing as he stood up, his expression icy. He wondered what Liu Jinyu would say for all of this.
“But Your Highness, it may not be appropriate for you to intervene in Qiuyan’s matter, is it?” Qu Zhizhen cautiously suggested, though everyone understood the unspoken truth, there had been no official decree yet.
“Minister Qu, originally, I intended to marry Qiuyan. However, her reputation has been tarnished beyond repair. In her current state, I cannot marry her. Instead, let us give her a proper status by bringing her directly into my mansion. This way, I will have a valid reason to get involved. After some time has passed, I will appoint her as a side concubine. What do you think, Minister Qu?”
Pei Yusheng gazed at Qu Zhizhen with a calm demeanor.
Qu Zhizhen’s heart trembled, and he lowered his head in reluctant acceptance. He had placed great hopes on this eldest daughter, but now he had no choice but to acknowledge the situation.
