TSWRLM -Chapter 195 Even After Being Suspended, My Nephew-in-Law Still Doesn’t Reflect?

Because of Xiao Qinghe’s testimony, everyone was questioned separately.

Shen Qingyuan and the others could not participate and had to wait in the main hall.

Wei Lingze’s gaze stayed fixed on Xiao Yecheng.

Xiao Yecheng’s figure and posture reminded him strongly of the Wuyou Pavilion’s Master he had seen twice before. And just now, Xiao Yecheng had ignored Wei Lingze and stood in front of Xiao Qinghe, which made Wei Lingze extremely displeased.

After glaring for a while, Wei Lingze finally spoke: “This young master just said he came on my mother-in-law’s orders. I frequently visit the Xiao residence—how come I’ve never seen you before?”

His tone was full of suspicion. Quezhi quickly stepped forward to explain: “Young master, this is Master Chen of our residence. He has been working with the Second Master outside the house for a long time, so he’s rarely seen inside.”

Xiao Qinghe had already caused enough trouble by standing up to testify for Chun Xi. Quezhi feared that Wei Lingze might misunderstand further.

Xiao Yecheng, however, did not fear Wei Lingze. He raised his eyes and looked at Wei Lingze with a faint sneer: “Wasn’t His Majesty instructing Young Master Wei to rest at home? Did Young Master Wei not take his medicine properly? Otherwise, how can he still be so suspicious now?”

Xiao Yecheng was subtly mocking Wei Lingze for the earlier incident at Yunshan Temple.

Wei Lingze’s face darkened instantly. He glared at Xiao Yecheng viciously: “Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that?”

“I may be nobody,” Xiao Yecheng said fearlessly, meeting his gaze, “but no one is allowed to bully the Miss of the Xiao family at will.”

The tension between them became palpable. Quezhi was terrified, fearing a fight might break out, but Xingzhou stepped forward and pulled Wei Lingze aside.

Since he was still suspended, it was not wise to cause more trouble.

People sent from other residences had yet to take anyone home. One after another, someone came to urge them, but Shen Qingyuan blocked them. Everyone knew he was determined to stand up for Chun Xi.

Wei Lingze, full of frustration, could not vent it and sarcastically taunted Shen Qingyuan: “His Majesty values Uncle Shen, so he reinstated him early. I didn’t expect Uncle Shen to have so much energy that he even fusses over matters among the ladies of the rear residence.”

Ordinary men would think their work outside the home was important, while women fussing over petty things in the inner chambers were insignificant. Men who always involved themselves in such matters were often looked down upon.

Shen Qingyuan did not get angry. He said coldly: “This concerns the princess’s safety. The envoy delegation will soon arrive in the capital. If anything happens to the princess, it will affect the royal dignity and the image of our nation. Nephew-in-law has been suspended for only a few days, yet he shows no vigilance?”

Wei Lingze, now idle at home, could not bear hearing about the suspension. But Xiao Yecheng and Shen Qingyuan kept pressing on the sore point. Annoyed, he raised his voice: “It’s just a minor quarrel among the ladies. You even link it to the envoy delegation—what an exaggeration!”

Shen Qingyuan replied calmly: “Minor disputes among ordinary women are indeed harmless. But tonight, those present were all women of prominent families, and their husbands are pillars of the court. If this matter is mishandled, it could breed resentment among them, which would affect their husbands. When the envoy sees ministers at odds and divided, wouldn’t it damage our nation’s prestige?”

“You’re being absurd!”

Wei Lingze’s voice rose. Shen Qingyuan, unflinching, delivered a decisive statement: “A husband and wife share honor and disgrace. Nephew-in-law was suspended because he failed to cherish his wife—yet he still doesn’t reflect?”

“Suspended again? How many times does that old man need to say it?”

Wei Lingze’s anger flared. He could no longer contain himself and was about to lash out when the inspecting officer, who had been eavesdropping, hurried in to intervene: “Gentlemen, please calm down. I know you are both concerned for your wives. I will ensure that everyone gets an answer promptly.”

The inspecting officer attempted to hand over the collected testimonies to Shen Qingyuan, but he refused: “I have no authority in this matter. And since my wife is involved, you should not show these to me.”

The officer wiped his sweat and retrieved the testimonies: “What Madam Wei said is correct. Someone did laugh, but it was too dark to see who. However, Madam Shen’s aggressive approach scared everyone, and that caused the chaos.”

He lowered his voice at the end. Everyone’s statements more or less agreed, still pointing toward Chun Xi.

“Shen Qingyuan, do you have anything else to say?”

Wei Lingze sneered, thinking these statements could condemn Chun Xi.

Shen Qingyuan ignored him and said to the officer: “I have no authority to intervene. Handle it as you see fit.”

Shen Qingyuan remained calm and uninvolved. The officer broke into a cold sweat.

Though Shen Qingyuan was uninvolved now, if he was dissatisfied with the outcome, he could escalate it to the emperor tomorrow. The officials of the Censorate would seize any opportunity to strongly advise the throne.

Moreover, Princess Hengyang was not someone to be trifled with. If she sobered up tomorrow and complained to the Empress Dowager, the little inspecting officer wouldn’t be able to bear the consequences.

“Your subordinate… thinks a few points are still unclear. I’ll go question them carefully again.”

The officer hurried off for the second round of questioning.

The ladies from prominent families had initially hoped Shen Qingyuan would not be too strict, and that someone from home would come for them, letting them return quickly. But after the second round began, anxiety set in.

They were all used to pampered lives and had never spent a night in such a place. If the matter escalated, it would bring shame to their families, leaving them open to ridicule and suppression from rivals.

Gradually, some could no longer hold back and began recalling details carefully.

By dawn, the officer returned to the hall with the results of an all-night investigation: “Master Shen, I have clarified. Last night, the Second Young Mistress of the Ministry of Rites laughed, provoking the princess. Fifth Madam of the Grand Tutor residence tried to mediate, but the princess wouldn’t relent. Fourth Madam feared Fifth Madam would be at a disadvantage and stepped forward to support her. Others followed, and the princess thought they were going to attack, shouting. Madam Shen rushed forward, startling Fourth Madam, who pushed her, and then chaos broke out.”

Examined carefully, it was simply a misunderstanding. Even if they identified who struck first, it was not a matter for punishment.

Shen Qingyuan’s expression remained calm. He repeated: “Please handle this impartially. I have no authority to intervene.”

The officer: “……”

He dared not make a hasty judgment. Perhaps… wait until the princess woke up?