The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 247 - 248: Taking Action

Upon hearing this, Prince Xian was furious, yet he did not blame Zhou Wu, but rather Zhao Housheng.

"How can this matter be blamed on Young Master Zhou? It is Zhao Housheng who dared to lay such a heavy hand on my son. Even though Dingyuan Marquis is behind him, what of it? The Dingyuan Marquis has already gone to Jiangxi, so I’d like to see who else dares to stand up for him now," Prince Xian spoke, his face full of malice.

To say that Prince Xian was usually a benevolent person, without much temper towards anyone, yet this son of his was his one and only precious, the sole surviving child between him and the Princess, after several sons failed to survive.

As a result, his son’s lineage has been broken, a fate worse than having their ancestral graves desecrated. If it wasn’t for the Dingyuan Marquis’ influence, Zhao Housheng would have been executed on the spot, rather than being kept alive in a cell.

"Your Highness, your benevolence is known throughout the Capital. Despite such an incident befalling the Princely Heir, you merely imprisoned the offender instead of killing him. Just for this act, the whole Capital would commend you," praised Zhou Wu, "The Young Master is known for his careless words, but he’s not malicious. Who knew Lieutenant Zhao would strike so viciously? The Young Master merely said one word, but I reckon Lieutenant Zhao dared so because he thought Dingyuan Marquis would back him no matter what. I’ve heard the Marquis, upon returning, sent someone to the cell to tend to Zhao’s injured leg and even sends medicine regularly. Isn’t the Marquis blatantly disregarding Your Lordship?"

Zhou Wu finished speaking, occasionally glancing at Prince Xian.

If it weren’t for the Emperor’s favor on the Dingyuan Marquis, Prince Xian Mansion wouldn’t spare regard for a mere Marquis. But the situation was different now.

With the Emperor’s protection above, it’s no wonder the matter spread widely, so Prince Xian hadn’t acted. His son was a troublemaker, always stirring mischief, but this time his actions involved the Dingyuan Marquis.

Prince Xian was also furious, thinking his son incompetent. In the whole Capital, what can’t you do, except provoke the Dingyuan Marquis?

Zhou Wu, seeing Prince Xian silent, ceased speaking, knowing further words would be detrimental, drawing attention to himself.

After leaving Prince Xian Mansion, Zhou Wu leisurely walked home, his face displaying satisfaction. He would let Lin Youning know the consequences of offending him, Zhou Wu. Even with Dingyuan Marquis’ support, it was useless.

As Zhou Wu reveled, his attendant hastened to persuade him to return home, but they were blocked by several men. Before the attendant could inquire further, the men attacked.

Zhou Wu, a frail scholar, was no match for the black-clad men. When Zhou Wu was carried back by Zhou Mansion’s people, he was unharmed, but his leg was broken, causing Mrs. Zhou to faint immediately.

Mr. Zhou, upon seeing this, furrowed his brow silently, hurriedly summoned the Imperial Physician. By the time Zhou Wu’s injury was treated, it was late into the night.

Mrs. Zhou, her eyes red from crying, lamented, "How could this happen? Who dares to strike at our mansion’s people? You must find out, husband."

Mr. Zhou sneered, "Find out? You’re well aware of the trouble your son caused recently. This is a warning from someone displeased with our mansion. If you don’t keep an eye on him, next time he might not survive."

Mrs. Zhou’s face changed, stammering, "Could it be...could it be from the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion? But how dare they?"

"Why wouldn’t the Dingyuan Marquis dare? Your son dared to target their in-law, what wouldn’t they do? Are you scared now? If you know fear, it’s not too late. If you continue this way, lives might be lost," Mr. Zhou warned, fearing for his wife, "Even Consort Zhou can’t control Dingyuan Marquis, let alone our mansion. I’ve repeatedly told you not to act rashly, but you spoil him, and look where your indulgence has brought you. If you value your son, restrain him now."

Angry, Mr. Zhou stormed off in a huff, leaving Mrs. Zhou standing dumbfounded.

The next day, news spread through the Capital that the second son of Zhou Mansion had his leg broken, now recovering at home, with no clue who was responsible after days of investigation.

The palace sent some supplies, but Consort Zhou only inquired about her brother’s leg, not mentioning reprisal.

Mrs. Zhou, realizing the implication, knew it was obvious who was behind this. Even Consort Zhou, her daughter, wouldn’t dare provoke them.

She wept a few more times, advising her son, "Listen to your mother, don’t think of them anymore. They’re under Dingyuan Marquis’ protection, a power beyond our reach for now. One day..."

Her words hung with unspoken implication, understood by Zhou Wu.

With her son silent, Mrs. Zhou had no choice but to leave, shaking her head. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

News reaching Prince Xian Mansion, Prince Xian angrily smashed his teacup, cursing, yet took no action. As for Zhao Housheng in prison, Prince Xian wanted to act but strict supervision prevented any private revenge, knowing Dingyuan Marquis had intervened.

Prince Xian was indignant, refusing to believe he couldn’t deal with a mere third-rank General. Without asserting himself, where could he stand in the Capital?

He took no other actions besides cutting off Zhao Housheng’s medicine supply in prison.

The cessation of medicinal delivery quickly reached East Mansion, with Li Si informing Lin Youning. Lin Youning, gripping her handkerchief, realized Prince Xian Mansion wouldn’t remain passive, as expected, they had begun to retaliate.