Lin Jinlou felt as if thunder had struck his head. His body swayed, and his eyes turned bloodshot as he grabbed Zhang Shiyou’s collar, grinding his teeth as he asked, “What did you say?”

Madam Qin cried out, “Young Master Lou, mind your manners!”

Lin Jinlou felt his entire body turn cold, yet sweat broke out on his forehead. He had personally watched Xiang Lan drink that medicine… He dared not think further. Though he had faced death multiple times on the battlefield and could remain unmoved even if Mount Tai collapsed, this time his body felt weak. Shock, rage, and regret all rushed to his head at once. No wonder Xiang Lan’s face was completely drained of color as she lay weak in bed – what kind of sin had been committed here?

Zhang Shiyou jumped in fright and quickly said, “General Lin, please calm down and let me finish. Although the medicine pill’s effects were potent, fortunately, it hadn’t fully dissolved, reducing its dosage. This gives us a thirty percent chance of treatment. Moreover, when I changed the prescription last time, I used medicines that counteracted the effects of this fertility-termination pill, which neutralized some of its potency, adding another twenty percent chance. I just administered my family’s secret remedy to Young Madam, which gives us another thirty percent. Thus, we have an eighty percent chance of success. With careful future care and avoiding cold things, the rest depends on fate.” He licked his lips nervously and continued trembling, “Even the world’s best medicine sometimes can’t cure certain illnesses. I… I will certainly do my utmost…”

Lin Jinlou closed his eyes and took a deep breath, releasing his grip and personally smoothing out Zhang Shiyou’s clothes. Though his eyes were cold, his words were extremely gentle: “Then I’ll trouble Imperial Physician Zhang. Since you’re giving your all for my household’s matter, I will certainly reward you generously.”

Zhang Shiyou felt the murderous aura emanating from the person before him, and cold sweat rolled down his back. He quickly stepped aside and repeatedly bowed, saying, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. This is merely my duty, my duty…”

Lin Jinlou said softly, “Please trouble Imperial Physician Zhang to stay at the mansion these few days. Someone will prepare a first-class guest room for you with all the necessary amenities. For treating this illness, don’t be afraid to use good medicine – whatever you need, just say the word.”

Zhang Shiyou agreed to everything. Lin Jinlou called for Shuang Xi and ordered him to escort Zhang Shiyou away. Lin Jinlou turned and lifted the curtain to leave, then returned to the bedroom where Xiang Lan still lay with closed eyes, like a wilted flower. Lin Jinlou stared at her for a good while before beckoning Shu Ran over and asking, “Where is the maid who brewed the medicine?”

Shu Ran said quietly, “It was Chun Ling… I’ve already had her tied up and locked in the firewood room. However, she’s been crying and making a fuss, swearing that she didn’t do it. She says it was…” She hesitated, stumbling over her words, glancing at Lin Jinlou’s gloomy expression. Shuddering, she quickly said, “Chun Ling says it was Fourth Miss Jiang who did it.” After speaking, she tightly closed her mouth, bowing her head low. She heard Lin Jinlou say, “Bring her to the courtyard.”

Lin Jinlou looked at Xiang Lan once more before turning to leave. As soon as he left, Xiang Lan opened her eyes and let out a soft sigh. Xiao Juan and Hua Shan quickly gathered around her. Hua Shan asked tearfully, “Madam, where are you feeling unwell? Would you like something to eat or drink? The kitchen is brewing nourishing soup, with Ling Qing personally watching over it. Would Madam like some?”

Xiang Lan looked at Xiao Juan and said, “Go to the front for me and watch. If Master questions Chun Ling and then leaves, don’t interfere, just come tell me. If Master questions Chun Ling and wants to beat her to death, quickly tell me as well, and I’ll go save her life.”

Xiao Juan said, “Madam after she did such a vicious thing, why are you still being so soft-hearted and showing womanly mercy?”

Xiang Lan shook her head and said, “It wasn’t Chun Ling. Though she has her faults, she wouldn’t do something so ruthless. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have risked so much to save me that day.”

Xiao Juan said with reddened eyes, “That’s hard to say. Madam didn’t see how impudent she was… Madam should focus on recovering and not worry about this matter.”

Xiang Lan said to Xiao Juan, “I have a history with her after all. There’s no need to say more about this – just go.” Xiao Juan complied and withdrew.

Meanwhile, Chun Ling had been brought to the courtyard by two matrons. She was already frightened and weak. Not long after she delivered the medicine, Shu Ran had brought matrons to forcefully apprehend her. She had just learned that Xiang Lan had fallen ill after taking the medicine, and like being doused with cold water, she had tried every way to defend herself, but Shu Ran had just listened coldly without saying a word. Now Lin Jinlou had come to question her, and Chun Ling was so scared she was trembling uncontrollably. She fell straight to her knees, seeing Ji Xiang and Shuang Xi standing in the room holding large wooden boards.

Lin Jinlou kicked her aside and coldly said, “Treacherous servant, do you know your crime?”

Chun Ling was so frightened she shook like a sieve, and couldn’t help but burst into loud sobs, saying, “Master, please be clear-sighted! Even with ten thousand lives, this servant wouldn’t dare do such a despicable thing!”

Lin Jinlou said, “If not you, then who? You brewed the medicine and personally delivered it.”

Chun Ling cried, “This servant was brewing medicine in the tea room when only Fourth Miss Jiang and Fifth Miss Jiang came by. They both sat in the tea room for a while. Fifth Miss Jiang called this servant to the door to talk, leaving Fourth Miss Jiang alone in the room…”

Lin Jinlou sneered, “Iron mouth and steel teeth, still trying to implicate others. Take up the boards and beat her!” At once, Ji Xiang and Shuang Xi approached. Ji Xiang held her down while Shuang Xi raised the board and struck about twenty times, beating her until her skin split and flesh showed, blood flowing freely. Chun Ling wailed in agony, crying “unjust” with each strike.

After beating her for a while, they stopped. Though Chun Ling’s face was as yellow as gold leaf, she still cried out her innocence. Lin Jinlou questioned her several times, but Chun Ling’s description of events remained consistent without any discrepancies. He turned around to see Madam Qin standing at the main hall entrance, clutching a handkerchief, seeming to want to speak but holding back.

Lin Jinlou walked over and said flatly, “Mother, you’d better not interfere in this matter.”

Madam Qin said, “Don’t forget about your engagement to the Jiang family. If this gets blown up, what about the faces of the elders on both sides?”

Lin Jinlou suddenly turned to glare at Madam Qin, almost grinding his teeth as he said, “If the Jiang family didn’t do this, I naturally wouldn’t wrong them, but if they did it, Mother, they’d better not push me too far. Even if they’re favored by His Majesty, what of it? If they want to play ruthlessly in my house, fine! Let’s practice then, until the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the Jiang family won’t gain power. Let’s see who’s more ruthless!”

Madam Qin looked at Lin Jinlou’s vicious expression, remembering when he fought with other noble children as a child. He was only six or seven then, surrounded and beaten by three or four boys, but he refused to beg for mercy even once. With blood flowing from his head and one eye covered in blood, he still fought desperately, wearing the same expression he had now.

Madam Qin felt her legs weaken and she collapsed into a chair with a thud.

In Meng Fang Court, Jiang Xui Yun sat by the kang table drawing patterns. She would draw for a while then stop, staring blankly, until ink from her brush tip dripped onto the paper. Only then did she startle awake, quickly putting down her brush. Looking at the ink slowly spreading on the snow-white paper, she let out a soft sigh. Lady Jiang still sat cross-legged at the head of the bed with half-closed eyes, slowly fingering an eighteen-bead Agarwood prayer bracelet with longevity characters. She suddenly asked, “What? Can’t stay calm?”

Jiang Xui Yun started, then lowered her head and said, “No.”

Lady Jiang said flatly, “Your eldest brother came today specifically to go with Lin Jinlou to ask Marquis Zhen Guo to be the official matchmaker. They’ve already gone. Once the official matchmaker is set, unless the Lin family is willing to fall out with us completely, this marriage will be set in stone.”

Jiang Xui Yun said, “I understand. In the current situation, His Majesty still wants to keep the Jiang family. Father will surely be reinstated in the future. Given his previous position as a Grand Secretary, his future position will certainly not be minor. Now that the official matchmaker has been arranged, even if the Lin family suspects us, they won’t risk creating discord with us over a mere concubine. The Lin family elders all welcome this marriage and won’t allow Lin Jinlou to cause any trouble over a concubine. A concubine might seem precious now when she’s still novel, but in a few years, when his feelings fade and she can’t bear children, what waves could she possibly make? I’ll treat her well in the future.”

She walked to the window and closed it, saying quietly, “Moreover, though Chen Xiang Lan may be somewhat foolish and weak, she’s an extremely clever person. If she were a shrew or fool, I’d truly be worried.”

Lady Jiang asked, “What do you mean by that?”

Jiang Xui Yun’s eyes were clear as she said quietly, “A foolish shrew would rage recklessly without consideration, making random accusations and causing a scene, not caring if everyone knew. But a clever person will weigh the situation, see the pros and cons, and compromise rather than acting rashly and causing mutual destruction. She should know that even if she makes a fuss, the marriage is set with no room for change. Her inability to bear children could be her opportunity – I can accommodate her and ensure she enjoys wealth and status for life. She should calculate clearly that besides endurance, she has no other path.”

She smiled slightly, showing her dimples, “As for me, if I can’t win back Lin Jinlou’s heart in the future – no man can last forever – I’ll just save some private money, enjoy a leisurely life, and raise children well. What’s there to worry about?”

Lady Jiang opened her eyes and looked carefully at Jiang Xui Yun several times, then pulled her into an embrace, hugged her tightly, and let out a long sigh after a while.

At this moment, Liu Su announced from outside, “The Master has returned.”

Grandmother and granddaughter Jiang were startled and looked at each other. Lady Jiang said, “Quickly invite him in.”

Liu Su lifted the door curtain, and Jiang Shang Xian walked in with furrowed brows and an unhappy expression. Jiang Dan Yun also entered the room. After exchanging greetings, Jiang Shang Xian said with a dark face, angrily, “This is truly frustrating. We barely sat down at Marquis Zhen Guo’s house, hadn’t even mentioned the main business, when Marquis Yong Chang arrived. He said something to Lin Jinlou, who then hurriedly left, galloping away on horseback and disappearing in no time. I thought something major had happened at home, but when I inquired, it turned out it was just one of his concubines falling ill. This is ridiculous!”

Jiang Xui Yun’s heart sank, but she said with a troubled expression, “Well, that concubine is Cousin’s beloved, so it’s understandable that he rushed back when she fell ill.”

Jiang Shang Xian tapped Jiang Xui Yun’s head and said through gritted teeth, “You foolish girl! What kind of household is the Lin family? How could Fifth Sister not suffer if she marries into such an unruly family!”

Jiang Xui Yun sighed with a worried expression, “Given our family’s current situation, what choice do I have but to marry?”

Jiang Shang Xian was stunned, speechless for a moment, then also sighed. Just then, they heard a woman’s screams from outside. Lady Jiang frowned and asked, “What’s happening?” Liu Su came in and reported, “Master Lin is torturing a maid in the courtyard, saying she harbored ill intentions and poisoned their Young Madam.”

Jiang Dan Yun, who had been silent all this time, turned pale upon hearing this. Her hands and feet began to tremble, and she felt a sharp pain in her chest. Her vision went black, and she fainted. Everyone in the room was alarmed and quickly gathered around her. Amid this chaos, Shu Ran entered and said, “Master requests Miss Dan and Miss Xui to visit Chang Chun Hall.”

Meanwhile, in Chang Chun Hall, Xiang Lan sat up in bed and ordered Hua Shan to open the clothes chest and take out a lotus-colored gauze top and a dark green skirt. Despite protests, she struggled to sit up and put on the clothes, then ordered Hua Shan to style her hair with several gold longevity hairpins. Seeing Hua Shan’s worried expression in the mirror as she did her hair, she said, “Why worry? The sky hasn’t fallen yet.”

“Madam, the Jiang family… if it wasn’t Chun Ling, then it must have been the Jiang family who poisoned you… most likely Jiang Xui Yun? But we can’t catch her in the act, so in the future, Madam…”

Xiang Lan smiled faintly and said, “Jiang Xui Yun is thoroughly clever, naturally planning before acting, making it truly difficult to catch her. She finds me irritating, which is normal. Using such tactics was also expected. I just hadn’t expected someone so ‘naturally kind’ to strike so viciously.”

Seeing Xiang Lan’s calm demeanor, as if nothing had happened, Hua Shan couldn’t help but say softly, “Madam, if you’re upset, just cry it out…”

“Cry? Why should I cry?” Xiang Lan adjusted her clothes in the mirror and smoothed her temples, her expression growing even calmer. “I’m furious beyond measure. Chun Ling forgot our past relationship, Jiang Dan Yun administered the poison, and Jiang Xui Yun deliberately allowed it, adding fuel to the fire, using others to do her dirty work. Hm, what a clever move, but does she think this matter can be settled so easily?”

“Then you’re…”

“I’ve cried enough these past two years, almost exhausting two lifetimes’ worth of tears. All because I had no choice, because of grievances, because of various untold heartaches. This time, I’m so angry I can’t even cry.” Xiang Lan turned to look at Hua Shan and said slowly, “Jiang Xui Yun is skilled at calculations, thinking she’s figured out my character, that after this incident, I’ll continue to endure.” Xiang Lan removed the magnolia pendant from her neck and tossed it aside, laughing coldly, “But this time she’s miscalculated. I’m damn well done with enduring!”

Hua Shan was dumbfounded – she never expected her usually gentle and refined Young Madam to use such coarse language!

As Hua Shan was a maid Xiang Lan had brought from the Chen family, she naturally thought entirely for her mistress’s benefit. Seeing Xiang Lan different from her usual self, she trembled inside, swallowed, and asked, “Then what will Madam…”

“What will I do? Watch her marry gloriously into the Lin family, while my fate depends on her mercy. After she’s harmed me like this, should I bite my tongue day and night and put her on a pedestal above my head? Calculating clearly and weighing everything, I should naturally continue to endure, but now I simply don’t want to anymore!” Xiang Lan said with intermittent sighs, “Years ago, there was a daughter of a condemned official who married into a wealthy family as a concubine and was oppressed to death by the principal wife. I pitied her and thought it wasn’t worth it, and now this story is about to play out in my life. I won’t stoop to using underhanded methods to harm others, but when someone bullies me to this extent, I naturally must demand an explanation for myself.”