When Song Ming received the news, not only had Qing Ya been thrown into the Dali Temple prison, but Madam Han had also been locked up.
Qing Ya’s charge was assaulting a woman of rank.
Madam Han’s charge was showing disrespect to the Empress.
The Shu brocade on Qing Ya’s person and the one Madam Han wore were indeed from the same batch, but Qing Ya’s was a gift from the Empress herself.
Song Ming was stunned, completely unable to comprehend why Madam Han would confront Qing Ya.
Meng Chang Dong, being magnanimous, didn’t mock him but offered advice: "You should first take your wife to the palace to beg the Empress's forgiveness. However, the root of this issue lies with Qing Ya. As long as you placate her, the Empress won't be too harsh on you. In the end, it's just a petty squabble between women."
Song Ming glared at him, "Are you listening to yourself? They're both married, with their own families and children. What kind of jealousy are they competing over?"
"That's something you'll have to ask your wife."
"You admit the fault lies with my wife, so why lock up Qing Ya?"
Meng Chang Dong refused to take the blame, "This has nothing to do with me. Qing Ya herself strongly requested it."
Song Ming’s head was spinning. He hurried to apologize to Qing Ya, but she ignored him. He then instructed people to take good care of her and proceeded to the palace with Madam Han to seek forgiveness.
The Empress only saw Song Ming. Her attitude was exactly as Meng Chang Dong had predicted; as long as Qing Ya did not pursue the matter, she would not concern herself with such a trivial affair.
Finally, she gave him a reminder: "Whether a marriage is good or not is a domestic matter. A falling out within one's own household is no one's business. However, if it affects others, it is wrong. Besides, it's just a piece of Shu brocade. Even if this palace had not bestowed it upon Qing Ya, would she not be able to afford to wear it? Your wife’s narrow-mindedness in judging people is truly regrettable."
Song Ming was overcome with shame.
Although Wang Shou Cheng held no official position, he was the chief steward of the Empress's private estates, earning a substantial amount in dividends annually. Qing Ya had never worried about money when she was a maid. Yet now, over a piece of Shu brocade, she was being accused of loose morals and indiscretion.
These words were spoken by his own wife.
The thought of her seething in prison made Song Ming's heart ache, wishing he could slap himself twice.
But his heartache could not be shown, as she held no claim to it.
Emerging from Chang Ning Palace, Madam Han, who had been waiting outside anxiously, scurried up, "Master, what did Her Ladyship say?"
"When Qing Ya's anger subsides, this matter will be resolved."
"Then, what about me, concubine?"
Song Ming sighed, "First, go and apologize to her. As long as she forgives you, this matter will be over."
Madam Han cautiously inquired, "What if she doesn't forgive?"
Song Ming snapped, "You ask me? Who am I supposed to ask?"
Madam Han was unwilling to humble herself before Qing Ya, but circumstances dictated otherwise. No matter how reluctant she was, she had to go to prison to apologize.
Song Ming stood by, trying to placate the situation.
Qing Ya, with half-lidded eyes, said to Song Ming, "One can eat anything, but one must not speak carelessly. Madam Song, with a single sentence, accused me of being promiscuous. Is that implying I'm involved with you? You need to explain yourself properly and stop smearing me for no reason."
Song Ming nodded, "Yes, yes, yes."
Madam Han couldn't stand it any longer, "Dare you say you've never received gifts from my husband?"
Song Ming struggled to restrain himself from slapping her.
"Madam Han, didn't I tell you? All the martial arts I've learned were taught by Qing Ya. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her my esteemed teacher. What's wrong with me sending her some token of appreciation? Besides, you manage the household. Don't you know how many things have been sent from the Wang family? It's just a matter of polite exchange between friends. What on earth are you thinking?"
"Then why don't you enter the inner quarters anymore? Isn't it to preserve your chastity for her?"
This statement carried immense weight. Qing Ya, caught off guard, "ate" a large piece of gossip. She looked at Song Ming in surprise, scrutinizing him up and down for a long while before saying, "Perhaps you should go to the Shamanic Doctor's clinic and get some medicine to replenish yourself?"
Song Ming was nearly furious, "I brought you here to apologize, why are you spouting all this nonsense?"
Madam Han, suppressing her anger and feigning a wronged demeanor, said, "Madam Wang, I was wrong. I shouldn't have spread rumors. Please forgive me."
Qing Ya was very decisive on this matter, "No forgiveness. If your marital affairs are not going well, why should you trouble me?"
If Song Ming truly had some illness, as his friend, she wouldn't mind helping with medical expenses, but she wouldn't take the blame for something like this.
Song Ming understood Qing Ya's temperament and knew it wouldn't be so simple. He had brought his wife today solely to show his stance, "If you don't forgive, so be it. But can you please get out of this prison first?"
Qing Ya shook her head, "Since the matter has reached the Dali Temple, it naturally should be resolved by the Dali Temple."
Song Ming replied, "Right, right, right. Tell me, what do you want?"
"Have your wife publicly apologize to me and clear my name."
Madam Han angrily retorted, "Qing Ya, you are going too far."
Qing Ya asked, "How am I bullying you? You publicly slandered my reputation. Is it wrong for me to demand you publicly clear my name?"
"You are merely a merchant's wife. What right do you have to demand an apology from me, a fourth-rank noblewoman?"
"Slap." Song Ming's palm finally landed on her face.
He looked at her with icy eyes. He dared not raise his voice at Qing Ya, so why should she?
Qing Ya felt that Song Ming was wrong to hit a woman, but she couldn't speak up for Madam Han at this moment. Song Ming, trembling with anger, ordered Madam Han to be placed in the cell opposite Qing Ya's.
"When you publicly apologize, you can get out of prison."
He specifically instructed the jailers not to provide any special treatment. Madam Han was to endure the same conditions as the other inmates, not even a cup of clean water was to be given in excess.