Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 512: Chapter 519: Turning the Tables
 

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But what needed to be done would not be omitted. Sikong Ling was by no means magnanimous, even if it was something that could have been anticipated in the plan. Since Wang Yu was so eager to come looking for trouble, he would not let him off easily.

Not long after Sikong Ling left, someone with Sikong Mansion’s token went to the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Before Wang Yu returned to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, everything that had happened at the back city gate was made known to Wang Mang. Moreover, the person sent by Sikong Ling naturally would not stand on neutral ground or on Wang Yu’s side. Wang Yu’s actions at the city gate had been excessive, and with the accusations made by the person sent by Sikong Ling, hearing everything made Wang Mang truly irritated.

If Wang Yu had provoked someone else, it might have been fine, but he had to provoke the very person he shouldn’t have, not to mention all the foolish things Wang Yu had done before. Wang Mang found it very hard to like this son.

“This scourge of a son! He can’t go a day without causing trouble. Sikong Ling is not only the Young Master of the Sikong Family, but he’s also even more difficult to deal with than the head of the Sikong Family. If there was absolute certainty, it would be acceptable, but to rashly trouble someone like this, not only failing to grasp anything incriminating, but instead having others come knocking on our door demanding an explanation, he really is someone who makes more trouble than he’s worth! Can’t he use his pig brain to think things through? Sikong Mansion and Marquis Bei’an Mansion have no dealings with each other, even standing on opposing sides. How could they possibly become entangled together, and what good could come of this?!”

Wang Mang was so angry that he smashed the cup in his hand. Just then, Wang Yu came back. Seeing the situation in the hall, he guessed that his father must have learned about the incident outside the city. Failing to gain leverage over Sikong Ling this time, he was bound to face retaliation from Sikong Ling, and it was inevitable his father would be angry. Fortunately, he had already thought of an excuse by the time he returned, so even if his father was angry, it should only amount to a scolding and nothing too severe.

“Son pays his respects to Father,” Wang Yu steeled himself before entering the main hall to greet Wang Mang.

Wang Mang was extremely strict when it came to matters of etiquette, even towards his own sons; any slip could certainly displease him, the only exception being the son of that woman, who despite being nothing more than a lowly bastard, could still make his father cheerful and pleasant.

Thinking of this, Wang Yu became especially annoyed, but fortunately, his father still knew his limits. Even though he favored that woman’s son, he only went so far as indulgence and wouldn’t let him overstep. Otherwise, he would absolutely not stand idly by. Now, the biggest threat to him was his brother from the same mother. Although they shared the same mother, they weren’t harmonious, and there had been no shortage of competition between them in the shadows for their own interests and status.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“You still know to come back, brazen enough to show your face, you troublemaker!” Wang Mang was displeased upon seeing Wang Yu, unloading a long tirade of accusations.

Although Wang Yu was resentful in his heart, he could only bow his head and listen obediently until Wang Mang had vented his frustration. Then Wang Yu began to explain. He had some experience with this by now, but from his father’s words, it was not a case of treachery, but rather that Sikong Ling had delivered the complaint directly to his father. Wang Yu harbored yet another layer of resentment.

“Father, I know you’re angry, but the situation is not as Sikong Ling describes. He has always liked to oppose me, and his words are naturally untrustworthy. Please listen to my explanation…”

Wang Yu laid out all his observations and the things his subordinates had witnessed about Sikong Ling, telling Wang Mang everything, trying to convince him that Sikong Ling truly had ulterior motives and was in collusion with the fugitives from Marquis Bei’an Mansion.

Unfortunately, Wang Mang simply did not believe any of it, and the fundamental reason was that Sikong Ling had no reason to do so. Sikong Ling was not a fool like Wang Yu, recklessly acting on whims, and would never take such risks without a significant gain in sight.

“Father, believe me, the person I sent to watch Sikong Ling really saw the fugitives from Marquis Bei’an Mansion get on Sikong Ling’s horse carriage and then Sikong Ling hid them somewhere. If we can catch Sikong Ling, we can definitely force out the whereabouts of Marquis Bei’an and his son,” Wang Yu said fervently, convinced of Sikong Ling’s involvement with the fugitives.

Wang Mang simply did not believe this matter, so his focus was elsewhere: “You say you sent people to watch Sikong Ling? When did you send them, and why were you watching Sikong Ling?”

“I, your son, felt that rogue Sikong Ling was up to no good. The Sikong Family does not truly side with us, so I had him watched, thinking Sikong Ling might slip up. And as expected, it revealed…” Wang Yu could not admit it was due to personal grudge between him and Sikong Ling, so he made up another reason, which Wang Mang instantly saw through.

“Nonsense, you’re my son, I know what you’re like. It’s nothing more than resentment because of previous minor squabbles with Sikong Ling, isn’t it? You probably wanted to find a chance for revenge, which is why you had people watch him, right?” Wang Mang’s question was delivered with certainty.

Wang Mang’s words hit the mark. Wang Yu’s eyes flickered: “Father, I admit I indeed had such thoughts, but it was precisely because of that, I uncovered such a big secret.”

“Secret? You fool, do you think the useless people you sent wouldn’t be detected? It’s more likely that they were discovered long ago, so Sikong Ling simply decided to turn the tables on you, making you take the fall, yet you still haven’t realized it, still congratulating yourself, thinking you’ve uncovered someone’s secret. If Sikong Ling were really colluding with fugitives, he wouldn’t let you find out, that’s just a joke!”

Wang Mang’s words were harsh, touching on some truths. Indeed, Sikong Ling had long been aware of Wang Yu’s tails, which was why he had devised a plan to use Wang Yu’s scheme against him.

“Father, are you saying that Sikong Ling did this on purpose, and then…” Only then did some understanding dawn on Wang Yu. “That Sikong Ling is truly despicable and shameless, using such a sinister strategy!”

“It shows he is clever and strategic. With your repeated attempts to cause him trouble, if it weren’t for my sake, do you think you’d still be well and here? Sikong Ling has been considerate of my feelings, giving you only a small lesson.”

Wang Mang had lost all hope for his eldest son, who wasn’t smart, had a small-mindedness, and lacked generosity. If there had been no significant conflict of interest, Sikong Ling would not have taken it to this extent with him.

Meanwhile, Sikong Ling had left the matters in Chang’an to his subordinates and had traveled day and night, finally arriving two days later at Phantom’s hideout. Without asking about anything else, he went straight to Su Wenyue’s room.

“How is her condition now?”