Chapter 21: Turning the Tables with a Counterattack

Unfortunately, Dantai Jing would not give Lady Ye that chance!

Madam Xu collapsed to the ground, pulling two pale lilac-colored letters from her sleeve and thrusting them into Dantai Shanchang’s arms, tears streaming down her face as she pleaded, “Please forgive this old servant’s disrespect, my lord. These are the journal entries written by Third Miss during the day. I feared she might have been wronged, so I secretly brought them here. Please, my lord, read these first before deciding on any punishment!”

Lady Ye had not expected Madam Xu to have a backup plan. She had thought she caught Dantai Jing off guard, but never imagined that, despite her silence, Dantai Jing kept a journal!

At this moment, even if Lady Ye wanted to snatch the letters back, it was impossible. She could only watch helplessly as Dantai Shanchang scanned the two letters with rapid eyes, then slammed them down on the small table. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes as he stared directly at Lady Ye and said icily, “What nonsense is Fifth Miss babbling about some branch of the Dong family estate? Who told her that Third Miss went to the Great Buddha Temple to meet someone about a marriage? And who told her that Third Miss was to become the favored concubine of Commander Dong?”

Lady Ye panicked. She hadn’t realized that Dantai Jing had even written about these things. She had sensed something was amiss with Dantai Shanchang these past few days, so she used her brother’s connections to investigate. She discovered that a certain relative from a branch of the Dong family had indeed visited the Great Buddha Temple, and upon further inquiry, found out that person was an official in the capital, whose household included a wife about to give birth.

Lady Ye had only murmured a few words in front of Dantai Xuan, never imagining that Dantai Xuan would spread such talk. She was not foolish; she knew that once such rumors spread, they could easily ruin Dantai Shanchang’s future.

That branch relative of the Dong family was a fourth-rank official. Although just one rank above her husband, he was a legitimate capital official working directly under the emperor!

Lady Ye realized she had crossed a line with Dantai Shanchang and dared not utter another word.

Sixth Miss looked between Lady Ye and Dantai Xuan, a helpless pair of mother and son. Truly, everything still had to rely on her to handle!

Young as she was, Sixth Miss Dantai Zhi did not grasp how crucial this matter was to Dantai Shanchang. She simply sighed, “Father, this is nothing but idle gossip within the inner quarters. It’s hardly worth taking seriously. Fifth Sister was only upset at the time and spoke rashly. It cannot be taken to heart!”

Dantai Shanchang’s anger erupted uncontrollably. In all these years, this was the first time he had lost his temper so fiercely. Seeing his bright future threatened by these trivial domestic matters, how could he not feel rage?

“Idle gossip? Nonsense?” Dantai Shanchang pointed at the stunned Lady Ye and her daughters, shouting, “The imperial capital’s Thousand Bull Guards, a fourth-rank commander—do you think this is a laughing matter? You even dared to spread such talk outside the school gates! I see now that your rules are learned in vain. If you continue this reckless behavior, one day you might even claim you want to become the emperor’s consort, and then the entire Dantai household need not continue—we might as well all await judgment in the great prison!”

No matter how protective Lady Ye was of her children, seeing Sixth Miss struck across the face, she hurriedly pulled her away, saying, “My lord’s anger should fall on me instead of the child. I only worried because you have been away from the manor these days, so I sought information outside. It was merely childish banter—nothing to be taken seriously. Besides, that official is busy; he wouldn’t have time to heed such idle rumors. These words will never spread!”

Dantai Shanchang did not expect Lady Ye to still argue. His fury deepened as he pointed at the three of them, “Tell me, why did Third Miss strike Fifth Miss?”

Then he turned to Dantai Xuan and berated, “Who taught you such manners? How dare you declare your feelings to a common scholar outside the school gates? Your behavior rivals that of a courtesan!”

Before Dantai Xuan could reply, Dantai Shanchang glared at Lady Ye and shouted, “Is this how you raise your daughters?”

Lady Ye lowered her head in silence. Typically, children of concubines would be placed under the main wife’s care for education, but Lady Ye, relying on having borne two daughters and Dantai Shanchang’s favor, had coquettishly insisted on raising them herself.

Madam Dong had always looked down on Lady Ye’s conduct and disliked her daughters even more. Without needing to personally teach them, she saved her efforts, focusing entirely on Dantai Jing.

Now, Lady Ye bitterly regretted her choice. Had she placed Fifth and Sixth Miss in Madam Dong’s care, she wouldn’t be the one reprimanded by Dantai Shanchang now. The blame would have fallen on Madam Dong instead. But regrets were useless at this point.

This time, Dantai Shanchang was truly enraged.

He paced back and forth in his study, circling twice before pointing at Lady Ye, wishing he could slap her soundly.

Seeing the moment was ripe, Dantai Jing gave Madam Xu a signal. Madam Xu hurriedly fetched ink and brush from the large yellow pear wood desk behind her. Dantai Jing spread out rice paper on the floor and carefully wrote:

“Father, the matter at the school is now beyond remedy. Because Fifth Sister spoke such words, and Jing struck her, everyone knows the truth. It is unlikely this will be reversed. The best course now is to mend the damage. While Fifth and Sixth Sisters are still young, find proper tutors to instruct them, so that before their coming-of-age ceremony, they may improve.”

Dantai Shanchang’s raging fury gradually subsided as he read Dantai Jing’s calm, measured words. No matter how angry he was, it was futile now. What he must do was visit the school tomorrow to speak with the master, hoping this incident would be seen as merely two children quarrelling.

He clenched his teeth in frustration. Trying to cover up the matter was difficult. What he could do now was to flawlessly complete the Fourth Prince’s affairs so that the prince would overlook these domestic troubles.

“Jing, tell me—where do you want to find capable people to come teach? Shall I write a letter to your grandmother to send two tutors here?” Dantai Shanchang, proud though he was, knew he couldn’t afford to offend the capital. If he wanted to advance there, he had to lay a proper foundation. Domestic issues might be trivial or grave; if mishandled, they could drag him into ruin. He must not let the household burn.

Dantai Jing gently shook her head, writing on the paper: “The journey to the capital is long, and I am still recovering from my injury, so I cannot attend school for now. It would be better if I went to my maternal grandmother’s home tomorrow. She has two palace maids who once instructed my mother in etiquette—they would be most suitable!”

The phrase “most suitable” caused Dantai Shanchang to narrow his eyes slightly. It seemed Third Miss understood that his future was destined for great success. Lady Ye’s petty merchant family mindset was hopeless; he could not rely on her. But he could not simply dismiss his wife. As for Jing...

Dantai Jing was the legitimate eldest daughter. If she took charge of the household, it would not be impossible. Palace maids would have impeccable manners, which could even benefit his future prospects.

He thought to himself: perhaps entrusting the household to Jing was the wisest choice after all.