Help! The Frosty Noble's Son Is in Love With Me!-Chapter 293: Qu Fulan Confronts Them Face to Face
Indeed, I’ve always firmly believed she has a famous teacher guiding her and intentionally doesn’t mention it. But if, like the old lady said, there’s truly no famous teacher guiding her, what should be said then?
If there is no famous teacher, why is her chess skill so refined? Especially within half a year, which is completely impossible; otherwise, Master wouldn’t have been so steadfast. Based on her many years of learning chess, a half year is absolutely impossible.
Ning Xin felt she pinpointed the key issue, and thus said, "This can be easily deduced. Learning chess isn’t a simple matter; some people learn for years, even decades, and have average skills. She claims she learned for only half a year and surpassed those who spent years or even decades learning. Is that reasonable?"
At first, it does sound unreasonable, but many present were of age and experienced; what situation haven’t they encountered?
If you find something difficult, does it mean others can’t accomplish it?
There are plenty of geniuses in the world; learning things slowly oneself doesn’t mean the whole world is the same.
Certainly, people can’t say for sure if the Young Lady is a genius. But to conclude someone has a famed teacher without revealing it based on this information alone is too arbitrary, isn’t it?
"If Master Lu can’t produce any solid evidence, then it’s slander. You rely on your status as a master, assuming others can’t succeed because you couldn’t. Without investigating thoroughly, you recklessly accuse and tarnish someone’s reputation. How shameful and disrespectful, particularly for someone of your status! If the Ministry of Justice handled cases like you do, the world would plunge into chaos, and countless innocent people would be wrongly accused!" Pei Ji’an coldly mocked.
Master Lu’s face turned a deep liver color.
Ning Xin also appeared deeply ashamed with nothing to say.
Even now, though Master Lu indeed seemed to be slandering, it couldn’t be proven that Qu Fulan didn’t have a famous teacher. When others discuss it later, there will likely be claims that the Young Lady was shielded.
Hence, when the old lady asked her grandson how to handle the matter, Pei Ji’an said, "I’m the sort who stays out of things initially, but once involved, I must clarify everything fully. I neither wrong the innocent nor let the troublemakers go unpunished. Since some suspect the Young Lady has a famed teacher, let’s invite her back to clarify this matter face to face. Moreover, I have another method to prove everything."
He then turned to someone beside him and said, "Just now I asked you to check if the Young Lady has finished her tasks. What’s the result?"
"Someone has already gone to inform the Young Lady, and I believe she’ll be home soon."
As soon as he finished speaking, someone announced, "The Young Lady has returned."
It’s truly as if she was conjured by mentioning her name.
Qu Fulan was planning a late return today, realizing her life after marriage was filled with trivial matters. Feeling stifled, she wished to stay out longer for relaxation.
Ultimately, someone found her, saying a major incident had happened at home. When she asked about the reason, they just said she’d know once she returned.
She hurried back immediately.
Upon entering the hall, seeing the room full of people, Qu Fulan paused momentarily before calmly resuming her composure. She greeted the elders and stood beside the old lady, her gaze landing on Pei Ji’an.
Her intention was to discern something from his expression—what was this situation?
However, instead of any hint, Pei Ji’an spoke seriously, "Master Lu claims that when playing chess with you, she judged your skill as indicative of having a famed teacher and wished to associate with that renowned teacher. When she asked you who the master was, you did not tell her. Why?"
Qu Fulan paused, then instinctively responded, "I already stated then that I had no famous teacher guiding me, so how could I answer?"
She discreetly surveyed her surroundings. An extensive setup just to ask who her teacher was? It didn’t quite seem that way.
Pei Ji’an further inquired, "At that time, when was it?"
Qu Fulan provided a time, and everyone immediately knew it was three or four years prior.
Pei Ji’an nodded, "Currently, there are doubts about your chess skills not being guided by a famed teacher, because three or four years ago, you had just arrived at the Pei Mansion. Thus, whether you had a famous teacher before coming to the Pei Mansion remains unknown, leading to suspicions of deceit."
There was implication.
Qu Fulan remained silent briefly before saying, "Isn’t this baseless? Even if brought before the government, evidence is necessary. Merely based on the claims of one side, accusing me of lying is unjust. According to the laws of this dynasty, those who make accusations must present evidence. If they can’t provide proof, I can accuse them of slander without evidence."
The phrase ’those who make accusations must present evidence’ sounded unfamiliar but particularly sensible; otherwise, accusing someone of theft without proof and expecting them to prove innocence is absurd.
Pei Ji’an smiled, "As it stands, Master Lu can’t provide any evidence. On your side, if willing to cooperate, you could self-validate. Although having a clear conscience is vital, clearing the dirt thrown at oneself is even more crucial."
"How to cooperate?" Qu Fulan gradually discerned the signs and was naturally willing to cooperate. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶
Pei Ji’an approached Second Uncle and respectfully raised his hand, "Please, Second Uncle, set up several chess positions, allowing Master Lu, Cousin Ning Xin, and Fulan to solve them. The answer will naturally reveal the truth."
Upon hearing this, most of the ladies couldn’t understand the approach, but those knowledgeable immediately grasped the situation.
The chess skills of Second Master Pei were widely recognized; some claimed he was the best among young men in the capital before marrying, rivaling even Lady Master Lu. However, Lady Master Lu couldn’t surpass Second Master Pei.
Even though Pei Ji’an’s chess skills were impressive, above Second Uncle’s, given the current scenario, he couldn’t personally handle this, or it would seem biased. Having Second Uncle handle it assured fairness.
Actually, the Marquis’s chess skills were decent too, but with one party being his teacher’s daughter and the other his daughter-in-law, it would be inappropriate for him to step in. It was best to have someone less directly involved take charge.
"The chess boards set by Second Uncle should be unfamiliar to both Eldest Brother and Third Brother to avoid suspicion of tampering," Pei Ji’an added.
His remark unmistakably directed at certain individuals.
Ning Xin’s face flushed again.
Despite feeling humiliated, Master Lu considered Heir Pei’s suggestion pointless. If everyone solved the chess boards, what issue would be proven? If the boards were overly challenging and she couldn’t solve them, naturally neither could the others, and it wouldn’t prove anything.
Previously, she praised Ning Xin’s exceptional chess skills, but it was just encouragement. If it’s a board she couldn’t solve, Ning Xin naturally couldn’t; and from Fulan’s skill in those years to now, it probably had no progress, making it even less likely.
Clearly pointless.
Master Lu never imagined Qu Fulan might solve the board.
Her highest achievement had stopped after becoming a servant. Someone in servitude, where would she find the time to study chess? Especially without daily practice, and with Heir Pei being busy, even if he intended to teach, it couldn’t be daily.
What progress could she achieve?
