Chapter 638: Take the Blame

Chapter 638: Chapter 638: Take the Blame

Upon suddenly discovering that the bracelet she gifted to her daughter-in-law contained unexpected items, the Duke’s wife felt as if a pot of boiling oil had been poured over her, scorching her immensely.

What she gifted was, of course, pure and clean. But such things now being present — even a fool would know they’re not good. Yet, this wasn’t the critical point.

The crucial point was that these things appeared in the bracelet she had gifted.

This meant someone was using her name to carry out something malevolent, perhaps trying to throw this dirt onto her. No matter the reason, this was intolerable.

Receiving a bewildered and uncertain look from Song Ci’s wife, the Duke’s wife felt as if she stood naked before her, overwhelmed with shame.

She stood up straight from her chair, her face stern and shaking with rage, sharply demanding, "Such audacity! Who is so wicked to want to kill two birds with one stone? Doctor Lin, do you know what this is?"

Lin Qing replied, "I once read in an unofficial history that in the previous dynasty’s palace, there was a forbidden drug called ’Bone Blood Separation,’ an extremely yin and cold substance. It is made with red flowers, musk, bitter orange, plus Puhuang, motherwort, ground into powder with water from the Glacial Cold Pool. Taken orally, even a nail-sized amount can cause a woman to miscarry."

Everyone’s expressions changed dramatically.

"While applying acupuncture to the third concubine earlier, as I lifted her wrist, I smelled a faint unusual fragrance emanating from the table. Finding it odd, I discovered that the bracelet concealed hidden secrets."

Young Mistress Liao interjected, "Doctor Lin, is this something you smelled? Then why didn’t you mention it in the room earlier? You even examined the third sister-in-law’s body."

Lin Qing replied calmly, "Those who practice medicine naturally have a keener sense of smell. I didn’t notice earlier because the room was crowded, and everyone carried s different scent, making it hard to discern. For example, Second Mistress, the perfume you wore today includes gardenia with a hint of mint."

Young Mistress Liao was speechless.

Hoping to see embarrassment, she didn’t expect to be the clown.

The Duke’s wife cast her a warning glance, suggesting she step aside if she couldn’t hold her tongue, to avoid embarrassing herself.

Young Mistress Liao awkwardly stepped back, pricked her ears, and continued listening.

Song Ci’s wife recovered from her shock and said, "Doctor Lin, are you saying this fragrance piece is this so-called Bone Blood Separation?"

Good heavens, just hearing the name is terrifying.

Lin Qing responded, "Though my medical skills aren’t superior, even if this isn’t it, it’s quite close. The ingredients of the fragrance piece, such as red flowers and musk, are present, as well as motherwort and Puhuang—these are cold and not suitable for pregnant women."

"But this bracelet, once gifted by Madam, has scarcely been removed by the third mistress except during baths," said Shuhua with a pale face.

Song Ci asked, "How long has she worn it?"

This time, the Duke’s wife herself answered, "The bracelet was bestowed after Song’s wife had secured her pregnancy, only just over a month ago?"

"Are you sure you weren’t aware of this bracelet’s mysteries, dear mother’s-in-law?" Song Ci’s wife asked, exasperated.

The Duke’s wife, displeased, said, "Of course, I didn’t know. If I had, why would I gift it to her? Do you think I’d harm my own grandson as his grandmother?"

Song Ci’s wife, questioned back, looked grim.

Song Ci mediated, "Duke’s wife, please don’t be upset. It was only Qi’er’s mother’s recklessness due to frustration. She’s seen the schemer’s depth and foresight, calculating against even you, deliberately letting you take the fall. Because no matter what, it’s undeniable that the bracelet came from you."