Chapter 100: Is It True?

"Is this about the storyteller claiming that the Crown Princess of Prince Ding pushed the Miracle Physician into the lake, nearly drowning her?"

"There's more, there's more! They say that even before the Miracle Physician’s misfortune, and before the Princess of Prince Ding was married, she was always bullying her."

"I heard that yesterday, the Miracle Physician was at that teahouse and admitted it herself. She even confronted the Crown Princess of Prince Ding, asserting that everything the storyteller said was the truth. It seemed the Crown Princess was at a disadvantage then, but I didn't really believe it at first. After all, we often see the Crown Princess, and she always acts so gentle and polite in public; she doesn't seem like that kind of person at all."

"But today, even those bandits are saying the same thing..."

"If one person says it, it might be a rumor, but when so many say it, it’s most likely the truth. If all this is true, that Crown Princess is truly detestable—what a master of deception!"

"Exactly! Just out of jealousy, she bullied someone like that, even paying off bandits to ruin the girl's reputation and having her submerged in a pond while pregnant. If someone hadn't saved the Miracle Physician, that would have been a life taken."

The execution supervisor’s expression shifted upon hearing the bandit leader’s words. The person who gave him instructions had only said that the bandit would clarify what happened six years ago, but the man was... surely he wasn't supposed to say all *that*? The supervisor felt a surge of panic and quickly commanded, "Enough! The time has come. Proceed with the execution."

Tan Qingjiu absorbed every word of the gossip and noted the supervisor’s reaction, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. It was a pity that Tan Yun had to feign illness at the manor today and missed such a fine show.

Tan Qingjiu stood up. "Let's go. Back to the manor."

As soon as she returned and swapped identities back with Zisu, Qingdai brought news: "Tan Yunge has arrived; she must have received the word. She didn't know that Tan Yun planned to use the bandits' execution today to clear your name regarding the events of six years ago, so she didn't send anyone to the Meridian Gate."

"But this matter has blown up entirely too much..."

"I heard that when Tan Yunge first arrived, her face was ghastly, and she stormed in, heading straight for Chen Yueru’s quarters. I don't know what they discussed, but she didn't stay long. The mother and daughter then went straight to Tan Yun."

Tan Qingjiu narrowed her eyes, a hint of amusement in her gaze. "They went to Tan Yun’s? Then, naturally, I should go join the fun. After all, the idea of having the bandit clarify things for me today came from Tan Yun himself; I must go thank him."

Tan Qingjiu headed straight for Tan Yun’s courtyard with Qingdai. Before she even reached the entrance, she heard Tan Yunge’s furious voice: "It must be that little wretch Tan Qingjiu who bribed the bandits! She actually dared to frame me! The whole city is gossiping about this; when I came over, people were pointing fingers at me!"

"I am going to kill that little bitch!"

Tan Yun slammed his hand on the table. "Enough! With your 'little wretch' this and 'little bitch' that—you are the eldest daughter of the Tan family and the Crown Princess of Prince Ding! If anyone hears you, they will only say you have no upbringing!"

"No upbringing? So be it! My reputation is already ruined by that little bitch; do I still fear being called unrefined? Go listen for yourself—the things they are saying about me outside are far more vicious than being called unrefined."

A servant at the gate, hearing the commotion inside and seeing Tan Qingjiu standing nearby, couldn't help but shiver. He hurriedly stammered, "Why has the Second Miss arrived? I... I will go report this at once." He ran toward the courtyard, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Master! Madam! Crown Princess! The Second Miss is here!" He seemed terrified that they wouldn't hear him, or that they would be caught off guard and continue blurting out something truly earth-shattering.

Tan Qingjiu chuckled, though her eyes remained cold.

Soon, Tan Yunge’s roar came from within: "Let her in! Let her in! Even if she didn't come, I would have gone to find that little bitch myself!"

"I told you, she came back specifically for revenge, specifically to cause trouble."

The servant who had gone to report ran back, offering a sheepish smile. "Second Miss, please, go right in."

Tan Qingjiu smiled and stepped through the door. The family was gathered under the eaves. Seeing her approach, a flash of hatred erupted on Tan Yunge’s face. She glared at Tan Qingjiu, grinding her teeth as if she were about to pounce.

Tan Qingjiu paused for a moment before walking briskly to the three of them. Her expression was filled with trepidation and confusion. "Father, didn't you say you only bribed the bandits from Wanyou Mountain to help me clarify what happened six years ago and clear my name? Why did that man implicate my sister as well?"

"Is what he said... true?"

"If it’s false, why were the details he gave about what happened six years ago so accurate? Six years ago, I was indeed drugged and abducted. When I woke up, everything had already happened. I never saw the man's face, so at the time, I didn't know anything, nor could I say who he was or what he looked like."

When Tan Qingjiu said this, Tan Yunge and Chen Yueru’s eyes widened in shock. Both mother and daughter looked at Tan Yun in disbelief. Tan Yunge opened her mouth, "Father? Is what this little bitch says true? Did you bribe that bandit to say that?"

Tan Yun frowned. "I only told him to confess that he was the one who committed the act. I never told him to say that *you* were the one who instigated it."

Tan Yunge seemed to have selectively heard only the first half. She gasped, "No wonder! Just now, when I was so furious, you didn't say a word. When I was cursing Tan Qingjiu, you actually stood up to defend her."

"So that’s it! So that’s it!" Tan Yunge shrieked, startling everyone present.

"What did I ever do wrong? Why would you treat me like this, Father? Why did you do it? Why?"

"I thought it was Tan Qingjiu, but I never imagined that the one doing this was you, Father!"

"Is it because I’m no longer as useful as Tan Qingjiu, so you’re treating me like this?"

"Is it because I’m married and no longer part of the Tan family? But wasn't my marriage to the Prince Ding’s heir arranged by you in the first place? It was you who wanted..."

*Slap!* Tan Yun struck Tan Yunge across the face.