TSWRLM -Chapter 339 He’er Is Not the Same as Madam Shen

Afraid that his legs would truly be broken, Su Yang finally confessed to his crimes.

After his father’s death, he and his mother had sought refuge with the Feng family.

His grandfather and uncle had treated him well, but his aunt had a sharp tongue. She would complain that his studies cost too much or that Su’s mother was often ill and took medicine from the clinic for free, causing losses.

At first, Su Yang didn’t care. But after hearing it repeatedly, resentment gradually took root. So he began courting Feng Yinyin, winning her affection.

When his aunt found out, she was indeed displeased. But Su Yang behaved well in front of his grandfather and uncle, and Feng Yinyin was deeply devoted to him. No matter how much his aunt objected, it was useless.

Every time he saw his aunt frustrated, Su Yang felt a sense of satisfaction. Yet when he thought that marrying Feng Yinyin would mean enduring his aunt’s nagging for life, he grew irritated.

So he colluded with outsiders, bribed workers at the clinic, and secretly replaced genuine medicinal herbs with fake ones. Half of the money saved from this scheme went into his own pocket. He used only a small portion of it to buy gifts—enough to make Feng Yinyin happy for a long time.

Before returning to the capital for the exams, he had prepared a “big gift” for the Feng family. When he later learned that the family had been destroyed, and that his aunt suffered in prison without even knowing who the real culprit was, he felt nothing but satisfaction.

After hearing his confession, Feng Yinyin trembled with rage: “My mother may have had a sharp tongue, but she had a soft heart! When your mother was ill and coughing every winter, my mother bought the finest charcoal to keep her warm. When you needed education, she sent you to the best school in Yuzhou—even expensive Xuan paper was never lacking. She gave you so much in real, tangible ways, yet you held a grudge over a few harsh words to this extent—has your conscience been eaten by dogs?!”

Now that everything was exposed, Su Yang no longer pretended. He glanced sideways at Feng Yinyin and sneered: “The knife never fell on you, so of course you don’t feel the pain. And all those little favors your mother gave us? She only did it hoping I’d succeed in the future and repay her.”

Little favors?

Su Yang and his mother hadn’t stayed with the Feng family for a month or two—they had lived there for nearly ten years.

In those ten years, their expenses amounted to hundreds of taels. Before he left for the capital, Feng Yinyin’s father had even given him a large sum of money.

The Feng family had used nearly half their wealth to support him—and even intended to marry Feng Yinyin to him. Yet in Su Yang’s eyes, it was all insignificant.

Feng Yinyin was too furious to speak. The others present were also angered.

It was often said: a small kindness breeds gratitude, but great generosity can breed resentment. Su Yang, though well-educated, had proven utterly ungrateful. Without the Feng family, he could never have become a jinshi. Yet he destroyed them completely—such a man deserved the harshest punishment.

Since Su Yang had confessed, the Crown Prince was ready to pronounce judgment. At that moment, Chun Xi stepped forward: “Your Highness, I have a suggestion.”

“Madam Shen, please speak.”

“Su Yang’s betrayal of kindness is a crime deserving death. But before his execution, I believe he should be paraded through the streets for three days. Notices should also be posted across all regions to publicize his crimes, as a warning to others not to become such ungrateful people.”

Su Yang could shamelessly argue with Feng Yinyin, but upon hearing Chun Xi’s words, his expression changed drastically. He couldn’t help but curse: “Cao Chun Xi, you vicious woman! Even as a ghost I won’t let you go—mmph!”

Before he could finish, his mouth was gagged.

Princess Hengyang gave a cold smile: “A-Xi is right. When a woman murders her husband’s family, she is paraded and drowned. Men should be treated the same. Since he thinks he’s been wronged, let the whole world judge him.”

After her, Xiao Qinghe also stepped forward: “Your Highness, please punish this man severely, as a warning to all.”

When Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang spoke, no one found it unusual. But Xiao Qinghe stepping forward caused murmurs among the crowd.

Though she had recently been granted the title of County Lady, she was still a divorced woman. She should act more discreetly, not involve herself in such matters.

Was she demanding harsh punishment because of her own failed marriage—harboring resentment toward men?

Whispers spread, and strange looks were cast her way.

Xiao Qinghe stood straight, her expression unchanged. At that moment, Xiao Yechen stepped forward beside her and spoke in a deep voice: “Your Highness, I also support Madam Shen’s proposal. Su Yang’s conduct is despicable—even as a man, I find it shameful. Publicizing his crimes will both warn others and bring solace to the dead.”

With Xiao Yechen speaking up, Shen Qingyuan and the other men of the Xiao family also voiced their support.

The Crown Prince decisively ordered: Su Yang and his mother would be paraded through the streets for three days, then executed.

Hearing the verdict, Feng Yinyin broke into tears, repeatedly kowtowing in gratitude.

Soon, Su Yang and his mother were taken away, and the banquet resumed.

Chun Xi had just helped Feng Yinyin up when the Marchioness of Jing’an said to Xiao Qinghe: “He’er, although His Majesty recently granted you a title, you are still a divorced woman. In the future, it’s best not to involve yourself in such matters—it invites criticism.”

Her tone was gentle, and her gaze seemed kindly, like that of an elder—but her words carried reproach.

Chun Xi patted Feng Yinyin’s hand and turned to her: “I was the one who made the suggestion to His Highness. If you don’t blame me, why blame He’er?”

The Marchioness sensed Chun Xi’s protective stance and replied softly: “Su Yang tried to slander Madam Shen, so her demanding punishment is justified. Besides, Madam Shen now has both children and enjoys Lord Shen’s favor. She recently received an imperial title—acting boldly is understandable. But He’er is different.”

“How is she different?”

“He’er has been married and divorced—her reputation is already delicate. If she wishes to remarry, she must be more cautious in words and actions than other women.”

The Marchioness had many unmarried young men in her family and hoped to arrange a marriage alliance with the Xiao family. Thus, she couldn’t help but scrutinize Xiao Qinghe.

Xiao Qinghe needed to be modest and obedient—only then could she be easily matched.

Chun Xi found her reasoning ridiculous and was about to respond, but Xiao Qinghe spoke first: “Aunt, I appreciate your concern. However, I chose to divorce so that I wouldn’t have to compromise myself—that I might live freely. My elders are still present to guide me in how to conduct myself, so I won’t trouble you with the matter.”

Her voice was gentle, but her words were firm.

The Marchioness had always thought Xiao Qinghe meek and obedient. She hadn’t expected such defiance. Suppressing her anger, she said: “He’er, you are still young and inexperienced. You should listen to those who have lived longer, or you’ll regret it in the future.”

Xiao Qinghe smiled faintly: “No one can predict the future. I won’t wrong myself now for the sake of an uncertain tomorrow.”