Upon hearing these words, everyone revealed expressions of shock. The First Madam was first to react. “What perilla seed? This is clearly the red ginseng that the Old Madam regularly consumes! Changle, you’re just a child—don’t talk nonsense!”

However, Li Changle spoke with absolute certainty. “I also have red ginseng in my quarters. How could I not recognize it? This is definitely not red ginseng!”

Everyone’s eyes fell upon what she held in her hand, but having been soaked with water and dropped on the ground, how could anyone still tell what it was? Yet Li Changle spoke with such conviction.

Li Weiyang watched her coldly, not saying a word.

Li Minfeng stood up, his expression turning stern. “Luxin, why aren’t you kneeling!”

The maid Luxin froze momentarily, then instinctively knelt down. Li Minfeng’s expression was extremely unpleasant. “You wretched girl! The Old Madam trusted you most, which is why she entrusted the tea preparation to you. How dare you secretly replace the Old Madam’s red ginseng!”

Luxin was completely at a loss, her face alternating between pale and flushed. “Young Master, this servant did not! How would this servant dare to secretly replace the Old Madam’s things—even if you gave this servant the courage of heaven, this servant could never do such a thing!”

Seeing this scene, the First Madam immediately realized something. A trace of an imperceptible smile crossed the corners of her mouth as she spoke. “Feng’er, Luxin has served the Old Madam for many years. I don’t believe she would do such a thing. We should investigate thoroughly! See exactly who entered the tea room!”

Luxin trembled violently, then lifted her head, looking toward Li Weiyang’s direction in disbelief.

Apart from Third Miss, no one else had the opportunity to touch the Old Madam’s tea! But at this moment, this scene—

Li Weiyang smiled lightly and said, “No need to investigate, Mother. Those who could come into contact with the Old Madam’s tea, apart from Luxin who is specifically responsible for the tea service, only I remain.”

Everyone’s expressions suddenly became wonderfully varied.

The First Madam said, “What’s going on here? Changle, you just said that wasn’t red ginseng, but perilla seed?”

Li Changle stated with certainty, “Your daughter can confirm that what was in the teacup was definitely not precious red ginseng, but perilla seed, which has a similar appearance.”

Li Changxi asked curiously, “What exactly is this perilla seed?”

Li Minfeng said coolly, “This perilla seed is naturally a worthless thing that cannot compare to red ginseng.”

Li Changxi revealed a surprised expression. “Doesn’t this mean Third Sister secretly replaced the Old Madam’s red ginseng?! Oh my, Third Sister, how could you do such a thing!”

Li Weiyang looked at her coldly. “Fifth Sister, until the matter is investigated clearly, please don’t make wild accusations!”

“Third Sister, when did I accuse you? Look, if word of this gets out, people will say we sisters are at odds!” Li Changxi’s small mouth opened exaggeratedly wide, the scar on her face shimmering faintly due to the thick layer of powder covering it. She turned back to look at everyone and said loudly, “Old Madam, Mother, look—I spoke with good intentions, yet Third Sister treats me this way! This injustice I’ve suffered… I simply have nowhere to voice my grievance!”

“Never mind other matters—Third Sister, please explain this business about the red ginseng!” Li Minfeng’s gaze turned cold.

The Second Madam glanced at Li Weiyang but didn’t speak. The Third Madam frowned deeply. “This matter should still be investigated thoroughly before any conclusions. Don’t wrongly accuse good people carelessly.” She too sensed the scent of conspiracy, and this conspiracy was clearly directed at Li Weiyang.

Li Changxi wore a triumphant expression. Li Weiyang, that little wretch—just watch how unlucky she’ll be today!

Li Weiyang’s expression remained unchanged as she smiled at Li Minfeng. “Elder Brother, you think everything is under your control, but the gods watch from three feet above. Do you dare say I truly replaced the Old Madam’s red ginseng?”

Li Minfeng’s expression was cold. “Whether you did or not, you know clearly in your own heart! Red ginseng is worth its weight in gold, while perilla seed is extremely cheap. Even if you lacked money, you shouldn’t resort to such deceptive substitution. The Old Madam likes to eat duck, and red ginseng consumed together with duck broth can strengthen the body. But perilla seed consumed together with duck broth produces toxins—you’re trying to take the Old Madam’s life!” As he spoke, he swept his gaze around the room. “Whoever else participated in this matter will definitely be severely punished!”

At this moment, Ziyan fell to her knees with a thud. “Old Madam, spare this life! Old Madam, spare this life! It was Miss who secretly replaced the red ginseng—this servant had absolutely no knowledge of it!”

Just as expected—Li Weiyang watched the people before her performing this grand drama with cold eyes, an imperceptible cold smile crossing her lips.

Li Minfeng displayed a shocked appearance. “Ziyan, what did you see?”

Ziyan wiped her tears, wearing an expression of painful regret. “Miss… Miss also had no choice. Receiving and entertaining guests requires money everywhere, yet the monthly allowance and rewards are very limited. Miss was utterly strapped for cash, which is why she secretly stole the Old Madam’s red ginseng and replaced it with perilla seed. Please, Old Madam, forgive Miss!”

The Old Madam listened to all this in shock. Through her mind flashed what Nanny Luo had said—when things were sent over, Third Miss had only given a reward of one string of coins. Her expression immediately darkened. This child was simply too disgraceful!

Li Weiyang smiled. “Ziyan, you truly are my good servant!”

Li Minfeng spoke softly. “Third Sister, both witness and evidence are present. What more do you have to deny? Besides you, who else would do such a shameless thing? If you lack money, you can speak to Mother, speak to me—how could you touch the Old Madam’s things!”

“Just based on a few words from Elder Sister and a maid, my guilt is already established?” Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her face showing not the slightest trace of panic.

Li Minfeng’s brows furrowed. “Changle is the kindest person—how could she wrongly accuse you? And Ziyan—she’s your personal maid!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze circled around Ziyan’s face as she smiled slightly. “She’s not my personal maid. She’s yours, Elder Brother. Have you forgotten?”

Li Minfeng froze immediately. He suddenly understood why Li Weiyang had insisted on giving Ziyan to him earlier.

Sure enough, he heard Li Weiyang continue unhurriedly, “Since she’s your maid, Elder Brother, she’ll say whatever you tell her to say. I fear that if you now claimed the sun that rises during the day is actually the moon, she would say so against all conscience!”

Li Minfeng sneered coldly. “You only just gave her to me!”

Li Weiyang’s clear eyes carried a trace of cold mockery. “But she fell in love with Elder Brother long ago! Elder Brother, Elder Sister has only read a few medical books yet immediately determined it to be perilla seed, while Ziyan is your maid. Can the words these two speak truly be trusted?”

The Third Madam had been observing coldly from the sidelines when she suddenly spoke. “Indeed, relying solely on a maid’s testimony proves nothing!”

The First Madam sneered coldly. “Feng’er, did you hear that? You had good intentions in catching this wrongdoing for the Old Madam, yet others think you’re falsely accusing innocent people!”

However, Li Minfeng showed no anxiety. Staring at Li Weiyang, he said, “Originally I wanted to preserve some dignity for Third Sister. Since you persist in your delusion, I need not conceal things for you any longer!” With that, he turned back and said to the Old Madam, “Please allow me to summon an Imperial Physician to verify this matter!”