Regardless of the initial cause, with the Grand Princess's intervention, the matter was quickly investigated and resolved.
Liu Nini confessed.
She admitted to being jealous of Su Xiaoqi and, upon hearing about the maze, had someone lead her into it.
She hadn't intended to kill her, merely to have her lost for a while as a lesson.
When Madam Liu, née Wang, learned of this, she was terrified. She immediately took her daughter and numerous gifts to Luo Xia Yuan to apologize to the Grand Princess and Su Xiaoqi.
When Liu Nini looked at Su Xiaoqi, she still appeared defiant.
She was the legitimate daughter of a high-ranking official, a Zhensan Pin, and her father served as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, holding a distinguished position.
She had long since heard of Su Xiaoqi's background.
Just a country girl, her parentage was even uncertain.
How could someone of such status be worthy of a man as handsome and distinguished as the top scholar?
It was unfair.
Of course, these were just the words Liu Nini uttered to her mother.
But she was severely reprimanded by Madam Liu.
"You wicked girl, what good is it if the top scholar is so handsome and distinguished? He is already married.
As long as he is willing, what are you, an unmarried young lady, doing getting involved in such matters?
If word of your petty and mean reputation gets out, how will you ever get married?"
After being scolded, Liu Nini finally became afraid.
Shrinking her shoulders, she promised she would never dare again.
"I dare not, I dare not. You had better mean it. Otherwise, if you offend the Grand Princess again, even I won't be able to protect you," Madam Liu said angrily.
She hailed from the Wang family. A generation back, they were humble, not noble. However, thanks to her astute brother, he rose from a mere Hanlin to the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
Therefore, she had received an education from a young age and knew that in the capital, one must not act rashly.
Throwing a brick could easily hit a noble descendant.
Thus, she had always been cautious and careful, never offending any noble and never experiencing such a fright.
Today, her youngest daughter had completely shamed her.
But what could she do? She had to console herself while still angry, patting her chest and telling herself: "She's my own flesh and blood, my own flesh and blood."
Fortunately, everyone returned safely. Although the Grand Princess held a noble status, she could not be overly aggressive.
Therefore, as long as the Liu mother and daughter put on a good show, offered their apologies, and promised never to do such a thing again, the matter would be considered resolved.
"Your Highness, the Grand Princess, please rest assured. This humble one will properly discipline my daughter from now on and ensure such incidents do not occur again," Madam Liu vowed, patting her chest.
Despite her words, Su Xiaoqi did not believe her.
These wives and daughters of officials, with their idle lives, enjoyed playing these games of scheming and intrigue.
This time, they had suppressed Liu Nini with the Grand Princess's authority.
She had also apologized seemingly sincerely.
While the defiance was no longer visible on her face, it was undeniably evident in her eyes.
Su Xiaoqi decided she needed to find something for her to do.
With great magnanimity, she helped Liu Nini up and said she did not blame her.
"After all, Miss Liu and I have only met once, and we do not know each other well. Miss Liu's actions were likely impulsive, and there might have been some misunderstanding involved."
She hinted at the point, and Su Xiaoqi wisely chose not to elaborate further.
Liu Nini, however, scoffed contemptuously, completely failing to grasp her subtle hint.
Su Xiaoqi had not expected her to understand.
Her intention in speaking this way was primarily for Madam Liu, née Wang, to hear.
She believed that Madam Wang, with her intelligence, would surely understand.
Indeed, after Su Xiaoqi spoke, Madam Wang appeared deep in thought and smiled, remarking that since it was a misunderstanding, there would eventually be a day to resolve it.
This was equivalent to a promise to investigate the matter further.
Su Xiaoqi did not pursue it further, and the conversation ended quickly.
Thanks to Su Xiaoqi's generosity and forgiving nature, the incident did not cause any significant ripples.
The Grand Princess, with her sharp eyes, noticed that Liu Nini was not fully engaged throughout the conversation. However, since Su Xiaoqi was no longer pursuing the matter, she said nothing more.
Yet, after Madam Li left with Liu Nini, she still worriedly patted Su Xiaoqi's hand and said, "My dear girl, interacting with people is like crossing a single-plank bridge.
Some people, if you yield to them, will even pull you along, allowing both of you to cross.
But some people, if you yield to them, will likely push you off. Being kind is a good thing, but you must not be excessively kind. You must guard against the wickedness of human hearts."
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness." Su Xiaoqi knew that the Grand Princess's willingness to confide in her showed she truly regarded her as a junior.
Much like the Old Madam of Duke Yu's estate felt about her.
"To be honest with Your Highness, Liu Nini does not seem to have any ill intentions. Her actions suggest she was likely instigated by someone else."
Upon hearing this, the Grand Princess nodded. "So that's how it is. With your subtle hint earlier, if Madam Wang has any intelligence, she will surely investigate."
Su Xiaoqi nodded. "That makes sense."
She could have investigated this herself, but investigating through Liu Nini would naturally not be as convenient as her own family investigating it.
This was why she had intentionally revealed it in front of Madam Wang.
"Nanny Xu, send someone to follow Madam Wang and thoroughly investigate who instigated this fool, Liu Nini, to target Xiaoqi."
Nanny Xu bowed and departed.
Soon, the Grand Princess was to return to her Zen room to recite scriptures.
Su Xiaoqi dared not disturb her and requested to take her leave.
The Grand Princess did not detain her. She enjoyed burning incense, worshipping Buddha, and practicing vegetarianism and scripture recitation, but she did not seek to impose her own views on the younger generation.
The Buddha had said it well: everyone has their own way of living and their own destiny.
"Since you are here, take Huian and Bao Ge'er to visit Miss Du. I have prepared a gift to help her recover from her shock."
Su Xiaoqi was touched by the Grand Princess's thoughtfulness. She had been busy since early morning with so many matters, yet she still remembered this, demonstrating how much she valued them.
Du Yiyi was still lying in bed, with Madam Rong by her side.
Madam Rong insisted she not get up.
"Look how badly you are injured; your skin is broken.
You, oh you, I told your father to find you a good martial arts master back then, but he refused, fearing you would become too wild.
Now, your spirit is wild, but your skills are lacking. Look at all these injuries. If your maternal grandmother sees this, she will be heartbroken."
Du Yiyi wailed, "Oh dear mother, please stop nagging. My ears are getting calluses.
I told you, I used the ointment Sister Xiaoqi gave me, and these scars and wounds will heal quickly, restoring me to how I was before I was injured."
"You, you wicked girl, even if your Sister Xiaoqi's ointment is excellent, it cannot withstand your repeated injuries."
"Mother, you have the energy to scold me, you might as well deal with that wicked girl Ying Xiu."
"I will naturally deal with her. The one who betrays their master. If she dared to scheme against you and Xiaoqi, then do not blame me for being ruthless."
As Yu Shi spoke, she indeed stopped bothering Du Yiyi and walked towards the outside.
She happened to meet Su Xiaoqi, accompanied by Princess Huian and Bao Ge'er, as they entered.
After exchanging greetings, they smiled at each other. Madam Rong looked at Su Xiaoqi with great concern and asked if she had sustained any injuries.
Su Xiaoqi shook her head, stating she was fine and unharmed.
"Oh, this time your aunt failed to handle things properly, and it has implicated you. Rest assured, I will absolutely not let that wicked girl have an easy time of it."
Madam Rong did not hold back in front of outsiders and directly declared her decision.
She intended to beat Ying Xiu and sell her to a harsh and desolate region.
Su Xiaoqi harbored no sympathy for someone who betrayed her trust.
Since she had decided to act in such a manner from the beginning, she must bear the corresponding responsibility for it.