The methods of the Bai family were somewhat underhanded and somewhat skillful.
They were underhanded because the conspiracy was easy to execute, but the damage was minimal, and unforeseen changes were prone to occur during its implementation.
For instance, Li Man'er was not afraid of snakes at all, so the subsequent plans all went down the drain.
They were skillful because even if the scheme was exposed, and Rong Qian and Er Jiang were apprehended and confessed everything, there was no direct evidence to prove that the Bai family had instigated it.
Moreover, both were household servants. Besides themselves, they had parents, elder and younger siblings at home. If they dared to speak carelessly, their entire families would suffer along with them.
Therefore, even if they had previously claimed to be instructed by the Bai family, so what? Without concrete evidence, the matter would still be dropped.
Li Man'er had no intention of dwelling on the issue. She merely said, "Second Aunt is right, I have no proof. However, these individuals are your second branch's people, and I am returning them to you. I know it's not easy for Second Aunt to manage household affairs, and you also help Grandmother with the household responsibilities, which is truly arduous. Naturally, there might be oversights. But this is not a major issue; Second Aunt, please do not get angry."
Li Man'er's words made Bai Shi's teeth ache. Indeed, regardless of anything else, these two were people from their second branch, and it was not easy to distance themselves.
Furthermore, having failed in her attempt, Li Man'er would surely be on guard against her, and it would be hard to say what might happen next time.
Cui Shi, who managed a Marquis's manor, missed no stir within any courtyard. Bai Shi's actions were soon discovered by Cui Shi, who angrily smashed a bowl and immediately sent for Bai Shi to be questioned.
Bai Shi naturally denied it, insisting that the matter had nothing to do with her. She had already taken care of Rong Qian and Er Jiang, and with no evidence, the matter could not be pinned on her.
However, Cui Shi said, "Those two are from the second branch. Do you really think you can absolve yourself? If mud falls into your trousers, even if it's not feces, it will look like it."
Bai Shi was stunned, not expecting her mother-in-law, who always prided herself on her noble upbringing, to speak such words. She was momentarily speechless and did not know how to respond.
"You know in your heart what you have done," Cui Shi's tone was stern, and her triangular eyes held extreme displeasure. "I understand your intentions, but do not forget that family ties are paramount. If you have done anything that tarnishes the Li family's reputation, this debt will ultimately be settled on Tian'er. At that point, let alone the royal family, even families of similar standing to ours might not be willing to marry her."
When marrying a wife, one looks for virtue. Noble families, with their ancient lineage and wealth, always choose meticulously, making thorough inquiries. Not only must the bride be good-looking and possess a good temperament, but she must also be well-mannered, filial, and have a virtuous reputation.
This applies even when the sons and heirs of various families are getting married. How much more so when it comes to a prince's marriage? Perhaps she would one day become the Empress, so not even the slightest mistake could be tolerated.
Cui Shi was indeed formidable; she immediately struck at Bai Shi's vulnerability, making her dare not act rashly.
After being reprimanded by Cui Shi, Bai Shi fell ill upon returning home.
It was primarily due to excessive worry. She tossed and turned for several nights, unable to sleep, her heart filled with anxiety. One moment she felt her mother-in-law was absolutely right, and perhaps her daughter would lose the chance to marry a prince because of this incident. The next moment, she felt her mother-in-law had exaggerated the seriousness of the matter, intending to scare her.
Bai Shi was constantly preoccupied with this issue, finding no pleasure in eating or sleeping. Over time, she became ill. A doctor was summoned, and after four or five doses of medicine, there was no improvement; instead, her cough became more frequent.
Nanny Lin then suggested, "Why not invite the Eldest Miss to take a look? The Eldest Miss was the one who cured Madam's menorrhagia; I doubt this minor ailment will be a problem for her."
Bai Shi was quite tempted, but the thought of Li Man'er's vindictive nature made her hesitate.
Nanny Lin, having followed her for so many years, understood her intentions perfectly. She immediately said, "Madam, why don't this servant go and sound her out?"
Bai Shi agreed after some thought.
Nanny Lin did not want to go empty-handed. After seeking Bai Shi's permission, she took a bolt of fine silk and a box of the latest fashionable silk flowers from the capital and went to Qingping Pavilion.
As soon as she reached the entrance of Qingping Pavilion, she found the courtyard to be extremely lively, with everyone in Qingping Pavilion bustling about.
Nanny Lin peeked inside and saw that there were over a dozen large chests placed in the courtyard. Servants were moving things in and out, as if a lot of new items had arrived.
Looking up, she saw Nanny Wu, whom she had not seen for some time, had returned. Her face was beaming as she stood on the corridor, directing people to move things into the house.
"Oh, Nanny Lin, what wind blows you here?" Nanny Wu came out from the corridor and spoke to Nanny Lin affectionately.
Just as Nanny Lin was about to say something, Nanny Wu ignored her and said to the porters carrying the chests, "Be careful. This entire chest is filled with fine porcelain and decorative pieces personally selected by the Master and Mistress. Each piece is priceless; do not drop them."
"Oh my, this entire chest is filled with ancient books that the Second Master and Second Mistress found for our young lady. They are all medical texts; be very careful. And that one, it's a rare treasure personally chosen by the Old Master. Do not chip or scratch it, or you would have to sell your entire family to compensate for it."
Nanny Lin felt her teeth ache. Thinking of the meager gifts she had brought, they seemed a bit too shabby. Was this woman surnamed Wu intentionally trying to embarrass her?
In fact, she had guessed correctly.
As soon as Nanny Wu returned, she heard about the trouble stirred up by Bai Shi of the second branch. Coincidentally, Nanny Lin had come knocking on her door. How could Nanny Wu swallow her anger? Naturally, she had to vent her frustrations.
"Oh dear, you've been neglected, neglected," Nanny Wu said as if she had just remembered Nanny Lin. "That, you came here for..."
Nanny Lin was furious, but she had no choice. After all, she was the one seeking a favor.
"Oh, um, I wanted to see the Eldest Miss. I would trouble you to inform her." Nanny Lin felt that she had already lowered herself in her words.
Nanny Wu, however, looked displeased. "Sister, the Eldest Miss is very busy at the moment. Don't you know, our family... Oh, the Ning family. The Old Master of the Ning family has written many letters to our young lady, as have the First and Second Masters of the Ning family, and several cousins. In short, just reading these family letters will likely take some time. Moreover, look at all these rare items in the courtyard; they were all sent by the Ning family. The Eldest Miss must examine them before they are stored, which will take a lot of effort. You should go back for now."
Nanny Lin's hair stood on end with anger upon hearing this. If it weren't for the Madam's illness, she wouldn't have come to ask for this favor!
"Elder Sister, I truly have an urgent matter. Please trouble you to pass on the message."