Chapter 1496: Chapter 1503: Cai Lian’s Situation (4)

Third Aunt Mu’s expression froze, with a momentary crack on her face, but when she saw the emotionless smile in Cai Wei’s eyes, she shook her head repeatedly, denying, “No, no, it’s not that. I just wanted to chat about family matters, nothing else, really!”

Although Third Aunt Mu vehemently denied it, her overly revealing expression had already betrayed her. Cai Wei was not pleased, but she still replied calmly, “If it’s truly nothing, that’s good. However, Third Aunt, if you have something to say, don’t hide it. We are from the same village, and you and Third Uncle used to look after our family. If there’s anything within my power, I will certainly help you.”

“There’s nothing, really nothing…”

Third Aunt Mu’s expression was extremely unnatural, and her heart was incredibly anxious. In fact, she did have something to ask of Cai Wei, but seeing Cai Wei’s indifferent manner, she didn’t dare to speak up. After hesitating several times, she stammered out a few more words to Cai Wei and then, citing that she had matters to attend to at home, left as if escaping.

Brother Ying had been sent by Cai Wei to Liaodan to find the letters indicating private communications between Nangong Shi and the ministers of the court. Otherwise, she truly wished she could send Brother Ying to investigate the reason behind Third Aunt Mu’s actions. Judging by Third Aunt’s expression, there must be some unspeakable matter she needed help with, yet she was too embarrassed to speak of it.

…

When Third Aunt returned to her two-part small courtyard, she was intercepted at the entrance by Cai Lian, who had been waiting for her. As soon as Cai Lian saw Third Aunt Mu, she hurriedly approached and asked anxiously, “Mother, did you see Cai Wei? Did you plead with her? What did she say?”

Third Aunt Mu replied with difficulty, “I did see her, but, mother saw that she looked displeased, as if she was very unhappy, so… so… mother didn’t dare to speak…”

Upon hearing this, Cai Lian nearly burst into tears, shaking Third Aunt Mu’s arm and saying, “Mother, why are you so confused? If you don’t speak up, and if tomorrow the Emperor uncovers the secret dealings between the British public house and the abolished prince, we will surely be punished. By then, even if you wanted to plead for us, it would be too late!”

“If it’s too late, then it’s too late!” Third Uncle Mu emerged from the house, saying with a resonant and firm voice, “After all, that Ji Wanfu is constantly either hitting or scolding you; why should you protect them? It would be best if the Emperor confiscates their property and has them all exiled. Then, your mother and I can plead with Cai Wei to pardon you, and you can break away from their family. Dad can find you a good mother-in-law’s house.”

Upon hearing this, Cai Lian’s anxiety turned to stomping her feet, saying, “Dad, what are you talking about? A good woman doesn’t serve two husbands; once I married him, living I belong to him, dead I will be his ghost. Besides, he has promised that if I can plead for the British public house this time, getting the Emperor to not hold them accountable, he will treat me well from now on. But you didn’t even try…”

Third Uncle Mu snorted and said, “Silly girl, you believe that? He’s just saying sweet words to coax you because he needs you. Do you know what crime they’ve committed? It’s called treason and colluding with the enemy, a serious crime. How do you expect us to broach this subject with Cai Wei? And even if we do ask, Cai Wei has to agree for it to count!”

Cai Lian choked up and said, “Dad, Mom, you didn’t even try. How do you know Cai Wei won’t agree? Cai Wei is someone who deeply values relationships; she always remembers how our house helped her family back in Mu Family Village. As long as you ask her, she will surely agree. Fine, if you don’t want to go, then forget it. When the Duke of England’s title is revoked and the entire house executed, I will follow them. You can just watch the spectacle from the side…”

After speaking, she covered her mouth with a handkerchief and quickly walked towards the entrance.