The county magistrate quickly concluded the case, especially since Wu Caiwei was now the largest donor to the county, contributing over ten thousand taels of silver annually.
The physician summoned was the most skilled in the city. He soon discovered poison in the tea, a colorless and odorless potent toxin that would be fatal upon contact.
Normally, such a poison would go unnoticed. It was unclear what kind of background this Shopkeeper Sun possessed to be able to discern it.
At first, the maid denied everything. Finally, under the magistrate's severe interrogation, she confessed that someone had given her fifty taels of silver to poison Wu Caiwei's cup. However, the giver had disguised themselves, and she still didn't know who it was. Su Dan Novel Network.
The case came to a standstill here. The maid was ultimately sentenced to ten years, weeping and wailing.
Wu Caiwei almost relented, but then she thought, if everyone who made a mistake went unpunished, wouldn't the world be even more unjust?
To prevent such incidents from happening again, she decided to take the offensive.
Upon receiving Wu Caiwei's invitation, Mr. and Mrs. Li were somewhat surprised. Then they thought that although these past two attempts had caused her no physical harm, they must have left her with psychological trauma, and she was coming to make peace.
The couple tidied themselves up and went to the banquet with smug confidence.
Observing their arrogant expressions, Wu Caiwei knew what they were thinking.
Of course, to achieve her goal, she was willing to endure it for a while. She made a gesture inviting them in.
The couple sat down with satisfaction, wondering what she had to say.
"You invited us here, but who was it that said they would fight us to the bitter end? We already told you, the Li family hasn't been in this city for decades for nothing," Mrs. Li said, particularly proud.
"You must both be thirsty. Please have some tea first, and then we can talk properly," Wu Caiwei specifically took out cups, poured tea for them, and then poured a cup for herself, drinking it first.
Seeing her drink, they then picked up their cups. They had done many shady deeds over the years. If Wu Caiwei hadn't drunk first, they wouldn't have dared to drink, especially after someone had been bribed to poison her not long ago.
Wu Caiwei chuckled inwardly at their actions. Did they think everyone was like them?
Yet, this time, they had guessed correctly. She was indeed going to retaliate.
Seeing them drinking tea, her objective was achieved.
"I invited you here today to tell you that I am not afraid of the petty tricks you've employed. Of course, I'm not a pushover either. You should be careful after you go home. You poisoned me, and I will poison you too. Be careful of retribution, though my methods are more sophisticated, undetectable by any doctor," Wu Caiwei said calmly, watching their expressions change.
"We'll see. It's not yet certain who will emerge victorious. Undetectable by any doctor? With your resources, do you have such a thing?" The Li couple clearly didn't believe her. After all, in this era, some valuable things couldn't be bought with money alone, and even if bought, they had to be used with caution. There were always people more skilled than you.
"Then we'll see." Wu Caiwei looked at them confidently.
The Li couple left the teahouse still feeling somewhat dazed, their hearts filled with unease. Did she really have something formidable?
Upon returning home, they quickly purged their household staff, fearing Wu Caiwei might have bribed them. They were still young and didn't want to die.
When Wu Caiwei heard about their drastic actions at home, she felt disdain for them. They were willing to end someone's life to satisfy their selfish desires, yet they were so protective of their own lives when faced with death. But it was all too late.
Wu Caiwei was expanding her business empire. No matter what world she was in, she believed that doing good deeds was always beneficial, provided she had the money to do so.
As Wu Caiwei's business grew, many of the Li family's shops began to close. The couple never bothered her again, for they were now confined to their beds, unable to move. Numerous doctors diagnosed them with general weakness, attributing it to overexertion in their youth.
The couple knew the truth, but all the doctors said the same thing. They couldn't help but recall Wu Caiwei's words, and only then did true fear set in.
Seeing that they would soon die if they didn't receive treatment, they quickly sent for Mr. and Mrs. Li Yuheng.
Watching the two approaching, despite their inner hatred, their faces were filled with expressions of joy.
"Heng'er and daughter-in-law are here. Father is dying, and you've finally come to see me. Father knows he was wrong. Can you please resolve this poison?" Father Li's tone was almost pleading.
"I don't know what Father is talking about. The doctors said you are extremely weak. How could you be poisoned? Besides, if you are poisoned, you should find a doctor to cure you. Why insist on finding us?" Wu Caiwei feigned ignorance, refusing to admit anything.
Seeing her steadfast denial, Li Qingyuan's chest heaved violently. He felt he might just collapse from anger and meet his ancestors.
"Does Father feel very uncomfortable now? Are you scared? Do you have many regrets?" Li Yuheng asked, his head bowed, his expression hidden.
"Yes, Father is very uncomfortable and scared. I also regret... I'm still young and don't want to die," Li Qingyuan quickly replied, thinking his son had softened.
"But Father, have you ever considered my mother? She died so young during a difficult childbirth. She was in great pain and distress. After giving birth to me, she must have had so many regrets. But you ended her young life. You've lived many more years than her; you should be content," Li Yuheng said calmly, tears welling up in his eyes.
He knows. Master Li felt an unbearable pang in his heart. He had met his current wife before he married Li Yuheng's mother. They had pledged their lives to each other. However, her status was too low, and upon returning home to tell his parents, they vehemently disagreed and insisted he marry Li Yuheng's mother. She was a good woman, gentle and virtuous, but his heart had already been given away and could not be withdrawn.
To be together, they committed that act and sacrificed her. To be honest, he had never regretted his actions over the years, but at this moment, on the brink of death, he truly regretted it.
"I am sorry to you, and I am sorry to your mother," Master Li's tears fell.
"Tell Mother these words when you meet her in the underworld. Today, we are here to bid you farewell. Although you cast me out, I cannot be as heartless as you. Today, not only will I send you on your final journey, but after you and your wife die, I will be a filial son and grandson, mourning for you," Li Yuheng steadfastly refused to offer forgiveness at this juncture. He had no desire to forgive.
Master Li's face turned ashen. Knowing that his son and daughter-in-law were determined not to save him, he waved them away.
A few days later, the couple breathed their last.
Li Yuheng and Wu Caiwei performed their duties as a son and daughter-in-law, earning praise from everyone for their filial piety.
Forty-nine days after their passing, Li Yuheng sold all the wealth of the Li mansion, including the ancestral home. As for the two concubines in the back courtyard, if they were unwilling to give birth, they would be given money to procure an abortion themselves. If they wished to give birth, they would be given a sum of money to raise the child.
With the troubles of the Li mansion resolved, the couple felt a sense of relief. The New Year was approaching, and after the holiday, he would go to the prefectural city to take the imperial examinations.
In Xiao Zhai Village, the Li family's affairs were unfolding like a grand opera, with layers of curious villagers gathered outside.