Accountability
After she finished speaking this long string of words, she seemed to have used up all her strength and soon began to cough uncontrollably.
Zhu Ling glanced at Lin Xu, unsure of what to do, but saw that Lin Xu's expression was very calm, as if he was not angry after learning about the person who had harmed her in the past.
"Sister-in-law, do you still remember the painting I gave you not long after you entered the household?"
Feng Daizhu wiped her slightly chapped lips with a handkerchief and looked at Lin Xu with a puzzled expression.
"...To be honest, sister-in-law, I never knew how to ride a horse. Something that other women could learn in no time, I was always terrified and cried every time I rode one as a child, and I was even afraid to go near foals. Galloping across the grasslands, racing through the wind, has always been a long-cherished but unfulfilled dream of mine. Back then, everyone said that sister-in-law was radiant and beautiful, like the rising sun, as radiant as a pearl. Such a personality and appearance were born for the vast lands of the North. From the first time I saw sister-in-law, I have always believed this, and to this day."
Feng Daizhu's face was deathly pale. She turned a lustrous, crescent-shaped jade disc in her hand, and recalled her carefree days from the past.
Yes. Back then, she rode her horse through the snow in a golden eagle-embroidered fur coat, her hearty laughter echoing across the cold plains for miles. She was the apple of her parents' eye, cherished and protected, and the most prominent figure among the Xi people of the northern grasslands.
How did things end up like this...?
She was simply foolish. She was greedy. She thought she could have both fame and fortune, and she cared too much about the opinions of others, until all her hopes were dashed, and she ended up dying full of resentment and bitterness…
Lin Xu was well aware of the endless regret in Feng Daizhu's eyes. She sighed and said softly, "So all I've ever felt for you, sister-in-law, is genuine appreciation. If you also miss the past, why not rekindle your hope? It's not too late."
Feng Daizhu shook her head, looking at her weak and frail body with a mocking smile:
“You’re right, but my body is already nearing its end, so it’s no use… At that time, I was utterly despondent, and I don’t know why, but I felt utterly ridiculous, thinking it would be better to end it all. Now that I think about it, I was just a man, and there are plenty of men on the grasslands. Back then, I was full of arrogance and looked down on everyone. Now that I think about it, it was really just fate playing tricks on me…”
Lin Xu glanced back at her, and Zhu Ling presented a square brocade box that she had brought with her. When it was opened, it was filled with nourishing ingredients: the Qi-nourishing pills passed down from the Wen family of Qingyang, top-quality deer antler powder, and nourishing and beautifying Dongjiao, thirty-year-old ginseng, and so on... all of them were precious.
"Nothing is more important than one's own health. Lin Xu only hopes that his sister-in-law can put everything aside, rest and recuperate, and recover as soon as possible."
Feng Daizhu had been bedridden for half a year. Initially, she was heartbroken, and later, even if she wanted to recuperate slowly, she was too weak. The sycophancy and opportunism within the household, coupled with Dou Yanzhou's change of attitude, made Lingbo Garden a deserted place overnight. Her only remaining concern was her two sons, Langge'er and Chenge'er. However, both children were currently cared for by wet nurses and usually sent to Bai Shi for upbringing. Seeing her in her current state would only cause her more heartache.
Gradually, she lost all hope.
Seeing that Feng Daizhu looked exhausted, Lin Xu knew that she had used up all her energy to say those words, so she sat for a while before getting up to take her leave. Now that they had met, she felt somewhat relieved. She only hoped that Feng Daizhu would heed her advice and let go of the past soon.
Just as she was about to step out the door, she heard Feng Daizhu's forlorn voice from behind her:
"Is he... alright?"
Lin Xu said softly, "It's busier than before, but everything is still alright."
Feng Daizhu closed her eyes, and after a long while, a faint smile appeared on her lips. She was truly exhausted.
"...That's good then."
.
After leaving Lingbo Garden, Lin Xu strolled slowly along the bluestone path, his gaze quickly sweeping over the furnishings within the courtyard. He had passed through the front courtyard every time he came to pay his respects to the Bai family, and had walked this path countless times, becoming intimately familiar with every blade of grass and every tree. But seeing it now, however, only left him with indescribable emotions.
Pearls flow and jade turns, dew goes and frost comes.
She lowered her eyes and couldn't help but clench her fists tightly. This day, which she had longed for for so long, was now so close, yet she couldn't help feeling a little afraid.
I'm afraid of all the unknowns ahead and all the possible outcomes. But how bad can things get?
She recalled the events leading up to her death in her previous life: the bloody remains scattered everywhere, the lingering stench of blood that the rain couldn't wash away inside the Lin family's gate. If all of this was destined to end, then whatever she did would only be to seek justice for the wronged souls of the Lin family who had died unjustly in her previous life.
Thinking this, her heart gradually calmed down. Looking up, she saw that the sky was already darkening, and in an instant, dark clouds gathered. Judging by the time, Dou Huaisheng should have already returned from court and, according to custom, should be in his study by now.
She strolled through the long corridor. A few branches of the old plum tree in the courtyard fell gently in the breeze. Dou Huaisheng's usual study was located in the east side of the mansion. There were two servants on duty at the door. Dou Huaisheng had indeed returned.
Upon seeing her arrive, the two servants quickly bowed and greeted her politely, saying, "Greetings, Lady Zhao'en."
Lin Xu nodded slightly, her smile as cold as snow: "Is Father inside?"
The two servants exchanged glances. It was strange that Lin Xu had come without any reason, but everyone in the manor knew the status of the villa, so they dared not offend him. They quickly cupped their hands and said, "Reporting to Second Madam, Master has just returned from his shift. Young Master Tong Han is currently inside asking Master for his advice."
Lin Xu nodded. "In that case, please go and inform Father. I will wait for you in the corridor."
The servant dared not delay, nodded, and turned to go to the study to report.
Lin Xu slowly looked at the furnishings in the courtyard. She rarely came to the east wing. It was mainly used by Dou Huaisheng to handle government affairs and receive guests. Unlike the low-key and elegant furnishings of other places in the Dou family, this place was isolated from the outside world, making it more dignified and simple, and also more solemn.
She and Zhuling waited under the eaves. They heard a gentle breeze brush past their ears, followed by the chirping of birds and the sound of hurried footsteps.
Lin Xu turned around and saw that the person who came was Rong Wei, whose face was full of anxiety.
Rongwei walked quickly to her, and without bothering to bow, whispered in her ear:
"...Madam, something has happened!"
Lin Xu's heart tightened, but after listening to Rong Wei's account of the whole incident, she didn't have time to think about it any further and quickly walked away.
The servant who had just come out of the study was taken aback when he saw Lin Xu and the others leaving in a hurry, but he couldn't stop them. He could only watch as Lin Xu, holding her belly, disappeared into the corner of the wall in an instant.
...
Is the news true?
“It’s absolutely true. I just found out that Aunt Mu is currently unconscious, and the old lady has dragged An Chan out of the side room for interrogation! It looks like she’ll be asking you to come over soon.”
Lin Xu frowned deeply, her heart pounding wildly. She had planned everything meticulously, but she hadn't expected things to change so drastically in just one night. She had made all the preparations, but she had overlooked Mu Wenjun's safety, and even more so, she had overlooked Bai Shi's scheming and methods!
"...Has anyone found out why Aunt Mu fell into a coma?"
Lin Xu suppressed his inner turmoil and asked in a low voice.
“This servant was unaware that the concubine’s room was already completely surrounded. They said that after having breakfast, Concubine Mu would not be able to continue. Right now, it’s in complete chaos. The old lady has lost her temper… This servant knows that this matter is of great importance, so I dared not delay and rushed to find you.”
Despite her physical limitations, the situation was so sudden that she couldn't think of anything else and could only rush to the side courtyard. Now that she was six months pregnant, she felt dizzy and broke out in a cold sweat after walking such a long distance.
Mu Wenjun lives in the Shuixiang Pavilion in the west wing. An Chan used to live in the Mingyuan Palace on the other side. Ever since An Chan was punished, the west wing has been unusually empty. Now, however, the lights are on and off, and it is unusually crowded with people.
When Lin Xu arrived, Mu Wenjun was already unconscious. She was carried into the inner room and placed on the bed, her lips turning blue. The arriving physician from the Qi family had clearly already examined Mu Wenjun's pulse. He shook his head gravely and bowed to Madam Bai, reporting:
"Aunt Mu has ingested a highly toxic 'Fragrance Gathering Powder' by mistake. This medicine is colorless and odorless, making it extremely difficult to detect when mixed with food. If she doesn't wake up within half a day, Aunt Mu's chances of survival will be slim..."
Upon hearing this, all the maids and servants in the room were startled and looked at each other in disbelief.
Without changing her expression, Bai said, "Carry her away first and try to stabilize her pulse."
She waved her hand, and everyone tactfully withdrew. Lin Xu stood there, leaving only Madam Bai and Aunt Guo, who had arrived early, in the hall. Only then did Madam Bai notice that Lin Xu had also come. She nodded and glanced at her, then instructed Fu Zhen to bring up the two maids.
The two maids who usually served Mu Wenjun were now trembling like leaves, too scared to even breathe.
Bai said, "You all serve Mu Shi on a daily basis. Tell me honestly, how did this poison get in?"
The lead maid stammered:
"Reporting to Madam, what I just said is the truth. At lunch today, Lianzi, who used to serve Concubine An, came to talk to me and left shortly after. No one else came to Shuixiang Pavilion! After Lianzi left, I brought up the food prepared by the kitchen. I never expected that Concubine An would foam at the mouth and collapse unconscious after only a few bites!"
The physician of the Qi family had already examined the remaining food and found that a large amount of the "Fragrance-Gathering Powder" had been added to a stir-fried lotus root dish. Meanwhile, Bai had sent someone to bring An Chan and Lian Zi over. The two were now kneeling on the ground, weeping and pleading guilty, and had no hesitation in confessing.
"It was indeed me who had Lianzi administer the poison. Mu Wenjun dared to scheme against me, so naturally I had to retaliate..."
However, after being confined in the side room for a few days, An Chan became extremely thin, her already petite body shrank even further, and her once pretty face became sunken. Even so, when Mu Wenjun was mentioned, her once charming face was still full of resentment like that of a jealous woman.
An Chan had been tricked by Mu Wenjun and locked in the side room last time. She hated Mu Wenjun so much that she gritted her teeth. After crying a few words, she shouted her grievances to Bai Shi.
"Madam, as you know, how could I possibly harm the First Madam? I was merely tricked by this Mu Shi. She coveted the position of the second wife, so she feigned friendship with me, then used me as a pawn to eliminate both me and Feng Daizhu! Please investigate thoroughly and clear my name..."
An Chan became increasingly aggrieved as she spoke, and she began to sob uncontrollably, crying out in heart-wrenching sobs.
But seeing the murderous glint in Bai's eyes, she immediately interrupted her, slamming her hand on the table and shouting angrily:
"You vile woman, you're nothing but a lowly servant girl, yet you've been plotting to wreak havoc in the inner quarters, turning the house into a complete mess. Even locked up, you won't behave. I've been too lenient with you these past few days! Guards, take her away immediately and punish her according to my family rules. It's time to set the record straight!"
The loud slap on the table made Lin Xu, who was sitting to the side, frown even more.
Seeing that Bai was so angry, Aunt Guo quickly tried to persuade her:
"Why is Madam doing this? An Chan was indeed confused for a moment. She must be jealous of Zhou Lang. Your health is the most important thing right now. Don't get so angry and hurt yourself!"
Madam Bai, however, wore a pained expression, her slightly wrinkled hands covering her chest as she let out a long sigh. "Now that the matter of my eldest son is about to be decided, the inner quarters are becoming increasingly chaotic. How can I be at ease? I only thought this girl was clever and obedient, but I never expected her to be such a fool, committing such a disgraceful act. She has truly disgraced me!"
After saying this, he seemed genuinely furious with An Chan and forbade anyone in the manor to mention that name again.
Lin Xu sat at the lower end, quietly watching Aunt Guo gently comfort Bai Shi. The two were in harmony, and there were no longer any of the previous grudges.
However, in just a moment, she subconsciously touched her lower abdomen—
I arrived in a hurry and was shocked to hear of the unexpected turn of events. Now, I can't stop the cramping pain in my lower abdomen!
She forced back the pain, looked up at Madam Bai, and asked:
"...An Chan's actions are certainly hateful. However, it has unjustly wronged Aunt Mu. I wonder how Aunt Mu's injuries are now? Does the Qi family physician have any good prescriptions?"
Bai then slowly looked at Lin Xu, a fierce glint in her eyes:
"The second wife is so considerate; it is truly a blessing for the Dou family."
The throbbing pains came in waves, each more intense than the last, and before she knew it, cold sweat was trickling down Lin Xu's back. At the same time, Lin Xu's heart skipped a beat; for some reason, she felt that Bai Shi's gaze towards her was different from usual, carrying a strange, ruthless intent—
Just that one glance sent chills down her spine.
It was Bai's scheme. She already knew.
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