Chapter 26 — The day my mother wanted to reconcile, I tore up her letter of reconciliation

At this time, it was no longer just aimed at Tham Thi. She is blaming me for being cold-hearted, not tolerating the brothers in the family, and also thinks that my methods are too cruel. If you agree to say "I am not cruel", you will fall into her trap. Because what she wanted was not an explanation from the beginning. It's to firmly label our female models as "jealous", "cruel", "unable to tolerate blood", so that people will automatically condemn us, with no way to turn back. I raised my eyes to meet her gaze, my voice calm.

"I don't dare to admit whether I'm sharp or not. But I know, if I'm not cruel, today kneeling under the temple is my mother."

Suddenly there was silence in the palace. Even the noble ladies who were raising their cups to cover their smiles stopped. Vinh Phi's eyes narrowed slightly. I still don't stop:

"Liu Thi usurped the dowry of the main family, faked her pregnancy, messed up her bloodline, and attempted to use someone else's child to pretend to be a descendant of the National Duke."

"If it wasn't for the goddess and her mother to investigate clearly, then today from the Bui family's house, the one who suffered humiliation would not be her, but the goddess's mother."

"The person who is criticized by people for being jealous and unvirtuous and unable to tolerate blood is none other than the Duke's wife."

"Your highness just said the child is innocent, that statement is not wrong."

"But the Duke's reputation, the title given by the court, and the loyal reputation accumulated over several generations of the Bui family... are they not innocent?"

My voice is not loud, but every word is clear:

"The Bui family owes the court's favor and upholds the rules of the generals."

"If even bloodlines can be mixed, even titles can be faked to appear real, then what I keep is not private resentment, nor is it jealousy. What I keep is the honor of the Duke, the ancestral seat of the Bui family, and also the dignity of the court."

As soon as the last four words ended, even the sound of breathing in the temple became lighter. Vinh Phi's expression, which was still smiling, finally turned cold. She can use her father's virtue to coerce people, she can use compassion for the weak as her attitude, but she absolutely cannot publicly respond with the words "the court's face is not important". Because once you answer, you are no longer fighting with me. But it's touching the face of the heavenly family. She looked at me, and then slowly smiled for a while.

“Your mouth and tongue are sharp.”

“Goddess does not dare.” I lowered my eyes and calmed my voice:

"It's just that before the court, if this goddess was like everyone else, only speaking softly and not talking about rules, today the Bui family would have become a laughing stock throughout the capital."

"At that time, when the princess sees it, she may not be able to say a word of justice for her mother and goddess."

These words touched the blade. In the palace, many people's faces changed slightly. Mother stood next to me, her fingertips, which were still tense, finally slowly relaxed. At that moment, the Queen - who had never spoken up until now - finally opened her mouth. Her voice was not high-pitched, but carried a calming aura. Vinh Phi's smile stopped, she tilted her head and said:

“The Queen——”

The Queen glanced at her, her voice light:

"Spring banquets are held in the palace, not to listen to the gossip and scandals out there repeated over and over again."

“The story from the Bui family has been investigated clearly, clan elder Having also decided, there is no reason to overturn the sentence for a person who deserves to be punished."

As soon as the words ended, Concubine Vinh's expression finally became unbearable. But the Queen seemed not to notice and turned her gaze to Thi Tham.

“Mrs. Shen.”

Tam Thi immediately stood up. The Queen's eyes stopped on her body and slowly said:

"The Duke just passed away and something like this happened in the palace. You can still maintain the gate and not lose your integrity. It's already a difficult thing to do."

"Second Miss Bui's words are somewhat sharp, but her heart to protect her mother and family is not to blame."

"A loyal family should value their reputation."

Mother Tham Thi's eyes were slightly red and she immediately knelt down to thank her:

"My father thanks the Queen for her understanding."

This one sentence has determined our stance. Not jealous. Not unvirtuous. It's not even forcing the concubine. It's about keeping the family home and protecting reputation. Vinh Phi wants to pull back, but it's no longer easy. Sure enough, the Queen gently told the female mandarin next to her:

“My palace has read the invitation letter from the Duke's wife two days ago. If there is nothing wrong, just submit it according to the regulations.”

Tham Thi's body shook slightly. My heart is finally a little more stable. It's done. As long as this status is fixed, external detractors will no longer easily sway her. Whoever is behind it wants to use the excuse of "righteousness, lack of virtue" and "unknown descendants" to cause trouble, but must also consider the Queen's clear words today. The Queen looked at us, her expression still pale, but she added a rare sentence:

“The Bui family has gone through this turmoil, so in the future they should be even more careful. All internal and external matters, I hope the lady will correct herself."