Chapter 614: Chapter 613: Correction
"It’s all Liu Zheng. If not for his clever schemes, my daughter wouldn’t have ended up in such a state," Liu Zheng said with hatred.
"My lord, you can’t blame Liu Zheng for this," Madame Liu said.
"How can I not blame him? If he wasn’t so greedy for money, how would all this trouble have started?" Liu Zheng rebuked angrily.
"My lord, this matter really doesn’t involve Liu Zheng. I think, it must be Zhang Lanfang who left of her own accord," the lady continued.
"Of her own accord? That Zhang Lanfang, she really is a low breed! I’ll make her taste the bitterness of losing everything!" Liu Zheng said through gritted teeth.
"My lord, Zhang Lanfang is still your wife after all, are you truly willing to deal with her?" Madame Liu spoke with some hesitation.
"Hmph! Since when does the Liu Family need the support of an outsider? You people, go out and get things done immediately!" Liu Zheng waved his hand.
"Yes, my lord!" Several maidens hastily retreated.
...
Meanwhile, inside the Zhang residence.
Zhang Yu paced anxiously around the room.
"Miss, please settle down! The madame and the master will not mistreat you," the maiden advised.
"But, that despicable person is now lurking in the shadows watching us. I’m afraid..." Zhang Yu said with worry.
"Don’t be afraid. Hasn’t the master already arranged for people to keep a discreet watch on her every move? She won’t be able to harm us," the maiden reassured.
Zhang Yu nodded and replied, "Alright then! I’ll just have to put up with it for the time being."
"Miss, rest assured! Both madame and master care for you deeply, they will certainly not mistreat you. You can settle down here with peace of mind," the maiden said.
"Hmm, I understand," Zhang Yu responded, then sighed, "What a pity!"
...
"My lord, what should I do to make Zhang Lanfang obediently hand over her dowry?" Madame Zhang asked from the couch.
Liu Zheng snorted coldly and said, "Zhang Lanfang has already left, how can we still threaten her? However, now that she has left, I can make use of her. As long as she’s willing to hand over her entire dowry, I guarantee she won’t be able to cause any trouble for the rest of her life!"
"That would be wonderful!" Madame Zhang said joyfully.
"You have to write her a letter immediately, tell her that she has been expelled from the Zhang residence, and that she should abandon any foolish hopes of returning to the Liu Family," Liu Zheng instructed.
"Yes," Madame Zhang replied, and started to write the letter.
...
At that moment, Zhang Lanfang was resting in bed.
During this time, she had suffered much hardship, living in constant fear lest Liu Zheng suddenly sent people to snatch her away.
Now, at least she was temporarily safe.
Remembering Liu Zheng’s ferocious expression filled Zhang Lanfang with both fear and anger.
Liu Zheng, I will surely have you torn to pieces!
A fierce murderous intent flashed in Zhang Lanfang’s eyes.
"Thud! Thud!"
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Zhang Lanfang frowned and said, "Come in!"
With a "creak," the door opened, and several maidens filed in.
Seeing this, Zhang Lanfang’s complexion couldn’t help changing.
"What do you want?" Zhang Lanfang exclaimed.
One of the maidens revealed a strange smile and said, "The madame invites the Third Miss down for tea."
"I’ve only just arrived back, and you are already asking me to leave? Are you saying that I’m not welcome here in the residence?"
Zhang Lanfang’s face turned cold as she spoke.
"Third Miss, please!" the maiden reached out her right hand respectfully.
Frowning, Zhang Lanfang glared at the maiden displeasedly, and then she slowly stood up and walked outside.
"Third Miss, take care!" The maid followed behind Zhang Lanfang, calling out.
Zhang Lanfang took a deep breath and said, "No need to see me off; I can walk by myself!"
After saying that, Zhang Lanfang headed outside.
"Third Miss, please walk slowly!" the maid said with a smile.
Zhang Lanfang snorted coldly and left quickly.
...
In front of the Liu Family residence.
Zhang Yu was strolling in the courtyard when he saw Zhang Lanfang walking out of the Liu Family home.
"Why have you come out? Didn’t I tell you to recuperate properly?" Zhang Yu frowned.
Zhang Lanfang didn’t speak, and instead got straight into the carriage, saying, "Let’s go home!"
"Third sister, what’s wrong?" Madam Zhang asked.
"Mother!" Zhang Lanfang flung herself into Madam Zhang’s arms.
"Dear, don’t cry! What on earth happened?" Madam Zhang consoled.
"Mother, the people at the Liu Family want to kill me!" Zhang Lanfang said, crying.
"What? Who dares to threaten my daughter?!" Madam Zhang exclaimed in shock.
"Wooo... it was that Liu Zheng. I went to the Liu Family today to argue with him, but not only did he refuse to give me any leeway, he even wanted to drive me out of the residence. Mother, you must stand up for me!" Zhang Lanfang embraced Madam Zhang’s neck, weeping bitterly.
"Lanfang! My precious daughter, don’t be frightened. With your mother here, no one will be allowed to bully you!" Madam Zhang comforted.
"Thank you, Mother! Thank you!" Zhang Lanfang dried her tears.
"Lanfang, you should rest for a bit, and then your mother will accompany you back to the residence!" Madam Zhang consoled.
"Alright, Mother!"
...
Within the Zhang residence.
"Madam, look, Madam Liu sent the Third Miss back so soon, she gave in that quickly. Don’t you think it’s very strange?" a maid asked.
"Are you silly? Of course, it is! Liu Zheng is the imperial-appointed Assistant Minister, do you think I can afford to offend him? Besides, the Zhang Family already owes him money. Now, he wants Zhang Lanfang to compensate him for his losses; isn’t that normal?" Madam Zhang said.
"Madam is right! However, that Third Miss is quite beautiful, and she’s also a first-rank Lady of the Imperial Order. If we could take her away, wouldn’t we make our fortune?" another maid suggested.
"Shut your filthy mouth, and mind your words, or I’ll tear your mouth apart!"
...
The Liu residence.
In the Liu Family’s living room, Liu Zheng was leisurely enjoying fine wine and dishes. Hearing the conversation between Madam Zhang and her daughter Zhang Lanfang, Liu Zheng couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh, then he swallowed the last piece of meat in his bowl and said, "Madam is indeed clever! I have long wanted to capture that woman!"
"My husband, if that’s the case, what are we waiting for?" Madam Liu said coquettishly.
"Hehe, wait for the good news! Within three days, all the wealth of the Zhang Family will be mine!" Liu Zheng said with a sinister smile.
...
Inside the Zhang Family study.
Zhang Lanfang sat on a chair, with her legs crossed, sipping tea while deep in thought.
"Third Miss, this old servant has arrived!" Madam Zhang walked in and said.
"Mother!" Zhang Lanfang immediately stood up and said, "What brings you here?"
"I’m here because there is something I need to discuss with you," Madam Zhang said, sitting down.
"What is it, Mother? Please tell me!"
Madam Zhang looked around at the people present and said, "You’ve seen it; the Liu Family is no longer what it used to be! Now, Liu Zheng’s power is immense, and I am not a match for him!"
"And so?" Zhang Lanfang asked.
"I mean, I want you to go and persuade him. After all, you are husband and wife. As long as you are willing to step in..."
