TSWRLM -Chapter 224 From Now On, Stay Out of Other People’s Mess

The sudden appearance of the prince consort tilted the tense situation in Chun Xi’s favor.

Shen Qingchi had intentions to provoke and manipulate, even using others to do her dirty work. Such malicious intent was arguably worse than the main culprit’s.

No one could tolerate that.

Even so, Yun Wantang remained calm, though her expression showed shock and disbelief. “How could this be? When I visited Qingchi, she didn’t say anything like this.”

Her voice trembled slightly, looking completely deceived by Shen Qingchi.

She had just returned to the capital and had no deep enmity with Shen Qingyuan or Chun Xi. If not for being misled, she had no reason to side with Shen Qingchi to trouble Chun Xi. Everyone found it easy to believe her.

Yun Wantang had always been kind-hearted; being tricked was understandable, especially since Shen Qingchi carried the Grand Tutor household’s bloodline.

Whether Yun Wantang truly didn’t know or was pretending, this matter wasn’t a big deal. Chun Xi wasn’t hoping to make her pay any price, so she didn’t probe further into Yun Wantang’s words. She shifted the topic back: “Madam, now that you know the truth, can you apologize to me?”

Whether Yun Wantang knew the truth or not didn’t matter—Chun Xi could handle the apology just fine.

Yun Wantang clenched her silk handkerchief.

She had expected that Chun Xi, missing for so long, might have perished in the wilderness. She never imagined Chun Xi would return unharmed. Yun Wantang had come today hoping to step on Chun Xi to vent for the other noble ladies and improve her own reputation. Instead, events once again unfolded contrary to her expectations.

Cao Chun Xi’s status was far below Princess Hengyang’s. If Yun Wantang truly apologized to her today, her image in everyone’s eyes would plummet, if not completely shatter.

“Madam Shen…”

Yun Wantang tried to make Chun Xi change her mind, but Princess Hengyang interrupted: “If you’ve done wrong, apologize. If you dawdle or refuse, I can have someone teach you how to apologize properly.”

Princess Hengyang’s forcefulness made it seem as if someone would kneel Yun Wantang down the next moment.

If that happened, the scene would have been unbearably embarrassing.

Yun Wantang pinned her last hope on Xiao Qinghe, hoping she might intercede. Yet Xiao Qinghe only said softly: “Little Aunt, today, you were indeed in the wrong.”

Before she could say more, Xiao Qingyue added: “You only need to apologize, not forgive someone who tried to kill you. You spoke so well earlier—why is it so hard to say now?”

The facts were plain to see. Chun Xi’s request wasn’t unreasonable, and no one dared defend Yun Wantang.

In the end, Yun Wantang could only speak: “Madam Shen, I’m sorry. I misunderstood you today. I apologize to you.”

“That’s fine. From now on, you can get to know me better. I may look difficult, but I’m actually quite generous. You may leave now.”

Apologizing to Chun Xi was a huge humiliation for Yun Wantang. She wanted to leave immediately but still politely apologized to Princess Hengyang before turning away.

She had barely walked a few steps when she heard Chun Xi say: “Your Highness, I remember a few ladies were also criticizing me earlier. May I request that Your Highness adjudicate, and see if these ladies should apologize to me as well?”

Yun Wantang froze mid-step, spun around, and glared at Chun Xi: “Madam Shen, today’s matter arose because of me. I already apologized. Why do you trouble others as well?”

Chun Xi blinked innocently, looking wronged: “They just insulted me so viciously. I didn’t retaliate; I just wanted an apology. How is that troubling them? If their words were so harsh, weren’t they basically forcing me to die?”

“……”

Many present had seen Chun Xi’s dramatic antics before—crying, fussing, even threatening herself. Unlike Yun Wantang, they didn’t see themselves as morally superior and quickly apologized, not wanting more trouble.

Having received apologies, Chun Xi immediately advised sincerely: “Ladies, you are all respectable. In the future, just quietly watch from the sidelines. Stay out of other people’s messes. If you attract a vindictive scoundrel, it won’t end well, right?”

As she spoke, Chun Xi’s eyes curved into a triumphant smile, her expression radiating satisfaction, perfectly illustrating the phrase small villain prospers.

The noble ladies felt stifled but also warned by Chun Xi’s words.

Cao Chun Xi was an ordinary commoner. If she held a grudge over a word or two, and Shen Qingyuan took the opportunity to nitpick trivial matters in court against their husbands, it would be extremely troublesome.

From now on, it would be wise to stay out of her business.

Princess Hengyang was thoroughly pleased by today’s spectacle. Seeing Yun Wantang still lingering, she called out: “Madam, why are you still here? Your name isn’t on today’s guest list. Later, I won’t serve you at the feast.”

She gave Yun Wantang no face. Yun Wantang’s expression darkened, but she still apologized to the few noble ladies who had spoken for her before finally leaving.

All those who had hoped to watch Chun Xi humiliated over her disappearance were silenced.

Cao Chun Xi’s words were sharp—Miss Mu and Yun Wantang both got embarrassed in her hands and dared not provoke her further.

Princess Hengyang, still delighted, ignored objections and had two jars of fine wine brought out.

Chun Xi first toasted the prince consort, thanking him for coming in time to reveal the truth. He replied warmly: “Your Highness likes Madam Shen. What I did was merely to please you.”

Unlike the cold distance in previous meetings, the prince consort now showed a much warmer attitude toward the princess.

Chun Xi’s eyes lit up. She looked at him, then at the princess, full of curiosity about the gossip she had missed.

She had been gone just over a month, and already the prince consort and princess were showing such affection—what had she missed?

Princess Hengyang rolled her eyes at Chun Xi: “What are you staring at? Haven’t you seen others flatter someone before?”

“I’ve seen plenty of flattery,” Chun Xi nodded, then added, “But I’ve never seen someone as handsome as the prince consort do it before.”

“Pft!”

Xiao Qingyue couldn’t help laughing at Chun Xi’s comment.

Princess Hengyang’s eyes curved in amusement, and Xiao Qinghe, suppressing a smile, reminded: “Little Aunt, Yue’er is still young. Don’t corrupt her.”

Xiao Qingyue, feeling a bit embarrassed, quickly changed the topic: “Little Aunt, so many people criticized you earlier. If the princess hadn’t backed you, would you have admitted fault?”

Though a little spoiled, she dared not oppose so many noble ladies.

Chun Xi poured herself another cup of wine and lightly clinked it with Xiao Qingyue’s: “So many people said I was bad. If I also say I’m bad, then I’d really be bad, wouldn’t I?”