Chapter 1474: Chapter 1412: So Much Gossip
The Mid-Autumn Festival has just passed, and the festive atmosphere hasnât faded yet when the people of Changan City have already heard several rumors.
First, on the imperial court, people from the Fan Family and their party impeached the Crown Prince of Prince Weiâs Mansion for being arrogant and domineering, abusing his power due to an unexpected incident by imprisoning servants of the Fan Family and Prince Zhou, exhibiting a strong stance and disregarding the imperial power.
Oh, what unexpected incident, it was the wardrobe malfunction of Princess Ping Xi from Prince Weiâs Manor on the main street, and out of humiliation and anger, she lashed out at innocents; it was truly the height of arrogance.
Yet, what Prince Weiâs Crown Prince believes was orchestrated by someone, but he couldnât catch who the mastermind was, and had no evidence, so in the end, he could only release the people.
This matter wasnât over, the sight of Princess Ping Xiâs dress falling, leaving her only in light trousers and a thin underskirt, was caught by many eyes. Some had loose tongues and spoke of how slender the princessâs legs were, how round her hips were, and exaggeratedly even described the patterns on her trousers.
Such gossip circulated in idle chatter among servants in the marketplace, which infuriated Prince Weiâs Manor, and led them to catch those who dared spread tales, causing a wave of panic in the city.
However, this isnât the biggest gossip; the biggest gossip is someone going to the Yamen to file for legal separation with an official surnamed Wu.
What event is this?
"...Do you remember earlier, someone spread the word that there lived a pair of mother and daughter concubines maintained by officials in Changqing Residence on Cypress Lane? And how the legitimate son of Minister of Rites, Lord Wu, went to cause trouble at Changqing Residence and got thrown into a manure bucket?"
"Ha, this matter stirred quite a fuss, who doesnât know about it? Whatâs happened now?"
"Turns out it was a big misunderstanding. Itâs said the Madam of Changqing Residence is actually Lord Wuâs legal wife!" That person was gleefully clapping hands as he continued: "According to what is said, when Lord Wu was young and traveling, he and Mrs. Zhou from Changqing Residence pledged a lifelong commitment and set a marriage contract; just as they were about to marry, Lord Wu received news about his elderly father being critically ill and had to rush back home."
"Upon returning, he happened to join a wedding for good luck, couldnât go against filial piety, and married Madam Wang from the former Marquis Yonganâs Mansion; within days, the elderly passed away. Believing Mrs. Zhou came to the capital and encountered bandits, hence missing, the previous marriage was considered void! Who wouldâve thought, over a decade later, fate would bring Lord Wu and Mrs. Zhou together again."
"Oh dear, isnât that like finding oasis in a long drought? Instantly hitting it off?"
"Absolutely, having the marriage certificate in hand, it was justified. Only the public ceremony was missing. However, Lord Wu already has a family, and Mrs. Zhou, a fiery personality, unwilling to serve alongside others, hence pursuing legal separation with Lord Wu!"
"Such situations indeed exist. Truly speaking, the legally wed is still the later madam; itâs hard to tell who should be considered first or second."
"Thatâs precisely the logic. But if weâre talking about priority, I think one should consider the timing of when the marriage certificate was set. Now, it seems that they donât wish to be torn between two ends and disdain for the entire situation, legal separation resolves everything."
"Fiery temperament indeed, no wonder when Young Master Wu went to create trouble, he got held down into a manure bucket, and no word of it was spoken, giving them face it seems..."
Wufu held the tea near her lips and took a sip, then smirked slightly and said to Chi Liu, "What you arranged had been spoken well!"
Chi Liu furrowed his brows and said: "Itâs all thanks to your good instruction!"
"Arrange for it to spread more widely and vaguely, making sure to put us in a weak and magnanimous position."
"Certainly."
Wufu put down the teacup, glanced at the Yamen across from the teahouse, stood up, and said: "Letâs go, pick up my mother!"
The matter is settled!