Chapter Thirty-Three: A Shocking Outcome

Mo Yi approached Yan Heru and said, "Princess Consort, those two old maids have already been dragged to the backyard."

"Good. Help me move this one as well."

Together, Yan Heru and Mo Yi carried Madam Lin to the backyard. Just moments before, three silver needles had been used, each coated with a drug that would induce unconsciousness.

After dragging Madam Lin to the backyard, Yan Heru took another silver needle from her sleeve and pricked Madam Lin in the neck.

Madam Lin slowly regained consciousness, but her eyes were vacant, just like Yan Hemiao earlier.

To be certain the drug was working, Yan Heru first asked a few harmless questions. Once she was sure the effects had begun, she pressed on.

"Where is the evidence of Yan Heru's alleged misconduct?"

"It's under my bed in my room," Madam Lin answered obediently.

"Why are you framing Yan Heru? Whose idea was it, and who else is involved?"

"I just don't like Yan Heru. As for the others, I don't know their reasons. Those involved are Madam Cheng, the Old Madam, and a mysterious person I don't know," Madam Lin replied. Suddenly, her eyes changed.

Seeing this, Yan Heru quickly pricked her again, sending her back into unconsciousness.

"Mo Yi, help me return all three of them to their original places. Be careful not to leave any traces."

"Yes, but when they wake up, won’t they feel unwell?" Mo Yi asked, puzzled but not stopping her work.

Yan Heru smiled and shook her head. "Don’t worry, that won’t happen. The sedative on my silver needle is so effective they’ll have no recollection at all. At most, they'll think they simply had a deep sleep."

"And would those two old maids ever admit to dozing off in front of their mistress? Madam Lin, even less so—can you imagine her confessing to falling asleep in a shop, right in front of her servants? None of them will mention a word of this."

"Brilliant, Mistress!" Mo Yi exclaimed, nearly clapping her hands—only to almost drop one of the maids she was holding. Luckily, she caught her just in time.

After returning all three to their original places, Yan Heru had Mo Yi wake the two maids while she herself woke Madam Lin.

"Mother? Mother?" Yan Heru called softly, her face filled with concern.

Madam Lin was still somewhat dazed as she woke. "Did I... fall asleep?"

"Mother was just discussing clothes with me. You became thirsty, went to get some water, and ended up dozing off. It must be because you work so hard for the family and are truly exhausted. It’s my fault for not considering Mother’s fatigue, always dragging you out shopping with me," Yan Heru said with great contrition, making Madam Lin believe her instantly.

"It’s fine... cough, Lin Pozi!" Madam Lin called for her maid, but Yan Heru stopped her.

"Mother, while you were asleep, I deliberately sent the two maids away. I know you’re exhausted because you work so hard for the family, but if word got out that you fell asleep while shopping, it wouldn’t be good. That’s why I took it upon myself to keep it a secret, and I hope you won’t mind."

She made her meaning very clear, and, worried Madam Lin might not understand, added, "For the sake of your reputation, please don’t let the maids know you nodded off. I don’t want people to think you’re lazy."

Madam Lin considered her words, finding them reasonable, but she didn’t want Yan Heru to take charge.

"Though you handled this well enough, I’ll deal with my own affairs in the future. Heru, don’t ever take such liberties again," Madam Lin said with feigned displeasure.

Yan Heru nodded obediently. "I won’t. Shall we go home, Mother?"

Madam Lin agreed, and the group left the little shop. Yan Heru was quite satisfied with the outcome.

She hadn’t expected so many people would be involved in slandering her—not least the Old Madam herself.

Previously, Yan Hemiao had mentioned a mysterious person, whom Yan Heru had thought to be the Old Madam. But now, after questioning Madam Lin, it seemed there was yet another mysterious figure. Who could it be? Surely not Master Yan himself?

Reviewing the original owner's memories, she couldn’t recall committing any great sins against heaven or reason, nothing that would justify the entire household turning against her.

And if something happened to her, would it really benefit the Yan family? Did the Old Madam not understand that their fortunes were tied together?

If such a scandal befell her, the other girls and sons of the Yan family would hardly have smooth paths ahead, whether in careers or marriage.

So what was the reason? Why were they willing to hurt themselves just to harm her?

Yan Heru was growing ever more curious about the motive behind all this.

That a woman as shortsighted as Madam Lin would act purely out of dislike—without considering her own daughter’s prospects—was astonishing.

When Yan Heru returned to her quarters, she was deep in thought and not in the mood to bother any of the Yan family further. She simply fetched some food from the kitchen and ate alone.

She pondered the matter the entire afternoon, until Nanny Wang arrived suddenly.

"Princess Consort Ninth, the Old Madam invites you to see her," Nanny Wang announced, respectful and polite.

Yan Heru hesitated. She had visited many times before, but the Old Madam had always refused to see her. Why this sudden change of heart, inviting her over?

"Very well. I’ll tidy myself and come at once. Please go ahead, Nanny Wang."

After freshening up, Yan Heru made her way to the Old Madam’s residence, where Nanny Wang led her directly inside.

The Old Madam sat at the main seat, sipping tea. As soon as she saw Yan Heru, she broke into a kindly smile.

"Heru, I have missed you so much! Come, sit by your grandmother."

The Old Madam’s warmth seemed genuine, with not a trace of pretense.

Yan Heru sneered inwardly, but outwardly she was the picture of respect.

"Grandmother, I mustn’t overstep. It’s proper for me to sit below you."

With that, Yan Heru took her seat on a lower chair, surprising the Old Madam, who did not expect such restraint. Yan Heru noticed, but did not explain further.

Unable to contain herself, the Old Madam asked, "Why are you so distant with your grandmother now, Heru? Are you still upset that I arranged your marriage to the Ninth Prince?"

"How could I resent you, Grandmother? Though the match isn’t ideal, the Ninth Prince has treated me well enough. I am only grateful to you, not resentful," Yan Heru replied.

The Old Madam scrutinized her closely, but seeing no sign of pretense, she finally relaxed.