‘Truthful words indeed,’ thought Ji Yunshu, who, for a moment, felt lucky to have such a mother-in-law.
Old Madame Ji had a different opinion. She stepped forward and said, “Madame Wei, there’s only youthfulness to blame for Lingzhi’s behaviour. We will, of course, teach her a lesson. However, Yunshu, who has yet to become a bride, should stay here. It wouldn’t be appropriate, by mores or by reason, for her to be displaced to your residence.”
“Oh, but it would be appropriate, worry not,” said Lord Wei with a reddened face that hinted at the forbearance required to reign in his anger. He turned around and said to Wei Yi, “Yi’er, bring Yunshu into the carriage and go, now.”
“Understood,” said Wei Yi with a firm nod.
He sought Ji Yunshu from the hands of the two maidservants, said to her, “Shu’er, I’ll bring you home,” and brought her out of the room in his arms.
This scene made the Old Madame and Ji Shuhan’s expressions darken further.
Lord Wei did not say anything, only emitting a nasal sound meant to express his dissatisfaction before walking out of the room.
Madame Wei, however, was not finished. Anger burned within her heart as fiercely as ever. She addressed Ji Shuhan, “Lord Ji, according to you, was Yunshu’s punishment by the tip of a whip not delivered for pushing and grievously injuring Lingzhi’s hand? I wish to see justice for the events which has transpired today; not only did Lingzhi commit the same offense, she worsened her mistake by stripping Yunshu’s garment in public. I hope that you will not disappoint me, as well as the many others watching you. After all, rules are made to be obeyed.”
“You are right, I will see to it that she is properly punished,” sighed Ji Shuhan.
Upon leaving, Madame Wei did not forget to throw a look at Ji Lingzhi, who was still sobbing. Her look made Ji Lingzhi shiver from head to toes.
The troubles of the day arrived at an end, but, out of consideration for his own face, Ji Shuhan had to punish Ji Lingzhi. She was still too young to be physically punished, therefore…
“You will kneel in front of the Buddha shrine for the whole night. Then, copy the Sanxun fifty times, without fault,” ordered Ji Shuhan.
Hearing this, Ji Lingzhi panicked. She had never endured such harsh punishment! “Father, believe me! I didn’t push Eldest Sister. And the blood on Third Sister is red water. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Eldest Sister. Father…”
“Enough, no more about what happened today. Your impertinence breeds trouble, and, one day, even I won’t be able to help you clean your messes,” berated Ji Shuhan as he left.
Old Madame Ji, who also suffered a heavy blow to her face today, followed Ji Shuhan in the same mood.
Ji Muqing, abed, looked at the events unfold. She called Ji Lingzhi, who was still wiping her tears, to her side.
“Lingzhi, were you really the one who pushed me?” asked Ji Muqing in a low voice.
“Big Sister, it’s really not me. It’s that bastard child. She pulled me over and I bumped into you, she even slapped me on the face,” said Ji Lingzhi as she held her cheeks, which were swollen from the two blows she had received.
Upon hearing her explanation, Ji Muqing also realized that Ji Yunshu’s behaviour today was quite strange.
‘Asking me to look at something in the water for no reason at all, and insisting on picking up Ji Lingzhi. She must have planned this for a long time.’
“Lingzhi, I’ll make sure that she doesn’t get away with what she did today,” said Ji Muqing as she squinted and looked as if she was thinking about something dangerous.
1.Lost All Face = Shame on them