Chapter 24: The Web of Deceits
'I planned it perfectly. Not only is she seen as useless, but soon, everyone will think she's a thief,' a wicked smile crept onto Huang Ning's lips.
"Father, let's not rush to conclusions. There's no solid proof that Sister Nian stole the gold coins," Huang Ning said, her tone carefully measured.
"There's more than enough proof," Huang Yuan snapped. "She's the only one I don't give a weekly allowance to. Who else would have done it?"
"Then let's go to her courtyard and confront her," Huang Tian suggested, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Let's go," Huang Yuan agreed.
"Is it necessary?" Huang Ning asked, feigning doubt. "What if we're wrong?"
"Ning Ning, we'll find out soon enough," Huang Tian replied with a smirk.
Untainted Courtyard
"You thief, come out here!" Huang Yuan shouted from outside.
Inside, Huang Nian sipped her tea calmly.
"Wifey, do you feel like stepping outside?" Jun Mo Xie asked with a smirk.
Huang Nian shook her head slightly, indicating she had no interest in the commotion outside.
"Huang Nian!" Huang Tian gritted her teeth in frustration. "I dare you to show your face!"
At this, Jun Mo Xie stood and opened the door. Huang Nian stepped out, facing her family.
"What's your problem, *Old Man*?" Huang Nian asked casually.
"Old... Man?" Huang Yuan stuttered, momentarily stunned.
In the Longyuan Dynasty, being called "Old Man" was akin to being called a grandfather. Despite being in his late thirties and considered one of the most handsome ministers in the palace—even rivaling the emperor—Huang Yuan was now called such by someone he considered trash.
"You insolent girl!" Huang Tian hissed. "How dare you insult Father! Apologize immediately!"
"Why should she apologize?" Jun Mo Xie interjected, his cold gaze locking onto Huang Tian.
Taken aback, Huang Tian felt a strange thrill from his attention, and despite herself, she smiled shyly at him.
'What are you doing, Huang Tian?!' a voice scolded her in her mind. 'He's defending another girl, a trash no less, and you're smiling?'
"She should apologize because she's in the wrong!" Huang Tian snapped back, trying to regain her composure.
"In the Huang Mansion, telling the truth is considered wrong?" Jun Mo Xie said icily. "I wonder just how thick-skinned you people can be."
"Father," Huang Nian added, looking at Huang Yuan with a teasing smirk, "I understand you might not want to accept it, but you're already looking like an old man. Soon, you'll be one for real." She winked playfully at Huang Ning.
Huang Yuan and Huang Tian immediately turned to Huang Ning, their eyes demanding an explanation.
"Father, Sister Tian, I swear I don't know what Sister Nian is talking about," Huang Ning stammered, her face a picture of innocence.
'Why should I even believe what this trash is saying? She's clearly spouting nonsense out of jealousy for Ning Ning,' Huang Yuan thought, dismissing Huang Nian's words.
"Father," Huang Ning tugged at his sleeve gently, "Don't forget why we came here."
"That's right," Huang Yuan said, his face hardening again. "Huang Nian, why did you steal the gold coins from the warehouse?"
"Why did I steal the gold coins?" Huang Nian repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes!" Huang Tian added, her voice sharp. "Why did you steal them?"
"Where's the evidence that I stole anything?" Huang Nian asked, her voice calm and unwavering.
"The evidence is right here," Huang Yuan declared, his confidence rising.
"Right here?" Huang Nian said, feigning surprise. "Show me."
"You've been spending money on this courtyard," Huang Yuan said, gesturing to the elegant surroundings. "It's far too luxurious for someone like you to afford. Clearly, you stole the gold coins to pay for it. Isn't that proof enough that you're a thief?"
"Huang Nian, just admit it," Huang Tian urged, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "It'll save you a lot of trouble."
Huang Nian said nothing, her eyes glinting with amusement as she watched the scene unfold.
'Serves you right for daring to challenge me,' Huang Ning thought, a malicious smile forming on her lips.
Just then, a steward ran in, breathless, and whispered something in Huang Yuan's ear.
His expression shifted from certainty to confusion, then anger. His face paled, then turned green with rage.
"What?!" he exclaimed, stunned into silence.