Chapter 7: Fiercely Confronting the Gossipmonger

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Yet, she understood well that this was not the time for rash actions. Though it seemed she was about to charge forward, her steps deliberately slowed, and her eyes secretly glanced at Chu Jiuli, waiting for the young lady’s decision.

Chu Jiuli gave a slight nod, signaling her to go ahead. “If anything happens, I’ve got your back.”

With this assurance, Baoling felt a surge of confidence. The feigned rush transformed into steady, resolute steps.

Just as a few women reached the doorway, Baoling blocked their path with fierce determination.

Hands on her hips, eyes wide as copper bells, she shouted, “You gossips, cease your slanderous chatter! The heir of the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s estate was injured defending our land and people. When did he become the wretch you claim? How dare you maliciously fabricate lies—where is your conscience?”

The women froze, then recovered. One adorned in luxurious purple brocade fanned herself with disdain. “Oh? A mere maid dares to lecture us? We only speak the truth. It’s all over the capital—are we forbidden from talking?”

“Is that so? Then you, the big-mouthed one, deserve this!” Baoling’s face flushed with anger as she stepped forward and struck a sharp slap.

Yesterday, during the funeral procession of the old marquis and several young masters, the lady had explicitly instructed them to avoid any disturbances, so as not to rattle the spirits of the departed. Though simmering with indignation, they had restrained themselves.

But today was different. They would no longer tolerate these baseless slanders and reckless meddling in the affairs of the Marquis’s household.

The woman struck was caught off guard, her cheek blossoming with red marks. The others were dumbfounded—how could one strike openly in broad daylight?

Clutching her cheek, the woman exclaimed in shock and fury, “You lowly servant, do you know who I am? I am the madam of the Minister of War! To strike me is rebellion against heaven itself!”

She lunged forward to tear at Baoling.

Hearing she was the Minister of War’s wife only fueled Baoling’s wrath. She swung another heavy slap in return. “That’s exactly who I’m hitting! Minister of War’s madam or not—whoever dares to slander the heir of the Loyal and Brave Marquis deserves this!”

Onlookers gathered, some astonished, others whispering.

Meanwhile, the shop assistants were in a quandary. A crowd blocked the entrance, sealing the door tight—how could business continue like this?

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Normally, most customers at Jade Pavilion hailed from noble families, and the shop staff dared not intervene lightly.

A single misstep in words could anger these patrons, inviting scolding or even the loss of their livelihood.

Chu Jiuli, however, calmly paid the bill, her gaze leisurely fixed on Baoling, a faint, elusive smile playing at her lips.

This girl had grown up by her side, serving her during their mountain training. Though untrained in martial arts, having observed often, she knew a few moves. Handling these women was no trouble; letting her vent today was just as well.

The Minister of War’s wife, dazed from two consecutive slaps, finally regained composure and trembled as she pointed at Baoling. “You… you are from the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s estate?”

Baoling raised her chin defiantly. “So what if I am? Our house stands with honor; we will not tolerate your slander. You spread these lies and deserve this lesson.”

The woman, both humiliated and furious, hesitated to press on, mindful that though the Marquis’s house had weakened, its influence remained. She glared venomously at Baoling. “Mark my words, I will settle this score. If I cannot touch the master of the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s house, then surely I can deal with a mere servant like you.”

Baoling braced herself, arms crossed, returning the glare. “Hmph. I’m not afraid of a troublemaker like you. If you’ve got the guts, come on and try—just remember, next time your lies will cost you more than two slaps.”

She clenched her tiny fists, poised to strike again.

The woman’s face flushed and paled in turn, snorting coldly as she flounced away.

At that moment, a haughty, melodious voice rang out from the street outside: “Oh? All this noise—what’s the commotion?”

The voice was somewhat familiar, causing Chu Jiuli to furrow her brows.

Others turned toward the door to see Lin Wan’er, the legitimate daughter of the Changping Count’s estate, striding in with several maids, her every step proud and commanding.

Known for her flamboyant nature, she rarely wore a veil when out, so many recognized her.

Today, she was dressed even more gorgeously than usual, her eyes radiating arrogance and disdain.

Her manner suggested she was certain this day would bring disgrace upon the Marquis’s household.

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She glided forward with graceful, measured steps, her figure swaying elegantly until she stood before Baoling and the women.

The Minister of War’s madam, seeing her arrival, felt emboldened.

Though the Count’s estate once ranked slightly below the Marquis’s, with the old marquis deceased and the Count’s sons recently distinguished in northern battles, the balance of power had shifted.

Moreover, Lin Wan’er was now on intimate terms with her son, and since she had arranged to meet Lin Wan’er at Jade Pavilion to purchase gifts, it was only natural to support her future mother-in-law amidst this unfortunate incident.

She lifted her chin slightly, signaling Lin Wan’er to intervene.

Lin Wan’er glanced sideways, her eyes flickering with subtle mockery as they swept over the reddened face of the Minister’s madam.

Then her gaze shifted to Baoling, filled with unmasked contempt.

Her crimson lips parted, words dripping with venom: “Well, well, if it isn’t a maid from the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s estate? A lowly servant daring to act wild in public—your nerve is impressive. I suppose with the master of the house dead, even the servants have no one left to keep them in line.”

She deliberately covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, as if Baoling emitted some foul stench. “Such a corpse-like smell—it’s a wonder you don’t restrain yourself from embarrassing your house.”

“Lin Wan’er, what nonsense are you spouting?”

Baoling’s fury ignited instantly, her finger nearly poking Lin Wan’er’s face, her tongue firing rapid retorts.

“For a supposed noble daughter of the Count’s estate, how can your words be fouler than the stench of a latrine? Hmph. I think you’re the one poorly raised and shameless. I wonder what you’ve been taught—probably all stored up in the belly of a dog!”