When speaking, Dong Huan's aunt stared fiercely at Madam Qin and Gu Sinian, as if she had backing.
She was fearless, but the maid Qian Ru did not share this sentiment. The slow suffocation she had just experienced, the feeling of despair, was something she would rather die than feel again. Yet, she knew that in the current situation, these people would not allow her an easy death. If she didn't speak up, didn't reveal something, death would be a luxury.
The maid Qian Ru glanced at her mistress. She was a household servant of the Dong family, her parents and younger brother earning their living there. She understood that today's events could not implicate her mistress. If they did, she would have no good end, nor would her parents. Given the Duke's protection of the Dong family, today's incident would likely be a storm in a teacup. If she took the blame upon herself and cleared her mistress, her parents and brother might receive some care from the Dong family in the future out of consideration for her loyalty.
"I grew up with the eldest young lady. Although I am a maid, the eldest young lady treated me like a sister, providing me with better food, clothing, and daily necessities, and even taught me to read and write. Such a good person was harmed to death by the Duchess. My heart is filled with hatred, and I dream of avenging the eldest young lady. But after the eldest young lady died, I was sent back to the Dong family and could find no opportunity. Today is the eldest young lady's death anniversary. The second young lady was unhappy and knew that the Duke would visit to mourn the eldest young lady today, so she wanted to use this matter to provoke the Duchess. I have a good relationship with the second young lady's personal maid. Just before leaving, she suddenly had a stomachache, and I happened to appear before the second young lady, which gave me the chance to come to the Duke's mansion," the maid Qian Ru said slowly. "Seeing the Duchess enjoying all the glory and wealth, firmly holding her position as Duchess, even if she wasn't favored by the Duke, it wouldn't matter. With a son by her side and her family as a support, her life would never be too difficult. Unlike my eldest young lady, who was favored by the Duke, and now has passed away..."
Qian Ru's eyes blazed with hatred. "Why should my eldest young lady suffer such a tragic fate, while she acts as if nothing happened? The eldest young lady was always in good health, and she didn't appear weak even when pregnant, so why did she have problems during childbirth? If it wasn't for the Duchess's actions, who else could it have been? Who else in this mansion viewed my eldest young lady as a thorn in their side? Besides the Duchess, was there anyone else? I only regret that the dosage of the medicine was not enough to kill her instantly. If I had been better prepared, I would have ensured she had no chance of survival."
Dong Huan's aunt stared blankly at the maid Qian Ru, her face filled with disbelief.
"Second young lady, I apologize for implicating you. I know I cannot escape the consequences of my actions, but I do not regret it. I only hope this matter does not implicate my parents; they are completely unaware."
After saying this, the maid Qian Ru violently broke free from their grasp and, in her haste, slammed her head against the corner of the heavy huanghuali wood table, instantly losing all signs of life.
These words were spoken logically and coherently. Gu Qing also found a yellow paper packet in the maid's purse. Upon examination by the imperial physician, it was indeed paper used to wrap arsenic, but how the poison was administered remained unknown.
Gu Sinian stared coldly at Dong Huan's aunt, who appeared dazed and greatly shocked. Gu Sinian did not believe that a maid would dare to do such a thing. But the person was dead, and her dying words explained everything clearly. Yet, it was precisely because of this that Gu Sinian became suspicious. Her explanation was too composed, making it seem somewhat false.
But now there were no witnesses, and Gu Sinian knew that his mother would have to suffer this injustice in silence.
Two screams echoed from the courtyard. Within moments, Gu Changwei strode in, reeking of alcohol and exuding a fierce aura.
Upon entering the room and seeing Madam Qin, he finally restrained himself somewhat, cupped his hands, and bowed, "Mother-in-law."
Madam Qin's expression was grim. How could she not recognize the screams from just now? They were clearly the guards she had stationed. As it turned out, Gu Sinian had taken action against them, and judging by the sounds, they were likely not lightly injured.
"I dare not accept. A dignified Duke, our Qin family cannot afford to be associated with," Madam Qin snorted coldly. "Eldest daughter-in-law, second daughter-in-law, go and help the two wet nurses in. There is an imperial physician in the room, let him examine them."
This was to inform Gu Changwei that the two wet nurses were highly valued by her.
"Mother-in-law, regarding what just happened, I was too hasty. But this is my Duke's mansion, and I am still unaware of any places I cannot go. They blocked the entrance, and in my haste, I couldn't help myself," Gu Changwei patiently explained.
"Hasty? Is the Duke hasty about the unclear fate of his first wife, or is he afraid that this old woman will punish the family of your beloved?" Madam Qin's expression grew even colder.
Gu Changwei stepped forward and helped up the disheveled Dong Huan's aunt. "Hearing that Ting Xue suffered such a calamity, I am naturally distressed. She is your Ladyship's cherished daughter. I can understand if Mother-in-law made any wrong judgments in her haste."
Dong Huan's aunt leaned into Gu Changwei, tears in her eyes and a wronged expression on her face. She called out pitifully, "Brother-in-law, if you don't come back soon, you won't see Ning Xin."
Gu Changwei patted Dong Ning Xin's shoulder. "I will give you an explanation for this matter."
His words directly provoked Madam Qin into an outburst. "Gu Changwei, what do you mean by that?"
Gu Changwei frowned. "Mother-in-law, what could I possibly mean? The matter will naturally be handled impartially. Although Ting Xue is your daughter, this incident ultimately happened in the Duke's mansion..."
This meant that no matter what, Madam Qin had no right to punish anyone.
"So, the Duke means that my mother's grievances are to be suffered in vain?" Gu Sinian slowly spoke, his eyes fixed directly on Gu Changwei, as if trying to see through his thoughts.
"You unfilial son, how dare you interrupt when I am speaking with your maternal grandmother?" the Duke roared. Madam Qin was an elder, and he couldn't vent his anger on her, but he was Gu Sinian's father. Did a father need to explain himself to his son?
Feeling still indignant, he reached for the whip at his waist and prepared to strike.
The whip lashed directly towards Gu Sinian's face. Everyone in the room cried out in alarm. If it hit him, wouldn't his face be disfigured?
Gu Sinian sneered, raising his hand to catch the whip. The whip became taut, and Gu Changwei tried to snatch it back, but the whip remained motionless.
"You've rebelled! You even want to lay hands on me?" Gu Changwei roared with bloodshot eyes. "How could I have raised such a beast? If I had known you would be like this, I might as well have drowned you in the latrine when you were born."
"If I am a beast, then what are you?" Gu Sinian said with a mocking expression.
"What he is, he is worse than an animal," Madam Qin said through gritted teeth.