Chapter 562 - 562: Exploiting the Situation
Mrs. Ye Sr. slammed her hand on the table and yelled, “Insolence! Rong Qi, stand up!”
Rong Qi remained indifferent, as did Mrs. Hong, who acted as if she hadn’t heard anything. Only Mrs. Fan looked worried, she had attempted to ask for Old Master Ye, but he declined, citing a headache, leaving Rong Qi to face the situation alone. They had also informed Ye Nanshen, but there was no telling when he would arrive.
Mrs. Fan, unfamiliar with Rong Qi’s usual demeanor, could only stand anxiously to the side. Moments later, Mrs. Fan signaled Mrs. Hong, who nodded slightly, preparing to follow her out. However, just as Mrs. Hong took a step back, there was a sudden crashing sound behind her.
A heavy object had fallen to the ground, apparently a broken Buddha statue.
Mrs. Hong turned in shock to see a flustered maid standing behind her, the broken statue on the floor.
“I-I didn’t know she was behind me,” Mrs. Hong explained.
But the maid pointed at Mrs. Hong, accusingly, “Nonsense! You clearly heard my footsteps. You did it on purpose! Why else would you step back just as I was passing by?”
“I didn’t…” Mrs. Hong was at a loss for words.
The maid continued, “This Buddha statue was specially requested from Cloudsurt Temple by our Madam. It was consecrated by an abbot for the Ye family’s blessing. Your actions clearly show you don’t wish for the Ye family’s peace! Ma’am, we must not let this malicious servant go unpunished!” “Ma’am, I didn’t do it, how could I wish ill on the Ye family?” Mrs. Hong pleaded.
Mrs. Fan also stepped forward to defend Mrs. Hong, “Ma’am, this is a misunderstanding. Mrs. Hong is always careful; it was not intentional.”
“Just because you say it wasn’t intentional, it wasn’t? To me, it looks deliberate, as if she can’t stand to see our Madam well.” Meng Fu sneered from the sidelines, stoking the flames.
Mrs. Ye Sr., being superstitious, was already fuming at the sight of the broken peace-bringing Buddha statue, her face ashen with rage. She coldly said, “Hong Yu, how exactly have I offended you and Clearcreek Mansion, for you to curse me like this? Do you wish for my early demise for your own peace of mind?”
Mrs. Hong, representing Clearcreek Mansion, was now being slandered and accused by Mrs. Ye Sr.
Biting back her anger, Mrs. Hong said, “God is watching; I swear if I’ve shown any disrespect towards you, let me be struck by lightning. And as for this maid, standing behind me with the statue, how could I have noticed her?”
“So, you’re refusing to admit your mistake?” Mrs. Ye Sr. asked, narrowing her eyes.
“I didn’t do it intentionally, so of course, I won’t admit it,” Mrs. Hong stood firm, meeting Mrs. Ye Sr.’s gaze.
“Hmph, very well! Someone, tie up this defiant servant and throw her out! She is never to step foot in the Ye residence again!”
“Yes, ma’am!” Meng Fu’s eyes gleamed with excitement as she motioned for several male servants to come in.
“Aren’t you afraid of restless nights by wronging someone like this?” Mrs. Hong retorted fiercely, “I may be a servant, but I represent the dignity of Clearcreek Mansion. Ma’am, if you wish to act against me, have you considered how Master Shen will react when he finds out?”
Mrs. Hong’s threat was a response to their overbearing behavior. Clearly, this was an attempt to oppress Clearcreek Mansion through her..