CHAPTER 396: CHAPTER 398: STATE OF MIND (2)

The First Young Madam Ren felt a rush of anger, her vision darkening as she pointed at Ren Jun and said, "What nonsense are you spouting!"

Both Madam Jiang and Tong Xiyang were taken aback by anger, looking at Ren Jun’s demeanor, their hearts suddenly felt cold.

"Let’s leave!" Madam Jiang, already furious, now truly lost her temper, "Third Lady need not stay here and endure such indignation. Our Tong Family’s young ladies are also noble." She stood up swiftly.

The Ren Family has gone too far!

Tong Xiyang’s face was flushed with anger, her resentful gaze like sharp arrows, aimed at Liuzhi standing at the door. It seemed as if she wanted to pierce her with holes. With Madam Jiang and Xiuyun supporting her, she sat up from the kang and pointed at Liuzhi while sneering coldly at Ren Jun, "If you want me to leave, this vile person must return with me!"

The First Young Madam Ren stepped forward to stop them, saying with a smile, "What’s this about, let’s discuss it properly." If Tong Xiyang really left today, the Ren Mansion’s face would be utterly lost. Seeing Madam Jiang look displeased, she tried to persuade Tong Xiyang, "Third Sister-in-law, it’s just a concubine, no need to be so upset!" Then she turned to Liuzhi, "Why are you still standing here? Get out!"

Liuzhi turned pale, shrinking in fear.

Ren Jun embraced Liuzhi, glaring angrily at Tong Xiyang, saying, "She’s my concubine! What right do you have to dispose of her? I warn you, if anything happens to her, you’ll answer to me!" He paused, then sneered coldly, "If you wish to leave, then do so yourself. But if you walk out the door of the Ren Mansion today, I’ll send a divorce letter to the Tong Mansion tomorrow."

Tong Xiyang stood stunned with a pale face, unable to speak in her anger, while the First Young Madam Ren was also infuriated, feeling that her efforts to mediate had been in vain.

Madam Jiang supported Tong Xiyang, trembling with rage, unable to believe Ren Jun would act so shamelessly. Xiuyun helped Tong Xiyang while continuously weeping.

The room’s atmosphere became intensely confrontational, difficult to ease. Ren Jun narrowed his eyes, a hint of triumph flashing in them, sneering, "What’s the matter, not leaving?!" He was certain they dared not walk out the Ren Mansion’s gates!

Suddenly, Xiqiu, who had been sitting aside with a bird’s nest bowl, stood up. Smiling, she placed the bowl on the table, looking at Ren Jun, saying, "Since Third Brother-in-law says so, if we don’t leave today, it truly seems like we’re clinging to the Ren Mansion." After speaking, she turned to Tong Xiyang, "Third Sister, no need to be sad. It’s not unprecedented for divorce in our dynasty... Third Brother-in-law spoiling the concubine while neglecting the wife, I’m sure there’ll be places advocating justice." She paused, squinting at Ren Jun, "Even if the Capital City Government won’t intervene, we’ll seek the Empress to uphold justice for us."

Hearing this, Tong Xiyang’s heart sank. She merely wanted Ren Jun to sell off Liuzhi and apologize; she hadn’t truly intended to divorce. How would she live if she returned to the Tong Mansion? Could she really spend the rest of her days in a temple with a green lamp and ancient Buddha?

Lost in thought, her face briefly showed hesitation. Xiqiu calmly stood in front of the kang, blocking Tong Xiyang.

She looked at the First Young Madam Ren, saying, "Though I wish not to disturb the Countess, this matter must be conveyed to her." She turned to Xiuyun, "Go invite the Countess, and also call for a litter from the outer courtyard." After speaking, she whispered a few things into Xiuyun’s ear.

A stance as if ready to leave.

Xiuyun’s eyes lit up as she responded, glaring at Liuzhi at the door, who showed a smug arrogance.

Xiqiu spoke methodically, her demeanor composed and detached, full of calm. At this point, everyone remembered, she was the dignified wife of Grand Commander Xiao, the Fourth Madam of Xuanning Marquis Mansion!

The First Young Madam Ren was furious.

She looked at Ren Jun, tremendously vexed—it’s just a concubine, why make such a fuss? Although the Tong Mansion isn’t impressive, it still has the support of Xuanning Marquis Mansion and Grand Commander Xiao. Besides, the Ministry of Personnel has Jiang Shilin, and Hanlin Academy has Tong Shen Zhi. How could they abruptly turn against each other? If that were the case, the Madam wouldn’t have insisted on choosing a concubine girl from the Tong Mansion to marry into the mansion.

"Enough, enough!" The First Young Madam Ren said with a smile, "Everyone takes a step back; Sixth Lady, please calm down. The child is lost, and we’re all feeling bad. I understand Sixth Lady’s statement, but if the matter truly escalates, our reputations will suffer."

Xiqiu smiled gently, nodding, "The First Young Madam is right, but given Third Brother-in-law’s position, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to consider face." She sighed, stepping to the side of the kang with Madam Jiang, supporting Tong Xiyang as they began to stand.

With Xiqiu holding her hand, Tong Xiyang’s arm unconsciously trembled, seemingly uncomfortable.

Ren Jun saw Xiqiu’s words as if they weren’t idle threats, his gaze flickered, understanding the gravity of the situation. He frowned, looking at the First Young Madam Ren, who gave him a reproachful glance, disappointed, stepping forward to stop Xiqiu and Madam Jiang, saying, "Third Sister-in-law, it was Third Brother’s mistake. Tell me how he can apologize so you can release this anger."

Tong Xiyang’s tears fell swiftly as she sat on the kang, lips pale and cracked. Crying, she said, "Eldest Sister-in-law, I’ve always respected you, but I can’t swallow this anger at any cost." She paused briefly, then continued, "I’ll let go of my anger only if." Suddenly raising her hand to point at Liuzhi, she cursed, "Sell this vile person, or I’ll divorce today regardless of lost face."

Listening to her, Ren Jun’s face darkened. Just ready to lash out, Xiqiu suddenly turned to look at him. She said nothing, yet Ren Jun’s gaze shrank, half of the angry words slipping out, "...No."

Madam Jiang, supporting Tong Xiyang, exclaimed in anger, "Eldest Sister-in-law Ren, did you hear? Third Master is indeed spoiling the concubine at the expense of the wife. For a concubine, he even wants to drive the lawful wife away. Fine, fine, our Tong Mansion may be insignificant, but wait for the divorce!"

"Master!" Liuzhi huddled toward Ren Jun once more, feeling wronged, yet Ren Jun looked at her, loosening his grip around her waist slightly, causing Liuzhi’s expression to change. Clutching her abdomen, she screamed in pain, "Master... My stomach hurts!"

Her eyebrows tightly knitted, appearing in great agony.

Seeing her, Ren Jun’s heart tightened, holding her as he was about to speak. Tong Xiyang, driven by fury, resolved to express her wrath even if it meant self-damage. She grabbed a teapot from the kang and hurled it at Liuzhi. However, the throw was too weak, and the teapot fell at Liuzhi’s feet. Yet, the hot tea inside spilled like a creek upon her body...

Liuzhi shrieked, "Master! It hurts."

She clutched her calf, screaming repeatedly.

Ren Jun looked over, rage flooding into his eyes, glaring at Tong Xiyang, narrowing his eyes as he strode forward, ready to strike.