lovenovelstory Chapter 78 Rumors and Gossip
Chapter 78 Rumors and Gossip
Ye City, the General's Mansion.
Yuan Shao was in high spirits as he discussed with his advisors Ju Shou and Tian Feng the matter of a northern expedition to Youzhou to intimidate the remnants of Gongsun Zan's forces.
Suddenly, Madam Liu entered with a worried expression, holding a secret letter.
"My lord, I should not interfere in important matters, but this concerns the reputation of the Yuan family, and I am truly worried."
Liu presented the secret letter, her voice choked with emotion.
"This was discovered secretly in Qingzhou by Shang'er's people. Tan'er... he actually secretly took a Wuhuan woman as a concubine!"
I've heard that this woman's origins are unknown, yet she is greatly favored. Now, rumors are circulating in Ye City that my Yuan family is "colluding with the barbarians," tarnishing the reputation of four generations of high-ranking officials!
Yuan Shao initially dismissed it, waving his hand and saying:
"What a woman's view! It's common for Tan'er, who is stationed in Qingzhou, to take a Hu woman as a gesture of appeasement; it's nothing to make a fuss about."
However, a few days later, Liu continued to weep and complain, and Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and other advisors close to Yuan Shang added fuel to the fire with their "worries."
He said, "Your actions may give others a handle to use against you. If Cao Cao uses this to attack you, it will harm your reputation." This finally made Yuan Shao, who was easily swayed and valued empty fame, waver.
"That's enough!"
Yuan Shao impatiently interrupted Guo Tu, who was offering advice once again.
"Tan'er's actions are indeed inappropriate! Shen Pei's nephew, Shen Rong, is currently in the mansion?"
"Have him take my warrant and immediately go to Qingzhou to reprimand Yuan Tan, ordering him to immediately disperse that Wuhuan woman and rescind his previous order permitting her marriage to the Zhen family! As a punishment!"
……
The main hall of the governor's mansion in Linzi, Qingzhou.
Holding Yuan Shao's warrant, Shen Rong strode into the main hall, facing Yuan Tan, who sat regally in the main seat. He merely bowed slightly, his tone arrogant:
"Young Master! The General's order is here! As the eldest son, you are responsible for guarding this region and should set an example for the clan! How can you take a barbarian woman as a concubine and disgrace the family name?"
Furthermore, I've heard that for this woman, you've dared to neglect the Zhen family, whom the court had bestowed a marriage upon? This is utterly absurd! The General has ordered…
"Immediately send the Wuhuan woman out of the country without delay! The marriage to Lady Zhen is to be postponed for now! I hope the eldest son will not make a mistake!"
At this point, Shen Rong kept licking his lips.
He had long coveted Wu Yu's beauty, only regretting that he had never had the chance to get close to her. He never expected that such a good thing would happen this time.
If Yuan Tan is willing to let go, then I must taste the saltiness of this precious gem.
Thinking of Yuan Tan, who is so muddle-headed, I suppose he would happily send Wu Yu away after my stern rebuke.
But after saying this,
Zhang He, Yan Liang, and other generals below glared angrily, while Guo Jia and Lu Su also wore solemn expressions.
Yuan Tan listened expressionlessly, a flash of cold light passing through his eyes.
You are just a rich young master with no power or influence. If you had stayed in Ye City, that would have been fine. But today you dare to come to Qingzhou to humiliate me.
I killed your uncle Shen Pei, so how could I not be able to deal with your little Shen Rong?
He slowly rose, walked to Shen Rong, and spoke calmly:
"Your Majesty, I have endured a long and arduous journey. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to share your burdens and enter the palace to serve you, fulfilling your duty as a subject?"
Shen Rong was taken aback, completely caught off guard by this abrupt change of thought, and subconsciously asked:
"Enter the palace? What does the eldest son intend to do?"
Yuan Tan's lips curled into a cold smile. Without saying another word, he abruptly waved his hand!
The Tiger Guards on both sides pounced like wolves and tigers, instantly pinning Shen Rong to the ground!
"Yuan Xiansi! How dare you! I am the Chief Administrator of the General's Mansion, representing the General! How dare you touch me?!"
Shen Rong was filled with shock and anger, and struggled and roared desperately.
"It is precisely because you represent the father that you need to 'purify yourself' to show your loyalty."
Yuan Tan's tone was sinister.
"Drag him away! Act according to the law, castrate him, and send him to the capital!"
"promise!"
The guards obeyed the order and, ignoring Shen Rong's pig-like screams and curses, dragged him out of the hall.
A moment later, a heart-wrenching scream came from the backyard, followed by silence.
The hall was deathly silent.
All the generals and strategists were shocked by Yuan Tan's ruthless and decisive methods.
Yuan Tan turned around, his expression now calm, and said to Guo Jia:
"Fengxiao, immediately draft two memorials."
"Firstly, I have submitted a memorial to the General: Shen Rong, the Prefect, is deeply impressed by the prosperity of Qingzhou and the happiness of its people. He is willing to stay here to assist you and share your burdens. His loyalty is commendable. I have granted his request and appointed him as the Prefect of Qingzhou. I hope you will grant me your permission."
"Secondly, I have submitted a memorial to the Emperor and the Grand General, stating my case and refuting the false accusations. I declare that I have absolutely no intention of taking the Wuhuan princess as a concubine; this is a frame-up by villains. The girl Wuyu does exist, but she is an orphan who sought refuge in the Central Plains. I took her in only out of pity for her plight, providing her with food and clothing temporarily to demonstrate the benevolence of the Yuan family."
How could there be any talk of 'taking a concubine'? Heaven and earth can bear witness to my heart! As for the marriage of Lady Zhen, it is by His Majesty's grace and my father's command, which I have always kept in mind, how could I dare to be negligent? I am actively preparing, and when the time comes, I will surely marry her in a grand ceremony, living up to His Majesty's grace and my father's expectations!"
Hmph, a mere Shen Rong, no one cares whether he lives or dies.
Moreover, such things are inherently untraceable, so it's up to him to say whatever he wants.
It's just a war of words, anyone can play that game!
Guo Jia understood that this was a complex scheme, and immediately accepted the order:
"Jia Ming will ensure that the writing is sincere and flawless."
Yuan Tan then said:
"Zijing, from what you have obtained in Huainan this time, select ten bushels of pearls, five coral trees, five hundred catties of gold, and one thousand bolts of Shu brocade, and attach a note written by Miss Wuyu herself."
She presented a petition stating her identity as an "orphan of the Han dynasty" and her gratitude to the General, and ordered a capable messenger to deliver it quickly to Ye City to be presented to her father. She also prepared generous gifts to be distributed to the gentlemen Ju Shou and Tian Feng.
"promise!"
Lu Su accepted the order and left.
……
In Qingzhou, Linzi, within the governor's mansion, lies Wuyu's residence.
Night had fallen, and the candlelight inside flickered.
Upon hearing that Shen Rong had been punished and that Yuan Tan had strongly defended her and offered Yuan Shao a generous gift, Wu Yu felt a great weight lifted from her heart. However, she was also filled with guilt because of the trouble caused by her identity and was weeping in front of the mirror.
Yuan Tan gently pushed the door open and walked in from behind her, placing his hand on her slightly trembling shoulder.
His calm face was reflected in the mirror.
"Is everything... all taken care of?"
Wu Yu's voice choked with sobs, and she didn't turn around.
"It's my fault for dragging you down, causing a rift between you and the General..."
"A few minor troubles are nothing to worry about."
Yuan Tan spoke calmly.
"Shen Rong's raving has come at a price. As for Father, he is temporarily out of danger."
He leaned down and whispered in Wu Yu's ear:
"However, since Yuan Shang dares to use your identity to his advantage, we cannot let him smear us."
He spread rumors about the "Princess of Wuhuan" in an attempt to frame me? Then we'll give him an even more exciting story in return.
Wu Yu raised her tearful eyes, her gaze filled with a mixture of confusion and expectation:
"What does my husband mean?"
A smile played at the corners of Yuan Tan's lips:
"Didn't he insist that you were the Wuhuan princess and that I was colluding with foreign tribes? Well then, let the girls of Tingtao Pavilion in the north secretly spread a new story over tea and after meals..."