"Don't say you have no evidence, even if you do, what of it? Ms. Yang punishing the Lan family just proves that they really went too far. It's only because of Ms. Yang's kind and compassionate heart that she merely beat and drugged them, had it been me, I would have killed them outright!"

Long Xuanmo suddenly felt like he had backed himself into a corner, knowing well that the young girl had drugged him last night too—didn't that mean he had gone too far?

The crowd was thrilled, the Prince said Ninth Sister Yang did nothing wrong, who would dare to use this matter to slander her in the future?

Zhang Meiju and Zhang Meixing were so angry they could cough up blood, their beautiful faces distorted with rage. Was the Prince too biased? Why should Ninth Sister Yang enjoy the Prince's protection? Why?

And Madam Zhang Liao, with a face as gray as death, thudded to her knees on the ground: "Ninth Sister Yang, I was wrong! I should not have listened to Lianhua's nonsense dreams to slander you, I truly realize my mistake! Please, entreat the Prince on my behalf, spare me!" After saying this, she kept kowtowing, her forehead quickly turning dark with streaks of blood.

She was very clear that there was no use appealing to the Prince; her only hope was Ninth Sister Yang. After all, they were from the same village. If Ninth Sister Yang did not plead for them, once the story got out, not only would Ninth Sister Yang be labeled as cold-hearted and indifferent to death, but the Yang family wouldn't have an easy time either.

And since the Prince valued Ninth Sister Yang, he would surely let them off for her sake.

Yang Mengchen was no saint; she wouldn't easily let the Zhang family mother and daughters off the hook.

However, seeing her family displaying an unwillingness to harm, and the complex looks in everyone's eyes, she knew that if the Zhang family mother and daughters were killed on her doorstep, the inherently kind-hearted villagers would probably live in unrest for a lifetime, and the villagers would hold a grudge. This was not what she wanted to see.

Better to let the Zhang family mother and daughters live in fear and panic every day; that would be worse than death for them.

"Prince, although they have offended you and deserve death, they are still fellow villagers of this common girl. Might the Prince, in consideration of my humble request, spare their lives?"

Long Xuanmo looked at Yang Mengchen, and Yang Mengchen also looked at Long Xuanmo, her face pleading, her tone humble, yet her deep eyes contained a sharp and hidden glint. A small smile flickered across Long Xuanmo's lips.

First confirming the sins of the Zhang family mother and daughters, then humbly asking for clemency based on village ties, her expression and demeanor were just right, leaving no room for criticism, making it clear that this incident had nothing to do with the young girl. Even if he disagreed, the young girl had done her best. What a clever and lively young girl.

"They fabricated lies to frame Ms. Yang. Not only did Ms. Yang generously overlook it, but she also pleaded on their behalf. Truly kind and benevolent!" Long Xuanmo nodded in approval: "Out of respect for Ms. Yang, I will spare you, but while the capital punishment is waived, the lesser punishment cannot be escaped!

Take them away and beat them twenty times! Make sure to do it far away, don't frighten Ms. Yang and the others!"

"At your command!" Mo Lei immediately dragged Madam Zhang Liao away, while Mo Yun carried Zhang Meiju and Zhang Meixing, preparing to leave.

"Prince, it was our mother who framed Ninth Sister Yang, it has nothing to do with us!" Zhang Meiju and Zhang Meixing cried out loudly, having been coddled since childhood, they couldn't bear twenty lashes.

Yang Mengchen's expression showed a hint of pity, but the corners of her lips curled with a faint sneer.

She had spoken of the offense of disrespect; Long Xuanmo spoke of the crime of slander. Of course, all three were guilty. Yet the Zhang Family Sisters were eager to disassociate themselves from Madam Zhang Liao, which not only was futile but would cause everyone to despise and condemn them.

After all, Madam Zhang Liao had been arrogant and opportunistic but extremely indulgent towards her daughters, never making them do housework or farm chores, allowing them to live like princesses, embroidering all day in the house, always reserving the best things for the sisters, going to great lengths to provide them a life of luxury.

Now that disaster had struck, instead of thinking how to save Madam Zhang Liao or to share in her fate, they were pushing her out to absolve themselves. So callous and selfish by nature, Madam Zhang Liao must feel very cold indeed.

As expected, the crowd's faces showed disdain, and condemnation rose from all around,

While Madam Zhang Liao's expression froze, then was filled with defeat and despair, allowing Mo Lei to drag her away.

"Questioning my command adds one more level to your punishment," Long Xuanmo's handsome face was covered in fierceness, his eyes and brows tinged with a cold, sharp edge, "Forty severe lashes—just don't kill him!"

To avoid any further complications from the sisters, Mo Yun simply tapped their pressure points. With a heart devoid of any pity for the fairer sex, he lifted the two and followed Mo Lei.

Smiling at Long Xuanmo, Yang Mengchen called everyone to prepare to head back to the courtyard, only to see Old Master Yang, the village chief, and Lizheng leading a large group of people hurrying back.

In unison, the crowd asked, "Jiujiu (Ninth Sister Yang) are you okay?"

Someone had brought news that Ninth Sister Yang had just returned when Madam Zhang Liao and her daughter started harassing and tangling with her. Known for being overbearing and malicious, they were worried that Ninth Sister Yang would be at a disadvantage, so they hastily returned from the factory.

"I'm fine," Yang Mengchen shook her head and recounted the events.

Old Master Yang and the others felt relieved and, at the same time, cursed the Zhang Family Sisters for their shamelessness. They then hurriedly knelt down to kowtow and pay respects to Long Xuanmo.

"You may all rise," Long Xuanmo personally extended his hand to help Old Master Yang up, respecting him as the grandfather of the young girl, lest she regard him even more unfavorably.

Being assisted by Prince Long Xuanmo himself was an honor that left Old Master Yang flustered; the village chief and Lizheng were slightly better off, while Yang Chaowen and his brothers, along with everyone else, were at a loss.

As if unaware of the great impact he had on everyone, Long Xuanmo added, "In the future, I will often come here. When in the Yang family, you need not perform any formalities before me."

Upon hearing this, the Yang family members immediately broke into a cold sweat, nervously glancing at Yang Mengchen.

After a stare at Long Xuanmo, Yang Mengchen gently explained to her family and the crowd that Long Xuanmo planned to build a separate residence in the village, so he would be visiting often.

Though this wasn't actually the case, Long Xuanmo kept silent and only gave Yang Mengchen a meaningful look.

Aside from the Yang family, everyone else was both elated and still a bit shaken after hearing the news. They were happy that their village was a blessed place, otherwise the prince wouldn't have chosen it for his residence. Especially since Prince Long Xuanmo favored the Yang family so much he exempted them from formalities—a sign of their high regard.

And since the Yang family was kind to their fellow villagers, they knew they'd need to tread carefully around the prince to avoid any offense.

Yang Mengchen asked the villagers to send the bloodied Zhang family mother and daughter back home and to fetch Doctor Li. Everyone praised Yang Mengchen for her magnanimity and forgiving nature.

The incident quickly spread around. Upon hearing the news, Moneybags Jin cursed Zhang Lianhua for being a harbinger of bad luck. Not only had she tarnished his reputation, but the Zhang family had also provoked the current prince, implicating the Jin family as well. People started whispering about them. In a fit of rage, Moneybags Jin beat Zhang Lianhua until she fainted.

His other wives and concubines seized the opportunity to pile on, making Zhang Lianhua's life a living hell. One night, she escaped from the Jin family and vanished, but that's a story for another time.

At the lunch table, Yang Mengchen announced that Lady Xiao was pregnant and that Xiao Hongtao and his wife had agreed to the marriage between Yang Chengrong and Xiao Wanxue. Everyone joyfully declared it was indeed double happiness, causing Yang Chengrong's handsome face to turn red with embarrassment as he buried his head in his food, not daring to look at anyone.

In a room not too far away, Long Xuanmo, hearing the laughter and cheerful voices coming from the main room and facing a table full of delicious dishes, found himself somewhat unable to appreciate the taste.

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