2850 Not Over

"This matter was originally triggered by my second son, and now he…"

But was Elderly Lady too naive to shift all the blame onto a deceased person?

The young, stoic figure interrupted her coldly. "So what if he's deceased?"

"Just because he's no longer here doesn't mean it didn't occur. Had I not returned in time, the Butterfly Pavilion's reputation would have been irreparably damaged."

Furthermore, if she didn't handle this situation adeptly, it could tarnish the Eastern Palace's standing.

Qiao Mu sensed that there was likely a mastermind behind this incident. Moreover, the elderly woman's three statements were half-truths; she couldn't readily accept them.

She needed to force this deceitful woman to reveal the identity of the mastermind.

Elderly Lady perceived that the young Crown Prince Consort's countenance was excessively cold, heartless, and imperious, but she had no recourse.

Now, the Crown Prince Consort held the leverage over the Zhang family.

If the Crown Prince Consort had no intention of reconciliation, she, an elderly lady from an affluent family, wouldn't stand a chance against the strong.

Elderly Lady Zhang resolved herself and covertly glanced at her two sons.

However, Eldest Child Zhang wore an expression of dread.

Eldest Child Zhang discreetly shook his head at his mother.

Though his gesture was subtle, the young Crown Prince Consort observed it clearly.

The young Crown Prince Consort cast a frigid glare at Eldest Child Zhang before turning her attention back to Elderly Lady Zhang.

"If you are willing to disclose the identity of the mastermind and tell the unadulterated truth, there may still be a way out for your entire family. Otherwise, I assure you, you won't want to witness what I'm capable of."

These words carried grave weight, leaving Elderly Lady Zhang utterly dumbfounded.

She hadn't anticipated the situation would escalate to such an extent, jeopardizing the lives of her entire family just to besmirch the Butterfly Pavilion.

This cunning adversary with ruthless tactics was certainly not one to trifle with.

Eldest Child Zhang clenched his teeth and quickly clarified, "Crown Prince Consort, it is true that my Second Brother was at fault. He dined at the Butterfly Pavilion with the bag of medicinal powder with the intent to tarnish its reputation, thereby affecting the Crown Prince and Crown Princess."

"But, but my Second Brother is already deceased!"

In essence, Boss Zhang had harmed himself in the process. Crown Prince Consort, wasn't it time to let this matter rest?

It was far too unreasonable.

The noodle vendor interjected with a sneer, "Your entire family is grappling with this dilemma."

"Let me reiterate. If I hadn't dealt with this issue promptly, I'm certain you understand the profound repercussions it would have on the Eastern Palace."

"Just because he's deceased doesn't mean it's resolved." The young Crown Prince Consort fixed a chilling gaze on the Zhang family.

He was deceased, yet the matter remained unresolved!

Qiao Mu intended to make it abundantly clear that there was a price to be paid for meddling with her.

"While the Butterfly Pavilion may not be of great consequence, the reputation of the Crown Prince is. His Excellency Zhou, please enlighten them on the appropriate punishment for defaming the Crown Prince Consort and sullying the reputation of the Eastern Palace."

Assistant Minister Zhou stepped forward promptly, his aged countenance bearing a grave expression. "Crown Prince Consort, you have marred the reputation of the Eastern Palace and attempted to malign individuals associated with the Crown Prince Consort. According to the law, the punishment is execution. In more severe cases, it can extend to nine generations of the perpetrator's family."

Elderly Lady Zhang collapsed to the ground with a pallid face.

Eldest Child Zhang was also so petrified that he stumbled