Chapter 90 Yu Family Banquet (1)_1
"Grandfather, Uncle, this fur coat and these shoes were indeed given to me by a friend in public at the mall, just as Sister said. These other two garments were also bought by me. However, I used my own money, which has nothing to do with the Shangguan Family. Even if someone wanted to accuse our family of a crime, they’d have to see if their accusation even makes sense," Shangguan You said, her voice calm and cool, devoid of any anxiety or fear.
Upon hearing Shangguan You declare, ’I spent my own money; it has nothing to do with the Shangguan Family,’ both Shangguan Rou and Li Wanying’s faces paled. Li Wanying felt a twinge of regret; she should have stopped Shangguan Rou from her reckless talk, but it was already too late. "You’re talking nonsense! How could the money you spent not belong to the Shangguan Family?" Shangguan Rou’s expression was ugly. She was clearly spending the family’s money, yet she could speak so shamelessly, making it sound perfectly justifiable. Li Wanying wanted to intervene but it was too late; she could only look at Shangguan You apologetically, softly attempting to soothe her.
"Youyou, Rourou doesn’t understand these things, don’t take it to heart."
"Hmph, Grandfather and Uncle are well aware of where this money came from. If Sister doesn’t understand, she can ask Grandfather. Besides, I don’t think receiving these two items and buying a few clothes has anything to do with accepting bribes." Shangguan You’s bright eyes swept over Li Wanying and her daughter, a faint smile playing on her lips as she gestured towards the clothes on the table.
"Sister and Aunt Li were just determined to pin the serious accusation of accepting bribes on me, and I have nothing more to say about that. However, I received these items with a clear conscience. If, one day, Uncle is indeed summoned for questioning by the authorities because of the two gifts I received, I will certainly help clarify the situation for him. But I trust the disciplinary inspection department wouldn’t be so incompetent, would they?" Shangguan You chuckled lightly.
"Furthermore, I disagree with what Sister just said about the Shangguan Family’s reputation being ruined by receiving two pieces of clothing. Our family commands its esteemed status in Beijing thanks to the combined efforts of Grandfather and other family members. It is because of their hard work that our Shangguan Family is able to establish itself in Beijing and command respect from others," Shangguan You spoke, her voice filled with admiration and respect for Shangguan Zhi and his son.
Her expression greatly pleased Shangguan Zhi and his son, causing their initially tense expressions to relax. Furthermore, Shangguan You’s words had clarified the origin of the clothes, giving them much to consider.
"If the Shangguan Family’s standing could be destroyed simply because I bought a few clothes and a friend gave me two items, then how could our family have maintained its position in Beijing for decades? How could we have established ourselves here? How could we have earned the recognition of all the generals? Grandfather, Uncle, you agree, don’t you?" Shangguan You said crisply, her eyes full of admiration for the two men.