C2 Who Is Lying
The Third Miss had just returned home not long ago. She was gentle and introverted, not someone who seemed capable of lying. On the other hand, the Second Miss, who grew up in the mansion, was cherished and graceful, not the type to commit such a malicious act.
Seeing the wavering looks in the eyes of those around her, Chi Rongyan seized the opportunity to fan the flames. She cried as she looked at Chi Meng'er, her eyes filled with fear. "Sister, I'll leave right away. I shouldn't have caused you to lose Grandmother's favor... You're right, after all, my life is worthless and should have ended in the countryside..."
"Who said that?"
The old lady heard Rongyan's words and quickly reached out to pull the trembling girl into her arms. "Don't be afraid, Yan. Tell Grandmother, who said these things to you?"
Her Yan had been alone in the countryside for years; who could have said such things to her? It must have been after she returned to the Duke Mansion! As for who said it...
The old lady glanced at Chi Meng'er.
Chi Meng'er hadn't expected things to escalate like this. She was so frightened that she collapsed to the ground, her face ashen. The maids around them took note of this. Although the old lady hadn't explicitly stated anything, seeing the Second Miss's reaction...
Who would have thought that the usually gentle and virtuous Second Miss would say such cruel things behind her sister's back, especially after all the hardships her sister endured in the countryside?
Seeing the reactions of those around her, Rongyan felt quite satisfied. She had successfully cleared her name from the "theft" incident. Now, her next step was to establish a persona for herself, just like Meng'er had done. With a well-crafted image, the path ahead would be much smoother.
Considering the original character's personality, Rongyan knew she couldn't suddenly change her demeanor. So, she decided to adopt a persona that was gentle and sensible. Once she made up her mind, Rongyan forced a few tears to well up, her eyes reddening as she shook her head persistently.
"No... Grandmother, no... everyone has been so kind to me. No one has said anything like that to me. Just now... it was all my nonsense," she said, her body trembling more violently, tears glistening on her face. Yet, she still managed to offer the old lady a smile. "Grandmother, please don't let this upset you. I'm just grateful to see you again... I should have stayed in the countryside, but being here with you is a blessing."
If Meng'er liked to play the victim, Rongyan was determined to see who could play the role better. To the old lady and everyone around, Rongyan's demeanor only reinforced the image of someone who had suffered greatly but chose to remain silent for the greater good, showing maturity and grace.
The elderly lady thought about the hardships Chi Rongyan had endured over the past decade in the countryside, as well as her youngest son and daughter-in-law who had died in battle. Her heart ached even more for Rongyan. After all, she was young and seemed so innocent—how could she be lying?
As she looked at Chi Meng'er, about to speak, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly echoed from outside. A middle-aged, elegant woman entered the room and immediately knelt before the elderly lady. This was Chi Meng'er's mother, the mistress of the second branch of the Duke Mansion, Mrs. Lee.
"Mother, I've heard about it. Yan has just returned from the countryside. If she has picked up some petty habits, it's understandable..." Mrs. Lee began, her voice filled with distress. But before she could finish, the elderly lady interrupted sternly, "Enough!"
