Early the next morning, Li Changle came to pay her respects to the First Madam. Seeing her looking well, with faint traces of joy in her brows and eyes, she couldn’t help but say, “Mother, is there some good news?”

The First Madam smiled, her gaze focusing on Li Changle’s beautiful, captivating eyes, “Of course. I’ve arranged everything. You can rest assured.”

A trace of delight appeared on Li Changle’s face. She could guess that Mother was going to eliminate that little wretch Li Weiyang. She smiled and said, “Mother, I’ve already arranged for several people to closely watch Li Weiyang’s every move…”

“No, we can’t alert the enemy now. This wretched girl is too vigilant. You must know, quality matters more than quantity.”

“But—” Li Changle very much wanted to personally teach Li Weiyang a lesson.

The First Madam said indifferently, “Just watch how I do it.” She didn’t plan to tell Li Changle the complete scheme. Previously it was because she didn’t want her to be tainted by too many bloody matters lest it dirty her hands, but now it was because she didn’t want her distracted. “Your urgent priority is how to make the Crown Prince or the Seventh Prince like you.”

Li Changle frowned, “You all keep mentioning the Crown Prince constantly. Elder Brother said he’s just a fool. And that Seventh Prince—he’s only about my age, merely standing firm by relying on His Majesty’s favor. Elder Brother also said that on the contrary, the Third Prince is different from ordinary imperial sons—he acts with a gentleman’s manner.”

The First Madam kept shaking her head as she listened, “You actually believe your elder brother’s words. He’s just read too many books and completely doesn’t understand the situation. No matter how capable the Third Prince is, he can’t compare to the Crown Prince and the Seventh Prince.”

Though Li Changle didn’t speak, Tuoba Zhen’s handsome face kept lingering in her mind. In her heart, she truly couldn’t develop any favorable feelings toward that Crown Prince she’d never met or the aloof Seventh Prince.

The First Madam’s expression turned grave, “I know what you want to say. The Third Prince seems polite and courteous. I’ve heard he’s been especially attentive to you, inquiring about your favorite things and having them sent from afar. But I always feel—perhaps he has ulterior motives. Maybe he wants to control you to achieve the goal of controlling your father.”

It must be said that though the First Madam was a woman, having spent so long with Prime Minister Li, she had developed considerable insight. If her daughter married an imperial prince of illustrious birth and properly ascended to the empress position—how wonderful that would be. Why take a risky path?

Li Changle, accustomed to a pampered life, had long grown tired of the dishes made by the family’s head chef. After Tuoba Zhen learned of this, he quietly sent a cook through Li Minfeng. This cook’s specialty was Jiangshan Osmanthus Thousand-Layer Cake—layer upon layer, thin and tender, pure white and crystalline like jade, soft but not glutinous, sweet but not cloying. Li Changle couldn’t put it down. Her feelings for Tuoba Zhen, originally just one part interest, had now grown to three parts. Li Changle took a deep breath and said slowly, “Mother thinks too much. The Third Prince may not be the kind of person you describe.”

The First Madam snorted coldly, “I’m afraid you don’t have enough sense. In terms of birth, Tuoba Zhen’s birth mother is of lowly origin—far inferior to the Crown Prince and Seventh Prince. Yet he’s cautious and meticulous, advancing step by step. Until now His Majesty trusts him, and the Empress also treats him well. It appears he wholeheartedly considers the Crown Prince… perhaps he has other schemes.”

Li Changle’s heart jumped, “If he truly has other designs, then if one day he became Emperor…”

The First Madam laughed coldly, “Just a jumping clown who dares to harbor wild ambitions. No matter how deep his scheming, he can’t overcome his lowly birth and lack of maternal family. If he had a maternal family like the Seventh Prince, your father might support him, but he’s only—” Then the First Madam suddenly recalled something and stared at Li Changle intently, “You don’t actually like him, do you?”

After all, Li Xiaoran vaguely guessed Tuoba Zhen’s ambitions but was unwilling to support and indulge them, much less place his bets on him.

Li Changle softly exclaimed “Ah,” her face involuntarily reddening as she said reproachfully, “Who said that? It’s just that Elder Brother repeatedly praised him in front of me, which is why…”

The First Madam scoffed lightly, “Your elder brother studied abroad with him, so naturally they’re close, but he sees many things too superficially. Originally your father wanted your elder brother to associate more with the Crown Prince and Seventh Prince—he was unwilling. He wanted him to get to know the Fifth Prince—he was also unwilling. He thinks we don’t know, but he feels those people already have powerful maternal families, so even if they ascend the throne there’d be no credit for him, so he wants to forge a different path. Yet he doesn’t consider how Tuoba Zhen, isolated and powerless, could possibly break through the encirclement. You mustn’t believe his youthful arrogance.”

In Li Changle’s heart, a vague shadow became increasingly clear, but she said softly, “Yes, I understand, Mother.”

The First Madam’s eyes seemed to hold faint light, appearing unpredictable. Her voice was steady, “Rest assured, the husband Mother finds for you will certainly be unparalleled in the realm, supremely noble.”

After Ziyan’s death, Li Weiyang only had Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu as relatively close maids. At first everyone thought she would promote two head maids from among the others, but after waiting over half a month, there was no movement whatsoever. Though the maids and servants were puzzled inside, they didn’t dare ask. Because there was much work in the residence, after requesting Li Weiyang’s permission, Mo Zhu specifically selected Qin Fang and Hong Luo, two second-rank maids, to serve tea and run errands in the room. Because Qin Fang had originally served in the First Madam’s courtyard and was especially clever and quick-witted, Mo Zhu kept a close watch on her, fearing she was a spy sent by the First Madam. Hong Luo, however, was the daughter of Steward Liu from the accounting office—once she came of age she would be released to marry. She had no particular connection to the masters of this courtyard, so no special attention was paid to her. Moreover, Hong Luo was steady and practical, didn’t talk much, and gradually won trust, moving about the room more frequently.

That evening, it was Bai Zhi and Hong Luo on duty.

Before sleeping, Li Weiyang was thirsty and called for someone to bring tea. Bai Zhi quite liked this capable but quiet maid Hong Luo, so she deliberately let her gain more exposure before the mistress so that when she was released in the future, the mistress could grant her more favors. Thus she had Hong Luo go up to bring tea to the young miss.

Hong Luo lowered her head. Li Weiyang unconsciously glanced at her arm. This glance didn’t matter, but upon looking, Li Weiyang discovered something strange at her wrist.

Hong Luo was usually very plain. Apart from the customary jewelry she should wear, she had no special adornments, but today she wore a jade bracelet on her wrist.

This wasn’t particularly strange in itself. The strangest thing was that she had hidden the jade bracelet deep inside her sleeve. If Li Weiyang hadn’t been close, that jade bracelet would absolutely not have been seen by outsiders.

Li Weiyang had seen countless treasures and naturally recognized this bracelet was no ordinary item. The entire piece was emerald green—not a trace of flaw could be seen—and at night it emitted a faint ethereal glow.

She remembered Mo Zhu had once said that Hong Luo’s father was a minor steward in the accounting office. At home were also two elder brothers, both waiting to marry. They had betrothed Hong Luo to someone, hoping to obtain more betrothal gifts to manage things. Would such a family buy their daughter such a precious jade bracelet?

Countless thoughts flashed through Li Weiyang’s mind in an instant, but ultimately her face showed not the slightest change. She lay down as usual, turned over, and listened to Hong Luo quietly withdraw. Only then did she open her eyes.

Was she being too suspicious? Perhaps it was sent by her future husband’s family?

Early in the morning, when Li Weiyang woke and saw Hong Luo, her expression was still very normal. Then she found an excuse to send her away and called Mo Zhu and Bai Zhi to inquire. Mo Zhu replied, “At first Hong Luo’s mother said she’d arranged a match for her, but later somehow the marriage fell through. So her father appealed to the steward to let Hong Luo remain in the courtyard.”

Because of Ziyan’s incident, Bai Zhi appeared very vigilant, “Miss, do you suspect Hong Luo…”

Li Weiyang shook her head. What could just one precious jade bracelet prove?

However, Hong Luo’s monthly allowance was small, and she rarely had opportunities to leave the Li household. Nothing was missing from her own room—the bracelet wasn’t stolen. So where did it come from?

Li Weiyang said, “Just pretend you don’t know. If she has no problem, that’s best. If there is a problem, we must catch her red-handed with the evidence.”

Honestly, she didn’t want a second Ziyan to appear in the courtyard, but everything in this world was like this—the more you didn’t want it to happen, the more likely it was true.

Compared to Ziyan whose tracks were exposed, Hong Luo had grown up in the Li household. Her actions were more steady and perceptive—she could be called a clever maid. But the cleverer one is, the easier it is to be careless due to overconfidence. If she hadn’t worn that jade bracelet, Li Weiyang wouldn’t have discovered anything. But women in this world, as long as they see precious beautiful jewelry, even if they hide it under their clothes, they must wear it to feel it out. Hong Luo was ultimately a woman—she couldn’t endure the pain of only being able to look at beautiful jewelry with her eyes, so she took a risk once.

Afterward, Hong Luo carefully recalled that evening’s circumstances and broke out in a cold sweat. She never dared wear that bracelet again and served Li Weiyang even more diligently and wholeheartedly.

Three days later, Bai Zhi came to report, “Miss, this servant has been quietly watching her, but she acts cautiously and never contacts outsiders. There’s nothing abnormal.”

Li Weiyang nodded, “Perhaps she’s already become aware.”

Bai Zhi was startled and said rather worriedly, “Could it be this servant wasn’t careful enough and left an opening?”

Li Weiyang shook her head, “Even the craftiest fox must eventually show its tail. Let’s wait and see.”

Li Weiyang spoke correctly. Hong Luo waited another three days. Seeing the young miss show no abnormal signs all along, she felt she’d been overcautious and finally began to act.

That evening, Bai Zhi and a servant woman responsible for night watch in the courtyard caught the furtive Hong Luo. Bai Zhi ordered people to gag her mouth and personally escorted her before Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang glanced at Hong Luo’s trembling appearance and smiled, “Why so frightened?”

Bai Zhi stepped forward and pulled the cloth strip from Hong Luo’s mouth. Hong Luo immediately said, “Miss, this servant doesn’t know what she did wrong?”

Seeing her deliberately put on an appearance of innocence, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile faintly, “I haven’t treated you badly. Why betray me?”

Hong Luo pressed her lips tightly together, not saying a word, but cold sweat continuously flowed down her forehead.

Li Weiyang knew Hong Luo was unlike Ziyan who lacked experience in struggles. Ziyan, having just come up from Pingcheng and having seen many theatrical performances circulating outside, still harbored beautiful dreams of flying up to the branches to become a phoenix. But Hong Luo was a household-born servant of the Li family—she should know very clearly that if servants got involved in rear courtyard struggles, there would definitely be no good outcome. She absolutely wouldn’t ruin her future prospects for a small temptation. The First Madam must have seized some handle on Hong Luo, using both soft and hard tactics.

Thinking of this, Li Weiyang’s voice became gentle, “Hong Luo, you’re only fifteen this year—at the prime of your youth. I often lament—lament that beauty meets an unfortunate fate, and lament even more that we are women. Once we make a wrong step, it ruins our entire life. Therefore, as women we should cherish ourselves even more. Hong Luo, don’t just look at what’s before your eyes—think about your long life ahead!”

Hong Luo looked at Li Weiyang in shock, her face deathly pale, her whole person frozen there like a wooden carving.

Li Weiyang sighed. Bai Zhi said, “Hong Luo, Miss is giving you a chance to confess—this is honoring you. Just now I clearly saw you burying something over there. I’ve already sent people to dig it up. You might as well honestly speak out—this is your chance to atone for your crimes through merit.”

Hong Luo’s expression changed unpredictably. Looking at Li Weiyang’s clear, water-like eyes, she remained silent for a while.

Li Weiyang said slowly, “Hong Luo, you’re cautious and efficient in handling matters. I’ve always valued you highly. Just the other day Bai Zhi mentioned to me promoting you to first-rank maid. Why would you destroy your own prospects like this? If I fall, you’re my maid—what better prospects could you have in the future?”

Hong Luo lowered her head. For a long time, she didn’t say a word.

Li Weiyang knew she was struggling fiercely inside and didn’t press her. In the room could only be heard the quiet hourglass, trickling away drop by drop.

Hong Luo was already covered in sweat. Finally when she spoke, she could barely hear her own voice, “This servant was wrong, Miss. Please show this servant a way to live.”

Li Weiyang signaled to Bai Zhi. Bai Zhi understood, went to the side to retrieve a small box, and stuffed it into Hong Luo’s bosom. Inside the box were five hundred taels in banknotes. Hong Luo was immediately shocked.

Li Weiyang asked, “If this silver isn’t enough to resolve your difficulty, you can tell me anytime.”

Hong Luo held the box, her hands suddenly trembling violently, tears streaming down continuously. She fiercely wiped away her tears and said, “Third Miss, this servant deserves ten thousand deaths, but this servant had no choice. Three years ago this servant’s mother fell ill. Father had no solution and stole one hundred taels of silver from the accounts to treat Mother’s illness. Later the First Madam caught his weakness and said she would send him to the authorities. Father is old and has a leg ailment. This servant was truly forced into desperation, which is why I did such a thing.”

These circumstances were about what Li Weiyang had guessed. She sighed and said, “Hong Luo, I won’t make things difficult for you. Take the box and leave here with your father. Make sure the First Madam never finds you again.”

Bai Zhi immediately frowned, “Miss, how can you let her leave? Isn’t this like releasing a tiger back to the mountains?”

Li Weiyang waved her hand, indicating her mind was made up.

Hong Luo hadn’t expected Li Weiyang would treat her this way. Tears immediately flowed down continuously. She gave thanks and stood up to walk out. After two steps, she suddenly stopped as if unable to move, her whole person standing almost rigidly before the door, her spine trembling slightly. Then she suddenly turned around, prostrated herself at Li Weiyang’s feet, and sobbed, “Miss, this servant has wronged you. If this servant just leaves like this, she’ll never have peace of mind for her entire life. The First Madam ordered this servant to bury small wooden figures in Miss’s courtyard—a total of seven were buried…”

Seven? Li Weiyang was startled, then shook her head. The First Madam was truly remarkable—she thought so highly of her to bury seven at once.

Bai Zhi’s heart filled with fear. If Hong Luo had refused to speak to the death today, or had just left like this, even if they dug up one, the remaining six would still put Miss in mortal danger. She couldn’t help breaking out in cold sweat. She had truly been too careless. And Miss too—how could she let Hong Luo leave? Thinking of this, she suddenly realized something and abruptly looked up at Li Weiyang. In this instant, she understood Miss’s intention.

Li Weiyang had accurately assessed Hong Luo’s character and weak points, certain she would confess everything herself. Bai Zhi understood this point and couldn’t help clicking her tongue in amazement. Miss’s thoughts were too complex—she couldn’t see through them at all.

“This servant knew this was definitely a deed that violated heaven and harmed principles—that it would bring retribution—but didn’t dare disobey the First Madam’s intentions. To avoid others discovering, I only acted in the middle of the night each time. These seven dolls, besides being hidden under trees, there’s one at each corner in the southeast, northwest, one under Miss’s bed, and the last one…”

Hong Luo’s face gradually reddened. Finally she said, “The last one—this servant hid in the grass behind the house.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. The First Madam, one scheme after another, just waiting to put her to death! If she hadn’t discovered this early, she probably wouldn’t even know how she died! Small wooden figures? That would be witchcraft sorcery.

She asked Hong Luo, “Were there others working with you?”

Hong Luo shook her head, “This servant doesn’t know.”

Li Weiyang nodded, “Then from today on, continue pretending you know nothing.”

Hong Luo trembled and looked up, “Miss, you’re still keeping this servant?”

Li Weiyang smiled, “As long as you’re willing to stay, I won’t drive you away. I’ll treat you the same as before.”

Her daring to keep someone who had once betrayed her wasn’t due to overconfidence, but because she’d grasped the other party’s greatest weakness. Hong Luo—this person still had a trace of conscience.

Bai Zhi took Hong Luo away. Mo Zhu said carefully, “Miss, what should we do now? Should we report to the Old Madam?”

Mo Zhu had been bestowed by the Old Madam—it wasn’t strange she would say this.

Li Weiyang shook her head and said indifferently, “The Old Madam is elderly—it’s better not to alarm her. What do you think?”

Mo Zhu bit her lip and finally made up her mind, “Yes, this servant will listen entirely to Miss.”

Since she’d committed to serving Miss, she would serve Miss for her entire life. The person who truly held power over her life and death was Miss. Everything else—she could no longer consider too much.

“Find the small wooden figures Hong Luo mentioned.” Li Weiyang ordered.

“Yes, this servant will quietly throw them away.” Mo Zhu said obligingly.

“No, keep them all, and call Rong’er from my mother’s courtyard.” Li Weiyang answered with a smile.

Mo Zhu was startled. Rong’er? Wasn’t she the maid who had once falsely transmitted Seventh Concubine’s message to lure Li Weiyang to the back garden to meet Gao Jin?

Before long, Rong’er arrived trembling with fear. As soon as she saw Li Weiyang, she knelt down.

After that incident, she thought Third Miss would definitely not let her off, but everything remained calm and peaceful. Just when she was breathing a huge sigh of relief, Li Weiyang summoned her.

“Rong’er, following Seventh Concubine—do you feel wronged?” Li Weiyang’s face held a smile as she asked composedly.

Rong’er’s expression changed slightly. She bowed her head and said, “This servant is clumsy. Seventh Concubine is magnanimous. Being able to follow her is a blessing this servant cultivated over several lifetimes.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “The favors Eldest Miss gave you weren’t small, were they? Otherwise how would you dare use Seventh Concubine’s name to arrange for me to go out?”

Upon hearing this, Rong’er prostrated herself on the ground, her voice trembling, “This servant… this servant…”

Li Weiyang’s voice suddenly turned ice-cold, “You surely haven’t forgotten what you’ve done!”

Seeing Li Weiyang’s cold expression and stern voice, Rong’er was so frightened her face turned ashen. She didn’t dare move at all. After a long while she sobbed, “This servant… this servant is completely loyal to Seventh Concubine. This servant truly doesn’t know anything… anything that disobeyed the mistress.”

She was just hoping that since Hua Mei had already been dealt with, this would be a case of the dead having no testimony. Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “I’m letting you speak—you don’t speak. Soon when I don’t let you speak, it’ll be too late even if you do.”

Though Rong’er was afraid, she steeled herself and said, “This servant truly doesn’t know what wrong was committed.”

Li Weiyang suddenly knocked over the teacup to the ground, staring at the shattered porcelain pieces on the floor, “Kneel on them.”

Rong’er bit her teeth and knelt down on the shattered porcelain pieces from the smashed teacup. A piercing pain transmitted from her knees. Tears immediately surged to her eyes.

“Daring to betray your mistress—naturally you must bear the punishment.” Mo Zhu said coldly. She didn’t sympathize with Rong’er one bit. If Li Weiyang had truly been framed by her back then, she would have long since fallen to a fate worse than death. Such a servant deserved death!

Li Weiyang said indifferently, “Pour Rong’er some tea.”

Rong’er was startled. What did Third Miss mean by this?

Mo Zhu understood. She lowered her head, took an empty teacup and placed it in Rong’er’s palm, “Hold it. If you spill a single drop, you’ll never get up again.”

Rong’er held the teacup in her palm, truly extremely frightened.

Mo Zhu brought over a pot of boiling water and slowly poured it into the cup.

Rong’er really couldn’t figure out what Li Weiyang meant by doing this. She only felt the boiling water in the teacup heat up instantly, becoming increasingly hot to the touch. Rong’er bit her teeth, feeling a slight pain transmitted from her fingertips. Her forehead immediately broke out in fine beads of sweat. She persisted and endured through it. Unexpectedly, Mo Zhu poured out the hot water from the empty cup and filled it completely full of boiling water from the pot, making her hold it. This time the cup itself was hot, and moreover it was filled completely full. Before long she felt it very hot to hold. Her arm along with her entire body shook violently.

“Is it hot?” After a while, Li Weiyang asked indifferently.

“No, not hot…” Rong’er answered repeatedly.

“Then good—if it’s not hot, change to another cup.” Li Weiyang said.

Mo Zhu left. Before long she brought in a tray. On the tray was a copper cup burned red-hot.

Kneeling on the ground, Rong’er only felt her whole body trembling, cold sweat breaking out all over her front and back. By now she no longer knew whether her knees hurt or her fingers hurt more—which hurt worse than which. It was just that if even the porcelain cup was like this, if it was a red-hot copper cup, her hands would definitely be torn open with flesh exposed!

Rong’er pleaded crying, “Miss, spare this servant’s life! This servant won’t dare again!”

Li Weiyang said in a low voice, “Who ordered you to deliver the note?”

Rong’er shuddered. Her eyes filled with tears and she knocked her head fiercely in admission of fault, “It was… it was Eldest Miss’s maid Tan Xiang. The day before this servant went to serve Seventh Concubine, Tan Xiang called this servant over, rewarded this servant with much gold and silver, and forced this servant to agree to serve Eldest Miss. This servant… was confused for a moment. Please forgive this servant, Third Miss! Please forgive this servant, Third Miss!”

Wouldn’t it have been fine to say so earlier? Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “Rong’er, are you willing to atone for your crimes through merit?”

After just experiencing that ordeal, Rong’er deeply felt Third Miss was extremely terrifying. She looked at Li Weiyang fearfully, nodded and said, “This servant… this servant will definitely atone for crimes through merit.”

Everything arranged properly, Mo Zhu said quietly, “If Miss wants to handle matters, this servant and the others can go. Letting her go—we might create trouble…”

Li Weiyang smiled thinly, her eyes unusually bright at this moment, “Even if you went, the other party would have to be willing to believe.”

Mo Zhu’s almond eyes widened, “What if Rong’er leaks information again?”

Li Weiyang’s finger lightly tapped once on the teacup, then said indifferently, “She didn’t succeed last time and has long been an abandoned piece. Now her weakness is in my hands. If she wants to betray—” Then she lightly curved her lips, revealing a shallow smile.

“There’s one more thing this servant has never understood.” Mo Zhu hesitated. “How did Miss know back then that Rong’er was falsely using Concubine’s name?”

Li Weiyang looked at the heavy sky, her eyes bottomlessly deep, “Biological mothers invariably love their children like treasures. That day it was pouring rain, yet the note said we must definitely meet outside. This isn’t something a birth mother would do.”

Mo Zhu suddenly understood, “Miss is truly meticulous.”

Having already died once, if she still didn’t learn her lesson and was killed by others again, she’d deserve it. In Li Weiyang’s smile was a moment of cold condensation.

That night, Fourth Concubine came overnight and knocked on Li Weiyang’s door.

Bai Zhi opened the door. Fourth Concubine wore a plain moon-white jacket and skirt with crimson mandarin duck embroidered shoes. Her movements carried a charm not belonging to a woman of her age. She bowed warmly and softly to Li Weiyang, “Paying respects to County Princess.”

With just this one phrase, Li Weiyang smiled. Fourth Concubine was one of the rare sensible people in this household. She said indifferently, “I wonder what matter brings Concubine here so urgently to see me?”

Fourth Concubine’s expression changed several times in rapid succession, uncertain and unsettled, her gaze even somewhat evasive. Then her eyes fell on Li Weiyang, and she said with determination as if burning her bridges, “County Princess, my coming in the middle of the night today is truly because I had no choice.”

Li Weiyang was silent for a moment, then said, “Whatever you have to say, Concubine, you might as well speak directly.”

Fourth Concubine nodded and ordered her trusted confidant at her side, “Bring that maid in.”

A maid was pushed in stumbling and staggering, falling to the ground in one motion, face covered in dust, hair disheveled. She just knelt there trembling all over. It was indeed Rong’er.

Li Weiyang glanced at her coldly, “How is it you?”

Rong’er lowered her head, appearing to tremble fearfully.

“Fourth Concubine, what is the meaning of this?” Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows.

Fourth Concubine smiled slightly, “County Princess, you still recognize this maid, don’t you? She’s Rong’er from Seventh Concubine’s side.”

Li Weiyang glanced at Fourth Concubine indifferently, her expression seemingly smiling yet not, “In the middle of the night like this, what does Concubine mean?”

Fourth Concubine’s face was covered with a layer of frost, “This maid was skulking around my courtyard in the middle of the night burying things. But unfortunately, she was discovered by my maid. Can you guess what she buried?”

Li Weiyang blinked her eyes, “Rong’er, you weren’t sleeping in the middle of the night—what were you doing running to Fourth Concubine’s courtyard?”

Rong’er lowered her head even further, secretly complaining inside—Third Miss, your acting skills are truly good. Wasn’t it you who told me to go? But of course she wouldn’t say this. She just secretly pinched herself and tears continuously fell.

Fourth Concubine suddenly became somewhat tired of this game of testing back and forth. She curved her lips, “This maid buried this.” As she spoke, she threw a small wooden figure at Li Weiyang’s feet. On it was clearly written a string of numbers. Li Weiyang picked it up and looked—it was precisely Li Xiaoran’s birth date and time.

Li Weiyang glanced at it coldly, then raised her eyes to look at Rong’er, “You have such audacity!”

Rong’er stammered and trembled, unable to speak. Fourth Concubine laughed coldly, “County Princess, stop pretending. Isn’t this the good deed your birth mother did? She wants to use witchcraft sorcery to frame me!”

Li Weiyang seemed startled, but then laughed, “What kind of temperament Seventh Concubine has—probably no one in the Li household doesn’t know. If she had this kind of scheming ability, I wouldn’t have wandered outside for so many years, and she herself wouldn’t have been driven to the South Courtyard. Moreover, she originally wasn’t favored. If out of jealousy she wanted to harm someone, she should have gone to the First Madam’s courtyard or Sixth Concubine’s courtyard. Wouldn’t you say so? Even you yourself don’t believe what Fourth Concubine just said.”

Sixth Concubine, Wang Doukou, was born with beautiful features, graceful bearing, and many talents and skills. Recently she faintly showed signs of surpassing Fourth Concubine. As soon as these words were spoken, Fourth Concubine’s expression immediately changed.

“Perhaps it was your doing, County Princess?” Fourth Concubine said coldly.

Li Weiyang laughed coldly, “If Concubine thinks this way, then the person behind ordering Rong’er to bury this small wooden figure should be even happier. Please return, Concubine. See the guest out.” Li Weiyang stood up.

“County Princess, how could I not believe you? Just now was merely joking with you…” Fourth Concubine’s tone held special implications. “Though I’m dull-witted, I know that if it were County Princess’s or Seventh Concubine’s doing, you absolutely wouldn’t let your own maid do such a thing. This must be framing and false accusation.” Her fingers played with the gold ingot on her wrist. “I know—there must be someone behind directing this. That person just wants to watch us fight like snipe and clam while she profits as the fisherman…” She sighed, deep amber eyes revealing a trace of cunning. “If I truly believed you sent this maid, I wouldn’t be here tonight.”

Fourth Concubine was clever enough, but what she liked most was being too clever for her own good. Through long observation, Li Weiyang had already figured out her temperament and nature. Fourth Concubine had suppressed Seventh Concubine for many years and understood her weak character very well, determining she wouldn’t dare do this. Naturally she would think of other possibilities. This was precisely what Li Weiyang wanted!

Seventh Concubine smiled sweetly, but actually she also had informants. Of course she knew Rong’er and Eldest Miss’s maid Tan Xiang were from the same hometown and had been quite close during the previous period, but recently they’d suddenly become distant, so… she came to the door this quickly.

Li Weiyang looked at her and said slowly, “Who the person behind is, what their purpose is—since Fourth Concubine already understands everything clearly, why bother asking me?”

Fourth Concubine said in a soft voice, “County Princess, think carefully. Actually that person’s purpose isn’t just to frame me. I’m afraid after putting me to death, she’ll immediately follow the trail to investigate Rong’er, then drag Seventh Concubine into the water, and finally splash dirty water on you. At that time she’ll say you resent your birth mother for not being favored, and previously formed a grudge with me over Fifth Miss’s matter, which is why you used poisonous sorcery techniques to harm us mother and three daughters.”

Fourth Concubine’s imagination was truly too rich.

Bai Zhi couldn’t help wanting to laugh, but seeing Li Weiyang’s serious appearance—as if gradually believing Fourth Concubine’s words—she forcefully held it in.

Li Weiyang’s voice carried a chilling coldness, “Since Fourth Concubine understands everything, what do you plan to do?”

Fourth Concubine said miserably, “Since others want to harm us, how can we just sit and wait for death? I’m a woman without ideas. Now I can only rely on Third Miss to think of a solution.”

Li Weiyang looked at Fourth Concubine and suddenly smiled faintly, “Since Concubine has come, we should deliberate carefully.”

Fourth Concubine’s face blossomed with a trace of sweet smile, “County Princess, I’m afraid they won’t give us time to deliberate carefully. Being too cautious will instead lose decisiveness.” After Fourth Concubine finished speaking, she glanced at Rong’er. “This maid… might as well have Seventh Concubine punish her for negligence of duty.”

This meant wanting Rong’er’s life—taking the opportunity to eliminate her to silence her.

Li Weiyang looked at Rong’er’s terrified expression and said indifferently, “We can’t move against her yet lest we alert the enemy. I have my own methods to make her keep silent. You can rest assured.”

Fourth Concubine nodded, “Does County Princess have a plan in mind?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “This matter is too sudden. I still need to ponder it. Allow me to think first—I’ll give Concubine an answer tomorrow.”

Fourth Concubine left contentedly. The next day, she came as agreed…

Two days later, Li Changle came to Shuangyue Pavilion at her usual time to visit Li Changxi. Before even entering the door, she saw a little maid carrying a green ground pink-glazed jade small cup just walking out.

Li Changle was curious and couldn’t help asking, “What is Fifth Sister eating at this early or late hour?”

That maid was startled. Her hand actually trembled somewhat. Looking at Li Changle, her face turned red and she couldn’t speak. Just then Fourth Concubine walked out from the room. Seeing this situation, she scolded in a low voice, “Wretched maid, how dare you offend Eldest Miss! Get down there!”

The little maid hurried away. Li Changle raised her eyebrows, “Concubine, what does this mean? You won’t let me look?”

Fourth Concubine’s face flashed with a trace of embarrassment. She smiled apologetically, “Eldest Miss, this is Hundred Flowers Hibiscus Dew. I went through all kinds of efforts to have someone find the recipe. I heard it’s best for removing scars and beautifying skin. This is also to treat Fifth Miss’s facial scars—it’s not valuable. You needn’t take it to heart.”

Li Changle smiled slightly, knowing Fourth Concubine wasn’t easy to deal with. She just smiled and said, “Concubine needn’t be nervous. I’m just asking casually.” Speaking thus, she entered the room together with Fourth Concubine.

Li Changxi was looking at herself in the mirror. Li Changle said, “Fifth Sister?”

Li Changxi turned her head. Having just applied powder, the scars didn’t look so obvious. She revealed a smile, “Eldest Sister has come. Please sit quickly.”

Li Changle smiled, “I have something to say to Sister.” Then turning her head toward Fourth Concubine, “Concubine may return.”

Fourth Concubine seemed to hesitate for a long time, dawdling and unwilling to leave, as if afraid Li Changxi would let something slip. Li Changle saw this and became even more curious.

Li Changxi was oblivious, “Concubine, is there something else?”

Fourth Concubine glared at her, twisted her body and left.

Li Changle carefully examined the scars on Li Changxi’s face, “Sister’s face seems much better.”

Li Changxi unconsciously touched the scars on her face. Actually there wasn’t much improvement, but it was always better than the previous ferocious appearance. “Thanks to what Concubine found—” She spoke halfway, suddenly recalling Fourth Concubine’s instructions, and immediately stopped, smiling, “Did Elder Sister have something to say just now?”

People are like this—the more you conceal something, the more she wants to know. Li Changle frowned slightly, “Sister, don’t hide it from me. Just now I saw everything—that thing in the small cup—”

Li Changxi revealed a shocked expression, somewhat uneasy, “Elder Sister mustn’t tell others, otherwise there won’t be this good thing to consume in the future!”

Li Changle was startled, “What exactly is it?”

Li Changxi hesitated for a long time. Only after Li Changle pretended to be angry did she stammer, “It’s placenta.”

Li Changle was completely stunned, crying out involuntarily, “This kind of thing… you… you…”

Li Changxi’s expression immediately became very ugly. She suddenly knelt to the ground, “Elder Sister, I had no choice. This is the only method. The scars on my face are already getting fainter and fainter. After consuming three more doses, they’ll probably be healed… I beg you please don’t tell anyone—”

Li Changle’s pair of crystalline beautiful eyes wandered uncertainly over Li Changxi’s face. Thinking of what Mother had said—that this girl was still useful—she ultimately bit her lip, “Get up.”

Li Changxi said tremblingly, “Elder Sister, do you forgive me?”

Li Changle sighed, “Hurry and get up!”

Only then did Li Changxi quickly scramble up, her face full of smiles, “Elder Sister, you don’t know—though this thing sounds disgusting, long-term consumption not only makes skin crystalline and delicate but can also preserve youth… I heard the noble ladies in the rear palace all use it for beauty and nourishment!”

Hearing this, Li Changle’s face reddened, “Don’t talk nonsense!”

Li Changxi gritted her teeth, “If Elder Sister doesn’t believe, try it yourself and you’ll know!”

Li Changle froze, unconsciously saying, “Nonsense! How could I touch that thing!” Then she quickly stood up, “This matter—don’t mention it again!”

Li Changxi watched her quickly walk out and couldn’t help frowning tightly. Before long, Fourth Concubine walked in, “Did your elder sister discover it?”

Li Changxi’s face was mournful, “It’s all your fault, Concubine. Usually we only consume it at night, but today you insisted I take it in the afternoon. Didn’t she just see it? I had to spend great effort to muddle through.”

Fourth Concubine smiled slightly, “It’s good she discovered it.”

Li Changxi looked at Fourth Concubine puzzled—what did this mean?

“You don’t need to ask too much. Your elder sister cherishes her appearance like her life. She’ll definitely come again.” Fourth Concubine said with certainty. Li Weiyang had said—grasp Li Changle’s weakness and you can achieve surprising victory. Now it seemed, indeed not wrong.