Minglan sat quietly beside the old lady for a while before Doctor Lin came into the room with a frown on his face. Minglan turned aside to wipe the corners of her eyes, then turned around and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Doctor. Why don't you rest for a while?"
Doctor Lin had just slept for an hour or so in the side room, and now he felt much more refreshed. He bowed to Minglan and said, "You're too polite, Madam. The old lady hasn't woken up yet, and I can't sleep well either." Seeing the deep worry on Minglan's face, he comforted her, "Don't worry, Madam. After my acupuncture last night, the old lady's pulse has stabilized."
Minglan said, "It would be better if he woke up sooner." She didn't know much about medicine, but she knew that it was not good to sleep for such a long time.
Doctor Lin said, "That's right. Only when he wakes up can we properly diagnose and treat him. It will also be much easier to administer medicine and apply moxibustion."
The two exchanged a few more words before Madam Fang dragged Minglan off to breakfast. She ate half a bowl of purple rice porridge listlessly, then took a few bites of fragrant lotus leaf dumplings with shredded ham before she put down her chopsticks. By then, the sky was already bright. Luzhi hurried in, beaming with joy, saying, "Madam, everyone's here." Liu Kunjia followed her, head bowed. Minglan praised her, saying, "Madam Liu, you've worked so hard."
Mrs. Liu's face turned pale. Seeing that no one was around, she whispered, "Mrs. Kang has gone to the mistress's room alone. The people she brought with her have been detained. Miss Xiaotao is watching them."
Minglan said, "Those who came here are probably my aunt's confidants."
Liu Kunjia looked up, a glint of admiration in her eyes, and said, "Madam is right. There are a total of four maids and daughters-in-law who came with them, and there are six servants at the gatehouse. Among these four, two daughters-in-law were originally the concubine's personal maids, and two were her trusted housekeepers. But..." The advantage of the two sisters of the Wang family hanging out together all day is that not only is Aunt Kang familiar with the affairs of the Sheng family, but the people around Wang also know the Kang family very well.
Minglan asked, "What's wrong? Mom, please tell me."
At this point, if Aunt Kang didn't fall, the owner of the house who tricked her into coming here would be in trouble. Liu Kun's wife said, "There was a woman named Qi, who was originally the concubine's wet nurse. The Wang family asked her to be the maid."
Minglan raised her eyebrows: "She didn't come today?"
Liu Kunjia nodded and added, "Mother Qi is old, but she is always the most caring of the concubines." The implication was that if Aunt Kang wanted to do something secret, even if others didn't know, Mother Qi would definitely know. She added, "However, Mother Qi has always been very cautious, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to trick her out."
Minglan stood up and paced a few steps in the room, then suddenly leaned over and whispered a few words in Liu Kunjia's ear. Liu Kunjia was startled and said in surprise: "That's right, both of them... How did Madam know this?" Minglan lowered her head and thought for a while, then whispered in Liu Kunjia's ear for a while.
Liu Kunjia was stunned for a moment: "Madam, why don't you..." and suddenly stopped talking. She was smart and had been doing official work for many years, so she immediately understood.
Minglan smiled and said, "Mother Liu is a smart person. She has done this for me. I will definitely thank you very much."
Liu Kunjia's forehead was sweating, and he gritted his teeth and said, "I'll go right away."
Minglan shook her head and said with a smile, "There's no need to rush. Mom, go get some food and rest first. I'll ask Master Tu to go with you later. As long as Mom shows up, you don't have to worry about anything else."
Liu Kun's wife responded, and Minglan asked someone to invite Tu Da.
Tu Long was in his early forties, short and stocky, with a plump face. He was a world apart from the ferocious Tu Hu, but he was a very steady and capable person. After Minglan gave him instructions for a while, he laughed and said, "Don't worry, Madam. This is not difficult at all."
Minglan sighed, "It's really out of helplessness to ask a man like Master Tu to perform such a trick."
Tu Long said sternly, "Madam, what are you talking about? The Marquis pulled us brothers out of the dead. Now we have wives, children, and a family. We can live a rich and comfortable life, all thanks to the Marquis's great kindness. Madam, just sit back and watch."
After watching Tulong leave, Minglan felt relieved and led Luzhi slowly towards Wang's courtyard.
In the past, the Sheng Mansion was always bustling on summer mornings. The shop assistants had already brought back fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish, and delicate smoke curled from the kitchens. Then, the maids would carry breakfast to their respective masters, carrying food boxes and baskets of varying sizes. The maids, already sweeping the garden, chatted and laughed as they went to the servants' kitchen to collect their food. They, too, half-closed their eyes as Danju dragged them out of bed.
But today, the road was deserted, not a single servant was in sight. The servants were all very obedient. They saw that all the gates were blocked, the guards from the Marquis's residence were ruthless, and Lai Fu, the master's steward, had come to pass on the message that no one was allowed to move rashly. Add to that Old Madam Sheng's sudden illness, and everyone had their own concerns, but they didn't dare to come forward to inquire.
As soon as they arrived at the main courtyard, they saw several maids gathered at the door, their heads huddled in fear. When they saw Minglan coming, they all stood in awe, not daring to speak. A senior maid beside Wang Shi whispered, "The aunt is here. The concubine just came too. The mistress asked me to wait outside, saying they had something to discuss."
Minglan said, "You are smart. Madam has a reason for asking you to wait outside. Don't be like those restless people who lean over to listen to what the master says and only harm themselves."
The maids nodded hurriedly and made way. They only heard that Mama Qian was beaten half to death because she eavesdropped on the conversation between the master and the mistress.
Minglan continued walking inside, around a short corridor, and was still a few steps away from the main house when she heard a fierce quarrel and shouting from inside the house - "...What did you say? It's actually true?! I'm your biological sister, and you're hurting me like this...!"
Minglan smiled faintly, and walked straight in without stopping. She stopped at the side of the door and looked in slightly sideways. She saw Wang's face flushed purple with anger, tugging at Aunt Kang's collar and yelling. Aunt Kang smiled and pried her hands away, "Why are you panicking, sister? I'm just thinking about you. That old hag won't die, and she's keeping it on your head. When will you ever get out of this?"
Wang's forehead veins bulged as she cried hysterically, "Sister, are you really that cruel? That was a life after all! How could the old lady take someone's life, even if it was absolutely wrong of her to do so?"
Aunt Kang shook her hand away: "Now you come here to pretend to be filial. If that's the case, why did you agree to it in the first place?"
"I just wanted to make her sick for a while! From now on, she can raise Quan brother well, and then we can enjoy a peaceful family life!"
"Whatever medicine you give me won't harm me," Aunt Kang said coldly. "You'd better cover up this matter quickly. Once that old hag dies, no one will know about it. Who in this mansion will dare to give you a hard time in the future?!"
Wang panted and said, "...and my brother Quan, you clearly know that he is also with the old lady. If he also ate the snacks, do you want to kill my grandson?"
Aunt Kang asked, "Didn't you say that the old lady was afraid that Quan Ge'er wouldn't eat, so she didn't let him have any snacks?"
Wang's eyes widened: "How can this be guaranteed? You put something so powerful, what if my brother eats it?"
Aunt Kang was swaying with laughter, supporting Wang and coaxing her, "Oh, even if it's my fault, I didn't think about the child. Brother Quan is fine. This shows that God blesses my sister too!"
Wang gritted her teeth and said, "So you did it on purpose! Well, well, now I know you..."
Aunt Kang saw the hatred in Wang's eyes and her face immediately turned cold. She said threateningly, "You have had ill intentions towards your mother-in-law for a long time. Now, can you stop pretending to be nice to me? Now that things have come to this, do you still want to make a fuss?! I tell you, don't ask for trouble. I can just wash my hands of it, but you can't get away with it!"
Wang glared at her angrily for a long time, then slumped down in her chair. "...No one can escape now."
Aunt Kang was very surprised: "What do you mean?"
"——What I mean is, now that you're in my hands, don't even think about getting away with it." Minglan stood at the door with a smile on her face.
When she saw her, Wang jumped up like a rabbit, stood trembling by the table, and kept looking out the door, fearing that the vicious man would jump out from behind Minglan again.
Aunt Kang's face darkened: "What are you doing here?"
Minglan was surprised and said, "This is my mother's home. My grandmother is seriously ill. Why can't I come?"
Aunt Kang was secretly angry and turned to Wang and said, "Why don't you discipline your daughter? How can you talk to your elders like that?"
Wang thought to herself, don't be so arrogant, it's good enough if you don't get hurt later; she turned her head away and said nothing.
Aunt Kang had no choice but to turn around and glare at Minglan, saying, "I have something to say to your mother. She's very busy. Please leave first."
Minglan smiled and said, "I'm also very busy. I only need to tell Auntie two things." She suppressed her smile and said, "First, Auntie is indeed very knowledgeable and well-read. That ginkgo sprout juice is really wonderful to use."
Aunt Kang's face changed, and she said sinisterly, "I have no idea what you are talking about."
Minglan ignored her and continued, "Secondly, the madam has told you everything."
The atmosphere in the room grew colder. Aunt Kang turned to look at Wang, only to see her nod in frustration. Countless thoughts raced through Aunt Kang's mind, then she put on a fake smile and said, "What is this child saying? It really confuses me."
Minglan nodded and said, "It doesn't matter if Aunt is confused. Everything will become clear after the interrogation."
"What are you interrogating? Do you dare to interrogate me?" Aunt Kang smiled proudly.
Wang sneered, her tone rather gleeful: "Do you think you can leave the Sheng family's gate today?"
Aunt Kang's face changed drastically and she stared at Minglan in disbelief: "...You dare?" No way?
Minglan smiled and turned to the outsider, saying, "Is everyone here? Let them in."
Lvzhi, who was waiting outside the door, answered loudly, "Yes, I'll go and call him right away."
A moment later, two old women came into the room first, followed by two men dressed as guards, dragging a half-unconscious person in their hands. They threw the person heavily to the ground, and the two guards retreated respectfully.
Aunt Kang's heart was beating wildly. She looked carefully and saw the person slowly raise his head. It was Mother Qian.
Mother Qian waved her bloodied hands and cried, "Madam, Auntie, please forgive me! I, I've told you everything!" Seeing Aunt Kang nearby, she quickly pointed at her and said, "It's all the concubine's fault! It's her! She told me that Madam was blind and didn't know how to employ people. She only trusted Liu Kun's family and told me not to use me. She promised me money and business, and told me to tell her everything about Madam, even the smallest details!"
As she spoke, she kowtowed repeatedly, her face covered in blood, snot, and tears. "Madam, I've been blinded by greed and envied Liu Kun's family. Please spare my life for all the years I've served you!"
Wang was so angry that she was shaking all over. She pointed at Mother Qian and said, "You slut, I actually raised an ungrateful person like you!"
Minglan waved her hand, telling the guards to drag Mama Qian away. Then she turned back and said softly, "Aunt, do you think I dare?"
Looking at the bloodstains on the ground, Aunt Kang's body began to tremble slightly.
"This is my aunt. Please be careful with it, maids." Minglan ordered.
The two maids responded in unison, and they took a step forward, holding Aunt Kang on the left and right. Their movements were very skillful, and Aunt Kang was immediately unable to move.
They were originally criminal slaves in the four palaces of the previous emperor. They usually assisted the nanny in charge of punishment in the palace. Later, the prince rebelled and committed suicide after the incident. The whole palace was convicted, and these small fish and shrimps could not escape.
Childless and lowly, they had been held captive for over a year, frail and sick, when an imperial decree bestowed upon them upon the newly minted generals. Because of their sensitive backgrounds, they were usually ignored. Fortunately, the new consort was kind enough to see a doctor, provide them with good food and nourishment, and assign them tasks, tasked with disciplining the newly arrived boys and girls. They also adopted several godchildren, considering it a blessing to live this way until old age.
This time, the lady brought them to the Sheng Mansion. They had seen a lot of such secrets in the inner house in the prince's mansion, so they decided not to ask, not to say, not to listen, and to do their job well. Not only did they repay the kindness of Madam Gu, but they also had a better life in the future.
Aunt Kang was held on both sides, and she didn't know how the two maids held her. She just felt her arms were sore and weak, and she couldn't struggle. She could only twist her body left and right. The two maids twisted her arms in the opposite direction, and she felt a sharp pain in her elbows. Aunt Kang cried out in pain, almost crying. She looked up and saw Minglan with a sneer on her face. She shouted at Wang Shi angrily: "Sister, I am your sister after all, and you let this damn girl torture and bully me like this?"
Wang stood beside the chair, saying woodenly: "Brother, don't talk about second brother, and sister, don't talk about younger sister." Just now she was thinking of denying it to the end and letting herself take the blame, but now she thought of the sisterly love.
Minglan couldn't help laughing. She rarely heard Wang say such rhyming and meaningful words.
Before Aunt Kang could scream, a maid quickly reached out and pinched her jaw. Aunt Kang cried out in pain, and her jaw was immediately dislocated. She half-opened her mouth, hoarse and unable to scream.
After watching the two maids take Aunt Kang away, Minglan turned and asked, "Where's Daddy?"
Wang held onto the chair and slowly sat down: "The master is very angry and has gone back to the study." In fact, Sheng Hong scolded her severely and said bluntly that if the matter could not be resolved amicably, he would definitely divorce her.
"In a moment, I will ask the guards blocking the gate to withdraw." Minglan said.
Wang was surprised and asked, "Why are you retreating?"
"It's time to buy groceries and cook."
Wang was so choked up that her intestines were numb: "No, didn't you say you were afraid that the news would leak out?"
Minglan smiled and said, "I've already arrested the people I should have arrested. There are a few more who should be arrested soon. The door is always closed at home, and no one comes in or out. It's very different from usual. Wouldn't the neighbors be suspicious if they saw me?"
Wang thought about it and fell silent.
Minglan took a few steps closer to her and said slowly, "Madam, once the door is opened, the news that the old lady is ill and that Aunt Kang is staying in our house will definitely leak out."
Wang was stunned and didn't quite understand.
Minglan lowered her voice, "If the Wang family's old lady had known earlier, before Aunt Kang was brought to justice, then this matter would have fallen solely on Madam. If she had known later, I would have investigated everything thoroughly, and Madam would have been able to clear herself of half the responsibility."
Wang Shi felt a surge of fear in her heart. She understood what Minglan meant. "I...I'll tell the Wang family in a few days."
Minglan smiled. "If the Kang family's mistress doesn't come home overnight, people will know about it. Madam, you only need to keep it a secret for one day. Besides..." She smiled, "It won't take that long."
The meaning of the second half of the sentence, and thinking about Mother Qian who was covered in bruises just now, made Wang shudder in her heart.
Minglan added, "In that case, how to control the servants and keep them from talking too much depends on your ability, Madam."
From the time she sent the guards to seal the gate until now, it had only been midnight and one early morning, and the servants in the mansion still didn't know what had happened. In the long run, if rumors spread, the first person to suffer would definitely be Wang, followed by Sheng Hong, then Changbai, who was currently in the officialdom, and his several married daughters. Oh, and Changfeng, who was about to enter the officialdom, would probably be no exception.
Wang also thought of this. After thinking for a moment, she said weakly, "Let's say our house was robbed. It was a conspiracy between insiders and outsiders. Not only did we lose valuables, but the old lady was also frightened and sick. That's why we asked my aunt to help find the lost property."
Minglan expressed her satisfaction: "That's a good thing to say." It is indeed not a glorious thing for a traitor to appear in the house, and it is not too abrupt to ask the servants to keep their mouths shut and not discuss it.
"Then... who is the traitor? Now that everyone has withdrawn, there must be an explanation." Wang asked very politely, like a student meeting her teacher - she was very afraid of Minglan now.
"Of course it's Madam Qian," Minglan said without hesitation. "Not only did she steal property, she also eavesdropped on the master's conversation. It's a perfect match for her to be punished all at once."
Speaking of Mama Qian, Wang was suspicious for a moment and looked at Minglan carefully: "This old woman deserves to be killed, but... she has been in the mansion for decades. Why not... spare her life? Punish her to hard labor." After all, they had been together day and night for decades. She saw Mama Qian and the two from Liu Kun's family more than her children and husband. If they really wanted to kill them, she would feel soft-hearted.
Minglan was about to walk out, but when she heard this, she stopped at the door, turned to look at Wang, and a strange expression appeared on her face.
Wang Shi felt her whole body crawl under her gaze and said awkwardly, "If you think it's inappropriate, just pretend I didn't say anything."
Minglan stared at her quietly and said slowly, "When I was little, I once asked the old lady why you chose the Madam as your daughter-in-law, as she was narrow-minded, selfish, and confused. The old lady said that even though the Madam had a thousand faults, she had one good thing. She was soft-hearted and didn't have a vicious or cruel heart. Even if she was given a knife, she wouldn't think of taking someone's life."
The second half of the sentence also goes like this: in the past, Wang thought that since Concubine Wei was strong and fertile, she would let Concubine Lin stir up trouble. Concubine Wei would suffer, or lose her child. In the future, the two would inevitably become mortal enemies, and she could benefit from it.
After Aunt Wei really died, Wang felt a little guilty for a while (she thought she had very little responsibility), and every time the Sheng family went to the temple to donate eternal lamps, she would always honestly give Aunt Wei an extra sum of money.
"The old lady also said that it's a pity that Madam is so gullible and easily instigated. She's always worried about having someone as evil-hearted as Aunt Kang around. In the future, when Madam understands and stops associating with Aunt Kang, she'll let everything go and hand it over to you. She'll also ask Madam to be a mother-in-law so that the family can live comfortably."
After saying this, Minglan felt a pang of bitterness in her heart and her eyes became hot. She shook her head sadly and walked out.
Wang sat there in a daze, her heart in turmoil. How could she have ended up like this?
As a child, she lived in a small town. Although she wasn't wealthy, her aunt and uncle treated her like a treasure. Even when she asked for the stars, her uncle would pretend to fetch a ladder, making her laugh. In the winter, she was afraid of the cold, and her aunt, afraid of burning her with the hot water bottle, would hold her little hands and feet against her chest and abdomen every night.
It wasn't until she was a little over ten that her parents took her home. Their home was so grand, the guests who came and went were either wealthy or noble, and she had a sister she barely knew, so beautiful, so noble, and so knowledgeable, she couldn't help but feel ashamed of herself.
In reality, she had always missed that picturesque town, her loving uncle and aunt, and her parents, who also loved her but were always busy. Her mother said to her, "Your uncle and aunt are just merchants, your father is a minister favored by the emperor, and your mother is a royal consort with access to the palace. Do you want to return to the lower classes and become the daughter of a merchant family, or become the daughter of an official?"
From then on, she tried hard to act with dignity, imitated her sister, and was determined to be a lady respected by everyone.
I don't know what's happened these past two years. Liu Kun's family, Hua Lan, his son and daughter-in-law all tried to persuade me, but I couldn't hear a single word of their kind words. Instead, I loved hearing Aunt Kang's sour and sardonic remarks.
Gradually, she became filled with resentment and felt more and more that everyone in the world had let her down. She was always thinking about finding someone to vent her anger on, as if she was possessed.
Thinking of her kind and loving uncle and aunt, such good people, how sad they would be if they knew what she had become now; she could still go to her daughter to confide in her and ask for help, but if she knew her mother had done such a thing, how would Hualan look at her? And Changbai...how could she face her son?
How did it end up like this? Wang was overwhelmed with grief and fell on the table, crying loudly.
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