Doted By The Regent King
Chapter 420: Have the Face to Come Asking for a Favor?

Chapter 420: Chapter 420: Have the Face to Come Asking for a Favor?

Wufu had secretly done something devious to some unlucky wretch, and her mood was so buoyant that even her carving flowed with practiced ease. However, she still remained vigilant, aware that Zhou Xuennian was currently in prison. Remembering what she had said before and fearing that the Old Zhou family might come to find her, she sent someone to the estate to tell Madam Zhou to stay a few more days.

She had made thorough arrangements, but what she did not know was that even the most well-laid plans could be disrupted by unexpected events.

When Madam Lu returned to the Old Zhou family home, she was immediately summoned to Old Lady Zhou’s bedside to report on Zhou Xuennian’s situation.

Madam Lu naturally portrayed Zhou Xuennian’s plight in the most tragic tones and concluded by weeping, "Mother, we must quickly get my husband out of there. If we don’t, your daughter-in-law might soon become a widow, and you will have outlived your son."

Her words sent a dull pain through Old Lady Zhou’s heart, and in her anger, she pointed at Madam Lu and started to cough violently, quickly turning her elderly face a bright shade of red.

Zhou Xueli hurriedly stepped forward to pat her mother’s back, while saying, "Eldest sister-in-law, Mother is frail. Why do you frighten her?"

"I’m not trying to frighten anyone. You haven’t seen the state of your elder brother. The prison is pitch dark, without any light, and chilling to the bone. I’ve even heard that so many people have died in there that the malevolent spirits are particularly strong—I wonder if he will encounter any vengeful ghosts!" Madam Lu argued loudly.

Her account was becoming more and more preposterous!

Zhou Xueli, not known for his eloquence, was too enraged to retort effectively and could only say, "My uncle has said that my elder brother’s life is not at risk. As long as he submits to the punishment, admits his guilt, and renounces his official position, he will be released."

Old Lady Zhou’s expression softened a bit.

This was a silver lining amid the misfortune—keeping one’s life was of utmost importance.

Yet Madam Lu, seemingly wishing for chaos, scoffed, "I fear that by the time that comes, my brother-in-law won’t have survived. Mother, that prison is just too terrible. My poor husband... he’s hanging on by a thread!"

With those words, she covered her face and began to cry.

At this point, Old Lady Zhou had no reason to doubt Madam Lu’s words. After all, the prison was no place one could enter lightly. Once inside, if one didn’t die, they’d at least be stripped of a layer of skin. Moreover, her eldest son had not suffered much hardship in life—whether or not he could endure it was truly uncertain.

Thinking of this, Old Lady Zhou’s heart began to flutter with anxiety again.

"Did you give the Yamen Runners some silver to smooth things over?" Old Lady Zhou asked.

Madam Lu nodded, "Certainly, but it wasn’t much. Mother, I am afraid..."

"Don’t utter nonsense. Your elder brother will surely be fine. At most, he will be stripped of his official title!" Old Lady Zhou’s eyes sharpened as she rebuked with fury.

Madam Lu pursed her lips and wiped away her tears but suddenly recalled what Zhou Xuennian had said, and hurriedly added, "Oh right! My husband said we should ask that hussy Wufu to plead on his behalf."

At this declaration, everyone was startled, and even Lady Liang, who had been silent, turned to look at Madam Lu. Seek Wufu’s help? Why?

Madam Lu recited Zhou Xuennian’s message, wondering, "I don’t even know if he was out of his senses. How could Wufu possibly know Lord County Magistrate?"

Yet Old Lady Zhou had her own thoughts. She remembered the increasingly prosperous life of Wufu and her kin—if they were without connections, it was doubtful anyone would believe them.

Besides, when they moved, there were unfamiliar faces helping them who did not appear to be ordinary people. Could it be that those people were sent by the county officials?

Considering this, a sinking feeling grew in Old Lady Zhou’s heart. It wasn’t that she doubted Wufu’s ability to know important people; the doubt was whether they dared to seek help. After everything that had happened, did they have the shamelessness to beg? Wufu was not one to cede easily; even if they let go of their pride to beg, would she agree to help?

Thinking of Wufu’s cold, impassive face that never showed any hint of emotion, Old Lady Zhou’s heart ached, and her teeth gnashed with a grating sound.