Chapter 177: Chapter 119: Cheng Caiyun Is Disciplined

Every time Cheng Caiyun spread slander against her, the Zou Family chose to endure.

It wasn’t out of fear, but she just felt there was no need to fuss over it. Her only wish was to raise her daughter well, to honor her late husband.

At this moment, when she heard those words filled with grief and anger from Shen Ruoxi, the long-suppressed grievances in her heart surged like a tidal wave, unstoppable.

Tears streamed freely down her face, soaking it completely.

The Emperor was shocked, his eyes wide open, while Jun Moling felt an indescribable pain rising in his heart.

Back then, when the Shen Family Army was wiped out, he had vowed secretly that once he reclaimed the lost territory, he would apologize with his life, for he felt guilty towards Shen Ruoxi and couldn’t face her.

Later, his teacher enlightened him, making him realize that the Shen Family didn’t want him to die.

If he died, could the Shen Family Army come back to life? He should do everything possible to lessen the pain they endured.

But what had he actually done? He thought that marrying Shen Ruoxi was enough to love her for a lifetime and make her happy.

Yet, he had never considered how difficult the path paved by the loyalty and heroism of the Shen Family had become for their widows.

“Did you really say those things?” The Eldest Princess looked incredulous, her voice trembling involuntarily.

Hearing Shen Ruoxi’s accusations, numerous soft-hearted people discreetly wiped tears from their eyes.

Angry accusations filled the eyes of everyone present, while the Emperor and Prince Zhan stared at her with ashen faces.

This time, Cheng Caiyun was truly panicked, “I, I just…”

“Joking?” Shen Ruoxi’s voice was so cold it could freeze someone.

Cheng Caiyun awkwardly forced a smile, “I was joking.”

Shen Ruoxi angrily exclaimed, “Are you joking about the sacrifice of 20,000 of our Shen Family Army?

Joking about the people and families they protected?

County Princess Cheng, I really want to ask, what excessive thing did we in the Shen Family do to deserve this from you?

Just now, I, Shen Ruoxi, with my fifth and eldest sister-in-law, bowed to the Eldest Princess as an apology.

The etiquette of the Shen Family is never lacking, although whether you, County Princess, return the courtesy is irrelevant. After all, to you, it’s all just a joke.”

Shen Ruoxi’s gaze shot towards Cheng Caiyun like a sharp sword, filled with grief and resoluteness, moving everyone present.

Under such scrutiny, Cheng Caiyun couldn’t muster the courage to lift her head, her body involuntarily trembling.

The atmosphere around seemed to freeze, heavy enough to take one’s breath away.

“I saw it, Marquis Shen greeted County Princess Cheng, but she just ignored him.”

“That’s right, she came over aggressively and questioned Fifth Young Madam Shen, though it was Old Mrs. Cui and Miss Mu causing trouble, she targeted the Shen Family.”

“It’s clearly an intentional attack on the Shen Family, but after all, Marquis Shen is the future Princess Consort Zhan, what County Princess Cheng did was truly excessive.”

Voices of discussion rose and fell among the crowd.

The Eldest Princess’s face was somber, and she slapped Cheng Caiyun across the face.

With a crisp sound, Cheng Caiyun’s face quickly swelled red; she stared in disbelief at her own mother.

However, the Eldest Princess didn’t stop, and with a kick to Cheng Caiyun’s ankle, Cheng Caiyun stumbled and knelt before Shen Ruoxi.

But Shen Ruoxi swiftly sidestepped with her sisters-in-law, avoiding Cheng Caiyun’s kneeling plea.

In a cold voice, she said, “Eldest Princess, today is your birthday banquet, it was indeed inappropriate for me to disrupt this harmonious occasion.

County Princess’s grand gesture we’re truly unworthy of; she only needs to apologize to my fifth sister-in-law and promise not to target her again.”

On hearing this, the Eldest Princess angrily said, “Apologize now!”

Cheng Caiyun bit her lip, as the Eldest Princess’s daughter, the late Emperor was her uncle, and the current Emperor her cousin, she was always pampered; never had she suffered such humiliation.

But she knew well, if she didn’t apologize, there would surely be public outrage.

Though she inwardly cursed Shen Ruoxi and the Zou Family, she had to lower her voice and say, “Fifth Young Madam Shen, it was my fault, I’m also heartbroken at the battlefield deaths of Old Marquis Shen’s family. I spoke without thinking, I hope you can forgive.”

The Zou Family wiped a tear from her eye, replying coldly, “I don’t mind, just make sure not to say it in the future.”

Cheng Caiyun felt her heart bleeding with hate, yet had to put on a pitiful look towards her mother.

The Eldest Princess coldly said, “Since Fifth Young Madam Shen has forgiven you, stand up!”

Cheng Caiyun’s face burned, and her ankle throbbed with pain, yet none could compare to the humiliation in her heart.

Grinding her teeth, she stood up, vowing silently: This enmity will not go unavenged, I will never let the Shen Family have peace!

Now, all eyes were fixed on Shen Ruoxi, the Eldest Princess forced a smile and asked, “Ruoxi, what do you think?

Shen Ruoxi bowed deeply, then stood, her expression resolute, “Today was truly my fault, I shouldn’t have been so relentless at this time.

But I couldn’t help it, if I don’t seek justice when wronged, I won’t be at peace.”

Her cold gaze lightly swept over the onlookers enjoying the show, without sparing Cheng Caiyun.

After she shuddered, Shen Ruoxi continued, “In the future, if I hear more unbearable gossip, I won’t waste words again, I’ll act. My fists are not for decoration.”

A chill crept over everyone, particularly affecting the young lady she once stuffed with leaves, making her wary of ever crossing Shen Ruoxi’s path again.

After speaking, Shen Ruoxi slightly inclined her head towards the Eldest Princess: “Eldest Princess, I apologize. It’s not that your residence can’t accommodate me, but that Ruoxi has been reckless and impulsive.

Today we’ll return to our residence, not to disrupt your birthday banquet any further, and I will personally apologize to you another day.”

With that, she turned to say to her elder sister-in-law and fifth sister-in-law, “Let’s go.”

If they just left today, could the incident of her daughter insulting the Zou Family be concealed?

What would others say? Surely that because of County Princess Cheng’s offense, the Shen Family was angered away.

It’s been five years since the Shen Family incident, slowly fading from memory, yet Ruoxi’s mention stirred many hearts anew.

Just look at the Emperor and Prince Zhan’s expressions, clearly, this greatly affected them.

“Ruoxi.”

The Eldest Princess suddenly grasped Shen Ruoxi’s hand warmly, saying, “Today Caiyun has been taught a lesson, for my birthday banquet’s sake, please don’t leave.

If you’re still not appeased, wait until after today, then feel free to beat her.

If you leave like this, how can I explain to Li? Come, let’s return to the front hall.”

Truly, age and cunning prevail.

The Eldest Princess skillfully played the familial affection card at this critical moment; if Shen Ruoxi truly left, she’d surely be criticized for not respecting elders, showing attitude before even marrying the Prince.

Yang Family and Zou Family also deemed it inappropriate to leave, having already gained upper hand in thoroughly reprimanding Cheng Caiyun.

To leave now would appear as getting the better and being relentless.

“Thank you, Eldest Princess, for your love, and thank you for not blaming Ruoxi’s willfulness, please.” Shen Ruoxi understood she couldn’t leave now.

Jun Moling was silently signaling Shen Ruoxi, but she ignored it, reluctant to even glance his way.

His heart grew anxious, stepping forward suddenly he said, “Aunt, your banquet still needs to wait a while, I have something to speak with Ruoxi alone.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep