"Years ago, grandfather already knew Zhao Shi's character and intended for second uncle to divorce her. However, second uncle adamantly refused. Fearing that insisting would damage their father-son relationship, the matter of divorce was left unresolved. Now, with Zhao Shi acting so arrogantly, grandfather is determined to have second uncle divorce her."
If Ling Mohan hadn't mentioned it, Feng Jin would never have known about these circumstances.
"Then, by that reasoning, Zhao Shi being divorced is not surprising." Thinking this way, Feng Jin's thoughts finally cleared up.
Regarding Zhao Shi's divorce, Feng Jin was quite gleeful, her smile never fading from her lips.
Ling Wan, on the other hand, was filled with worry, her eyes cast down, looking distressed.
"What's wrong? Aren't you happy that Zhao Shi is divorced?"
In Feng Jin's opinion, getting rid of the troublesome Zhao Shi from the Ling family was definitely a good thing.
"No, I'm just worried… worried that Zhao Shi will harbor resentment because of this and plot against us behind our backs. Eldest sister-in-law, we still need to be on guard."
Ling Wan's words served as a reminder to Feng Jin. She knew how venomous Zhao Shi's heart was. Having suffered such a significant blow, it was inevitable that she would harbor resentment. If cornered, she might lash out desperately, so vigilance was indeed necessary.
"For the next few days, you will stay in the East Courtyard. The East Courtyard is heavily guarded. Even if Zhao Shi had eyes everywhere, she couldn't extend her reach here. I will also bring your mother here. Rest assured."
"Thank you, Eldest sister-in-law." Ling Wan repeatedly expressed her gratitude. She was merely a humble concubine's daughter and lived every day in the mansion in trepidation, never daring to cause trouble for fear of bringing disaster upon herself.
"These next two days, I will feign illness. Once Zhao Shi is driven out of the Ling family, I will reappear."
After careful consideration, Feng Jin decided it was best to pretend to be ill. This was the safest approach, preventing Zhao Shi from finding any loopholes.
After Ling Wan departed, Ling Mohan led Feng Jin into the inner chamber.
"Why are you pulling me in here? Can't we talk about anything outside? You had to find an excuse to send Ling Wan away. What is it that requires such secrecy?"
"It's about the woman you rescued midway."
Feng Jin's hand holding the teacup froze. She put down the teacup. "You mean Wang Yalan? Didn't I ask you to take her to the yamen? What's happened now?"
"Wang Yalan's entire family, old and young, were all killed by the Liu family," Ling Mohan stated calmly.
The Liu family. The only Liu family that Ling Mohan would mention must be *that* Liu family.
"Are you talking about the Empress's maternal family?"
Feng Jin asked tentatively. From the expression on Ling Mohan's face, she had already learned the truth.
No wonder Wang Yalan had nowhere to turn for justice. Cases involving the imperial family, let alone local yamen, wouldn't dare to take them. Even the Dali Temple would hesitate.
It seemed she had once again landed Ling Mohan in big trouble. "What do you plan to do?"
"If the Son of Heaven breaks the law, he is guilty with the common people. A life for a life is only natural. Moreover, the laws of Eastern Chu are strict. When the Empress Dowager's maternal family participated in rebellion back then, they were also implicated. It should be treated equally now."
"Then, let's proceed as you said. However, Wang Yalan needs to be properly accommodated for now. If the Liu family knows she has arrived in the capital, they will surely panic and might silence her."
After all, no witnesses would be the best method. The Liu family would not give up, and would the Empress in the palace truly stand by idly?
"I will make arrangements. Wang Yalan will not be harmed. However, there is insufficient evidence at the moment, so we cannot file a case with the Dali Temple immediately."
Ling Mohan was also worried about the night growing long and unforeseen changes occurring. But the evidence in this case was insufficient. Wang Yalan's word alone was not enough to convict them.
"That's simple. As long as the matter is made bigger and angers His Majesty, he will naturally send people to investigate. Then where will the evidence be lacking?"
As long as the situation escalated to a point of no return, Emperor Xuanwen, to appease public outcry and quell the disturbance, would certainly order a thorough investigation into the Liu family.
"Send people to gather evidence of their crimes first. Then, we will directly escalate it to His Majesty. The Liu family, even with a hundred mouths, would not be able to explain themselves clearly."
Ling Mohan had to admire Feng Jin's quick thinking. Only Feng Jin could come up with such a method.
"Then, as my wife suggests. I will have people send Wang Yalan to the mansion right away."
The safest place would be the Ling mansion. Even if the Liu family had the audacity of heaven, they wouldn't dare to rashly come to the Ling residence to capture someone. They would have to consider the consequences.
…
Zhao Shi awoke, wailing and screaming, threatening to drown herself one moment and hang herself the next, then demanding to take poison and commit suicide.
She was too ashamed to live, having fallen to the point of being divorced. What face did she have left to live in this world?
Upon hearing the news, Ling Yan cried and pleaded until Zhao Shi was released from the ancestral hall. Seeing Zhao Shi, she immediately burst into loud sobs. The mother and daughter huddled on the ground, holding each other and weeping.
"Enough, stop crying!" Ling Second Master was dizzy from their commotion.
"You heartless man! We've been married for nearly twenty years. I've managed the household, borne you children. If I haven't earned merit, I've at least endured hardship. Yet, you disregard our marital bond and want to divorce me and send me back to my maiden home! Have you let dogs eat your conscience!"
Zhao Shi stood up and pointed at Ling Second Master's nose, cursing him fiercely. Gone was any pretense of a noblewoman's demeanor; she was a complete shrew.
Being cursed and berated in front of so many servants, Ling Second Master could no longer maintain his composure. He shoved Zhao Shi away forcefully.
"You've said enough! Keeping you in the Ling family until now is more than generous. I have no regrets towards you!"
His father had repeatedly suggested divorcing her, and each time, out of consideration for their marital feelings, he had brushed it aside. He never expected her to become even more unreasonable.
Knowing Feng Jin was pregnant, she was foolish enough to provoke her. Wasn't that courting death?
After being pushed, Zhao Shi collapsed onto the ground, wailing, "You heartless man! You dare to hit me! You dare to hit me! You bully me because my maternal family is from a merchant background, and you humiliate me like this!"
"I'm telling you, I've borne you two children. Your Ling family cannot divorce me like this. It's impossible!"
Zhao Shi put her hands on her hips and glared at Ling Second Master with fiery eyes. If they wanted to drive her away, it was impossible.
"It's not that I want to divorce you, it's that father wants me to. The Zhao family's carriage will arrive shortly. Pack your things and leave!"
"What did you say? You dare let my family come to fetch me? I'm not leaving! I'll die here!" Zhao Shi screamed hysterically, clinging to a pillar, refusing to let go.
"As you wish. The matter is decided. When the Zhao family arrives, whether you want to leave or not, you will go."