Cheng Xiran watched coldly as Liu Shi exchanged glances with the guard. She glanced at He Lianduo and said, "Daughter has never done what I'm accused of. Even if Father beats me to death, I won't admit it."
He Lianduo looked at the young woman with satisfaction, impressed by her wisdom and fortitude. Even when wronged, she remained rational. She was no fool; those who framed her were the real idiots.
He Lianduo commanded coldly, "Cut off one of his hands and see if he's still so stubborn."
The guard took the order and raised his sword to chop off the guard of the prime minister's mansion's hand. At the words, the guard's legs gave way, and he crawled towards Liu Shi, crying, "Madam, save me! Madam, save me!"
Liu Shi went limp but pretended to be calm and kicked him, saying, "You lowly thing! What are you doing? Trying to frame me?"
Hearing Liu Shi's words, the last line of the guard's psychological defense shattered. He looked at Liu Shi in despair and said, "Since Madam is heartless, don't blame me for being unrighteous."
He kowtowed on the floor so hard that it made a thumping sound. "Please, Prime Minister, spare my life. I'm innocent. It was all Liu Shi who forced me to do it. I had an affair with a maid, and her personal maid found out and told her. Liu Shi threatened me to do something for her in exchange for sparing us. I didn't want to frame the eldest miss. I was forced."
His cries echoed through the hall. Father Cheng looked at Liu Shi in shock. He never knew that Liu Shi could be so vicious.
Liu Shi, with tears in her eyes, clung to Father Cheng's arm and said, "My lord, please listen to me. I'm innocent."
Father Cheng angrily shook off her arm and said, "You're innocent? Did I tell you to frame her?" He pointed at Cheng Xiran and asked Liu Shi.
Liu Shi was rendered speechless, and tears rolled down her face. The old lady stood up and slapped Liu Shi hard across the face.
"You slut! You're so vicious. You framed the legitimate miss for your own gain. You're punished to be confined to your room for three months. You're not allowed to come out without permission."
Liu Shi slumped to the ground and looked at Father Cheng tearfully. She thought Father Cheng was so heartless. He was all sweet words when they were together, but now he was so cold - hearted.
Cheng Zhiyue hugged Liu Shi. Now that the truth was out, she didn't dare to say a word, afraid of getting involved. She didn't want to leave a bad impression on He Lianduo.
Father Cheng felt embarrassed under Liu Shi's gaze and said, "Why aren't you taking the madam and the young miss back? Aren't you ashamed enough?"
Liu Shi's maid quickly helped Liu Shi and Cheng Zhiyue up and left the hall. Cheng Zhiyue glared at Cheng Xiran venomously. Bitch, you're just lucky!
Just thinking about the regent standing up for that bitch made Cheng Zhiyue's heart ache. She left the hall with Liu Shi, looking reluctant.
Finally, the farce came to an end. Father Cheng bowed to He Lianduo awkwardly and said, "I've made the prince laugh."
He Lianduo remained cold - faced and said, "Prime Minister, you're being too humble. Every family has its own troubles. But you really should rectify your family discipline. Otherwise, there will always be people trying to take shortcuts."
Father Cheng shivered and said, "Yes, I will definitely govern my family strictly."
Cheng Xiran looked at He Lianduo with a sweet smile, silently thanking him for his timely appearance. Otherwise, with Liu Shi's persuasion, her useless father would surely have beaten her.
Father Cheng couldn't figure out what the regent meant, and since he couldn't afford to offend him, he just kept nodding in agreement.
Seeing that everything was settled, He Lianduo slowly got up and said, "Since the prime minister still has things to attend to at home, I'll come to see Miss Cheng another day."
Then he left with his guards, leaving Father Cheng in the hall looking bewildered. Since Cheng Xiran owed He Lianduo a favor, she naturally accompanied him out personally.