Chapter 82: Establishing Authority

Ding Yulan lazily glanced at them and said in a cold tone, “What? Did I say anything wrong? Everyone in the household knows that she spent the night with Second Young Master. Anyone with a shred of decency wouldn’t do such a thing. And to think she’s the lead dancer—it’s an embarrassment to all of us.”

Jiang Caiping retorted angrily, “My sister had no choice but to stay out for the night because the city gates were already closed when she returned. She and Second Young Master are completely innocent—nothing inappropriate happened!”

Ding Yulan sneered. “A man and woman spending the night together, and you’re telling me they’re innocent? How laughable!”

The woman beside Ding Yulan stared at Jiang Caiping and taunted, “You’re defending her so fiercely—are you hoping to climb up to Second Young Master as well?”

Jiang Caiping’s face turned pale with anger. “I would never! If you keep slandering us, I’ll… I’ll report you to Second Young Master and see what you’ll do then!”

The woman mocked sarcastically, “Oh, look who’s already using Second Young Master to intimidate us. Plenty of people have said things like that—not just me.”

Before Jiang Caiping could respond, Yunyi pulled her behind her back and calmly said, “Some people are just jealous because they can’t get what they want. They accuse us of climbing high branches, but deep down, they’re the ones who want it most. Unfortunately for them, they lack both looks and figure—no one pays them any mind.”

Though not a single vulgar word was spoken, this remark made Ding Yulan and her companion’s faces flush with rage. “What did you say? Who lacks beauty and figure? You… you’re the one who does!” they shouted furiously.

Yunyi smirked coldly. “If you truly had those qualities, why would Second Young Master look at me instead of you? Ding Yulan, even if I leave the music hall someday, the position of lead dancer will never fall to you!”

“You!” Ding Yulan was left speechless. In the past, she had always watched from the sidelines as Chunxiu targeted Yunyi, but now that she was facing her directly, she realized Yunyi’s sharp tongue far exceeded her expectations.

“Caiping, let’s go,” Yunyi said, turning to leave. But Ding Yulan refused to let them off so easily. She stepped forward with her companion and blocked their path, demanding harshly, “Take back what you just said!”

Yunyi glanced behind her indifferently. “What did I say?”

Ding Yulan huffed angrily. “You know exactly what I mean. Take it back, or don’t think about leaving!”

Jiang Caiping broke free from Yunyi’s grasp and stepped forward. “That makes no sense. Once words are spoken, they’re like spilled water—you can’t take them back. Besides, if anyone should retract their words first, it’s you for all your filthy remarks!”

Ding Yulan grew increasingly agitated. “No matter how vulgar my words may be, they’re still better than your shamelessness!” She glared at Yunyi. “In terms of beauty or figure, how am I inferior to you? I don’t understand what Second Young Master sees in you!”

“So, according to you, I should fancy you instead?” A sudden voice startled Ding Yulan and her companion. They spun around to see Li Shimin standing behind them.

“Second Young Master!” Both Yunyi and Jiang Caiping appeared calm—they had noticed him approaching earlier but deliberately didn’t inform Ding Yulan and her friend.

Realizing their mistake upon hearing Yunyi and Jiang Caiping greet him, Ding Yulan and her companion hastily bowed low in fear. Li Shimin approached Ding Yulan, his eyes icy. “You haven’t answered my question yet.”

Ding Yulan forced a smile and simpered, “I was only joking with Meixue earlier, Second Young Master. Please don’t take it seriously.” Internally, she cursed her bad luck for being overheard by Li Shimin. If only she hadn’t spoken those words…

Jiang Caiping wrinkled her nose. “It wasn’t a joke. You have no idea how nasty her words were.” She proceeded to recount every detail of Ding Yulan’s slanderous remarks, sending chills down Ding Yulan’s spine. While she dared to mock Yunyi, she wouldn’t dare act arrogantly in front of Li Shimin.

Ding Yulan tried to maintain her composure. “Second Young Master, please don’t listen to her lies. I didn’t say anything—it’s Jiang Caiping framing me!”

“Is that so?” Under Li Shimin’s icy gaze, Ding Yulan lowered her head guiltily, unable to utter another word.

“I understand there are bound to be rumors in a large household. But I never expected that simply asking Meixue to accompany me outside the city to paint would lead to such vile gossip. She was delayed due to an injury caused by falling rocks on our way back and couldn’t return before the city gates closed.”

Ding Yulan knelt in terror, pleading desperately. “Please forgive me, Second Young Master! I… I heard it from others and repeated it casually. I meant no harm.”

“If this isn’t harmful intent, then I don’t know what is!” Li Shimin lowered his gaze. “What is your name?”

Ding Yulan trembled as she replied, “My name is Ding Yulan, Second Young Master.”

“Ding Yulan,” Li Shimin repeated, his voice cutting. “Zhihong, go to Yuxiu Pavilion and inform Second Lady that Ding Yulan of the music hall has been spreading malicious rumors. Request that she expel her from the estate immediately.”

Ding Yulan’s face turned ashen with fear. She cried and begged pitifully, but to no avail. As a dancer, her position required little effort beyond practicing, and her monthly stipend was generous—something irreplaceable in Honghua Prefecture. Despite banging her forehead against the snowy ground until it was covered in dirt, she failed to elicit any pity from Li Shimin. Her companion stood frozen in silence, terrified that speaking up might result in her expulsion as well.

After they left, Jiang Caiping turned to watch Ding Yulan sobbing in the snow, looking both regretful and miserable. Feeling a mix of satisfaction and lingering resentment, she turned to Li Shimin. “Second Young Master, why didn’t you expel Sunshi along with Ding Yulan? She contributed plenty of hurtful comments too.”

Hearing this, Yunyi quickly admonished softly, “Caiping!”

“It’s fine,” Li Shimin said gently, gazing at Jiang Caiping. “There are more than just Ding and Sun spreading these rumors. Are you suggesting we expel everyone involved?”

Jiang Caiping shook her head. “That’s not what I mean. I just feel that since Sunshi colluded with Ding Yulan, letting her off so leniently seems overly merciful. It leaves a bitter taste.”

“Punishing Ding Yulan isn’t about venting anger—it’s about setting an example. Others need to understand the consequences of spreading malicious gossip and learn to control their tongues. As for Sunshi…” He paused meaningfully. “She’s the perfect candidate.”

“The perfect candidate?” Jiang Caiping looked utterly confused. “What do you mean, Second Young Master?”

Yunyi chuckled softly. “Still haven’t figured it out? Second Young Master intends to use Sunshi to spread the news of Ding Yulan’s punishment. There’s no better way to ensure the message reaches everyone than through someone who witnessed it firsthand.”

Jiang Caiping nodded slowly, beginning to grasp his strategy. “So… Sunshi is Second Young Master’s tool to discourage others from discussing yesterday’s incident?”

Li Shimin smiled faintly, pleased with her understanding.