Her Graceful War Song

Meredith said, "My father-in-law oversees the Oversight Department. Just the other day, over dinner, he mentioned that they're working to clean up the behavior of officials and restore the regulations from the previous king's reign. He insists that all officials must be honest and incorruptible. Lately, he and his deputy are discussing this matter, and it seems that Samuel is now in the spotlight."

Upon hearing this, Carissa smiled and said, "Isn't that a stroke of luck? However, we might need to wait a day or two. Since that courtesan was beaten today, Samuel might be quite distressed. When I met him, he looked down on me greatly. I suspect he might come to demand an explanation. I wonder if offending a princess consort counts as a crime?"

Meredith replied, "I've heard that Samuel fancies himself some kind of genius reborn, and prides himself on his exceptional talent. Since he was appointed as one of the top scholars by the king, he thinks of himself as above others because he's considered one of the king's direct students. If that was the case, he should set a good example and restrain himself.

"But instead, his household is a mess-he openly visits entertainment parlors and brothels and has taken a courtesan as his concubine, completely neglecting his primary wife. To make matters worse, he's even offended a princess consort because of that courtesan. I trust the Oversight Department will come down hard on him soon."

With Meredith's assurance, Carissa felt relieved.

Striking Samuel would only lead to further resentment and make matters worse for Leona. However, with the Oversight Department keeping an eye on him, would he dare to act so recklessly? If he did, he might well forfeit his future prospects.

After venting her anger, Henrietta also spoke about Leona, "She is simply too timid! Despite being of noble birth, how could she allow herself to be bullied like that by the members of the Earl of Gracehold's household?"

"She has always been gentle and soft-spoken. You know how Uncle is. Growing up in such an environment, how could she develop any fortitude? If it were anyone else even an ordinary noble lady would the Earl of Gracehold's family dare to treat them so badly?" said Meredith.

Violet looked frustrated and said, "In my opinion, she loves Samuel too much. I don't understand what's so special about him. Underneath his human facade, he's nothing but a worthless animal. If it were up to me, I'd make sure he was beaten every day until he gets straightened out."

Meredith sighed. "We women must always hold part of ourselves back, no matter how well our husbands treat us at present. We shouldn't give our hearts entirely. If we do and then face betrayal, it can be catastrophic."

She glanced at Carissa, and said candidly, "When Barrett hurt you, you sought a divorce without hesitation. Clearly, you didn't have much genuine affection for him."

Carissa replied, "At the time, I truly intended to build a life with him. As for deep feelings, we hadn't spent enough time together to really get to know each other, so I couldn't say I was in love with him." Henrietta nodded. "That's fortunate. But what about Aurora? Who does she think she is to dare insult the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family? I'm tempted to send someone to slap her across the face!"

Meredith added, "When she returned

victorious from the battlefield, she was held in high regard. Now, she's fallen just as far. Anyone who harbors ill intentions will eventually face retribution. I've heard that people are even going to their home every day to throw dung and rotten vegetables at their door."

"Was Barrett not reported to the Oversight Department?" Henrietta asked.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"He was. However, the king ordered

him to have Aurora apologize. Unfortunately, the apology was unsuccessful. The matter remains unresolved, and it's clear that the

Warren family and the

of

Jadehill's family are now at odds."

Carissa didn't comment further. She simply listened; sharing her own opinions wasn't necessary.

She did feel a pang of sympathy for

Charlotte, who was still living together in the same household. The daily smell must be unbearable. Also, the servants in the household

likely loathed Aurora for hsen net

constantly clean up the dung in front of the door. Such daily chores could truly be disgusting.

The common people often had clear-cut feelings of love and hatred. They could elevate a person to great heights with praise, or they could drag them down into the dirt with scorn.