Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 943: Chapter 943: I’ve got the He Family covered _1

Before an incense burned out, the child He Li stood in front of Jiang Ning.

The child was about ten years old, with fair skin and gentle demeanor, similar to He Tang. At that moment, his clothes were torn and his hair was disheveled, shivering from fear.

He was greatly scared.

Obvious traces of rope burns could still be seen on his wrists.

Jiang Ning gave Gufeng a look.

Gufeng immediately grabbed a servant, stripped off his clothes, and put them on He Li.

The servant did not dare to resist.

Only then did He Li start to wipe away his tears, and timidly called Jiang Ning, “Sister Ning’er.”

A few years ago, when Jiang Ning was still living in the alley, He Li was only six or seven years old and often followed He Tang to play with her.

They had a good relationship.

Although it was inappropriate for him to call her that way now, Jiang Ning actually liked to hear it, and Gufeng, naturally, would not correct him.

“He Li, come here.”

Jiang Ning pulled him to her side, wiped the dust off his face with a handkerchief, gave him a cup of tea, and waited until he had calmed down before asking, “Did they hit you?”

He Li shook his head and then nodded, “They kicked me a few times, slapped me on the face.”

His little face was so dirty that the slap marks were covered.

Jiang Ning looked at Cheng Renyu and Madam Cheng, who were kneeling on the ground, “Who was it that hit him? Confess, so I don’t need to pry.”

Cheng Renyu started to slap himself in the face.

Slap! Slap!

He was ruthless, showing no mercy.

“Old Master!” Madam Cheng, frightened, covered her mouth with a handkerchief and cried.

After nearly twenty slaps, Jiang Ning finally raised her hand: “Stop.”

Cheng Renyu stopped, his cheeks swollen, blood flowing from his broken corners of the mouth, his eyes were fierce.

Jiang Ning stood up and said, “Cheng, in a marriage, the parties should freely give their consent. How can you coerce someone into it? Once it gets out, what reputation will Lingyuan have left, would any decent man still be willing to marry her?”

Cheng Renyu knelt on the ground, his head slightly bowed, motionless.

Jiang Ning continued, “Let’s settle this matter properly, then maybe it won’t spread outside.”

Madam Cheng immediately raised her head, “Whatever the Princess Consort says, we will do.”

“Good.”

Jiang Ning smiled, “I like those who promptly admit their mistakes. Your family will pay, repair the He Family’s house, compensate them for their emotional distress, and lastly, and most importantly, do not disturb the He Family again. I have the He Family under my protection, understand?”

“Yes, I will all take care of it.”

“Just like that.”

Jiang Ning took He Li’s hand and gracefully left the Cheng Family.

Madam Cheng gasped, calmed her mind immediately, and helped Cheng Renyu to sit down, calling for people to bring medicine.

“Old Master, why were you so harsh on yourself?” Madam Cheng cried with heartache, “It was all my fault this time, I was so angry, I acted foolishly. Old Master, I know I was wrong.”

“Sigh, although you were the one who did it, I knew about it but didn’t stop you,” Cheng Renyu sighed, “A mere sixth-level Imperial Censor… I didn’t expect the Princess Consort to stand up for him.”

Madam Cheng clenched her teeth, “How can the Princess Consort be so oblivious? Doesn’t she care about people knowing about her past plight?”

“It seems, she truly doesn’t care, in fact, she’s even broadcasting it.” Cheng Renyu was silent for a moment, “But, this Princess Consort is far too domineering!”

“Exactly, Old Master, you are the Governor of Chang’an and hold the third rank, yet she gives no face to you, it’s really embarrassing.”

“We should not let this matter rest.”