Guilty Conscience

The two beautiful concubines wept with tears streaming down their faces, and what they said made perfect sense.

Marquis Weiyuan pondered for a moment—it was indeed a reasonable argument.

These two women, having married into the Marquis Valor Estate, naturally wanted nothing more than to bear children as soon as possible. That was the only way to secure their position in the household and guarantee their future.

As for the idea of someone giving him sterilization medicine, Marquis Weiyuan thought the least likely suspects were his two newly accepted concubines.

Concubine Lin was a clever one. Seeing the Marquis’s expression, she guessed he no longer suspected them. Seizing the moment, she clung to his arm, sobbing, "Marquis, you know full well how my sister and I have served you these days. For the Lady to open her mouth and accuse us of giving you sterilization medicine—how could we possibly bear such slander? Please, Marquis, investigate this matter thoroughly and grant us justice!"

As soon as the talk of a thorough investigation came up, Madam Lou shivered with guilt, instinctively feeling that if the matter were truly pursued, it might bring disaster upon herself.

Madam Lou hurriedly said, "What's there to investigate? It must be the two of you up to no good! Marquis, quickly drive these scheming women out of the estate!"

Su Li watched Madam Lou coldly, pursed her lips, and said, "From what the Lady says, are you afraid the Marquis will investigate?"

Madam Lou glared angrily at Su Li. "Nonsense! Why would I be afraid? This has nothing to do with me—what would I be scared of?"

"If you're not afraid, then why object to the Marquis investigating?" Su Li pressed her lips together. "It seems to me, Lady, that you really don't want the concubines to bear children—are you worried they might threaten your position?"

As soon as Su Li said this, Madam Lou’s face turned deathly pale. She looked up at Marquis Weiyuan, who was frowning, deep in thought.

Madam Lou’s heart skipped a beat. Oh no! she thought to herself.

That wretched Su Li! With just a few words, she’s made the Marquis start suspecting me!

With Su Li’s pointed remark, it was clear—the person who least wanted Marquis Weiyuan to have more heirs in this household was Madam Lou herself.

Marquis Weiyuan’s gaze suddenly turned fierce. He slammed his fist on the bed and roared, "Investigate! Leave no stone unturned! Search everyone’s rooms—including the Lady’s!"

Madam Lou’s face turned green with panic. Ever since Su Li pointed the finger at her, Madam Lou felt she’d fallen right into Su Li’s trap.

Now, hearing that there would be a search, Madam Lou trembled all over with fear. Even if they didn’t find Male Sterilization Medicine in her room, just discovering the Female Sterilization Medicine she’d given the concubines would be enough to ruin her.

But if she insisted on stopping the search, it would only arouse more suspicion from Marquis Weiyuan.

While Madam Lou hesitated, the servants of the Marquis’s estate received their orders and began a thorough search of the manor.

Su Li sat nearby, a faint, inscrutable smile playing on her lips as she watched Madam Lou.

Madam Lou felt Su Li’s gaze crawl over her skin, sending chills down her spine. Standing there, it was as if she were being roasted over a fire—every second stretched into an eternity. In her heart, she prayed nothing incriminating would be found in her room.

"Lady Marquis, you’re trembling. Are you cold?" Su Li’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Madam Lou with mock concern.

Marquis Weiyuan glared at Madam Lou. “If you have a guilty conscience, you’re bound to feel cold.”