Old Madam Li spoke without dismissing the maids and old female servants, showing that she did not mind if the matter spread. Once Lin Wanru’s crime was confirmed, she would no longer be able to maintain the dignity of a household mistress before the servants. In other words, Old Madam Li had no intention of returning the management authority.

Thinking of this, Ouyang Nuan’s expression grew even more worried, as if she was genuinely concerned for Lin Wanru. However, Ouyang Ke, who was watching from the side, was so furious she nearly coughed up blood. To an outsider, it would seem as if the kneeling Lin Wanru was none other than Ouyang Nuan’s own mother!

Nanny Zhang had already summoned a row of maids to bring in all the items from Concubine Zhou’s courtyard, placing them on the table. As Ouyang Zhi looked at the rouge boxes, garments, and jewelry, a hint of surprise flickered across his face.

A moment ago, Lin Wanru had still been waiting for Ouyang Zhi to come to her rescue, but the sight of these items made her face change instantly. Old Madam Li let out a cold laugh and nodded toward Physician Wang.

Physician Wang stepped forward and pointed at the rouge boxes. “These are the cosmetics from Concubine Zhou’s room. I have examined them and found traces of mercury inside. An untrained person would not realize this, but mercury is highly toxic. Although small amounts will not cause immediate death, in certain indecent places…… drinking mercury was once used as a method of contraception. However, it causes great harm to the body, and long-term use could even be fatal.”

Indecent places?

Ouyang Zhi’s expression darkened. How could such things exist in his household?

Physician Wang then picked up a paper-wrapped bundle of tea dregs and said, “Upon careful inspection, I found it contained safflower powder.”

Being from a renowned medical family, Physician Wang was highly knowledgeable about medicinal ingredients. Even rare palace prescriptions and obscure folk remedies were not beyond his understanding. His diagnosis was unquestionable, making Ouyang Zhi’s expression grow even more grim.

Physician Wang continued, picking up a box of fragrant balm. “This balm contains a significant amount of pomegranate seed powder.”

“Pomegranate seeds?” Ouyang Zhi asked. “What effect do they have?”

Physician Wang explained slowly, “Pomegranate seeds enhance the balm’s smooth texture and rich fragrance, but they also act as a contraceptive. For pregnant women, this ingredient is highly dangerous. If used in large amounts, it can induce miscarriage.”

Ouyang Zhi’s face turned even darker as he stared at the items in silence.
But the matter was not over yet.

Physician Wang picked up a brightly colored silk robe and remarked, “This robe seems harmless, but I recalled reading about a similar case in ancient medical texts. I took a thread from it for testing and discovered that the fabric was woven with wool fibers soaked in tree sap, coconut oil, and honey…… Old Madam, Master, you may not have heard of this, but such things originated from the palace and were used in a most sinister practice. If a woman wears such garments for a long time, any child she bears…… will not survive.”

A collective chill ran through the room.

Old Madam Li’s chest heaved violently. She took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed her fury. “Enough. Physician Wang, there is no need to say more. Thank you for your dedication to our family. You will be handsomely rewarded. Someone, escort Physician Wang out.”

This was a full-scale purge.

Ouyang Nuan observed coldly, as if watching the grandest farce of the mortal world. Her expression remained calm and serene from beginning to end.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Ke bit her lip so hard it nearly drew blood, unable to utter a single word.

“Mother, these things……” Ouyang Zhi was so shocked by the sinister methods revealed that he struggled to finish his sentence.

“Hah, all of it was prepared for Concubine Zhou’s unborn child!” Old Madam Li scoffed coldly.

Ouyang Zhi’s expression changed drastically. First, he was overjoyed at the news of Concubine Zhou’s pregnancy, but in the next moment, he erupted with fury. Who dared to harm his child?!

Lin Wanru did not even wait for Ouyang Zhi to speak. She seized the moment and accused first, “Concubine Li, what else do you have to say? The old madam trusted you, yet you dared to plot against the master’s own flesh and blood!”

Concubine Li was startled, her face paling in shock. “I know nothing of this, Old Madam, Master, please see clearly!”

Old Madam Li suddenly slammed the table, her gaze sharp as a knife as she looked at Lin Wanru. “Enough! Wake up Nanny Cui!”

Nanny Zhang signaled the old female servants, who rushed forward to revive Nanny Cui. As soon as she awoke, her face turned deathly pale. Trembling, she fell to her knees. “Old Madam, please spare me!”

“Tell the truth. Who ordered you to use these things on Concubine Zhou? If you lie, I will have your skin peeled off!” Old Madam Li’s voice was as ruthless as her glare.

Nanny Cui stole a glance at Lin Wanru, clenched her teeth, and remained silent.

Ouyang Zhi immediately kicked her in the chest, sending her sprawling backward. “Wretched servant! If you don’t speak, I’ll have your entire family sold off!”

Nanny Cui coughed up a mouthful of blood but still struggled to kneel upright. Whether she spoke or not, death awaited her.

Old Madam Li let out a cold laugh. “Even if you say nothing, I already know. You are a senior servant in this household while Concubine Li has only been here for a month and has barely begun managing affairs. Would she be able to command you?”

Her sharp gaze turned to Lin Wanru. “What else do you have to say? These items were all sent to Concubine Zhou’s quarters under your orders, yet you still try to pin the blame on Concubine Li? What a shameless wretch!”

At this moment, Ouyang Nuan cast a faint glance at Li Yue’e. Being quick-witted, Li Yue’e immediately understood and acted accordingly.

She scrambled forward and threw herself at Ouyang Zhi’s feet, her face as pale as paper. She pleaded in terror, “Master! It wasn’t me…… Before I married into this household, I was from a modest scholarly family. I had never even heard of such vile practices! If not for Physician Wang’s explanation, I wouldn’t have known about them at all! The old madam is right, I have barely managed affairs for a few days. How could Nanny Cui possibly take orders from me? Master, you must believe me!”

Her teary-eyed, delicate face was more pitiful than a rain-drenched pear blossom.

Ouyang Zhi’s heart softened at the sight.

Indeed, Li Yue’e had only taken charge of the household, so how could she have devised such ruthless schemes in mere days? The level of planning required was beyond her capabilities. After some thought, he helped her up. “Stop crying. I believe you. Stand aside.”

Only Lin Wanru remained kneeling on the ground.

Ouyang Zhi fixed his gaze on her. He struggled to reconcile the gentle woman he once knew with the vicious schemer before him.

“All these years, I let you deal with the concubines and maids in my son’s courtyard as you pleased. I turned a blind eye, thinking these were merely petty jealousies among women. After all, no household mistress can maintain her position without some cunning. But this time it is different, as it concerns my son’s heirs, the very bloodline of the Ouyang family! I warned you time and again that if the concubines remained childless, you could handle them as you wished. But if one conceived, you must be extremely cautious. And yet, the moment Concubine Zhou became pregnant, not only did you keep it from me, but you also tormented her mercilessly. Tell me— did you ever take my words to heart? Did you ever respect me and your husband?!”