"Uncle, I'll prepare the medicinal herbs for Auntie. I'll come again tomorrow! I know you're very angry right now, but this matter might not have been Li Shu's intention. Please don't place all the blame on her! She still needs to complete the competition and maintain a good mindset."
Zhang Wan feigned a docile demeanor. After delivering this advice with earnestness, she frowned and left the courtyard. Those who didn't know her would think she was very worried about Chen Li Shu's condition, but in reality, she was just shifting the blame.
Watching Zhang Wan'er's departing figure, Old Master He, leaning on his cane, moved to the armchair. He first turned to Chen Tong and asked, "When will I get the results?"
Chen Tong hesitated for a moment before answering, "About half an hour."
Old Master He nodded wearily and said, "Alright, then go to the laboratory and get the results tested. I'll send someone to pick you up later, and we can talk about things then."
After saying this, he shifted his gaze to Chen Li Shu, then laboriously stood up, supporting himself with his cane. With a stooped back, he walked towards the study. At the doorway, he turned to look at Chen Li Shu and said coldly, "Come with me."
Chen Li Shu's heart instantly raced, and a bitter feeling welled up in her chest. She lowered her head and followed Old Master He into the study. The moment the door closed, the atmosphere in the living room erupted!
"What's going on? I thought the Madam had a good temper and wasn't the type to harm the Old Madam. Today's incident has truly bewildered me!"
"Could it be that the affection from the past was just an act for us to see? As expected, these merchants would do anything for their own interests! I'm saying this because everyone covets the He family's influence. How could Madam not have any awareness of this? So she was planning something big behind the scenes!"
"Old Master He's personality in his career is decisive and swift, but he's quite amiable at home. We've never seen the Old Master this angry before. It seems the Madam is in dire straits this time, and this family is likely to break apart!"
"If it really breaks apart, then she deserves it! What good would it do to do something harmful? Enough, don't all gather here. Old Master He is currently in a fit of anger. If he comes out and sees us gossiping about their family affairs, how could we not implicate ourselves?"
"..."
At these words, the people who had gathered around instantly dispersed. Compared to their lives, this gossip was insignificant. They were merely simple servants and were not capable of opposing the He family.
Qin Yue watched the dispersing crowd with a disdainful smile on her face. She wanted to see Chen Li Shu emerge from the office crestfallen, she wanted to witness the success of her plan!
----
Meanwhile, in the study.
Chen Li Shu approached Old Master He. She lowered her eyes and said with a complicated mood, "Godfather, I'm sorry!"
She wasn't sorry for giving the Old Madam medicine, but rather for her own arrogance. She knew that He Gu had an issue but failed to stop the Old Madam from taking the medicine in time! She had fallen for Zhang Wan'er's trick.
This was merely an overcorrection. If He Gu had actually put something in the medicine, and something happened to her godmother, she would never forgive herself in this lifetime.
Old Master He licked his lips, then supported his head with his hand and sighed. He comforted her, "This matter has nothing to do with you. The person behind the scenes was too cunning, and we lacked vigilance."
Hearing Old Master He's words, Chen Li Shu's brows furrowed tightly, and then she looked up in disbelief.
Old Master He felt Chen Li Shu's gaze and slammed his hand heavily on the table. "Why are you looking at me like that? Don't tell me you think I suspect you of poisoning my wife? You're so muddled!
I know what kind of person you are very well. I never misjudge people. Furthermore, Zhang Wan'er's behavior at times is too obvious; her intentions are practically written all over her face.
I know this wasn't done by you. Originally, I wanted to use some special methods to make Zhang Wan'er confess, but Chen Tong just said that the Old Madam will have to rely on the medicine in Zhang Wan'er's hands to keep her alive for a long time!
After careful consideration, I've decided to spare Zhang Wan'er's life for now. Once I obtain her source for the medicinal supplies, I'll make her pay the price she deserves!"
Upon hearing Old Master He's words, Chen Li Shu nodded in realization, but after a moment, her head drooped again. "But this incident is indeed my fault, because I was too overconfident, which put Godmother in danger!"
Old Master He sighed deeply. "Blame Zhang Wan'er. I never expected such a vicious heart from a young girl like her. Don't worry, your godmother will be fine. You know, that Chen Tong just now is known as the Jade-Faced Buddha Hand. As long as the patient is still breathing, he dares to snatch people from King Yama. None of the people he treated before have died!"
Seeing Chen Tong's background, Chen Li Shu's lifted heart felt a moment of relief. Just then, the study door slowly opened. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Chen Tong entered the study and frowned when he saw Chen Li Shu standing there. He then turned to Old Master He and questioned, "Why is she here? Why didn't you send her in like He Gu?"
Old Master He opened his mouth, about to explain, when Chen Tong impatiently threw the documents in front of him. In his opinion, Old Master He had become soft-hearted. He said sarcastically, "People really become useless when they get old! They can't even handle such a small matter properly. Fine, this is your family matter, and I don't want to interfere. You can handle it yourselves from now on! I have something very important to tell you."
With that, Chen Tong turned to Chen Li Shu and said in a sharp tone, "Didn't you hear I have something to say to Old Man He? Why are you still standing there foolishly? Don't you know to ask unnecessary people to leave?"
Old Master He, seeing Chen Tong's overly harsh attitude towards Chen Li Shu, covered his mouth with his fist and said, "It's all a misunderstanding, don't be so fierce! I'll explain it clearly to you later. I think it's about time the Old Madam wakes up, so why don't we discuss whatever it is in her room? That way, I can take care of her immediately!"