Itâs easy to tell that this rumor was spread by the Prime Ministerâs Mansion or the Luo Residence. If she hadnât suppressed it, who knows how it would have escalated.
Daring to spread such false information means you have to accept punishment.
Marquis Changning, Marquis Changâan, and the State Duke of Defense are the Emperorâs favored ministers. Upon receiving a report from the Marquis Changningâs Mansion, the Capital Prefecture Governmental Office immediately sent people to the Prime Ministerâs Mansion. Plus, with Yang Chuxia providing witnesses and evidence, someone went to summon the Madam of the Prime Minister that very day.
Six months later, the Madam of the Prime Minister was once again summoned to the governmental office, which alarmed quite a few people in the Capital City.
However, the Madam of the Prime Minister, though summoned to the office, wasnât immediately brought to trial but was detained there for a night.
Luo Residence
The First Madam Luo hurriedly went to find Luo Linfei, who was at that moment engaged in painting an ink painting. The interruption by the First Madam caused a splotch of ink to appear on the painting.
What was originally an exceptional piece was ruined.
Luo Linfei, having worked painstakingly all afternoon, was quite displeased. Before the First Madam could speak, she shouted, "Mother, canât you wait to speak to me? Also, could you please knock before entering? Look whatâs become of my painting. Iâve put so much effort into it, and now itâs all ruined."
"Oh, my dear girl, what time do you think it is now, and youâre still thinking about your painting?" The First Madam was extremely anxious as news had spread that the Madam of the Prime Minister was taken to the governmental office, and even the Prime Minister couldnât stop it. The Capital Prefecture showed no respect to the Prime Minister.
Luo Linfei didnât care why she was anxious. What mattered most to her was still her painting.
"Mother, no matter how important your matter is, please donât come to tell me." Luo Linfei threw the ruined painting to the ground, spread out a new piece of painting paper, and continued, "What I want most now is to perfect my painting skills. Hmph, Iâve already inquired; the Emperorâs cousin loves paintings the most. If, during the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, I can showcase my superb painting skills, Iâm sure to capture my cousinâs attention."
She had come up with this idea after pondering for a long time, and she didnât believe at all that what her mother said about her father helping her with ideas.
In the past, when her grandmother was around, everything about her affairs was arranged by her grandmother, and what happened? Not only did her reputation get ruined, but now sheâs on the verge of becoming an old maid. Relying on herself is better than relying on others.
Indeed, Luo Linfei had learned to be strong and self-reliant.
"Oh, you silly girl." The First Madam was anxious, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is still some time away, a month or two. Why are you in such a hurry? Besides, we are still in mourning; how can we attend the palace banquet?"
"Mother, do you think I donât know that? But this is the first palace banquet since the new Emperorâs ascension. Surely everyone from noble families will be attending, and our family is no exception."
Thatâs exactly why she was doing her utmost to perfect her painting skills. The new Emperor is young, and who knows how many temptresses will try to rival her then?
"Alright, I wonât discuss this with you anymore." The First Madam waved her hand, saying, "The Madam of the Prime Minister has been taken to the governmental office."
"Oh," Luo Linfei responded nonchalantly.
"Oh?" The First Madam exclaimed, "The First Madam has been arrested, and a trial is likely tomorrow, which could implicate us. Have you thought about that?"
"What could she possibly implicate?" Luo Linfei scoffed, "Mother, youâre too anxious. What the Madam of the Prime Minister plans to do, can we control that?"