A servant from the mansion said, "My Lady, what a coincidence. Someone from the Sikong Mansion is here."
The visitor was somewhat surprised to see Liang Wan receiving guests in the outer hall.
"Third Lady, his lordship knows you have recently been bedridden and has specifically ordered me to deliver some medicinal herbs and supplements."
'What a coincidence, indeed!'
Liang Wan maintained her usual indifference, not even sparing them a glance. "Take him to the back to see my uncle."
Before they could ascertain Lu Xiu's intentions, Liang Cheng had a physician visit daily to check her pulse, all to exaggerate her illness and stall Wang Su.
But Wang Su was no fool. He had sent someone under the guise of delivering a gift to find out the truth.
Liang Wan took a deep breath. 'The immediate crisis is far from over!'
After they had gone to the back, Liang Wan slowly turned to Chen Sizheng, her face a mask of difficulty. "I was just about to explain to you, Sir. Now, you've seen for yourselves.
My uncle arranged my marriage into the Sikong Mansion long ago. Who would have thought that I would later become acquainted with the Grand Commandant? With the wedding day approaching, I didn't want to cause trouble for several families over me alone.
So, left with no other choice, I wanted to meet with him that day. Who knew it would lead to all this? The private meeting was meant to avoid attention, but we ended up being seen by so many people. Things really didn't go as planned!"
As she spoke, she glanced at the two men sitting beside her, her haggard, sickly face showing a hint of helplessness.
"If it weren't for you, Chen Sizheng, I wouldn't have brought this up again. I must ask you gentlemen to keep this an absolute secret for me. I have already caused the Grand Commandant enough trouble. If word of this were to reach Wang Sikong's ears—
To be honest with you, Sir, I am but a weak woman. I cannot bear the consequences from either side. The reason I hid this from my uncle was also to prevent unrest in our household.
As for Lord Zhang's murder, I don't know what his attendant said, but what I've told you is all I know. I truly am not aware of anything else. And you all know the Grand Commandant's temper… you heard what he said that night."
Having said her piece, she simply looked at them quietly and sighed.
Chen Sizheng seemed to be mulling over her words.
Liang Wan thought to herself, 'Besides admitting to seeing me, Zhang Shu's attendant would never have dared to mention how he conspired with Cui Hao to kidnap me. No matter my situation, I am still the daughter of a scholarly family.'
'Besides, there's no way those two didn't tell Chen Sizheng what happened that night. Anyone who saw us would have misunderstood and assumed we were having an affair.'
Sure enough, after a moment of contemplation, Chen Sizheng stood up. "We have troubled you today, young lady."
But Liang Wan said, "In a little while, I am to enter the Sikong Mansion. This matter is truly not something to be spoken of. I hope that you, Sir—"
Perhaps from anxiety, or perhaps from her illness, she began to cough before she could finish. Her pale face was flushed with an unnatural blush, and her watery eyes shimmered, making her already delicate and pitiable appearance seem even more frail and wretched.
This image of a frail beauty did not go unnoticed, but Chen Sizheng's expression remained neutral. "Rest assured, My Lady. The Ministry of Justice follows the rules in its investigations."
Liang Wan coughed into her hand, feeling disheartened. 'This story is full of holes and isn't convincing at all. I'm just gambling on the intimidating power Lu Xiu holds in their eyes.'
After seeing them off, Liang Wan remained rooted to the spot, a wave of fear washing over her.
She knew she had just made a truly risky gamble. If she had encountered an upright and incorruptible official, her bluffing and deliberate mystification would have been useless.
It was only thanks to Lu Xiu's typically domineering behavior that she might have been able to fool them.
'But if this misdirection of mine actually leads them to Lu Xiu, and he finds out I used and slandered him like this… forget the Ministry of Justice not letting me go, Lu Xiu himself will probably be the first to take my life!'
At this thought, Liang Wan's scalp tingled with fear.
"Aweng—"
The sudden call made Liang Wan jump.
She turned around to see Liang Cheng walking out with the man from the Sikong Mansion.
Liang Wan lowered her eyes, calming her racing thoughts. "Uncle."
"They've left?"
"Yes."
Seeing her pale lips and distracted air, Liang Cheng couldn't help but feel suspicious. However, with the man from the Sikong Mansion still present, he had to suppress his doubts.
"Alright, since there's nothing else here and you haven't fully recovered, go back to your room and rest."
It wasn't that she was merely pretending to be sick. Her earlier composure had been a complete act. The men from the Ministry of Justice were not easily fooled, and only her sickly appearance could provide her any cover.
Liang Wan murmured her assent and, pressing a hand to her temple, walked with weak steps toward the back rooms, showing no intention of exchanging pleasantries with the man from the Sikong Mansion.
After all, she rarely paid them any mind, so everyone was used to it.
Unexpectedly, just as she stepped out of the room, she ran right into several people. In addition to Mrs. Zhang and Liang Jiao, who had been present earlier, her mother was now there as well.
"Why were the men from the Ministry of Justice looking for you?"
Seeing her emerge, Chun'er rushed over to support her. "First Madam, My Lady hasn't recovered yet, perhaps we should—"
Mrs. He shot her a cold glare. "I am speaking with my daughter. What right does a servant like you have to interrupt? I fear her restlessness is all your doing!"
Liang Wan's gaze flickered. 'In the past, I definitely would have pleaded for Chun'er. But now…'
"Mother, this has nothing to do with Chun'er. If you must blame someone, blame me! Never mind how diligently she has served me in the past; just during this illness, she has cared for me without sleep or rest. For the sake of her loyalty, please spare her!
Besides, I've always thought of Chun'er as a sister—"
As she spoke, Liang Wan began to cough again, not forgetting to shield Chun'er with her arm.
"You're becoming more and more unruly. A mere servant, daring to call herself a sister to her mistress," Mrs. He's face hardened, her voice icy and devoid of any emotion.
"Lock Chun'er in the woodshed for me. She is not to be released until the Third Lady is married. If the Third Lady causes any more trouble during this time, there will be no need to keep Chun'er at all!"
Mrs. Zhang watched in silence. 'Ah, Chun'er. I've long found her to be an eyesore. But she is Liang Wan's personal attendant, after all. Without a suitable opportunity, it really wouldn't be right to punish her, lest it ruin my own good name.'
"First Madam!"
Chun'er fell to her knees with a THUD, her face pale as she tried to defend herself. But two other maids gave her no chance, grabbing her arms and dragging her toward a side courtyard.
"My Lady, My Lady, save me—"
Seeing that her pleas were hopeless, she turned to Liang Wan for help.
"Mother…"
Liang Wan's face flushed red, and a surge of anger made her cough uncontrollably.
Mrs. Zhang shot a look at Liang Jiao, who understood immediately and stepped closer. "Sister, it's not my place to say, but is it really worth upsetting aunt over a lowly servant?
Aunt is so worried about you because she cares for you and wants what's best. You should think about it. When you enter the Sikong Mansion in the future, if you bring along someone with such improper thoughts, there's no guarantee she won't take advantage of an unguarded moment to harbor wicked intentions and seduce the master!"
Liang Jiao's tone was gentle, her words spoken with seeming sincerity, as if she were being a considerate and understanding sister.
Mrs. He's anger had not subsided. "When will you ever be as sensible as Ajiao!"