Liao Shisan, a battle-hardened warrior who had confronted life-and-death situations with the caravan, displayed remarkable self-control. Despite the mistreatment of his daughter, he had patiently bided his time for the opportune moment. It was all thanks to Liao Qiuniang that still had her innocence and life that Liao Shisan had maintained a sense of secrecy and rationality, refraining from impulsive actions as he had in her previous life.
Yin Hui’s gaze returned to Liao Qiuniang’s face. The young girl was attractive and possessed a determination and fearlessness in her eyes that were rarely seen in ordinary women.
It was all thanks to her good father, Liao Shisan, that she could remain composed in the face of danger and devise a plan to eliminate Yin Wen.
Upon their arrival at the Yin mansion, Yin Hui noticed that the gates were closed, indicating that no outsiders were permitted that day.
Yin Hui, of course, was not an outsider. With a serious expression, Uncle De led Yin Hui, Liao Qiuniang, Lihua to Yin Yong’s courtyard., and Jinzhan had to stay outside the courtyard.
In the hall, Yin Yong sat in the main seat, his expression as somber as a storm cloud. To his left stood Mrs. Zhao and her son, while Liao Shisan stood on his right.
Yin Hui had heard Liao Shisan’s name mentioned many times in her two lifetimes, but that day marked the first time she saw him in person. Although Liao Qiuniang was fair and beautiful, Liao Shisan was a robust man with a rugged face resembling bronze. He towered over the generals serving King Yan, and his body was encased in coarse clothing, emphasizing the well-defined muscles of his upper arms.
Unlike generals who only saw combat during wartime, Liao Shisan had spent thirteen years with the caravan, living a life where bloodshed was a daily reality.
“Ah Hui, come and sit,” Yin Yong said, gesturing to a chair beside him.
Yin Hui nodded and walked over.
Mrs. Zhao watched resentfully. The elderly man had summoned her to come over, but she had stood there for a considerable time without being allowed to sit. Yet Yin Hui, a younger member of the family, was permitted to take a seat.
Yin Yong glanced at Yin Wen and Liao Shisan, then turned to Lihua, asking, “Tell me what happened on that day.”
Liao Qiuniang tightly pursed her lips and eventually cast her gaze toward Yin Wen.
The scar on Yin Wen’s left cheek had begun to heal, leaving a dark red scab. Liao Shisan had caught him off guard early in the morning, leaving him with no chance to fabricate an excuse before his grandfather. Yin Wen’s expression appeared grim.
The most important thing was that he was sure that Liao Qiuniang dared not say anything. He went to Yin’s warehouse to test Liao Shisan the day before, and it was no different from usual.
When the two looked at each other, Lihua had already started to narrate, from the evening when the Wang family sent someone to the shop to invite them, to the time when she drank tea and fell into a coma, and when she woke up to find that the Wang family was in a mess and Liao Qiuniang’s cheeks were full of tears, redness and swelling.
Even though it happened to Liao Qiuniang, when she recalled it again, Lihua was still trembling with anger. Her eyes were red, and she knelt down and said, “Master, please make the decision for Miss Liao.”
Mrs. Zhao vented her anger, saying, “You’re spewing nonsense! What could he possibly gain from deceiving you? You’re here attempting to distort the truth! Take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror! If my Ah Wen wanted a woman, there are plenty who would willingly oblige. Why on earth would he resort to such deceitful tactics with you! I believe someone is plotting against my son…”
“Shut up!” Yin Yong slammed the table and shouted at her.
Mrs. Zhao trembled, and she too knelt down, wiping her tears. She implored the old man, “Father, Ah Wen was raised by you, and you know his character very well. You must make decisions for him. You cannot let outsiders tarnish his reputation so gravely. Ah Wen is not yet married. If this gets out, who would dare to marry into our family in the future?”
Yin Yong responded coldly, “I summoned you here as witnesses, not to speak. Return immediately!”
Finally, Mrs. Zhao fell silent.
Yin Yong then turned his gaze back to Liao Qiuniang but was momentarily distracted by the visible slap marks on the young girl’s face. He lowered his eyes and asked, “Qiuniang, tell me about your time in the Wang family’s house.”
Kneeling on the ground, Liao Qiuniang provided a detailed account, including the serene atmosphere in the Wang family’s Shouchun Hall. She noted that she felt somewhat anxious at first but was put at ease upon seeing two little maids tending to the flowers and plants in the courtyard, along with the round-faced maid. She described the well-worn equipment in the kitchen, mentioning that the kitchen knife was frequently sharpened, and the cutting board bore the marks of years of use.
It was evident that she had not yet delved into her own grievances. Yin Hui’s eyes welled up inexplicably. Yin Wen must have known that the Liao father and daughter were not to be trifled with, which was why he had been willing to collude with the Wang family to orchestrate this situation.
“Lihua was in a coma, and I was very frightened. I knew the young master possessed martial arts skills, so while he was still standing at the door, I discreetly removed Lihua’s copper hairpin and concealed it in my sleeve.”
“The young master took the kitchen knife, and pressed me on the rice vat. He was too strong, I couldn’t break free.”
“He was groping on me, I was very scared, knowing that if I didn’t do it, there would be no chance.”
“He came to kiss me, I pretended to obey. His breath smelled like melon…” Yin Wen’s eyes twitched slightly as Liao Qiuniang described the unsettling experience. Yin Yong, who had shifted his gaze, noticed this detail.