Her originally delicate and charming face was now filled with anger. If it weren’t for being at home, with her father still on his sickbed and her mother completely lost, she would have vented her anger already. Mrs. Pei learned of this matter through fragmented stories from Lord Pei. She didn’t know the details thoroughly. So she immediately sent someone to the Ling Family to inquire about the situation, thinking it would suffice to have someone knowledgeable come over. Unexpectedly, the visitor turned out to be Old Master Ling. Looking at her uncle’s face full of pain, he seemed to have aged greatly in just a half day. At this moment, he was enduring the grief of losing a son, with the hatred for the poisoner reaching its peak within him. And after receiving the message sent by Princess Consort Ying, he pondered over the matter and understood. What nonsense about harshly treating servants and facing retaliation. It was nothing more than an excuse from the poisoner. Just a superficial explanation for outsiders. The true reason was Princess Consort Yi’s heartless betrayal. Thinking about this, he wished he could storm into the Liu Family and burn them all to quell his hatred! "Dear Madame, you must seek justice for Yan’er. He was so young, our most promising child in the Ling Family, and now he has died an unnatural death! Princess Consort Yi and the Liu Family are so rampant; they must pay the price!" "Rest assured, Uncle. If the Liu Family is indeed responsible for this, I will certainly make them pay for my cousin’s life!" Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novelꜰire.net Hearing this, Mr. Ling cried again, tears streaming down his old face. It was truly the painful loss of a parent burying their child. The pain in his heart was indescribable. Meanwhile, the Liu Family was secretly rejoicing. The old matriarch of the Liu Family spoke with satisfaction. "The Madame’s method is indeed effective, resolving future troubles in one move. Since Ling Yan dared to expose the matter of my grandson’s release, he should have known what consequences messing with the Liu Family would bring!" Initially, she had resentments about Princess Consort Yi not dealing with Ling Yan. Now she felt her granddaughter’s approach was better. First, they pacified the Ling Family, then wiped out all the evidence. Finally, once everything was settled, they took action to resolve the issue. Afterward, no one would believe any rumors anymore. "But the Madame was still somewhat soft-hearted, thinking that silencing Ling Yan would be enough to teach the Ling Family a lesson. Yet, breaking one’s life path calls for ruthless action." Therefore, she switched the silencing drug directly to a poison that would end life upon blood contact. The death of Ling Yan was not only a show for the Ling Family but also a warning to others opposed to the Liu Family. In Da Wei, wanting to confront the family of the Marquis of Northwest meant being extremely daring. A price had to be paid. In a good mood, she said. "Pass the word to proceed with preparations for the spring banquet. I can’t wait till March; send invitations over these couple of days. Our Liu Family should have a prominent presence before everyone now." The matriarch of the Liu Family was indeed vengeful. Just as the Ling Family had suffered a loss, her invitations to the spring banquet, inviting all the noble ladies in town, were spread far and wide. The Ling Family and the Liu Family. It was like ants facing elephants. The disparity was obvious at a glance. Thus, many accepted the Liu Family’s spring banquet invitations. Pity the Ling Family, torment and grief sweeping through them fiercely, yet not daring to provoke the Liu Family’s intentionally humiliating minion. "Oh, the servant didn’t know the Ling Family had recent bereavement. And was planning to send invitations to Mrs. Ling and the young ladies of the Ling Family. The spring banquet is truly grand; if any lady catches sight of them during the banquet, the Ling Family’s young ladies would surely be blessed." The Ling Family members glared at the Liu Family’s servant, furious but silent. Ling Yan’s death, the reason behind it, they knew the hatred clearly. Yet now was not the time to break off relations with the Liu Family. With Ling Yan gone, the Ling Family’s hopes were shattered. But there were other children in the family whose futures were not to be ignored. Moreover, Princess Consort Ying had long instructed them not to act impulsively. So even when faced with humiliation, they could only swallow their anger. The visitor was an intimate nanny of the Liu Family matriarch, and she naturally rejoiced inwardly upon witnessing this. Yet she had to feign ignorance on her face. Deliberately frowning, she said. "It’s a pity. With the mourning period for Miss Ling, it’s likely she won’t find a good match within a year or two. Alas, what a shame." Messing with anyone else would’ve been better than targeting the Liu Family. Isn’t this a case of killing a chicken to warn a monkey? After a casual salute, she turned and left. Leaving no room for reprieve. Mrs. Ling held the crimson invitation in her hand, fuming with resentment! She was determined to make Third Young Master Liu pay with his life! This thought took root and sprouted in her heart. Her mind was unaffected by the concerns of Old Master Ling; she only had one son and one daughter. With her son harmed, if she couldn’t avenge him as a mother, even in the Underworld, she wouldn’t have the face to see him! Therefore, she secretly began plotting how to kill the Liu Family members while feigning grief before the rest of the Ling Family. For instance, concerning Third Young Master Liu, who was in prison! Everything started because of him! If it hadn’t been for him breaking out of prison, Ling Yan wouldn’t have discovered it. No discovery, naturally no offense to the Liu Family and Princess Consort Yi, nor would it have invited this disaster. Hence, Mrs. Ling’s hatred towards Third Young Master Liu reached its pinnacle. Without a second thought, she instructed her subordinate to obscure their identity and bought rat poison. If consumed, such a substance could also cause death. Clutching the poison powder in her hand, she rushed straight to the Ministry of Justice Prison, disregarding everything else. Ling Yan, during his lifetime, worked at the Ministry of Justice, thus frequenting the prison. The prison guards didn’t suspect anything when they learned Mrs. Ling came to retrieve Ling Yan’s belongings. So they let her and her servant in. "Mrs. Ling, my condolences. Mr. Ling’s situation was truly unexpected. How did he suddenly pass away?" The Ling Family publicly claimed Ling Yan died from a sudden illness, avoiding controversy. Hearing the prison guard’s words, Mrs. Ling’s eyes reddened again. Murderous intent flashed, then she "gratefully" said to the guard. "Yan’er often mentioned at home how well he was treated by all of you in prison, and he wished to invite you over to our place, but alas..." They spoke while moving deeper inside. When they reached the area where the prison administration was located, they stopped. "Mrs. Ling, all the items used by Mr. Ling during his lifetime are here. Would you like me to help pack them?" "In that case, much appreciated." Ling Yan didn’t have many belongings, but Mrs. Ling wept a little while packing each item, slowing the passage of time significantly.