Concubine Shi's Misfortune
Concubine Shi's Misfortune
"You don't even address me as Mother and instead mimic those uncultured individuals who refer to you as 'Madam Consort'!" Mu Jingfeng scolded sharply. "Just as your younger sister mentioned, is it possible that after all these years, your mother has only raised an ungrateful child?"
"Let's leave!" Qiao Mu brushed off Mu Jingfeng's veiled reproach with indifference. She issued the command and led the Crown Prince out of Magnolia Court.
"Stay right there!" Mu Jingfeng, at the height of his frustration, bellowed urgently.
Unfazed by Mu Jingfeng's outburst, Qiao Mu guided the Crown Prince to the entrance of Magnolia Court, breaking free. She retorted, "This issue has no connection to Stepmother! Your father has already thoroughly investigated! These two girls, Juxian and Meixian, were placed in Magnolia Court by Concubine Shi!"
Mu Qingya was taken aback. She turned to Mu Jingfeng, who was in a state of agitation. "Master, have you truly investigated this matter comprehensively?"
Mu Jingfeng, now in a state of agitation, nodded solemnly. "During the last incident, Xiao'xing suddenly went into a frenzy in the woodshed because Concubine Shi had dispatched Mu He to infiltrate the woodshed late at night."
Mu Rouxuan exclaimed, "What is Concubine Shi scheming now?"
"I've already sent for Concubine Shi and Mu He to be brought here! Could the Crown Prince Consort not exercise a moment's patience? Must she remain so obstinate, disregarding all counsel and unjustly blaming Madam?"
"Crown Prince Mo," Mu Jingfeng began, hastily correcting his tone, "please rest assured that the manager of Magnolia Court, the senior servant, and the group of maids under their charge will be appropriately dealt with to avoid incurring Your Highness's displeasure. I will ensure their expulsion from the Mu Clan."
"I request that you both wait momentarily. Given Concubine Shi's audacious actions, I shall ensure she receives appropriate punishment," Mu Jingfeng stated firmly.
Upon hearing this, Nanny Zhou and the elderly maid collapsed to the ground in unison, wailing and pleading with Family Head Seech to show them mercy. However, Mu Jingfeng paid them no mind and had them escorted out of Magnolia Court to kneel.
Just as Shi Hui entered through the main gates of Magnolia Court with a troubled heart, she was met with the sight of Mu Jingfeng at the peak of his anger, who unreservedly aimed a kick at her.
"Ah!" Shi Huixin quickly knelt on the ground, narrowly avoiding the force of the powerful kick.
Second Young Lady Mu Rouyan and Sixth Young Lady Mu Rouyun had also arrived. Witnessing this, they hurriedly assisted their birth mother and directed their ire at their father Mu Jingfeng.
"Father, what are you doing?"
"Ask your esteemed concubine what transpired?" Mu Jingfeng's glare fixed on Mu He, who knelt at the side. "Enough with the pretense! I have conducted a thorough investigation. Shi Huixin, were these two maidservants from Magnolia Court part of your scheming?"
"Furthermore, when Xiao'xing lost control in the woodshed earlier, you must have instructed Mu He to administer some sort of drug!"
"That's likely what turned her into a frenzied state. It must be some form of poisonous substance that induces madness!"
Trembling with fear, Shi Huixin struggled to regain her composure. She attempted to break free from her captors to voice her grievances. "Master, you can't unjustly accuse me like this just to shield the Crown Prince Consort."
"The entire household operates under the Consort's influence, and she also manages Magnolia Court's staff. How is that connected to this concubine?"
"Yet you dare to spout unfounded accusations and deny it!" Mu Jingfeng roared, flinging the jewelry discovered in the maidservants' quarters in front of Shi Huixin. "Did you reward them with these? It appears that there's truth to the saying that valor is rewarded!"