Luo Zhiheng pressed on: "Why is it impossible?"
Consort Li was speechless, then her eyes darted around as she said, "I couldn't find you in the outhouse near the courtyard, so I went elsewhere. If Mu Yunhe had come out during this time, I would have known."
Luo Zhiheng laughed: "You're right, Mu Yunhe didn't come out during this time. After you left, didn't Mu Yunjin come looking for him?"
"How could this be?" Consort Li was shocked. She knew Luo Zhiheng was lying. Mu Yunjin couldn't possibly have come to find Mu Yunhe, nor had she. She hadn't even left the courtyard; instead, she watched Huakai enter the room and then used a hairpin identical to Huakai's to secure the door before leaving. What was Luo Zhiheng up to? Was she trying to frame Yunjin?
"Why is it impossible? Wasn't only your maidservant outside the room at the time? You weren't there, so how do you know it's impossible? Or were you here the whole time?" Luo Zhiheng's gaze was cold and sharp as she pressed him closer.
Consort Li was completely defenseless. She fell silent for a moment before forcing herself to say, "Of course I left."
"Then naturally you wouldn't know about this. You left when Mu Yunjin came. He chatted with Mu Yunhe for a while, but Mu Yunhe was really feeling unwell, so he left. Mu Yunhe was coming to find me, so he asked Mu Yunjin to wait for him in the room. But unexpectedly, Mu Yunhe found me. When we came back, we saw this scene, which was truly astonishing." Luo Zhiheng's storytelling skills were top-notch, and she spoke with such conviction that even the Li family couldn't help but believe her.
But Consort Li knew this wasn't true! Yet she just couldn't say it, and Consort Li, both angry and anxious, glared at him with wide eyes.
“Consort Li has been preventing Hua Kai from speaking. Now I’m telling you what I know, giving Mu Yunjin a reason to come here. Consort Li, do you think this reason is valid?” She raised an eyebrow coldly, not believing that Consort Li would dare to refute her.
Consort Li retorted, "Then why did Mu Yunjin come here today? We might be able to clear her name. Although clearing her name might not mean much to a man, being raped by an ugly woman like that, if we can restore her innocence, it would be good for her." However, this would be putting Consort Li herself at risk, and the investigation might very well lead back to her. 19.
However, Consort Li's tacit acceptance was tantamount to letting the matter pass, and everything could potentially end there. It was also equivalent to acknowledging that her son, Mu Yunjin, was so desperate that he would even take an ugly woman. From now on, countless strange, sarcastic, and contemptuous glances and discussions would follow her son for the rest of his life.
It all depends on what choice Consort Li makes: whether she chooses to protect Mu Yunjin or to protect herself.
361 Eliminating Consort Li (Part 3)
Updated: 2013-10-01 20:39:41 Word Count: 7731
Luo Zhiheng is giving everyone a chance. No one can deny that if Consort Li accepts Luo Zhiheng's offer, Mu Yunjin can be saved. Such a good thing is rare in the current tense situation.
This opportunity is not for Consort Li, nor for the Li family, but for Mu Yunjin.
Luo Zhiheng wasn't entirely wicked; she did feel some remorse. Even though Consort Li had a thousand faults, Mu Yunjin was unaware of them, yet Luo Zhiheng dragged Mu Yunjin into it, making her a scapegoat for Mu Yunhe. But wasn't this also a form of revenge against Consort Li?
Consort Li is practically insane, wanting Mu Yunjin to become a prince. What about Mu Yunhe? Consort Li is heartless and unjust; why should she care about anything else? But thinking is one thing, doing is another. Looking at Mu Yunjin, it's clear he's completely unaware of his mother's ugly side. His sorrowful and desolate gaze can't even begin to express the profound grief Mu Yunjin inflicts on Luo Zhiheng.
At that moment, Luo Zhiheng knew that she might have ruined a man because of her intense anger and the fear of being implicated.
Even though this man was proud and arrogant, blinded by familial affection, he had never done anything to harm them. His mother had made mistakes, and she could have easily confronted Consort Li, but what was done was done; further words were useless, and making amends was far more important than regret.
However, there's one thing Luo Zhiheng still doesn't regret doing! Mu Yunjin is so foolish; he still knows nothing about what kind of person his mother is. Now, through this incident, it's a good thing that Mu Yunjin has seen his mother's true face. And Mu Yunhe—the trace of guilt in Mu Yunhe's eyes towards Mu Yunjin ultimately couldn't escape Luo Zhiheng's notice.
Even when dealing with innocent people, including their utterly wicked children, they couldn't truly be cruel.
So now, as long as Consort Li retains a shred of humanity and reason, and as long as she truly loves Mu Yunjin and has chosen to protect him, Luo Zhiheng even believes that, out of consideration for Consort Li's protective instincts, she might allow Consort Li to die with some dignity. But the prerequisite is that Consort Li herself must protect Mu Yunjin!
There's only one chance. Trying to reason with a woman who's gone mad is risky, but this reasoning is for Mu Yunjin. Consort Li is insane, but Mu Yunjin is perfectly fine. What if she does something good, gives her a chance, and then, after Consort Li dies, Mu Yunjin turns on her and immediately seeks revenge for her mother's murder? How wronged she would be!
Su Youren looked at Consort Li, who hesitated at the opportunity to make a choice.
Mu Yunjin also looked at Consort Li. It is said that men do not easily shed tears. The moisture in Mu Yunjin's eyes reflected the deep red blood in his eyes, making him look particularly desolate and sad, with a bit of arrogance, a bit of haggardness, and a bit of resentment that others could not understand. He just stared straight at Consort Li.
The more Consort Li hesitated, the uglier Mu Yunjin's expression became. Time ticked by, and Consort Li remained in a stalemate. Mu Yunjin's face grew ashen, filled with dejection and self-mockery. He had lost his former sharpness and vitality, as if he had been abandoned by familial love in an endless, raging storm. His frail body was swallowed by the waves in the blink of an eye; even death left no trace.
The emotion he valued most, the mother he loved most, ultimately dealt him the most fatal blow.
His mother was not the gentle, kind, and amiable person he remembered. In the blink of an eye, she became ruthless, vicious, scheming, and selfish. Her protection and love, which had been his shield, now overflowed in front of him, blinding him. As a result, the family affection he had always cherished was instantly thrown down from a great height, shattered into pieces, and became worthless.
"What? Is it so hard to decide? Or does Consort Li think I'm wrong? Is there another reason why Mu Yunjin is here?" The cold voice was almost murderous. If Luo Zhiheng's gaze could kill, Consort Li would have been torn to pieces by now.
Even her own son couldn't move her heart, couldn't offer her unconditional help and support. So what in this world could possibly soften Consort Li's heart? Probably nothing. Such a person is cold-blooded and selfish, ruthless in achieving her goals, willing to abandon everything. Keeping her around will only bring endless trouble!
She must be killed!
The sooner the better!
In that instant, Luo Zhiheng solidified her resolve. She instantly withdrew her overly kind intentions, her guilt, and the rare opportunity afforded by her mercy.
"Since Consort Li is not speaking, then let me explain everything one by one." Luo Zhiheng stood up and walked to Consort Li, almost face to face with her. Her voice was cold and resolute, filled with anger, and her sharp edge was terrifying.
"We were invited to the Li family, and they treated us with great hospitality. We also hoped to mend the relationship between our two families. For this reason, Mu Yunhe, despite feeling unwell, insisted on attending the banquet. As you all saw, he fell ill as soon as he started eating. Do you know how dangerous this illness was? He is not as healthy as he appears on the surface. And this time, his illness was not due to any problem with him, but because he took something he should not have taken!"
"I must first apologize to everyone for my petty suspicions today. I couldn't believe that Consort Li would be so kind as to treat us so warmly. So I had my servants keep a close eye on the food, wine, and incense at your banquet. But I never expected that my suspicions would actually come in handy today!"
Upon hearing Luo Zhiheng's words, the expressions of everyone in the Li family changed drastically!
Thinking about it is one thing, actually doing it is another, and if you do it and get caught, then it's not just one or two things, because you have to be capable of bearing the consequences of both.
Luo Zhiheng's remarks were nothing more than accusing Consort Li of secretly tampering with Mu Yunhe's food. If the charge was to murder the young prince, the Li family wouldn't be too afraid, as they could still negotiate with the royal family. However, if the charge was to murder the diviner, then there's no need to say more. Even the enemies of the Mu Dynasty would probably carry out a frenzied extermination against them.
"Your Highness, please be careful with your words! This old minister dares to swear on his own head that the Li family would never commit such an unforgivable act of insubordination! Please, Your Highness, do not listen to others' opinions and make hasty judgments. Give the Li family a chance to explain." The Li family patriarch immediately knelt down, his voice heavy with sorrow and firmness, as if he were truly righteous and had a clear conscience.
Luo Zhiheng narrowed her eyes, inwardly sighing, "Old fox! How shrewd those words are!"
The phrase "The Li family would never do such a thing" encompassed all members of the Li family. At first glance, it seemed to be protecting Consort Li. However, upon closer examination, the Li family patriarch's words held a hidden meaning and concealed a deeper secret.
It's said that a married daughter is like water spilled from a cup; once married, she belongs to another family. Although Consort Li still bears the surname Li, if the Li family insists that she has long belonged to Prince Mu and has no connection to the Li family, they have a valid argument. Even if Luo Zhiheng convicts Consort Li, it's far-fetched to force the Li family to suffer the same fate. The Li family might very well escape unscathed because of this.
Luo Zhiheng's mind raced. She immediately understood, thinking to herself, "That old fox truly lives up to his name." Looking at Consort Li, whose eyes were filled with gratitude as she gazed at the Li family patriarch, she couldn't help but sneer. "Having lived so many years, she's still so foolish. She deserves to die." Damn it.
Luo Zhiheng glanced at Mu Yunhe, conveying her meaning. While wiping out the entire Li family might be barely feasible at present, it wasn't a solid reason to completely extinguish their arrogance or destroy their foundation. If they couldn't be eradicated this way, it was better to let them go for now, avoiding alerting them and devising another plan later. For now, they should deal with Consort Li.
Mu Yunhe had obviously thought of these things as well, and nodded imperceptibly.
He was a hands-off manager who disliked wasting words on others and loved watching Luo Zhiheng's spirited debate with the scholars.
Luo Zhiheng continued, "Elder Li, there's no need to worry. I won't generalize about the outcome of this matter, nor will I deny the Li family any convenient opportunities, because I am determined to report this matter to the Emperor."
"My servants discovered that Consort Li actually had an old woman prepare incompatible foods. This is the question Consort Li asked that old woman. Tell me, what is Consort Li's intention in blatantly using incompatible foods when preparing food specifically for Mu Yunhe?" Luo Zhiheng angrily pointed at Consort Li's face.
Consort Li's eyelids twitched violently, her heart filled with shock. She had acted with utmost secrecy, and with someone watching her, there was no way anyone would have discovered it. Even if she had acted hastily today, there was absolutely no way Luo Zhiheng's people should have overheard such a secret matter. Where exactly had things gone wrong?
“Answer me, did you ever have the old woman find two incompatible foods specifically for Mu Yunhe to eat?” Luo Zhiheng’s finger was already pointing at Consort Li’s nose, her gaze aggressive.
Consort Li retorted angrily, "No! Don't make false accusations! This is my Li family home, not a place for you, Luo Zhiheng, to cause trouble! If you're wronging me, you need to provide evidence. If you can't, I'll report you to the Emperor! I'll accuse you of defaming others and talking nonsense."
"You want evidence? Fine, I'll give it to you! Bring it up!" Luo Zhiheng sneered, her voice rising several octaves.
With a thud, a person fell from a great height to the ground, crying out in pain.
Everyone was startled and quickly retreated. In the bright firelight, they saw the person's face, and someone exclaimed, "Grandma Song?"
Consort Li also saw the old woman's face clearly, and her expression changed drastically.
“Consort Li, do you recognize this old woman?” Luo Zhiheng called out.
"No, I don't recognize her!" Consort Li denied it outright, but her palms were already sweating.
Luo Zhiheng stepped on the old woman and asked, "Then answer me, do you recognize Consort Li?"
Granny Song looked pained, but had no wounds. Upon hearing this, she hurriedly said in a panic, "I recognize her! Just this afternoon, Consort Li asked me to think of dishes that are incompatible with each other."
"Are you lying to me?" Luo Zhiheng shouted again.
The old woman quickly kowtowed and said, "This servant wouldn't dare! This servant wouldn't dare deceive the little princess even if I had a thousand heads! It really was Consort Li who told this servant to think of it."
"Have you figured it out yet? What are they?"
"I've figured it out, it's sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Because my hometown is in the countryside, the adults and children there don't know these things. If these two things were put together, quite a few people would die. Later, everyone realized it was because these two things were eaten together, and no one in the family dared to eat them together like that again," Granny Song said, crying and shouting.
Amidst a collective gasp, Luo Zhiheng said coldly, "These two dishes were among the meals that Consort Li specially prepared for Mu Yunhe today, weren't they? Consort Li, what explanation do you have?"
Consort Li's eyes were fixed, filled with a fierce and savage rage. She practically lunged at the old woman, roaring, "You're talking nonsense! You're slandering me! Why did you try to harm me? Did you take bribes from Luo Zhiheng? I'll kill you, so you won't dare to bully your master again!"
"Insolence!" Luo Zhiheng shouted sharply, kicking Consort Li's already injured shin without any hesitation, causing Consort Li to fall to the ground. She said sternly, "What do you take your Li family for? Are your servants so foolish? I, Luo Zhiheng, am new here, and I have been accompanied by someone the whole time. Do you think the servants of the Li family can be easily bribed? Moreover, if what she said is all lies, then how do you explain those two dishes on the table today?"
"You can't convict me just because of what this lowly servant said! I'm innocent, and no one can frame me. It's very likely that you tortured her into confessing, abused her, or threatened her family, which is why she's slandering me." Consort Li raised her face and roared angrily.
Luo Zhiheng laughed three times, then said with a half-smile, "Consort Li has quite the imagination. You can probably come up with these things with ease. People who don't know the situation might think that Consort Li often uses these dirty tricks."
“Since Consort Li won’t admit it, let’s search her. This hairpin was found on her by my men. It’s made of the finest Hetian jade. How could a servant like her possibly have something so good? Even if someone gave it to her, who would so easily give such a superior item to a cook? Unless this cook did something important for her, right?” She raised her eyebrows slightly, exuding confidence, her delicate voice filled with sarcasm and certainty.
Seeing Luo Zhiheng pull an exquisite hairpin from the old woman's arms, Consort Li's pupils constricted, and she immediately denied it, saying, "That's not mine!"
But when her son saw the hairpin, his lifeless face and eyes couldn't help but change.
"Oh? It's not yours? But this thing comes from the palace. The words 'Made in the Imperial Palace' are clearly engraved on the bottom. Tell me, who else in the Li family is qualified to wear a jade hairpin made by the imperial palace, of the rank of a concubine, and of the highest quality?" Luo Zhiheng pressed on slowly and deliberately.
The Li family members were on tenterhooks, feeling as if they were about to fall off a cliff.
Consort Li remained silent for only a moment before suddenly shouting sharply, "And my sister, the Emperor's Noble Consort Li Fangran!"
The moment she said that, the Li family wanted nothing more than to bury her alive! She was a real mad dog, dragging someone of high standing into the Li family at such a crucial moment. 191.
"Fangfei, don't talk nonsense!" Mr. Li shouted angrily, but it was too late.
Luo Zhiheng narrowed her eyes, smiled, and murmured something that everyone could hear: "Oh, the Imperial Concubine, it's been so long, I had almost forgotten about her."
The matter of the fake doctor has involved the palace, and the only person in the palace who can help Consort Li is probably this Imperial Concubine.
At that moment, the Li family members truly wished they were dead. Luo Zhiheng gave them the impression that she had forgotten about causing trouble for Consort Li, but because of Consort Li's words, she suddenly remembered. Anyone in her shoes would be incredibly frustrated, and their hatred for Consort Li would be overwhelming.
"Yes, and her too! She's a Noble Consort, her rank is so much higher than mine, she can use the best things. My university was destroyed in a fire, and I have very little on me, so where would I get anything to give to a servant? But my sister is different. Whenever she gives something, it's always the best. This must be my sister's." Consort Li was now convinced that it belonged to Noble Consort Li. She didn't care about Noble Consort Li's life or death, as long as she could protect herself.
Besides, in her view, her family still valued her. Even now, no one in the family had said they would abandon her, and the ancestor had just defended her. As long as she could exonerate herself now and ensure she could get through this ordeal, she would always have a chance to turn the tables, and then she could eliminate Luo Zhiheng.
But Consort Li was unaware that her repeated attacks on Consort Li had enraged all the high-ranking members of the Li family. The Li family would never want her again; she had been completely ostracized.
"In that case, let's leave aside the origin of this hairpin for now." Luo Zhiheng surprisingly let the matter drop, her actions the opposite of her earlier aggressive questioning, which only made the Li family more uneasy.
What exactly is Luo Zhiheng trying to do?
"I ask you, the main house is perfectly fine, why did you lie to us and say it was damp and unsuitable for living, and instead made us stay in the west wing? After that, you transferred all the people around me under various pretexts. I was giving you another chance, and I believed you wouldn't be too heartless, but why are you so reckless? You transferred my people, and then personally brought us tea. Tell me, can you say there's nothing fishy about this tea?" Luo Zhiheng asked another question.
Her words left the Li family dumbfounded. It turned out that right under their noses, in such a short time, Consort Li had already unleashed two deadly moves? Had they underestimated Consort Li in the past, or was she simply hiding her true abilities? Otherwise, how could they have failed to discover that Consort Li possessed such a lone-wolf fighting capability?
Look at their aura, their methods, their ruthlessness—they're no less than anyone else in the Li family.
"I don't understand what you're talking about. Didn't I drink that tea? And I'm perfectly fine!" Consort Li was getting worked up; she didn't think Luo Zhiheng would use that to trip her up. But in the end, she didn't dare to be careless.
She had acted hastily and carelessly today, and her actions were riddled with flaws. If the Li family hadn't covered for her, she could have easily gotten into trouble. However, she also felt that she had done everything herself, so it was impossible for any mistakes to have occurred. She figured that even if Luo Zhiheng found witnesses, she couldn't do anything to her.
However, even the most meticulous plans can have flaws!
"You're perfectly fine, but after drinking your tea, I experienced unbearable stomach cramps and had to go to the toilet. Mu Yunhe also told me that he felt unwell after drinking your tea. But why is it that only you are fine after drinking the tea? You even admit that you're perfectly healthy. This makes me suspect that you might have tampered with the teacup." With a move that was a feigned retreat, she used Consort Li's spear to attack her own shield, catching Consort Li completely off guard and leaving her dumbfounded.
cup!!