Poisonous scheme, evil slave

  Two days later, the sky was just brightening up with a grey mist, and everyone in the Xia household was bustling about. The reason was none other than today being Madam Xia's sixtieth birthday.

  According to convention, Xia Laoye is going all out to host a grand celebration and has sent out invitations to his colleagues in the imperial court to come to his mansion for a gathering to celebrate his elderly mother's birthday.

  Because Xia Ting was about to marry into the Jing Wang Fu as the Crown Prince's consort, many high-ranking officials also gave face to the Xia family on account of the Crown Prince. Although they did not attend in person to congratulate her, they sent people with gifts to express their good intentions.

  Other officials of similar rank to Lao Xia also brought their families to celebrate his birthday. So, this year's birthday banquet for Lao Xia's wife was even more lively than in previous years. The gifts from the guests also increased, making Lao Xia's wife so happy that she couldn't close her mouth.

  Li Yuan, Xia Ting also got up early to wash and dress, sat in front of the dressing mirror, and let Wan Yu help her comb her hair and put on her jewelry. Although she was not happy to go congratulate the old lady, in this feudal society, etiquette could not be abandoned. If she didn't go, it would only give others something to gossip about.

  So today she had no choice but to get up early and go to Chunxi Residence to put on a show. She would also take the opportunity to see what the old lady and Li were planning to do with her.

  A pale pink jade-colored smoke-like gauze skirt, with a fox-fur-trimmed cloak outside, and a black hairpin slanted to one side, adorned with a purple jade inlaid gold pin, and another elegant pearl flower sent by Bai Li yesterday.

  Xia Ting's reflection in the mirror exuded an air of nobility and elegance, her face radiant with a soft glow.

  Wan Yu looked at her masterpiece with satisfaction and smiled, saying "Miss looks so good dressed up like this, today she will surely outshine all the others."

  Xia Ting smiled and glanced at her, "You're the most talkative." Although she didn't want to draw attention to herself, now that she was already Rong Jin's wife-to-be, every move she made would be linked to the Jing Wang Fu. So nowadays, she had to consider his feelings in everything she did. Just like this gathering, she absolutely couldn't dress too plainly or shabbily, otherwise it would lose face for him.

  But it was just a small matter, she was still very willing to do it for him.

  "Sister." Xia Zi Yun, wearing a black shirt with gold trim, pushed open the door and walked in. The two young servants following behind her remained outside the door.

  Xia Ting rose elegantly to her feet, turned her head to look at her younger brother, and tightened the emerald-patterned brocade cloak on him. Smiling, she said, "You've arrived so quickly, have you greeted Mother?" In this dynasty, the hierarchy was strict, and concubines were not qualified to congratulate the elderly lady, so her mother could only stay in the Pear Garden waiting for their return.

  Xia Zi Yun immediately nodded obediently. He had already greeted his mother, and she had instructed him to pay attention to etiquette.

  Xia Ting nodded slightly and said "Then let's go." It was time to go to Chunxi Residence to celebrate the old lady's birthday.

  Wan Yu and Lu Wei both responded with a "yes" and walked in line behind Xia Ting Cong, Wan Yu's hands still holding a rectangular brocade box.

  All the way to Chunxi House, before entering the door, I heard bursts of laughter and conversation coming from inside, as if the guests were having a great time.

  Xia Ting Cong walked in with her brother Xia Zi Yun, seemingly oblivious to the commotion. As soon as they entered the main hall, they saw that it was filled with women who had clearly dressed up for the occasion, and a group of young girls sitting together, likely the daughters of these women. Everyone was chatting and laughing with Old Lady Xia, who sat in the seat of honor.

  As soon as Xia Ting brought Xia Ziyun in, the whole room fell silent. Except for Old Lady Xia and her two daughters, Xia Lian and Xia Rong, as well as Xia Qinghe, everyone else curiously sized up this woman who had just entered.

  Since the two legitimate misses and one illegitimate miss of the Xia Manor were all present, didn't that indicate that the woman who had just entered was none other than the second Miss Xia of the Xia Manor, whose reputation was currently flourishing?

  The women and girls present cast curious glances at Xia Tingcong, most of whom were the family members brought by the officials who came to celebrate their birthday today, all of whom were dignified official wives, and they were also very curious about Xia Tingcong.

  They all knew that the old master of their own family came to Xiafu to celebrate his birthday today, it was because Miss Xia, the second daughter of Xiafu, was about to become the princess consort of the prince of Jing, which meant that Mr. Xia, a fourth-rank official, would be the future father-in-law of the prince of Jing. Who knows when he will take advantage of this opportunity to get promoted and rich? If they don't curry favor with him now, when will they do it?

  And yet, the second miss of Xia Fu was able to marry into the Jing Wang Fu as the wife of the crown prince with the status of a concubine-born daughter, and it was even bestowed by the emperor himself. This made them feel surprised from the bottom of their hearts. After all, most of them had also sent the horoscopes and portraits of their own daughters to the palace, because their masters wanted to send their concubine-born daughters to the Jing Wang Fu as concubines, in order to climb up to the status of the crown prince. Unfortunately, not one of them was looked at with favor, and all the horoscopes and portraits were returned.

  They originally thought that the Jing Wang Fu was because they looked down on the birth of these concubines and didn't choose any, but then it was announced that the Emperor had decreed a marriage for the Crown Prince of Jing Wang, who would have known that he was only given a fourth-rank official's concubine daughter, which made all the ladies and young misses in the capital feel shocked.

  And the news that came back said that this matter was still personally sought by King Jing's son in front of the emperor. This made people's gossip factor fully active, and afterwards, the high-profile lifting of 248 lifts of betrothal gifts from the Qingwang Fu, even more so, made the curiosity of the ladies in the capital towards the second lady of the Xia Fu reach an all-time high.

  What kind of wonderful person can gain the favor and respect of Jing Wang's son?

  This would be an opportunity to meet in person, and the ladies present were all staring at Xia Tingcong with a pair of bright shining eyes as soon as he entered the room.

  Xia Ting only pretended not to see, with a polite smile on her face, walked calmly to the center of the hall, and made a standard bow to Xia Lao Furen "Wishing you good health, Mrs. Xia."

  Xia Zi Yun who was standing beside Xia Lian also bowed together with him.

  In front of so many officials' wives, Old Lady Xia also didn't want to embarrass Xia Tingcong, so she put on a gentle and amiable expression and said "Good child, get up quickly."

  Xia Ting heard the words and straightened up, turning her head to look at Wan Yu. The other party hastily stepped forward and opened the long rectangular brocade box in her hand, revealing a ginseng inside.

  "Madam, this is a 200-year-old ginseng, it's a small token of my and Yun'er's good wishes for your health and well-being."

  The smile on Old Lady Xia's face stiffened, with a hint of annoyance in her eyes. This unfilial scoundrel! The Qingwang Fu had sent over so many good things, yet she hadn't even picked out one to send over to her. And all they'd sent was this two-hundred-year-old ginseng - were they trying to shoo away a beggar?

  Although she was extremely annoyed in her heart, Mrs. Xia couldn't express it openly and could only continue to pretend to be happy, saying "Good child, you have a conscience." But secretly, she gritted her teeth with hatred, that ruthless little thing, just wait and see my wrath later.

  At this time, Xia Lian, who was sitting on the side, interrupted with a glint of malice in her eyes. "Second sister, just a few days ago, the Jing Wang Fu sent you so many betrothal gifts, any one of which is a treasure worth a city. How come today, on grandmother's birthday, you only brought a 200-year-old ginseng as a gift? This isn't very good, others might think you're unfilial and don't care about your own grandmother."

  Xia Tingning, this humble concubine-born daughter, had her father approach Shui Jie yesterday about the matter concerning her and Rong'er. He hoped she could help mediate and speak a few good words to let Xia Tingning resolve the matter at the Jing Wang Fu. But unexpectedly, it was learned from Shui Jie that the Jing Wang Fu never intended to spread the word about that matter in the first place, fearing it would affect this concubine's reputation. The three women were all played by this concubine, causing Xia Tingning to be worried for days, unable to eat or sleep well, and becoming haggard as a result.

  Yesterday, after learning that she had been played by this cheap person, she was so angry that she smashed all the decorations in the house and hated to peel off the other's skin.

  Although Xia Rong also had the intention to speak out and mock a few words, once she thought that her grandmother and mother had strictly ordered her not to make any reckless remarks, otherwise she would be severely punished, so she had to give up the idea.

  Xia Ting listened to Xia Lian's words and smiled slightly, "Third sister, this is unfair to me. I also want to pick some good things to send over. But the old lady said that those betrothal gifts can't be moved at all, and when I get married, they will still be taken back to the Jing Wang Fu as part of my dowry, intact. If I were to secretly take something from inside and send it over, others might think that the old lady is embezzling her own granddaughter's betrothal gifts. Such a reputation, how can I let the old lady bear?"

  Looking at Xia Lian's delicate makeup, she couldn't hide her fatigue and haggardness. She knew that the other party must have been worried about losing face for the past few days, which was why her complexion was so poor.

  Now, in front of outsiders, she accused her of being unfilial, having so many good things but not willing to send them over. She was probably aware that the Jing Wang Fu would not spread out the affairs of the two sisters, and felt that she had been played by herself, so she deliberately retaliated.

  She's not a great philanthropist, this old lady openly tried to rob her of her dowry a few days ago, and repeatedly threatened and bribed her. The relationship between the two has long been like fire and water, unless she was kicked in the head by a donkey, she would be eager to pick up good things and bring them over.

  Xia Lian was choked by these words, her eyes slightly moved, and she opened her mouth wanting to say something.

  But was interrupted by Old Lady Xia "Jing'er is right, I didn't let her touch those betrothal gifts."

  Although she said so with her mouth, she had already been furious in her heart. This dead thing, dare to say nonsense with her eyes open, when did she ever say such a thing? She was eager for the other party to send all the betrothal gifts to Chunxi House, but unfortunately, she couldn't refute this little hoof's words, otherwise it would mean that she really had the idea of embezzling Sun's daughter's betrothal gifts. With so many officials' wives present, she couldn't afford to lose face, so she could only grit her teeth and admit it, but her dissatisfaction with Xia Tingting in her heart rose to a higher level, almost grinding her teeth with hatred.

  Xia Tingying's face was also filled with indignation, this damned Xia Tingying, how dare she say such a thing, knowing full well that the other person was lying, yet unable to expose her, it felt like swallowing a fly by mistake, making her feel nauseous.

  At this time, Li Shi, dressed in a large red dress, walked in from outside and smiled as she paid her respects to Old Lady Xia. Then, with a smile, she looked at Xia Tingcong beside her and said in a very affectionate tone, "Tingcong, your mother was just looking for you. Today is your grandmother's birthday, and everyone in the mansion is busy running around, not enough hands on deck. Your mother thought that since the servants in the pear garden are idle anyway, why not temporarily assign a few to come over and help out, what do you think?"

  Xia Ting's eyes narrowed slightly, and she thought that Li Shi had been confined by her cheap father for three months just a few days ago. It seemed that today, because of the old lady's birthday, she was released ahead of schedule to host the banquet.

  This would again suggest that she should call someone from her hospital to come and help, and also made it clear that the people in her hospital were idle at this time. In front of so many ladies and girls, how could she dare to refuse?

  Xia Ting smiled slightly "Since Madam has spoken, how could I not comply? But do you need me to let Wan Yu go and call everyone over?"

  Come what may, she'll stop at nothing. She wants to see what tricks the Li family has up their sleeve.

  Mr. Li received a definite reply, and he smiled even more intimately "That's not necessary, I'll just send someone to pick up a few clever maids and bring them over, once things are busy here, I'll let them go back to serve you."

  "Madam has a heart," Xia Ting said softly, lowering her eyelids. After finishing speaking, she took her brother to sit down in an empty seat on the side.

  Li saw that she had achieved her goal, and without leaving any trace, she exchanged a glance with Mrs. Xia, who was sitting in the superior position. In her heart, she silently cursed Xia Ting, thinking that today she would thoroughly grasp this little girl and see what capital she dared to use to fight back against her.

  Everyone sat in the main hall at noon, chatting and laughing non-stop.

  Xia Ting Cong sat quietly from head to toe, responding to some officials' wives with a few humble and polite sentences. Neither enthusiastic nor distant, she left a very good impression on the ladies who came to attend the birthday party.

  Wan Yu also nimbly brought over several exquisite pastries from the outside, to fill the bellies of her own young mistress and master.

  Xia Ting drank clear tea, occasionally feeding her younger brother some pastries with her own hands. The tranquility and quietness seemed to put her in a different world from the others in the room.

  Before long, a servant girl came in from outside and whispered a few words into Mrs. Li's ear.

  Madam, the banquet is ready. Please proceed with the ladies to the front hall.

  Mrs. Xia smiled and nodded, and was helped up by Autumn's servant girl from beside her. The various ladies and young misses sitting in the main hall also stood up one after another. A group of people walked out of the main hall in twos and threes.

  Xia Ting also got up and took Xia Ziyun out, saying "Yuner, after you finish your meal in the outer courtyard later, go back to Liyuan immediately. Let the two little servants follow you all the time. Don't linger outside, understand?"

  Her younger brother is already ten years old and cannot stay in the inner courtyard to have meals with her and those women, so he can only let him go to the outer courtyard to follow that cheap father. But it doesn't matter, after all, it's just a meal time, and there are two small servants following closely, nothing will happen.

  Xia Zi Yun raised his head and looked at Xia Ting Ying, nodding obediently "I know, Cloud will return to the Pear Courtyard after finishing dinner." He only knew that his sister must have a reason for saying so, and he had to listen to her.

  At the banquet, Xia Ting Cong casually found a seat and sat down, nodding to the several official family misses at the same table as a greeting.

  Xia Lian also happened to follow and sat down on Xia Ting's right side, smiling sweetly and saying "Second sister, do you mind if I sit here?"

  Xia Ting glanced at the other person with a slanted gaze, then immediately withdrew her line of sight and said "I don't mind." Her tone was very indifferent, not putting the other person in her heart at all.

  Xia Lian gritted her teeth in anger, this despicable and humble concubine-born girl actually dared to not put her in her eyes, humph, just wait and see.

  Even with a disgusting ghost sitting next to her, Xia Tingjing was completely unaffected, picking up her chopsticks and eating whatever she wanted, treating Xia Lian as if she were an invisible transparent person. She had been hungry since morning, and although she had eaten a few snacks to fill her stomach, it was still not enough.

  It was Xia Lian who, contrary to her usual demeanor, pretended to be affectionate and sisterly, occasionally serving Xia Ting a dish or ladling soup for her, making those who didn't know any better think that Xia Ting was actually her own flesh-and-blood older sister.

  Wan Yu and Lü Wei came in handy at this time, the two of them held open Xia Lian's chopsticks from left to right, and said with a smile "Thank you, Third Miss, our missus doesn't like eating mushrooms."

  Xia Lian picked up a piece of bamboo shoots, but was intercepted by Lv Wei, who politely said "Miss doesn't like to eat bamboo shoots." After that, she picked up the chicken and sea cucumber with her chopsticks and put them in Xia Ting's bowl.

  With these two escorting her, Xia Tingjing finally had a peaceful time and enjoyed her lunch.

  Xia Lian felt a wave of suffocation, but immediately put on a proper smile, personally poured a cup of wine and handed it over "Second sister, this is younger sister's toast to you, you can't not drink it, otherwise, it would be looking down on me, the younger sister."

  Xia Ting's eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at the white porcelain cup filled with wine in her opponent's hand, lost in thought.

  Wan Yu was getting anxious, this third miss looked like she had ill intentions, who knew if there was something wrong with that cup of wine.

  Xia Lian saw Xia Ting Cong's expression and didn't respond for a long time, looking like she was about to cry. "Isn't it that Second Sister really looks down on me, this younger sister?" As soon as these words came out, the eyes of several official family misses present also changed, this third miss of the Xia family had always been attentive and considerate in her service, how could this second miss of the Xia family be so inhumane.

  Just as the two were at a stalemate, a maid in a honey-colored dress came over with a teapot. She hastily poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to Xia Ting's face, then said to Xia Lian, "Third Miss, I'm really sorry, our miss can't drink wine, so we'll have to substitute tea for wine."

  This maid was one of the four maids that Xia Ting Cong had bought from Ren Yazi before coming to Kyoto, named Nian Shuang, and she was also one of the several maids who served her.

  It seems that Mr. Li said he would go to Pear Institute to bring a few people over to help, and Nian Shuang happened to be one of them.

  Xia Lian put on a dissatisfied expression and said, "Second sister's affairs, when did it become the turn of you, a small servant girl, to manage?"

  Niang Shuang continued, "I don't dare, but my young lady really can't drink. I believe Third Miss won't intentionally make things difficult." After speaking, she again pushed the tea cup towards Xia Ting's direction.

  Xia Lian's face suddenly turned red with anger and she couldn't retort.

  Xia Ting stretched out her hand to take over the teacup in front of her, brought it to her lips, and smelled a strong tea aroma.

  Xia Ting raised her head to look at Nian Shuang, revealing a faint smile "Well done." After speaking, she lightly sipped a mouthful and then used a handkerchief to wipe her lips.

  Xia Lian's eyes flashed with a hint of unclear meaning as Xia Lian downed the tea.

  Upon hearing Xia Ting's praise, Nian Shuang revealed a shy smile before picking up the teapot and leaving again.

  Everyone present had already gotten over the little episode and continued eating and drinking with laughter. Halfway through the meal, a maidservant carrying soup stumbled and spilled it all over Xia Ting's clothes, staining her dress.

  The maid holding the soup immediately knelt down "Second Miss, spare my life, I didn't mean to."

  Xia Ting furrowed her brow and said lightly, "Never mind, you can get up now."

  The maid on her knees repeatedly knocked her head in gratitude.

  Wan Yu looked at the dirty hem of her skirt and said softly, "Miss, we can only go back to Liyuan to change into a new dress."

  Xia Ting nodded and said to the ladies present, "Sorry, I'll take my leave for a moment." The ladies all nodded to indicate that they didn't mind.

  Xia Ting rose elegantly and walked towards Li Yuan with Wan Yu and Lu Wei.

  Before long, Xia Lian also said she had something to do and got up from her seat. She took the maid and walked along the gravel path, turned a corner and came to the agreed guest room, looked around and then pushed open the door and went in.

  Only to see Xia Ting Jing quietly lying on the bed, Xia Lian revealed a triumphant smile and walked to the bedside with a menacing gaze. "Xia Ting Jing, you didn't think so, did you? You finally fell into my hands."

  She turned her head and said to a maid beside her, "Quickly go and call Young Master Bao over."

  She then turned to another maid and said "You go inform my mother and grandmother."

  "Yes, miss." The two maids received their orders and hastily went out the door, leaving only Xia Lian and Xia Ting Cong, who was lying in bed.

  Xia Lian couldn't help but feel triumphant in her heart, filled with a sense of revenge. Suddenly, she seemed to have thought of something and furrowed her brow, muttering to herself "Strange, where did those few old women who brought them over go? Why haven't I seen this little slut's two personal maids?"

  Suddenly, a soft voice came from beside her ear, "Do you want to know?"

  Xia Lian's head suddenly turned around in shock, and she saw that Xia Ting, who should have been unconscious, had opened her eyes at this moment, gazing at her indifferently.

  Xia Lian's eyes widened as she said "You..." but only managed to utter a single sound before being knocked unconscious from behind and falling softly to the ground.

  Late Yu and Lu Wei suddenly appeared behind Xia Lian, both of them holding a wooden stick in their hands, smiling.

  Xia Ting sprang out of bed with a lithe movement, glanced at Xia Lian lying on the floor, and said lightly, "Put her back on the bed."

  Wan Yu and Lu Wei lifted up Xia Lian's hands and feet, and without any tenderness, tossed her onto the bed.

  Xia Ting sat beside the table with a faint smile, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. Now she was just waiting for others to make their move.

  Li You, who had been waiting for news at the outer courtyard, finally saw Xia Lian's personal maid, and with a sly smile, he followed closely behind her. Just thinking about having warm, fragrant, and soft jade in his arms soon made him excited. Rubbing his hands together anxiously, he hastily followed the maid to the inner courtyard.

  After winding and turning, the maid finally brought Li You to the guest room where Xia Tingning was, pushed open the door and walked in, and Li You also hurriedly followed behind her.

  At this time, Wan Yu and Lu Wei, who were hiding on either side of the door, raised their sticks and gave the two people who pushed in a ruthless blow, knocking them unconscious to the ground.

  Sitting in front of the desk, Xia Ting smiled and said, "Well done, throw this maid to one side, and strip this man naked and throw him onto the bed." Her cold gaze swept over the man lying on the ground. She had just pretended to be dizzy and heard Xia Lian ask the maid to invite Young Master Biao over. Presumably, this was Li Yu, the nephew of Li's family, whom Xia Qinghe had mentioned to her two days ago.

  Wan Yu and Lu Wei suddenly turned bright red, stuttering "Miss, he, he's a man." They were all unmarried girls, going to undress a man, this, how could they do that.

  Xia Ting blinked her eyes and said, "Then go call the old lady from Liyuan." As a modern person, she hadn't thought of this issue, fortunately, it's not far from here to Liyuan, just calling an old lady over would do.

  Lu Weng nodded and hurriedly ran to call Baozi over.

  Meanwhile, Li and Old Lady Xia were overjoyed when they received the news from the maid. They made an excuse to leave their seats and rushed to the guest room in the backyard.

  As soon as she pushed open the door and walked in, what she saw was Xia Tingcong sitting calmly at her desk, holding a brush, drawing something. Her two personal maids were also serving on either side of her.

  On the ground lay a maid dressed in light blue, who was one of Xia Lian's personal maids, Dian Lan.

  Mrs. Xia and Mrs. Li were shocked at this scene.

  Li looked at Xia Ting in disbelief and exclaimed, "You, how can you be fine?" What's going on? Didn't we already succeed? How could this little girl still be sitting here unscathed.

  Xia Ting raised her head and smiled slightly, but her eyes were exceptionally sharp as she said "Of course I'm fine, the one who's not is definitely not me."

  Mrs. Xia was startled by this sharp gaze and suddenly became a little flustered.

  Li was shocked by the other's words, what did they mean? Could it be...

  Suddenly, Mrs. Li cried out urgently, "Where's Lian'er? Where did she go?" This little hoof was sitting here just fine, where did that Lian'er go?

  Mrs. Xia was reminded by Mr. Li's words and also thought of her legitimate granddaughter who had sent the maid to report the news, and she should still be in this guest room.

  Xia Ting continued her actions with a careless tone, "What's the hurry? Your precious daughter is right there."

  Mrs. Xia Lao and Li looked in the direction of Xia Ting's gaze, only to see that the large bed in the guest room had silk curtains hanging down, with two figures vaguely visible inside.

  Mrs. Li let out a loud scream and rushed over to lift the mosquito net, only to see her daughter and nephew lying together in a compromising position, their bodies tightly entwined. This scene gave Mrs. Li's nerves a severe shock, and she hastily pushed away Li You, who was lying on top of Xia Lian, anxiously trying to find some clothes to cover her daughter with. But no matter where she looked, she couldn't find anything - not even the bed sheets or quilt could be used to cover them up. The entire large bed was empty and bare, with only two naked people lying there.

  Old Lady Xia was also shocked by this scene. She couldn't understand how it had come to this, as the one who should be lying in bed was clearly that second-rate girl, but now it had become Diyun's daughter, Lian'er.

  Li couldn't find anything to cover Xia Lian's naked body, and with bloodshot eyes, she turned her head and stared at Xia Ting Cong, saying "You damned cheap slut, where did you put Lian'er's clothes? If Lian'er has even a bit of good fortune, I'll skin you alive."

  She deliberately planned to seduce this little slut, luring her into this guest room, and letting her own nephew come over to ruin her reputation. When the time comes, she will enter with the old lady to catch them in the act, and with this handle, why worry that this slut would dare not listen to them?

  Now this little hoof is fine, but her own lotus has problems. This teaches her how to hate and how to be annoyed.

  Xia Ting's cold eyes shot towards Li Shi, "I had someone take her clothes out and throw them away, along with the bedding and quilt. You were trying to frame me, weren't you? How about this, didn't expect it, did you? I didn't fall for it, but instead, Xia Lian was found naked and embracing a man. What will happen to her marriage now?"

  She deliberately had the servant strip off both of their clothes and then arranged them in a very ambiguous posture. She wanted to use the same method to deal with others, thinking that she could scheme against her, so she let this Li's daughter have a taste of this bitter experience.

  Li was furious and shouted wildly, wanting to come up and teach Xia Ting a lesson.

  "Shut up, or I'll have someone shout and bring all the guests from outside in to see how shameless you are, sneaking around with someone behind my back."

  Wanting to move her, this Li didn't even consider how many catties she herself weighed. Stupid fool.

  Li was startled by the other's words and didn't dare shout again. If Lian'er were seen by outsiders in this state, she would be done for.

  Old Lady Xia hastily and angrily shouted at Li Shi, "Hurry up and take off your outer garment to let Lian'er wear it!" Now they had to quickly leave with the person, she saw that the eyes of those two maids were really making her anxious, if they stayed any longer who knows what would happen.

  Mrs. Li was shocked by this, and quickly took off her outer garment to put on her daughter. At this moment, Xia Lian slowly woke up, opened her eyes to see her mother, and rubbed the back of her aching head, saying "Mother, where am I?"

  She was just in the guest room with Xia Tingying, wasn't she? Suddenly remembering something, Xia Lian straightened up and hastily said, "Mother, that damned Xia Tingying surprisingly didn't get knocked out, I saw her wake up with my own eyes."

  Just as she was speaking, she suddenly realized that something was wrong. Her body felt cool and refreshing. She looked down and immediately let out a shrill cry. How could she be naked, without a stitch on?

  She caught sight of Li You lying beside her, equally naked, and let out an even louder shriek, frantically grabbing the outer garment that Madame Li was about to put on for her and pushing it away.

  No, no, no, how could this be? She's actually lying in bed with Li You, and they're not even wearing a single piece of clothing.

  "Quickly covering Xiaolian's mouth, Li said 'Lian'er, don't cry out, be careful or you'll attract the attention of those outside.'"

  Xia Lian was terrified and tightly wrapped Li's outer garment, her mind a complete blank. How could this be? How could this be? What would she do now to go out and see people? Would anyone still want her in the future?

  Li You, who was lying on the other side of the bed, was startled awake by Xia Lian's cry. He opened his eyes and shook his aching head, only to see his cousin sitting on the edge of the bed in disarray, wrapped in an outer garment, with Auntie Li standing beside her.

  Another glance at herself, and she was shocked to find that she was stark naked. She hastily covered herself up and exclaimed, "Auntie, how did my cousin end up here? Didn't you say she would be sleeping with the second young mistress?"

  How did it become a sister-in-law in the blink of an eye, he still misses that beautiful Xia Tingcong, although he can't really eat, but also can hug and take advantage of, indulge in fantasy.

  "Li shouted, 'How dare you say that! I haven't even asked you what's going on yet. How did you end up sleeping with your cousin?' This useless thing can't even handle a small matter."

  Li Youzheng looked around left and right, searching for cover. After hearing Li's question, he suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "Ah, I see! As soon as I entered the door, I was knocked unconscious by someone. I don't know what happened either."

  He searched left and right but couldn't find his clothes or anything to cover himself, so he had no choice but to tear down the mosquito net with a "rip" sound and wrap it around his body.

  Xia Ting sat on the chair, looking at this family, and silently laughed "Have you all figured out what's going on? Next, shouldn't we settle the accounts properly?"

  Don't think this matter will pass so easily, dare to scheme against her, and be prepared to pay the price.

  Li and Old Lady Xia turned their heads, and Xialian glared at Xiarting with a furious face. "You this cheap woman, it's all your calculation against me, isn't it? You this damned despicable thing."

  It must be her own fault that she was knocked unconscious and woke up in the same bed as her cousin.

  Xia Ting sneered with a smile, "What's wrong with me? You guys are allowed to scheme against me, but I'm not allowed to scheme against you. Hmph, since you dare to do it, then you have to have the guts to bear the consequences. You should be grateful that I didn't really make you lose your innocence, otherwise you would only be able to marry that useless and uneducated cousin of yours."

  "Impossible," Xia Lian trembled with her body and said, "I clearly saw you drink that cup of tea. How could you possibly be fine."

  Xia Ting smiled slightly, "I did drink that cup of tea, but unfortunately, I only took a small sip and spat it out while wiping my mouth with a handkerchief. As for the people you sent to wait for me on the road, they should still be unconscious in the bushes after being knocked down by my maid when the medicine took effect."

  These people are really good at plotting, deliberately buying off her maid and putting on a show in front of her. Knowing she wouldn't drink Xia Lianjing's wine, they put the medicine in the tea water instead, and had her maid bring it over. If she hadn't been knowledgeable about medicine and smelled that something was added to the tea, she might have also thought that her maid was loyal and protective, and would have drunk the cup of tea without any defenses.

  Because the medicine in that cup of tea took effect slowly, these people also pinched the timing to let the maid who was carrying the soup water deliberately dirty her skirt. They wanted to take advantage of their own dizziness when they were walking back to the pear garden to change clothes, and have someone knock out their own maid and take all three away at once. If she hadn't turned the tables on them, those women hiding along the road would have knocked her out at the critical moment.

  It's just that now the one whose reputation is being ruined might be herself, this vicious old lady and Li Shi, actually came up with such a dirty trick to blackmail her.

  "Mr. Li angrily said, 'You little scoundrel, I won't let you off the hook for framing Lian'er! I'll be back to deal with you later.' Then he wanted to help Xiaolian get up and go back to her room to change clothes."

  Xia Ting let out a cold laugh, "You think you're done with me? Li Shi, you'd better make it clear that now I'm the one who's not done with you. You thought I wouldn't investigate what you've been plotting against me. You're still as stupid as ever, stupid to the point of no salvation."

  Li heard this and suddenly became furious, wanting to erupt. But was pulled back by Old Lady Xia, who glared at her fiercely, this brainless one, still not understanding the situation even now, these two girls are probably not going to let things go easily.

  "Xia Lao Furen calmed herself and carefully opened her mouth to say, 'Second girl, you're fine now, but Lian'er has been plotted against by you. How about this: we each take a step back, don't pursue the matter, and consider it as if nothing happened?'"

  Xia Ting's eyes flashed with a cold light. "I'm fine because I'm clever, she's in trouble because she deserves it. Do you think it's possible for me not to pursue this?"

  It's easy for them to say that, this family has no shame, just because their scheme against her wasn't successful, does it mean they can act like they never did anything?

  "Then what do you want? I'll tell you, as long as you take them and leave right now, it's fine even if you shout about it later. Who would believe without seeing it with their own eyes? Besides, aren't you perfectly fine now? Why insist on making a fuss?"

  She was extremely annoyed in her heart, this lotus child had already been calculated by this little hoof to lose her reputation. The other party still wanted how to do it. She didn't really want to ruin her innocence after all, this person is going to marry into the Jing Wang Fu, if she lost her innocence, it would be impossible to explain. She just wanted to let Yu'er see her body and ruin her reputation. And then use this to control the other party, let her do things for the Xia Fu. Now that this matter has not been accomplished, what does this stupid fool want to do?

  Li heard this and her eyes lit up, anyway there were no outsiders in the house, who would know? As long as she quickly took her daughter back, even if it spread out, no one would believe it. In this way, the matter could still be covered up, and her daughter's reputation would not be ruined.

  Thinking of this, Li was suddenly pleased with himself. "That's right, I'll take Lotus back to the house now and see how you can spread this out."

  Xia Ting's face curled up into a cold smile, and she lightly picked up the painting paper on the table to let Li Shi and Xia Lao Furen see it clearly. The two men and women in the painting were entwined with each other, their bodies not wearing an inch of clothing, looking like a spring palace painting.

  Mrs. Xia and Mrs. Li were shocked when they saw the painting, as the man and woman in it were unmistakably Xia Lian and Li You.

  Xia Ting lightly waved the painting in her hand and said, "How's that? I didn't do a bad job, did I? You guys think if I were to post this outside with a few lines explaining who the people in the painting are, it would be okay?"

  She had long been on her guard against these two shameless ones, how could she be unprepared?

  Li was shocked and hastily wanted to rush up and tear off this painting.

  But was stopped in his tracks by Xia Ting's words "Even if you tear it up, it won't be of any use. I can paint another one and ask all the painters in Kyoto to copy it thousands of times and post them on every street corner in Kyoto. Let your daughter's reputation be completely ruined."

  Old Lady Xia was so angry that her body shook slightly, and she said in a hateful tone, "What do you want to do?" If such a painting were to be spread out, where would the face of the Xia family be placed?

  Li and Xia Lian were also frightened pale, especially Xia Lian, who was so scared that she trembled with fear. If only the people in this house knew about it, then she might still be able to preserve her reputation, after all, her mother and grandmother would definitely keep quiet about it and wouldn't let her marry that good-for-nothing cousin of hers. At that time, no one would spread the news, and she could still pretend that nothing had happened, after all, her chastity was still intact.

  If this painting were to spread out, she would have no choice but to marry her ignorant and untalented cousin if she didn't want to die.

  "I like talking to people who understand me. Listen carefully, from now on, if you and Li dare to set your sights on me again, I'll make sure this painting is exposed and Summer Lotus's reputation is ruined. And don't even think about plotting against my mother and brother. Starting tomorrow, they won't need to visit Spring Xi Residence and Qing Hua Hall to pay their respects. They don't have to bow to you either. If I find out that you're making things difficult for them in the slightest, Summer Lotus will be ruined."

  She will soon be married to the Jing Wang Fu and cannot return at any time. If she wants to protect her mother and brother, then she must grasp the handle of Li Shi and Xia Lao Furen. This time, even Tian helped her, these two brainless people actually delivered themselves to her doorstep. It would be a pity if she didn't seize this opportunity.

  Old Lady Xia was so angry that she trembled with rage. This was simply letting the concubine of the Shi family ride roughshod over her. Not only could she not make things difficult for the other woman, but she also had to wait on her with great care. Did this detestable scoundrel think he had her right where he wanted her?

  The Li family was about to scream, and they actually wanted the Shui family's cheap woman not to give her a salute, wasn't that just like being on an equal footing with her? They couldn't afford to offend the other party, so she had to be careful in front of that cheap woman. How could she bear it?

  Li was about to speak out in opposition, but when she met Xia Ting's cold gaze, her heart skipped a beat. This little girl was serious, and if she dared not follow her words, then she would really let Lian'er suffer a loss of face and reputation.

  Looking at Li's arrogant and proud appearance, Xia Ting gave a cold smile "In the future, be more sensible, if you dare to provoke me again, I won't be as easy-going as today."

  Having said that, he took the painting and stood up, taking Wan Yu and Lu Wei out of the door. A faint sound of Xia Lian's pain came from inside the house.

  Xia Ting walked back to the pear courtyard step by step, but she still had another person to collect.

  Back in her room at Liyuan, Xia Ting sat in front of the dressing mirror and removed her hairpins to take off her makeup. She said softly, "Go bring Nian Shuang over."

  "Yes, miss." Wan Yu led the way out the door and left.

  The delicate green jade helped to untie a part of the hair tied with a hairpin, and carefully combed it with a jade comb.

  Before long, Wan Yu returned, followed by Ning Shuang with her head bowed and eyes downcast.

  After entering the room, she bowed to Xia Ting and said, "Miss." She had three parts of doubt and seven parts of surprise in her heart. This third miss wasn't trying to trick Miss, was she? I wonder if it succeeded or not. If it did, then Miss would definitely be furious. What does she want to see me for? Although she handed that cup of tea with added ingredients to Miss, she and the third miss were a perfect match, acting just right, anyone with discerning eyes could tell that she was a loyal and devoted maid.

  Moreover, the second young lady said that the medicine takes effect slowly, and after drinking tea, the young lady ate many other things, so she wouldn't suspect that the problem was with that cup of tea, and it's impossible for her to be suspicious of herself.

  But Miss is now calling herself over, could it be that Third Miss has made a mistake? Does Miss want to reward her own protective behavior just now?

  The more Nian Shuang thought about it, the more she felt that this was possible, and she became increasingly excited and expectant. After all, Miss Xiao's jewelry had been coveted by her for a long time, and who knows if Miss would give some to herself.

  Xia Ting softly responded with a "yes", opened the jewelry box and carefully picked up the pearl hairpin.

  "Do you like pearl flowers?"

  She nodded and said "I like it." Is the young lady going to give her the pearl flowers? Those were personally selected by the Crown Prince of Jing, they are all top-notch goods that can't be found even after searching for a hundred miles.

  Xia Ting's smile was gentle as she said, "I think you must like it too. Otherwise, you wouldn't have secretly worn my accessories." Her tone suddenly turned sharp at the last sentence.

  Niang Shuang was frightened and hastily explained, "Miss, it's a misunderstanding! Even if I had the audacity of heaven, I wouldn't dare to steal your jewelry!"

  Her hand hidden in her sleeve began to tremble slightly, impossible, she only wore it when taking Miss out, how could Miss possibly know.

  "You really are bold, aren't you? I think you accidentally dropped the jewelry box on the floor when you stole it last time. You probably didn't know that a pearl flower was broken inside. After I came back, I asked Green Weeds about it and she said it was always you who cleaned my room every day. I had her secretly observe you for a few days, and apart from finding out that you've been stealing my jewelry, you're also in contact with people from Qing Hua Tang. I didn't take action against you before because I wanted to see what kind of things you would help them do. But I didn't expect you to actually help them put poison in my tea. You think I don't know? From the moment you handed me that cup, I smelled the anesthetic in it. Tell me, how should I punish a treacherous slave like you?"

  This woman actually naively thought that as long as she and Xia Lian performed a scene of mutual hostility in front of her, she wouldn't suspect her. Unfortunately, she happened to be a doctor, so no matter how strong the tea flavor was, it couldn't mask the scent of the anesthetic.

  Niang Shuang was so frightened that she broke out in a cold sweat, 'thud' and fell to the ground, knocking her head repeatedly and saying "Miss, spare my life, I'm just temporarily possessed by a demon. From now on, I won't dare again, please miss, spare my life."

  She sweeps Miss's room every day, and once out of curiosity, she opened Miss's jewelry box, and from then on, she was fascinated by those dazzling jewels. Because she couldn't resist the temptation, she secretly wore Miss's jewelry to satisfy her cravings while sweeping every day. Unexpectedly, last time, she accidentally knocked over the jewelry box on the dresser, and the jewelry fell all over the floor. She hastily picked them up, but didn't notice that a pearl flower had been broken.

  Now that the truth has come out, she was caught by Miss and found to be the one who drugged her. She can only beg for Miss's mercy and spare her life.

  "Take her down and give her fifty lashes. Have everyone in the whole courtyard come watch. After that, sell her off."

  This isn't the modern era, she can't be soft-hearted towards this kind of person, otherwise people will think she's a pushover. The other party is obviously a big-hearted person, if she keeps her by her side, it will only lead to endless troubles.

  The two servants cried out and begged, "Miss, please spare us! We won't dare to do it again." If they were sold away, what good days would they have in the future?

  Lu Wenyi ignored the other's shouting, and directly called two servants to take him away. This kind of disloyal and vicious slave would only bring disaster if he stayed, so it was better to get rid of him as soon as possible.

  Xia Ting rubbed her forehead, walked to the desk, picked up a pen and wrote a letter. She handed it to Wan Yu and said, "Take this letter to the Jing Wang Fu and give it to Qing Yu."

  Wan Yu put the letter into her bosom, nodded to show she understood, and then went out.

  Xia Ting sat quietly in front of the dressing mirror, Xia Lao Furen and Li Shi, as well as her nephew Li You. These three people were all from the Li family. She had always been one to repay grudges, and now that she had been provoked, it wouldn't be easy for them to get off lightly.

  She wants the Li family to lose their official position and become ordinary people. It's a warning for Old Lady Xia and Madame Li.

  Su Shou brushed past the pearl flowers in the jewelry box, Xia Ting condensed a faint smile, this matter, naturally had to be handed over to Rong Jin.

  Digression

  Everyone, I came back late after school today, so it's a bit late for the update. 12,000 words, hehe, Cutting didn't break his promise, hehe.