In Li Weiyang’s courtyard, Zhao Nan was reporting on Li Minzhi’s situation point by point.

“The people caring for Fourth Young Master are indeed very attentive. Everything is prepared perfectly. They’re always holding him, never willing to let him lie in his cradle alone. The Madam also visits three times a day, and even got up twice in the middle of the night to check on him. The Master said even caring for one’s own child might not be done so well.” Zhao Nan recounted expressionlessly, clearly harboring complaints about Li Weiyang sending him to watch over a small child.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “It’s better not to spoil a child too much, otherwise it will only harm him.”

Zhao Nan sensed the implication in her words but didn’t quite understand. Suddenly a voice sounded from behind, “Don’t you understand? Originally Fourth Brother was very nimble—he could already turn over by himself, and when supported he could sit steadily. Usually he was always looking around for Seventh Concubine. This shows he’s very clever and can already recognize people. Now the wet nurse constantly holds him and won’t let him stay in his cradle by himself—there’s clearly no good intention behind it!”

Zhao Nan saw Li Minde walking in from outside and quickly bowed. Li Minde waved his hand, “You’re truly a blockhead. I told you to listen more, observe more, think more, yet you’re still as dense as a block of elm wood!”

These past two years, Li Minde had avoided Li Weiyang’s courtyard to avoid suspicion. He would only come now for Minzhi’s sake. Li Weiyang looked at him. Li Minde wore a cloud-patterned white fox fur robe embroidered with gold thread, elegant and luxurious in tone, making his bearing even more outstanding. She couldn’t help smiling, “Zhao Nan doesn’t understand such matters—there’s nothing strange about that.”

Li Minde smiled faintly, “He must still learn.” He looked at Zhao Nan, “One could say Jiang Yuelan is a clever person. You should know there are countless ways to provide the best food and clothing while deliberately not properly raising a child. There’s no need to use low-level tactics like beating, scolding, or withholding food and clothing. Moreover, she’ll still receive praise from everyone in the household.”

With Jiang Yuelan’s methods, Li Xiaoran would only feel immensely grateful to her. Even if in the future Minzhi became uneducated and arrogantly willful, he would only think the child’s character was flawed and impossible to teach properly. Otherwise, with such excellent conditions and such meticulous care provided by his legitimate mother, how could he fail to turn out well? Even if discovered in the future, at most people would think Jiang Yuelan was an overindulgent mother who spoiled the child—it would be difficult to suspect anything else. But Li Weiyang and Li Minde were both people who liked to think of others in the most malicious terms. Clearly, their thoughts were aligned this time.

Zhao Nan still found it hard to believe. No matter how he looked at it, that gentle new Madam seemed to dote on Minzhi tremendously—treasuring him like candy in her mouth afraid he’d melt, holding him in her hands afraid he’d fall. She didn’t seem like someone with such deep scheming at all.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “Originally, I placed many toys beside Fourth Brother’s small bed, and hung many patterns before his eyes every day, giving him opportunities to listen more, see more, and touch more. I let him grasp things he found interesting and harmless to examine and fiddle with. Does the Madam do this?”

Zhao Nan thought for a moment and shook his head.

Li Weiyang said coolly, “There you have it. For a child this age, constantly holding and spoiling him—even if he grows up healthy, he’ll be a useless wastrel! Everyone says the First Madam was vicious, but I think Jiang Yuelan is far more formidable than the First Madam!”

Li Minde’s smile was casual, “That’s natural. Jiang Rou was the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family with Duke Jiangguo’s household as her backing. She didn’t need to worry about anything. When she disliked someone, she naturally wouldn’t keep them around to offend her eyes and would certainly find ways to eliminate them. This was also a manifestation of the Jiang family’s strict discipline of sons but neglect of daughters. But Jiang Yuelan is different. Though she’s legitimate-born, her father isn’t as capable as Jiang Xu. She has a stepmother, and a whole pile of younger brothers and sisters. If she didn’t strive to climb upward, how could she have a good life today? So she’s skilled in more subtle methods and won’t resort to overt schemes. This is where she’s more formidable than Jiang Rou.”

“No, Jiang Yuelan isn’t doing this to deal with me. She sees that Father dotes too much on Minzhi and worries that in the future her own son will fall behind.” Li Weiyang said coolly. Indeed, Li Xiaoran’s affection for Li Minzhi had far exceeded a typical father’s attitude toward a concubine’s son. No wonder Jiang Yuelan would be concerned.

After saying this, Li Weiyang felt somewhat worried instead. The First Madam’s underhanded methods were actually easier for her to deal with. But Jiang Yuelan was different—she was very good at using her position as legitimate wife to act, doing so openly and righteously. Even if you understood everything, she could simply use the distinction between legitimate and concubine-born to crush you, leaving you helpless. Either way, her right to raise children was real, and her conscientious care of children was also real. What could you say? Unable to voice your grievances! You still had to thank her and beg her—truly formidable methods! If the First Madam had used such tactics back then, Li Weiyang wouldn’t have eliminated her so quickly.

Li Minde glanced at Li Weiyang, “What do you plan to do?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “She has her royal road; I have my ladder across the bridge. We’ll see.”

Though the sunlight after the snow held little warmth, reflecting against the snow it appeared even brighter. The Old Madam stood in the corridor holding a hand warmer, looking at the red plum blossoms and white snow outside. Breathing in, she felt only pure fragrance, cold perfume penetrating to the bone. She couldn’t help smiling, “This snow fell well—landing on the red plum blossoms, it’s extremely beautiful.”

Nanny Luo smiled, “It’s also the First Madam’s filial piety. She sent over all the finest blooming red plum blossoms from her courtyard.”

The Old Madam nodded with a smile, watching the vast snow while carefully appreciating the blooming red plum blossoms, “She can be considered sensible.”

Nanny Luo smiled without speaking.

The Old Madam glanced at the snowy ground, musing thoughtfully, “With such heavy snow, if we made a snowman, I wonder how happy Minzhi would be to see it.”

Nanny Luo laughed, “Old Madam, Fourth Young Master is still so small. How could he come out in such weather? However, with your loving care and guidance, in a few years he’ll be running everywhere.”

“This child smiles at everyone he sees—truly adorable.” The Old Madam smiled, “It’s just unfortunate he was born from a concubine’s womb. If he were Jiang Yuelan’s biological son, everything would be different.”

Nanny Luo smiled, “Fourth Young Master is fortunate. Now that he’s being raised under the First Madam’s name, I hear the Madam holds him all day long unable to put him down. Clearly she cherishes him deeply in her heart. There’s much time ahead—he certainly won’t be any worse off than legitimate-born children.”

The Old Madam nodded, “That’s what I think too. I’m just afraid that once Jiang Yuelan has her own child in the future, she won’t care as much about our Minzhi.”

She said “our Minzhi”—something that had never happened before. Previously with Li Minfeng, because of the First Madam, the Old Madam always felt somewhat uncomfortable. Though she did dote on him, it was like scratching an itch through a boot—always with some displeasure, fearing the First Madam would become even more formidable with a son. But toward Li Minzhi, this chubby baby who smiled at everyone, the Old Madam had no such reservations.

Thinking of this point, Nanny Luo couldn’t help but sigh. After all, the Old Madam was getting on in years and increasingly concerned about her descendants. However, Fourth Young Master was such an endearing child—he truly was lovable. She thought for a moment and said, “This… probably won’t happen. I heard that the night before last, Fourth Young Master had night terrors. When the First Madam heard the maids’ report, she rushed over immediately, afraid the child had caught a chill. When she returned, her shoes were on backwards in her haste. This shows the First Madam truly cherishes Fourth Young Master. Moreover, she’s a clever person. Either way, the child has a wet nurse to care for him, and when he’s older he’ll go out to study. She won’t need to expend much effort. If Fourth Young Master succeeds in the future, that will also be her accomplishment.”

The Old Madam thought about it and her brow relaxed, “That’s true.”

Nanny Luo smiled, “Yes, the First Madam is very capable. Look, the Young Miss is also quite sensible now. Clearly she teaches well, and manages the household flawlessly! The Old Madam need not worry—just take good care of yourself.”

The Old Madam nodded, “Li Changle has indeed become likeable now. Sometimes when she comes to pay respects with Jiang Yuelan, her manners are impeccable. I originally wanted to take the opportunity to warn her, but since she knows her place herself, it saves me the words. I’ll just guide her on major matters. Either way, once three years pass, I’ll immediately marry her off. Whether things go well or badly will depend entirely on her own fortune.”

Only then did Nanny Luo smile, “The Old Madam is wise.” Just as she was speaking, she saw a young lady in crane feathers enter surrounded by attendants. The Old Madam pointed at her with a smile, “Look, Weiyang is growing more beautiful!”

Li Weiyang had already turned fifteen this year. She had grown another head taller, appearing tall and slender, graceful and elegant. Though her features couldn’t match Li Changle’s stunning beauty, she could still be considered an eye-catching little beauty.

Li Weiyang walked up with a smile. The Old Madam took her hand, “Why didn’t you bring a hand warmer? You’ve always been afraid of the cold.”

Li Weiyang just smiled, “Walking over here, the hand warmer would have gone cold anyway. I simply didn’t bring it. Wouldn’t it be better to come warm myself on the Old Madam’s heated brick bed?”

The Old Madam laughed, “You always take advantage of me.” As she spoke, she said, “Let’s go inside to talk.”

As soon as Li Weiyang approached the room, she felt it was as warm as spring. Her whole person relaxed. Six braziers of charcoal burned in the room, occasionally emitting soft popping sounds. The hot air from the charcoal rose warmly to her face, steaming the fragrance of the wintersweet flowers in the room until it flourished. She smiled as she removed her large fur coat, then sat on the heated bed beside the Old Madam.

The Old Madam glanced over. Li Weiyang had her hair in an exquisite bun, not using gold ornaments but only dotted with scattered crystal pieces. Her dress was embroidered with small light crimson plum blossom petals, accompanied by snowflakes embroidered in silver thread—the intricate embroidery was delicate and lifelike, as if a breath would melt them. The Old Madam nodded inwardly. Though Weiyang’s makeup was simple, this outfit wouldn’t let people look down on her.

Just then, several charcoal flowers burst in the brazier with successive popping sounds, quite startling.

The Old Madam beckoned, and a maid brought over a bowl of thick brown sugar ginger soup on a lacquered tray. After Li Weiyang drank it, the maid wrapped her in a tightly secured sable fur covering. Seeing her complexion had improved considerably, the Old Madam smiled, “Why did you come out in such cold weather?”

Li Weiyang smiled, “Precisely because the weather is cold, I brought over some hot soup.” She had Bai Zhi bring in a food box wrapped in thick cotton padding. Despite the cold weather, the soup inside the food box was still hot—this was because Li Weiyang had added a layer of warm charcoal brazier at the bottom of the food box.

The Old Madam nodded. Since winter began, Li Weiyang’s ginseng and lily lung-nourishing soup had not missed a single day. She smiled, “It wouldn’t matter to skip one day. Why go to such trouble?”

Li Weiyang smiled, “When winter comes, the Old Madam’s throat becomes uncomfortable and she coughs at night. This lily nourishes the lungs, and the ginseng I specially selected isn’t drying—it’s just right. Weiyang can’t do much for the Old Madam, but this small thing isn’t difficult. Why shouldn’t I do it?”

Seeing her insistence, the Old Madam nodded with satisfaction, “Last night I heard Minzhi was frightened. I was just about to go see him. Come with me.”

A flash of something passed through Li Weiyang’s eyes, but in the end she only showed a gentle smile, “Yes.”

When they reached Furui Courtyard, before even entering they heard a child crying. Li Weiyang’s heart tightened. She glanced at the Old Madam and saw her brow furrowed as well, her steps quickening considerably.

Entering the room, they saw Jiang Yuelan personally holding Minzhi, continuously walking back and forth around the room. She wore a bright red gorilla felt headdress studded with crushed jade beads in the Zhaojun style, draped in a thick multi-treasured silk brocade jacket with dense floral patterns. Minzhi rested in her arms but still cried very hard.

“What on earth is wrong?” The Old Madam hurried in.

Jiang Yuelan started, quickly holding the child as she moved to bow. The Old Madam quickly raised her hand to stop her.

Jiang Yuelan was genuinely anxious. She had finally managed to bring the child over—how could she let him keep crying like this? But no matter what methods she tried, the child cried when he should cry, not paying any attention at all.

Originally a smiling baby, upon arriving here he had turned into a crying immortal. How could she explain this?!

The Old Madam’s expression darkened.

Li Weiyang quickly said, “Old Madam, Minzhi has just arrived at a new place. Perhaps he’s not accustomed yet!”

“It’s been ten days already—what is there to not be accustomed to! Something must be wrong! Is it that the people in your rooms aren’t caring for him properly?!” The Old Madam was almost harsh in her words. She truly felt sorry for her little grandson.

Jiang Yuelan’s face paled, her eyes immediately reddening, “Old Madam, I truly cherish Minzhi, but I am young after all. There have been oversights in my care, so the Master specially hired an experienced wet nurse from outside. Even she is at a loss.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. The art of speaking was very important. If the Old Madam wanted to place blame, she would have to blame her own son.

The Old Madam was still displeased, “Crying like this, sooner or later Minzhi will cry himself into some illness. Look, the child’s voice is already hoarse.”

Jiang Yuelan was speechless. This wretched child cried when he should cry, slept when he should sleep, never missing mealtime. After eating and drinking his fill, he would continue wailing like a ghost. She had cared for seven or eight younger brothers and sisters and had never encountered such a situation. She couldn’t understand at all why this child cried even harder whenever he encountered her. Even though she had prepared perfectly, this child still gave her a splitting headache.

The Old Madam looked the child up and down, feeling increasingly sorry for him, “Let me, let me—give me the child!”

Jiang Yuelan naturally didn’t dare delay. She immediately handed the child to the Old Madam. Minzhi’s eyes widened as he stared unblinkingly at the Old Madam. He did indeed stop crying. The Old Madam had just said, “You see, you still don’t know how to hold a child!” when moments later, young Master Minzhi cried even harder, with a momentum as if to drown the Old Madam.

Li Weiyang quickly said, “Is something wrong with him somewhere?”

“We’ve summoned the physician several times. Nothing was found.” Jiang Yuelan said with difficulty. This time she was genuinely aggrieved. Even Li Xiaoran had developed misgivings about her, wondering if she was secretly mistreating Minzhi, which was why the child cried and fussed whenever in her arms.

“Perhaps he’s been haunted by something!” The Old Madam thought for a moment, touching Minzhi’s head. Minzhi hiccupped once, as if in response, and continued crying.

“Haunted?” Jiang Yuelan started, then said, “This… that shouldn’t be possible.”

The Old Madam frowned, “Who says it’s impossible? This courtyard has never been clean!”

With these words, not only Jiang Yuelan but everyone’s expressions turned ugly. They all recalled that the first Madam had been haunted here, then moved back to the Jiang family home to recuperate. Not long after, she died. Could it be that there really were unclean things in this courtyard? Don’t blame them for being superstitious—such matters were inherently uncertain. Jiang Yuelan forced a smile, “Old Madam, perhaps we should invite a Taoist priest back to examine Minzhi?”

The Old Madam thought for a moment, “I’m afraid it won’t work. Back then we invited so many masters, yet the unclean things still couldn’t be driven out!”

Jiang Yuelan fell silent. At this moment, whatever she said seemed wrong. She glanced at the ceaselessly crying Li Minzhi and sighed endlessly. She had thought she could control this child, but now it seemed he was a terrifying hot potato. If things continued this way, all her accomplishments would be completely erased, and the Old Madam would start suspecting she was abusing the child in secret! She had never seen such a difficult child to care for. It would be better to send the child back early to avoid the Old Madam fighting her to the death if something went wrong later. She thought about it, hesitation showing in her eyes, and was about to speak—

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, reading Jiang Yuelan’s thoughts clearly.

Just then, Nanny Luo suddenly exclaimed, “Old Madam, look quickly! Fourth Young Master has a rash!”

Li Weiyang was startled and instinctively stepped forward, grasping Minzhi’s lotus-root-like arm. Looking carefully, she discovered several red bumps at his arm joints, the color faintly tinged with black. Her heart immediately went cold, “What is this?!”

The Old Madam looked and her expression changed drastically, “Jiang Yuelan, look at this yourself—how have you been caring for the child!”

Jiang Yuelan’s face showed shock. She quickly came over to look, displaying infinite alarm, “Old Madam… this… I don’t know what happened either?!”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help frowning. Jiang Yuelan had finally managed to claim the child—she wouldn’t harm Minzhi without reason. Could those bumps on Minzhi’s body be from poisonous insect bites? “Old Madam, quickly summon an imperial physician to examine him. Minzhi’s constitution is weak. Who knows what bit him—what should we do?!”

Minzhi hiccupped and sobbed, his body leaning against the Old Madam. The Old Madam’s heart ached even more. She quickly said, “Summon the imperial physician! Quickly!” After speaking, she glared hard at Jiang Yuelan, “I entrusted the child to your care, and this is how you care for him! You’ve disappointed me greatly!” With that, she placed Minzhi into Li Weiyang’s arms and said sternly, “Everyone leave!”

The Old Madam left in a great procession with Minzhi. Jiang Yuelan felt her body go weak and involuntarily leaned on Nanny Rong.

Nanny Rong’s face was also full of confusion. She didn’t understand—the Madam had cared for the child with such dedication, so how could this happen? She quickly helped Jiang Yuelan sit down, brought up a cup of tea, and said softly, “The cold weather inevitably makes one hot-tempered. The Old Madam simply misunderstood the Madam. You mustn’t take it to heart.”

Jiang Yuelan had been overly frightened earlier and was only now recovering. She took the tea cup but didn’t drink, only saying slowly, “What exactly happened?”

Nanny Rong thought for a moment and speculated, “Could it be that Third Miss deliberately played tricks, wanting to have the child returned to Seventh Concubine?”

Jiang Yuelan shook her head, “If you say she wants the child back, I believe that. But deliberately introducing poisonous insects to harm Li Minzhi—I don’t believe it. Didn’t you see her expression just now? She was clearly extremely surprised, extremely angry!”

Nanny Rong grew more anxious, “But this way, the Master and Old Madam will first blame it on the Madam! What should we do?”

Jiang Yuelan sighed heavily, looking at the pile of carefully embroidered infant clothes just finished on the bed, “Now I’m truly like a mute eating bitter herbs—unable to voice my suffering. If something really happens to Li Minzhi, I’m afraid I’ll be hated to death by Li Weiyang and Seventh Concubine. I originally wanted to use this child to control Li Weiyang. It’s truly become a case of trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice used to lure it.”

Nanny Rong said earnestly, “In this matter, the Madam has been wronged.”

“I just don’t understand—I was so careful with the food and personnel everywhere. Where exactly did something go wrong?” Jiang Yuelan unconsciously stroked those infant clothes, “I must find out who’s playing tricks behind the scenes!”

Nanny Rong said, “This servant also doesn’t understand—who would have the opportunity to harm Fourth Young Master?”

Jiang Yuelan shook her head, her brows slightly furrowed, “Seventh Concubine was born under an unlucky star. Her child is also difficult to care for. Even with so many people looking after him, it’s still not enough. With more people, there’s more chaos. Someone might have seized the opportunity to strike. Tell everyone to investigate thoroughly!”

Nanny Rong quickly said, “This servant understands.” She saw Jiang Yuelan stand up. Nanny Rong couldn’t help asking, “Madam, where are you going?”

Jiang Yuelan frowned, “I must go watch over things at the Old Madam’s!”

“Madam, the Old Madam is truly angry now. If you go at this time—” Nanny Rong was very worried.

Jiang Yuelan chided, “How can you be confused too, Nanny? If I’m not there now, it will be even easier for people to exploit the situation!”

Hearing this, Nanny Rong immediately understood and quickly helped Jiang Yuelan to Lixiang Courtyard. Upon entering, she saw not only Li Weiyang present but also Li Xiaoran and all the household concubines gathered. Nanny Rong felt even more alarmed. It seemed today’s matter had truly become serious.

Seeing Jiang Yuelan, the Old Madam’s anger rose, pointing at her, “Why did you come!”

Jiang Yuelan looked at the Old Madam, silently shedding tears, not saying a word in her own defense.

Li Xiaoran had originally wanted to reproach her a few words, but seeing her appearance, he couldn’t say much and said instead, “Old Madam, Yuelan is young after all. Not caring well for a small child…”

“If she can’t care for him properly, she shouldn’t have been so bold!” The Old Madam’s eyes had reddened. Now the only grandson close to her was Minzhi. If something happened to the child this time, wouldn’t she die of heartbreak? Speaking of which, both Li Changle and Li Minfeng were born while Li Xiaoran was posted elsewhere. The Old Madam hadn’t personally witnessed their births, so her feelings weren’t as strong. But Minzhi had been held and cherished in the Old Madam’s arms from birth, so naturally the feeling was different.

The old imperial physician was quickly summoned. He carefully examined the child’s wounds, then said, “It doesn’t look like a poisonous insect bite.”

Li Xiaoran frowned tightly, “Such small bumps wouldn’t be a rash either.”

The old physician shook his head, “Not a rash. It looks more like poisoning.”

With these words, everyone’s expressions changed. They all looked at Jiang Yuelan. Li Weiyang suddenly stood up. The Old Madam said sternly, “Poisoned—who would be so heartless as to poison such a small child?!”

Seventh Concubine held back tears, holding Li Minzhi without daring to speak.

Li Weiyang’s heart was most complex at this moment. For a time she even suspected whether her own negligence had allowed someone the opportunity to poison Li Minzhi! Thinking it over, she was filled with regret! Yet at the same time she felt something wasn’t right. When Minzhi was with Seventh Concubine, she had people watching day and night, never allowing outsiders to interfere. Unless the child was at Jiang Yuelan’s place… Her voice was extremely soft, “Father, Minzhi is still so small—how can he endure such suffering?” Her voice was solemn, as serious as bells and chimes, “I request that Father thoroughly investigate this matter and give Minzhi justice.”

Snow-bright fury flashed in Li Xiaoran’s eyes as he said coldly to everyone, “Investigate! I want to see who has such audacity to dare harm my son!”

The Old Madam nodded, “Imperial Physician Wang, we’re counting on you entirely.”

The old physician’s beard was snow-white. Hearing this, he nodded, “The young master has great fortune—the poisoning isn’t deep. For an adult, two doses of medicine would suffice, but for a child… it’s much more troublesome! However, it’s no great matter. I’ll prescribe some mild detoxifying medicine to mix into his milk for him to drink.”

Countless thoughts flashed through Li Weiyang’s mind. In the end she only said, “For an adult, would the detoxifying medicine itself be poisonous?”

The old physician shook his head, “It would not.”

Li Weiyang breathed a sigh of relief, “Mixing it in milk might be difficult for him to drink. Then please have the wet nurse apply it to her body.”

The old physician nodded, “That’s a good method. Or prepare more—the wet nurse can drink it herself. Diluted through the milk, the taste won’t be as strong.”

Li Weiyang glanced over. Minzhi had already fallen asleep. Tan Shi’s crystalline tears fell on his face. He probably thought it was something delicious—his little mouth moved, his cheeks rosy red, showing no signs of poisoning at all. She involuntarily clenched her fists. To dare touch her brother—they were truly seeking death! Her gaze turned to Jiang Yuelan, “Mother, Fourth Brother has been staying at your place these days. I wonder if anyone has been close to him?”

She knew Jiang Yuelan wouldn’t and couldn’t do such a foolish thing. If Minzhi suffered the slightest harm, the first person to suffer would be her. So it was very likely someone else—

Jiang Yuelan thought carefully for a long time, unconsciously glancing at Li Changle nearby. She saw a look of surprise on the other’s face. Honestly, the first person she suspected was Li Changle, because only she could enter and exit her courtyard. But to expose her now—wouldn’t that create enmity with the Jiang family? She thought for a moment and said, “Minzhi only drinks milk. Normally no outsiders enter his room. If someone poisoned him, I truly can’t figure out how the poison was administered. Or could it be someone poisoned the wet nurse?”

The old physician shook his head, “If the child were poisoned this way, it would be very easy. But for an adult it would be quite different. To poison through the wet nurse, the dosage would need to be very large and would be easily discovered. I rather suspect Fourth Young Master’s personal items were tampered with. It would be worth examining them.”

Li Weiyang stood up and walked to Minzhi’s side, carefully examining him from head to toe—from his swaddling clothes to his hands and feet. She lightly unwrapped his swaddling and covered him with a small blanket. Then she examined everything inside and out, even looking very carefully at the stitching on the pillow, but found nothing. Finally her gaze settled on the gold collar, gold bracelets, and gold anklets on his body. She paused for a moment, then reached out herself to remove all these items and turned back to look at the imperial physician, “Physician, could there be problems with these items?”

Nanny Luo frowned first, “Third Miss, these were commissioned by the Old Madam!”

Li Weiyang sighed, “I certainly wouldn’t suspect the Old Madam, but these items passed through others’ hands midway. What if they were tampered with?”

Nanny Luo looked at the Old Madam, who nodded and said through gritted teeth, “That’s right—you can guard against a thousand, but household thieves are hard to prevent. Investigate!”

Everyone in the room held their breath, watching this scene unfold. Li Xiaoran only had this one precious son left. If something happened to him, no one could bear the responsibility.

This set of gold jewelry was worth a fortune. Just the crystal-bright, gleaming gold collar lock was exquisitely crafted—the collar shaped like four begonia petals. The neck piece was seven inches long with a cat’s-eye stone set at each petal tip, specially removed from the Old Madam’s dowry jewelry, symbolizing auspicious wishes. The chest piece was six inches long with a ruby set at each petal tip. The left and right pieces were each five inches long, both carved with gold elm plum blossoms, openwork carved with Oriental pearls. The lock was four inches in diameter, shaped like an ingot. On its back were engraved the four characters “Long Life, Hundred Years.” Below the lock hung nine Oriental pearls with sapphires as pendants—exquisitely crafted beyond measure. One could see how much thought the Old Madam had originally put into it.

The old physician took the gold jewelry from a maid’s hands and examined it repeatedly, his brow furrowing, “This—” clearly it was very difficult to determine.

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. It wasn’t difficult to determine—he didn’t dare determine it casually! She thought for a moment, “Go fetch gold-dissolving water.”

Everyone was shocked, looking at each other. The Old Madam frowned and said loudly, “Are you all deaf? Didn’t you hear Third Miss’s words?”

Gold-dissolving water wasn’t a commonly used item, but the Li household storehouse did indeed have some. The maids were startled and quickly responded, “Yes.” Before long, they brought a porcelain bottle. Li Weiyang poured out the liquid from the porcelain bottle, then declined Nanny Luo’s help and personally cut a small piece from the gold tassel on the collar, immersing it in a bowl. Within half an hour, the originally exquisite tassel had dissolved into a pool of liquid.

Li Weiyang called out, “Bring a dog.”

Hearing this, a maid went immediately. She soon led over a wolfhound from the back courtyard that guarded the gates. This dog was large and fierce, baring its teeth and snarling at Li Weiyang, barking constantly. Li Weiyang handed the bowl to a maid and had her pass it to the dog keeper, “Feed it.”

The dog keeper hesitated for a moment, then fed the liquid in the bowl to the dog. Everyone stared at the dog, not daring to blink.

Before long, that fierce, large wolfhound fell to the ground, rolling about. Finally, bleeding from all seven orifices, it died. Li Changxiao involuntarily stepped back three paces. She had just glimpsed the dog’s miserable death and nearly vomited.

Fourth Concubine quickly covered her mouth with a handkerchief, showing a disgusted expression.

The Old Madam said coldly, “To go to such lengths to harm a small child—how could they not succeed? This person is truly vicious in their scheming.”

The old physician carefully examined the dog’s death, nodding, “My speculation was correct. It is indeed raw aconite. It seems this person used raw aconite dissolved in the gold. When the child first wore it, there would be no abnormalities for several days. But over time, as these toxins contacted his body, the toxicity would grow stronger. Accumulated day by day, I’m afraid his life would not be preserved.”

The Old Madam’s expression grew even more incredulous, “This gold collar was a gift from me. This person dared to exploit even my good intentions—they’re truly unforgivable!”

Li Xiaoran’s body swayed slightly. The tea cup in his hands crashed to the floor. He stood up almost violently, roaring, “Who dares to be so bold!”

Everyone in the room looked at each other.

Tan Shi couldn’t support herself and nearly fainted. Bai Zhi and Zhao Yue beside her quickly held her up. She stood up in disbelief, unable to hold back tears. Suddenly she pointed at Ninth Concubine, “Only you touched this gold collar! It’s you—it must be you! Why did you want to harm Minzhi!”

Ninth Concubine was greatly alarmed. Seeing everyone’s eyes turn toward her, she involuntarily knelt down, “Master, please see clearly—I truly didn’t know! I only… I only… I only thought the gold collar was especially beautiful and borrowed it for two days to have a silver one made for Jing’er. How… how could I have tampered with it…”

After Li Changjing was born, because she was a daughter, the Old Madam hadn’t deigned to look at her much. Even the longevity lock was commissioned by Ninth Concubine herself. Seeing Li Minzhi’s gold collar was exquisitely crafted, her heart was both jealous and envious. She had secretly borrowed it from Seventh Concubine for two days, had someone draw the design, and commissioned an identical set for Li Changjing—just that she couldn’t manage those precious gemstones and could only use glass to substitute. Now this had happened, and of course others would suspect her first!

Just then, Li Xiaoran said angrily, “You still won’t tell the truth? Was it only you who touched this gold collar!”

Ninth Concubine was completely terrified. She didn’t know what to say at all, only desperately saying, “Master, I didn’t—I truly didn’t! How could I go harm Fourth Young Master? I’m also someone with a child. How could I do such a vicious thing!”

Jiang Yuelan glanced at her, “Ninth Concubine, matters have reached this point. You should still speak clearly!”

Ninth Concubine cried out, “Master, if I truly did it, I would certainly admit it. But things I never did—I will never acknowledge, no matter what!”

Li Changle, who had not spoken all along, now laughed coldly, “Ninth Concubine, it’s precisely because you resent Fourth Brother receiving the Old Madam’s favor that you would use such a malicious method to harm him! I advise you to speak honestly to avoid suffering in the future!”

Ninth Concubine wept ceaselessly but refused to admit it no matter what.

Li Weiyang’s gaze swept across Ninth Concubine’s face but ultimately settled on Li Changle.

Li Changle, frightened by Li Weiyang’s cold stare, couldn’t help saying, “Third Sister, what’s wrong with you? Why are you looking at me like that? I’m speaking up for justice for Fourth Brother! Ninth Concubine—first, she resents Fourth Brother, and second, since Mother just entered the household and Father has been going to Furui Courtyard more, she’s unhappy about it. So this action is clearly using Fourth Brother’s situation to frame Mother! To make Father blame her!”

The light in Li Weiyang’s eyes was uncertain. This time, even she herself couldn’t determine who had struck! Jiang Yuelan—no, she wouldn’t move a rock to drop it on her own feet. But what if she deliberately framed Ninth Concubine? This way she could eliminate both Minzhi and Ninth Concubine, that favored rival, at once! But wouldn’t this be too dangerous? It would be easy to draw the Old Madam’s attention. Jiang Yuelan always wanted both fame and profit, to securely occupy the position of First Madam. She didn’t seem like someone so brainless! What about Ninth Concubine? She had already tried several times to harm Seventh Concubine, and had been instigated by Fourth Concubine to come make trouble at her place. Her motive was obvious—as Li Changle said, it was to redirect the disaster! What about Fourth Concubine then? Didn’t she have suspicion? The two she most detested were Jiang Yuelan and Ninth Concubine. Through this matter, both would certainly fall from favor! But for Li Changle to suddenly speak up for Minzhi was itself a very strange thing. Her suspicion was greater than anyone’s. Yet she had already instructed that if Li Changle came near Minzhi, special attention must be paid. Zhao Nan watched outside Jiang Yuelan’s room twelve hours a day. If Li Changle had touched that gold lock, Zhao Nan would certainly have known! But according to Zhao Nan’s reports, during Li Minzhi’s stay at Furui Courtyard, Li Changle hadn’t even touched him once!

After Li Minfeng left, Minzhi became the only child by Father’s side. The Old Madam treasured him like her heart and liver. Of course this would attract hatred. Without even thinking, one knew how many people wished he would disappear from the Li family… Rather than saying others used Minzhi to strike at Li Weiyang, it was more accurate to say Minzhi had been drawn into the Li family’s internal strife. Just his status as a male grandson, just the fact that Jiang Yuelan had adopted him, was already a huge problem!

Ninth Concubine, receiving the accusation, rushed forward regardless and slapped Li Changle hard across the face twice. She was about to strike again when Jiang Yuelan shouted loudly, “Quickly restrain her! Quick! Restrain her!”

Maids rushed over and held Ninth Concubine tightly. She kept cursing, “Young Miss, I have no grievance or enmity with you! Why do you falsely accuse me! How can you be so vicious!”

Li Changle hadn’t expected the usually gentle Ninth Concubine to rush forward and hit her without a word. For a moment she was dizzy, her head buzzing with vertigo. Her face burned painfully. She felt a hot liquid flowing out. Reaching to touch it, she found her hand stained crimson—Ninth Concubine had struck so hard it drew blood. She immediately shrieked, “You hit me! You actually dared hit my face!” She wanted to rush over immediately and slap Ninth Concubine, but a tall, severe-looking woman standing not far behind her immediately stepped forward to restrain Li Changle, “Young Miss, the Master will handle everything!”

Li Changle suddenly came to her senses, turned and threw herself before Li Xiaoran, weeping ceaselessly. Li Weiyang glanced at that tall woman with stern features and immediately recalled this was one of the people the Jiang family had left behind—Nanny Zhou. She had reminded Li Changle at the critical moment. If she had also rushed over and slapped Ninth Concubine just now, she would have lost the moral high ground, because Ninth Concubine was Li Xiaoran’s concubine! It wasn’t her place to discipline her!

The Old Madam frowned, saying sternly, “Restrain Ninth Concubine!”

Ninth Concubine struggled madly. Li Weiyang, seeing Ninth Concubine’s expression was wrong, said, “Old Madam, Ninth Concubine seems somewhat abnormal.”

For some reason, Ninth Concubine’s eyes looked blood-red, her lips deathly pale—somewhat like Li Changxi back then. Being held down, she still struggled desperately! Fourth Concubine was so frightened she retreated several steps, her face full of alarm. But why? Just moments ago she had been fine. Could she have been frightened into madness upon being discovered? Li Weiyang watched the group desperately holding down Ninth Concubine, her brow furrowing even deeper. This matter had become increasingly chaotic!

The Old Madam said sternly, “Ninth Concubine, don’t pretend to be mad and play the fool!”