Liang Zhe added: “And these Hundred Insects Heart-Loss Pills are the secret poison of the Qifeng Dynasty’s royal family.”

As he spoke, he carefully used cloth to pick up the other three ceramic bottles, pouring out green, purple, and white pills onto the tabletop.

Looking at these pills, Liang Yunshan’s pupils contracted violently.

He was very familiar with these pills.

In multiple battles against the Western Regions, Liang Yunshan had repeatedly captured these extremely poisonous and bizarre pills from their cunning spies.

Liang Yunshan’s body trembled violently.

All of this, everything…

The three men stared at the pills and papers bearing the Qifeng Dynasty seal on the table, silent for a long time.

Suddenly, Qin Shuying’s voice came from above: “Concubine Zhou has arrived.”

The three men started. Liang Yunshan pondered for a moment, then took the cloth from Liang Zhe’s hand and returned everything to its original position.

Liang Yunshan swept his gaze over several corners he hadn’t yet examined, then headed toward the steps with his torch.

Liang Jie and Liang Zhe followed closely behind.

The three men replaced their torches properly and emerged from the opening one by one. Liang Zhen then restored the opening to its original state.

Liang Yunshan stood in the room, his eyes dark and brooding.

He didn’t look at Old Madam Liang on the bed, only surveyed the room. His entire being emanated killing intent as he said in a heavy voice: “What happened today – you will all keep your mouths shut! If I discover even the slightest leak of information, I’ll take whoever’s responsible life! Eldest daughter-in-law, come with me! Everyone else, leave through the back door.”

Having said this, he pointed at Qin Shuying, indicating she should follow him.

The others looked at each other without saying a word, then quickly left through the back door – some walking, some being helped, some being carried.

Qin Shuying followed Liang Yunshan out and saw Liang Yanjun standing in the hall outside the bedroom.

Liang Yanjun said: “Concubine Zhou is in the front hall.”

Liang Yunshan was about to walk away when Qin Shuying said: “Since the Earl specifically asked me to follow, why not trust me for once? Let me meet with Concubine Zhou while the Earl listens to our conversation from behind the screen.”

Liang Yunshan looked at Qin Shuying with a dark expression, then walked away without saying a word.

Qin Shuying smiled. She didn’t know what exactly was beneath the bed, but Liang Yunshan’s attitude had changed so quickly.

Only then did Qin Shuying set off for the front hall of Ning Garden, specifically used for receiving guests.

In the hall.

Concubine Zhou wore clothing that made her look prematurely aged – the typical attire of most households’ concubines. Though she was only six years older than Old Madam Liang, she looked much older. If someone said she was Old Madam Liang’s elder, no one would question it.

Technically, Concubine Zhou could be considered Liang Yunshan’s mother-in-law, but Qin Shuying’s own status wasn’t low either. She merely made a gesture of invitation: “Concubine Zhou, please sit.”

Concubine Zhou didn’t sit, her face bearing some arrogance as she asked: “Didn’t you say Meixiang was ill? Where is Meixiang? And where is your Old Madam?”

Seeing Qin Shuying dressed luxuriously and only in her teens, yet able to maintain composure while speaking with her, Concubine Zhou immediately understood who she was.

Qin Shuying avoided answering directly: “Concubine Zhou, please sit.”

Concubine Zhou was naturally very clear about the relationship between Luo Meixiang and Qin Shuying. She glanced sideways at Qin Shuying and spoke rudely: “First Young Madam, since I’ve come calling but can see neither Old Madam nor Meixiang, what’s the point of sitting? I’m going home.”

The implication was that Qin Shuying wasn’t worthy of standing there speaking with her.

Qin Shuying paid no attention and only said: “Concubine Zhou, the Earl has something he wants to discuss with you, but he can’t bring himself to speak directly, so he had me be the villain to invite you here for discussion.”

Concubine Zhou snorted: “First Young Madam, you’re not the one in charge of this household now. What qualifications do you have to sit here discussing matters with me? Since neither Old Madam nor Meixiang are available, I’ll consider this a wasted trip.”

With that, she turned to leave.

Qin Shuying quickly said: “Last night, somehow rumors spread saying that Madam isn’t actually your biological child, Concubine Zhou, but was born to a courtesan. The Earl said that since Madam’s status is humble while Princess Qin’an is a princess, their positions might need to be switched. In the future, Madam could only be relegated to concubine status while Princess Qin’an becomes the wife. The Earl couldn’t bring himself to say this, so I’m being the villain. Concubine Zhou, you’re free to leave, but as soon as you do, Madam will immediately become a concubine.”

“What!” Concubine Zhou whirled around, pointing at Qin Shuying and scolding: “Nonsense, complete nonsense! Meixiang has noble status – she’s no worse than Princess Qin’an! She has the highest status in the entire Luo mansion. How could she be born to some courtesan!”

Just after saying this, Concubine Zhou realized something was wrong and quickly added: “Even if I am a concubine, I’m a legitimate concubine who followed the master to his posts, traveling throughout the northern and southern provinces. She’s the only daughter in the entire Luo mansion and married so well – how could her status and position compare to others? This matter is not up for discussion!”

Qin Shuying smiled and said leisurely: “Concubine Zhou, Princess Qin’an is still a princess after all. Even if Madam is your child, her status isn’t that noble. Moreover, with such rumors circulating now, surely the Earl can’t be expected to preserve the Luo family’s face at the cost of offending Prince Huai’an? What sense would that make? Besides, Madam has already given birth to Second Young Master, Third Young Master, and Second Miss. Even if she becomes a concubine, she’ll still have the proper dignity. Why should Concubine Zhou offend Prince Huai’an?”

Concubine Zhou was stunned, but unwilling to lose face, she said dismissively: “Go away, go away! I’ll speak with your Old Madam!”

With that, she waved her handkerchief and headed toward the inner chambers of Ning Garden.

Qin Shuying said: “Old Madam isn’t feeling well today. Imperial Physician Xia came to see her earlier, and she’s sleeping now.”

Concubine Zhou said disdainfully: “Then I’ll wait until she wakes up. Old Madam definitely won’t let Meixiang become a concubine.”

“Old Madam is only a fourth-rank imperial wife now – a weak arm can’t twist a strong thigh. Prince Huai’an is someone His Majesty trusts. If he wants to make trouble using these rumors, what can Old Madam do? Don’t you think so?”

Prince Huai’an… His Majesty…

Only then did Concubine Zhou pause, murmuring: “Old Madam definitely won’t let Meixiang become a concubine.”

“Concubine Zhou, this may not be up to Old Madam. That’s Prince Huai’an we’re talking about. The Earl is only showing respect to the Luo family by discussing this with you – he just wants you to persuade Old Madam to agree. As long as Old Madam agrees, Prince Huai’an’s face will be preserved, and Madam will leave a good impression of being virtuous and magnanimous with the Earl. It’s good for everyone. Otherwise, why would I be sent to speak with you today? After all, this matter concerns the entire mansion’s safety. If Princess Qin’an becomes angry, Old Madam won’t fare well either.”

Concubine Zhou was very impatient: “Old Madam definitely won’t agree. Even if it costs her life, she won’t agree.”

With that, Concubine Zhou headed toward the inner chambers of Ning Garden.