What trump card did Li Weiyang still have… Jiang Yuelan grew very nervous, almost unable to speak.

Li Weiyang casually picked up the teapot from the table, poured herself a cup of tea, then sat down, saying leisurely: “Today is Second Brother’s joyous day, yet such a matter occurred—truly inauspicious. I imagine Second Sister-in-law who just entered the household must feel very aggrieved.” Saying this, her face revealed a regretful expression. “However, right and wrong, black and white—heaven itself has its judgments. A single tongue cannot explain everything clearly.”

Jiang Yuelan’s lashes trembled like butterfly wings.

Seeing her reaction, Li Weiyang smiled even more cheerfully: “Mother, are you nervous? Don’t be nervous. I have no other meaning—I only hope Father will thoroughly investigate this matter…” Saying this, she set down her teacup and slowly continued: “Father… are you so certain that Weiyang is guilty?”

Li Xiaoran stared at her coldly. However, Li Weiyang only opened a pair of eyes deep as ancient wells, gazing at him unblinkingly. The fire in Li Xiaoran’s heart was inexplicably doused by a basin of ice water from head to toe. Originally wanting to rage, he was actually stared at by those cold, ghostly eyes until extremely uncomfortable, only able to say stiffly: “Fine, unless you can give me a reasonable explanation sufficient to prove your innocence!”

“Physician He says I bribed him. Dare I ask, was this banknote given by me?” Li Weiyang raised an eyebrow and smiled again, saying carelessly: “Has it been exchanged at the bank?”

“I absolutely wouldn’t be bribed by you—how would I exchange it?” Physician He felt something wasn’t quite right. He stopped, looking at Li Weiyang’s extremely serious expression, coughing several times.

“Good. Since you still don’t know where you erred, I’ll tell you. To be frank, this is truly the first time I’ve seen such a despicable creature unafraid of death. I never kidnapped you from beginning to end. The evidence lies in this banknote you’re holding.” Li Weiyang smiled: “The banknote in your hand is from Huitong Bank. Unfortunately, I’ve never deposited gold or silver at that bank. I don’t know how I could have issued you such a banknote?”

Jiang Yuelan’s complexion turned pale for an instant. She hadn’t expected Li Weiyang would produce a completely nonexistent banknote. Did this prove the other side had long prepared against Physician He’s betrayal? Naturally, if Physician He testified against Jiang Yuelan as previously promised, Li Weiyang would give him sufficient benefits afterward. But if he betrayed at the critical moment, such a completely useless banknote was obviously the biggest flaw, sufficient to prove the bribery claim was pure fabrication. But the problem was, she’d personally examined that banknote—it indeed bore Huitong Bank’s seal, absolutely couldn’t be fake. How could…

How could Jiang Yuelan at this moment possibly guess that the behind-the-scenes owner of Huitong Bank was Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu? Li Weiyang had already planned everything before even producing this banknote.

Li Weiyang said slowly: “Since the banknote absolutely cannot be exchanged, in other words, your claim that I used money to bribe you is completely fabricated. As for the injuries on your body, Imperial Physician Wang is right here. We can certainly have him examine whether you injured yourself or were beaten by external force.”

Old Madam Li couldn’t help saying: “Weiyang, what do you mean by this?”

Li Weiyang glanced faintly at Imperial Physician Wang: “You’re the authority in this area. I think there’s no need for me to show off my meager skills before an expert.”

Imperial Physician Wang nodded, saying to everyone: “I understand Third Miss’s meaning. Physician He, may I examine you?”

Physician He immediately stood up, his expression changing dramatically: “Third Miss wants to examine, then examine! Why speak so coldly and sarcastically? Do you think I’m afraid of your examination!” An expression of having a clear conscience.

Seeing his expression, Li Xiaoran frowned: “Weiyang, what exactly do you mean!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “If Physician He were truly kidnapped and beaten, his body would certainly be covered in injuries, because any person whose brain hasn’t broken would know that injuries to the face are easily discovered by others—moreover these so obvious, impossible to conceal no matter what. To make someone endure pain and confess everything, one should rather strike places on the body not easily detected by others. Physician He, you couldn’t possibly only have injuries on your face. Why not let Imperial Physician Wang properly examine you, also to avoid any hidden injuries!”

Physician He suddenly became panicked. Almost instinctively he glanced at Jiang Yuelan still sitting on the bed behind the gauze curtain, then immediately turned back, loudly saying to Li Weiyang: “You’re spouting nonsense! Could I have deliberately injured myself to frame you?! Why would I do such a thing?!”

Li Weiyang sighed gently, her voice becoming gentle: “That banknote wasn’t given by me, so money absolutely cannot be withdrawn. The injuries on your body also weren’t inflicted by my orders, but rather you deliberately struck yourself harshly, injuring your face so others could see. I also want to ask you—why do this? Could it be to help someone testify against me?”

Everyone froze, their gazes beginning to look suspiciously toward Jiang Yuelan over there.

Jiang Yuelan’s heart jumped in alarm. She couldn’t help steeling herself, pressing her lips, her eyes slightly reddening: “Weiyang… I already said this matter doesn’t blame you. Why must you point at the mulberry and curse the locust? Are you saying I instructed Physician He to frame you? This kind of thing… how could I do such a thing? You’re truly… truly too excessive!”

With a “bang,” Li Xiaoran’s teacup smashed on the floor. He quickly stood up, staring at Li Weiyang, his expression serious: “Nothing but lies! What exactly are you trying to do!”

Seeing Li Xiaoran rage, everyone else trembled, almost not daring to speak at such a time. Yet Li Weiyang still sat in her chair, not even her lashes trembling as she continued: “What’s wrong with Father? You let Mother speak but won’t let me? Word spreads—people will say you’re biased. I’m also your own flesh and blood.” She spoke as if quite moved, yet her expression held not the slightest sadness. Hearing this in Li Xiaoran’s ears naturally grated extremely, his expression growing even darker: “Li Weiyang, do you know to whom you’re speaking?”

To whom? Of course to this selfish, morally bankrupt father of hers. Previously, though he deliberately indulged the vicious First Madam without intervening, at least he’d never deprived her of anything. But now look at him—practically wanting to eliminate her first! On this point, Li Weiyang could understand him. Li Xiaoran liked the feeling of having everything under control. The former First Madam at least superficially respected him greatly, following all his opinions. But Li Weiyang wouldn’t—she was always willful and reckless, even disregarding the friendship between the Li and Jiang families to completely turn against them. Though Li Xiaoran didn’t say so aloud before, in his heart he was extremely angry. Though he later gained considerable benefits from it, fundamentally speaking, the displeasure buried in his heart would eventually erupt—merely a matter of sooner or later.

Li Weiyang opened a pair of eyes transparent as ancient wells, looking at him very seriously, then suddenly curved her lips. She was quite delicate in appearance. At this moment, her lips lightly lifting, the expression didn’t appear particularly sharp, but in others’ eyes, she smiled with extreme cruelty. Her red lips stretched into a beautiful arc, word by word, utterly ice-cold: “Of course I know! But Father, do you know what intentions this woman you’re protecting harbors?”

A fierce glint flashed through Li Xiaoran’s eyes as he said coldly: “Li Weiyang, if you don’t shut your mouth, I’ll use the Li family’s household discipline to punish you. When that time comes, don’t blame this father for being heartless!”

Li Weiyang stood up, walking step by step over, standing on equal footing with her father, her attitude neither servile nor overbearing: “Father, why must you rage? Weiyang is merely reminding you to see clearly the woman beside you, not to make the same mistakes as before.”

“What?” Li Xiaoran almost thought he’d misheard.

Li Weiyang’s voice said coldly: “How you indulged the First Madam back then—do you still remember? When she persecuted me, you once said you would stand on my side henceforth. But in barely a year, Father has already switched sides. Could it be that in your heart, beauty is more important than your children?”

Fury flashed across Li Xiaoran’s face, but he quickly suppressed it, laughing instead of raging: “Good, truly my fine daughter—actually daring to openly accuse Father of wrongdoing! Do you still understand filial piety!”

The two words “filial piety” pressed down, indeed heavy as a thousand pounds. Li Changxiao at the side was already trembling, too frightened to speak. She feared matters growing worse, quickly advising Li Weiyang softly: “Third Sister, quickly apologize to Father. Don’t speak this way!” She was a typical refined lady, gentle in temperament, naturally extremely frightened.

Meanwhile Second Madam and others, who usually delighted in chaos, this time also saw Li Xiaoran’s fury burning extremely fiercely. They didn’t dare utter half a word, only fixing their eyes tightly on every person in the entire room, fearing they’d miss their expressions and misjudge the situation.

The only one breaking a cold sweat for Li Weiyang was Old Madam Li. Speaking frankly, she held feelings for Li Weiyang—very deep feelings. In this Li household, the First Madam had always been self-important. Before others she showed herself great respect, but behind their backs was cold and indifferent, even keeping the eldest grandson and granddaughter distant. Though Second Madam was eloquent, she ultimately wasn’t the birth daughter-in-law. Moreover, she was long on hair but short on insight—Old Madam Li always looked down on her. Originally Third Madam could still chat together, but she also lacked fortune. As for Fourth Concubine, Sixth Concubine and their ilk—because of humble birth, occasionally meeting they merely exchanged polite pleasantries, never truly conversing. The granddaughters came daily to pay respects, but before her they merely stood properly in a row. She asked one question, they answered one—nothing but ordinary household talk, absolutely not intimate. The exception was only Li Weiyang.

At first Old Madam Li perhaps still harbored thoughts of using her to give the First Madam a lesson. But habit became nature. The First Madam fell, yet Li Weiyang remained at her side. In the Li household, whether morning or afternoon respects, all were scheduled—one couldn’t casually run over. Only Li Weiyang was different. She came whenever she wanted. The name was paying respects, but actually the Old Madam needed her for chatting and dispelling boredom. To the point that later, Old Madam Li simply couldn’t do without her. If she didn’t go to Hexiang Court one day, the Old Madam felt uncomfortable and would definitely send someone to summon her. Not just for dispelling boredom—more importantly, Li Weiyang had gradually occupied a very important position in her heart.

Seeing Li Xiaoran so aggressive, Old Madam Li coughed lightly: “Weiyang is merely a child. Whatever words can be spoken properly. Why glare so fiercely!”

Li Xiaoran froze, then looked surprised. The Old Madam was actually clearly helping Li Weiyang. This was the first time. Previously she’d always refrained from speaking to maintain household fairness. But now…

Nanny Rong’s face paled: “Old Madam, this servant knows you cherish your granddaughter, but what about Madam? She carried your grandson in her belly. Would you watch him die unjustly?”

Old Madam Li looked at her coldly: “When did the Li household become so lacking in rules that when masters speak, it’s an old slave’s turn to lecture me?”

Nanny Rong only felt the Old Madam’s gaze incomparably cold. Her heart jumped in alarm as she quickly knelt: “This servant spoke too quickly in a moment. Please forgive this servant, Old Madam! Old Madam, please forgive!”

The Old Madam laughed coldly: “This household has truly descended into chaos. Who knows where all the former rules went? Even servants’ bones have become light and flighty!” These words clearly accused Jiang Yuelan of failing to properly discipline the household servants.

Jiang Yuelan’s eyes reddened, about to shed tears. Nanny Rong quickly desperately slapped her own face, saying repeatedly: “This servant is bad, this servant is bad, Old Madam. Please absolutely don’t blame Madam!”

“Enough! You’re giving me a headache with this noise!” As soon as the Old Madam spoke, Li Xiaoran immediately said: “Nanny Rong, won’t you shut up!”

Nanny Rong, crying halfway, had no choice but to suppress her voice. Her face flushed red from holding it in, but she didn’t dare say anything more.

Li Xiaoran pressed Li Weiyang again: “You’ve spoken at such length. Those two doubts indeed exist, but it’s also possible you deliberately deceived Physician He with a fake banknote precisely to prevent him from failing to accomplish what he promised you. Or perhaps you’re using this old notion of not striking the face to create a false trail. Therefore, these two doubts aren’t sufficient to prove you’re correct. Do you have more substantial evidence?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Evidence? What more evidence is needed? When Father ignores such obvious evidence, whatever evidence daughter produces will be futile, won’t it?” She spoke as if resigned, but in fact, her eyes sparkled with rippling light, faintly suggesting other thoughts. Jiang Yuelan thought precisely this. She’d originally assumed Li Weiyang had countless trump cards waiting somewhere, so she’d prepared to counter move for move, to properly battle her. Yet unexpectedly the other side admitted defeat so easily—simply unbelievable.

Li Weiyang actually said she had nothing more to say? This was truly too strange! The more Jiang Yuelan thought, the more suspicious she became. Her gaze almost urgently wandered across Li Weiyang’s face, trying to find some clue. However, Li Weiyang’s face showed no expression at all—only indifference, as if completely unconcerned. No! Something definitely wasn’t right! Li Weiyang absolutely wasn’t someone so easily dealt with!

Things being thus, if Li Weiyang now desperately defended herself with shrill arguments, Jiang Yuelan would definitely be triumphant. But now seeing the other side’s calm, seemingly helpless appearance, Jiang Yuelan grew afraid from her heart.

“Li Weiyang, are you admitting your guilt?” A strange light flashed through Li Xiaoran’s eyes as he slowly, sinisterly stared at her.

With gentle words, he brought the indoor atmosphere back to its previous dark, murderous state.

Old Madam Li looked at Li Weiyang in shock, while Li Weiyang gazed quietly at her father, a barely perceptible cold smile crossing the depths of her eyes.

“What are you waiting for? Seize her!” Li Xiaoran’s face darkened.

Old Madam Li heavily slapped the table, saying in a deep voice: “I’d like to see who dares!”

Li Xiaoran looked at his mother in disbelief: “You clearly heard everything. Why still protect this girl? Don’t you know what kind of person she is? Persecuting her legitimate mother, bribing physicians, killing her own younger brother—such a person, would you still keep her in the household?”

Old Madam Li said angrily: “I absolutely don’t believe Weiyang is such a person! Absolutely not! If you don’t investigate properly before assigning guilt, how will this convince people?”

So many years, this was the first time the Old Madam spoke so sternly. Instead it made Li Xiaoran momentarily dazed. Then he grew even more furious, burning as if about to disintegrate into ash. He said rapidly: “Old Madam, I know this girl is usually good at flattery. You’ve been deceived by her honeyed words, which is why you believe in her innocence. Now with testimony and evidence both present, no matter how eloquent she is, the evidence is ironclad! Other matters I can defer to you, but in this matter, I must uphold justice!” Saying this, he shouted loudly: “Are all the people outside dead? Still not coming in!”

At this moment veins bulged on his forehead, uncontrollable rage transforming into stern shouts. He appeared extremely frightening. Li Weiyang watched coldly but said nothing, as if silently waiting for something to happen. Before guards could rush in hearing the summons, everyone saw Li Xiaoran collapse thunderously to the floor. Maids immediately screamed. Nanny Luo was the first to react, shouting: “Quick! Quick, help Master up!”

Immediately people rushed forward, helping him sit in a chair. Li Xiaoran gasped in great gulps, his entire face flushed purple, almost unable to catch his breath. Maids busied themselves wringing hand towels, pouring tea, fanning—guards entering and seeing this scene all looked at each other, momentarily standing there not knowing what to do.

Old Madam Li, momentarily heartbroken for her son, quickly stood: “Imperial Physician Wang! Please come examine him!”

Imperial Physician Wang was also frightened by this sudden change, seemingly momentarily motionless. Hearing Old Madam Li’s voice, he immediately came to his senses, taking three steps in two to approach. He carefully examined the pulse, then furrowed his brow—

Amid this chaos, everyone’s expressions showed alarm and unease. Jiang Yuelan, seeing Li Xiaoran collapse, immediately struggled to have Nanny Rong help her down from the bed. Disregarding everything else she walked over, her steps unsteady, even her complexion incomparably pale—clearly the appearance of someone who’d just miscarried.

Li Weiyang looked at Jiang Yuelan with a calm expression, laughing coldly. The other side was truly pregnant but had deliberately laid traps before her, making her think the pregnancy was fake. When she exposed everything, it would naturally become false accusation. Hmph, truly expended considerable thought.

Jiang Yuelan felt the gaze cast upon her, almost immediately turning back. Precisely at this moment, Li Weiyang stood to one side in shadows candlelight couldn’t illuminate, behind her the endless darkness of deep night—so black, like terrifying death, as if about to crash down upon her.

Jiang Yuelan’s mind went completely blank, like a sharp awl forcefully stirring in her brain. She couldn’t care about anything else, didn’t dare look further, turning to watch Li Xiaoran, tightly grasping his hand: “Master, Master, you absolutely mustn’t collapse. Please rally yourself—”

Li Weiyang’s expression gained a bit more of a smile that wasn’t quite a smile.

Having examined for a long while, Imperial Physician Wang’s expression grew increasingly grave: “Minister Li’s pulse—something’s wrong—”

Old Madam Li grew tense, her eyes fixed tightly on Imperial Physician Wang: “What’s wrong?”

Imperial Physician Wang’s complexion turned extremely ugly. Under everyone’s suspicious gazes, he swallowed, saying: “This—I don’t dare say. Please ask the Old Madam to seek another expert!”

Hearing this, Old Madam Li’s expression immediately changed dramatically. Actually disregarding propriety, she quickly stepped forward and grabbed Imperial Physician Wang’s sleeve: “You’ve treated our household for so many years. You’re the physician we trust most. Besides you, who else could we seek! If you have concerns, how can I ask others?! If there’s illness it must be treated. Please speak frankly!”

Li Xiaoran still gasped heavily, his complexion also turning from liver-red to pale. The muscles beneath his eyebrows faintly twitched, almost unable to restrain his body’s constant trembling. His eyes widened, staring fixedly at Imperial Physician Wang: “Imperial Physician Wang, speak if you have something to say!” He squeezed these words out from his mouth word by word.

Imperial Physician Wang nodded: “Then please ask the Old Madam to dismiss all irrelevant people from the room.”

Old Madam Li looked around, then nodded at Nanny Luo. The other immediately understood, ordering guards to first take Physician He away. All servants also departed, leaving only a few trusted people, which of course included Nanny Rong who’d been an important witness all along.

But Imperial Physician Wang’s expression didn’t improve because of this. He surveyed the circle, saying gravely: “This matter is extremely significant. Just now examining Minister Li’s pulse, it was floating and weak, extremely soft—I fear it’s nothing good. Minister Li, how has your physical condition been recently?”

Jiang Yuelan glanced at Li Xiaoran, answering for him: “These past three or four months, Master has suffered from sun sickness. Each time exposed to sunlight he feels weak all over or sweats. His skin appears flushed, and he frequently experiences inexplicable heart palpitations and shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness in his limbs—even eating far less than before.” Having just miscarried, she now spoke while swaying unsteadily. Nanny Rong beside her quickly handed over a chair for her to sit. She caught her breath before continuing: “I wonder if this is what Imperial Physician Wang refers to?”

“Sun sickness?” Imperial Physician Wang nodded, but his expression became even more shocked and suspicious, as if shaken by some terrible fact. Everyone watched him tensely. Only Li Weiyang merely gazed at these people with ghostly eyes, her expression showing neither joy nor anger, yet incomparably cold, even carrying a trace of faint mockery, as if she’d long anticipated this point. Unfortunately, no one now paid her any attention—everyone’s focus was on Li Xiaoran.

Old Madam Li felt increasingly nervous: “Imperial Physician Wang, what exactly is going on?”

Imperial Physician Wang said: “Minister Li, when did these symptoms begin?”

Li Xiaoran pondered a moment before answering: “The heart palpitations and shortness of breath symptoms—approximately half a year ago. The sun sickness was discovered three or four months ago. However, I’ve seen several physicians who all said it was due to overwork—shouldn’t be serious—”

“No. Minister Li has consumed excessive cottonseed oil—this is what produced a series of strange symptoms.” Imperial Physician Wang spoke haltingly, clearly very hesitant.

“Cottonseed oil?” Old Madam Li’s expression grew more confused, not knowing what thing could make Imperial Physician Wang show such an expression.

“Minister Li, may I examine your personal belongings?” Imperial Physician Wang said thus. Upon hearing, Li Xiaoran nodded, removing the jade pendant and sweat cloth from his waist. After thinking, he also withdrew a Tianyan agate snuff bottle from his breast, handing everything to Imperial Physician Wang.

Snuff had been introduced from outside in recent years. People habitually mixed finely ground quality tobacco powder with borneol, mint and other precious medicinal materials, sealing it in wax pills to age for years or even decades. Inhaling this tobacco played a certain role in relieving fatigue. This snuff bottle was a congratulatory gift sent by the Jiang family after Jiang Yuelan married. Logically speaking, Li Xiaoran definitely wouldn’t carry such a thing on his person, but Jiang Xu understood his thoughts too well.

Everyone had their own hobbies. Someone as cautious and careful as Li Xiaoran was no exception. When people faced their hobbies, they always couldn’t resist. Li Xiaoran firstly loved landscapes, secondly loved collecting special snuff bottles. This Tianyan agate snuff bottle possessed both. The landscape painting on the bottle wall was made by a famous master—simplicity within complexity, profound artistic conception, meticulous brushwork both rigid and liberally flowing. The painting’s protagonist was a carefree scholar, one hand grasping an exquisitely translucent luminous cup, the other holding a scroll, reclining on a decorative rock, facing fragrant grape wine, reading while drinking heartily. The brushwork depicting the figure’s clothing moved like flowing clouds, fully expressing the scholar’s leisurely disposition. The background used clear, unrestrained brushwork for depiction—sometimes splashing ink liberally, sometimes dry and flying white, extremely abstractly beautiful, precisely secretly matching Li Xiaoran’s thoughts. Moreover, though the agate snuff bottle’s chamber was large, the walls were very thin. What the bottle contained could be seen clearly from outside. Most remarkably, when the craftsman hollowed the chamber, the front, back, left and right differed by almost nothing. Thus capped and placed in water, the bottle didn’t sink—could be called an absolutely superb treasure. Therefore, after Li Xiaoran’s initial inspection found no abnormalities, he kept this snuff bottle.

Imperial Physician Wang carefully examined everything. His gaze finally stopped on the snuff bottle. He then picked it up to examine carefully, also smelling it, before making a decision and finally saying: “It’s this. Though extremely faint, there’s a cottonseed oil scent!”

Old Madam Li asked strangely: “What is cottonseed oil? Is it poisonous?”

Imperial Physician Wang glanced at everyone, having no choice but to say: “Cottonseed oil is oil pressed from cottonseeds. The color is darker red than other oils. After refining it can be consumed by people, but consuming crude cottonseed oil can cause bodily harm—fairly high toxicity to liver, blood, and intestines. Most critically, this substance can also affect most men’s diminished desire for intercourse. Adult males consuming cottonseed oil for forty days will, in the short term… lose reproductive function…”

“What does that mean! What do you mean by losing reproductive function!” Li Xiaoran suddenly stood up from his chair.

“This means someone placed something in the snuff bottle to hinder Father’s heirs—” Li Weiyang said unexpectedly, her voice incomparably regretful.

“Nonsense! What cottonseed oil! Impossible! Yuelan was clearly pregnant!” Li Xiaoran could no longer endure it, jumping into a rage.

“Minister Li!” Imperial Physician Wang said loudly. “I absolutely would not lie. If you don’t believe it, you can find more famous physicians to examine. If I speak even half a false word, from today forth I’ll never practice medicine again!”

Li Xiaoran completely froze, struck heavily by Imperial Physician Wang’s decisive statement. His legs went soft as his entire person collapsed back into the chair. His unfocused gaze looked ahead, murmuring: “Unable to reproduce?”

“Yes. Minister Li, unable to reproduce.” Imperial Physician Wang slowly repeated it once.

Old Madam Li completely froze. After her body swayed several times, she also staggered and fell onto the nearby brocade couch.

Li Weiyang watched her father’s dejected appearance coldly without the slightest sympathy. Before Li Xiaoran, she no longer needed to pretend to be any filial daughter. After all, it was merely mutual deception anyway. When she’d initially learned the Jiang family’s gift had problems, she pretended ignorance precisely to wait for this day. She just hadn’t expected that to prevent discovery, the Jiang family administered too little medicine—Jiang Yuelan actually still became pregnant… Fortunately, once this news emerged, matters became entirely different. Li Weiyang only walked forward to support the Old Madam, saying gently: “Please take good care of your health.”

Old Madam Li’s teeth chattered audibly, her voice as if tangled underwater, struggling and spiraling before finally surfacing: “Imperial Physician Wang, is everything you’ve said true?”

Imperial Physician Wang said solemnly: “I’ve practiced medicine and saved lives my entire life. Though I won’t claim superior medical skills, I absolutely would never lie to patients.”

The room fell completely silent. Everyone who heard these words was naturally speechless and voiceless. The speaker even more so had a face like frost.

At this moment, Jiang Yuelan almost felt her throat burning: “No, impossible, absolutely impossible! You’re lying! You must be lying! How much silver did you receive from Li Weiyang? Why speak such a monstrous lie!”

“Imperial Physician Wang has absolutely no need to speak such an easily exposed lie. We need only find another physician to examine carefully to know whether his words are true or false.” Li Weiyang slowly spoke. No matter how many physicians came to examine, all would prove Li Xiaoran’s poor physical condition resulted from cottonseed oil’s influence. By then, no matter how Jiang Yuelan explained, it would be very difficult to make people believe the child in her belly belonged to Li Xiaoran.

“The Jiang family has absolutely no reason to do this! The two families are already marriage relatives—why go this far—” Jiang Yuelan said hatefully.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “The Jiang family truly expended considerable scheming. On one hand marrying you over to win over Father and our Li household, on the other hand sending this gift to lure you into their trap. As long as Father cannot produce heirs in future, my younger brother Minzhi is illegitimate-born. Father will definitely still forgive Elder Brother. At least no one can threaten Elder Brother and Elder Sister’s legitimate-born children’s positions. Of course, the Jiang family similarly guards against you, fearing you’d bear a legitimate son to threaten Elder Brother and Elder Sister’s positions. Only I’m afraid when they initially laid their trap, they didn’t expect Elder Sister to commit an unforgivable offense and be granted death, no longer able to control the Li household.” She glanced at Li Xiaoran, revealing a sighing expression. “Simply—” She looked at Li Xiaoran, revealing a sighing expression. “Simply strike at Father directly, completely severing our Li family’s lineage.”

Everyone who heard these words showed changed expressions. They looked toward Li Weiyang, seemingly pondering the meaning of these words. Not that their minds reacted slowly, but these matters truly came too suddenly, leaving them no way to accept them. If Master couldn’t reproduce, then—

Li Weiyang slowly smiled, but before her lips fully curved, it became a soundless sigh: “I only want to know—why, when Father cannot reproduce, did Mother suddenly become pregnant? Is this child of the Li family?!” Speaking to here, Li Weiyang’s gaze shifted from Jiang Yuelan to Li Xiaoran slumped in the chair, already unable to say anything. “Father, perhaps what you should thoroughly investigate isn’t how Weiyang persecuted Mother, but whose child is in her belly!”

“Li Weiyang, you’re slandering with vicious lies! You—you’re simply going too far. If this child isn’t your father’s, whose could it be!” Jiang Yuelan immediately grew agitated, almost about to faint. Her eyes reddened with urgency. “I’ve always stayed within the inner chambers—how could I—”

Li Weiyang sighed: “This is difficult to say. Calculating this child’s conception date, it seems to have been around Maternal Grandmother’s death. At that time, you stayed at the Jiang household for several days—”

Jiang Yuelan’s complexion immediately paled. Her child was indeed conceived after returning from the Jiang household. But now Li Weiyang used the fact she’d stayed at the Jiang household to punish her! Immediately disregarding everything else, she threw herself at Li Xiaoran’s side: “Master, Master, I absolutely wouldn’t dare do anything to betray you. This is all Li Weiyang lying, lying to persecute me. Master, you absolutely mustn’t believe her! She must have bribed Imperial Physician Wang, she must have!”

Li Xiaoran raised his head, seriously looking at Li Weiyang for a while. Then his gaze swept over Imperial Physician Wang and Old Madam Li before finally lowering his head to look at Jiang Yuelan, saying gently: “Since I was over ten years old, Imperial Physician Wang has come to the household for consultations. He’s never deceived us.”

With one sentence, Jiang Yuelan was cast into hell, trembling all over, her breathing suddenly becoming rapid: “Master, you doubt me?!”

Li Weiyang’s eyes held a smile, but her face floated an indescribable pity: “Mother, Father is benevolent, merely unwilling to speak plainly. In my view, you should confess truthfully.”

“Li Weiyang… what is your heart made of, how can it be so vicious?” Jiang Yuelan’s voice was extremely hoarse, every word forced out from between her teeth. At this moment, she suddenly understood the reason Li Weiyang had seemed to admit defeat earlier—the other side had deliberately provoked Li Xiaoran into falling ill, had been waiting for all this to happen. Everything was calculated! Thinking herself clever, she’d fallen into the other’s trap!

“I’m merely speaking justly. Since you say you’re pregnant, you must explain whose child it is, mustn’t you?” Li Weiyang’s face showed an extremely calm expression, seemingly carrying an ice-cold cruelty. She said slowly: “During that time at the Jiang household, you had opportunities to contact outsiders…”

Just then, suddenly hearing a crash outside, everyone jumped in fright. But in moments, outside already flashed with lightning and thunder. Lightning’s glow shone through the window paper, as if Jiang Yuelan’s face also tore apart in this instant. The wind and rain outside the window washed wantonly as if there were no tomorrow. Torrential rain fell to the ground, pounding on everyone’s hearts.

The cold night was so bone-chilling. Everyone in the room became incomparably fearful. Only Li Weiyang, composed, heartless, looking down from on high at Jiang Yuelan like watching an ant seeking its own death. She gently walked to Jiang Yuelan’s side, smiling gracefully: “Now, can you give us a reasonable explanation?” Li Weiyang’s voice was very gentle. The final sentence echoed in this room, making people’s hearts shake.

Rumble—another bolt of lightning flashed. Under such light, Jiang Yuelan’s face became incomparably terrified.

Imperial Physician Wang said: “Third Miss, nothing is absolute in this world. Perhaps—”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Is Imperial Physician Wang saying the medicine’s effects might not be so strong?”

Imperial Physician Wang fell silent as a cicada in winter. To say Li Xiaoran might still have reproductive capability—this was truly extremely uncertain. He couldn’t guarantee it either. Under such circumstances, whatever he said seemed wrong. Moreover, for a man, once suspicion was planted, it could never be removed. Li Xiaoran wouldn’t believe it.

At the critical moment, Nanny Rong suddenly knelt on the ground, prostrating at Li Weiyang’s feet, crying: “Third Miss, it’s all this servant’s fault, all this servant’s fault! This servant advised Madam to fake pregnancy to frame Third Miss! Everything is this servant’s fault!”

Fake pregnancy? Li Weiyang laughed coldly. If truly pregnant, with Imperial Physician Wang’s conclusion impossible to overturn, everyone would doubt Jiang Yuelan’s child’s unclear origins. But if fake pregnancy, then it was laying a trap to frame Third Miss. Between two evils choosing the lesser, Nanny Rong truly knew how to choose!

“Oh, fake pregnancy?” Li Weiyang seemed to mutter to herself.

“Yes, fake pregnancy!” Just as Jiang Yuelan was about to speak, Nanny Rong grabbed her. “That Physician He was bribed by this servant to give false testimony. He also prescribed medicine for Madam to take, making her appear truly pregnant. Everything was fake—Madam wasn’t pregnant, she truly wasn’t pregnant. If Master doesn’t believe, he can have Imperial Physician Wang verify!”

Imperial Physician Wang looked at Nanny Rong coldly: “I already examined just now. Your Madam clearly shows miscarriage symptoms—absolutely cannot be mistaken!”

Li Xiaoran suddenly stood up, his expression turning ashen: “Imperial Physician Wang, I’ll handle this matter properly. However, please absolutely keep this secret. Apart from the people in this room, I don’t want any rumors outside.”

Imperial Physician Wang considered for a moment before finally understanding. He nodded: “Very well, I’ll agree to that.” Saying this, he turned to Old Madam Li: “I should leave now.”

The Old Madam wearily said to Nanny Luo: “See Imperial Physician Wang out.”

After Imperial Physician Wang departed, the room fell into an eerie silence. Li Weiyang smiled. She understood Nanny Rong’s calculations too well—merely grasping that Li Xiaoran loved face, couldn’t possibly truly have someone verify. If Jiang Yuelan merely created the appearance of pregnancy to frame Li Weiyang, that wasn’t most terrible—merely a legitimate mother persecuting an illegitimate daughter. But if she were truly pregnant, that proved Jiang Yuelan had cuckolded Li Xiaoran.

Since Li Xiaoran believed Imperial Physician Wang’s words, he absolutely wouldn’t trust Jiang Yuelan again. In his heart, he’d already determined Jiang Yuelan’s child absolutely wasn’t his. He just wouldn’t permit anyone to examine again, would only acknowledge the first possibility—that Jiang Yuelan was framing Li Weiyang. For a man, this was always far better than being forced to admit being cuckolded.

However, Li Xiaoran absolutely wasn’t such a simple person. He was very suspicious, more suspicious than anyone… Therefore, Nanny Rong’s behavior was no different from drinking poison to quench thirst. Of course, this play must continue being performed. Henceforth the one mounting the guillotine would be Jiang Yuelan instead.

Li Weiyang didn’t pursue further. She’d never been particularly anxious about kicking people when they’re down. She only said flatly: “Since Nanny Rong has already admitted they laid a trap to frame me, Father, how will you handle this?”

Li Xiaoran turned to stare at Jiang Yuelan with an extremely cold and malicious expression. Jiang Yuelan shuddered, frightened until her entire body trembled. She had no way to explain—no matter what, he would never believe her again… Finished, everything was finished—her wealth, her marriage, her everything!