Li Weiyang smiled, “What’s wrong with the Ninth Princess? She asked you to play with her for a while—is that so grievous?”

Li Min De smiled faintly, “Imperial children are very spoiled and arrogant—people find them detestable.”

“What prejudice! Though the Princess is a bit proud, her temperament is innocent and cheerful. She has no malicious intent. So many people hope for her favor yet can’t obtain it!”

“I don’t want people saying I’m currying favor with the powerful!” Li Min De frowned.

“How old are you to be so pedantic?” Li Weiyang couldn’t help but laugh, “You silly child.”

Li Min De smiled instead, “Of course one must not be constrained by trifles when accomplishing great things, but for such small matters, there’s no need to expend much thought.”

Li Weiyang was startled and asked curiously, “I’m concerned about you. Speaking of which, the Princess seems to… want to recruit you as Prince Consort!” This was completely teasing Min De. Li Min De was completely stunned, “How do you know?”

Li Weiyang’s lips curved up, her eyes holding a trace of mischief, “As soon as the Princess sees you, both her eyes light up. This shows that no matter how young, everyone is led by lust.”

“What?” Li Min De was shocked.

“Otherwise, why do you think I had you play with her? Min De, actually you could consider marrying the Princess!” This way, she could both prevent the Ninth Princess’s tragedy and give Min De something to rely on. However, in the future, Min De would certainly have no way to establish meritorious achievements and could only settle for the empty position of Prince Consort.

“I don’t want to!” Li Min De blurted out.

“If you don’t want her, then who do you like?!”

“I don’t like anyone!” Li Min De argued, yet his face had somehow turned red.

“Alright then, it’s still the Princess.”

“Hey, hey… you’re joking with me, right… hey, I’m saying…”

Just then, Li Min De suddenly stopped speaking. His gaze fell not far ahead. Li Weiyang looked in the direction of his gaze and saw Li Changxiao running out crying from that direction, stumbling and falling to the ground, scraping her knee. A maid nearby quickly chased after to help her up.

Li Weiyang and Li Min De exchanged glances. Li Weiyang said, “Fourth Sister, what happened to you?”

Li Changxiao’s face was covered in tears. Seeing Li Weiyang standing before her, she quickly wiped away her tears with her sleeve, “It’s nothing, nothing—just got sand in my eyes.”

Sand in her eyes? She wasn’t a child—why would she deceive her? Li Weiyang had no interest in meddling, but her intuition told her that Li Changxiao was probably hiding something.

Li Changxiao’s maid Yin’er said indignantly, “Third Miss, you don’t know—our Miss kindly brought tea and medicine to Madam, but who knew when First Madam was drinking her medicine, the water was slightly hot and burned her tongue. She said Miss intentionally harmed her and scolded Miss severely! First Madam scolded Miss, then said the maids in her room were useless and made Miss come over to accompany her and serve her at night. Miss originally felt it wasn’t appropriate, so First Madam said she was disrespecting her legitimate mother—certainly seeking momentary comfort, afraid of laboring to serve at night—and scolded Miss for deliberately trying to provoke her illness! Third Miss, you know our Miss’s honest temperament!”

Hearing this, Li Changxiao feared causing trouble and quickly said, “Don’t speak nonsense!” Then she hurried away. Seeing Miss anxious, Yin’er had no choice but to quickly follow, unable to continue speaking.

“How can First Madam be so malicious? Previously she never showed it so openly.” Li Weiyang muttered to herself.

Li Min De sneered coldly, “I’m afraid that’s not all!” As he spoke, he snapped his fingers. A black-clad guard actually floated down from a tree before him, “Master.”

Having seen Li Min De’s shadow guards many times, Li Weiyang was already accustomed to it and wasn’t particularly surprised.

“Report what you’ve investigated.”

“Yes. Yesterday Fourth Concubine advised Fourth Miss to be more considerate of Fifth Miss’s life, given that she just fell into First Madam’s hands. Last night, Fourth Miss carried her bedding over. First Madam had people arrange a soft couch, but in the middle of the night, just as Fourth Miss fell asleep, she was called to pour tea. Then she was told to massage legs. This continued seven or eight times throughout the night, tormenting her repeatedly, completely treating Fourth Miss like a maid.”

Li Min De sighed, “Alright, you may go.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but shake her head, “First Madam needs someone to care for her—finding maids would suffice. Why torment Fourth Sister like this, giving others an excuse to say she mistreats concubine-born daughters? Isn’t this very strange?”

Li Min De thought for a moment, “Perhaps after falling ill, her personality has become increasingly eccentric.”

This explanation was somewhat far-fetched. Li Weiyang felt that perhaps she was placing the hatred of having her ear bitten off onto Li Changxiao.

She originally thought this matter would pass, but unexpectedly that evening, another incident occurred. Somehow, Li Changxiao broke First Madam’s most beloved jade pendant. First Madam severely rebuked her and drove Li Changxiao out of the room.

The next day at noon, Nanny Du came with a beaming smile to request Li Weiyang, “County Princess, originally First Madam didn’t want to trouble you, but as you know, Fourth Miss has fallen ill—”

When Li Weiyang heard this news, she only smiled indifferently, “Oh, is that so? What are Mother’s orders?”

“Madam requests the County Princess to come attend to her illness.” Nanny Du lowered her eyes, her voice very respectful.

Li Weiyang nodded as if nothing had happened, “This is proper. I’ll come over shortly.”

As soon as Nanny Du left, Li Min De immediately became angry, “Third Sister, First Madam is going too far. We should teach her a lesson!”

Since Third Madam passed away, First Madam always targeted Li Weiyang. Li Min De hated her so much his teeth itched. If he’d known it would come to this, he should have frightened her to death in one go.

Li Weiyang saw his anger and unwillingness. She smiled charmingly, gently grasping the teapot before her and steadily lifting it. Her other hand pressed on the tea lid as she unhurriedly poured a cup of tea, “Why should I care?”

Seeing her casual smile, Li Min De grew extremely dissatisfied. He said anxiously, “Third Sister, that old witch will certainly use the opportunity to torment you…”

“Third Brother!”

Seeing Li Min De anxious and seemingly speaking without choosing his words, Li Weiyang cut him off with a sharp, cold rebuke, “What words should be said, what words shouldn’t be said—have you forgotten everything?”

Li Min De’s eyes reddened as he turned his face away.

Li Weiyang smiled, “The person in this world who could bully me hasn’t been born yet. If she wants me before her like this, then I’ll go. Whatever consequences result, I won’t be responsible.”

An hour later, Li Weiyang entered First Madam’s room with a beaming smile. A maid was massaging First Madam’s legs. First Madam rested with her eyes closed, her left ear covered by a high collar, vaguely showing its mutilation. Nanny Du said softly, “Third Miss has arrived.”

First Madam took a long time to open her eyes. She stared at Li Weiyang for a while, then slowly revealed a smile, “Weiyang has come.”

Li Weiyang smiled brilliantly, “Yes, Mother. Weiyang has come to attend you as you ordered.”

First Madam smiled and said, “I know you’re filial. It’s also time for the meal.”

Nanny Du had already directed people to set out the meal. Then First Madam looked toward Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang smiled warmly and intimately stepped forward to support her.

Before a roomful of maids and nannies, they appeared as intimate as mother and daughter.

In the blink of an eye, they entered the dining hall.

First Madam previously had a special place for meals. The dining table was always set in the western side room of the main hall. Besides three meals a day, it had no other purpose. Now, because she was ill and unwilling to walk, the dining table had been moved to the outer chamber.

Li Weiyang supported First Madam all the way over. First Madam only felt her grip was strong enough to crush her wrist bones and couldn’t help struggling free forcefully.

Li Weiyang smiled, “Mother, what’s wrong?”

First Madam gritted her teeth, “It’s nothing.”

At this time, Nanny Du had already ordered people to set out a rosewood Eight Immortals table with two or three round stools casually placed beside it. Li Weiyang surveyed the room and saw valuable antiques and jade objects everywhere. She couldn’t help but smile.

Seeing her smile, Nanny Du asked, “What is the County Princess looking at?”

Li Weiyang said slowly, “I was thinking—Mother truly has the bearing of a great house. The Old Madam’s room absolutely doesn’t have such valuable furnishings.”

First Madam came from a Duke’s manor and had controlled the Li household for many years, so naturally she was wealthy—not just ordinarily wealthy. Nanny Du smiled, “What is the County Princess saying? Madam’s room only has ordinary things. What’s in Old Madam’s room is truly valuable, but she says they dazzle her eyes, so she’s put them all away.”

“Oh, I see.” Li Weiyang stared at the treasure shelf not far away displaying various precious jade objects and potted landscapes, especially a magnolia flower carved from a single piece of mutton-fat jade—that pure milky white color could practically make people’s eyes fall out.

First Madam watched coldly, thinking Li Weiyang was intimidated. She couldn’t help sneering. She knew Li Weiyang had received many imperial rewards previously, but her own collection might not be inferior to the palace’s! She wanted Li Weiyang to know that her status and position absolutely wouldn’t allow a mere concubine-born daughter to trample on them! Lowering her eyes, she said, “Prepare to serve the meal.”

A maid stepped forward, holding a small copper kettle in her hand, and poured half a basin of hot water. Another maid rolled up First Madam’s sleeves for her.

“You don’t know—that Fourth Sister of yours is truly improper.” As First Madam washed her hands, she said coldly, “Whatever she does, she only moves when told. Scold her two sentences and she sheds golden beans, as if extremely wronged. Where does she look like a daughter of a great house? Those who don’t know would think I’m being harsh to her.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her face showing no awareness.

First Madam continued, “Someone with her manner—others would think that being concubine-born is being concubine-born, never able to appear in refined company no matter what!”

Li Weiyang smiled and had no intention of responding, as if she couldn’t hear First Madam’s veiled criticism.

First Madam grew angry. Nanny Du quickly said, “Why should Madam be angry with Fourth Miss? She was raised by Fourth Concubine after all. She didn’t grow up with Madam, so naturally she doesn’t understand things.” First Madam snorted coldly, raised her hands, and a maid took a white cloth to carefully wipe them.

First Madam said coldly, “We should still invite a nanny from the palace to properly discipline them. Weiyang, don’t you think so?”

Li Weiyang smiled enigmatically, “Mother speaks correctly.”

The Li family had always been a family of scholars, their conduct and style very different from nouveau riche. Dinner was set on the table—though only ten dishes and two soups, everything was made very exquisitely, obviously prepared with care.

Nanny Du gave Li Weiyang meaningful looks, signaling her to personally serve food to First Madam.

Li Weiyang acted as if she hadn’t seen, standing there motionless.

First Madam was displeased, “Weiyang, when your elder sister was here, whenever we ate, she would stand by my side to arrange things for me. This is filial piety.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes blinked, “But I’m clumsy—I’m afraid I might accidentally break something.”

First Madam sneered coldly, “I won’t blame you in any case!”

She had originally wanted to endure, but the more she looked at Li Weiyang, the less she could bear it. She just wanted to use her authority as legitimate mother to discipline her a bit and vent this anger in her heart.

Li Weiyang smiled, “Since Mother says she won’t blame me, then I’ll do my humble best for Mother.”

She walked over lightly and personally picked up a piece of sweet and sour bass, placing it in First Madam’s bowl. First Madam saw her looking fearful and apprehensive, finally feeling somewhat comfortable in her heart.

No matter how proud concubine-born daughters were, showing filial piety to their legitimate mother before everyone was proper—otherwise Li Weiyang couldn’t expect to establish herself in the Great Li Dynasty! Why hadn’t she thought before that she should have this wretched girl come before her daily to learn rules, taking the opportunity to torment her to death! As First Madam was thinking this, Li Weiyang smiled, “This fermented rice ball soup is very delicious. Mother, try it quickly.”

She personally ladled out a small bowl of scalding soup and, without blowing on it at all, poured it entirely onto First Madam.

Everyone was shocked. Because First Madam was too surprised, she didn’t even have time to dodge. The scalding fermented rice ball soup immediately spilled all over her.

Wearing little in spring, First Madam screamed. She now wished a thunder would fall from the sky and strike Li Weiyang dead!

Li Weiyang’s lips showed a trace of guilt as she quickly stepped forward to wipe for First Madam. First Madam was furious beyond measure. Li Weiyang then turned to take the basin of water a maid had just used for handwashing that hadn’t been emptied yet, stepping forward to wipe First Madam clean.

Whether from panic or deliberately, she carried the basin of water and stumbled forward. Nanny Du quickly moved to protect First Madam. Li Weiyang’s lips curved slightly as her entire body fell forward with the basin. The chair fell to the ground with a tremendous crash, and with the crash, Li Weiyang also heavily collided into First Madam, pressing her entire body to the ground. Nanny Du, who had originally wanted to protect her, was also pressed to the very bottom, serving as a meat cushion for First Madam. Her old bones were all scattered by the pressure.

First Madam’s scream immediately rose higher, and the sound was shrill—when Li Weiyang’s collision knocked her to the ground, she injured her chest. The tremendous pain made her truly scream.

“County Princess! Get up quickly! Get up!” Nanny Du cried out “Aiya, aiya.” Li Weiyang climbed up from First Madam’s body, but her elbow deliberately pressed hard on First Madam’s ribs. First Madam screamed again, nearly fainting from pain.

Li Weiyang seemed powerless. A crowd of maids and nannies stepped forward to help her up, but she seemed to slip, inadvertently grabbing the cloth spread on the table. Instantly, the dishes, bowls, chopsticks, teapots on the table… everything crashed to the floor. Everyone was dumbfounded. First Madam was covered from head to toe in food, appearing extremely disheveled.

A nanny cried out and went to help First Madam. Li Weiyang, however, gave Zhao Yue a look. Zhao Yue suddenly kicked that nanny away. The nanny had just helped the person up when, inexplicably receiving Zhao Yue’s kick and not understanding what was happening, she immediately crashed into the nearby treasure shelf along with First Madam. In that instant, those mutton-fat jade magnolia flowers, enamel-inlaid blue jade vases, blue-and-white porcelain plum blossom landscapes, precious rosewood-inlaid ivory flower screens—everything crashed down with a clatter, smashed to smithereens.

In the complete mess, First Madam’s head had hit the treasure shelf. She was completely dumbstruck.

Everyone looked at each other in dismay at this scene, hardly daring to believe their eyes.

Li Weiyang spread her hands helplessly, “Mother, I told you I’m clumsy, but you insisted I serve you… Sigh, hurry and get up—the floor is so cold!” As she spoke, she moved forward as if to help First Madam up.

“Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me! Help!” First Madam gave no thought to dignity, practically screaming in pain. That cry pierced through the roof ridge, making everyone’s hair stand on end. Nanny Du quickly stepped forward to block Li Weiyang’s hand. However, when First Madam turned her head and saw so many precious treasures shattered all over the floor… all destroyed! All destroyed! First Madam’s vision went black. Her eyes rolled back and she fainted completely.

Nanny Du cried out desperately with all her might, “What are you all standing there for? Quickly help Madam lie on the bed. Fetch a physician, quickly fetch a physician!”

Li Weiyang smiled, “Nanny Du, let me do it.”

Nanny Du’s face showed a terrified expression, then said, “No need to trouble the County Princess. We servants are here. You go back and rest!”

Li Weiyang appeared very embarrassed, “How can this be proper?”

Nanny Du said hurriedly, “It’s proper! It’s proper! County Princess, please leave quickly!” This person was simply a disaster star.

Watching everyone hurriedly carry the barely breathing First Madam inside, Li Weiyang smiled and stepped out of the room, only feeling the brilliant sunshine and her mood very good. Bai Zhi said worriedly, “Miss—”

Li Weiyang turned, “What, afraid?”

Last time in the bathing pool they dared to kill someone—now what was there to fear? Bai Zhi just worried First Madam wouldn’t let this rest.

Li Weiyang smiled, “Even if I served her properly, would she stop causing me trouble?”

Bai Zhi thought about it and agreed, so she simply set aside this matter.

She originally thought that after giving First Madam a lesson, the other party would behave, but unexpectedly Nanny Du came the next day, “Madam says the County Princess cannot manage delicate work—better to leave it to Fourth Miss. But since you’ve come to attend to illness, it wouldn’t do to let you do nothing. How about this—this servant manages the small kitchen. From now on, Madam’s food and medicine will be entrusted to the County Princess.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows. Food and drink? Such an important matter— She smiled, “Please tell Nanny Du to convey that I cannot bear such responsibility! If something went wrong with Mother’s food, wouldn’t I be unable to rest day or night?”

Nanny Du smiled ingratiatingly, “Rest assured, isn’t this servant watching? We absolutely won’t let those lowly people tamper with anything.”

Li Weiyang glanced at her, “This… still isn’t good.”

Nanny Du said, “What’s wrong with it? If the County Princess stubbornly refuses, I’m afraid Madam will think of other matters. Better to agree—in any case, this servant will help you watch. Nothing can go wrong!”

Li Weiyang smiled.

After the bathing pool incident, Bai Zhi had come to believe Nanny Du. She whispered, “Miss, what Nanny Du says is right.” After all, First Madam was the mistress. If she wanted to think of other tricks, they would be difficult to guard against. Now like this, with such an easily bought person as Nanny Du, they needn’t worry too much. Even if First Madam wanted to make a move, for the sake of money Nanny Du would exert herself.

Nanny Du carefully watched Li Weiyang, “This servant will certainly be wholeheartedly dedicated.”

Li Weiyang smiled without saying whether it was good or not.

Taking it as tacit agreement, Nanny Du breathed a sigh of relief. If the County Princess kept being stubborn, First Madam’s side would also be difficult to explain. She smiled, “Then this servant will take it that the County Princess has agreed.”

Li Weiyang smiled at her with a very strange expression. Nanny Du couldn’t understand that look and only left uneasily.

Li Weiyang said to Bai Zhi, “Look, isn’t this matter very interesting?”

Bai Zhi didn’t know what Li Weiyang meant. She just felt worried, “Miss, not only do we need to spend more money to cultivate Nanny Du, this servant will also frequently watch the small kitchen.”

What use was watching? Li Weiyang smiled without speaking, saying nothing, but suddenly stood up, “Last night, Father stayed at Fourth Concubine’s place, right?”

Bai Zhi, Mo Zhu, and Zhao Yue were all stunned.

Li Weiyang smiled, “Let’s go. I haven’t paid respects to Father in several days.”

Bai Zhi thought to herself that the County Princess was truly strange—even she, a maid who had always followed her, couldn’t guess her thoughts at all. Shouldn’t she now be thinking of countermeasures against First Madam? Why would she think of going to see the Master? The Master was someone who never managed inner courtyard affairs, especially regarding First Madam—he could endure as much as possible. What use would Miss have going to find him? However, she only dared think these words in her heart. She preferred to trust Miss.

Li Weiyang stayed in Li Xiaoran’s study for half an hour. When she returned, she saw physicians going in and out of Furui Courtyard. She couldn’t help saying, “What’s happened?”

Seeing her, Nanny Du couldn’t hide it any longer, “It’s from First Madam’s fall just now—her ribs were broken.”

Li Weiyang smiled. Breaking her ribs was exactly what she wanted. Her expression became very worried, “Oh my, it’s all my clumsiness! Just now I already went to Father to apologize, and he also scolded me thoroughly. Seeing Mother injured like this, I truly feel terrible!”

In other words, she had already struck first. If First Madam went to complain, Li Xiaoran might still punish Li Weiyang, but now Li Weiyang had run over herself to admit her mistake. If First Madam said anything more, it would be beneath her. Moreover—the Master certainly didn’t favor First Madam now! Nanny Du understood this point. Smiling on her face, she said, “What is the County Princess saying? Madam already said this matter can’t blame you. You also meant well.”

Li Weiyang’s smile appeared very pure and kind, “Mother is still virtuous and magnanimous. Originally I wanted to compensate for part of the losses, but since Mother has said so, I can’t insist either.”

Nanny Du’s expression changed, then she smiled all over her face, “Yes, yes.” But in her heart she regretted it tremendously. If she hadn’t said that extra sentence, perhaps those many treasures could have received compensation. Now they couldn’t expect to see a single coin. She thought for a moment, then said, “When there’s nothing to do, please visit the small kitchen, County Princess, even if just to make an appearance, to show your filial piety. Now Fourth Miss makes pigeon soup for Madam daily to nourish her body! If you do nothing…”

Li Weiyang blinked and smiled, “Oh, pigeon soup—I can make that too. Just not very well—”

Nanny Du smiled, “Where would the County Princess need to personally do it? You just need to give an order. This servant will prepare the ingredients. When the time comes, you personally bring it in. Seeing you so filial, First Madam will forgive you.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “Nanny Du is truly devoted to me.”

Nanny Du said obsequiously, “As long as the County Princess continues to look after this servant, then naturally this servant also considers everything for you and helps persuade Madam. Whatever wind or grass stirs there, I’ll certainly tell you first.”

Li Weiyang nodded, “Then thank you.” As she spoke, she waved her hand, instructing Bai Zhi to give Nanny Du another red packet.

Nanny Du received the red packet and left beaming with joy.

Bai Zhi said, “Miss, giving every time like this—when will it end? This old slave has such a black heart, demanding money for everything she does!”

Li Weiyang smiled, “Hearts bought with money aren’t true loyalty, but if money can’t even buy them, that’s even worse for me.”

Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu exchanged glances but neither understood what this sentence meant.

“Zhao Yue, come here. I have something to instruct you to do.” Li Weiyang beckoned.

Hearing this, Zhao Yue immediately leaned close. Li Weiyang whispered two sentences in her ear. Zhao Yue’s eyes lit up as she immediately said, “Yes, this servant will go at once!”

Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu were both very curious about what Li Weiyang had Zhao Yue do, but no matter how they probed obliquely afterward, Li Weiyang never answered them.

Li Weiyang never went to the small kitchen even once. Not only did she never go, even the maids around her—not a single one went. Instead, Fourth Miss Li Changxiao served First Madam wholeheartedly day and night, even personally decocting medicine and making soup. Over time, rumors began in Furui Courtyard saying Fourth Miss was truly like a daughter, while Third Miss Li Weiyang relied on being a County Princess—not only did she not attend First Madam’s illness, she wouldn’t even carry a medicine bowl. In the Great Li Dynasty, which emphasized filial piety, these words were extremely damaging. No matter how bad First Madam was, she was still the legitimate mother and absolutely couldn’t be slighted. Li Weiyang’s attitude of complete disregard would greatly harm her reputation in the future. Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu heard this in their ears, grew anxious in their hearts, and came one after another to persuade her.

“Miss, you should still go stay in First Madam’s room for a while.”

“Yes, even just half a moment would be good—it sounds better when spoken of.”

“And there’s the small kitchen—you should also learn from Fourth Miss to make soup and decoct medicine. You don’t need to do it yourself—we servants will naturally prepare it for you.”

“Yes, now everyone says Fourth Miss is filial, and says you…” Her own legitimate mother was ill, yet she wouldn’t even carry a medicine bowl—spreading this was truly too unpleasant.

Li Weiyang was reading a book. Hearing this, she naturally knew the two maids were thinking of her. However, she was unhurried and first asked Zhao Yue, “Is everything arranged?”

“Yes, Miss. Everything is arranged.”

Li Weiyang smiled and stood up, “Let’s go then.”

Mo Zhu and Bai Zhi were both shocked, “Miss, where are you going?”

Li Weiyang spoke flatly, “Naturally to the kitchen. Doesn’t Mother want to drink pigeon soup?”

Bai Zhi immediately became happy, “Yes, this servant will go prepare.”

In the small kitchen, seven or eight maids were tidying up. Seeing Li Weiyang arrive, they quickly paid respects.

Li Weiyang smiled, “Just now I sent someone to give instructions. Are the ingredients all prepared?”

A clever maid answered, “Replying to the County Princess, everything is prepared. We servants will start work now. The kitchen has heavy smoke—County Princess should return first. When the soup is ready, this servant will send it over.”

Li Weiyang smiled, “No need. My maid will do it. All of you go out.”

Several maids exchanged glances, all showing troubled expressions.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows, “What, even you I cannot command?”

Several people dared not make a sound and obediently withdrew. Once the small kitchen was empty, Li Weiyang smiled, “Bai Zhi, you make the soup.”

“Yes.” Bai Zhi placed the cleaned pigeons inside, added water, put in some ginseng and antler, set it on the stove to cook, took a fan and fanned stroke by stroke, sighing, “Miss did right. If we let those maids do it, who knows what trouble they’d cause? Better we do it ourselves for peace of mind.”

Li Weiyang smiled but didn’t answer her.

Mo Zhu stepped forward to help Bai Zhi. With two people working, the speed immediately increased.

An hour later, the soup was ready. Bai Zhi used a white lotus porcelain high-stemmed bowl to hold it, placed it on a tray, then smiled, “Miss, everything is prepared.”

Li Weiyang turned to glance at Zhao Yue. Zhao Yue nodded. Li Weiyang’s smile deepened.

Nanny Du over there had already received the news and was waiting at the entrance. Maids had said hours ago that Third Miss took people into the small kitchen, but still no sign of anyone. Nanny Du sent people to look, but unfortunately Third Miss had a maid skilled in martial arts by her side who wouldn’t let anyone approach the courtyard. She was anxious as anything here, while Li Weiyang’s side unhurriedly brought maids over. Seeing Nanny Du standing at the entrance, she stopped and said, “Why is Nanny Du waiting here?”

Nanny Du’s face was full of smiles, “County Princess, today the Master happens to be visiting Madam and stayed for the meal. He’s inside waiting now!”

Li Xiaoran also came? Li Weiyang blinked, deliberately showing a surprised expression, “What day is today—” These past months, Father had never once stepped through First Madam’s door.

Nanny Du only smiled, “County Princess, please go in quickly.”

Li Weiyang gave Bai Zhi behind her a meaningful look. Bai Zhi carried the food box, lowering her eyes submissively, and followed her across the threshold.

In the room, Li Xiaoran indeed sat at the dining table. First Madam’s complexion was somewhat pale, with a patch of dark shadow under her eyes, but her lips appeared very red and bright—obviously she’d applied rouge to conceal her pale lip color. Fourth Concubine wore a snow-blue dress, standing submissively behind Li Xiaoran. Li Changxiao was standing, respectfully serving food to Father and legitimate mother. According to reason, she shouldn’t need to do this work, but now she had no choice. Even if just for Li Changxi, she had to be respectful and conscientious.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, stepped forward, and paid respects, “Father, Mother.”

Seeing Li Weiyang, First Madam’s facial muscles twitched uncontrollably, but she forcibly controlled herself, trying to smile very gently. However, this gentleness was only what she herself understood as gentle—in others’ eyes, this smile even carried a trace of ferocity, “Weiyang, weren’t you eating in your own room? Why did you suddenly come over?”

Obviously asking while knowing the answer. Li Weiyang thought to herself, wasn’t it you who had me send pigeon soup? But her face showed not a trace as she said, “Weiyang came to bring pigeon soup for you both. The soup has been stewing for a long time and also contains wolfberries, scutellaria, angelica, eucommia, and other Chinese medicines to nourish qi and the body. Mother should taste it carefully.”

First Madam smiled, “Mm, you’re truly a filial child.”

Li Weiyang only smiled meekly. A maid nearby quickly took the food box from Bai Zhi’s hands, then brought out the soup from inside. The soup was still steaming hot, carrying an appetite-inducing fragrance. First Madam smiled, “Come, let me taste it first and see how Weiyang’s cooking skills are.”

Li Changxiao quickly took a delicate lotus leaf bowl specifically for soup, served bowls for both First Madam and Li Xiaoran, and carefully brought them before the two. Li Xiaoran turned back and said to Fourth Concubine, “These days have been hard on you.”

Fourth Concubine said, “Madam’s health and well-being is our good fortune. There’s no hardship.”

Li Changxiao’s eyes involuntarily reddened. Thinking of these days being worked like an ox or horse by First Madam without being able to utter half a word of complaint—otherwise it would be unfilial to her legitimate mother—she truly felt terrible. Raising her eyes, wanting to find a bit of sympathetic understanding and comfort from Li Weiyang, however, Li Weiyang was staring at that bowl of soup and hadn’t noticed her at all.

Li Weiyang watched First Madam’s hand gently scoop a spoonful of soup, slowly bring it to her lips, about to take it down. Just then, Nanny Du suddenly rushed forward and knocked the spoon from her hand, violently throwing it out.

Everyone was shocked by this scene.

First Madam flew into a rage, scolding, “Old slave, have you gone mad!”

Nanny Du fell to the ground with a thud, sobbing uncontrollably, “Madam, this servant is guilty!”

While angry, First Madam’s eyes hid a deep satisfaction, the flesh at the corners of her mouth trembling from excitement.

Li Xiaoran’s expression also changed dramatically, “Nanny Du, what’s wrong with you! Have you also lost your mind?!”

Nanny Du wailed loudly, “Madam, this servant originally didn’t want to say, but now this servant has no choice but to say!”

On everyone’s faces appeared expressions of extreme shock. They didn’t know how this Nanny Du had suddenly become like this—tears and snot flowing all over her face, as if she’d suffered tremendous grievance.

Li Weiyang said flatly, “Nanny Du, Father and Mother are eating. Even if you have something to say, you shouldn’t choose now. Having served by Mother’s side for so many years, don’t you even understand this basic propriety?”

Nanny Du’s body shook. Then she raised her head, looking at Li Weiyang with a face full of anger, completely different from her usual respectful caution. Bai Zhi was shocked, an ominous premonition rising in her heart, as if something very bad was about to happen.

Sure enough, Nanny Du shouted loudly, “County Princess, are you feeling guilty? Afraid this servant will reveal all the ugly things you’ve done?! This servant tells you—this servant’s eyes were blind to have listened to your words and agreed to help you harm First Madam. Now this servant knows she was wrong. Even if it costs this servant her life, she absolutely won’t let your treacherous scheme succeed!”

Bai Zhi quickly stepped forward, “Nanny Du, what nonsense are you spouting!”

Li Weiyang waved her hand and sneered coldly before everyone, “Let her continue.”

“Master, Madam, something was put in that pigeon soup. If Madam truly drank it, I’m afraid she would die on the spot!”

Everyone in the hall looked at Nanny Du with incomprehension. Even Li Xiaoran couldn’t believe what his ears had just heard!

First Madam immediately demanded, “Nanny Du, do you know what you’re saying?!”

Nanny Du said nothing more, only lowered her head and kowtowed fiercely to First Madam, “This servant was wrong! This servant was wrong! Beg Madam for forgiveness!”

First Madam frowned, “Since you know you were wrong, you should honestly explain everything clearly. Saying it halfway like this—how can we believe you! Would you watch the true culprit go free?”

Hearing this, Nanny Du knelt on the ground trembling all over, slowly raising her head to look at First Madam, then successively looking at everyone in the hall.

“Yes! This servant will say everything. The poison in the pigeon soup was put there by the County Princess ordering her maid, and this servant also knew about this matter. Only the County Princess promised this servant five hundred taels of gold. This servant was momentarily possessed by ghosts and actually agreed to help her succeed!” Nanny Du said while wailing loudly.

Li Xiaoran’s expression immediately turned iron blue. He heavily slapped the table, “Utter nonsense!”

Nanny Du raised her face, snot and tears blurring together, “This servant dares not lie. If Master doesn’t believe, you can have the soup tested!”

Li Xiaoran said coldly, “Someone, test it!”

Li Weiyang silently watched Nanny Du, a cold sneer rising in her heart. So this was where they were waiting for her! First creating the appearance of being bought by her using past events, then gaining trust by informing about Fifth Miss releasing scorpions—all for this moment to turn the tables!

A nanny immediately pulled out a silver hairpin and stepped forward, testing Li Xiaoran’s bowl. In moments, the tip of the silver hairpin turned black. Li Xiaoran’s expression became even uglier. Fourth Concubine behind him exclaimed, “Heavens, there really is poison!”

Li Weiyang, however, was thinking—all along the way, no one had handled this soup except… She glanced at the bowl used for serving soup. That’s right—First Madam had tampered with the bowl. Ordinarily, even when testing for poison, one would check the things brought over, not things First Madam already had here. Who would think First Madam would use this blind spot to frame Li Weiyang?

Nanny Du shouted loudly again, “And the gold—the bank notes the County Princess gave this servant, this servant hasn’t touched a cent. They’re all in the hidden compartment under the bed! Master and Madam can certainly verify. This servant’s monthly silver is limited. If not given by the County Princess, where would so many bank notes come from!”

With matters spoken to this point, anyone would believe Nanny Du’s words. Both witness and physical evidence—everyone had to believe her!

First Madam said through gritted teeth, “Li Weiyang! How have I wronged you that you would buy off this old slave to harm me!”