Shuang'er was furious. Her own young miss was being treated so contemptuously. She wished she could fight this lecher to the death, but a look from Zhi Wan stopped her.
Zhi Wan sized up Wang Zeren. He looked scholarly and refined, but his words were disgusting and vile. The lecherous way he stared at people was particularly nauseating.
However, she didn't lash out. The garden was full of guests, after all. If she made a scene, it wouldn't do her any good. On the contrary, if Wang Zeren turned the tables and claimed she had seduced him, her reputation would be ruined.
After weighing her options, Zhi Wan feigned shyness and took two steps back. "So, you've already made inquiries about me, sir?"
Being watched by her captivating eyes, Wang Zeren felt a heat rise through him. He thought his own charm had conquered her and couldn't help but feel smug.
He fanned himself, affecting a suave air. "The moment I saw you, I was captivated. But I won't hold your background against you. As long as you agree to be with me, I will dote on you and let you enjoy endless wealth and luxury."
"In that case, should I be thanking you, sir?" Zhi Wan's smile didn't reach her eyes.
"There's no need for thanks. You just have to serve me well from now on." Wang Zeren stared at Zhi Wan with a frivolous gaze, as if she were already his for the taking. His mind was already conjuring up salacious scenes, and his eyes grew cloudy.
Zhi Wan glanced at the pond behind her. Blinking her beautiful eyes, she beckoned to him. "Sir, come a little closer."
Wang Zeren was overjoyed. He quickly folded his fan and, unable to wait, threw open his arms and lunged for her.
But just as he was about to embrace Zhi Wan, she suddenly ducked, dodging his touch.
Wang Zeren lunged at empty air, but he assumed she was just playing hard to get. A lewd smile spread across his face. "You're a naughty one, little beauty!"
As he said this, he started to turn, but was suddenly kicked in the rear. His body pitched forward uncontrollably.
"SPLASH!"
Water sprayed everywhere.
Wang Zeren had fallen straight into the pond in front of him.
After swallowing a mouthful of water, he finally came to his senses and shouted in panic, "Help! I can't swim..."
Soon, the nearby guests were drawn over by the commotion.
"How did he fall in the water?"
The onlookers pointed at Wang Zeren flailing and struggling in the water, roaring with laughter.
Zhi Wan hid behind a pillar. Seeing Wang Zeren in the water, her lips curled into a cold smile.
Afraid of being seen, she took advantage of the chaos to slip out of the water pavilion with Shuang'er.
At the same time, she saw Lu Xin in the pavilion opposite them, pushing through the crowd and rushing toward the pond in a fit of rage.
'It seems Lu Xin deliberately found this Wang Zeren to humiliate me and ruin my reputation.'
A surge of anger rose in Zhi Wan's heart.
In the five years she had lived in the Duke Dingguo Mansion, she had always been cautious and meticulous, trying not to make enemies.
In the past, whenever Lu Xin provoked her in countless ways, she had always chosen to forbear and retreat. She never imagined the other girl held such malice toward her.
For a young woman, her reputation was everything. If she had lost her composure even for a moment just now and caused a scene with Wang Zeren, he would have undoubtedly accused her. And Lu Xin, lying in wait, would have certainly rushed out with people at the first opportunity.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she would have been unable to defend herself. Not even the Duke Dingguo Mansion could have protected her. Her only options would have been to become a nun or Wang Zeren's concubine.
Lu Xin's intentions were truly venomous.
Zhi Wan clenched her handkerchief.
'It seems I've been far too polite and gentle with people!'
A harsh glint flashed in Zhi Wan's eyes.
When they reached a secluded spot, Shuang'er said angrily, "Who was that man? How dare he be so disgusting to you, Miss."
Seeing her maid's face pale with anger, Zhi Wan comforted her, "Don't be angry. In the end, he didn't get the better of me."
"That's true. He was turned into a drowned rat in front of everyone. He's completely lost face now," Shuang'er said, feeling vindicated.
As they passed a rockery, Zhi Wan suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong, Miss?" Shuang'er asked, confused.
"Shh!" Zhi Wan pressed a finger to her lips in a hushing gesture.
'Is that someone crying?'
Curious, she moved closer to the rockery and peeked around to the other side.
In the clearing on the other side of the rockery, a young woman was kneeling on the ground. Another pretty, beautifully dressed woman stood to the side. In front of them stood a man.
When Zhi Wan got a clear look at the man's face, she was surprised. 'It's my cousin!'
'What are they doing here?'
She heard the kneeling woman's sobbing plea: "Sir, my father has always been honest and incorruptible, how could he possibly embezzle funds? He was framed! I beg you, sir, to see the truth, reinvestigate this matter, and clear my father's name."
"Did your father send you?" Lu Zhan's tone was cold.
The woman froze for a moment, then shook her head. "I came here on my own accord. My father..."
"The case against your father is supported by irrefutable evidence. Although he wasn't the main culprit, he was an accomplice. The Emperor's judgment has been passed and cannot be changed. If you don't wish to harm your father, then leave. I can pretend you were never here." Lu Zhan's tone was indifferent.
Hearing this, the woman felt a chill run through her and froze in place. 'Should I not have come today?'
She clenched her fists in fear, growing flustered.
"Prince Lu, for my sake, could you please help Qingyou? Uncle Li isn't in good health, and the place of his exile is bitterly cold. Setting aside overturning the verdict, could you help pull some strings and get Uncle Li's sentence reduced?" The beautifully dressed woman couldn't bear to see her good friend like this and spoke up gracefully to plead for her.
The woman who had been frozen in place, upon hearing this, felt hope rekindle in her eyes. She also looked toward Lu Zhan and said in a frail, helpless voice, "I beg you, sir, please be lenient."
Lu Zhan's gaze finally shifted to the beautifully dressed woman.
The beautifully dressed woman's face flushed, and she lowered her head shyly. Because of this, she didn't see the chilling coldness that appeared on Lu Zhan's handsome face.
"And who are you? Why should I give you face?" Lu Zhan's voice was as cold as ice and snow.
The beautifully dressed woman was taken aback. She assumed he didn't know who she was. Then, thinking of the satisfaction Lady Wei had expressed toward her, she smiled confidently. "I am Lin Yutang, the legitimate daughter of the Lin Family. I was invited here today by Madam Lu. We..."
"The Lin Family? Daughter of Minister Lin from the Ministry of Industry?" Lu Zhan interrupted her coolly.
Lin Yutang nodded shyly. "Yes, exactly."
"I see. I will be sure to report today's matter to the Emperor—that Minister Lin is dissatisfied with the verdict against the former Vice Minister Lin of the Ministry of Revenue." Lu Zhan spoke at an unhurried pace, but his words were colder and more piercing than the dead of winter.
"What?" The smile on Lin Yutang's face froze. She swayed, nearly collapsing to the ground. Seeing that Lu Zhan's expression was devoid of humor and that he wasn't joking, her pretty face turned as white as a sheet.
Last year, disaster struck Qingzhou. However, the officials dispatched to provide relief had lined their own pockets, embezzling the disaster silver and causing widespread starvation. When the matter came to light, it provoked the Emperor's fury.
All officials involved were dismissed from their posts and investigated. Some were even sentenced to immediate execution.
The fallout from this incident had continued into the current year, and even the Li family had suffered.
The Emperor's anger had not yet subsided. If he were to find out that she had pleaded for Li Qingyou today, her Lin Family would likely suffer as well.
Realizing this, Lin Yutang's lips trembled. She forced a smile. "Mr. Lu, I have overstepped. Please, just pretend I was never here today."
Lu Zhan's expression was indifferent. He said nothing.
Seeing this, Lin Yutang's eyes dimmed. She gave him a curtsy, her face pale, and left without a second glance for her good friend still kneeling on the ground.
Li Qingyou was frightened as well. She didn't dare plead any longer and hastily got to her feet to follow.
Behind the rockery, Zhi Wan, who had witnessed everything, gently patted her chest. 'My cousin is truly terrifying!'
She grabbed Shuang'er, intending to slip away quietly, but just then, Lu Zhan's voice suddenly rang out, "Come out."