Chapter 573: A Slap Toward Madam Zhang’s Face
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
I have to mention that Liu Fuyun was a literary man, and despite his dissatisfaction with his wives over the years, he never laid a finger on them.
His discipline for his son was very strict, and he was quite harsh with Liu Shimei as well. However, when it came to his always gentle and affectionate wife, Madam Zhang, he never acted rough. Even in the previous incident at the Grand Court, where he suffered 30 strokes because of the foolish mother and daughter pair, he did nothing more than scold them a few times.
This was the first time he resorted to physical violence!
“Who is responsible for all these troubles?” Liu Fuyun said coldly, “If it weren’t for your schemes against Shimei, she would have become the Crown Princess by now! Reluctantly, I accepted Yan’er, but that’s as far as I can go! Yet you continue to cause me trouble! Now…”
His gaze turned into ice arrows, shooting towards the entire Zhang family, as he continued, “I painstakingly tried to help your family, promoting your elder brother! But is this how your nephew repays me? Your brother and sister-in-law can’t even raise a son properly, and they set their sights on my daughter. Their audacity knows no bounds!”
From his words, it was evident that he had made up his mind.
He wouldn’t trouble Liu Shimei!
Madam Zhang’s heart sank.
The phrase ‘reluctantly accepted Yan’er’ was crucial!
It was easy to imagine that in Liu Fuyun’s eyes, no matter how close Liu Yan’er was to him, she could never match the value of Liu Shimei!
And now, because of her family’s troubles, not only was she ruining the future of her daughter, who was about to rise to prominence, but she herself was going to be rejected?
No!
She couldn’t accept such a fate!
What did Liu Fuyun say just now? He wanted Liu Shimei to find a solution for Yan’er, to ensure that the Crown Princess Consort’s position continued?
But…
This is a crime against the Emperor!
“All the servants who know about this matter should be dealt with. As for all of you…” Liu Fuyun looked at the Zhang family of four, then at his own wife, Liu Anhe, and Liu Shimei. He said, “This matter must be kept a secret!”
Finally, he turned to Liu Shimei and said, “Shimei, speak for yourself. What benefits do you want before you’re willing to help?”
Liu Shimei looked somewhat troubled.
Nowadays, she really didn’t know what benefits she could ask for anymore. Last time, she agreed to help Liu Yan’er compete for the position of Crown Princess because even if she didn’t agree, there was still a high chance of Liu Yan’er being selected.
But the information obtained after Liu Fuyun investigated was barely satisfactory.
She felt like she had been shortchanged!
Now, another round of benefits?
Liu Shimei thought for a long time, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, each of them looking miserable. It made her feel quite satisfied.
In the end, her gaze settled on Madam Zhang, and she said, “Fine, I don’t even know what I want anymore. The only thing I can think of is—I don’t want to see Madam Zhang in the Grand Chancellor’s Residence ever again!”
“Liu Shimei!” Mrs. Zhang screamed, “You’re so ruthless! Do you want me to die?”
Liu Shimei sneered and said, “Who’s the ruthless one here? If you hadn’t done the first step, how could I have taken the fifteenth step?”
She turned to look at Liu Fuyun and said, “Father, having a wife like her in the family is truly unfortunate! I suggest sending her to the Grand Chancellor’s Temple to devoutly serve that compassionate grandmother…”
The words ‘compassionate grandmother’ were emphasized heavily!
Mind you, that grandmother had been persecuted by Madam Zhang countless times!
Madam Zhang was cunning; once she ascended to her position, she found a way to send her malicious mother-in-law to the Grand Chancellor’s Temple, where she hadn’t returned from for many years. So, Liu Shimei thought, why not send Madam Zhang there too and let her clash with the old lady?
A great show: dogs biting each other, both ending up with a mouthful of fur!
She smiled faintly and said, “Furthermore, it can help Madam Zhang settle her mind a bit and pray for blessings for the Liu family.. At the same time, we won’t tarnish the reputation of the Grand Chancellor’s Residence! Father, what do you think?”