Han Congan glared angrily at Han Yuqi before continuing to speak to Grand Concubine Yi. "Eldest young master is ignorant and incompetent, a hedonistic wastrel. The other young masters are slow-witted and ran away from the Han Family in times of crisis. Seventh young master is naturally intelligent, but he's still young. There's no one in the Han Family who can inherit the position of head of house, so this guilty official has decided to give the key to Qin Wangfei, the only married woman of the Han Family, for safekeeping."
"Father, there's still me! I don't want to marry, I just want to learn the Han Family's medical skills! " Han Ruoxue was so anxious that she was about to cry. She had the best natural talents, so why hadn't her father ever considered her?
As soon as Han Yuqi heard his father curse him, he was about to lose his temper again, but Lady Xu pinched him to stop him. "Old master, how can you speak of Yuqi like that? He's your eldest son, ah! He's still young and playful, but he'll be sensible in a few more years, ah? Moreover, even if you don't choose a head of house now, you should at least give the key to me for safekeeping! I'm your wife, ah! "
But Han Congan cleverly followed along with their words. Of course, he still looked at Grand Concubine Yi and reported, "Grand Concubine Yi, you've seen the Han Family's situation as well. It's precisely because of this that this guilty official came up with this plan. I want to test the children for a few more years, but giving the key to Qin Wangfei is the fairest choice."
Hearing this, Han Yunxi was amused. Han Congan really was an old fox. He wasn't dead set on his words, but left no retort.
But the silent Grand Concubine Yi suddenly broke into a cold laugh.
"Han Congan, think it over carefully. Are you sure you're speaking the truth? If Qin Wangfei is forcing you, then speak up. Since I'm here today, I'll definitely uphold justice for you. As for the Han Family's future development, I'll keep that in mind as well! "
At these words, Han Yunxi's heart lurched. Grand Concubine Yi's words were a bit too blunt.
Grand Concubine Yi gave her a meaningful look, before sweeping her Cold eyes over the Han Family members. Then she continued, "Of course, if Qin Wangfei didn't force you and you did all of this willingly, I wouldn't interfere. However, this consort must remind you that your Han Family has been crying injustice everywhere, slandering Qin Wangfei for coveting the Han Family's assets and interfering in the Han Family's affairs. You've caused a storm in the city, so even if Qin Wangfei doesn't bother with you, this consort will definitely not let you off easily! "
By the time Grand Concubine Yi finished speaking, the entire hall had grown so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
She seemed to be very satisfied with this silence. She calmly drank a cup of tea and continued, "Of course, if this consort finds out that you're lying today, this consort … won't let you off!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he put down the teacup with a loud clang, which woke everyone up.
Grand Concubine Yi's words were both a sign of goodwill and a warning.
Leaving aside the Han Family members, even Han Yunxi trembled with fear at her words!
If Han Congan admitted that he'd been forced to give the storehouse key to Han Yunxi, then Grand Concubine Yi would remember the Han Family's future prospects in her heart. She'd do her best to revive the Han Family.
The warning couldn't be more obvious. If Han Congan admitted that he hadn't been forced, then Lady Xu, who'd caused a ruckus at the Duke of Qin's gates and framed Qin Wangfei, would be finished!
Most of the people present were smart enough to understand Grand Concubine Yi's intentions, especially Han Congan. He knew that since Grand Concubine Yi was here today, she'd uncover Han Yunxi's weakness no matter what the truth was.
Grand Concubine Yi wanted him to admit that he'd been forced and slander Han Yunxi!
How should he choose?
That's right, how would Han Congan choose?
Everyone looked towards Han Congan. Lady Xu's face was ashen with fright. She was the one who'd caused a ruckus at the Duke of Qin's gates and caused a storm in the city!
Once the old master chose Han Yunxi, then she'd be finished. Completely and utterly finished!
Thinking up to here, Lady Xu's hands began to tremble uncontrollably. No one spoke, but she was the first to speak up. "Old master, you have to think clearly before you answer!"
At the same time, Han Yunxi was looking at Han Congan with a grave gaze.
It had to be said that she wasn't confident.
Her agreement with Han Congan was a gentleman's verbal agreement without any proof. As soon as Han Congan slandered her, she'd never be able to clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River.
Actually, Han Congan wasn't choosing her or Lady Xu right now, but her or Grand Concubine Yi!
Grand Concubine Yi had already spoken so plainly. She'd put the Han Family's future development in her heart. Wasn't everything Han Congan had done for the sake of the Han Family's future?
It was better to place the Han Family's future in the hands of the powerful and resourceful Grand Concubine Yi rather than a powerless Qin Wangfei like her!
At this time, Han Congan could bite her back in order to curry favor with Grand Concubine Yi!
What to do?
"Han Congan, were you forced to do this, or did you do it willingly? This is the last time I'll ask you, "Grand Concubine Yi reminded him loftily as she issued the final warrant for Han Congan's arrest.
"Old master! You have to think clearly! "Lady Xu was on the verge of tears. Heaven knows how scared she was.
Han Yuqi, who considered everyone beneath him and didn't know the depths of Heaven and Earth, grew nervous as well. Once his mother was punished, he'd be finished as well. He rushed to Han Congan's side and knelt on one knee, shouting, "Father, hurry and answer Grand Concubine Yi. You were forced! You were forced to do it! "
If Lady Xu and her son's nervousness stemmed from a guilty conscience, then Han Ruoxue's nervousness was a kind of anticipation.
She'd heard from Mu Liuyue that Han Yunxi and Mu Liuyue had a bet to find the true culprit behind the poisoning. If she lost in three days, she'd have to take off her outer robes and run around the streets.
If she could delay Han Yunxi's investigation for three days because of the Han Family matters, then Han Yunxi would lose without a doubt.
Moreover, her "comrade-in-arms" relationship with Mu Liuyue would be one step closer. With Mu Liuyue's support, she could find a chance to climb up Princess Changping. Then she wouldn't have to fear the power behind Lady Xu.
Thus, she introduced Mu Liuyue and Murong Wanru to Lady Xu to facilitate this farce. Of course, her mother had no idea of these little schemes.
She didn't ask for her mother's opinion, but rushed over to kneel with Han Yuqi, her voice full of emotion. "Father, the Han Family's future is all in your hands!"
Grand Concubine Yi leisurely admired the Han Family's nervousness without urging them. She seemed to be very confident in Han Congan's choice.
By her side, Murong Wanru wasn't worried about Han Congan either, but knitted her brows at Lady Xu. Her eyes flashed with disdain and a cold smile. For better or for worse, Lady Xu had been married to Han Congan for so many years. How could she not understand her husband?
Grand Concubine Yi had thrown out such a good olive branch, so how could Han Congan still choose Han Yunxi? His choice was already very obvious, so what was the point of being so nervous?
Han Congan looked at his son and daughter before him, his muddy old eyes drooping. It was impossible to see the color in his pupils, but he didn't speak for a long time.
Seeing this, Han Yunxi grew even more uneasy. Leaving aside Han Congan, even she would've chosen Grand Concubine Yi if she was in his shoes.
She was in big trouble.
She secretly took a deep breath, and at this moment, Han Congan finally raised his head. Seeing this, everyone's heartbeat quickened. Was Han Congan going to answer?
So nervous!
Han Yunxi had an idea in her heart, but she didn't want to give up before the results came out. She shot Han Congan a questioning look, but he immediately avoided it to look at Grand Concubine Yi instead.
This …
What did Han Congan mean by this?!
Han Yunxi couldn't help but suck in a cold breath. Had he really made up his mind to slander her?
Thump, thump! Thump, thump!
Han Yunxi's heart raced uncontrollably.
"To reply esteemed imperial concubine …" Han Congan began mildly.
Now even Grand Concubine Yi and Murong Wanru grew serious. They unconsciously sat up straight, anticipating Han Yunxi's conviction!
But just as Han Congan was about to say his choice, little Yi 'er suddenly threw himself from his mother's side to fall heavily by Han Congan's side.
"Yi 'er!"
Han Congan panicked and quickly turned to support him, but as soon as he picked up little Yi 'er, he began to cry. "Daddy, big sister Yunxi's a good person. Big sister Yunxi wouldn't force you, right?"
Little Yi 'er was still too young, so he didn't quite understand Grand Concubine Yi's words. He only knew that big sister Yunxi wouldn't lie. He was about to speak up when his weak mother suddenly pushed him out.
With his mother's support, he was even bolder. He had to speak the words in his heart.
"Father, don't slander big sister Yunxi, all right?"
"Big brother bullied me. It was big sister Yunxi who saved me. She even sent people to protect me and mother."
"Father, don't …"
Little Yi 'er's words angered Grand Concubine Yi. She suddenly raged, "Someone come, drag this child out. How can a child be allowed to cry in the main hall? What a scandal! "
This time, Seventh Madame rushed over to take little Yi 'er away, trembling with fear as she pleaded, "Esteemed Imperial Concubine, calm your anger, calm your anger. This child doesn't know any better. This commoner will cover his mouth right now so he won't make a sound. This commoner promises that he won't make a fuss again!"
As Seventh Madame spoke, she hugged little Yi 'er and covered his mouth with her other hand. She curled up into a ball, her fearful and timid appearance both pitiful and laughable.
Grand Concubine Yi despised weak women like this to the bone. Cold as she glanced at her, she dismissed the attendants and didn't make things difficult for her.
Han Yunxi watched, thinking that little Yi 'er might be able to help her out. After all, Han Congan doted on and favored this son the most.
But now, looking at Seventh Concubine's pitiful appearance, she was truly in complete despair!
But!
No one expected Seventh Madame to speak up after little Yi 'er shut up. "Old master, Yi' er and I both believe that you weren't forced."
This choked voice was very, very soft. It sounded very timid and weak, but for some reason, it exuded an unusually firm strength. It was very inconceivable. It felt like what Seventh Concubine had said, but it also didn't seem like it.
Han Yunxi looked over in astonishment. Based on her understanding of Seventh Madame, she couldn't believe that she'd say such things under these circumstances!
Everyone else looked over in shock as well. They all said that the words of the lowly carried little weight, but Seventh Madame's words made them all uneasy.
Even Grand Concubine Yi grew restless and said coldly, "Enough! Han Congan, answer this concubine's question immediately! "
"Yes!"
Han Congan's gaze shifted from Seventh Madame and her son to Grand Concubine Yi. He took a deep breath and stopped hesitating. "To reply esteemed Imperial Concubine, this commoner is …"
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