Chapter 201 - Chapter 201: Where’s the Evidence?
Chapter 201: Where’s the Evidence?
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Song Yin’s words silenced the entire room. Some of the chess players were bewildered and had no idea what had transpired, leaving them puzzled about why an apology was in order.
A few individuals from affluent backgrounds recalled a scandal involving the Song Family’s eldest daughter allegedly poisoning her brother.
In that tense moment, Wang Lu stood up and interjected, saying, “Why should we even be discussing an apology? This is the Fu Family’s banquet, and you should maintain decorum.”
Wang Lu’s intervention made perfect sense since the banquet was hosted by the Fu Family, and Song Yin’s comments were entirely out of place.
Upon stepping forward, Song Ting addressed her, “Song Yin, let’s discuss this at home. No need to embarrass yourself here.”
For Song Yin, hearing him use such words was unprecedented. She widened her eyes in disbelief, unable to fathom that Song Ting would utter those words.
Song Ting had always spoiled her, even bringing her gifts when he was away due to work. Song Yin had assumed that she had replaced Song Fan in his heart.
However, reality dealt her a harsh blow. Song Ting had just declared that she was making a fool of herself.
Song Yin gazed at Song Ting with tears in her eyes but felt no sympathy for him. Song Ting walked over to Song Fan and reassured her, “Little sister, don’t let her words affect you. This situation needs further investigation.”
This was not the response Song Fan had expected from Song Ting. It marked a chink in the cold facade she had constructed around her heart, and she started to appreciate having an older brother.
Unbeknownst to Song Ting, his actions had unintended consequences. He couldn’t bear to see Song Fan suffer any longer. Furthermore, the mysterious incident was somehow linked to Song Yin, who had accused Song Fan of poisoning her brother in the past.
He needed to halt Song Yin’s ongoing slander of Song Fan. He had to suppress this rumor.
Song Yin’s tears flowed incessantly, but Song Ting offered no comfort. It was clear that he favored Song Fan.
“Big brother, am I wrong? Sister poisoned our brother in the past, and that’s why she was sent to the countryside. This is common knowledge. Can’t she apologize now?” Song Yin inquired.
She was hoping to gauge Song Ting’s opinion of Song Fan. The answer held great significance.
Song Ting regarded her coldly. “Song Yin, there has never been concrete evidence in this matter. We cannot prove that Song Fan harmed Song Kai. We won’t mention it again.”
Upon hearing Song Ting’s statement, the onlookers understood. Whether the allegations were true or not, the Song Family had chosen not to pursue the matter any further. Therefore, outsiders like them were expected to refrain from discussing it in the future.
Song Yin comprehended the situation well. She had been living in constant anxiety, wondering if her actions would be discovered. Additionally, the atmosphere at home had shifted, with Song Fan, whom she had worked so hard to exile, being welcomed back by the family.
Her years of plotting had crumbled in a month, and she had been demoted to her original position.
Song Yin couldn’t endure it any longer. She pointed at Song Fan and accused, “You’re the one who did it. You poisoned Song Kai and indirectly caused your mother’s death. You’re a jinx, bringing misfortune to everyone around you. Big Brother’s forgiveness is just temporary. Sooner or later, you’ll pay for your deeds!”
In the face of such accusations, Song Fan remained remarkably composed. She waited for Song Yin to finish before calmly retorting, “Where’s the evidence to support your claim that I did it?”
“I saw you poison him with my own eyes!” Song Yin shouted.
Song Fan smiled. “I could say the same about you poisoning him. You were just a child at the time. Your testimony wouldn’t hold up in court.”
This argument held water; Song Yin’s uncorroborated statement wasn’t considered evidence.
Song Yin stubbornly persisted, “I witnessed it back then, and you were quite the troublemaker as a child. It wouldn’t be surprising for you to do something like that.”
“I don’t wish to debate this here,” Song Fan responded, shifting his attention to Fu Nian. “Weren’t you interested in a game of chess?”
Fu Nian, who had been called upon, promptly stood up. “Yes, I’d love to play a game with you.”
“Then let’s not waste any more time. I have to return home after the game,” Song Fan said, taking her seat.
Song Yin, realizing that Song Fan was ignoring her, lifted her dress as if to rush forward, but Song Ting intervened. “Song Yin, I told you we’d talk about this matter at home. Do not make me repeat myself.”
Even in her distraught state, Song Yin recognized that she could not defy Song Ting. She reluctantly lowered her hands and stood to the side, glaring at Song Fan with intense animosity.