“If it were me, having someone I detest constantly hovering around, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to eat or sleep. Putting myself in her shoes, the First Madam truly has a magnanimous tolerance.”

For some reason, Li Weiyang found this rather amusing.

“Miss, you mustn’t believe the First Madam’s words. This servant feels she has no good intentions.”

The girl had learned to be cautious now—that was progress. Li Weiyang glanced at Bai Zhi.

On the surface, today the First Madam had rejected the Second Madam’s request to take over household management, but Li Weiyang had noticed her expression at that moment. When she heard the words “household management,” the corners of her mouth twitched slightly. She didn’t appear flustered; rather, she showed a sense of relief, as if something she’d been anticipating for a long time had finally occurred.

And the Second Madam’s suggestion about having the concubine-born daughters serve them came too timely.

In truth, Li Weiyang had already figured out both the First Madam and Second Madam quite thoroughly.

The Second Madam was clever and profit-seeking. All day long, she was either fawning over the Old Madam or occasionally returning to her natal family, going out to burn incense… She was a typical capital noblewoman, very enthusiastic about participating in social activities. Though she was very attentive to the Old Madam, the Second Master was merely a concubine-born son, so she didn’t gain much favor from the Old Madam. She constantly opposed the First Madam, but there were also many times when they colluded together for mutual benefit. Especially regarding her attitude toward Weiyang—initially she had been very warm, wanting Weiyang to deal with the First Madam, but ever since Li Weiyang was enfeoffed as County Princess, the Second Madam’s attitude had clearly changed. She was neither cold nor warm toward her, sometimes creating obstacles—a very complex person. As for the First Madam, she was someone who appeared magnanimous on the surface but hid needles in silk, with an extremely competitive nature. If she were seriously ill, she would never run before the Old Madam to invite displeasure. Yet today her behavior was abnormally weak, as if pleading for mercy from the Old Madam, and she even agreed to let them serve at Furui Courtyard. Why was that?

Recalling the First Madam’s expression at that moment, Li Weiyang smiled lightly.

That afternoon, Nanny Du led people over: “Third Miss, since you’ll be attending to illness, coming and going certainly won’t be convenient. The First Madam’s intention is… why not move to the east wing of Furui Courtyard.” She glanced at Li Weiyang’s expression, then continued with a smile, “You’re not the only one—Fourth Miss and Fifth Miss’s belongings have already been moved there. When the time comes, you won’t need to do much. Just pay respects morning and evening, look after the First Madam’s medicinal soups and meals, and that’s all. Moreover, with three young misses taking turns caring for her, you won’t be exhausted.”

Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu exchanged glances, both seeing a trace of unease in each other’s eyes.

Suddenly having to move to Furui Courtyard meant everything would be under the First Madam’s control—definitely not a good thing.

Li Weiyang closed the book in her hands and looked at Nanny Du. Nanny Du’s heart skipped a beat, and she said with an ingratiating smile, “This servant has the Master’s permission—he has agreed to it.”

This meant the move was non-negotiable. Li Weiyang smiled slightly. If the First Madam herself didn’t mind the vexation, why shouldn’t she go step on her toes? Though this move would certainly bring no good things, if someone was idly seeking death, she wouldn’t refuse. “In that case, I’ll trouble you, Nanny.” She glanced at Bai Zhi, who immediately said, “You all, follow me quickly. Miss’s belongings are precious—if you carelessly damage even one or two items, watch your heads!”

Nanny Du observed coldly, thinking when did the Third Miss acquire such grand airs. But when she turned back and saw the gemstone boxes containing gold, silver, and jade objects, even she couldn’t help but widen her eyes.

Mo Zhu smiled, “Miss won’t be gone long this time. No need to bring the large items—just bring the jewelry Miss usually likes to wear. Hey, hey, hey, you girls be careful! Gently, gently! This is jade and white jade!”

Nanny Du stared at the gleaming golden jade ruyi enshrined in bright yellow brocade in the boxes, shaking her head inwardly. Which concubine-born daughter had such treasures? No wonder everyone said the most prestigious person in the capital was the Prime Minister’s Third Miss. The Emperor had bestowed so many treasures upon her—truly enough to last a lifetime.

In the room, Li Weiyang observed Nanny Du’s expression and smiled, “Nanny Du, what medicines has Mother been taking lately?”

Nanny Du started, then carefully replied, “Just the usual ones for nourishing the body.” The First Madam had said that under no circumstances should she reveal to the Third Miss that she had a heart condition.

Li Weiyang smiled casually and beckoned to Nanny Du, “Nanny, sit down and talk.”

Nanny Du carefully sat sideways on a small round stool nearby.

“I didn’t grow up in the manor, so I’m not very clear about the affairs here, especially Mother’s temperament and preferences—I know nothing at all. I’ll have to rely on Nanny to guide me more, so I don’t make any mistakes.” Li Weiyang gave a look, and Bai Zhi immediately slipped a red packet to Nanny Du. Nanny Du quietly felt it—it was heavy. Her face immediately broke into a smile, “Third Miss, what are you saying? For this servant to serve you is this servant’s good fortune.”

Li Weiyang chatted casually, “The Nanny Lin who used to serve Mother—why haven’t I seen her recently?”

Nanny Du’s vision immediately went dark, her ears filling with a fine buzzing sound.

“Her!” She forced a smile, “Her old ailment acted up. She requested sick leave from Madam and went back to her hometown.”

Barefaced lies—Nanny Lin had been thrown to the wolves by her own hand. Li Weiyang just smiled slightly, “I see. Then Mother will naturally have to rely on Nanny Du for good care.”

Then she continued seemingly casually, “Last time when we returned from the temple, Third Brother mentioned some news to me. On the back mountain, there was a woman bitten to pieces by wolves, her face completely unrecognizable. Who knows who it was. Nanny Du, have you heard about it?”

The Third Miss’s tone was as calm as a meandering stream, with only the light tinkling of water over stones—very pleasant. But Nanny Du suddenly felt cold all over. How could she not understand the meaning in Li Weiyang’s words?

That time, Nanny Lin had been sent to meet the Ninth Concubine but never returned. The First Madam had thought she’d fled in fear of punishment, but from Li Weiyang’s words, she’d been eaten by wolves! Though the temple was on a mountain, only the desolate back mountain had wolves. Nanny Lin had been dealt with by the Third Miss!

Nanny Du felt her face go cold. Reaching up to wipe it, she realized she was covered in cold sweat.

“County Princess…” Without realizing it, she had changed her form of address.

Her bottom suddenly felt as if it were covered in tiny needles, making it impossible to sit still. Slowly, she slid off the stool and stood back up.

The room fell silent.

Li Weiyang smiled, “Why is Nanny Du so hot? Bai Zhi, quickly bring a handkerchief!”

Bai Zhi immediately handed over a handkerchief. Nanny Du took it but didn’t dare say a word. She feared the Third Miss—had always been afraid. Since the girl entered the manor, she’d watched everything unfold bit by bit. From an insignificant concubine-born daughter, the girl had somehow become the Old Madam’s favorite, even connected with the imperial family. The First Madam had been determined to step on her, but it had been completely useless! Unconsciously raising the handkerchief to wipe her face, she suddenly felt wetness all over. Pulling the handkerchief away, she smelled blood. Looking at it with her eyes, she saw it was covered in blood and was terrified.

Li Weiyang smiled, “Bai Zhi, how could you do things this way, giving Nanny Du a dirty handkerchief?”

Bai Zhi said flatly, “Please forgive me, Nanny Du. This handkerchief was left behind by Nanny Lin that day. Please take it back.”

Nanny Du trembled from head to toe like a sieve, her heart repeating one phrase over and over.

The Third Miss knows everything!

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, though her voice still carried a tremor.

“County Princess, this servant understands your meaning!” She raised her head to look at Li Weiyang, pleading earnestly, “Madam has indeed wronged you in the past, but recently her health hasn’t been good. The Eldest Miss isn’t by her side either—she’s all alone and quite pitiful. This servant is bold enough to beg the County Princess for mercy, to stop resenting Madam…”

“Nanny Du is truly loyal to her mistress.” Li Weiyang’s voice was very gentle, her face still wearing a pleasant smile, “I heard that years ago, the person who carried me out of the manor was you, Nanny!”

Upon hearing this, Nanny Du immediately felt a chill rising from the soles of her feet all the way to her heart, freezing her entire being. Though it was now spring and should be warm, every word Li Weiyang spoke made her involuntarily freeze all over.

Over the years, she’d helped the First Madam do many harmful deeds and had completely forgotten about that incident long ago. Only each time she saw the Third Miss, she felt a bit uncomfortable in her heart. She’d thought that Li Weiyang was so young then, she couldn’t possibly know the truth of what happened…

She raised her head and looked at Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang’s delicate face wore a kind smile, her eyes deep as an ancient well, the corners of her mouth showing obedient dimples, as if having a heart-to-heart chat with Nanny Du, not showing the slightest trace of anger. If Li Weiyang had flown into a rage, Nanny Du would have had ways to deflect. But her calmness left no way to probe her true thoughts.

Should she speak or not?

Nanny Du seemed to hesitate for a long time. Li Weiyang just kept waiting. Because of the silence in the room, the sounds of maids moving about in the courtyard became more obvious. Li Weiyang was about to move to Madam’s courtyard! Nanny Du gritted her teeth, “If I tell you, what will the County Princess give me in return?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. Having lived long in these deep manor compounds, everyone knew how to choose what was most beneficial to themselves.

“Five hundred taels.” She said methodically.

Nanny Du thought—five hundred taels could marry her son to a new wife, kick out that egg-laying hen, renovate the courtyard… and of course, she could buy a small farm outside using the Li family’s name.

But… she was still hesitating.

“Gold.” Li Weiyang finished.

Nanny Du trembled again, though this time from excitement. She’d worked for the First Madam half her life and had never seen even one tael of gold.

Her voice carried a tremor, “This servant understands.”

Li Weiyang said to Bai Zhi, “Sit down.”

But Nanny Du refused. She slowly said, “When the Seventh Concubine entered the manor, she was very pretty. The Master took a liking to her at first sight, but since she was a maid in Madam’s quarters, he couldn’t take her as a concubine unless Madam agreed. Madam saw all this but didn’t get angry, and continued to keep the Seventh Concubine. Later, because of Madam’s younger sister from her natal family—oh, Miss also knows her, the Duchess of Wei—her carriage somehow got into a conflict with someone during an outing and struck and killed an old scholar. This matter was reported to His Majesty by the censors. The Duchess of Wei came to ask the Master for help, saying she needed the Master to intervene, but the Master flatly refused, saying the Li family would absolutely not speak up for such a person. The First Madam was very troubled by this, so she simply used a scheme to get the Master drunk, then deliberately avoided him, letting him take the Seventh Concubine.”

Nanny Du glanced at Li Weiyang’s expression, and her voice lowered, “The Master, drunk, took her directly and even defiled Madam’s room—this was slapping Madam in the face. The Master couldn’t bear the loss of face and agreed to help. Actually, Madam was too anxious about this matter. In the past, the Third Concubine relied on being favored and opposed Madam. Once she nearly hurt Madam, and it was the Seventh Concubine who risked herself to save her. At that time, Madam promised that given the opportunity, she would release her and find her a good match. But then she turned around and gave her to the Master. The Seventh Concubine was unwilling—that was natural…”

Li Weiyang sneered coldly. Turning her back on someone wasn’t something the First Madam had done just once or twice. Lady Tan had been too trusting.

“At that time, the Sixth Concubine was very pleased with herself in the household. Madam then elevated the Seventh Concubine, wanting to suppress the Sixth Concubine. Unexpectedly, the Seventh Concubine was capable and soon became pregnant. At that time, the Master had high hopes for the Seventh Concubine’s belly. This gave the Seventh Concubine status in the household. Plus, a fortune teller said the child in the Seventh Concubine’s belly would become someone above others in the future. Madam became uncomfortable again, fearing the Seventh Concubine would become difficult to control in the future. She simply had a dose of medicine… to make her give birth to the child prematurely in February…”

“Originally, someone was to quietly drown you, but the Seventh Concubine knelt in the ice and snow begging the Master to spare your life…”

Having spoken, Nanny Du carefully looked toward Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang listened expressionlessly. Nanny Du’s heart grew uneasy. To curry favor, she continued, “The Master showed mercy and sent Miss to Pingcheng to be raised. The First Madam felt uneasy and often sent people to check. Later, she probably said something to that family, and they threw you to a farming household. It was because the First Madam said life or death didn’t matter…”

Li Weiyang said flatly, “Nanny Du, you mustn’t speak nonsense. If Mother harbored malicious intent, why not simply leave me in the countryside for life?”

Nanny Du smiled apologetically, “County Princess, hear this servant out. At first, Madam did plan that, but later when the visiting person said you looked quite good and had a gentle temperament, Madam thought that since the main branch only had the Eldest Miss as a legitimate daughter, you might be useful in the future, so she brought you back—” Who knew she’d brought back a wolf, Nanny Du thought, though her mouth smiled even more sweetly.

Li Weiyang stood up, “Well, since Nanny Du has finished her story, I should go show filial piety to Mother.”

Not a single word of complaint? Not even an angry expression? Nanny Du grew even less able to fathom Li Weiyang’s thoughts. She stepped forward, “County Princess, what you promised…”

Li Weiyang paused and looked at Nanny Du, then said to Bai Zhi, “Go fetch the bank notes.”

Nanny Du’s face filled with smiles, “Thank you, County Princess.”

After Li Weiyang left, Nanny Du finally breathed a sigh of relief, clutching the bank notes in her sleeve and wiping the cold sweat from her forehead.

Outside the room, Bai Zhi whispered, “Miss, do you really trust this old thing? She’s helped Madam do plenty of evil deeds!”

Li Weiyang glanced casually at Nanny Du through the window and chuckled, “Trust her? Why not?”

“But this servant always feels she may not be truly loyal to Miss.” Bai Zhi frowned, “Otherwise, let this servant watch Nanny Du. If the First Madam makes any move, we can guard against it in advance.”

Li Weiyang shook her head, “No need. Just do your own work well.”

Bai Zhi felt Li Weiyang was being too careless, “Miss, this servant isn’t being overly suspicious. I just fear that in case…”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, “You, at such a young age, worrying until your hair turns white.”

“Miss! This servant is only worried for you!” Bai Zhi couldn’t help but say with mild reproach.

Li Weiyang exhaled, looking into the distance, her voice distant, “Yes, it’s better to have everything under control.”

The belongings had been mostly moved when Li Weiyang saw the Seventh Concubine rush in breathlessly. Seeing Nanny Du, she looked very surprised. Nanny Du smiled apologetically, “Seventh Concubine has arrived.” Now the Seventh Concubine was a Third-Rank Lady of Virtue—no longer the concubine even maids had looked down upon.

Nanny Du curtsied to her. The Seventh Concubine seemed rather overwhelmed.

Li Weiyang glanced at Nanny Du, “Go tell Mother I’ll come over once I’ve finished packing.”

“Yes.” Nanny Du respectfully acknowledged and quickly left.

Only after Nanny Du had left did the Seventh Concubine hurry forward, “You absolutely mustn’t go to the First Madam’s courtyard!”

Seeing her worried expression, Li Weiyang smiled, “What’s wrong?”

“This—” The Seventh Concubine looked as if she wanted to speak but hesitated.

Bai Zhi smiled and withdrew, “I’ll go make tea for Concubine.”

Once the servant had left, the Seventh Concubine quickly said, “The First Madam’s thoughts are unfathomable. You must be extra careful!”

Though the Seventh Concubine was simple, she wasn’t stupid. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile.

The Seventh Concubine watched her smile and chided, “Silly girl, be extremely careful!” As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes!

Li Weiyang smiled and handed over her handkerchief, “Mother, don’t worry. I won’t be fooled.”

“You don’t know—she’s schemed against me before. I’m scared whenever I enter that courtyard!” The Seventh Concubine said involuntarily, then her face paled. Li Weiyang quickly comforted her, “It won’t happen. Everything I eat, drink, wear, and use will all be arranged by trustworthy maids. It won’t pass through their hands.”

The Seventh Concubine’s mood improved considerably after hearing this. Li Weiyang consoled her a few more times before sending her back.

The First Madam had given Li Weiyang the best room in Furui Courtyard. Li Changxi was very unhappy and, ignoring Li Changxiao’s attempts to stop her, was about to rush over to reason with them. She happened to encounter Nanny Du, who had just returned, instructing the maids, “Never mind the Fourth and Fifth Misses—Madam said we must serve the Third Miss well!”

Li Changxi heard this and her face twisted with anger.

Listening to Nanny Du enthusiastically describe how Li Weiyang ingratiated herself with the Old Madam and how luxurious her room’s furnishings were, the fire in Li Changxi’s heart rose bit by bit. Previously, though her prestige wasn’t as great as Li Changle’s, compared to Li Weiyang, she was heaven and earth. Who knew Li Weiyang would somehow have such good fortune now, far surpassing her.

Nanny Du continued, “Speaking of which, among our household’s unmarried concubine-born misses, looking at figure, features, bearing, and demeanor, the Third Miss is the only one who looks proper. Now that she’s gained the favor of noble personages, her future prospects are limitless!”

These words didn’t sit well with Li Changxi at all.

“Just now Madam also instructed me to prepare a complete set of gold-threaded gauze bedding for the Third Miss, but didn’t mention the other two misses at all. From this perspective, the Third Miss has more face before Madam.”

The others were listening intently when someone suddenly called out loudly behind them, “Nanny Du!”

Nanny Du turned around with a surprised expression, “Oh, it’s Fifth Miss!” She immediately stopped talking.

Li Changxi’s expression was particularly ugly. She snorted coldly. Li Changxiao quickly tugged her sleeve. Li Changxi suppressed her anger, “Nanny Du, my things have all been moved. Can I go see Mother now?”

Nanny Du smiled, “Madam instructed that we must wait for the Third Miss to arrive.”

Li Changxi’s expression grew even worse.

Two maids dragged well-wrapped small hemp sacks past the courtyard. Nanny Du quickly called out to them, “Has the medicinal material been delivered?”

One of the more sharp and clever-looking maids quickly replied, “It’s here, it’s here. We’ll send it to the small kitchen right away.”

The sacks kept making pattering sounds that gave people goosebumps. Li Changxi frowned, “What are these things?”

Nanny Du said unconcernedly, “The physician said Madam has excessive internal heat and needs to use scorpion tail tips to make lung and stomach soup to nourish herself. These scorpions must use the most venomous kind. When the water boils, they must be thrown in alive—the soup brewed this way has the best effect for reducing internal heat. Oh yes, Fifth Miss, you must stay far away from these things. If you’re accidentally stung, it could be fatal.” As she spoke, she directed the two maids to carry the sacks to the small kitchen.

Having heard these words, Li Changxi stood rooted to the spot, not moving until Li Changxiao beside her pushed her. Only then did she suddenly come to her senses, “What’s wrong with you? Why were you in a daze?”

Li Changxi suddenly smiled. Seeing her expression, Li Changxiao felt very strange. Li Changxi glanced at her older sister and closed her mouth, refusing to say anything. Fourth Sister was the most timid and useless—telling her would definitely ruin things. She could tell her after dealing with Li Weiyang. Li Changxi felt a trace of excitement.

After Li Weiyang had arranged everything, she saw the Li Changxi sisters enter the room. “Oh my, Third Sister’s room has such good lighting. Mother is so biased!” Li Changxi said with a giggling smile, her face showing no particular emotion.

Li Weiyang listened to these bland words and smiled faintly, not responding.

“Third Sister, let’s go pay respects to Mother.” Li Changxi wasn’t angry either, coming forward to pull Li Weiyang.

Zhao Yue suddenly blocked her, “Fifth Miss, our Miss doesn’t like others pulling at her.”

Li Changxi felt a chill on the back of her hand and jerked it back as if electrocuted. She was about to get angry at Zhao Yue, but remembering what the Fourth Concubine had said about Li Weiyang now having a martial arts-skilled maid, she immediately changed her mind, “I apologize, Third Sister. I haven’t seen you in so long and was happy. Let’s go quickly—Mother has been waiting!”

Li Weiyang glanced at Li Changxi. When things are abnormal, there must be demons. Li Changxi being so enthusiastic toward her probably wasn’t anything good, but she just smiled brilliantly, “Fifth Sister, please.”

The three went all the way to the First Madam’s room, paid their respects, and found the First Madam in good spirits. She ordered people to specially set up dinner in the room. Rarely, the atmosphere was harmonious as they ate. During the meal, Li Changxi kept telling the First Madam amusing stories about various families, making her laugh frequently, while the other two upheld the principle of not speaking during meals and remained silent throughout, only smiling as they listened.

Li Changxi suddenly raised her head to look at the First Madam, “Mother, after dinner let your daughter massage you. This way your body will feel more comfortable. Though your daughter knows the pressure points, her strength is too small and might not be effective.”

The First Madam smiled, “Then find a strong maid. You tell her what to do and she can follow your instructions. My leg indeed hurts terribly—help me press it.”

Li Changxi’s eyes darted around, “Then her!” She pointed casually—right at Zhao Yue, who stood not far behind Li Weiyang.

The First Madam raised her eyelids and smiled, “This… isn’t quite appropriate. That’s Weiyang’s maid.”

“It’s only because she knows martial arts and is strong, yet unlike those rough servant maids who are uncouth. We’re just borrowing her for two hours—it’s not like we won’t return her to Third Sister. Third Sister, you won’t mind, will you? This is showing filial piety to Mother!” Li Changxi said coquettishly, as if Li Weiyang’s refusal would be great unfilial behavior.

Everyone’s eyes fell on Li Weiyang. For a moment, the room became terrifyingly quiet.

Li Weiyang calmly took a sip of tea and said methodically, “Fifth Sister jests. How could I be unwilling to lend a maid to Mother? It’s just that this maid has always been clumsy—I’m afraid she might hurt Mother, which wouldn’t be good. Why don’t I massage you instead!”

Li Changxi quickly said, “No need, no need!”

Li Weiyang looked at her, just smiling faintly.

Li Changxi’s heart skipped a beat, then she forced herself to appear natural and smiled, “Third Sister has already worked hard today. Mother has me here—that’s enough!”

Acting as if afraid someone would compete for favor with her, Li Weiyang smiled. Her acting wasn’t too bad. But why was this girl making excuses to keep Zhao Yue—what was the purpose?

After Li Changxi finished speaking, she gave Li Changxiao a meaningful look. Though Li Changxiao was confused, she kindly advised, “Since that’s the case, Third Sister should go back and rest.”

Li Weiyang smiled, essentially giving her tacit consent. Seeing Li Changxi’s relieved expression, she couldn’t help but sneer coldly. This girl was just a jumping clown, but what was the First Madam’s intention in getting involved?

Zhao Yue wore a very unwilling expression. Li Weiyang glanced at her, and Zhao Yue immediately understood something and nodded lightly.

As Li Weiyang walked out the door, Li Changxiao caught up, smiling apologetically, “Third Sister, Fifth Sister is ignorant. Please don’t hold it against her!”

Li Weiyang saw Li Changxiao’s anxious and uneasy appearance and smiled, “Fourth Sister needn’t worry. If she doesn’t provoke trouble, I won’t actively provoke her either.” In other words, if Li Changxi sought death, she wouldn’t show any mercy either.

Having said this, Li Weiyang left with Bai Zhi. Li Changxiao watched her retreating figure and, for some reason, felt an ominous premonition rising in her heart.

After an hour passed, Bai Zhi said, “Miss, it’s time for your bath. This servant will have people prepare hot water.”

Li Weiyang nodded, putting down her book, “Go ahead.”

Bai Zhi left and soon returned, “This servant told the water room that Miss needs water, then a nanny came over saying she was conveying Madam’s words—the three young misses can use the scented bath in her courtyard without the trouble of carrying water.”

The First Madam’s courtyard did indeed have a scented bath—only it was a privilege few could enjoy.

“This servant quietly went to check. Fourth Miss just finished bathing and it appears there’s no problem.”

The more there appeared to be no problem, the more abnormal it was. Li Weiyang nodded, collecting her thoughts, and walked slowly all the way to Furui Courtyard’s scented bath. Unlike ordinary bathing pools, the water here was all hot spring water piped in, with various aromatics and precious medicinal materials added. Unfortunately, except for the First Madam and Li Changle, others had no right to use it. One major reason the Second Madam and First Madam had formed a grudge was over this fine courtyard and this scented bath.

The entire bathing pool was very quiet, with only the sound of flowing water and faint floral fragrance drifting about.

Li Weiyang scooped up a handful of clear water. Water vapor slowly rose from her palm, swirling into an indistinct mist.

Mo Zhu stood guard outside while Bai Zhi came in to attend her.

Li Weiyang closed her eyes, as if feeling very tired.

Just then, an extremely faint sound came from outside the window. Li Weiyang’s eyes snapped open and she turned to look, seeing a black object crawling in through the window.

“What is that!” Li Weiyang said coldly.

Bai Zhi heard her voice and looked over. In that instant, her heart nearly stopped beating!

Because with that glance, what met her eyes was actually a scorpion with a brownish-red back, slowly crawling toward the pool!

“Scorpion! Scorpion!” Bai Zhi cried out in alarm, her face instantly turning deathly pale. Instinctively she went to fetch clothes from the screen, but another scorpion was perched on the clothing—there was no way to approach. Bai Zhi involuntarily drew back her hand.

Outside the window, the maid Ning Yu opened all the sacks, letting all the scorpions crawl in, then retreated three steps and walked to Li Changxi’s side before whispering, “Fifth Miss, is this really all right?!”

Li Changxi sneered coldly, “Hmph, best if the venomous scorpions bite her to death! Even if they don’t kill her, I have another move waiting!” As long as Li Weiyang cried for help, the guards she’d arranged would rush in from outside the courtyard. Then, with Li Weiyang wearing nothing, even if she escaped the scorpions, she couldn’t escape utter ruin!

The moment Bai Zhi made a sound, the scorpion crawling on the ground clearly sped up, making malicious scraping sounds in the silent room.

Bai Zhi said fearfully, “Miss, what do we do now?” Swallowing, Bai Zhi looked at the scorpion again, “This servant will go grab it—Miss, run quickly.”

“No.”

In almost an instant, Li Weiyang understood the opponent’s plan. Right now, outside, countless people were probably arranged, waiting to watch her lose face completely and be utterly ruined! “Miss! This servant is scared!” Bai Zhi couldn’t help but say fearfully.

Li Weiyang said in a low voice, “Take off your outer garment and give it to me.”

Bai Zhi started, then remembered Li Weiyang wasn’t wearing anything. She immediately removed her outer garment. Li Weiyang quickly emerged from the pool and wrapped the outer garment around herself. Bai Zhi wore only her snow-white inner garment, her face full of panic as she kept staring at the window, “Miss, so many! So many…”

Four or five more large venomous scorpions crawled in through the window one after another. Bai Zhi was so shocked she could barely speak and was about to pull Li Weiyang outside, but Li Weiyang stopped her, “If we go out now in disarray, nothing can be explained clearly! Don’t you understand?”

Bai Zhi clutched her collar in panic, a fear she’d never experienced before invading her heart. Just then, Li Weiyang gently grasped her hand, “Don’t make a sound. I have a way!”

Bai Zhi didn’t know what way Li Weiyang could have. In her view, there was simply no way out of this situation.

Li Weiyang had actually planned ahead, because she knew Zhao Nan was protecting her from the shadows. As long as she blew the golden whistle she always wore around her neck, everything would be safe. Only, doing so would expose her forces too early, and right under the First Madam’s nose! Someone as calculating as the First Madam would never waste any opportunity!

Countless scorpions were already close at hand. Her hand had already grasped the golden whistle, thoughts racing in a flash, yet Li Weiyang still didn’t move, as if still waiting for something! Just then, someone suddenly rushed in from outside, holding a torch, swiftly charging toward the scorpions. Those scorpions, encountering the torch, immediately retreated in haste. Two or three fell into the pool, and before long floated up, their bellies rolling—looking extremely disgusting.

The person holding the torch looked very concerned, “County Princess, are you all right!”

Li Weiyang glanced at her, and the fingers gripping the golden whistle quietly loosened, “I’m fine. Thank you, Nanny Du.”

Nanny Du’s face was all smiles, “Not at all—this servant was just doing her duty. When I heard those scorpions had somehow escaped, the first thing I thought was that scorpions like hot spring water, so I immediately rushed in to protect you.”

Bai Zhi, still shaken, patted her chest, “Thank you, Nanny Du!” She had always suspected Nanny Du. Now, having escaped death by scorpion, she felt Miss was right—there was no one in this world who couldn’t be bought. As long as you had money, even your original enemy would turn around and help you.

Nanny Du smiled, “Miss Bai Zhi, what are you saying? This is this servant’s duty!”

Mo Zhu, who had rushed in following Nanny Du, also looked terrified. She had been guarding outside the whole time. It wasn’t until Nanny Du suddenly appeared with a panicked expression, holding a torch and telling her the scorpions had escaped, that she thought it might be another trick to frame Miss. Who knew Nanny Du would push her aside and rush in herself? She quickly followed in and saw scorpions all over the floor!

Nanny Du shook the scorpions off the clothing, then handed the garment to Li Weiyang, “County Princess, put this on quickly. Don’t catch cold.”

Bai Zhi asked, “Where did these scorpions come from?”

Nanny Du replied, “They’re all medicine ingredients for Madam. Oh my, I just remembered—earlier a maid from the small kitchen said she saw the Fifth Miss’s maid there—”

Li Weiyang looked at Nanny Du, “Does Nanny think Fifth Sister is trying to harm me?”

Nanny Du sighed, “One truly knows a person’s face but not their heart. Who would have thought Fifth Miss was this kind of person!”

Li Weiyang said flatly, “Nanny Du, don’t speak rashly. Fifth Sister was just in Mother’s room massaging her. How could she instruct her maid to steal and release scorpions?”

Nanny Du replied, “Ai, this servant wouldn’t dare lie. Earlier, Fifth Miss pointed out the pressure points, then claimed she had a headache and went back. Madam was puzzled too. If it weren’t time for her medicine, this servant wouldn’t have known about this!”

Seeing her still chattering on, Li Weiyang waved her hand to stop her, “Enough, Nanny Du. Mother is still waiting for you to attend her. If she discovers you’re here with me—”

Nanny Du quickly stopped talking and said softly, “Then this servant will leave first. County Princess, as long as you know this servant is now wholeheartedly devoted to you, that’s all that matters! Nothing else is important!” Then she glanced at Li Weiyang, as if waiting for a reward.

Truly insatiably greedy, Bai Zhi thought, though her face smiled, “Nanny Du, go ahead. This servant will send your reward right after attending to Miss.”

Nanny Du handed the torch to Mo Zhu and left with a beaming smile.

Li Weiyang calmly changed her clothes. Mo Zhu was still smoking out the scorpions on the ground when Li Weiyang suddenly took out the golden whistle and gently placed it to her lips. A strange sound issued forth, and almost instantly, a tall man floated in through the window. Saying “floated” because his movement was extremely swift.

Li Weiyang asked, “Did you see clearly?”

“Yes. Your subordinate has already clearly seen the two people releasing scorpions from outside.”

“Go capture them.”

“Yes.” Zhao Nan said in a deep voice, then quickly disappeared from before the three of them.

In just half a moment, Zhao Nan carried one person in each hand and entered the room. As soon as he landed, he immediately threw the two people like dead dogs onto the floor. They rolled into a tangled heap.

“Miss, this subordinate has sealed their mute acupoints.” Zhao Nan said.

Li Weiyang nodded and lifted one face that bore hideous scars, filled with unspeakable terror.

Thin fingernails lightly traced across Li Changxi’s face. The cold, sharp fingertip slid across her cheek, making her body involuntarily tremble slightly. Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “Fifth Sister, are the scorpions fun to play with?”

Li Weiyang’s complexion seemed as pure as moonlight, her expression like a river of autumn water, yet her eyes carried boundless coldness. Li Changxi suddenly felt how terrifying the person before her was. She truly didn’t know how everything had turned out this way. She had just released the scorpions and, fearing suspicion, immediately left with her maid. She’d thought everything was foolproof… who knew that just after returning to her room, she’d been forcibly brought here by a man!

Li Weiyang chuckled softly, “Fifth Sister has suffered quite a few losses before. How is it you still haven’t learned?”

Zhao Nan released Li Changxi’s acupoint but placed his long sword at her throat. Li Changxi’s voice also trembled, “I… I truly don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Li Weiyang smiled and said coldly, “Is it a misunderstanding then?”

Li Changxi quickly said, “Of course it’s a misunderstanding. I don’t know anything!”

Li Weiyang said, “Find a live scorpion.” Since you’re heartless, don’t blame me for being ruthless!