Minglan sat quietly beside Old Madam for quite some time before Doctor Lin finally entered the room with a furrowed brow. Minglan turned aside to wipe the corners of her eyes before facing him. "You've worked hard, Doctor. Perhaps you should rest a while longer."
Having slept for an hour or two in the side room, Doctor Lin looked much more refreshed. He bowed to Minglan. "You're too kind, Madam. With Old Madam still unconscious, this old man couldn't rest peacefully anyway." Noticing Minglan's deep concern, he comforted her, "Please set your mind at ease. After my acupuncture treatment last night, Old Madam's pulse has stabilized."
"Still, it would be better if she woke sooner," Minglan replied. Though she knew little about medicine, she understood that prolonged unconsciousness was worrisome.
"Indeed," the doctor agreed. "Only when she wakes can we properly diagnose and treat her, making medication and moxibustion much easier."
After exchanging a few more words, Mama Fang urged Minglan to have breakfast. Listlessly, she finished half a bowl of purple rice porridge and took a few bites of fragrant ham-stuffed lotus leaf dumplings before setting down her chopsticks. By then, daylight had fully broken. Lüzhi hurried in with a pleased expression. "Madam, everyone has arrived." Liu Kun's wife followed behind with lowered head. Minglan praised, "You've worked hard, Mama Liu."
Looking pale and seeing no one else around, Liu Kun's wife whispered, "Kang Yima went alone to Madam Wang's quarters. The people she brought have been detained, and Xiaotao is watching them."
"Those who came must be Yima's trusted followers," Minglan observed.
Liu Kun's wife looked up, admiration flashing in her eyes. "You guessed correctly, Madam. There were four maids and matrons in total, plus six servants at the gate. Among these four, two were originally Yima's personal maids, and two are trusted stewardesses. However..." The benefit of the Wang sisters spending so much time together wasn't just Kang Yima's familiarity with the Sheng household affairs—Madam Wang's people also knew the Kang family well.
"Is there something wrong? Please speak quickly, Mama," Minglan urged.
At this point, if Kang Yima wasn't dealt with, Liu Kun's wife herself would face consequences for having lured her here. "There's a Mama Qi," she revealed. "She was originally Yima's wet nurse, sent by the Wang family as part of the dowry."
Minglan raised an eyebrow. "She didn't come today?"
Liu Kun's wife nodded, adding, "Mama Qi is elderly but remains Yima's most trusted confidante." Her meaning was clear: if Kang Yima had any secrets, Mama Qi would know even if others didn't. "However," she continued, "Mama Qi has always been very cautious. It might be difficult to lure her out."
Minglan stood and paced around the room before suddenly leaning close to Liu Kun's wife's ear to whisper a few words. Startled, Liu Kun's wife exclaimed, "Exactly, both are... How did you know, Madam?" After pondering for a moment, Minglan whispered another instruction into her ear.
Liu Kun's wife paused. "Madam, why don't you..." She suddenly stopped speaking. Being clever and experienced, she understood immediately after a moment's thought.
Minglan smiled faintly. "You're smart, Mama Liu. Help me accomplish this, and I'll reward you handsomely."
Sweat beaded on Liu Kun's wife's forehead. Gritting her teeth, she said, "I'll go right away."
Minglan waved her hand. "No need to rush. First, have something to eat and rest. Later, I'll ask Uncle Tu to go with you. You only need to make an appearance—no need to worry about anything else."Liu Kun's wife acknowledged the order and withdrew. Minglan then sent someone to summon Tu Long.
Tu Long, now in his forties, was short and stout with a prosperous appearance—a stark contrast to his ferocious-looking brother Tu Hu. Yet he was extremely steady and capable. After Minglan gave him detailed instructions, he chuckled: "Madam, rest assured. This is no trouble at all."
Minglan sighed: "Having a man of your stature perform such petty tricks is truly out of desperation."
Tu Long straightened his expression: "What are you saying, Madam? The Marquis pulled us brothers from a pile of corpses. Now we both have wives, children, and prosperous households—all thanks to the Marquis's great kindness. Madam need only sit back comfortably and watch."
Watching Tu Long depart, Minglan felt half her worries lift. Only then did she lead Lüzhi at a leisurely pace toward Madam Wang's courtyard.
In previous summers, the Sheng residence would have been bustling at this morning hour. Purchasing staff would have returned with fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats, while light wisps of cooking smoke rose from various kitchens. Maids would then carry food containers large and small to deliver breakfast to their masters. Cleaning women would have finished sweeping the gardens, chatting and laughing as they went to the servants' kitchen for their meals, while she herself would have been dragged blinking from bed by Danju.
But today, the entire path was deserted without a single servant in sight. The servants were all being cautious. Seeing all major gates blocked by the Marquis's ruthless guards, and the chief steward Laifu from the master's side delivering orders that no one was to move recklessly—coupled with Old Mrs. Sheng's sudden illness—everyone had their private suspicions but dared not come forward to investigate.
Upon reaching the main courtyard, she saw several maids huddled timidly at the entrance. When they spotted Minglan, they immediately stood properly, not daring to speak. One of Madam Wang's senior maids whispered: "The Young Mistress has arrived. Aunt Kang also came earlier. The Madam told us to wait outside, saying they had matters to discuss."
Minglan said: "You are sensible. Since the Madam asked you to wait outside, she has her reasons. Don't imitate those restless ones who eavesdrop on their masters' conversations—it will only bring you harm."
The maids nodded repeatedly before making way. They had heard how Mama Qian was beaten half to death precisely for eavesdropping on the master and madam's conversation.
Minglan continued inward, rounding a short corridor. When she was still several steps from the main room, she could already hear fierce shouting and arguing from within—"...What did you say? It's actually true?! I'm your own sister! How could you harm me like this...!"
Minglan smiled faintly and continued walking straight in. She stopped beside the doorway, leaning slightly to peer inside. She saw Madam Wang, her face purple with rage, tugging at Kang Yima's collar while shouting. Kang Yima, however, was smiling as she tried to pry her hands loose: "Why panic, sister? I'm only doing this for your benefit. That old hag just won't die—always looming over you. When will you ever rise above her?"
Veins bulged on Madam Wang's forehead as she screamed hysterically: "Are your heart and liver black, sister? That's still a human life! No matter how many faults the Old Madam has, how could we plot to kill someone?!"
Kang Yima forcefully shook off her hands: "Now you pretend to be filial? If that's the case, why did you agree in the first place?"
"I only wanted her to fall ill! Then she could focus on educating Quange properly—wouldn't that let her enjoy family happiness too!""What kind of poison isn't harmful?" Kang Yima said coldly. "You'd better cover this up quickly. Once that old hag breathes her last, no one will be the wiser. Who in this household would dare disrespect you afterward?!"
Madam Wang panted heavily, "...And what about my Quange? You clearly knew he was with the old madam too. If he had eaten those pastries, would you have killed my grandson?"
Kang Yima replied, "Didn't you say the old madam prevents Quange from eating snacks because she's afraid he won't eat his meals?"
Madam Wang stared blankly, "How can we be sure? You used such a potent substance—what if the boy had eaten it?"
Kang Yima swayed with laughter as she supported Madam Wang and coaxed, "Oh dear, it's my fault for not considering the child carefully. But Quange is fine, isn't he? This shows Heaven is watching over you, sister!"
Madam Wang gritted her teeth, "So you did it on purpose! Fine, fine! Now I truly know you..."
Seeing the hatred in Madam Wang's eyes, Kang Yima's expression turned cold, her tone threatening. "You've long harbored ill intentions toward your mother-in-law. Stop pretending with me now! The deed is done—do you really want to expose this? Let me warn you, don't bring trouble upon yourself. I can wash my hands clean of this, but you won't escape!"
Madam Wang glared at her furiously for a long moment before slumping into a chair in defeat. "...Now none of us can escape."
Kang Yima was greatly puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"—It means that since you've fallen into my hands, don't think you can walk away unscathed either." Minglan stood smiling at the doorway.
At the sight of her, Madam Wang jumped up like a rabbit, trembling by the table as she peered anxiously toward the door, afraid the fierce man might appear behind Minglan again.
Kang Yima's face darkened. "What are you doing here?"
Minglan feigned surprise. "This is my maternal home. My grandmother is gravely ill—why shouldn't I come?"
Fuming inwardly, Kang Yima turned to Madam Wang. "Can't you discipline your daughter? Is this any way to speak to elders?"
Madam Wang thought, Don't bother putting on airs—you'll be lucky to escape with your skin intact later. She turned her head away and remained silent.
Kang Yima had no choice but to turn back and glare at Minglan. "I have matters to discuss with your mother. We're busy. Leave now."
Minglan smiled. "I'm busy too. I just need to say two things to you, Aunt." Her smile vanished. "First, you're truly knowledgeable and well-read, Aunt. The ginkgo bud juice was brilliantly used."
Kang Yima's expression changed, and she said grimly, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Ignoring her, Minglan continued, "Second, Madam has confessed everything."
The room turned icy. Kang Yima looked at Madam Wang, who nodded in dismay. After countless thoughts raced through her mind, Kang Yima forced a smile. "What is this child saying? You've confused me."
Minglan nodded. "It doesn't matter if you're confused, Aunt. After the interrogation, everything will become clear."
"Interrogation? How dare you interrogate me?" Kang Yima laughed arrogantly.
Madam Wang sneered, her tone tinged with schadenfreude. "Do you think you can leave the Sheng residence today?"
Kang Yima's face paled dramatically as she stared at Minglan in disbelief. "...You wouldn't dare?" Impossible?Minglan smiled faintly and turned to address those outside: "Have they all arrived? Bring them in."
Lüzhi, who had been waiting outside the door, responded loudly: "Yes, I'll fetch them right away."
Moments later, two matrons entered the room first, followed by two guards dragging a half-conscious person between them. They threw the person heavily onto the floor before retreating respectfully.
Kang Yima's heart pounded violently as she strained to see. The person slowly lifted their head—it was unmistakably Mama Qian.
Waving her bloodied and mangled hands, Mama Qian wailed: "Madam, Young Mistress, please spare me! I've... I've confessed everything!" Spotting Kang Yima nearby, she immediately pointed at her: "It was all the aunt's doing! She told me you were blind to talent, Madam, that you only trusted Liu Kun's wife and never gave me important tasks. She promised me silver and business opportunities, telling me to report even the smallest details about your affairs!"
As she spoke, she kowtowed repeatedly, her face smeared with blood, snot, and tears. "Madam, I was blinded by greed and jealous of Liu Kun's wife. Please have mercy on this worthless life of mine, considering all my years of service!"
Madam Wang trembled with rage, pointing at Mama Qian: "You wretched slave! To think I nurtured such an ungrateful viper!"
Minglan waved her hand, signaling the guards to drag Mama Qian away. Then she turned back and said softly: "Auntie, do you still doubt what I dare to do?"
Watching the bloodstains left on the floor, Kang Yima began to tremble slightly.
"This is my aunt—be gentle with her, matrons," Minglan instructed.
The two matrons acknowledged in unison and stepped forward, flanking Kang Yima on either side with practiced ease. Kang Yima found herself immediately immobilized.
These women were originally convicted slaves from the Fourth Prince's mansion of the Late Emperor's era, where they assisted the mansion's punishment matrons. After the Rebellious Prince's failed coup and subsequent suicide, the entire household was convicted—these minor figures couldn't escape punishment either.
Women like them, without children or status, grew weak and ill after over a year in captivity. Unexpectedly, an imperial decree granted them to a newly prominent general. Due to their sensitive background, they were usually ignored by others. Fortunately, the new mistress was kind-hearted, providing doctors to treat their illnesses, good food and drink for recovery, and assigning them tasks to train new servants in proper conduct. They even adopted several godchildren, counting it a blessing to live out their days like this.
This time, when their mistress brought them to the Sheng residence for such inner household matters—scandals they'd witnessed plenty of in the prince's mansion—they resolved to ask no questions, speak no words, hear nothing, and simply perform their duties well. This would not only repay Lady Gu Hou's kindness but also secure better lives for themselves.
Held firmly by the two matrons, Kang Yima couldn't tell how they restrained her, but her arms grew weak and useless for struggling. She could only twist her body violently from side to side. The matrons countered by twisting her arms backward, sending sharp, piercing pain through her elbows. Kang Yima cried out in agony, tears nearly springing from her eyes. Lifting her head, she caught Minglan's cold smirk and shouted indignantly at Madam Wang: "Sister! I'm your own blood sister! How can you let this wretched girl torture and humiliate me like this?"Madam Wang stood woodenly by the chair, muttering, "The pot shouldn't call the kettle black, and sisters shouldn't blame each other." Just moments ago, she had been thinking of denying everything and making her take the blame, yet now she suddenly remembered their sisterly bond.
Minglan couldn't help but want to laugh. It was rare to hear Madam Wang say something so rhythmic and meaningful.
Kang Yima was about to scream again when a matron swiftly reached out and pinched her jaw. Kang Yima let out a muffled cry of pain, her jaw immediately dislocated. With her mouth half-open, she could only make hoarse, inaudible sounds.
Watching as the two matrons escorted Kang Yima away, Minglan turned and asked, "Where has Father gone?"
Madam Wang slowly sat down, leaning on the chair. "The master was furious and returned to his study." In truth, Sheng Hong had severely reprimanded her, bluntly stating that if this matter wasn't resolved properly, he would surely divorce her.
"In a little while, I'll have the guards blocking the main gate withdrawn," Minglan said.
Madam Wang exclaimed in surprise, "Why withdraw them?"
"Because it's time to buy groceries and cook."
Madam Wang was so frustrated she felt her insides go numb. "But... didn't we say we were afraid someone might leak the news?"
Minglan smiled. "I've already apprehended the people who needed to be caught. The others should be dealt with soon as well. If the house remains closed with no one coming or going, it would be too different from the usual situation. Wouldn't the neighbors grow suspicious?"
Madam Wang thought it over and had to agree, falling silent.
Minglan approached her a few steps and said gently, "Madam, once the gate is reopened, news of the Old Madam's illness and Kang Yima's presence in our residence will inevitably spread."
Madam Wang stared blankly, not quite understanding.
Minglan lowered her voice. "If Old Lady Wang finds out early, while Kang Yima hasn't yet been interrogated, then this matter would fall solely on you, Madam. If she finds out later, after I've investigated everything clearly, you could share half the responsibility."
A wave of fear washed over Madam Wang as she understood Minglan's meaning. "I... I'll inform the Wang family in a few days."
Minglan smiled. "The Kang Family's mistress missing for a night will surely be noticed. You only need to keep it hidden for today. Besides..." She chuckled, "it won't even take that long."
The implication in her latter words, combined with the memory of the severely injured Mama Qian, sent a chill down Madam Wang's spine.
Minglan added, "In that case, how to restrain the servants and keep them quiet will depend on your skills, Madam."
From the moment she had sent guards to seal the gates until now, it had only been half a night and one morning. The servants in the residence still didn't know what had happened. In the long run, if rumors were to spread, the first to suffer would undoubtedly be Madam Wang, followed by Sheng Hong, then Changbai who was currently in officialdom, and the married daughters. Oh, and Changfeng, who was about to enter officialdom, would likely be affected too.
Madam Wang also thought of this. After a moment's consideration, she said weakly, "Let's say there was a thief in the house, an inside job. Not only were valuable items stolen, but the Old Madam was frightened into illness. That's why we asked our aunt to help investigate the theft."
Minglan expressed satisfaction. "That's a good explanation." Having an internal thief in the household was indeed not a glorious matter. Using this to demand collective silence from the servants wouldn't seem too abrupt.
"But... who is the internal thief? Now that everyone's been removed, we need an explanation," Madam Wang asked very politely, like a student facing her teacher—she was now quite afraid of Minglan.
"Of course, it's Mama Qian," Minglan said without hesitation. "Not only did she steal property, but she also eavesdropped on her masters. It's convenient to deal with her along with everything else."Speaking of Mama Qian, Madam Wang hesitated and looked cautiously at Minglan: "That old wretch certainly deserves death, but... after all, she's been in the household for decades. Perhaps... we could spare her life? Let her serve hard labor instead." Having spent decades together day and night, she had seen Mama Qian and Liu Kun's wife more often than her own children and husband. When it truly came to taking a life, her heart softened.
Minglan was about to walk out when she stopped at the doorway upon hearing this. She turned to look at Madam Wang, her face showing a rather peculiar expression.
Madam Wang felt unnerved by her gaze and said awkwardly, "If you think it's inappropriate, pretend I never said it."
Minglan stared quietly at her and slowly said, "When I was young, I once asked Old Madam: 'Madam is narrow-minded, selfish and foolish - why did you choose her as your daughter-in-law back then?' Old Madam said: 'Though Madam has countless faults, she has one virtue. She's soft-hearted, without that vicious and cruel nature. Even if you put a knife in her hand, she wouldn't think to take someone's life.'"
There was more to the latter part of the statement. Regarding what happened back then, Madam Wang had thought that since Consort Wei was strong and fertile, she'd let Consort Lin stir up trouble. If Consort Wei suffered or lost her child, the two would inevitably become mortal enemies, allowing her to profit from their conflict.
When Consort Wei actually died, Madam Wang did feel somewhat guilty (she believed she bore minimal responsibility). Every time the Sheng family donated to the temple for eternal lamps, she would honestly contribute extra silver for Consort Wei.
"Old Madam also said: 'It's just a pity Madam is too trusting and easily manipulated by others. With someone as evil-hearted as Kang Yima by her side, I could never feel at ease. When Madam eventually understands and stops associating with Kang Yima, I'll hand everything over to you, and let Madam play her role as mother-in-law, so the family can live comfortably together.'"
After saying this, Minglan felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, her eyes growing warm with emotion. She shook her head sadly and walked out.
Madam Wang sat there in a daze, her mind in turmoil. How had she come to this state?
When she lived in that small town as a child, though not extremely wealthy, her uncle and aunt had treasured her like pearls. If she wanted stars from the sky, her uncle would pretend to fetch a ladder, making her laugh heartily. On cold winter nights when she was afraid of the chill, her aunt, worried that the hot water bottle might burn her, would warm her little hands and feet against her own chest and abdomen while sleeping.
It wasn't until she was over ten years old that her parents brought her home. The household was so imposing, the visitors all either rich or noble, and there was an almost unfamiliar older sister - so beautiful, with such elegant poise and profound knowledge that she couldn't help but feel inferior.
Actually, she had always missed that picturesque small town and her doting uncle and aunt. Her parents loved her too, but they were always busy. The mama by her side told her: "Your uncle and aunt are merely merchants, while your father is a great minister valued by the Emperor, and your mother is an Imperial Mandate Lady who can enter the palace. Do you want to return to the lower classes as a merchant's daughter, or remain a noble young lady of an official's family?"
From that moment on, she worked hard to put on airs, imitating her sister's mannerisms, determined to become a noble young lady whom everyone would look up to.
These past two years, she didn't know what had come over her. Liu Kun's wife advised her, Hualan advised her, her sons and daughters-in-law advised her - all those well-meaning words, she couldn't take any of them to heart. Instead, she loved listening to Kang Yima's inappropriate and sour remarks.
Gradually, she became filled with resentment, increasingly feeling that the whole world had wronged her, constantly thinking about venting her anger on someone, as if possessed by demons.
Thinking of her kind and loving uncle and aunt—such good people—how heartbroken they would be if they knew what she had become; she could still turn to her daughter for comfort and help, but if Hualan were to learn that her mother had done such things, what kind of look would she give her? And Changbai... how could she ever face her son again?
How had she fallen to such a state? Overwhelmed by sorrow, Madam Wang buried her face in her arms and wept bitterly.
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