Chapter 131: Replacing Shen Zhifeng

Upon returning to the Duke’s estate, Shen Qingyun headed straight for Shen Zhifeng’s study.

The study was empty. Pearl and Yicui hurried over. "Miss, we heard that the Duke seems to have gone out."

"That’s right. Neither Aunt Wang nor the Old Madam can find him."

Steward Ding, standing nearby, offered a sheepish smile. "Miss, I told you the Master wasn't here. See? I wasn't lying to you. Why don't you return to Jianjia Courtyard? I promise to notify you the moment he returns."

Shen Qingyun looked at him steadily. "I recall you have always been by my father's side, assisting him with many matters, haven't you?"

Knowing how formidable Shen Qingyun could be, Steward Ding bowed and scraped. "You flatter me, Miss. It is simply my duty to do whatever the Master commands."

Shen Qingyun smiled at him, but her demeanor turned icy. The profound depth in her gaze made a chill run down the steward's spine.

"Tie him up."

"Yes!"

Han Qing stepped from behind Shen Qingyun and subdued Steward Ding in one swift motion. A maid brought over a hemp rope, and within moments, Han Qing had him securely bound and tossed into the study.

Pearl watched Han Qing’s nimble movements with wide, admiring eyes.

Shen Qingyun entered the study. Steward Ding was already terrified. "Miss, what is the meaning of this? Why are you binding me for no reason?"

He glanced fearfully at Han Qing. He never expected such an unassuming girl to take him down so easily; the people around the eldest young lady were truly unfathomable.

Shen Qingyun sat down and asked point-blank, "Was it you who bought the poison for my mother? What did you buy?"

Steward Ding’s body trembled. He hurriedly protested, "Miss, what poison? What are you talking about? I don't understand!"

Shen Qingyun observed him. He was lean, but his face was bloated and greasy. His eyes darted around, betraying a cunning nature, and though he wore a smile, it was repulsive.

"Slap his face!"

"Yes, Miss!" Pearl stepped forward and delivered a sharp slap, causing the steward's face to swell instantly.

As someone who had always been close to Shen Zhifeng, Steward Ding had never been treated with such violence. He could no longer keep up the act and roared, "Eldest Miss, how can you just beat people like this? This is an abuse of power! I have done nothing wrong; I truly don't know what you are talking about!"

"Continue slapping him!"

"Yes!"

After a dozen resounding slaps, Pearl shook her hands, looking slightly aggrieved. "Miss, my hands hurt."

Shen Qingyun remained unmoved, her eyes filled with disdain. "There are so many things in the study—books, vases—don't you know how to use them?"

Pearl acknowledged this and picked up a gourd-shaped vase, raising it high as if to strike.

Steward Ding broke down. "Miss, I’ll talk! I’ll talk!"

His cheeks were already bruised and swollen, and even speaking caused him agony. If that heavy vase came down, he would surely be left bleeding.

With a mournful face, he pleaded, "Miss, please spare me. I had no choice. My family, my two children, are in the Duke's hands. I was forced to act for him. Please, have pity on me!"

He struggled to his knees, wearing an expression of grim determination. "Kill me if you must. I don't fear death, I only fear they will be implicated!"

Shen Qingyun gave a cold laugh. "Do you think I have no way to deal with you just because of this? Do you think I dare not kill you?"

A flicker of doubt appeared in the steward’s eyes, and he remained silent.

"Anything he can do, I can do as well, and I can do it immediately." Shen Qingyun stood up and looked down at him. "Either you tell me everything you know, or I will have your entire family put to death right now. A mere servant dares to threaten me?"

Steward Ding looked up, trembling. Seeing the look in Shen Qingyun’s eyes, he was struck by the sudden, chilling realization that she was not bluffing—she truly would kill.

"Speak, I will speak..."

Once she had the information from Steward Ding, Shen Qingyun sent Han Shuang to the Xuan Yi Pavilion and took Han Qing with her to the small courtyard.

Inside the courtyard, Shen Zhifeng was embracing the Marchioness of Jiang.

The Marchioness feigned concern. "That Han Rou is truly a vicious woman. To think she actually dared to kick you?"

Shen Zhifeng snorted, a cruel smile on his lips. "It matters not. She will never be able to show me such disrespect again. It won't be long before she dies from the poison!"

The Marchioness was startled. "Duke, what do you mean? How do you know Han Rou is poisoned?"

"Not only do I know, but I am certain that no one will be able to identify which poison it is." If only she had obediently returned to the Duke's estate with him, but what use was a disobedient woman? Shen Zhifeng said with smug satisfaction, "She is doomed!"

"Is that so?" Shen Qingyun’s cold voice suddenly rang out from outside the door.

Shen Zhifeng was so startled he pushed the Marchioness away.

The door opened, and Shen Qingyun walked in. She looked at the panicked pair and gave a calm smile. "Because it isn't just one poison, is it? It’s a compound poison, isn't it?"

"You, how could you..." Shen Zhifeng’s eyes widened. He suddenly realized something and fell silent, watching her with wariness.

"How could I know?" Shen Qingyun stared coldly at him.

Ever since her rebirth, she had been meticulously piecing together every detail of her past life. Han Rou’s fading health, the inexplicable weakness that defied diagnosis, and the death whose truth had been buried.

When Lian Rufeng had checked Han’s pulse, she realized a critical issue: if it had been a single poison from the start, how could a physician like Lian Rufeng have failed to detect it? But if the poison had been administered later to kill her, the General’s estate would have easily discovered the foul play.

She had pored over ancient texts until she discovered the theory of "compound poisons." Two substances, which were harmless when tested individually—one merely causing a chill in the body over long-term consumption—would only become lethal when combined.

Lian Rufeng agreed with her theory and, in secret, checked Han’s pulse again, confirming the truth.

However, after so many years, Han’s body had been severely damaged by the drugs. That was why Si Moli had gone with Lian Rufeng to retrieve a rare medicinal herb—to heal her.

"Father, seeing you and the Marchioness hiding away like this, it truly pains me," Shen Qingyun said with a smile. "Why don't I help you out? Let me ensure that you and the Marchioness can be together... forever."

Shen Zhifeng looked at her, bewildered and enraged, forgetting even to ask how she had found this hidden courtyard. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Shen Qingyun smiled. "Come in."

Another person stepped through the doorway. Looking at that familiar face and demeanor, Shen Zhifeng was stunned.

Was that not... himself?