Lin Yuqiao was speechless as she listened to the news from those around her.
The cause of Liu Feng's death has always been kept secret, so currently, apart from her, the princess, and their close attendants, no one else in the mansion knows the truth, leading to all sorts of wild speculations.
This rumor is that someone is deliberately targeting Consort Jiang.
"Granny, do you think this was made by Baili Shi?"
Feeling a little regretful, Lin Yuqiao worried that this matter was related to the nonsense she had told Baili Shi that day, and that it might have been her words that led Baili Shi astray, making her think that it was Consort Jiang who did it.
What troubled Baili Shi the most was probably her rank. Although both were concubines, a concubine had more status and honor than a secondary concubine.
Not only could she attend the palace banquet with the princess at the end of the year, but she could also go out and socialize. She could also raise the children she gave birth to herself, and had a higher status than children born to other concubines.
"Consort, don't worry. Baili doesn't seem to have the means or the guts. The person who did this must have a grudge against Consort Jiang. You can just watch the show from the sidelines."
Granny Jiang remained quite calm about the rumors of ghosts, and didn't think that Madam Baili was a person of conscience, capable of having the courage and means to do such a thing.
Regardless of who this matter is directed at, whether the Second Young Master is safe or not is none of their concern.
That's true, but Lin Yuqiao still felt uneasy.
I heard that because of the rumor about will-o'-the-wisps, Liu Yan's condition, which was almost cured, has now worsened.
Liu Heng currently only has these two sons left. If Liu Yan also passes away, she will not benefit from it. On the contrary, it may put pressure on Liu Heng regarding the issue of having offspring.
If he then favors other women in order to have children, wouldn't she become the ultimate victim?
Moreover, Lin Yuqiao also felt a little bad. No matter what, Liu Yan was just a child, and there was no need to involve the child in the adult's affairs.
She wouldn't do that, and she doesn't want others to treat her child like that in the future.
After sitting blankly out the window for a while, Lin Yuqiao sighed and finally made up her mind.
It's a way to accumulate good karma for future children. Now that Liu Heng is away and the princess is ill, she should lend a hand if she can.
Besides, Liu Heng should be at the most crucial juncture in the struggle for the throne right now, and she is well aware of how good he has been to her.
Take the matter of her elder brother and sister-in-law causing Liu Feng's death, for example. Liu Heng never made it public. This roundabout way of handling it was mostly for the sake of her and Lin Yucheng's reputation.
Otherwise, even if they weren't implicated by Lin Yuqi, they would still be tainted by the rumors that spread about him.
Liu Heng was naturally considerate and gentle, and within the limits of his ability, he did his best to be impeccable for her.
One cannot only take; only through give and take can things last. She should also give something back.
"Mangxia, find out the whole story carefully and then report back to me."
Lin Yuqiao instructed Qingming to call Mangxia over and carefully tell her to go out and inquire. She needed to gather enough information to sort out the whole matter before making a judgment.
Jiang Mama disapproved of Lin Yuqiao's meddling. However, seeing that Lin Yuqiao seemed determined, she swallowed all the words of advice she had to give her.
Since personally punishing the unruly servants in the courtyard, Lin Yuqiao has become more opinionated, and her demeanor has unconsciously exuded a certain authority, making Jiang Mama hesitant to make decisions for her easily.
Mang Xia was very efficient. After having dinner with Lin Yuqiao, she told her the whole story in detail from beginning to end, and even found out who exactly witnessed it.
"Daocheng, Daoli, Steward Jiang, Steward Chen, Granny Zhang, Granny Fang, and all the other people from the outer gate saw it. They said the will-o'-the-wisp was blue and eerie, and it was floating behind people. Daocheng and Steward Jiang were so frightened that they fell ill when they got back. Granny Zhang said that it was the ghost messengers carrying ghost lanterns to pull people away."
After speaking, Mang Xia's expression also turned pale, and a chill ran down her spine. She hadn't known much about it before, thinking it was just a rumor. Now, however, the story seemed to be based on solid evidence, and with so many people watching, it was impossible not to feel afraid.
Seeing that Mangxia and Qingming were both pale with fright, Lin Yuqiao smiled and patted their shoulders.
"There's no such thing as ghosts or gods in this world. Don't be afraid. Look how calm Granny Jiang is."
Lin Yuqiao, who originally wanted to take Jiang Mama as an example, did not expect that after she said those words, Jiang Mama suddenly became nervous.
"Oh dear, Consort, you can't say such disrespectful things. There are gods watching over you. Quickly spit twice to make it go away."
Lin Yuqiao was a little embarrassed. She thought that Granny Jiang didn't believe in ghosts and gods, but it turned out that she did.
She knew exactly what the so-called will-o'-the-wisp was; it must have been made with phosphorus powder. Phosphorus has a very low ignition point and can actually burn during the day, but it's invisible to the naked eye because of the intense sunlight.
At night, when phosphorus fires burn and are blown by the wind, they float up in scattered specks. Since people are also composed of phosphorus molecules, this creates the phenomenon of will-o'-the-wisps chasing people.
Are all these people on night patrol from the outer courtyard? Do any of them have connections with the maids and servants in the inner courtyard?
"This... I don't know. Shall we go and inquire again?"
Mang Xia was taken aback by Lin Yuqiao's question and shook her head.
"It's alright, no need. I'll go to the Princess tomorrow and have her investigate."
The next day, when Lin Yuqiao paid her respects, she did not see Consort Jiang. She heard that Consort Jiang had taken leave and anxiously waited in Liu Yan's courtyard.
After Granny Zhou dismissed everyone, she stayed behind and asked to see the Princess.
Zhou Mama glanced at Lin Yuqiao suspiciously, unable to guess what she was up to, but her heart pounded with anxiety.
Since the will-o'-the-wisp incident happened on Liu Feng's birthday, the princess heard that Liu Feng had appeared, so at midnight she set up incense and candles in the courtyard, offered lotus roots, fruits, various snacks and other items, burned paper horses and combs for the birthday god, and various other paper offerings.
"My son, I know you died unjustly!"
As she burned paper money, the princess wept. The name-binding talisman that was replaced every year on Liu Feng's birthday was still there, but now the man was gone.
"My son, is there something you want to say? You even came to see me in my dream last night. Please let me see you again!"
The princess wept bitterly, remembering that only Consort Jiang and Liu Yan had seen will-o'-the-wisps in front of the courtyard. Coupled with the rumors circulating among the lower realms, even though she knew the truth, she began to have doubts.
Could it be that Consort Jiang really did get involved? But there's no evidence, or perhaps Liu Heng found out but didn't tell her!
Thinking of this possibility, the princess suddenly felt blood rush to her throat again.
"It's all my fault, Feng'er. Do whatever you want! Take away all those who have harmed you!"
The princess no longer wanted to care about Liu Yan's worsening condition. Perhaps it was truly the fault of Consort Jiang, and Liu Yan would have to pay for it. The princess only regretted that Liu Feng hadn't taken Consort Jiang with him.
After a night of turmoil, the princess was in a daze the next day and couldn't get up. Only after hearing from Granny Zhou that Lin Yuqiao wanted to see her did she struggle to get up.
Seeing that the princess's illness was getting worse, Lin Yuqiao felt helpless. Most of her illness was psychological; if she couldn't let go of it herself, no medicine could cure her.
"Your Highness has been unwell for a long time, and I am very worried about you. Not only do the young master and the eldest young lady need you, but the affairs of the manor also require Your Highness to take charge. Please take good care of your health and recover soon."
Lin Yuqiao's words of advice came from the bottom of her heart and were sincere.
After all, the status has been established, and the laws of this dynasty clearly stipulate that concubines are not allowed to be promoted to the rank of principal wife.
Except for the emperor's harem, which is exempt from this law, any other family that elevates a concubine to the status of principal wife is committing a crime and will be punished with exile.
Since she had no hope of becoming the principal wife, she should just obediently remain a concubine and had no need to harbor any ill intentions.
Besides, the princess is not a bad person and has not done anything evil to her, so she would not hope for anything bad to happen to the princess.
"Is there something you need?"
Hearing the concern in Lin Yuqiao's words, the princess gave a bitter smile. She knew she still had two children left; otherwise, how could she have endured it all? She would have passed away long ago along with her youngest son.
"The whole manor is in an uproar over the will-o'-the-wisp, which I find very inappropriate. It's even preventing the Second Young Master from resting in peace. Your Highness, you should make a decision as soon as possible to punish the real culprit and put Sister Jiang and the rest of the manor at ease."
Lin Yuqiao didn't quite understand why the princess hadn't made a move yet.
This is clearly aimed at Consort Jiang and Liu Yan. The Princess should know the truth about Liu Feng being bitten by a rabid dog. His death has nothing to do with Consort Jiang; it was all the work of the Crown Prince and Lin Yuqi.
"You mean..."
The princess frowned as she looked at Lin Yuqiao. Her words clearly implied that someone had done this, that it wasn't a ghost story, but rather that someone else was plotting something malicious.
Can anyone control will-o'-the-wisps?
The princess has never heard of this before, so what is Lin Yuqiao's purpose in saying this? What benefits can she gain from it?
Subconsciously, the princess still believed this was the result of Liu Feng's divine intervention. Therefore, she only speculated about Lin Yuqiao's words, without any intention of trusting them.
Sensing the distrust in the princess's gaze, Lin Yuqiao knew that the princess believed in the will-o'-the-wisp. As a modern person who had studied basic science, Lin Yuqiao finally found a sense of superiority.
In an era where feudal superstition was the norm, she couldn't help but feel like "the only one who is sober in a world of drunks".
"When I was a child, I happened to see a servant of mine using a powder called 'phosphorus powder' for amusement. At night, if they grabbed a handful of phosphorus powder and scattered the rest on the ground, they would blow on their palms, and a blue flame would ignite. I believe the so-called will-o'-the-wisps in this manor must be caused by the same thing. Since all the courtyards are locked at night, and the will-o'-the-wisps start outside, Your Highness should thoroughly investigate those night watchmen who saw the will-o'-the-wisps; surely one of them must have scattered phosphorus powder."
The cause of phosphorus combustion was something Lin Yuqiao had seen in her previous life; it was reported on in a science program, and she suddenly remembered it now. She had forgotten the specific details, but this should be it.
Lin Yuqiao spoke with such certainty and seriousness that the princess's brow twitched.
This was the first time she had ever heard of 'phosphorus powder'. If it was true, and she hadn't found out about this matter in time, and if something happened to Liu Yan because of it, she wouldn't be able to get away with it when Liu Heng came back.
Liu Yan was just a son of a concubine, and the princess did not care whether he lived or died.
However, she cherishes her reputation. Over the years, she has worked hard in every aspect to earn a reputation for being virtuous and capable, and she must maintain it to avoid any mistakes that could ruin her reputation.
"Thanks to my sister's reminder, otherwise I would have been too confused and unable to think of anything, and these heartless people would have succeeded!"
Better safe than sorry, so the princess decided to take Lin Yuqiao's advice and investigate thoroughly.
If someone really did plot against Liu Feng, then that person must have had an old grudge against Consort Jiang. Moreover, that person orchestrated the rumors in the mansion and certainly wouldn't know who was behind Liu Feng's death.
After Lin Yuqiao left, the princess pulled Zhou Mama aside for a detailed discussion. They decided that they had to catch the real culprit so that they could have an explanation when Liu Heng returned, and that she wouldn't appear incompetent.
Having done everything she could, Lin Yuqiao felt completely at ease.
After that, she had no more scenes, and from then on, she kept her achievements hidden and quietly waited for the outcome.
Lin Yuqiao still believed in the princess's methods. She had only been misled before because the princess lacked scientific knowledge. Now that she understood, she would definitely begin to investigate and deal with the matter.
She originally wanted to visit Consort Jiang again, but Consort Jiang remained in Liu Yan's courtyard. Lin Yuqiao hadn't had smallpox in this life either, so for her safety, she didn't dare go over.
After returning home and thinking it over, in order to find the mastermind more quickly, Lin Yuqiao wrote another note and had it delivered to Consort Jiang. With both Consort Jiang and the Princess working together, they were bound to make progress.
Sure enough, not two days later, Lin Yuqiao heard that the princess had locked up a concubine surnamed Yu.
Yu was originally a dowry maid brought by the princess. After Jiang entered the household, she was also given facial hair removal. She was quite beautiful and followed the same path as the gentle and graceful Consort Jiang. With her gentleness and attentiveness, she gained some favor in her early years.
At that time, Consort Jiang was still a concubine and had no children, so her position was not yet stable. During the few days Liu Heng spent in the inner palace each month, the princess would occupy most of the time. Therefore, the competition among them was quite fierce in the few days that were left.
Everyone exerted all their strength to win favor.
In order to bring down Lady Yu, Consort Jiang first humbled herself and deliberately befriended her. After a period of sisterly affection, Consort Jiang heard that Lady Yu wanted to have a child as soon as possible while she was still favored by the emperor. So, under the guise of sharing, she gave Lady Yu a set of fire-avoidance diagrams.
Originally, Madam Yu wouldn't have dared to use such methods, feeling that it wasn't something a respectable person would do. However, she came from a poor background and had been sold to the Wang family as a maid when she was young, so she had never seen much of the world.
Hearing Consort Jiang mention that she had won Liu Heng's favor by using this method, and that young ladies from noble families all regarded the fire-avoidance diagram as a dowry treasure, he became interested and was very grateful for Consort Jiang's selfless sharing.
She was an ambitious person who hoped to have a son so that she could be promoted and wouldn't have to be subservient to the princess.
Consort Jiang understood Yu's thoughts perfectly. She also knew Liu Heng's character to some extent; she knew he was always upright and principled, and disliked this kind of sycophantic and obsequious behavior.
As a result, Lady Yu used the fire-avoidance diagram, but was disliked by Liu Heng. Tragically, Lady Yu didn't understand why she was suddenly rejected. It wasn't until Consort Jiang gave birth to Liu Yan and was promoted to the rank of Consort that Lady Yu finally understood.
The fire-avoidance diagram in her hand was not the kind of suggestive introductory material given to young ladies as part of their dowry, but a more explicit depiction of sexual intercourse, a technique used only in brothels.
Such matters of the inner chambers are not to be discussed with outsiders. If she hadn't trusted Consort Jiang so much, she wouldn't have believed it so easily. She was filled with regret. The prince had never shown any interest in marital pleasures; how could she have fallen for Consort Jiang's trick?
She trusted Jiang Concubine implicitly, yet she was taken advantage of. Thinking about it, Yu Shi felt so angry that she couldn't sleep at night.
In the years that followed, Consort Jiang had a son to rely on, and the Princess was impeccable in her treatment, so she lived a peaceful and stable life.
As for Madam Yu, she was a despised concubine, long forgotten by everyone, with only a lazy and slick maidservant by her side, and her life was difficult and shabby.
It wasn't until she unexpectedly hooked up with Steward Jiang from the outer courtyard that her life became a little better; at least no one skimped on her daily expenses anymore.
The courtyard where Madam Yu lived was the most secluded place in the mansion, with a bamboo grove outside for cover. After exchanging glances for a while, at night, while the maid was fast asleep, she sneaked out to meet with Steward Jiang, who was on night patrol.
Manager Jiang was about the same age as Madam Yu and had married early, but his family members were far inferior to the beautiful and charming Madam Yu.
Yu was in her prime and had been celibate for a long time. In addition, she had carefully studied the moves of the "Hehuan Tu" (a martial arts technique) and was quite skilled. Now, during their tryst, she spoke freely and let Steward Jiang have his way with her. After that, she became completely devoted to Steward Jiang and obeyed his every command.
Among the maids in the Prince's mansion, there were also their own social circles. Yu's maid, Chunxing, was on good terms with Taozhi, who served Baili. Taozhi would tell Chunxing what she had heard from Baili as gossip.
Chunxing usually got along well with Madam Yu, and Madam Yu did not mistreat her. Therefore, Chunxing told Madam Yu about Baili's speculation.
Upon learning that the Third Prince's affairs might be related to Consort Jiang, Madam Yu was extremely excited.
She believed that Consort Jiang had the guts and the means; if she could plot against her before, she could now harm the Third Young Master. Unfortunately, there was no evidence to prove Consort Jiang's guilt.
After the initial regret, Madam Yu desperately wanted Consort Jiang to be punished. Why should Consort Jiang be punished so cruelly, leaving her with no hope for the rest of her life while Consort Jiang could still live a good life with her son?
On a sudden inspiration, Madam Yu thought, if there's no evidence, then she'll create it. Consort Jiang's most precious possession is her son, and she'll make Consort Jiang taste the consequences of losing her son.
Then Ms. Yu recalled that when she was very young, her father apprenticed with a master and learned martial arts from street performers. Their fire-breathing skills utilized phosphorus powder.
They used to have phosphorus powder in their home, and she had seen it glow blue at night when she was a child. She was terrified at the time, thinking it was really ghosts.
After devising a plan, she sent Steward Jiang out to find a martial arts performer to buy phosphorus powder, and persuaded him to help her carry out the operation. The phosphorus powder was then sprinkled in front of Consort Jiang and Liu Yan's courtyard.
Then he pretended to be chased by will-o'-the-wisps and even faked falling ill from fright.
Manager Jiang's acting was spot-on, and things unfolded exactly as the Yu family had expected. No one knew that the will-o'-the-wisp was a deliberate act, and Liu Yan's condition worsened because he was afraid of being taken away.
If the princess hadn't sent people to find out that Steward Jiang had gone out to buy phosphorus powder, she wouldn't have been exposed.
No one knew these inside stories about the Yu family. They only knew that the old concubine was plotting something sinister and had schemed to frame Consort Jiang.
After the real culprit was found, Liu Yan also pulled through, and the lesions healed completely without leaving any scars. Twelve days later, the Princess, along with Consort Jiang and others, saw the Empress off, offered incense as a token of gratitude, and celebrated the bestowal of rewards.
The matter was thus resolved quietly, and Lin Yuqiao received clothing and jewelry from the princess as a token of her gratitude.
What she didn't expect was that after this incident, the princess seemed to have figured something out, finally let go of Liu Feng's matter, and her illness gradually improved.
By September, Liu Heng had successfully completed his business trip and returned from Chenliu. The epidemic in several areas had been effectively controlled and had not spread.
The prefectural magistrate of Chenliu also confessed and was escorted back to the capital. Liu Heng dealt with this corruption case with considerable force, but his methods were lenient, only investigating and prosecuting the most directly responsible individuals.
Other officials involved in the matter also knew that Liu Heng had obtained the ledger detailing their share of the spoils from the Chenliu Prefectural Governor, and that they had not been punished because Liu Heng had let them off the hook. They couldn't help but feel grateful to him.
Therefore, after his return, Liu Heng's reputation in the court became better than ever before.
Emperor Jianwu was very pleased with the success of Liu Heng's trip and finally made up his mind to announce the new crown prince in court.
The day after Emperor Jianwu issued an edict to establish Liu Heng as the crown prince, Lin Yuqiao was diagnosed with being three months pregnant.
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