Li Changle returned to her own courtyard and quietly ordered Tanxiang to go out and inquire. Tanxiang didn’t return until evening, and Li Changle impatiently asked, “How did it go?”

Tanxiang said, “This servant specifically went to find seven or eight physicians and confirmed with each one that purple river cart does indeed have beautifying and rejuvenating effects, and the ladies in the palace also consume it. Fifth Miss’s words seem unlikely to be mistaken.”

Li Changle had actually read about this in books before, but because this thing was bloody, she always felt it was rather disgusting. Now seeing Li Changxi using it for beauty, she naturally couldn’t restrain herself anymore.

That very evening, Li Changle quietly went to the Twin Moon Tower. Li Changxi was sitting on a beauty couch when a senior maid entered from outside carrying a tray. On the tray was an exquisite small covered bowl. Li Changxi opened the lid as if it were routine and ate it carefully.

As soon as Li Changle entered, she smelled a strange fragrance.

Within this fragrance was also a bloody smell. Li Changle instinctively covered her nose, but then felt this action was too sudden, so she smiled and smoothed her hair at her temples, saying with a laugh, “Little sister, you’re already eating this?”

Seeing Li Changle arrive, Li Changxi immediately put down what was in her hands and came forward to greet her.

“It smells rather fragrant—does it really work?” Li Changle couldn’t help but ask.

Li Changxi smiled charmingly, “Elder sister, to tell you the truth, it works better than ginseng or snow lotus. I’m relying on this now, hoping to heal the scars on my face.”

“This thing—won’t it have any bad effects…” Li Changle was very cautious.

“How could it be bad? If it were bad, why would so many people dare to eat it? You should know it’s not something you can find anywhere—you have to happen to catch when someone’s household has a birth. Ordinary physicians can’t get it, and it costs as much as gold.”

Li Changle’s fingers trembled slightly, then she heard Li Changxi laugh, “Elder sister, would you like to take some back to try?”

Li Changle looked hesitantly at the blue and white porcelain bowl. In the end, unable to resist the temptation of becoming more and more beautiful, she finally nodded.

Three days later, one night, Nanny Lin from the Grand Madam’s side suddenly entered Li Weiyang’s courtyard with four robust matrons.

Li Weiyang had already changed into her night clothes and was using a comb to smooth her hair when she heard Baizhi outside say, “Nanny Lin, it’s so late—I wonder what the Madam wants with our young miss?”

Li Weiyang looked at herself in the mirror and curved her lips. The Grand Madam was indeed impatient—she wanted to eliminate her right now? Mozhu softly said, “Miss, shall I do your hair first?”

Li Weiyang nodded, and Mozhu gently helped her re-comb her hair and change her clothes.

Nanny Lin said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, “How would we servants dare to speak out of turn about such matters? The Grand Madam has given her orders, which I have conveyed. Please come with this servant quickly, Third Miss.”

Although Li Weiyang had been granted the title of second-rank County Princess, the Grand Madam was her legitimate mother and held first rank. Though Nanny Lin’s attitude was very respectful, she actually didn’t regard Li Weiyang highly, and her tone of speech was rather odd. Baizhi wanted to get angry, but remembering the young miss’s instructions, she smiled and said, “Then please wait a moment, Nanny Lin. Miss will get up and dress shortly.”

Nanny Lin said, “That’s only natural—this servant will wait.”

Li Weiyang slowly finished preparing herself and instructed Baizhi to have all the maids and matrons in the courtyard stay awake tonight and wait in the courtyard. Baizhi, guessing what they were waiting for, lowered her eyes and acknowledged. Li Weiyang herself took Mozhu and departed leisurely.

The meeting place was not in the Grand Madam’s courtyard, but in the main hall. Unexpectedly, except for Second Master who was posted elsewhere, Old Madam, and everyone from the first, second, and third households were all present. Among the crowd, Li Changle in her brilliant light purple dress and skirt was most eye-catching. Despite being roused in the middle of the night, her complexion not only hadn’t suffered but was moist and rosy as a peach blossom. Her entire person seemed wrapped in gorgeous floating clouds, incomparably noble and elegant, drawing the frequent attention of Second Miss Li Changru beside her.

Li Weiyang performed her greetings to everyone, her gaze calmly falling on the Grand Madam.

The Grand Madam sat upright, her hair combed without a strand out of place. It was only held in place with a ruby hairpin with no other ornaments, appearing dignified and generous. Her gaze circled Li Weiyang’s face and she smiled, “Go sit to the side first.”

Second Madam finally couldn’t hold back and said, “Elder sister-in-law, what is this about? In the middle of the night, not letting people rest!” The last sentence already carried a hint of accusation.

Li Xiaoran frowned and said nothing. The Grand Madam smiled faintly, “I’m doing this for the Li family’s sake. What I’m about to discuss concerns every person in the Li family—I must be cautious. If second sister-in-law doesn’t wish to listen, you may leave. Your absence won’t delay matters.”

Before saying anything, she had already placed a large hat on Second Madam’s head. Second Madam snorted, “Since I’ve come, of course I’ll listen before leaving. Elder sister-in-law, speak quickly if you have something to say.”

Hearing the Grand Madam’s words, Li Weiyang understood her intentions, but pretended complete ignorance, treating the glances Li Changle shot her way as air.

Old Madam said impatiently, “Enough, just say clearly what needs to be said!”

The Grand Madam smiled apologetically, “Old Madam, if the matter weren’t urgent, I wouldn’t have disturbed you. The situation is this: Master has been having continuous nightmares these past days. Anxious, I invited back the capital’s most famous priest to look into it. He determined that our residence has been invaded by evil energy.”

Old Madam laughed coldly, “Evil energy? Where would evil energy come from?”

The Grand Madam’s expression turned cold, her gaze sweeping across everyone present with considerable pressure. “This—I must ask Old Madam’s permission to search each courtyard.”

Old Madam’s brows furrowed deeply, her eyes emitting a cold, dim light in the candlelight. “What kind of talk is this? In the middle of the night you want to conduct a search?”

The Grand Madam said calmly, “Precisely so.”

Old Madam’s brows formed a deep川-shape. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Li Xiaoran frown and say, “Old Madam, I have indeed been unwell lately. I fear there are petty people causing trouble in the household—we must investigate thoroughly.”

Old Madam said, “Won’t this cause panic and household unrest?”

Li Xiaoran had dark circles under his eyes, clearly having not rested well for many days. He looked at Old Madam and said sincerely, “Mother, I truly have no other option. If this continues, I really cannot eat or sleep in peace.”

The Grand Madam smiled, “We’re just searching as a precaution. Even if we do find something inappropriate, we can deal with it promptly.”

Li Weiyang kept her head lowered, not even a strand of hair trembling, as if the Grand Madam’s words had nothing to do with her.

Second Madam laughed, very coldly, “What? Elder sister-in-law, do you plan to search our rooms as well?”

The Grand Madam said calmly, “Does second sister-in-law have something she can’t let others see and doesn’t want people to know about?”

Second Madam’s body trembled with anger, “Elder sister-in-law, what do you mean by that?” She stared intently at the Grand Madam’s eyes, “Did you wake us up in the middle of the night just to humiliate us?”

The Grand Madam smiled coldly, “Second sister-in-law, I’m merely saying that those who don’t allow searching must have guilty consciences.”

Second Madam nearly jumped up, “You clearly—” Li Changru quietly tugged at Second Madam’s sleeve, reminding her, “Mother.”

Second Madam froze, then saw Old Madam and Li Xiaoran both looking at her. She suddenly fell silent, sitting down huffily and saying, “Search if you want to search, but if you find nothing, what then?”

The Grand Madam said calmly, “Since the priest said there are dirty things, it naturally won’t be false.”

Third Madam suddenly said, “Then who does elder sister-in-law plan to have conduct the search?”

The Grand Madam smiled, “Naturally there will be arrangements.”

Second Madam sneered, “Elder sister-in-law, if your subordinates conduct the search, I’m afraid that would be improper.”

At this moment, Li Weiyang, who had maintained silence, spoke up, “I trust Mother’s actions come from good intentions. Since that’s the case, why not have each household send a steward to participate? Wouldn’t that be fair?”

This way, it wouldn’t only be the first household’s people. For Second Madam, this was obviously much better. Moreover, with so many people present, the Grand Madam couldn’t easily manipulate things.

The Grand Madam seemed to see through Li Weiyang’s meaning and sneered coldly, thinking to herself that this wretch still didn’t know everything had already been arranged, and was still making a dying struggle.

Old Madam said, “Then hurry. It’s getting late.”

The Grand Madam nodded and made a gesture. Nanny Lin immediately led people away, and Second Madam and Third Madam also ordered their most trusted stewards to follow. Old Madam thought for a moment and said, “Nanny Luo, you go and observe as well.”

“Yes.”

Li Weiyang lowered her eyes. With so many people present, no one could gain an advantage. She gently closed her eyes. Suddenly, a hand tugged at her sleeve.

Li Weiyang abruptly opened her eyes and saw Li Minde standing before her.

Li Minde’s eyes were deep, his long curling lashes trembling lightly, casting a shadow in the depths of his eyes, but the concern on his face was genuine.

“Third sister, are you feeling unwell? Why is your complexion so pale?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “I’m fine, just sleepy from being pulled out of bed in the middle of the night.”

“Mm.” Li Minde’s voice settled in her smiling eyes.

Li Changle’s cold gaze watched them. She truly didn’t understand—no matter how kindly she treated Li Minde, he remained cold, yet before Li Weiyang he was so docile and gentle, like a little kitten.

Li Minfeng nearby also witnessed this scene and smiled coldly. Li Weiyang, your final day is approaching—enjoy this last moment of warmth.

Everyone in the great hall sat in silence, no one in the mood to talk, each thinking their own thoughts. Occasionally only Li Minde’s soft whispers with Li Weiyang could be heard, and the sound of prayer beads in Old Madam’s hands.

A full two hours passed before the searchers returned. Leading them was not Nanny Lin, but Nanny Luo, who had gone last.

Nanny Luo clapped her hands, “Bring the things up.”

A barely perceptible smile appeared at the corners of the Grand Madam’s lips.

The maids carrying trays entered the great hall. The trays were bulging underneath, appearing to conceal quite a few items.

The Grand Madam laughed softly, “What did you find?”

Nanny Luo glanced at the Grand Madam, a trace of confusion appearing on her face, then said, “Reporting to Grand Madam, all the courtyards were very clean. Only some strange items were found in Eldest Miss’s small kitchen.”

Li Changle suddenly stood up. Then she realized the purple river cart had been discovered, but quickly felt this wasn’t such a serious matter—it was just something for beautification and rejuvenation. Though it sounded unpleasant, it wasn’t a grave offense. But she was also puzzled—Mother had made such a grand production to conduct a search, yet they hadn’t found anything in Li Weiyang’s courtyard? What was going on?

The Grand Madam was extremely shocked, “What?”

Nanny Luo uncovered the tray. Inside was a pile of meat-like things with a very strange color, making Li Changru immediately wrinkle her brow, “What is this filthy thing?”

Li Changle frowned. She blamed herself for being greedy and collecting all of Li Changxi’s purple river cart. These were portions not yet made into round shapes and looked rather disgusting.

She hesitated, not knowing what to say, but the Grand Madam had already breathed a sigh of relief, “So it’s purple river cart.” It was just something for beautification and rejuvenation, albeit somewhat bloody. Changle was too bold—she actually dared to eat this. Then she smiled and said to Nanny Luo, “Besides this, in other people’s rooms, you found nothing at all?”

She had clearly had seven small wooden figures buried—could it be that not a single one was found?

Nanny Luo said, “We searched even the courtyards—there’s nothing.”

The Grand Madam’s expression became extremely unpleasant.

Nanny Luo paused, looking at everyone’s expressions, “There’s something else in this purple river cart—”

Old Madam frowned, “What?”

Nanny Luo hesitated a moment, glancing at the Grand Madam’s rather ugly expression, “Reporting to Old Madam, it’s dodder.”

“Dodder?” Li Xiaoran, as a dignified Prime Minister, had never seen such things that grew in fields. “What is that?”

Li Weiyang slowly curved her lips. Li Changxi’s face showed surprise—what was going on?

Nanny Luo stepped forward and efficiently pulled apart that mass of flesh. Everyone saw an indigo color within. Li Xiaoran frowned, “What exactly is it?”

“This is a poisonous grass. Once crops in the fields are attached by it, there will be no harvest, so it’s called dodder.” Nanny Luo’s expression was somewhat grim. Having spent so long in the inner quarters, she had seen all kinds of filthy things, but had thought they could never appear in the Li household…

“How is this thing here?” Li Xiaoran looked puzzled. “What use is it?”

Li Changle quickly said, “This purple river cart was given to me by fifth sister—”

Seeing things were going wrong, Li Changxi couldn’t help saying, “Elder sister, I didn’t put this thing in the purple river cart…”

Li Changle glared at her. Li Changxi indeed hadn’t put it in, but she herself had disliked the fishy smell of the purple river cart and quietly sought out Physician Song, who said she only needed to add deodorizing medicinal herbs and there would be no problem. So she said truthfully, “Father, dodder isn’t a medicinal herb but a poisonous grass that harms people. When I was in Pingcheng, I heard a folk song: ‘Ten years of drought, nine years of flood, my family still fills bowls from buckets, but once dodder grows in the fields, the whole family can only eat mud!’ Don’t you think this dodder is very poisonous and terrible?”

Li Xiaoran could hardly believe his ears. “This poisonous grass is more destructive than floods and wild beasts?”

Li Weiyang nodded, “Far more terrible than floods and wild beasts. Common people detest this thing greatly. Moreover, it has no deodorizing function, so elder sister, did you perhaps misunderstand?”

The Grand Madam suddenly realized something was wrong. Her expression darkened, “Weiyang, don’t talk nonsense!”

“You shut up!” Li Xiaoran rebuked, then frowned. “Changle, why did you bring this thing into the residence?”

“I… I… I truly listened to that Physician Song’s words about removing the fishy smell of purple river cart. How would I know what uses it has?” Li Changle’s beautiful eyes showed a trace of panic.

“Elder sister, didn’t you decisively say before that you had read medical texts? Then how could you not know that dodder harms people rather than being some deodorizing medicinal herb?” Li Minde’s voice was cold as it rang out in the great hall.

Li Minfeng frowned, “Third brother, there are thousands of medicinal herbs in the world. Your elder sister couldn’t possibly recognize them all! Right and wrong will be clear once we find Physician Song!”

Physician Song was the doctor who specifically treated the Li family’s illnesses. Having stayed with the Li family for a full thirty years, naturally no one would doubt his words.

Li Xiaoran immediately sent someone to summon Physician Song, but the news received was that Physician Song was unwell and had returned to his hometown to recuperate.

Fourth Concubine, who had coldly observed and said nothing from beginning to end, sneered. Physician Song treated the Li family’s illnesses and collected fees each time. This time Third Miss had been generous, giving two thousand taels of gold at once—enough for this lifetime and the next. The old man would naturally return to his hometown claiming illness.

Third Miss was truly ruthless this time.

Li Minde’s dark eyes flashed with light. “Uncle, requesting other physicians would be the same.”

At this moment, Old Madam spoke, “Summon my physician.”

Old Madam used Physician Shen. The Shen family had cared for her daily diet and life since she was young. The current Physician Shen had already passed down two generations. Physician Shen hurried over. Li Xiaoran ordered someone to show him the dodder, and he frowned.

Li Xiaoran said, “Could this remove fishy smells?”

Physician Shen naturally shook his head. “Dodder is a poisonous grass. To say it removes fishy smells is truly unheard of.”

A cold smile crossed Li Weiyang’s lips, though her expression showed extreme surprise. “How could this be? Elder sister, why would you hide poisonous grass in the purple river cart?”

Physician Shen frowned, his mouth moving as if he had something difficult to say.

“Need you ask? If it’s not for removing fishy smells, then she was afraid of being discovered, so she deliberately hid it! After all, who would think dodder would be in purple river cart?” Li Minde’s pale face and dark eyes gained extremely vivid contours when he smiled.

“Exactly. How could poison possibly cure illness! Speaking of poison, actually dodder is more poisonous than arsenic. Obviously, dodder couldn’t possibly save people. Since it couldn’t possibly save people, then…” Li Weiyang blinked her eyes, only saying half the sentence.

“Li Weiyang, have you gone mad! What nonsense are you spouting!” Li Minfeng angrily stood up, clenching his fists.

Li Weiyang glanced at him, “Why is elder brother so nervous? Don’t you know that dodder is used in victory-seeking arts, something His Majesty has explicitly forbidden?”

Li Xiaoran froze, then suddenly awakened. Dodder used in witchcraft—at minimum causes household unrest, injuries, or legal troubles; at worst causes evil diseases, disasters, child deaths, and in the worst cases even family ruin and death. It was an extremely malicious curse. He abruptly raised his head, staring at his eldest daughter in disbelief.

“Changle, why would you do this!” He didn’t understand why his always kind and sensible eldest daughter had been making mistake after mistake lately. Now she was even engaging in witchcraft—if this got out, it was a capital offense!

Had she gone mad!

Third Madam sighed, “Yes, Changle, your father punished you before because you did wrong. How could you harbor such resentment and curse him? How does this seem like something a daughter would do?”

Li Changle instantly became extremely frightened and cried out, “Father, it wasn’t me, it wasn’t me! It truly wasn’t me!”

Li Minfeng knew the matter was grave and immediately ran to kneel before Li Xiaoran. “Father, little sister would never do such a thing! She is kind and generous, your most beloved daughter—don’t you trust her?”

Li Xiaoran stared intently at Li Changle’s face—still the same beauty, still the same delicacy, still those brows and eyes that made it impossible to look away. But somehow, the more he looked, the more terrifying it seemed, the more his heart trembled. She could frame Weiyang out of jealousy over her favor, shamelessly steal others’ ideas to gain fame, eat such disgusting things as purple river cart to maintain her beauty, and hide dodder to secretly practice witchcraft to harm him. Was this daughter truly the clever, kind, and delicate child in his memory?

At this moment, Li Xiaoran had completely forgotten that it was he who had indulged her step by step, even tacitly permitted her to do all this, causing her to become so narrow-minded, vicious and selfish, believing all the world’s finest things should belong to her, without any care for trampling everyone else underfoot!

Li Changle’s face flushed blood-red. She desperately tried to defend herself. “Father, I didn’t! How could I use witchcraft to harm you? How could I do such a thing!”

In the chaos, she frantically grasped for a lifeline. Without thinking, she pointed at Li Changxi and cried out, “It’s you! You’re framing me! You’re framing me! The purple river cart was yours!”

Li Changxi’s face showed astonishment, then she couldn’t help but feel wronged. “Father, I have injuries on my face. The physician said purple river cart can beautify and rejuvenate, repairing scars, so he prescribed this medicine for me. Who knew elder sister would see it and insist on having it too? This isn’t something commonly seen. I was reluctant to give it to her, but elder sister insisted on taking it. I had no choice but to reluctantly part with it. But when I sent it over, the purple river cart was completely clean—there was no dodder in it!”

Fourth Concubine wiped her tears, “Fifth Miss, stop talking. Right and wrong, fairness lies in people’s hearts!”

This was true. Fourth Concubine’s plan hadn’t informed Li Changxi, and there was no dodder in the purple river cart she sent over. Thus the problem lay with that Physician Song!

Li Changle couldn’t bother accusing Li Changxi anymore and crawled on her knees to Li Xiaoran, crying miserably, “Father! If it wasn’t fifth sister, then it was that Physician Song. He knew dodder was harmful yet recommended it to me—this is entrapment! Someone behind the scenes must be plotting against me! Physician Song must have been bribed!”

The Grand Madam also quickly knelt beside her children, tears brimming as she said, “Master, Changle is our eldest daughter. Her temperament is gentle—she wouldn’t even bear to step on an ant normally. How could she use witchcraft? Clearly someone is harming her!” As she spoke, her gaze shot toward Li Weiyang like an arrow.

In her view, Fourth Concubine didn’t have the nerve to harm Eldest Miss. Song Zheng was a physician of many years in this residence—bribing him would require substantial funds. Now the wealthiest person in the Prime Minister’s residence who also hated her and her daughter was none other than Li Weiyang! She had thought today would be Li Weiyang’s death day, never expecting to be completely outmaneuvered!

This little wretch! The Grand Madam nearly crushed the handkerchief in her hands, yet her expression grew increasingly sorrowful.

Li Minfeng looked up, his eyes completely bloodshot, “Father, just find Song Zheng and the truth will be revealed!”

Li Weiyang watched this play with great interest, finally raising her lips in a faint smile—mocking, pleased, and detached.

Watching his wife disregard appearances before everyone and kneel on the ground begging bitterly, Li Xiaoran’s face showed momentary hesitation.

Li Minde blinked. “Uncle.” His face carried an indescribable spiritual beauty. At this moment his eyes held a hint of mischief and a touch of childishness—no one could be angry with such a child, especially such a beautiful and well-behaved one. Li Minde continued, “Uncle, Song Zheng is no longer in the capital. The world is so vast—we don’t know where he went. How can we find him? Elder brother is clearly stalling for time!”

Li Minfeng flew into a rage, “Third brother, what do you mean!” He looked ready to clench his fists and lunge at Li Minde.

Li Minde showed a startled expression, though his eyes couldn’t hide their mockery. “Elder brother, are you threatening me? Can’t anyone speak fairly before Uncle?”

Li Weiyang squeezed Minde’s hand and gently shook her head at him.

She didn’t want to implicate the innocent Minde.

Second Madam covered her lips with a handkerchief to hide her cold smile. “In the middle of the night, instead of investigating others, you’ve exposed your own daughter. Elder sister-in-law, you must handle this impartially.”

The Grand Madam angrily turned back, “Changle would never be such a morally depraved child! She must have been wrongly accused!”

Li Weiyang said calmly, “Mother, with everyone watching, this cannot be denied. Even if you pity elder sister, you shouldn’t shield her this way. Rather, if you had been willing to advise her in daily life, she wouldn’t have done such things! You should know, using witchcraft to curse Father—firstly it’s great unfilial conduct, secondly, His Majesty has strictly forbidden witchcraft, ordering that anyone who practices it face exile at minimum, execution at worst. Should elder sister alone not matter, but must she implicate the entire Li family?”

Third Madam smiled silently, “Indeed, there are no walls without gaps in this world. If this matter spreads, who knows how many will laugh at the Li family?”

Li Changle’s heart raced and her hands trembled as she forced herself to remain calm. “Father, it truly wasn’t me! You must believe me!”

In the chaos, the Grand Madam’s heart filled with hatred for these people, yet her expression showed a trace of distress as she begged bitterly, “Master, you must not wrongly accuse innocent Changle!”

Old Madam frowned tightly. Suddenly she reached out and swept the cups and bowls from the table to the floor. Crash, crash—all the porcelain shattered. She had long felt Li Changle’s excessive beauty might prove a disaster, but never imagined this girl would be so audacious! Her face turned pale with anger, her lips purple. Nanny Luo quickly stepped forward to pat her chest.

Everyone had never seen her like this and was greatly alarmed.

Seeing this, Li Weiyang turned and poured fresh tea from a maid’s hands, presenting it to Old Madam. “Old Madam, don’t be anxious. Everything must be considered carefully!”

Old Madam waved her hand, forcing down a breath. “No, the longer this drags on, the more likely problems will arise. This matter must be decided quickly!”

Old Madam’s voice rang firm and resolute, her expression incomparably determined. Li Xiaoran felt his whole body shake. They say even wise officials find household matters difficult to judge. In court he could make decisive judgments, but at home, kneeling were his wife, legitimate son, and most beloved daughter. If possible, he truly didn’t want to punish Li Changle. But thinking of how she had used the most vicious method to curse him, his heart filled with wave after wave of dread.

Li Weiyang sighed, quite regretfully. “Father, if you cannot bear it, just have someone destroy those filthy things. But be careful in future not to let people bring such things in again.”

The meaning was: be careful not to be cursed again.

Li Xiaoran’s gaze immediately turned icy. Yes, Li Changle had actually dared to curse him, merely because he had rebuked her a few times. Such a viciously scheming girl—was she still the clever, sensible daughter he remembered? She was simply a beautiful serpent!

Li Weiyang stood motionless, her face expressionless, but her lashes lifted bit by bit, revealing pupils deep as dark jade. “Oh yes, elder sister, that purple river cart is bloody—no different from eating living human flesh. Fifth sister eats it out of necessity, to treat her illness. You’re perfectly healthy—merely for beautification, please never touch it again in future.”

Li Xiaoran’s expression turned completely cold and harsh. What was purple river cart? Its bloody appearance made even him turn away. This girl actually treated it as a sacred beauty product—how terrifying her thinking!

Li Minde watched Li Weiyang, watching her from beginning to end. His eyes were so bright, like lamplight through glass—one clear point could illuminate the human world.

He knew that the mastermind behind today’s events was his beloved third sister. But so what? In this world, people are the knife and chopping board while I am the fish and meat. Rather than let others slaughter me, better to wield the blade myself!

Li Xiaoran stared at Li Changle, his heart engaged in fierce struggle. He momentarily didn’t know how to handle her.

This matter was neither small nor… yet could pierce the heavens. If His Majesty learned of it, the entire Li family would be implicated. Was Li Changle worth the Li family taking such risks for her? Because of the disaster relief incident, Changle’s reputation among the imperial family, great clans, and especially common people had plummeted. There were even whispers calling her a femme fatale. Could such a daughter still ascend to the Empress position in future? Who would support her? Li Xiaoran felt his confidence of over ten years completely shattered for the first time.

Li Changle—her life was finished. Li Weiyang clearly saw this. Every previous step had been to make her fall faster.

Li Changle was too young after all. She momentarily couldn’t think of a good solution, her mind blank, only staring at Li Xiaoran with a bloodless face, not knowing whether he would believe her or what decision he would make. Li Minfeng rapidly considered whether to seek help from their maternal grandfather’s family, but grandfather and uncle were stationed at the frontier—distant water couldn’t quench immediate thirst!

The Grand Madam naturally knew this too. Having experienced storms, she was much calmer than her children. Though her face showed resignation, her mind raced frantically seeking a perfect solution.

Old Madam’s tone was calm, but between her brows lurked a murderous air. “When the Late Emperor was alive, weren’t former Prime Minister He Ping and his son, Princess Yang Ning, Princess Zhuyi, and General Zhou De all executed for witchcraft? Anyone involved with witchcraft faces certain death. Now these filthy things have been found at Changle’s place. It’s unclear whether someone else framed her or she obtained these things herself. Either way, if this spreads, it will be extremely disadvantageous to the Li family. You should decide quickly.”

Hearing these words, like the final straw breaking the camel’s back, Li Xiaoran made his decision. He said coldly, “Changle, you have disappointed me too much. From today, you will go to Puji Convent. To outsiders, I will say you contracted an epidemic and went to recuperate.”

Puji Convent—that was a nunnery! Had Father gone mad? Li Changle lost control. “Father, are you sending me to shave my head and become a nun?!”

She couldn’t believe it—couldn’t believe Li Xiaoran could be so heartless.

Li Xiaoran turned his face away, not looking at her.

Second Madam smiled, “Eldest Miss, this is your father showing you leniency, letting you reflect in seclusion!”

Reflect in seclusion? Reflection should be in one’s own courtyard or the Li family ancestral hall. Father was sending her to a nunnery, and without giving a clear time limit. At worst, Father intended for her to stay there for life!

She suddenly crawled to Li Xiaoran’s feet, desperately clutching his boots, crying out miserably, “Father, no! Don’t send me to that ghost place! I’m innocent! I’m innocent!”

Li Xiaoran looked at her lotus-like exquisitely beautiful face, a trace of reluctance showing in his eyes. He reached out as if to stroke her hair.

Li Weiyang watched this scene coldly. Since entering the residence, this mother and daughter had schemed against her at every step. If they had successfully driven her from the residence or taken her life, Li Xiaoran probably wouldn’t have spared her a glance. Now he still couldn’t bear it.

But… Li Changle had committed such an unforgivable error—Li Xiaoran had no choice but to steel his heart! She watched silently, a cold gleam of starlight passing through her clear gaze.

Indeed, Li Xiaoran’s outstretched hand finally clenched into a fist. He said coldly, “You may go.”

Li Minfeng stood up urgently, his eyes completely red. “Father, have you lost your mind? How can you listen to slander and drive my sister to such a place!”

Old Madam’s gaze swept coldly over Li Minfeng. She had always truly loved this grandson, but he was too dull, repeatedly going against her like his mother. Now he even said such things—truly an undisciplined thing!

She sighed in her heart and said, “Changle, your father is only having you reflect properly. Say no more. Someone, help Eldest Miss back to pack her things!”

The Grand Madam’s expression turned cold. She suddenly stood from the floor. “Old Madam, you should at least allow me to bid farewell to my daughter.”

Old Madam glanced at her and frowned.

“Very well.” Seeing the Grand Madam’s earnest pleading, Li Xiaoran agreed. After thinking briefly, he ordered those nearby, “Today, those responsible for the search, except for trusted aides, all must be—”

Li Weiyang listened from afar and lowered her eyes. Li Xiaoran intended to eliminate all servants who knew the truth. While others in this room were all Li family masters who wouldn’t sacrifice their own wealth and status by exposing this, servants were different—they could betray their masters at any time. And Physician Shen would likely face tribulation in future as well.

The Grand Madam helped Li Changle up. She pretended to fix her hair, but her eyes were urgent.

“Mother…” Li Changle began crying again.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry, Changle…” The Grand Madam held her tightly. “Your father is angry now, but he still loves you. He will certainly bring you back later. Remember, you must reflect sincerely…” As she spoke, she couldn’t help crying herself, sobbing, “I told you long ago to be careful and cautious in all things, not to give those wretches opportunities to scheme against you. Who knew you were still too kind, suffering such hardship today…”

Li Weiyang smiled coldly. The Grand Madam truly didn’t forget to give her one final blow.

Li Changle buried her face in the Grand Madam’s shoulder, crying desperately. Her heart filled with extreme hatred for Li Weiyang and others, but she dared not show it on her face. She was thoroughly disappointed in Li Xiaoran’s decision. Once she left, who knew when she could return? If Father listened to Old Madam or Li Weiyang again and refused to let her return, her entire life would be ruined. Moreover, in the capital, if she didn’t appear, others would quickly forget her. What use was possessing devastating beauty? Simply too unlucky!

This matter must be related to Li Weiyang! She cursed endlessly in her heart. If she had a knife at this moment, she would probably choose to perish together with Li Weiyang immediately!

Just then, the Grand Madam, while no one was paying attention, whispered a few words in Li Changle’s ear. Then, seeing Li Weiyang’s cold gaze, she raised her voice, “Take good care of yourself.”

At that moment, Li Weiyang detected something unusual, yet couldn’t say where this sense of wrongness came from.