After exchanging greetings with Xiao Qiao, Zong Ji said, “I was honored by your trust earlier, my lady, when you entrusted me with a task. Last night, I managed to gather some information, though I’m unsure if it will be of help to you. Fearing I might delay your important matters, I requested to meet you early this morning. I hope I haven’t disturbed you.”

Xiao Qiao replied, “You’ve been very thoughtful. I’m all ears.”

Zong Ji then explained, “After you left the other day, I went to that Marquis’s household. I hired a beggar to watch the front gate while I observed the back door. For the whole day, there was no activity, and the doors remained tightly shut. It wasn’t until yesterday evening that I saw a man hurriedly entering through the back door. His behavior seemed suspicious. When no one was around, I climbed over the wall and finally managed to overhear some private conversations…”

Zong Ji glanced at Xiao Qiao. Seeing her listening intently with a focused expression, he paused briefly.

After climbing over the Marquis’s high wall last night, under the cover of darkness, he avoided the servants and followed the light to the main house. He reached a room and hid in the shadows to observe. Inside, he saw the man who had entered through the back door, now completely naked, climbing into bed with a nude woman, laughing and joking with her.

The woman was not yet thirty and quite attractive. Judging by her quarters, she must be the lady of the house. The two engaged in intimate activities, their passionate sounds indicating an illicit affair. Zong Ji waited patiently outside. After they finished, he listened carefully to their conversation and finally heard some interesting information.

Facing Lady Wei, Zong Ji naturally wouldn’t describe what he had witnessed earlier. He glossed over that part and continued, “As they talked, the woman mentioned she possessed a rare poison called Bodhi Goodness, originating from India. It’s refined from snake venom and incredibly potent. Colorless and odorless, just a drop in food causes difficulty swallowing and full-body paralysis. The victim remains conscious but unable to speak, dying slowly over three days. Most remarkably, there are no visible symptoms, making it appear like a sudden stroke. The man was curious and asked to see it. The woman took out a small porcelain vial, saying she had already used some recently but kept a bit, reluctant to part with such a rare poison.”

In reality, the couple had been flirting after their tryst. The woman laughed, saying most men in the world are unfaithful, and if this man ever betrayed her, she’d use this extraordinary poison on him. The man, of course, swore his loyalty and begged to see the poison. The woman seemed to regret mentioning it at first but eventually gave in to his pleas. She got up, put on some clothes, and took the poison from a secret box to show him.

Zong Ji looked at Xiao Qiao and continued, “After examining the poison, they put it away and went to sleep. I waited a while longer, assuming there would be nothing else of note, then climbed back over the wall. Concerned you might be worried, I requested to meet you early this morning to report everything I had witnessed last night.”

Xiao Qiao frowned slightly, pondering for a moment before looking up to ask, “Do you know who that man was?”

Zong Ji replied, “The man was in his early twenties, tall, with an aquiline nose, wearing a purple robe…” He recalled carefully, “Ah yes, I heard the woman address him as ‘Young Master Su.’ That’s all I know.”

As Zong Ji described the man’s appearance, Xiao Qiao’s mind immediately conjured up the image of Su Xin. When she heard the address “Young Master Su,” her suspicions were confirmed.

The woman Zong Ji mentioned, being nearly thirty, couldn’t possibly be Su Ehuang. It must be the widowed Madam Li, the Marquis’s wife.

It seemed that the trail she had pieced together last night wasn’t wrong. Su Ehuang must have indeed left Yuyang. But her nephew Su Xin had stayed behind and become involved with the Marquis’s wife.

The snake venom from India… Su Xin’s secret relationship with the Marquis’s wife… Nurse Jiang’s visit to the Li household a few days ago… The Marquis’s wife said she had used some of the poison recently…

Suddenly, all the confusion and mysteries became clear in an instant.

Su Ehuang was operating from behind the scenes, manipulating Nurse Jiang, the Marquis’s wife, and her nephew Su Xin.

The only thing that remained puzzling was why Nurse Jiang would willingly work for Su Ehuang, becoming her puppet to extend her reach into the Wei household.

As far as Xiao Qiao knew, Nurse Jiang had been by Madam Zhu’s side for twenty years. At that time, Su Ehuang was only four or five years old, too young to have planted such a spy. It seemed that Madam Zhu had once shown great kindness to Nurse Jiang in her early years. Moreover, Nurse Jiang now appeared to be without a husband or children, just an old widow. There seemed to be no reason for her to betray Madam Zhu and work for Su Ehuang.

But Xiao Qiao had no time to ponder this further now.

She had understood the relationships of everyone involved in this scheme, and her heart was racing.

Zong Ji, having finished speaking, observed Xiao Qiao. Noticing her slight change in expression and the faint loss of color in her lips, he hesitated before saying, “My lady, is there anything else I can do for you? If so, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m more than willing to be of service.”

His tone was very sincere.

Xiao Qiao was brought back to the present by his words. She quickly smiled and thanked him, “Thank you so much, Master Zong! You’ve been working so hard these past few days. What you’ve just told me has been extremely helpful! I’m deeply grateful and at a loss for words. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I’ll certainly repay your kindness! For now, there’s nothing else, and I have some urgent matters at home, so I’ll take my leave.”

Xiao Qiao bowed deeply to him in gratitude before turning to leave.

Zong Ji couldn’t help but follow her a few steps, finally stopping at the door, his gaze fixed on her hurriedly departing figure, lost in thought.

…

Zheng Shu worked efficiently. In just a couple of days, she obtained a supposedly suppressed doll from the great shaman and secretly sent it to Nurse Jiang. Nurse Jiang brought it into the Wei household and gave it to Madam Zhu yesterday, saying, “The great shaman said that the doll has been enchanted. The closer it is to the cursed person, the more effective it will be. Madam needs to drip a drop of her blood onto the doll’s forehead, pray, and focus her resentment. Then hide it in the northeast corner facing the west room. It will take effect, and you can wait for movement from the east room.”

Madam Zhu believed every word. Staring at the strange-looking doll with Qiao’s birth date written on its chest, her heart pounded wildly. With trembling hands, she bit her fingertip, not fearing the pain, and squeezed out a drop of blood onto the doll’s forehead. In her heart, she prayed, “My husband’s spirit in heaven, my eldest son’s spirit in heaven, I am avenging you both today.

I hope your spirits will help me eliminate the Qiao girl.” After repeating this several times, she placed the doll as Nurse Jiang had instructed. Last night, she was excited, nervous, and uneasy, unable to sleep. Early in the morning, with bloodshot eyes and unkempt hair, she sent someone to quietly check on the west room opposite. When they reported back that all was quiet, Madam Zhu was inevitably disappointed.

Nurse Jiang, who had sent people out, smiled and said, “Madam, don’t be impatient. It’s only been one night, how could it work so quickly? If Madam has nothing else to do, just keep praying in your heart. The great shaman said that the stronger the resentment, the better the effect. Wait a few more days, and it will surely work.”

Madam Zhu had always been narrow-minded. Years ago, she married into the Wei family relying on a favor, and despite her efforts to please Madam Xu, she never gained her approval. Her husband, too, merely treated her with polite indifference. When her husband was alive, she worried daily about him taking a concubine. After the deaths of her husband and eldest son, at just over thirty, she was filled with resentment overnight. For the past ten years, she had focused all her attention on her second son, Wei Shao. However, this son, though filial, was not close to her and had often been away from home since he was seventeen. Madam Zhu, feeling empty and without purpose, brought her niece Zheng Shu to her side. Under Zheng Shu’s influence, she gradually became obsessed with witchcraft.

Witchcraft, like a cult, once deeply believed, is like brainwashing. What one loves becomes more intense, and what one hates is magnified tenfold or a hundredfold. Over the years, Madam Zhu had become completely absorbed, losing what little sense she once had. Hearing Nurse Jiang’s advice, she nodded, “I was too impatient.”

Nurse Jiang said, “It’s been some days since Madam visited the north room. You should make an appearance to avoid Old Madam thinking you’ve forgotten about her.”

Since Wei Yan’s incident, Madam Zhu had been too guilty and afraid to show her face. Even when Madam Xu fell ill, she didn’t dare visit, using her own supposed illness and fear of spreading germs as an excuse. She hadn’t been to the north room once. In her heart, she was also somewhat uneasy, fearing Madam Xu would be displeased. When Nurse Jiang mentioned it, she hesitated and said with difficulty, “The old blind woman dislikes me. I’m afraid if I go, I’ll only be asking for trouble.”

Nurse Jiang patiently advised, “I’ve heard that the Qiao girl has been hovering around Old Madam morning and evening lately, acting as if she’s eager to move in and live with her, trying to win Old Madam’s favor. Madam, you’re too honest and never do these superficial things, which is why you’ve suffered greatly. It’s one thing on normal days, but now that Old Madam is ill in bed, you should go and show your filial piety. Don’t worry about Old Madam giving you the cold shoulder. I have a plan. If Madam follows my instructions, Old Madam will surely let bygones be bygones.”

Madam Zhu said, “The old blind woman has such a deep prejudice against me. No matter how hard I try to please her, she won’t appreciate it.”

Nurse Jiang said, “Just do as I say, Madam, and you’ll see.”

…

This morning, when Madam Xu woke up, she felt her spirits were much better than in previous days. Due to lying down for so long, her back and waist were sore, so she got up and dressed, wanting to walk around the courtyard.

Seeing her good color, Nurse Zhong didn’t try to dissuade her. After dressing her, noticing the cold weather, she took a purple lambswool cape and draped it over her shoulders. As they were about to go out, the cat came over, and Madam Xu instructed a maid to carry it along. Remembering she hadn’t seen Xiao Qiao this morning, she asked about her.

Nurse Zhong said, “Early this morning, someone from Lady Qiao’s side sent word that she had some other matters to attend to and would come to serve you a bit later.”

Madam Xu recalled how Xiao Qiao had been attending to her morning and evening these past few days, and had somewhat noticed that she seemed particularly anxious about her, almost as if she wanted to stick by her side constantly. She didn’t think much of it, assuming that her illness must have frightened Xiao Qiao. Feeling affectionate, she smiled and said, “She’s been working hard these days. Send someone over later to tell her that I’m much better now, and she doesn’t need to keep watch morning and evening anymore. She should go about her own business.”

Nurse Zhong agreed, handed Madam Xu her cane, and along with the maid carrying the cat, they slowly made their way to the courtyard. As soon as they walked out the door, they saw Madam Zhu, who had been absent for many days, approaching from a distance. She was personally carrying a tray with a covered bowl, the contents unknown. Nurse Jiang followed behind her.

Madam Xu’s expression cooled. She stopped on the steps, watching as Madam Zhu quickly approached, handed the tray to Nurse Jiang, and came forward to pay her respects.

Madam Xu turned to go back inside and sat down. Madam Zhu followed her in, once again respectfully kneeling and inquiring about Madam Xu’s health.

Madam Xu said coolly, “I’m fine. I heard you were ill too. If you’re sick, you should rest well. You may go now.”

Madam Zhu showed a guilty expression and remained prostrate for a long time, saying, “Please forgive your daughter-in-law, Mother-in-law! I dare not conceal it any longer. I wasn’t sick these past few days. I was too ashamed to face you, Mother-in-law, and feared your reproach. That’s why I pretended to be ill and stayed in my room without stepping out. That morning when I sent Shao off to war, after he left, you turned back. I felt guilty in my heart and didn’t dare approach you.

Although I followed far behind, I still heard what you said to my daughter-in-law. Though you weren’t speaking to me, every word struck my heart. I’ll say this even if you reproach me. I’ve been in this family for thirty years, and you’ve always been cold towards me. My daughter-in-law has been here for less than a year, yet you’re very close to her. In the past, I secretly complained about your favoritism.

But after returning to my room that day and thinking it over repeatedly, I was shocked to realize that for the past ten years, since losing my husband and eldest son, I’ve been deeply immersed in grief, unable to extricate myself. My words and actions have been inappropriate in every way.

It wasn’t that you intentionally distanced yourself from me, but that I was foolish and stubborn, trapped in my obsessions, isolating myself from others! My son Shao has always been filial, yet even he has gradually grown distant from me. If it’s not my fault, whose could it be?”

Although this speech had been guided by Nurse Jiang, as Madam Zhu spoke, thinking of her hardships over the past decades, she couldn’t help but burst into tears, her voice choked with emotion. At one point, she couldn’t continue speaking and just knelt on the ground, weeping uncontrollably.

Nurse Zhong, standing nearby, looked surprised. She gestured for the maids in the room to leave and quietly retreated to the doorway herself.

At first, Madam Xu’s expression remained cold. After Madam Zhu finished speaking, she stared at her for a long while. Slowly, her expression softened. She lowered her eyes and remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, “Zhu Shi, you’ve been in our Wei family for many years. If not meritorious, you’ve at least endured hardships. I haven’t completely forgotten this. It wasn’t that I deliberately distanced myself from you. If you had shown this level of understanding before, how could I have been so disappointed in you? I hope what you’ve said today truly comes from your heart. In the future, if you have more wisdom, it will be a blessing for Shao as well.”

This was the first time in years that Madam Zhu had encountered Madam Xu willing to give her face. Her heart lightened, and she quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears, saying, “I will keep Mother-in-law’s words in my heart. From now on, I will thoroughly mend my ways and always remember your teachings.”

Madam Xu nodded, “It’s good that you have this mindset. You may rise.”

Madam Zhu rose from the ground, carefully carrying a tray to Madam Xu with a warm smile. “Mother,” she said gently, “you’ve been unwell these days, and I imagine you haven’t had much appetite. I intend to prepare some nourishing dishes for you. However, such supplements should be tailored to your condition after recovery. Since you hail from Zhongshan, known for its dragon beard noodles, I thought a taste of home might suit your palate. This morning, I rolled the dough and made a small bowl for you. It’s not much—just a few bites. Please try it and see if it agrees with you. If you like it, I’ll make more next time; if not, let me know, and I’ll improve it.” With that, she lifted the lid of the bowl.

Inside, the clear broth was still steamed, with a delicate bundle of noodles, thin as dragon whiskers, intertwined perfectly. It was garnished with tender green shoots, making it look quite appetizing.

Madam Xu had little appetite but, seeing Madam Zhu’s earnest expression, considered for a moment and said, “Very well, it’s your kind intention. Please serve it.”

Madam Zhu’s face brightened as she prepared to present the bowl.

At that moment, a sudden commotion of footsteps sounded from outside. Madam Zhu turned to see Xiao Qiao’s figure appearing at the door.

Xiao Qiao was cradling a cat in her arms as she hurried inside. She moved closer to Madam Zhu, but perhaps due to her grip slipping, the cat suddenly leaped from her hold. Madam Zhu caught off guard, gasped in shock as the cat knocked the tray from her hands. The tray and bowl tumbled to the ground with a loud crash.

The bowl shattered into two pieces, spilling the noodles everywhere and creating a complete mess on the floor.