Chapter 46: Exposing the Real Culprit — Jiang Zhi Ning’s Injustice

“No.”

“What happened yesterday was an accident,” Song Yu Zhou said in a low voice.

The child was his older brother’s flesh and blood—his family.

But Jiang Zhi Ning was the woman he loved.

It was like having to choose between the palm and the back of his hand—both were made of flesh.

Hearing this, and recalling how Song Yu Zhou had protected her earlier, Song Chen understood: he wasn’t going to kick that woman out.

Song Chen clenched his jaw and raised his head. “Then I’ll move out with my brother and sister.”

After almost losing Xi Xi yesterday, Song Chen didn’t want anything similar to happen again.

Song Yu Zhou frowned and was about to speak when Jiang Zhi Ning walked in. “Xi Xi’s poisoning wasn’t an accident.”

At those words, both Song Yu Zhou and Song Chen turned to look at her.

“Are you admitting you poisoned Xi Xi?” Song Chen demanded.

“I’m not that heartless,” Jiang Zhi Ning replied, holding up a piece of pastry. “I found this under the dining table. Xi Xi had crumbs at the corner of her mouth, so I believe she was poisoned by this pastry.”

Song Yu Zhou took the pastry from her hand. “Who brought this?”

“I don’t know. We ran out of rice yesterday, so I went out to buy some. Xi Xi was sleepy and didn’t want to come with me. Since she usually naps for two hours, I left her at home.”

Song Chen clearly didn’t believe her explanation. “Sounds like an excuse.”

At that moment, a shop assistant from the grain store arrived, delivering the rice Jiang Zhi Ning had purchased.

“Even if you didn’t poison Xi Xi yourself, she was poisoned because of your negligence. You’re responsible,” Song Chen said coldly.

“Song Chen,” Jiang Zhi Ning replied seriously, “taking care of you was never my obligation. But because I married Song Yu Zhou, I chose to do it willingly.”

Song Yu Zhou turned to the weak Xi Xi lying in bed. “Xi Xi, who gave you this pastry?”

Xi Xi shook her head. “I don’t know. I woke up feeling really sleepy and went to find Mommy. Mommy wasn’t home… then I saw the pastry and it looked yummy.”

Hearing that, Jiang Zhi Ning concluded, “Someone must’ve placed the pastry in the house and then woke Xi Xi up.”

Song Yu Zhou’s expression turned grim. “I’ll go ask the neighbors.”

With that, he strode out, holding the pastry.

Jiang Zhi Ning felt the chill radiating from Song Chen’s body. She knew the child’s resentment toward her had grown deeper.

Outside, Song Yu Zhou questioned the neighbors, but no one had seen who entered the house.

Eventually, a child came forward and said he saw Wang Yufen sneak into Song Yu Zhou’s home with a basket in hand.

Upon hearing it was Wang Yufen, Jiang Zhi Ning grew suspicious and called the police immediately.

Soon, the police arrived to arrest Wang Yufen.

The commotion attracted a large crowd.

“You can’t arrest innocent people without proof!” Wang Yufen shouted, struggling violently.

“A witness saw you enter Commander Song’s house,” the officer replied firmly.

“Yes, I did go in, but I just had something to discuss with the commander. I didn’t see anyone, so I left. The child’s poisoning has nothing to do with me!” Wang Yufen insisted.

“My wife is a little sharp-tongued, but she’d never hurt anyone,” Captain Zhang chimed in supportively.

Thinking of the previous incident with Shen An’an, Jiang Zhi Ning knew they needed direct evidence to convict her.

After a moment’s thought, she said coldly, “If she made the pastry, she would’ve used ingredients. From my judgment, this pastry contains poisonous mushrooms. Officers, please search her home for mushrooms.”

Panic flashed in Wang Yufen’s eyes. “Who says there are poisonous mushrooms in it?”

“We can have it tested,” Jiang Zhi Ning replied with a faint smile. “Captain Zhang, if you truly believe Wang Yufen is innocent, let the officers search.”

Just as Captain Zhang was about to agree, Wang Yufen grabbed his arm nervously.

Seeing this, everyone realized something was wrong.

Song Yu Zhou stepped forward. “Captain Zhang, please allow the search.”

Now that Song Yu Zhou had spoken, Captain Zhang reluctantly agreed.

The police began searching the house thoroughly.

Wang Yufen’s heart pounded. She believed she had hidden the mushrooms well and tried not to show it—but her eyes instinctively glanced toward a certain spot.

Just one glance, and Song Yu Zhou caught it. He immediately told an officer, “Check over there.”

“Yes, Commander.”

He had pointed to the stove.

Wang Yufen’s heart jumped to her throat.

To her horror, the police found a bag hidden by the stove, opened it, and examined the contents.

“We found it,” an officer said quickly.

“These are just regular mushrooms!” Wang Yufen shouted, still trying to deny it.

Jiang Zhi Ning smiled. “If they’re not poisonous, why don’t you eat them yourself?”

Wang Yufen immediately fell silent.

With the evidence in hand, the officers moved to arrest her without further discussion.

Terrified, Wang Yufen dropped to her knees. “Commander Song, I was wrong! Please forgive me for the child’s sake. I only wanted to teach Jiang Zhi Ning a lesson—I didn’t mean to harm the child!”

At that, Jiang Zhi Ning slapped her across the face. “Children are fragile. You poisoned a child—that’s pure evil. If we hadn’t caught it in time, Xi Xi would be a cold corpse right now. Why should we forgive you?”

Stunned by the slap, Wang Yufen’s face twisted with rage. “If you hadn’t made me a laughingstock, I wouldn’t have done this. It’s your fault!”

Smack! Jiang Zhi Ning slapped her again. “Don’t make excuses for your cruelty. You hurt a child—prepare to rot in prison.”

Terrified, Wang Yufen lost her previous arrogance. She dropped her head to the ground and begged, “I know I was wrong. Commander’s wife, please forgive me. I’ll never do it again!”

“Forget it,” Jiang Zhi Ning replied coldly. “Officers, take her away.”

The police nodded and dragged Wang Yufen away despite her crying and pleading.

After the situation was resolved, Jiang Zhi Ning and Song Yu Zhou returned home.

In their room, Jiang Zhi Ning sat by the bed, reflecting on everything.

If Song Yu Zhou hadn’t trusted her… if Xi Xi had eaten the entire pastry… she wouldn’t have been able to clear her name no matter what.

You must never intend to harm others—but you must always protect yourself from harm.

The door opened, and Song Yu Zhou entered.

Seeing her red eyes, his heart ached. He walked over and sat beside her. “You were wronged. Song Chen was just too worried about Xi Xi.”

“I really was. I didn’t expect Wang Yufen to be that malicious. Do you blame me for leaving Xi Xi home alone?” Jiang Zhi Ning turned her face away.

“I know you didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

As he spoke, Song Yu Zhou knelt on one knee and lifted her foot.

When he removed her shoe, he saw her slender ankle was red and swollen.