Chapter 154 Unveiling the True Face of the White Lotus

Lin Jiaojiao felt a surge of joy upon hearing this, thinking he finally had some discernment.

The eyes of the common people were sharp and discerning; anyone could tell at a glance who was truly fit to be Brother Mu's wife.

"I think so too. The mistress is dressed so simply that all her jewelry combined is not as valuable as a single piece worn by the young lady beside her."

"What do you ignorant men know? Not only is the mistress's jewelry inferior to that lady's, but even her dress is a style from two years ago."

"Look closely, the mistress's hem has been washed so many times it has turned pale and frayed, and the fraying at the cuffs is even worse."

"In contrast, Miss Lin's dress is the trendiest style currently in the capital, and the fabric and pattern are this month's newest arrivals. One can easily imagine it was just finished and put right on."

Another woman chimed in, "Aside from that, just look at their figures and complexions. The mistress is slender and tall; though taller than ordinary women, she is far too emaciated. Her wrists are frighteningly thin, nothing but skin and bones, and her complexion has a sickly pallor."

"On the other hand, Miss Lin has a full, rounded figure, and her glowing, rosy complexion shows she is well-fed, well-housed, and meticulously cared for. At a single glance, anyone can tell who the one being mistreated really is."

Lin Jiaojiao's initial delight quickly morphed into near-panic.

Why should these damned gossiping hags judge her? As if they were the only ones with mouths and eyes.

Amidst the surrounding chatter, Zhang Liang and Liu Zhong were also carefully observing the differences between the mistress and Miss Lin.

Could it be...

Had the mistress truly mistreated Miss Lin?

Had Miss Lin genuinely been suppressed and humiliated by the mistress on a regular basis, as Zhang Cheng claimed?

Instead, they felt it was the mistress who was being suppressed, humiliated, and mistreated.

What official's wife would wear the same dress for two whole years, washed to the point where its original appearance was unrecognizable?

Seeing that the public discussion had reached its peak, Shen Zhao—with the crowd comprising passing porters, merchants, scholars, and servants of noble households—instructed her accompanying soldiers, "I now invite everyone present to enter the estate and take a look. Ensure that everyone is well-protected and that no mishaps befall a single person within the Grand General's Manor."

She wanted everyone to see not only the difference in attire between Chu Mu and Lin Jiaojiao, but also the stark contrast in their living quarters.

Hearing this, the crowd was thrilled; some of them would never have been qualified to set foot in an official's residence in their lifetime.

The soldiers clearly understood the general's underlying meaning: to keep a close eye on everyone.

"Subordinates obey!"

Shen Zhao turned back to the crowd and said, "Those willing to enter the estate with me may follow."

With that, she turned to Chu Mu and declared, "You have suffered wrongs and shouldered two years of undeserved infamy. Today, I shall restore your justice."

She was speaking of her own physical vessel's grievances, but a flash of shame and emotional turmoil crossed Chu Mu's eyes.

He was ashamed because half the grievances A-Zhao had suffered over the past two years were his own doing.

Had he not listened only to biased accounts, had he not turned a blind eye to A-Zhao, how could she have been misunderstood for two years, and how could she have suffered two years of torment?

"Thank you, General."

Shen Zhao rolled her eyes inwardly. *Thank you for what? I was talking about my own grievances, what does it have to do with you?*

The crowd followed Shen Zhao into the Grand General's Manor, closely watched by the soldiers.

Knowing where they were, no one dared to overstep their bounds, trailing obediently behind Shen Zhao and the others.

Jokes aside, this was the Grand General's Manor; there was no room for lawless behavior here.

Entering along with them was the Lin family.

Their eyes darted wildly around the Grand General's Manor, never once stopping.

When had they ever laid eyes on such a grand and luxurious estate? It practically dazzled them.

Lin Tiezhu quietly nudged his mother and muttered under his breath, "Mother, why bother wasting all that silver buying a residence? Even that little hussy Lin Jiaojiao was able to move in and live here. We are Lin Feihu's kin too, and you are his mother above all—why shouldn't our whole family move in and live here?"

"Just look at how endlessly massive this Grand General's Manor is. Look, there's even an artificial lake, and over there are pavilions, terraces, winding corridors, and water pavilions—everything you could possibly want. Even the bricks under our feet are made of marble. Walking on them doesn't even kick up dust."

From the very moment she stepped into the Grand General's Manor, Madam Lin had already resolved to latch onto the estate and refuse to leave.

Lin Tiezhu's words struck right at the core of her desires.

She was merely a countrywoman; before marrying Lin's father, even having enough to eat and wear was a struggle.

After marrying into the family, thanks to Lin Feihu, she had grown accustomed to a life of full bellies, warm clothes, and comfortable living.

When disaster befell Lin Feihu, her family relied even more on Lin Jiaojiao's provisions to maintain a life of luxury—or at least what she considered luxury in her limited worldview.

Today, upon arriving at the Grand General's Manor, she realized that everything she had lived through previously was utterly worthless.

Shen Zhao led the crowd straight to the West Courtyard where Lin Jiaojiao resided.

Along the way, the servants of the manor bowed and offered greetings upon catching sight of the General.

They were inwardly astonished: why was the General leading a crowd of onlookers through the estate, heading straight for Miss Lin's West Courtyard?

Had something happened?

The Lin family's determination to stay in the Grand General's Manor grew even firmer, especially when Lin's father laid eyes on the graceful, fair-skinned maids.

A ripple of desire stirred in his heart. If he could move in under the status of Feihu's father, just like Jiaojiao did...

...might he also be served by such beauties?

Lin Jiaojiao's expression was unspeakably unsightly.

Walking beside Zhang Cheng, she covered her face with a handkerchief and wept softly:

"Brother Zhang, the General does not trust me. What should Jiaojiao do, Brother Zhang? If my elder brother were still alive, how could Jiaojiao be reduced to having her living quarters inspected by a crowd? I am yet unmarried—how can Jiaojiao ever show her face in public after this?"

She had already guessed what Brother Mu intended to do.

It was nothing more than showing the world that the Grand General's Manor had never mistreated her.

How could she allow that? If this were proven, how could she continue to frame Madam Shen? How could she continue to cast blame?

How could she rely on the reputation of being oppressed by Madam Shen to win everyone's pity?

Seeing Miss Lin weeping like a pear blossom in a rainstorm, looking deeply wronged, Zhang Cheng's heart softened, quickly turning into surging anger.

"Miss Lin, do not be afraid. Your brother and I fought side by side on the battlefield; since Feihu-xiong is gone, I am your brother. Rest assured, I will never let you be humiliated."

With that, Zhang Cheng stepped out from the crowd, blocking Shen Zhao's path with a resolute expression, and said firmly:

"I must ask the General to halt. You cannot continue making mistake after mistake and chill our hearts."

"Oh? Zhang Cheng, where do you say I have erred? And how have I chilled your hearts?" Shen Zhao looked at Zhang Cheng with a smile that was not quite a smile.

She had long anticipated that Lin Jiaojiao would not sit idly by, and Zhang Cheng was the sharpest blade in her hand.

Zhang Cheng stepping forward was well within her expectations.

Even more so, it was part of her calculation.

Today, she intended not only to tear off Lin Jiaojiao's mask of falsehood, but also to expose Zhang Cheng's misconduct within the Grand General's Manor to Zhang Liang, Liu Zhong, and the others.

This was a critical moment for her to secure the loyalty of her troops; she could not allow a single Zhang Cheng to ruin her image in the eyes of her soldiers.

She wanted him to expose his own misdeeds.

Liu Zhong and Zhang Liang furrowed their brows slightly, casting complex and apprehensive glances at Zhang Cheng, who had suddenly intercepted the General.

In front of everyone, Zhang Cheng had no business publicly defying the General's face.

Even if the General were truly in the wrong, it should not be pointed out before a crowd—let alone when the General had committed no wrong whatsoever.