A Spectacular Show

"Sick?" Su Li raised an eyebrow at the little concubine.

The little concubine dabbed at the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief and said, "Yes, he's sick. The Marquis has been anxious these past few months, desperate for a child, so... I fear he's overworked himself and fallen ill."

Su Li understood—so Marquis Weiyuan was just eager for his old tree to bloom again, indulging himself a bit too much.

"Did you call for a doctor?" Su Li asked.

The little concubine shook her head. "No, the Marquis finds it embarrassing and refuses to let a doctor see him. He insists it's just a chill and that some tonic and rest will fix everything."

Su Li curled her lip, thinking, 'So the old geezer does know how to feel shame.'

The little concubine paused, then said, "Mistress, I followed your instructions and switched out the sterilization medicine. These past few months, Madam Lou has been tampering with our sisters' food, slipping in the sterilization drug. Just as you said, we've been giving all those drugged dishes to Marquis Weiyuan every day. Now that several months have passed, the medicine should have taken effect. If we take advantage of the Marquis's illness and call in a doctor, his pulse will reveal something's wrong—and the sterilization plot will be exposed."

Su Li looked up at the little concubine, praising, "You've got a clever mind. But didn't you say the Marquis is too embarrassed to call a doctor? Do you have any good ideas to make him do it?"

The little concubine thought for a moment and said, "The Marquis is terrified of dying. Right now, he refuses a doctor because he knows his illness is from overindulgence. He figures a little rest and some tonic will fix him. But if we can make him think he's on the verge of death, he'll stop pretending and beg for a doctor himself."

Su Li nodded. "That's a good idea."

The little concubine said, "But I need to ask Sister Peony for some secret medicine..."

Su Li nodded and sent someone to lead the little concubine to Peony for the medicine. She was just waiting for the little concubine to return, ready to watch the show unfold.

Sure enough, just a couple days after the little concubine left, someone from the Marquis's estate came to the Prince's residence.

It was the Marquis's trusted aide, looking flustered. "Princess Consort, the Marquis is gravely ill. Please, Princess Consort and His Highness, come back and see him!"

Normally, Su Li couldn't be bothered with anyone from the Marquis Weiyuan Estate.

That sly old fox, Marquis Weiyuan—whether he lives or dies, what does it matter to her?

But this time was different. Su Li had orchestrated such a good show at the Marquis's estate—she had to go watch! Otherwise, what a waste.

Right now, Xiao Zetian was busy drilling troops at the barracks and couldn't come back for a while. So Su Li simply took her trusted aides and went alone to the Marquis Weiyuan Estate to enjoy the spectacle.

The arrival of the Princess Consort of Qin left everyone at the Marquis's estate stunned and honored. The servants greeted Su Li with utmost respect.

Su Li entered the Marquis's estate and went straight to see the Marquis, who was bedridden and unable to get up.

When Marquis Weiyuan fell ill, he was staying in the courtyards of his two beautiful concubines—not in Madam Lou's chambers.

As Su Li entered the courtyard, Madam Lou happened to be heading there too, and the two of them ran into each other.

Su Li sized up Madam Lou. Compared to the first time Su Li met her, Madam Lou was a completely different person now.

Back then, Madam Lou was the picture of elegance and nobility—a pampered lady living a life of luxury.

But now? Her complexion was sallow, her head hung low, her face full of resentment, dark brows, and eye circles so deep it looked like she'd been punched. Anyone could tell she hadn't slept well in ages.

Su Li stifled a laugh. With two delicate beauties sharing her husband's bed every night, it was no wonder Madam Lou, the main wife, couldn't get a good night's sleep.