Chapter 4

“The duchess is in good health and has always managed the entire household. Miss Jiang must have feared being kept under her mother-in-law's thumb once she married into the Xiao family. That's why she resorted to such a desperate scheme—to get rid of Her Grace.”

Several guests nodded in agreement.

“Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law rarely get along. It's quite possible Lady Jiang tried to harm her to gain control of the household.”

“Exactly. They weren't on pleasant terms today. Perhaps she'd been planning this for some time.”

“You can know a person's face without knowing their heart. To think General Dingbei, with all his glorious military achievements, should have such a venomous daughter. It's appalling.”

Father's temper flared.

“Bullshit! My daughter has been kindhearted since she was little. She wouldn't hurt an ant, let alone a person!”

Su Qingyao's eyes shifted.

“You're her father. Of course you'd defend her. But who can say whether she's truly kind?”

We had reached an impasse.

I was about to speak when Xie Zheng broke in.

“Miss Su has a point.”

Su Qingyao's eyes brightened.

Before she could thank him, however, he continued.

“But… I believe I heard that Miss Su was originally supposed to lead the bride in today. The duchess only took her place later.”

“As the original bridal guide, Miss Su might also have had an opportunity to tamper with the area around the brazier.”

Su Qingyao caught her breath. Her expression changed at once.

Forcing down her panic, she demanded shrilly, “What are you implying, Commander Xie? This family has shown me boundless kindness. How could I hurt Her Grace? Are you trying to have me killed on a false accusation?”

Xiao Jingxing's face darkened.

He drew her protectively into his arms and scowled at Xie Zheng.

“I've already told you, Yao'er and my mother are as close as mother and daughter. She cannot be the culprit!”

“Make another baseless accusation against her, Commander Xie, and don't blame me for what follows!”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow, his gaze moving between them.

“I never said Miss Su intended to harm the duchess.”

The duke could not contain himself.

“What do you mean, then?”

“As I understand it, your son and Miss Su are unusually close.”

“Is it possible she feared that, once Miss Jiang married into the family, she would lose his affection? Perhaps she scattered saltpeter around the brazier intending to harm Miss Jiang.”

“The duchess may simply have been unfortunate enough to be caught in it.”

He crouched in front of me, his expression gentle.

“Miss Jiang, would you lift your foot a little?”

I nodded and extended my foot.

He took my ankle lightly and pointed to the powder on my shoe.

“Look, everyone. If Miss Jiang had prepared the saltpeter herself, knowing how dangerous it was, why would she let it get on her?”

“She cannot be the culprit.”

At last, the weight lifted from my chest.

Father laughed and clapped Xie Zheng hard on the shoulder.

“Well done, lad! No wonder His Majesty thinks so highly of you. You've got a good head on your shoulders!”

Xie Zheng smiled.

“You flatter me, General.”

Su Qingyao's face had turned ashen. But she knew she must not confess before they had evidence.

She forced out a few tears and buried her face against Xiao Jingxing's chest.

“Jingxing, I truly didn't hurt Her Grace. She's been so good to me. I'd gladly give my life to repay her. How could I injure her? You must help me!”

The sight of her sobbing nearly broke his heart.

Holding back his anger, he looked at Xie Zheng through gritted teeth.

“Commander Xie, all you've offered is speculation. What evidence do you have that Yao'er did this?”

I curved my lips in a faint smile and raised an eyebrow.

“I know how to find some.”

Xiao Jingxing frowned.

“How?”

“Search Miss Su's courtyard. Then question every servant who helped prepare for the wedding. The truth should become clear soon enough.”

Su Qingyao went rigid.

She had buried the unused saltpeter beneath the large tree in her courtyard.

If they searched thoroughly, she might not be able to keep it hidden.

Nor had she acted alone. She had bribed several servants to help her.

If they broke under punishment and confessed…

She dared not finish the thought. Instead, she turned a wounded look on me.

“Miss Jiang, how can a young lady's private quarters be exposed to anyone who wishes to look? Are you trying to ruin my reputation?”

Her eyes reddened, and she sobbed.