Beneath the moon, flying eaves and strange beasts, courtyard carved windows—heavy black shadows cast across the vast, empty garden created a suffocating feeling. Li Xiaoran rushed ahead, almost the first to reach Li Weiyang’s courtyard. However, the entire courtyard was now in complete chaos, with no one able to attend to him.

Even the bride and groom from the bridal chamber could no longer concern themselves with their wedding night, quickly supporting the Old Madam as they hurried over. Li Weiyang slowly walked at the very back, then asked Zhao Yue in a low voice: “Has your elder brother prepared everything?”

Zhao Yue nodded: “Miss, rest assured. That person has confessed to everything.”

Li Weiyang paused slightly, then smiled faintly and quickened her pace to catch up.

The two groups converged into one at the courtyard gate. They saw a maid carrying a basin of hot water rushing up. Li Xiaoran shouted in a voice that had changed pitch: “What on earth happened!”

The maid shuddered, slowly turning around. Her pale face glowed faintly in the candlelight streaming from the room, facing everyone from afar: “Madam, Madam was fine just now, then suddenly fainted—”

That maid’s voice made Li Xiaoran’s heart contract. Ignoring everything else, he rushed into the room. The Old Madam glanced at Second Young Master: “Don’t go over. Take the bride back to your room quickly—this requires observing taboos!”

Li Minkang froze for a moment, hesitantly glancing at Sun Yanjun before nodding: “Let’s not add to the confusion here. Let’s return quickly.”

Sun Yanjun’s expression was extremely worried. Encountering such a matter on her first day of marriage was extremely inauspicious. She hoped the Old Madam wouldn’t form any bad impressions of her because of this. Originally she wanted to stay and see how things developed, but since her husband said to return, she couldn’t say much more. She could only turn her head to nod slightly at Li Weiyang before departing with Li Minkang.

Only then did the Old Madam lead the others into the east room. Upon seeing Jiang Yuelan, Old Madam Li immediately knew something terrible had happened. Blood had already seeped through her dress and skirt.

Li Xiaoran quickly went over and held her. Jiang Yuelan’s pale face stared at him, using her last bit of strength to say mournfully: “Master, I beg you! My… my child… you must save it.”

Tears wound down her pale face, causing Li Xiaoran unbearable heartache… This was his son, Yuelan’s only legitimate son since entering the household—his sole hope, especially after being described as a descending star of literary brilliance. He’d anticipated this even more, but now…

“Quick, quick, go fetch Imperial Physician Wang!” Old Madam Li hastily reminded.

Li Xiaoran suddenly snapped to attention. For today’s wedding banquet, Imperial Physician Wang, who had always been on good terms with the Li family, had also come to celebrate and was currently outside. He immediately said: “I’ll go, I’ll personally invite him!” Saying this, he handed Jiang Yuelan to Nanny Rong who had entered with the Old Madam, then quickly departed. Nanny Rong hurried forward, softly comforting her.

Li Weiyang watched Jiang Yuelan leaning against the pillow, crying pitifully without stopping, but didn’t go over to show concern. She only attended to the Old Madam, helping her sit, then ordered tea to be served.

Li Changxiao’s face was deathly pale at this moment, gathering around the bed watching Jiang Yuelan, looking like she was about to cry. The Second Madam and Second Miss couldn’t hide the gloating on their faces. If asked who was most genuine in this household, this mother-daughter pair would claim second place and truly no one would dare claim first. Sometimes Li Weiyang also admired them—wearing everything on their faces. If not for Second Madam’s powerful natal family and Old Madam Li’s overt and covert tolerance, who knew what depths they’d have fallen to. Yet they constantly clamored that the Old Madam favored her legitimate son. Of course she’d favor her own biological son somewhat, but generally speaking, Old Madam Li was a fair person. Not only had she raised her illegitimate son, she’d also arranged his marriage and secured him good prospects, even tolerating the tactless Second Madam—quite magnanimous indeed.

But at this moment, seeing Second Madam’s undisguised joy, Old Madam Li couldn’t help glaring at her fiercely.

Second Madam involuntarily lowered her head, pretending not to see. Everyone knew how much the Old Madam valued this soon-to-be-born legitimate son. However, Jiang Yuelan’s incident had nothing to do with their second branch—after all, she was living at Li Weiyang’s place, wasn’t she? Li Weiyang should be the one facing censure. Second Madam thought this way, wishing nothing more than for the first branch to be thrown into complete chaos!

Jiang Yuelan cried on the bed, constantly calling out in pain. After a while, Imperial Physician Wang was practically brought at a run by Li Xiaoran. Li Xiaoran said urgently: “Imperial Physician Wang, I entrust everything to you. You must save my wife’s child!”

Imperial Physician Wang nodded: “I’ll do my utmost.” Saying this, he went forward to examine Jiang Yuelan’s pulse. After spending a full half hour, he slowly emerged from behind the curtain, his expression grave: “The First Madam’s life is saved, but the child is lost. Alas, truly regrettable, regrettable indeed!”

When Li Xiaoran heard the child ultimately couldn’t be saved, his form swayed and he nearly collapsed. People beside him quickly supported him. Coming to his senses, his deep pupils concealed fury: “What on earth happened!”

Nanny Rong kept wiping away tears: “Master, everything was fine today. It was just that maid Chunju who said something wrong this morning and accidentally angered Madam. Madam had her kneel in the outer courtyard. Originally this servant thought to have Third Miss say a few comforting words. Who knew Third Miss wouldn’t even glance over, just turned and left. Madam was angry for quite a while, then called that Chunju back in and scolded her thoroughly. The more she spoke, the angrier she became, and then—”

Spoken as if it had become Li Weiyang’s fault—hearing this, Li Weiyang only said flatly: “Since becoming pregnant, Mother’s temper has become much more volatile. Maids around her are constantly at fault. Normally I would naturally advise her somewhat, but today was Second Brother’s great and joyous day. Early this morning the Old Madam summoned me to receive guests—I truly couldn’t be in two places at once. Who would have thought Mother would become this angry over such a small matter…”

Li Xiaoran glared at her: “Are you saying your mother is narrow-minded?”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Weiyang naturally doesn’t mean that. It’s just that pregnant women are difficult to care for. Weiyang said long ago—I myself am merely an unmarried young lady, how could I care for Mother? But Father, you absolutely refused to believe it, insisting that just lending out a room would suffice. Now that something has happened, you’re blaming your daughter again. I truly feel wronged.”

Of course Li Xiaoran knew it was he who had insisted on moving Jiang Yuelan to this courtyard. Originally it was to make Li Weiyang hesitate to act rashly, while borrowing her strength to protect this child. Who knew it would all come to nothing? But fundamentally, he couldn’t blame her. Yet that bitter anger in his heart still wouldn’t go down: “Even so, you still shouldn’t—”

Li Weiyang looked toward the Old Madam. Old Madam Li frowned: “Enough, enough. Why are you blaming the child! Yuelan was also too careless. Pregnant women absolutely shouldn’t keep getting angry. Now it’s come to this—how can you blame others! That maid—have her beaten to death!”

From the moment the incident occurred, Chunju had been locked in the woodshed, still unaware that her fate had been decided in just a few words.

But Imperial Physician Wang suddenly said: “Old Madam Li, examining the First Madam’s pulse, the pregnancy was stable at three months. Now that this has happened, I don’t know what the actual cause might be…”

Hearing this, Nanny Rong quickly said: “Imperial Physician Wang, are you saying someone tampered with things?”

“The First Madam’s body has always been very good, the child was also very healthy. How could this suddenly happen? Merely exchanging words with a maid and getting angry—I fear that doesn’t explain it.” Imperial Physician Wang spoke with extreme experience, word by word. It wasn’t that he was suspicious, but in the palace such matters were far too common. Originally it wasn’t his concern, but Old Madam Li actually wanted to beat that maid to death, which truly made this physician unable to bear it. If the First Madam’s fetus was truly harmed by evildoers, yet an innocent maid was implicated and died… Therefore, he spoke these words, hoping the Li family would think carefully before acting.

Just then, Jiang Yuelan, who had been lying on the bed, cried out: “Master, Master, you must seek justice for me! Originally the child was perfectly fine, but tonight it’s gone. Someone must have deliberately harmed me!”

Nanny Rong also wiped tears while saying: “Madam, please stop talking. Rest quickly and recuperate your health.”

Jiang Yuelan cried as she spoke: “What use is recuperating my health when my child… my child is gone…”

Nanny Rong then gritted her teeth, quickly walked over, and knelt before Li Xiaoran: “Master, you know that Madam’s health has always been good. She rarely takes medicine even for minor ailments. Since becoming pregnant, Madam has only been drinking nourishing and fetus-protecting medicinal soups. Though she’s often somewhat uncomfortable, it’s all normal pregnancy conditions—nothing special. How could she lose the child without reason? Someone must be behind this!”

Li Xiaoran then looked toward Imperial Physician Wang: “You’ve stayed in the palace for a long time. In your view, what is the actual cause?”

“I suspect Madam mistakenly used musk.” Imperial Physician Wang said slowly.

“Musk?” As soon as the words left his mouth, Old Madam Li immediately stood up, her complexion turning ashen.

Li Xiaoran asked in confusion: “How could there be musk?”

But Li Weiyang slowly frowned: “Nanny Rong, does Mother have a habit of burning incense normally?”

Nanny Rong quickly said: “Pregnant women absolutely cannot use musk—it’s taboo. Madam has always avoided it respectfully. We absolutely wouldn’t let Madam touch such things!”

Old Madam Li’s expression was grave, her eyes unblinking as she stared at Imperial Physician Wang: “Precisely so. There would be no musk here! What you say—do you have evidence?”

Imperial Physician Wang nodded: “Madam’s pulse is floating and erratic, her body feverish. I’ve seen four consorts of the Late Emperor—all miscarried due to mistakenly using musk. This time Madam’s symptoms are identical to theirs.”

Jiang Yuelan then looked at Li Xiaoran. Her gaze first held hope, then pity, until finally only extreme fragility remained, as if all hope rested on Li Xiaoran, counting on him to uphold justice.

“Bring in all the maids who personally attend Madam.” Li Xiaoran said coldly.

This showed determination to interrogate. Li Weiyang lowered her eyes and laughed coldly. Li Xiaoran’s attachment to heirs far exceeded ordinary people. After the previous First Madam’s affair, he hated even more those who plotted against his sons. Now he was impatient to catch the culprit.

A whole room of maids knelt on the ground, obediently lowering their heads.

“You must confess truthfully—has Madam used any fragrances recently?” Li Xiaoran said slowly.

“Replying to Master, everything Madam uses is recorded. This servant collected it from the steward and recorded it all in the register.” Aluo was Jiang Yuelan’s personal maid. She now said respectfully: “From when Madam became pregnant, all fragrances were no longer used. Even the sandalwood string hanging in Madam’s room was removed by this servant for fear it might be harmful.”

Li Xiaoran stared at Aluo: “Normally Madam’s food, clothing and daily necessities all pass through your hands. Others have no way to touch them! If not your negligence, then whose would it be?” Angry as he was, he wasn’t confused. Li Weiyang had no way to interfere with Jiang Yuelan’s daily necessities, so how did Jiang Yuelan come into contact with musk?

Aluo showed not the slightest panic. Seeing Li Xiaoran staring at her suspiciously, she kowtowed: “This servant is indeed responsible for Madam’s daily life, never delegating to others. Precisely because the responsibility is weighty, this servant has been extremely careful, absolutely would not commit such a grave error as negligence.”

“Master, Aluo is devoted and loyal to me, and very meticulous in her work. I trust her. Moreover, where this musk came from, how I came to be exposed to it—it absolutely cannot be that someone in my room made a mistake. Though I normally treat people with gentleness and humility, I absolutely would not joke with my own body.” Jiang Yuelan said with red-rimmed eyes, pitiful and delicate.

Li Xiaoran sighed heavily: “Just in case, perhaps they unintentionally came into contact…”

Nanny Rong appropriately interjected: “Master, this is no unintentional error. As Madam says, the servants are all very careful in their work, never the slightest negligent. If there truly is a problem, it must be something that happened after moving here—”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang laughed coldly: “Nanny Rong means that Mother’s child being lost is my fault for tampering?”

Nanny Rong said urgently: “Third Miss, please don’t misunderstand—this servant doesn’t mean that!”

Li Weiyang said flatly: “When we first moved here, the Old Madam also had people inspect everything. There absolutely was nothing improper. If you’re not accusing me, then you’re saying the Old Madam tampered with things?”

Nanny Rong’s face paled: “Third Miss, this servant naturally doesn’t dare suspect the Old Madam! It’s just that the inspection was hurried and might not have been comprehensive. Perhaps someone took advantage of the chaos to tamper. Since it’s not in Madam’s food, then it must be the furniture here, the furnishings… Best to examine everything carefully.”

“In that case, thoroughly inspect this room.” Li Xiaoran ordered.

Old Madam Li instructed several experienced nannies to carefully begin inspecting. The entire room filled with an oppressive atmosphere, making people feel that something major was about to happen. The originally festive Li household suddenly plunged into a suffocating crisis.

Nanny Luo was the most impartial of everyone, because she represented the Old Madam. After carefully inspecting the room three times, she walked to the landscape painting on the left wall, took down the painting, and examined it carefully but found nothing. Just as she was putting the painting down, her hand suddenly froze. She brought the entire painting to her nose and sniffed, then her expression changed. Subsequently, she actually carried the painting and presented it to Imperial Physician Wang: “Please take a look.”

Seeing her strange expression, Imperial Physician Wang couldn’t help saying: “One moment.” He then received the painting and carefully examined it. Everyone held their breath, nervously watching him.

Before long, Imperial Physician Wang had reached a conclusion: “Minister Li, I’ve discovered traces of musk on this painting.” Having said this, he held up the painting. Li Xiaoran leaned in to look, his brow furrowing involuntarily…

Li Weiyang watched coldly, her expression perfectly composed, as if whatever the other side said had nothing to do with her at all.

“This is just an ordinary landscape painting.” Second Madam said strangely, truly unable to see anything different.

But Imperial Physician Wang shook his head: “Under normal circumstances, if someone harbored ill intentions, they would place musk in an incense burner. Musk powder has a strong, pervasive fragrance, most easily causing miscarriage, but this way it’s easily discovered. This culprit was extremely cunning, mixing musk into the pigments. The scent is extremely faint—without careful examination, ordinary people cannot detect it.” As Imperial Physician Wang spoke, he used a small knife to scrape off a piece of the painting paper, then ordered someone to bring a bowl of plain boiled water. He placed the paper in it. The original painting immediately blurred. After a moment, once the pigment dissolved, a faint fragrance wafted out. Imperial Physician Wang indicated for the maid to present it to Li Xiaoran.

Nanny Luo said with a grave expression: “Please Master carefully smell it. The scent on the painting is extremely faint—very difficult to detect unless one gets close. But once the pigment dissolves in water, the scent becomes different. This servant boldly speculates that the culprit ground solid musk tablets and mixed them into the pigments. Once the painting dried, it became very difficult to detect. This way, people who don’t understand fragrances, even if they carefully inspected the entire room, wouldn’t think to examine a seemingly ordinary painting.”

Having finished speaking, everyone in the room showed changed expressions.

Nanny Rong loudly exclaimed: “No wonder we couldn’t discover it! This painting was hanging properly—who would go inspect it?” With one sentence, she absolved the other attending maids of guilt.

Imperial Physician Wang said: “Not discovering it is actually normal. Many painters like to add a little musk to quality musk materials to make musk ink for writing and painting—fragrant and quiet. If properly sealed, characters and paintings can be preserved long-term, preventing rot and insects. But for pregnant women, this is very troublesome. Ordinary people definitely wouldn’t notice such a painting. Even if they discovered it, they’d think it normal. If not for Nanny Luo’s careful attention just now, it would almost have been overlooked.”

Jiang Yuelan cried out in grief: “Who exactly tampered with this painting?!”

Li Xiaoran shouted angrily: “Investigate! Thoroughly investigate where this painting came from!”

Nanny Rong made a show of shock and guilt: “Master, paintings also belong to furnishings. Previously nothing from Madam’s room was moved. Arriving at the new room, Madam saw the walls were bare and felt it wasn’t elegant enough, so she specifically ordered this servant to ask Stewardess Liu to open the small storage and request a painting to hang.”

Li Xiaoran flew into a rage: “Stewardess Liu? Call her in!”

Li Weiyang watched coldly without saying a word, as if completely ignorant of their actions.

Before long, Stewardess Liu ran back panting. Having run too fast, entering the room she nearly fell head over heels.

“Stewardess Liu, who exactly instructed you to send this painting!” Li Xiaoran said sternly.

Stewardess Liu, covered in sweat, looked at Li Xiaoran in complete confusion, then saw the painting and suddenly understood: “Master refers to this painting? Because Madam said the room was too bare and unsightly, she specifically ordered Nanny Rong to find this servant, saying she wanted some furnishings. These aren’t particularly valuable, so this servant opened the small storage and let Nanny Rong choose—”

The Emperor, Consort Rou, including the Old Madam and others had all given Li Weiyang many rewards, among them quite a few large items. Not being particularly valuable, Li Weiyang hadn’t specifically moved them into her own room. Including some screens, landscape paintings, and even some rosewood vanity boxes—all were given to Stewardess Liu for safekeeping, stored in the small storage behind the courtyard. Stewardess Liu was the Old Madam’s person. After Li Weiyang investigated her, she’d always trusted her relatively well. But that she would open the storage for Nanny Rong without informing herself was truly too bizarre.

“Stewardess Liu, did you open the small storage yourself?” Old Madam Li frowned.

Finally Stewardess Liu sensed something wasn’t right. Though she was sent by the Old Madam to care for Third Miss, Third Miss’s courtyard already had favored maids—there was no room for her to say much. Third Miss moreover rarely let her concern herself with matters in the room. She could only guard a pile of dead objects, unable to gain any benefits. Usually it was fine, but recently seeing Steward Xiao, similarly assigned to Fourth Miss’s quarters, wearing gold and silver—obviously benefits gained from Fourth Miss—naturally her heart became unbalanced. When Madam sent Nanny Rong to request things, she wanted to curry favor but also feared Li Weiyang somewhat, so she sent someone to ask for instructions. Who knew Li Weiyang happened to enter the palace? She thought it wasn’t a major matter anyway, so she agreed and let people into the small storage.

Originally she worried Nanny Rong would choose something too conspicuous. Who knew it was merely a painting? Only then did Stewardess Liu relax, saying she’d inform Miss later. Nanny Rong then said it was just a small item—specially mentioning it would make mother and daughter seem distant. Madam herself would inform Miss, et cetera. She even specifically gave Stewardess Liu a gold bracelet. Stewardess Liu then understood the other’s meaning and said no more. Now being questioned by the Old Madam, Stewardess Liu was covered in cold sweat, only glancing at Li Weiyang, almost unable to speak.

Nanny Rong said sternly: “Stewardess Liu, you told me at the time that Third Miss had already agreed!”

Stewardess Liu froze, then stammered, saying blankly: “Where did I say such a thing! Nanny Rong, how can you speak nonsense! Clearly you said no need to report—Madam herself would tell Miss! How can you randomly blame me!”

Li Weiyang said flatly: “Old Madam, Father, I never permitted this servant to give this painting to Mother!”

But Nanny Rong loudly said: “Master, Old Madam! Without Third Miss’s permission, would a mere servant dare do this? Could it be that Stewardess Liu would tamper with the painting herself?!”

Li Xiaoran’s expression was extremely ugly. He sternly rebuked: “Stewardess Liu, this painting was treated with musk, causing Madam to miscarry. Do you know this?!”

Stewardess Liu was already trembling. Seeing Li Xiaoran’s furious expression, she couldn’t utter a word, clearly terrified.

Li Weiyang’s eyes held cold laughter, but her face seemed extremely angry: “What are you standing there for! Make yourself clear!”

Stewardess Liu shuddered, immediately saying: “This servant didn’t report to Third Miss. This servant truly knows nothing at all. Please spare this servant’s life, Master, spare my life!”

She was originally someone who didn’t like speaking, normally only knowing how to work. Today, knowing she’d inexplicably caused a great disaster, how could she not be afraid?

“Father, this painting is ‘Clear Wind Illustration’ by former dynasty painter Liu Shu—a gift the Princess bestowed upon me. Would the Princess also plot against Mother? Moreover, this painting sat in the small storage for a full half year. If someone truly deliberately tampered, why would they prepare so early?! And how coincidental that Mother would choose it? Isn’t this contradictory?” Li Weiyang said word by word.

Li Xiaoran’s expression grew increasingly ugly. He quickly examined the painting carefully over and over, then declared decisively: “No, this isn’t Liu Shu’s work. This is a forgery!”

Everyone’s expressions changed. Actually a forgery?!

Li Xiaoran was extremely knowledgeable about calligraphy and painting. He pointed at this Clear Wind Illustration, his expression cold: “Liu Shu always painted while thoroughly drunk. Precisely because of his unconventional personality, the inscriptions on his paintings always reversed convention. Orthodox technique runs right to left, written in blank spaces on the painting. But he went left to right, inscribing among bamboo and stone gaps. The script combined clerical and running-regular styles, the composition not written straight through to the end, but varying in size, high and low—appearing full of free and easy interest! But this painting, though superficially identical to Clear Wind Illustration, has inscriptions just like ordinary paintings—right to left! Therefore, this absolutely isn’t Liu Shu’s work!”

Old Madam Li heavily exhaled: “The Princess wouldn’t send forgeries. Therefore, someone must have switched this painting!”

Everyone’s gazes returned to Li Weiyang, but she laughed coldly: “This means everyone suspects me? The household’s food, clothing and daily necessities are all fixed. Who bought what medicine, who used what medicine—the household physicians know most clearly. When have I ever touched musk? Even the incense burner in my room uses calming incense, the most peaceful kind, not a trace of musk. Dare I ask, to harm someone, where would I obtain musk? This isn’t an ordinary item. Since you suspect me, might as well go outside to the shops and ask—have I or my maids ever set foot in an apothecary!”

“Dare I ask Third Miss, will you permit a search?” Nanny Rong said coldly.

“Search then.” Li Weiyang said coldly. She’d already guessed the other side would do this! Nothing more than these petty tricks anyway.

Nanny Luo glanced at the Old Madam. The Old Madam nodded. Nanny Luo then led people away. After a full half hour she returned and reported: “Third Miss’s room is completely clean. There’s nothing.”

Old Madam Li breathed a sigh of relief. She truly didn’t want Li Weiyang connected to this matter.

At this moment, Jiang Yuelan bit her fine white teeth hard, seeming both resentful and restrained, crying loudly: “Master, if not Third Miss, then who tampered with the painting? You must give Yuelan justice!”

Li Xiaoran’s head ached unbearably. He said coldly: “Truly nothing was found?”

Nanny Luo immediately answered: “This servant carefully inspected. Nothing was found.”

But Nanny Rong suddenly said from the side: “Master, there’s still Seventh Concubine. She might not be free of it!”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly: “Nanny Rong, Seventh Concubine is the most honest person. You even suspect her? Or perhaps you’d rather say my fourth brother carries musk on his person!”

Nanny Rong secretly laughed coldly, seemingly casually saying: “Third Miss, this servant merely speaks truthfully. Why must you become angry from embarrassment?”

Li Weiyang slightly curved her lips, printing traces of a smile between her brows and eyes, momentarily making people feel like a flame wrapped in ice layer rushing toward them: “Oh? You speak truthfully? Then why throw dirty water on Seventh Concubine?”

“Whether it’s dirty water, summon her and we’ll know!” Li Xiaoran said coldly. Saying this, he waved his hand, ordering people to summon Seventh Concubine.

Li Weiyang’s lips curved in a smile—cold and sinister, making people’s hearts turn cold. In her heart she actually understood perfectly well—the other side’s target wasn’t merely herself! Looking at the fragile matriarch on the bed not far away, she laughed coldly. Jiang Yuelan, you’re truly bold enough. Falsely accusing me is one thing, but dragging in Seventh Concubine as well. Good, very good, truly excellent!

“Old Madam, Master.” After Tan Shi performed her salute, not seeing them speak, she could only stand there awkwardly. Below knelt Stewardess Liu. Li Weiyang’s expression was cold. Seventh Concubine found it somewhat strange but didn’t think much of it.

“Tan Shi, Madam has miscarried. Did you know?” Li Xiaoran’s gaze looked directly at her, carrying indescribable severity.

Seeing Li Xiaoran question her, his tone extremely displeased, Seventh Concubine hastily said: “Madam had an incident? I didn’t know, otherwise I would have come to see long ago.”

“That won’t be necessary. I only ask you—did Weiyang give you any items?” By asking this way, Li Xiaoran clearly believed Li Weiyang used Seventh Concubine to hide something.

Imperial Physician Wang suddenly interrupted: “Wait a moment.” Everyone looked at him strangely. He quickly walked before Tan Shi: “Pardon the discourtesy, please remove the sachet you’re wearing.”

Tan Shi froze, then unconsciously obeyed, removing the sachet.

Imperial Physician Wang sniffed it, his expression indeed changing. He quickly poured out the pills from inside the sachet, carefully tasting them, then said gravely: “This is Suhe Pills.” Since Tan Shi entered, he’d smelled a unique faint fragrance. As expected, it was indeed so.

“What is this?” Li Xiaoran frowned.

Imperial Physician Wang explained: “Some patients suffering heart palpitations, or in states of fainting and shock, taking Suhe Pills can alleviate their condition.”

“What ingredients?” Li Xiaoran immediately pressed, clearly having grasped the key point.

“Because ancient texts discuss how musk can quickly enter muscles and bones, fully releasing medicinal properties. Therefore, Suhe Pills’ ingredients contain musk—”

Li Xiaoran flew into a rage. Without thinking he moved to slap Seventh Concubine. But Li Weiyang was faster. With one glance, Zhao Yue had already moved Seventh Concubine away. Li Xiaoran struck empty air, his expression immediately growing even uglier: “Li Weiyang! The evidence is irrefutable—you still won’t confess? You mother and daughter are simply too vicious and cruel, not even sparing such a small child. Aren’t you afraid of retribution?!”

Li Weiyang signaled for Zhao Yue to protect the panicked Tan Shi, saying coldly: “Father, say what you must before striking!” Saying this, she turned: “Seventh Concubine, tell me—where did these pills come from?”

Tan Shi’s expression showed extreme terror, but seeing the matter couldn’t be hidden, she told the truth: “Since giving birth to Minzhi, I’ve suffered heart palpitations, always waking in the middle of the night. I’ve seen many physicians to no avail, but feared Weiyang would worry, so I never dared mention it! Later when visiting Madam, I happened to meet Physician He. He said these pills could cure the illness. I listened to his words and kept taking them, never knowing what these pills contained!”

Li Xiaoran raged: “You didn’t know? How could you not know? What you carried was clearly for harming people!”

Tan Shi was shocked. Only now did she finally understand the truth. Her knees softened as she knelt, crying: “Master, Old Madam, even giving me a hundred times more courage, I wouldn’t dare harm Madam in the slightest, let alone a living life. I’m also a mother—how could I do such a thing!”

“Not admitting it makes everything fine? Come, go find Physician He for confrontation!” Li Xiaoran said icily.

On the bed, Jiang Yuelan continued crying without stopping. From beginning to end she hadn’t shown her face, only spoken two or three sentences, yet not one accusatory word. Without making a sound she’d already dragged both Li Weiyang and Tan Shi into the water—truly admirable.

The entire room fell into silence. Everyone waited, waiting for Physician He to come prove things. Tan Shi looked at Li Weiyang fearfully, but saw her expression extremely calm, actually seeming not to take this matter to heart at all.

Second Madam looked suspiciously at the panicked Tan Shi, then at the extremely composed Li Weiyang, increasingly doubting whether these two were truly mother and daughter. Why weren’t they alike at all? Compared to the honest Tan Shi, Li Weiyang was like an evil ghost reincarnated. No—or perhaps she came to collect debts, otherwise why was there no peace wherever she went? The more Second Madam thought this way, the more she felt it made sense. She couldn’t help saying softly to Li Changru: “How long will this case be tried? I still need to rest early tonight. Tomorrow I’m waiting to drink my daughter-in-law’s tea!”

Old Madam Li angrily said: “At a time like this you’re still thinking about that! Simply absurd!”

Second Madam was inexplicably yelled at. Seeing Old Madam Li’s rigid expression and trembling facial muscles, she immediately dared not make a sound, turning her face away. Second Miss said softly: “Mother, don’t say any more. The Old Madam is angry.”

After even the usually talkative Second Madam fell silent, the entire room became deathly quiet. At this moment, outside the guests were still at the banquet. Li Minde was receiving guests in front, having sent people three times to request Li Xiaoran, but he stubbornly refused to leave, insisting on waiting for the results of this interrogation.

Physician He was probably in his fifties, with a graying beard and a pair of shrewd eyes. Normally he appeared vigorous and energetic, but entering today, he had a cowering appearance, head lowered.

Li Xiaoran felt somewhat anxious: “Physician He, why are you lowering your head?!”

Physician He stammered: “Replying to Minister Li… I… I accidentally fell, so I carelessly injured my face. I’m somewhat afraid to see people.”

“That doesn’t matter. We asked you here today because there’s an important matter to consult about.” Li Xiaoran said. “Seventh Concubine says when she came to see Madam, you prescribed her Suhe Pills. Is this true?”

Physician He’s voice held a trace of trembling: “Naturally it’s true, true—” He repeated it twice in succession, yet seemed to have suffered some fright, unwilling even to raise his head.

Li Xiaoran’s voice rose: “Physician He, raise your head to speak!”

Physician He had no choice but to raise his head, revealing a face covered in bruises, his nose bridge broken. This absolutely couldn’t result from a fall—clearly he’d been beaten into this state. Everyone was shocked. Old Madam Li quickly said: “Physician He, this is—who dared to be so bold!”

Li Weiyang frowned. She’d instructed Zhao Nan that when capturing people, he absolutely couldn’t leave injuries. But Physician He appeared this way—who exactly beat him? Could Zhao Nan have violated her orders? No, impossible. Zhao Nan had never mentioned this matter, meaning he hadn’t touched Physician He even with a finger. On this point, she believed Zhao Nan wouldn’t act recklessly.

Physician He fell to his knees with a thud, his voice carrying tears: “Minister Li, I truly don’t dare speak anymore! Whatever I say, it’s all death! Your household’s Third Miss—I truly cannot afford to offend! Please save my life!”

Li Xiaoran laughed loudly and coldly. With a “swish” he stood up from his chair, his gaze pressing toward Li Weiyang like a sword. Perhaps even he didn’t know that though his gaze was sharp, it also contained deep unease—like an overly thin sword blade constantly trembling. In his heart, he felt a fear of Li Weiyang, a terrible fear. But now he had to punish her. If he retreated, he would completely lose his dignity as both father and household head: “Li Weiyang, what exactly did you do! Did you go threaten Physician He!”

At this moment, Old Madam Li’s face showed an expression like she wanted to expel something stuck in her chest, but her lips remained rigidly closed, saying nothing.

Nanny Rong said: “Physician He, tell us truthfully how Third Miss threatened you. Master will certainly seek justice for you! Absolutely won’t allow those evildoers to falsely accuse you again!”

Li Weiyang snorted coldly: “Yes, Physician He, how exactly did I threaten you? Why not speak directly?”

By now Physician He’s forehead had long since broken out in beads of sweat, kneeling on the ice-cold floor, seemingly extremely troubled.

Finally, the Old Madam spoke: “Tell the truth honestly. If it truly is so—you must not hide anything!”

Physician He steeled himself to glance at Li Weiyang, deliberately straightening his back: “Old Madam, the day before yesterday when I returned from making house calls, I was kidnapped by a group of evildoers. They dragged me away and imprisoned me, even torturing me severely, demanding I do as they said—no matter what I refused to agree, they wouldn’t release me. Later they even used gold and silver to bribe me, teaching me to say that Madam actually wasn’t pregnant, that she’d taken medicine capable of falsifying pregnancy symptoms to deceive several physicians’ collective diagnosis—I also vaguely heard them say their master was Princess Anping County… Seeing I wouldn’t yield to either hardness or softness, they even kidnapped my grandson. Finally I had no choice but to agree!”

The people in the room grew increasingly shocked as they listened. In this instant, everyone’s gazes fixed on Li Weiyang with an almost disbelieving expression.

Yet Physician He continued: “Originally the medicine I prescribed Seventh Concubine was indeed Suhe Fragrance. These pills actually contain very little musk—absolutely wouldn’t threaten bodily health. But Seventh Concubine specifically told me the medicine’s effects weren’t obvious, she still couldn’t rest day or night, insisting I increase the dosage. Only then did I give her higher-content Suhe Fragrance, which is musk pills—”

Everyone now understood completely. Li Weiyang first colluded with Seventh Concubine to obtain musk from Physician He, then used the musk to tamper with the landscape painting, plotting against her legitimate mother’s child. She also prepared to have Physician He bite back, making everyone believe Jiang Yuelan “faked pregnancy,” then deliberately created the appearance of miscarriage to falsely accuse Li Weiyang. Such vicious scheming!

Li Weiyang glanced at Zhao Yue, seeing her face also showing a shocked expression. She couldn’t help sighing inwardly. These siblings both excelled at killing and guarding but weren’t skilled at scheming and strategy. Jiang Yuelan had calculated everything. She was actually truly pregnant, but deliberately aroused Li Weiyang’s suspicions, making her think it was deliberately faked pregnancy, trying to obtain the so-called “truth” from Physician He’s mouth. What Zhao Nan learned from Physician He was indeed about Jiang Yuelan “pretending” to be pregnant. However, all of this was designed by the other side beforehand—including Physician He’s testimony, his current retraction, everything, everything was a trap designed by Jiang Yuelan.

At this moment, Physician He had already produced that banknote: “This is the banknote Third Miss used to bribe me. If I accepted it, my conscience truly wouldn’t be at peace! Please take it back!”

Having reached this point, Li Weiyang’s guilt was established with both testimony and physical evidence, leaving absolutely no room for denial! Li Xiaoran didn’t shout or make a scene, but blazing sparks shot from his eyes, even killing intent. Yet when his gaze met Li Weiyang’s icy stare, a cruel yet resentful smile quickly floated to his lips—pressing Li Weiyang: “You lowborn wretch, what more do you have to say!”

He’d made up his mind to use this opportunity to completely eliminate this uncontrollable daughter!

Li Weiyang’s current situation had been forced to the cliff’s edge, yet she arrogantly looked askance at Li Xiaoran, only feeling how weak and laughable he was. Speaking of irony, this father of hers held the position of Prime Minister, daily summoning and commanding imperiously, yet at heart he was more cowardly than anyone. Clearly knowing this matter had hidden circumstances behind it, yet insisting on using this opportunity to eliminate her. Fundamentally, it was only because she couldn’t be controlled, making him feel increasingly afraid!

She lowered her head and laughed coldly, then raised it, staring directly into his eyes. Li Xiaoran only felt her gaze carried a bone-chilling coldness. His heart shuddered, his imposing manner immediately deflating completely—he’d never seen Li Weiyang with such an expression. For a moment he was actually intimidated.

Li Weiyang laughed coldly at him, but slowly shifted her gaze to Jiang Yuelan. Her pitch-black, translucent eyes revealed a vast, unfathomable expression: “Mother, I hope you won’t change your current resolve.”

Her voice was soft and light yet carried extreme cruelty. Jiang Yuelan almost had the illusion—that she was about to be cast into hell! No, how could that be?! The victor was clearly herself—success was imminent. She absolutely didn’t believe Li Weiyang still had any method to turn the tables!