Chapter 10: Breaking the Internal Troubles of the Xiao Family

Madam Xiao sat down slowly, the atmosphere in the room so heavy it felt as if it might solidify. A maid served hot tea, but the curling aroma could not disperse the stagnant air.

"Li'er, you have been in the Xiao family for some time now. I know you are sincere and have devoted yourself entirely to this household," Madam Xiao said, her tone calm yet edged with hidden sharpness. "However, your actions are too reckless; you lack the wisdom to lie low, and you have nearly brought total ruin upon the Xiao family!"

Qin Luoli’s heart sank. As expected, the rumors had reached the old lady’s ears. She took a deep breath and replied with steady composure, "Madam, please examine the facts. Everything I have done has been for the sake of the Xiao family. When the Prime Minister framed us previously, if I had not acted in time—"

"In time? Hmph!" Madam Xiao slammed her teacup down, cutting her off. "You call that 'in time'? That was courting disaster! If things had been exposed, you would have been the death of the Xiao family!"

Qin Luoli tried to explain, but a commotion erupted outside. The second uncle of the Xiao family entered with several clansmen, their faces filled with righteous indignation, as if Qin Luoli had committed a monstrous crime.

"Madam, we also feel that Li’er’s actions are inappropriate! How can a mere woman meddle in court affairs? This is putting the Xiao family on a roasting fire!"

"Indeed, Madam. She is wayward and disrespectful to her elders. If this continues, the Xiao family will be destroyed by her hands!"

The clansmen spoke over one another, eager to denounce and discredit her. A surge of fury rushed to Qin Luoli's head. These people were clearly jealous of her success and were now kicking her while she was down.

"Everything I have done, I have done with a clear conscience! You all—" Qin Luoli argued her case, detailing how she had obtained the crucial evidence, persuaded Censor Li, and turned the tide. Yet, despite her throat going dry, she saw no signs of sympathy on their faces; instead, they only grew more suspicious of her supposed deceit.

"Enough!" Madam Xiao commanded sharply. "Li'er, cease your sophistry! I know you have a silver tongue, but facts speak louder than words. If you truly care for this family, be content with your place and stop stirring up trouble!"

A chill rose from the soles of Qin Luoli's feet. She had never imagined her genuine efforts would be so distorted. Taking a deep breath to suppress her grievances and anger, she said slowly, "Madam, I have something that might prove my innocence..."

A faint, confident smile touched her lips. "I have some knowledge of medicine and perhaps I can contribute to the family in that regard." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the questioning clansmen. "Is there anyone in the Xiao family suffering from a lingering illness?"

The group looked at one another. The third uncle suddenly remembered something and slapped his thigh. "Oh! My youngest son has been plagued by a cough for over two years. The best physicians have been helpless. Li'er, can you... can you really treat it?"

Qin Luoli was certain. "I cannot guarantee a total cure, but I am confident in providing some relief."

She excused herself to return to her room to "fetch medicine," but in reality, she slipped into her personal space. Browsing the vast array of medicinal herbs, she quickly gathered what she needed, prepared a pill, and returned with a calm demeanor. She handed the pill to the third uncle and gave him detailed instructions on the dosage.

The third uncle took the pill with half-belief and anxiety. After all, the illness had tormented his son for two years; could this plain-looking pill truly be effective?

Three days later, the Xiao residence was in an uproar. The third uncle's son had truly recovered! The coughing that had plagued him night and day had vanished, his complexion had turned rosy, and he was playing happily with the other children. The news spread like wings throughout the entire Xiao clan.

Those who had previously questioned Qin Luoli now lowered their heads in shame. Madam Xiao was all smiles, taking Qin Luoli’s hand and saying kindly, "Li'er, you are truly a blessing to the Xiao family! This old woman was wrong to blame you before."

Qin Luoli smiled modestly, though she breathed a sigh of relief inside. She had cleared this hurdle.

***

However, the crises outside the Xiao family were far more dangerous than the internal doubts.

In the palace, the eunuch Zhao was adding oil to the fire as he reported the Xiao family’s "crimes" to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, the Xiao family is truly audacious. Not only are they hoarding weapons, but they are also plotting a rebellion! I saw it with my own eyes..."

Eunuch Zhao described the scene vividly, pinning baseless charges on the Xiao family. The Emperor was enraged. "Outrageous! The Xiao family is unforgivable! Pass my decree: ransack their home immediately!"

Eunuch Zhao wore a sinister smile as he withdrew. At the palace gate, he exchanged a knowing look with Prime Minister Wang, who was waiting there.

"Miss, what is the matter?" the maid asked, watching Su Youning’s furrowed brow.

"Hmph, Qin Luoli, you won't be proud for much longer," Su Youning muttered.

As night fell, the Xiao residence was shrouded in an uneasy atmosphere. Qin Luoli stood alone in the courtyard, gazing at the cold moon, her heart a whirlwind of emotions. She knew that while the Xiao family had seemingly escaped one disaster, it remained surrounded by danger.

Soft footsteps sounded behind her. Qin Luoli didn't need to turn to know who it was.

"What are you thinking about?" Xiao Jingyuan’s deep voice resonated in the night wind, carrying an imperceptible tenderness.

Qin Luoli turned around and, by the moonlight, saw the concern in his eyes. "Nothing. Just wondering how the Xiao family should respond next." Her tone was calm, trying to mask the turbulence within.

Xiao Jingyuan walked to her side and gently took her hand. "Don't worry, everything will be fine." His palms were warm and dry, as if they could dispel the chill in her heart.

Qin Luoli was slightly startled, instinctively wanting to pull her hand away, but he held it firmly.

"Li'er," Xiao Jingyuan's voice was low and hoarse. "I know you have been wronged, but you must trust me. I will always stand on your side."

His words brushed against her heart like a spring breeze. She looked up and met his deep gaze; a subtle, unspoken connection seemed to flow between them.

"Ahem..." A light cough broke the ambiguous atmosphere. Xiao Jingyuan quickly let go of her hand, and both turned their faces away in embarrassment.

"I will go to Censor Li’s residence again tomorrow," Qin Luoli said, breaking the silence to change the subject.

"Censor Li?" Xiao Jingyuan was puzzled. "Didn't you already..."

Qin Luoli smiled mysteriously. "Times change. This time, I must adopt a different strategy."

The next morning, Qin Luoli arrived at Censor Li’s residence with a carefully prepared gift. The guard at the gate looked surprised. "Madam Xiao, why have you come again?"

Qin Luoli smiled slightly. "Please announce me; tell him an old friend has come to visit."

The guard didn't dare delay and hurried inside. Moments later, Censor Li came out personally to greet her. Seeing the gift in her hands, he was overjoyed. "Madam Xiao, you are too kind! Please, come in, come in!"

Censor Li ushered Qin Luoli into his study and couldn't wait to open the gift. Inside was a set of precious ancient books—the very rare editions he had been dreaming of! Censor Li caressed the books, his face full of delight.

"Madam Xiao, you have truly provided help in a time of need! This gift, I..."

Qin Luoli smiled and interrupted him. "Master Li, the gift is a small matter. I came today because I wanted to..." She paused, a flash of sharpness in her eyes. "...discuss the affairs of the Xiao family."

Censor Li’s smile faltered slightly. "The Xiao family... is there anything left to discuss?"

Qin Luoli smiled mysteriously. "Master Li, do you know that the situation with the Xiao family is far from as simple as it appears?"

She lowered her voice, her tone firm and powerful. "Master Li, do you truly believe in the charges of rebellion against the Xiao family? Those so-called proofs are nothing but frame-ups!" She pulled a secret letter from her sleeve and handed it to him. "I obtained this by chance. Perhaps it can prove the Xiao family's innocence."

Censor Li took the letter and read it carefully, his expression growing grave. The contents exposed Prime Minister Wang’s conspiracy and how he had step-by-step framed the Xiao family.

"This..." Censor Li was shocked. "This... this is a crime punishable by the extermination of one’s nine clans!"

Qin Luoli remained calm. "Master Li, you are an upright official. Can you truly watch as the loyal are wrongly accused? I know you are a man of integrity and are only worried for your own safety. But think: if the Xiao family is truly wronged and the truth comes to light in the future, how will you face yourself?"

She paused, softening her tone. "I know you love books as your own life. I have more rare, ancient editions in my collection, and I will be sure to offer them to you in the future."

Hearing the words "rare ancient editions," Censor Li’s eyes lit up, and his sense of moral balance began to tip. He took a deep breath, his expression firm. "Madam Xiao, rest assured! I will definitely speak up for the Xiao family in the court!"

Qin Luoli smiled confidently. "Master Li is indeed discerning. The entire Xiao family is deeply grateful."

After leaving Censor Li’s residence, Qin Luoli did not return to the Xiao estate immediately but went to an inconspicuous teahouse in the city. She needed to gather information. The teahouse was bustling with noise, and news of all kinds circulated.

As she sipped her tea, she pricked up her ears. Suddenly, she heard people at the next table whispering. "Have you heard? The Prime Minister’s residence is hosting a banquet tonight. They say many high-ranking officials will be attending..."

"A banquet at the Prime Minister’s? That’s a rare spectacle!"

"I heard it's to celebrate the birthday of the Prime Minister’s daughter, and the scale is unprecedented..."

Qin Luoli’s heart stirred. A banquet at the Prime Minister’s? This might be an opportunity! She listened calmly and learned that the security for the banquet was extremely tight, and ordinary people couldn't get anywhere near it. Qin Luoli frowned. What could she do?

She returned to the Xiao estate and told Xiao Jingyuan what she had learned. He listened carefully.

"But the Prime Minister’s residence is heavily guarded; how can we get in?" Qin Luoli asked with concern.

Xiao Jingyuan smiled mysteriously. "I have my own clever plan." He leaned close to Qin Luoli and whispered, "Tonight, we..."