Shang Si stared in disbelief, covering her face as she wept loudly, "Why such misfortune? How long have I suffered under your roof..."
Sheng Zhen turned away with a cold sneer. "You stupid woman! Don't you see how the situation stands? The doctor diagnosed Grandfather, and that poisoned cake—your own purchase. With these, this girl could have already taken control of your life."
With all the evidence at hand, combined with their conflicts as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law being known by outsiders, they had a complete chain of evidence. If this reached the court, Shang Si would be dead for sure; it was better to distance herself from the situation.
He added, "Even if you claim to harm my grandmother's life, I can still divorce you!"
Ming Lan felt her legs weaken as she slowly sat down by a chair. Ruan Kunji's voice came from beside them, "Mother... now that things have come to this point, please don't be stubborn anymore. If you refuse to speak the truth, Brother Baor and his sisters will suffer too!"
Ruan Kunji continued, looking at Shang Si, "If anything happens to you, how can your daughters stand in their husbands' homes? And what about the eldest son, whose career is flourishing right now?"
Shang Si shuddered. If she were divorced, her two daughters would have no place, and her son...
Ming Lan looked at Ruan Kunji with a sneer. "I forgot about you, Mother Ruan. You're here for such an important matter."
Ruan Kunji knelt to Ming Lan, respectfully saying, "Lady Ruan never said anything, but after Lady told me just now, I can guess most of it. Lady was also curious and wanted the truth, wasn't she? Otherwise, if it were only based on the doctor's words and that cake, you would have already accused someone last night."
Ming Lan nodded in admiration. "Lady Shang's kindness to send you here is truly deep."
Ruan Kunji bowed again, "I know nothing about the ginkgo juice or its concentration. I served Lady since childhood; her nature is clear to me. Although she can be hasty, she is a straightforward person who could never think of such schemes."
Sheng Zhen saw that his daughter was calmer and put away writing the divorce document for now. Ruan Kunji's words brought him an idea. He nodded as he realized someone in particular.
Ruan Kunji turned back to Shang Si, holding her hand gently, "Mother... tell us everything. Not just for others, but also for your sons and daughters."
Shang Si broke down crying, "It was my sister... She said I treated Father too harshly, that even my own daughter-in-law could step on me now. But... but I'm still strong... so..."
"Your sister wanted to poison Father!" Sheng Zhen growled.
"No, no!" Shang Si waved her hands in protest, weeping louder. "She's not dead yet... It's just that she's unwell..."
Ruan Kunji interjected, "I saw you peering and listening from my room earlier."
Sheng Zhen was furious. "You stupid servant! Speak the truth!"
Shang Si cried on the ground, pleading her innocence.
Sheng Zhen could not get any answers but feared the matter would spread, so he hesitated to use his men for punishment. Ming Lan frowned. "I don't have time." She nodded toward Sheng Zhen. "Let Brother Tiger handle this."
Brother Tiger chuckled. "That's no problem."
He stepped into the room, pulled a handkerchief from his belt, and pressed it over her jaw before shoving it into her mouth. He then used his knee to press her back while holding her shoulders with one hand and squeezing her palm with another. With a sickening crack, Shang Si let out a muffled scream.
Shang Si's right little finger was bent in an unnatural position, the knuckle pressed against her palm while her fingernail curved outward. Shang Si stared at it, shaking as if she had gone mad. Ruan Kunji looked pale, and Sheng Zhen remained silent, grim-faced.
In pain, Shang Si's face turned red with purple tinges, her eyes rolling back. Xiao Cao poured the tea from Green Branch over her face—though cold water was often used in shows, hot tea worked just as well. Shang Si regained consciousness to find Brother Tiger staring down at her.
He said menacingly, "Another word, and we do it again. You have ten fingers." Terrified, Shang Si nodded quickly.
Brother Tiger released his grip, removed the handkerchief, then stepped out of the room, standing on the porch outside—considering Ming Lan was from his family, he didn't go too far.
Ming Lan looked at Ruan Kunji with cold eyes. "Speak."
Shang Si began to reveal everything. "My aunt gave me money and told me to report what's happening here. She gave more yesterday, telling me to watch for any signs until Father falls ill; I should inform her of any change..."
Ming Lan smiled. "Father, now you understand why I sealed the house."
Sheng Zhen was infuriated. If Ming Lan had not pretended and checked everything thoroughly before acting, they would have exposed their internal enemy.
Ming Lan instructed Brother Tiger to take Shang Si away as she looked at the sky turning pale. "Let Aunt Ruan think all is calm." The timing was perfect.
She turned to Ruan Kunji. "Ruan Mother, get up quickly; this will be a difficult task for you."
Ruan Kunji stood and said hesitantly, "Lady, please give me instructions."
Ming Lan smiled warmly. "For years, you've advised against foolish actions. I know you're good. Now with such a big problem, it's also an unlucky accident for the family. Please go to Aunt Ruan’s place; bring her here so we can talk properly and perhaps clear things up."
Ruan Kunji was confused: "Bring Aunt over?" Ming Lan wanted to kill her aunt but still asked politely.
Ming Lan nodded. "Act scared, saying Father struggled all night before finally deteriorating. It's been a long and frightening night; now that it's morning, I need Aunt’s help to comfort Sister and come up with ideas."
Ruan Kunji understood and felt cold inside. "Will she come?"
Ming Lan smiled, "Why wouldn't she? If she asks if other ladies were notified first, tell her you did so immediately."
Ruan Kunji realized that Aunt Ruan would indeed come.
Shang Si hadn’t reported anything, indicating everything was under control. She pretended to do so, and Aunt Ruan would think Shang Si had seen something serious and needed her; she also needed the chance to gather information and dispose of some evidence.Ruan Kunji pensó en silencio cómo la Señorita Liáng era tan astuta; solo pudo responder con un susurro.
—"Madre Ruan," dijo Minglan lentamente, "Tú sabes bien mi lealtad. Si no logro recuperar justicia de la madre principal esta vez, tendré que buscar refugio en otros para desahogarme. He oído que Qiu'er se casó muy bien; los hijos de Madre Ruan también tienen un futuro prometedor. Por lo tanto…" Sonrió y acarició su cabello," hazlo con disimulo, no quieres dar la impresión de estar exponiéndote."