webnovelfull Chapter 3 Hidden Crisis
Chapter 3 Hidden Crisis
After this incident, Su Yao's days in the Prime Minister's residence seemed much more peaceful. Because of the Prime Minister's protection of her, the servants became even more diligent and careful in their work. However, Su Yao dared not slack off in the slightest. Every day, she continued to study diligently with her tutor, making full preparations for the upcoming selection of talented women in the palace.
However, beneath the calm surface, undercurrents were surging. Although Su Wan was confined, her cronies in the manor were still plotting in secret, attempting to harm Su Yao again. Su Yao was also aware of this, and she instructed Cui'er to keep a close watch on the surroundings, while she focused on improving her strength, striving to be able to handle any unexpected situation with ease.
That day, after the teacher finished instructing on etiquette, he left Su Yao to practice alone. Dressed in an elaborate gown, Su Yao repeated the various etiquette movements over and over, striving for precision and elegance in every gesture. Just as she was concentrating, Cui'er rushed in, looking flustered.
"Miss, something terrible has happened!" Cui'er gasped for breath. "I just overheard the people in the main kitchen talking about how someone tampered with your food. It seems they put in a medicine that will cause severe diarrhea."
Su Yao's heart skipped a beat. She stopped what she was doing and calmly asked, "Do you know who did this?" Cui'er shook her head. "Those people didn't mention it. I just overheard it by chance and rushed over to tell you, Miss."
Su Yao frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Don't make a fuss yet. Go to the kitchen quietly, bring over a different meal, and pretend you don't know anything." Cui'er obeyed and left.
After Cui'er left, Su Yao pondered to herself. The struggle within the Prime Minister's residence was becoming increasingly treacherous, and if it wasn't resolved thoroughly, there would likely be more trouble in the future. She knew that merely passively defending herself wouldn't truly guarantee her safety; she had to take the initiative, find the mastermind behind it all, and ensure that they wouldn't dare to provoke her again.
A short while later, Cui'er returned with a fresh meal. After Su Yao finished eating, she began her investigation. She started with those around her, carefully observing the expressions and behaviors of each maid and servant, trying to find clues. At the same time, she also used some of the original owner's memories to investigate those in the mansion who were closely related to Su Wan.
After careful investigation, Su Yao focused her attention on a steward named Granny Liu. Granny Liu was close to Su Wan and held considerable power in the household, so it wasn't surprising that she could secretly direct the people in the main kitchen.
To confirm her suspicions, Su Yao deliberately revealed to Granny Liu a new poem she had prepared for the selection, and casually mentioned that the poem was her secret weapon, and that if she recited it during the selection, she would definitely outshine everyone else.
Sure enough, not long after, Su Yao discovered that Granny Liu was secretly meeting with a mysterious person in a secluded corner of the garden. She and Cui'er quietly hid nearby and eavesdropped.
"Granny, are you sure Su Yao will recite that poem during the selection?" the mysterious man asked in a low voice.
Granny Liu smiled smugly: "Don't worry, I heard that girl say it with my own ears. You should spread this news quickly and tell the young ladies in other households to get ready. We can't let her steal the limelight."
Su Yao sneered inwardly. The evidence was irrefutable; let's see how they can still deny it. She didn't show herself immediately but quietly left the garden. Then she wrote a secret letter, informing the Prime Minister of Liu Mama's actions.
Upon receiving the letter, the Prime Minister was furious and immediately ordered the arrest of Granny Liu and all those involved. Under the Prime Minister's stern interrogation, Granny Liu finally confessed that she had been instructed by Su Wan to sabotage Su Yao's participation in the talent selection.
The Prime Minister originally intended to severely punish Su Wan, but considering that she was the legitimate daughter and Su Yao pleaded for her, he ultimately only increased Su Wan's confinement punishment and reduced her monthly allowance and power in the mansion.
After this incident, everyone in the Prime Minister's residence witnessed Su Yao's intelligence and decisiveness, and dared not provoke her again. Su Yao also successfully weathered this crisis, further strengthening her determination to shine in the talent competition and turn the tide. She knew that the road ahead was long and many more challenges awaited her, but she was fearless and forged ahead.