Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 553 - 556: Interrogation (6)

The legitimate branch has collapsed! These words seemed like a reminder, causing the Grand Dowager’s body to stiffen, her face suddenly paused, and a trace of sharpness flashed through her eyes...

The Second Madam spoke again, "Mother, although Zitan is usually obedient and well-behaved, she was indeed thoughtless in this matter. She should be punished, whether it’s selling or sending her to the countryside. As your daughter-in-law, I have no complaints."

The Grand Dowager turned her face to her, held her hand, and sighed, "You’ve been put through a lot."

Min and Sheng woke up. The two of them leaned over Xing’s bedside and talked for a long time. Xiao Yanzheng also came, sat at the bedside, and wiped her tears. Xiqiu checked the time and asked Chunliu to serve breakfast. For the first time, she sat down to have breakfast with the First Madam and Xiao Yanzheng.

Fourth Master Xiao was investigating Qiuping’s matter; Chunliu mentioned that Nanny Wu and Nanny Liu had even personally searched Qiuping but found nothing.

By the time Xiqiu finished breakfast, there was news that at the side door, a granny saw Cuicui from Shaohua Courtyard secretly meet a stranger granny one day. They appeared very furtive, and when Cuicui returned, that granny saw her slip a packet into her bosom.

They then captured and interrogated Cuicui. She was young and confessed within a few exchanges, handing over everything Qiuping had asked her to keep.

Inside, there was half a packet of unused saffron and two rhizomes of lilu.

Caught red-handed!

Xiqiu took a warm cloth to wipe Xing’s face, shaking her head repeatedly. No matter how careless or foolish Qiuping was, she wouldn’t entrust something so important to a little girl whose hair wasn’t yet groomed!

By the morning, the Second Madam’s side had stabilized, and the Grand Dowager, Ruan Jingliu, and Xiao Yanyi arrived here.

The Grand Dowager was furious, immediately pointing at Nanny Liu, saying, "What use is there in keeping such a vicious person!" She paused and continued, "Those in Shaohua Courtyard, not one should remain; sell them all!"

Throughout the morning, cries filled the mansion, stopping only by noon.

Everyone was tied up and thrown into a carriage, taken away by human traffickers. As for Qiuping and Cuicui, Nanny Liu personally administered them with medicine. Lianqiao and Zitan each received twenty strokes of the plank, and Nanny Cen along with several grannies from the kitchen were all fined their monthly allowances.

In the afternoon, it began to drizzle. Fourth Master Xiao returned; the two had not slept the entire night, intending to rest their eyes, leaning against the bed. Fourth Master Xiao recounted the general course of events to her.

Xiqiu lowered her eyes, sighing, "Fourth Master, do you think this is the truth?" She shared her thoughts, "I’m uncertain if Qiuping would harm the Second Madam, but I feel confident she wouldn’t harm Xing."

Fourth Master Xiao was taken aback, glancing at Xiqiu. The implication in her words was obvious; she was suspecting the Second Madam. Without any doubt, Fourth Master Xiao frowned and said, "What are your thoughts?" He clearly harbored his own suspicions as well.

Xiqiu pondered for a moment and said, "I’m merely suspicious. Whether Qiuping slipped up or Cuicui’s words are true or false, it seems like they’ve been caught red-handed on the surface!" She added, "Everything happened too coincidentally and seamlessly. Though there’s no evidence, my suspicions only grow."

In fact, even if they caught Zitan, it couldn’t definitively prove she was directed by the Second Madam. Moreover, the Second Madam is currently pregnant, and if anything happened to the heirs, neither the Empress Dowager, Rong County Prince Mansion, nor the Grand Dowager could account for such an event.

Therefore, without solid evidence, they couldn’t act on anything!

Fourth Master Xiao’s face sank, and he said coldly, "You should not interfere in this matter. If she truly is to blame, there will be traces left behind. If there is concrete evidence, not even the Empress Dowager herself could stop me from expelling her from the mansion!"

Xiqiu was startled and grabbed Fourth Master Xiao’s sleeve, appearing anxious, "Fourth Master, I advise that you refrain from getting involved. Since this is a matter of the inner court, please act as if you know nothing. If I can’t handle it myself, I’ll seek your help. Will you agree to this approach?" They had discussed this issue previously.

Fourth Master Xiao gazed at her solemnly. Xiqiu added, "I know you are worried about me, Fourth Master. But if you handle it yourself, it’s likely to get entangled with court affairs, which would have far greater repercussions than my domestic concerns. After much consideration, I believe this is the best approach."

Fourth Master Xiao contemplated for a long while, unable to deny the truth in Xiqiu’s words. He wasn’t fit to meddle in inner court matters; instead, he should strategize within the court. However, whether dealing with Prince Rong or the Empress Dowager, any action he contemplated would take time and careful planning!

He clasped Xiqiu’s hand, frowning, "What do you plan to do?" Xiqiu shifted her gaze, whispered a few words in his ear, and Xiao raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile flashing across his eyes. Remembering the situation with the Hu family back then, she orchestrated without making a sound. Seeing him remain silent, afraid he still didn’t agree, she persuaded him again, "Fourth Master, you must trust me!"

Just as Fourth Master Xiao was about to speak, Chunliu announced from outside, "Fourth Master, Madam, First Young Madam Tong is here."

Xiqiu was taken aback. How could Madam Jiang, being pregnant, brave the rain to come?