Cui Shi paid no attention to the Old Madam's display; it wasn't the first time she'd seen it and it held no novelty for her.
The other branches of the family were also accustomed to the Old Madam's ways, though they still maintained a pretense.
Especially Yu Ruyi and Su Wanqing, positioned on either side of the Old Madam, their wails sounding as if mourning a deceased parent.
Yu Zeyan's head ached from the noise. He roared, "All of you, be silent!"
The crying stopped abruptly!
Yu Ruyi, never one to miss an opportunity to accuse, immediately cried out, "Cui Shi was shouting threats and violence in Mother's courtyard early this morning. She's trying to force Mother to her death! Eldest Brother, Cui Shi..."
The Old Madam, fully cooperating with her daughter's words, leaned back in her chair, eyes closed as if dead.
"Silence! She is your sister-in-law, and Cui Shi is how you address her!" Yu Zeyan reprimanded Yu Ruyi.
Yu Ruyi was stunned by her elder brother's rebuke. She shrank her head, daring not to speak further.
"For such a trivial matter, must you make the entire household so unsettled?" the Old Madam slammed the table.
"Trivial? Old Madam, what do you consider a major issue?" Cui Shi scoffed.
"Is this how you speak to your elders? Eldest, you should discipline your wife properly!" the Old Madam pointed at Cui Shi, her eyes bulging with fury.
"Mother, this matter truly cannot be blamed on my wife. It is the rumors that have caused immense harm to Mingyue!"
"She is but a child, what harm can it do? Besides, didn't you yourself say that the Sixth Girl's conduct was unacceptable that day?" The Old Madam shifted all blame onto Yu Zeyan.
"Mother!" Yu Zeyan was furious. "Does Mother wish for me to investigate that day's events thoroughly?"
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam began to weep loudly, "My Lord, open your eyes and see! Look at your good son. How long has it been since you left, and already this Duke's mansion has no place for this old woman."
Cui Shi ignored the Old Madam's usual theatrics and called for Qin Momo, "Qin Momo, present the secret decree that the Noble Consort sent last night to the Duke."
"Yes!"
Qin Momo retrieved the secret decree from a brocade box, sent by the Noble Consort the previous night via a palace嬷嬷.
The meaning of the secret decree was simple: she was aware of the rumors concerning Yu Mingyue. If they were slander, the perpetrators would be severely investigated. If they were true, she would send palace嬷嬷 to teach Yu Mingyue etiquette, as she was destined to become a Prince's consort.
Yu Zeyan's expression grew even more grim after reading the decree. He carefully placed it with both hands and said, "This matter will be handled entirely by my wife. How the servants are dealt with is up to her discretion."
Heh.
This was indeed her usual tactic.
Was this merely about punishing a few servants?
Just as Cui Shi was about to speak, a cry was heard from outside.
It was Yu Mingyue, who had rushed over upon hearing the news.
Her mother's temperament was easily disadvantaged against a group of drama queens, and her father was too soft-hearted. It was likely that in the end, this would turn into a conflict between her father and mother.
She had to be here.
Yu Mingyue entered crying, stumbling as she ran. With a thud, she knelt before the Old Madam, tightly clutching her leg.
"Grandmother, did I do something wrong to anger you? You are my own grandmother, don't you love me anymore? Those words truly hurt me so much..."
The Old Madam, who was in the midst of her own tears, was somewhat bewildered by Yu Mingyue's dramatic entrance.
She couldn't possibly compete with a child in a crying contest.
The Old Madam tried to pull her leg away, but the little girl held on too tightly for her to move.
"How could Grandmother not dote on you? It's all those servants speaking nonsense. Grandmother will deal with them and get justice for you."
"Grandmother is extremely strict with her subordinates and values rules above all else. How could the servants dare... Sister Juxiang is Grandmother's trusted head maid. How could she knowingly offend?" Yu Mingyue sobbed, yet her words were clear and distinct.
Everyone present heard her clearly. Indeed, Juxiang was a trusted confidante. Without the Old Madam's tacit approval, who would dare to gossip about their mistress?
"You..." The Old Madam wished she could kick the girl away. Her body trembled, rendering her speechless.