The Princess's Residence.
"Your Highness, the remaining toxins in your body have been almost completely cleared. You will be fully recovered after drinking a few more doses of the prescription I gave you."
"Your old injuries still need more care." Song Zhiyu put away the silver needles, handed a white porcelain bottle to the old nanny standing by the bed, and gently instructed her.
The eldest princess leaned against the headboard, her gaze gentle, and smiled with great satisfaction. "Did the people from the Marquis's mansion make things difficult for you? I heard about what happened last night. You silly girl, you've finally learned to fight back."
"A girl as wonderful as you, it's their loss that they don't appreciate it."
When the princess mentioned the people of the Marquis's mansion, her words revealed her undisguised disgust.
Those fools in the Marquis's mansion don't love their own daughters, but instead dote on an imposter. They are truly blind.
She's just waiting for the day they regret it.
After saying that, the princess pulled out a finely crafted token with the character "Xiang" engraved on it from under her pillow, and smiled as she stuffed it into Song Zhiyu's hand, saying, "Seeing this token is like seeing me, you must not refuse it."
If anyone dares to make things difficult for you again in the future, feel free to teach them a lesson; you must not refuse.
"Your Highness, rest assured, the people of the Marquis's mansion can no longer bully me. I tolerated everything before because I cared too much about that false kinship. Now, I don't intend to tolerate it anymore." Song Zhiyu felt a warmth in her heart, and her smile deepened. She did not refuse the Princess's kindness and put the token away.
The eldest princess was the kindest person to her besides her three brothers, and she would never allow the tragedy of her past life to repeat itself.
*
After returning to the Marquis's residence, Song Zhiyu realized that the herbs in the courtyard were almost used up, so he picked up his basket and went out.
After being intimidated last time, the servants of the Marquis's mansion quickly took two steps back when they saw Song Zhiyu, afraid of displeasing her, and let her leave without daring to stop her.
Mingyin Mountain.
Song Zhiyu had just finished picking the last herb and was carrying her basket when she noticed a faint conversation coming from the bushes not far away.
"Miss Chen, are you trying to fob me off like a beggar? You think you can shut me up with this little bit of money?" The man sneered, casually swinging the purse by the strap, his face full of disdain.
Shen Jinxiu's face turned cold, and her tone became fierce, "Lin Er, don't push your luck."
If it weren't for the fact that Lin Ershou had something on her and used it to threaten her, she would have already torn this greedy scum to pieces.
Upon hearing the familiar female voice, Song Zhiyu paused slightly as she was about to leave, quickly concealing herself behind a tree.
Lin Er sighed deeply, his greed evident in his eyes. "It seems that Miss Shen's sincerity is nothing more than this. Since we can't reach an agreement, I'll go find someone who can afford it."
"Stop! I'll give you the money in three days, right here, but this will be the last time." Shen Jinxiu concealed the ruthlessness in her eyes, already having made her plans.
That matter must never be known to anyone, or she will be ruined.
Lin Er must not be allowed to live.
"Alright, Miss Shen is so generous. In that case, I'll wait three more days." Lin Er, seeing that things were going well, smiled obsequiously and happily counted the silver notes in his purse.
Shen Jinxiu glared at him, snorted coldly, and left with a flick of her sleeve.
After the person had gone far away, Lin Er finished counting the money and carefully put away his purse. Just as he was thinking about going to the gambling den for another gamble, a sharp, cold-looking dagger was placed against his neck.
"From now on, you must answer every question I ask honestly. Otherwise, swords have no eyes." Song Zhiyu pressed the dagger closer, drawing a thin line of blood on the man's neck.
Upon hearing this, Lin Er swallowed hard, his legs trembling uncontrollably. "I'll talk, I'll tell you everything."
"What exactly do you have on Shen Jinxiu that makes someone like her put up with your threats?" Song Zhiyu asked, intrigued. A faint smile curved her lips beneath her veil.
As Shen Jinshu's loyal lackey, Shen Jinxiu was arguably her most useful weapon, charging into battle for her and committing countless evil deeds.
Shen Jinshu remained hidden behind the scenes, eliminating one enemy after another without shedding a drop of blood.
In her past life, she had also suffered a lot of difficulties and framing from Shen Jinxiu.
“I saw with my own eyes Shen Jinxiu push the daughter of Grand Tutor Chu into the lake, making her an idiot.”
Lin Er was an unfavored illegitimate son of the Lin family. The reason he shamelessly went boating on the lake with the eldest son of the Lin family was that he wanted to make friends with other scions of prominent families in the capital.
Unfortunately, he came from a humble background and was addicted to gambling, so none of the scions of wealthy families looked up to him.
Frustrated, Lin Er inadvertently walked to a secluded pavilion and happened to witness Shen Jinxiu pushing the daughter of the Chu family into the lake. This led to his later attempt to blackmail Shen Jinxiu into giving him money.
Lin Er shakily pulled out the purse he had just put away and handed it to Song Zhiyu, pleading, "That's all I know. I haven't touched the money she gave me. Here, take it all."
Song Zhiyu took the purse, glanced at it with her eyes down, and made up her mind.
Whether it's to deal with Shen Jinshu, to avenge his past self, or to seek justice for that poor Miss Chu, some truths should be made public.
“Three days later, take all the evidence you have and go to Grand Tutor Chu in person to explain the truth. Perhaps that can save your life.” Song Zhiyu understood Shen Jinxiu; she was a foolish and vicious woman who would only be manipulated by Shen Jinshu.
She has lost her composure, which is why she was threatened by Lin Er. Once she realizes what's happening, she will probably kill him to silence him.
Song Zhiyu couldn't believe that Shen Jinshu wasn't involved in such a ruthless act, given that Shen Jinxiu had no grudge against Miss Chu.
Hearing that Consort Cheng favored Miss Chu as the principal wife of Prince Li, she intended to win over Grand Tutor Chu.
Sure enough, someone was quick to make a move.
If the Grand Tutor of Chu knew that his daughter had suffered such a calamity because of the King of Li, and that the murderer was someone from the Marquis's mansion, then this matter would become even more interesting.
Miss Chu is the apple of Grand Tutor Chu's eye, pampered and spoiled, but she was turned into a fool by Shen Jinxiu, which will inevitably turn the Marquis's Mansion and the Chu family into enemies.
Given Chu Taifu's prestige in the court and his numerous protégés throughout the court, it seems that this scumbag father's career has come to an end.
Furthermore, Prince Li would also be unable to gain the support of Grand Tutor Chu. Without this great ally, not only would he harbor resentment towards Shen Jinshu, but even the Imperial Concubine would hate Shen Jinshu to death.
Even if Shen Jinxiu can take the blame alone, can those who know the inside story still believe that the renowned "most talented woman in the capital," Shen Jinshu, is as harmless as she appears?
Killing three birds with one stone—in the end, she should thank Shen Jinxiu for giving her this leverage.
"I will definitely go." Lin Er nodded frantically, but he didn't really care.
If he were to tell the truth to Grand Tutor Chu, it would be tantamount to offending both families. How could he possibly have a good life after that?
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