The couple exchanged glances, seemingly not understanding the meaning behind Song Chaoyu's question.
Song Chaoyu simply smiled faintly, "I don't care why you are kneeling here, but you must have some motive, right? I am here to resolve this matter, so just answer whatever I ask you."
Song Chaoyu's attitude wasn't bad, but for some reason, the couple dared not meet her gaze.
Fortunately, the old man Liang gathered his courage, looked at Song Chaoyu, and nodded, "Our daughter served by Prince Wen's side and was murdered. Shouldn't we come and seek justice?"
Song Chaoyu's brows furrowed slightly, "I'm asking you, what is the relationship between these three people behind you and A Xiu?"
Song Chaoyu did not allow old man Liang to control the narrative. Liang swallowed and said, "They are all A Xiu's brothers, one biological brother and two cousins. However, their parents have passed away, so we are raising them now, which is equivalent to A Xiu's biological brothers."
Song Chaoyu knew that Liang was saying this to make it known that A Xiu had support behind her and was not to be bullied.
But the more he spoke, the more it proved his guilt and nervousness.
Especially since Song Chaoyu remained as calm as ever, making Liang appear even more flustered and uneasy.
Song Chaoyu raised her eyes and scrutinized the three people.
Without her saying a word, the entire family of four became nervous.
After a moment, Song Chaoyu continued, "Then I ask you, since you had so many children by your side, why did you send A Xiu to Prince Wen's mansion?"
The implication was obvious.
But Liang naturally had to find a reason, "We sent her to Prince Wen's mansion, naturally to live a life of luxury!"
Song Chaoyu pouted, her tone laced with disdain, "Wouldn't it be more accurate to say that you sent A Xiu away because you couldn't afford to feed so many children at home?"
This hit the mark, yet Liang puffed out his chest and loudly explained, "While that is true, what kind of place is Prince Wen's mansion? A Xiu went there to enjoy a good life! It's much better than eating coarse grain and vegetables with us at home and living a hard life. If Prince Wen's mansion had also accepted boys, we would have gladly sent all our children there! In the capital today, living a good life is the right way to go, isn't it?"
"Heh—"
Song Chaoyu sneered, "Why wouldn't they accept? Does Prince Wen's mansion only accept maids and not young servants? Moreover, when A Xiu entered Prince Wen's mansion, she signed a death contract. This means you didn't send A Xiu into Prince Wen's mansion, but sold her. Selling a daughter is not something you can say so righteously, is it?"
Many poor families sold their daughters, but it was ultimately a disreputable act.
Eunuch Xiang immediately understood Song Chaoyu's meaning and became stern with Liang, "That's right! You sold A Xiu to Prince Wen's mansion that day, so you have no relationship with A Xiu. She is the daughter you abandoned, and now you pretend to be so affectionate as a family. What are you doing here, putting on a show?"
"You... how can you speak like that!?"
Liang was cornered, but Madam Liang stuck out her neck, becoming even more shameless, "We had no choice that day; we did it to let A Xiu live. But that doesn't mean we don't love A Xiu! She is flesh and blood from me. Now that she has died inexplicably, can I not cry out for justice for her? Is there any reason in the world for this?"
"Inexplicably?"
Song Chaoyu raised an eyebrow and retorted to Liang, "Tell me, why did A Xiu die? Did you witness it with your own eyes? Do you know the truth of the matter?"
Liang and his wife only knew that A Xiu was dead, and that she had died in a dry well.
The people who came to find them said that A Xiu was beaten to death by Prince Wen and thrown into the dry well.
But they had not actually seen A Xiu's body, and they truly did not know what had happened.
So at this moment, they looked at each other, opened their mouths, and said nothing at all.
Song Chaoyu sneered again, "I might as well tell you, A Xiu is indeed gone. But you don't know what mistake A Xiu made or how she died, do you? After A Xiu passed away, people from Prince Wen's mansion tried to contact you. Prince Wen, being kind-hearted, only thought that although you had completely sold A Xiu to Prince Wen's mansion, returning the body to you would be a comfort. However, despite searching everywhere, they couldn't find you. And yet, you still dare to say that you were thinking of A Xiu in your hearts?"
This was naturally false.
Prince Wen didn't even know how A Xiu died, so how could he have done such a thing?
But Song Chaoyu guessed that A Xiu's family didn't care about her at all, so even if people had looked for them, they might not have come to claim A Xiu's body.
As expected, Liang's expression changed, and he looked even more embarrassed, "This... no one came to look for us!"
"Is that so?"
Song Chaoyu pouted, "Did no one come to look for you, or did you simply not care, and therefore were unaware of this matter? I think many things don't need me to say more; everyone in their hearts naturally understands, right? You have brought people here today to block Prince Wen's path. Why don't you just say what it is you want?"
Within Song Chaoyu's few words, the Liang family's faces were extremely embarrassed.
Song Chaoyu even gestured to Eunuch Xiang, who immediately understood.
He led people towards the three behind old man Liang and had them put down the white cloths they were holding.
Song Chaoyu also approached old man Liang and Madam Liang, leaning down slightly, "Although I don't know who instructed you to do this, you should know that today is Prince Wen's wedding. It is an imperial decree, and no one can stop it. If the time is delayed because of you, then even if you get what you want, you might not live to enjoy it!"
She scoffed, "Who is A Xiu? Do you really think that because she had some close relationship with Prince Wen, you can cling to Prince Wen's mansion? You are simply people who sold their daughter for a son. If they want to catch you, do we need to expend so much effort?"
If they had truly come for A Xiu, Song Chaoyu might have had some respect for them.
But now...
Song Chaoyu only felt disdain for them, "It's not important to be used as pawns by others; what's important is that you must stay alive! Don't end up ruining the future of your entire family, and then regret it when it's too late. I think I've made myself clear enough, haven't I?"
Seeing the fear in old man Liang's eyes, Song Chaoyu knew he had taken her words to heart.