Chapter 29: Punished by Family Law

How could he possibly speak of this?

Should he say that his second brother harbored vile intentions toward Ah Zhao? That he regarded his second brother as a scoundrel? That his second brother was base and shameless, committing those despicable acts? Should he utter those disgraceful, crude words that would bring shame to all present?

He could not make himself say it. If he were to speak the truth, his second brother’s reputation would be utterly ruined, and his second sister-in-law would never let him off lightly.

The longer Chu Mu stayed silent, the more everyone became convinced that the blame lay with Madam Shen. Even if there were hidden reasons, it must still be her fault. That was why she remained silent, too ashamed to speak.

With this, the Old Madam and Second Madam only felt more justified.

“Sister-in-law, this is truly your fault. You cannot take advantage of your second brother’s gentle manners, his refined behavior, his politeness and courtesy, just to bully and strike him at will. You know well that as a gentleman, he would never raise a hand against you, yet you still acted so viciously, beating him like this. Look at how you have injured your second brother—what family’s noble daughter acts so basely? Beating a man so mercilessly, with no self-respect, speaking and behaving like a country ruffian—how utterly disgraceful.”

Chu Mu found these words especially grating. Gentle, refined, courteous, a gentleman—recalling what his second brother had done to Ah Zhao, these words were nothing short of an insult.

His Ah Zhao was like the bright moon in the sky—noble, cold, and radiant, with an air of elegance. "Base and shameless, lacking self-respect"—such words had never belonged to her.

“Second Sister-in-law, though you are not from a family of high scholarly standing, you should not speak so coarsely. I had my reasons for striking my second brother; you do not know the whole story, so your wild accusations are truly contemptible.”

The Second Madam snorted. “You may have a sharp tongue, but if you are so capable, why don’t you tell us? Why did you beat your second brother? What did he do to deserve such treatment?”

Chu Mu turned to his second brother, his gaze cold and sharp. “Second Brother, do you really want me to tell everyone what happened that day?”

Chu Renjie quailed under Chu Mu’s stare, shrinking back in fear. “Let this matter end here. We are all family; harmony brings prosperity.”

The Second Madam seethed with frustration. How could she not know what was on Old Second Chu’s mind? Ever since Madam Shen had married into the family, his heart had belonged to her. He often returned drunk, muttering her name—sometimes calling her “dear Zhao Zhao,” sometimes “my lovely lady.” Now he had been given a thrashing by this lovely lady, and at the first glare, he was ready to let it go.

Let him be, but she would not drop the matter. She was still waiting for Third Brother to let her control the household expenses for the second branch.

She seized Chu Renjie’s waist and pinched him hard.

“Ow!” Chu Renjie yelped in pain, his eyes instantly brimming with tears. What had gotten into this shrew? Why was she pinching him?

He glared, about to protest, but Second Madam’s eyes were even rounder, and she hissed under her breath, “You keep your mouth shut! If you dare ruin my plans, I’ll spill every filthy thought you’ve ever had about Madam Shen and disgrace you completely.”

Chu Renjie’s face flushed red with fury and humiliation, but he dared not say another word.

Second Madam Du snorted and flung herself into his arms. “Oh, my poor husband, how cruelly you have been beaten! You’re still hurting even now.”

Chu Renjie pursed his lips in silence. Seeing this, the Second Madam grew even angrier—was he siding with that precious lady of his?

She twisted his side again, harder this time, until his face turned purple and tears fell silently from his eyes. At last, unable to bear the pain, he cried out, holding his waist and groaning.

Only then did the Second Madam release the bruised and swollen flesh, satisfied.

The Old Madam’s heart ached at the sight, looking from the silent Madam Shen to the groaning Chu Renjie. She could only grit her teeth in resentment—she could not lash out at Madam Shen in front of Mu’er, so she choked down her anger and spoke with deep disappointment, “Madam Shen, since you cannot offer an explanation, do not blame me for being harsh. I have always treated you with kindness, as have your second brother and second sister-in-law. Is this how you repay us? You have truly disappointed me. Servants, bring the family rod.”

At her command, servants immediately produced a cudgel as thick as an arm.

The Old Madam’s gaze grew dark and heavy on Chu Mu. “Since the family law must be enforced, let us do it properly. Strip Madam Shen of her outer garments, leaving only her underclothes, so she will remember this lesson and curb her unruly spirit. Summon all the household staff to witness the punishment.”

That little vixen was as seductive as a foreign courtesan. Living under the same roof, how could she not know what Old Second felt for Madam Shen? Today, she would drag her down into the mud, let everyone see her enchanting figure, and see if she dared cause trouble again.

At these words, Chu Mu turned sharply to his mother.

What was she saying?

The family law of the General’s Manor had never required stripping someone of their outer robes and skirts.

How could Mother order Ah Zhao’s outer garments to be removed, leaving her in nothing but her underclothes?

Ah Zhao was his wife—how could her body be exposed to other men?

Mother was not only humiliating Ah Zhao and destroying her reputation but also slapping him in the face.

How could he and Ah Zhao ever hold their heads high in this household again?

At the Old Madam’s command, maids and old servants stepped forward to seize Chu Mu.

“Stop, all of you! I dare any of you to lay a hand on her!”

Shen Zhao’s face was dark with rage, her voice thunderous and commanding.

Everyone froze in disbelief, turning to stare at Shen Zhao.

She was filled with pent-up fury, her fists clenched so tightly beneath her sleeves that her knuckles cracked audibly.

That old wretch truly meant to grind her last shred of dignity into the dirt.

The light in her eyes faded, replaced by a deep, smoldering anger. Suddenly, she slammed the table with a resounding crash—so forceful that a corner of the table broke clean off.

This unexpected blow startled everyone. What had happened to…the General?

The Old Madam was first shocked by Shen Zhao’s furious shout, then deeply unsettled by her sudden outburst. Regaining her composure, she spoke with rising anger, “Mu’er, are you blaming your mother? Are you defending the wrongdoer? Should Madam Shen not be punished for her misdeeds? Have you forgotten how I raised you? Look at the chaos Madam Shen has brought to the General’s Manor, and still you protect her! Mu’er, you have truly disappointed me.”

With that, the Old Madam closed her eyes, her aged face full of heartbreak.

Shen Zhao, driven past fury, let out a cold laugh, her gaze burning into the Old Madam’s feigned sorrow. “How could I dare blame you? I have always remembered your teachings, Old Madam, never daring to forget them for a moment. But, Old Madam, have you ever treated me as your own child? Madam Shen is still my wife—the mistress I married with honor, in a grand procession. Have you ever considered my reputation? You would strip her of her outer garments, leaving only underclothes, and summon the household staff to witness the punishment.”

Shen Zhao’s words grew sharper and colder with each sentence.

“My wife, exposed before strange men—may I ask, Old Madam, where does that leave me?”

Her speech left the Old Madam shaken to her core. Mu’er, who now called her “Old Madam” rather than “Mother!”

Seeing Shen Zhao’s expression, dark as ink, the Old Madam was both furious and flustered. She bit down hard, forcing an explanation: