Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 174: Heading to the Kang Family and Being Sent to the Inner Prison.

Listening to Snow Residence, amidst the anxious gazes of everyone.

Xiao Die took a deep breath, suppressing the panic in her heart, and said in a deep voice, "Ever since I had a brush with death when I gave birth to Brother Liu, I have been extra careful about what I eat."

"I never crave food or cold food, and I remember every bite."

"Speaking of food delivered from outside, Su Xiaoniang of the Kang family is an excellent pastry chef."

"Ever since her son Yan started learning martial arts, Su Xiaoniang has often sent people to deliver pastries and biscuits to her. Xiaoniang knows her intentions and doesn't want to refuse."

"I just put the pastries that are delivered first, and occasionally eat one or two pieces, but never more."

After saying that, Xiaodie turned around and brought over a plate of lotus seed pastries. "These were just sent by Su Xiaoniang yesterday. There are still these left. Besides these, I really can't think of anything else."

Hai Chaoyun stepped forward, looked at He Hongwen, and said softly, "Please take a look, Physician He, and see if there is anything wrong with this plate of pastries."

Upon hearing this, He Hongwen immediately took out silver needles from his medicine box and examined them carefully. The silver needles had not changed color.

"It doesn't seem to be her." As Hai Chaoyun spoke, she turned to look at Sheng Changbai, feeling that the matter was becoming increasingly troublesome.

Xiao Die quickly added, "This servant also believes it wasn't her doing. Her son Yan's future depends entirely on General Wei's protection. How could she dare to harm my mother?"

However, He Hongwen did not rush to conclusions. He broke the lotus seed pastry into pieces, smelled it carefully, and then his expression changed.

"What a brilliant scheme!"

Upon hearing this, everyone looked puzzled and surprised. Sheng Hong quickly asked, "Doctor He, what do you mean by that?"

“Ginkgo nuts are edible, but ginkgo buds are not, no wonder the silver needle cannot penetrate them.”

"A small amount of concentrated juice from dozens of kilograms of ginkgo buds can be fatal."

"These lotus seed pastries are all infused with ginkgo bud juice, making them so sweet that ordinary people can't detect any strange smell."

"Such a harmful method is truly rare."

"Then...is there any hope?" Sheng Hong's voice trembled slightly.

Wei Ling is currently far away in southern Xinjiang; he just left.

Even if it was an outsider who did this, he couldn't explain it to Wei Ling.

"Duke Wei, there is no need to panic. Fortunately, the young lady in your household did not consume much, and the toxins have not yet penetrated her internal organs."

"If he had eaten even half a piece more, even a celestial being would have been powerless to save him today."

"Induce vomiting with medication, use acupuncture to refresh the mind and protect the heart, and then take detoxifying decoction. You will wake up in three to five days."

"However, you will need to take good care of yourself in the future, and I cannot guarantee whether you will develop any chronic illness."

Sheng Hong gently exhaled a breath of stale air. At the moment, whether the illness had a root cause or not was not important; the key was to save Wei Shuyi's life.

"This Su Xiaoniang actually repaid kindness with enmity, why would she do such a thing?" Wang Ruofu blinked, still unable to understand.

Sheng Hong and his son Sheng Changbai exchanged a glance. Even she felt something was amiss, which suggested that someone was likely trying to use Su Xiaoniang to deal with Wei Xiaoniang.

"Could the imperial physician stay at the mansion tonight? Lady Wei has just escaped danger. If anything unexpected happens during the night, it will be good to have the imperial physician by her side to treat her in time."

"So as not...so as not to cause us laymen to panic and delay the opportunity for treatment," Sheng Hong said sincerely in a soft voice.

Liu Ge'er also hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Please, Imperial Physician, stay. If I have nothing to do tonight, I will not disturb your rest."

"Saving lives and healing the wounded is the duty of a doctor. Moreover, since His Majesty has personally ordered me to treat Lady Wei, I will certainly do my best."

"I will stay at your residence tonight and take Wei Xiaoniang's pulse every two hours."

"Thank you so much, Physician He!" Liu Ge'er looked at him with eyes full of gratitude.

After He Hongwen finished giving Wei Xiaoniang acupuncture, he personally went to supervise the servants in preparing the detoxifying medicine.

His responsibility was only to treat Wei Xiaoniang; finding the murderer was a matter for the Sheng family.

He should not inquire or interfere, and he must be careful with his words; these are all the ways of being an official that his predecessors in the Imperial Medical Academy taught him.

Hai Chaoyun gripped her handkerchief, turned to look at her maidservant, and said in a calm tone, "Take your father-in-law's invitation and go to the palace immediately."

"Tell Consort Zhaorong that Wei Xiaoniang's condition has stabilized somewhat, so as not to cause her any worry."

"This servant understands." The maid nodded in response, not daring to delay.

As night fell, Wei Shuyi was being cared for by Liu Ge'er and Xiao Die, just as Sheng Hong, Wang Ruofu, and the others were preparing to return to their respective courtyards to rest.

The servant boy, panting heavily, rushed to the group. "My lord, second brother, I caught Caihuan and wanted to crawl out through the dog hole!"

“Colored rings? Isn’t that…” Sheng Hong’s sharp gaze pierced straight at Wang Ruofu, “Was it really poisoned by you, you idiot?”

Caihuan was a servant born into the Sheng family. Her mother was one of Wang Ruofu's dowry maids and had been serving at Weiruixuan for nearly twenty years.

Wang Ruofu's mouth was slightly open, like a ruffled pheasant, and she frowned and glared, saying, "How is that possible? What poison did I give her?!"

"You really don't believe me at all!"

Sheng Changbai sighed softly, stepped forward, and looked down at Caihuan, "What do you want to do outside?"

Caihuan looked flustered and blurted out, "Second Brother, my mother at home is sick, and I'm in a hurry to go back to see her!"

"You're talking nonsense! Your mother died of illness last year!" Wang Ruofu pointed at her. "You tell me clearly, what are you going out to do?"

Liu Mama, supporting Wang Ruofu, followed up, "Who exactly instructed you? Don't try to shift the blame onto Madam. What kind of status does Madam have? Would she need to poison Wei Xiaoniang?"

"That's right, if you don't tell the truth, I'll drag you out and beat you to death!"

Wang Ruofu was so angry she almost lost her balance. She valued Caihuan second only to Liu Mama, and she never expected that Caihuan would betray her.

Although she disliked Wei Shuyi, she would only vent her anger by pointing out his faults during their morning and evening greetings, and never had any intention of poisoning him.

Caihuan's heart sank, her eyes darted around, and her forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat.

"Bring the family law!" Sheng Hong coldly looked at Dong Rong.

Just as Dong Rong was about to walk out, Cai Huan kowtowed and said, "It's...it's Madam Kang!"

“She secretly came to me a few days ago and asked me to tell her everything that happened at home, especially what Wei Xiaoniang was up to.”

"She said that the madam only values ​​Liu Mama, and that I will be trampled under Liu Mama's feet for the rest of my life and will never get ahead."

"She also said that you listen to her the most. As long as I am willing to help her keep an eye on Wei Xiaoniang, she will find an opportunity to sow discord in front of you, say bad things about Liu Mama, and make you send Liu Mama to the back to burn firewood."

"From now on, I will be in charge of all matters concerning Wei Rui Xuan..."

"I was just momentarily bewitched and did such a stupid thing."

Looking at Caihuan, Liu's mother had a complicated expression. She pursed her lips, not knowing what to say for a moment.

After all, I've watched this girl grow up, yet she's so muddle-headed.

Wang Ruofu's face flushed red with anger, and she slapped Caihuan across the face. "You traitor! I've never shortchanged you on money, clothes, or jewelry all these years!"

"I never expected you to be my sister's man!"

Caihuan covered her face and cried, "Please, my lord and madam, spare my life! I will never dare to do it again..."

Sheng Changbai stroked his beard, turned to look at Sheng Hong, and said in a deep voice, "It seems that it is quite obvious who poisoned him."

"Father, you must take your son to the Kang family. Aunt has harmed our family members, including General Wei's own sister. We must give her an explanation. Sixth Sister is still waiting in the palace."

"Whenever Liu-ge'er has free time, he comes to Tingxueju to keep Wei-xiaoniang company. If he also eats this plate of pastries, has Father considered the consequences?"

Sheng Hong's face gradually darkened, his right hand gripping the jade belt at his waist tightly. "Yes, it's time to go to the Kang family! That poisonous woman must not be let off lightly!"

Liu Ge'er glanced at the bed behind the screen and said solemnly, "Father, please take your son with you to seek justice for my mother."

"Madam..." Liu Mama called softly.

Wang Ruofu then came to her senses and hurriedly followed them, while Hai Chaoyun stayed at home to avoid any further trouble.

-

Inside the Kang family's main hall, the lights were on.

Kang Haifeng was originally in Su Xiaoniang's courtyard when he learned that Sheng Hong and the others had come to visit. He quickly dressed and rushed over.

"What...what happened? Why are you all here..." Kang Haifeng was still unaware of the reason and looked puzzled.

Sheng Hong did not answer, but only gave him a cold look before sitting down in the seat of honor.

Before long, two servants from the Sheng family dragged Wang Ruoyu out.

"What...what are you trying to do? How dare you! I am a member of an official's family, and my father is entitled to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple! I will not let you get away with this!"

Wang Ruoyu struggled to get to the front of the crowd, cursing all the way. Seeing the different expressions on the faces of the Sheng family members, her heart skipped a beat.

However, she did not show any panic. She had already sent her trusted confidante, Mama Qi, to the Wang family through the side door.

As long as Old Mrs. Wang comes, I will be safe and sound.

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and said slowly, "Brother Haifeng, it's one thing for your wife to cause trouble in the inner quarters of the house, but she even dared to poison a member of the Sheng family. Wei Xiaoniang is already dead. Tell me, how should this be dealt with?"

"Huh? What did you say? Wei Xiaoniang is dead?" Kang Haifeng looked at him in disbelief, then turned to look at Wang Ruoyu.

Wang Ruoyu straightened her clothes, which had been rumpled, and gave a soft hum.

"What poison did I use? Where's the evidence? Arresting people without any proof? Your Sheng family is truly a scholarly and respectable family, yet you act so arrogantly."

At Sheng Hong's prompting, Liu's mother placed the snacks on the table next to Kang Haifeng.

"Injecting ginkgo bud juice into pastries, what a clever scheme, what a clever tactic."

As Sheng Hong spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Wang Ruoyu.

He had disliked this person for many years, and now he could finally vent his anger.

Kang Haifeng raised his hand and rubbed his eyes. "But... isn't this the lotus seed pastry that the Su family often makes?"

"Yes, what does it have to do with me if someone else sends you pastries to the Sheng family?"

"Could it be that my concubine harmed someone and is now trying to pin the blame on me?"

Wang Ruofu frowned and said, "Sister, you bribed Caihuan to find out what was going on in my home and with Wei Xiaoniang. Who else could it be but you?"

At this moment, Su Xiaoniang, having learned the news, also rushed over with her maid. After giving Wang Ruoyu a hateful look, she knelt down in front of everyone.

“Duke of Wei, Madam, the pastries were sent to the young lady in your household by my concubine Qiao’er. I swear on my life that I did not poison them.”

"Just now, Qiao'er said that she was called to help by the maidservant of the eldest lady while she was delivering snacks today."

"Then I caught a glimpse of Madam Qi passing by in a hurry. Now that I think about it, they must have conspired to poison Qiao'er when she was not paying attention."

"Why don't we call Mother Qi to come and confront them?"

Qiao'er's eyes flickered slightly, and she echoed, "Yes, apart from them, I personally delivered the pastries to Wei Xiaoniang, and no one else touched them."

Actually, she didn't see Qi's mother.

However, Su Xiaoniang had discussed it with her on the way here.

Qi Mama is Wang Ruoyu's confidante. She is involved in all the murders in the manor, and she will definitely be involved in this matter as well.

Kang Haifeng slapped his forehead. "That's right, where's Aunt Qi? Why hasn't she come?"

Sheng Hong said quietly, "I'm afraid they went to the Wang family to ask for reinforcements. The Emperor already knows about this, so it's time to send my mother-in-law and the others over."

"The Emperor knows?" Kang Haifeng craned his neck, his eyes filled with shock.

He secretly pondered that if it was indeed Wang Ruoyu who did it, he would have no choice but to divorce his wife.

Wang Ruo felt a pang of anxiety, but her expression remained unchanged. She shouted, "Why are you calling for reinforcements? Your Sheng family rushed in and tried to tie me up without saying a word. How could I not have my mother come to support me!"

"Am I destined to be unjustly killed by you all today?"

Su Xiaoniang quickly calculated in her mind that this was undoubtedly a golden opportunity to bring down Wang Ruoyu.
“Duke of Wei, my lord, Madam Qi is not here, but the two stewards, Qi Da and Qi Er, are here. Take them down and interrogate them severely; we will surely be able to get some information out of them.”

"What are you doing, concubine, interrupting me?" Wang Ruoyu roared, but quickly calmed down.

Just now, Sheng Hong said that Wei Shuyi was dead. Even if it is found that he was the one who poisoned him, his mother will be granted an imperial title and his father will be honored in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Wei Ling is just a military general; what can he do to me? At most, I'll suffer some physical pain.

One or two concubines dare to be so disrespectful to me; they've really gone too far.

After dealing with Wei Shuyi, the next target is the Su family!
She only regretted not being able to poison Wei Xiaoniang's lowly illegitimate son as well.

Kang Haifeng raised his hand and stroked his chin, knowing full well that this matter was no small thing. "Men, bring Qi Da and Qi Er here and interrogate them thoroughly."

"Uncle Kang, let Han Niu and Dong Rong go together, lest they become desperate and do something rash," Sheng Changbai said, sitting upright to one side.

"Alright, go ahead." Kang Haifeng waved his hand.

-

The Wang family's side.

After hearing the news from Qi's mother, Old Mrs. Wang hurriedly called Wang Shiping and others to rush to the Kang family.

"You've brought trouble upon yourself!" Inside the carriage, Aunt Wang clutched her handkerchief tightly, cursing through gritted teeth.

Inside the main hall, upon seeing Old Madam Wang, Wang Ruoyu immediately threw herself into her arms, crying, "Mother, your daughter is being wrongly accused and killed!"

Looking at her daughter's slightly disheveled hair, Old Mrs. Wang felt a pang of heartache. She gently patted the back of her daughter's hand and then sat down in the armchair.

"Mother, you've suffered so much." Kang Yuan'er, who was standing beside Aunt Wang, had red eyes and sobbed softly.

Old Mrs. Wang straightened her clothes and said in a deep voice, "Son-in-law, my daughter has done many foolish things, but everything requires evidence. You can't convict my daughter based on the words of a servant."

"A servant? The Caihuan my mother-in-law mentioned? That's quite the inside story."

"It seems that someone in my Sheng family has been bribed by my mother-in-law."

“Since my mother-in-law wants evidence, let’s wait and see. At worst, we can let the people from Kaifeng Prefecture investigate. In any case, the Sheng family has to give an explanation.”

After Sheng Hong finished speaking, he chuckled. Sheng Changbai lowered his eyes slightly and couldn't help but sigh softly.

Grandma Wang pursed her lips.

She knew that if this matter got out, the Wang family would be completely ruined, and the reputation of her deceased husband would also be greatly damaged.

“Son-in-law, the Wang family has treated you well. It was because of your gentle nature and outstanding talent that we made this marriage possible.”

"In the early years when you first entered officialdom, how much support did your father-in-law give you!"

“You are a person who has studied the classics, so you can’t start looking down on the Wang family now that you have gained power.”

Sheng Hong frowned; he knew his mother-in-law would bring up past events.

About an hour after an incense stick's time, Dong Rong bowed and came forward, saying in a deep voice, "My lord, Qi Da and Qi Er couldn't withstand the torture and have confessed."

Upon hearing this, Mother Qi staggered and nearly fell to the ground. They had actually tortured her two sons...

"Qi Er said that two months ago, Madam Kang ordered him to find an old Taoist priest to make a poison that could not be detected with a silver needle and could quickly take a person's life."

"This is a porcelain bottle that I just found in Madam Kang's courtyard. It contains ginkgo bud juice." Dong Rong handed the porcelain bottle to Sheng Hong and then stepped aside.

Sheng Hong glanced at Old Madam Wang sideways, "With witnesses and evidence presented, Mother-in-law, you can no longer defend this vicious woman."

"Bai'er and I are here today on the Emperor's orders to return to the manor and investigate this matter."

"Fortunately, Lady Wei was lucky and didn't need much treatment. The imperial physicians treated her in time, and she is now out of danger."

Wang Ruoyu suddenly looked up and blurted out, "She's not dead?!"

Su Xiaoniang and Kang Haifeng both exhaled a breath of stale air and wiped the sweat from their foreheads. If Wei Xiaoniang died, what future would Yan'er have?

"Yes, I had to say that in the heat of the moment."

"Now that the truth is out, I can report back to the authorities." Sheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled.

Old Mrs. Wang quickly weighed her options, stood up, and slapped Wang Ruoyu across the face.

Then she looked at Sheng Hong and said, choking back tears, "Son-in-law, it's my fault for not raising our daughter properly and causing you trouble."

“But if you had not borne your children, they would all be successful.”

“Even if sisters get married, they share the same fate, and you can’t let her be disgraced as well.”

"Let's discuss this matter again. Preserving the dignity of all three families is of utmost importance."

Sheng Hong stood up and straightened his clothes. "Mother-in-law, do you want me to make up some excuse to get by? But that would be against the principles of an official."

"If it gets found out later, I'll be held responsible."

"Why not send her to the inner prison? There's no need for a court trial. She'll be punished, and the reputations of the Wang and Kang families will be better preserved."

Just as Old Mrs. Wang was about to speak...

Sheng Changbai stepped forward, his eyes sharp. "When I was six years old, my maternal grandfather took my cousin You and me up the mountain to pick wild fruits, and we returned with a full load."

"But there were a few bad fruits mixed in. My grandfather only glanced at them and then told us to remove them all."

“My cousin You and I were reluctant to part with them, but my maternal grandfather said that if we didn’t discard the bad fruit in time, it would spread and infect the good fruit, eventually causing the whole basket of hawthorns to rot.”

"Changbai will keep these words in mind. We all know how many foolish things my maternal grandmother has done for my aunt over the years."

"Does Grandmother intend to watch as Aunt's mistake alone escalates into a disaster that destroys three families?"

"Watching our futures be ruined by her, ending up disgraced and ruined?"

Upon hearing this, Old Mrs. Wang was speechless. She wiped away her tears and exclaimed, "But she is truly my own flesh and blood. How could she be a bad thing?"

(End of this chapter)