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The next morning,Lady Suarrived at the west courtyard early.

Seeing the situation,Concubine Xiaquickly asked, "Sister, what is this about?"

After learning the true nature of the west courtyard yesterday,Lady Suno longer wanted to maintain even the appearance of harmony.

With a cold expression, she said, "The master has ordered that your nephew be sent back to theXiafamily today."

Now,Xia Wencaiwas barely clinging to life. If he were sent back to theXiafamily in this state, her brother would surely go mad and might say something reckless.

Her nephew's condition was undoubtedly linked toSu Li.

Once he woke up, he would naturally reveal the truth. Although her brother would blame her, he would also join forces with her against their common enemy.

In the past,Lady Sumight have given her some face.

But now, the fact that she hadn't rushed forward to tear her apart was already a sign of restraint. Did she really think she could still ask for favors? Dream on!

"The doctors have already said that your nephew might never wake up. If he stays like this, are we supposed to keep him in the mansion forever? Don't worry, the servants will be careful. The master isn't completely heartless."

After saying this, she signaled the servants to step forward.

"Wait... wait, no! Madam, aren't you afraid of how this will look if word gets out? Stop..."

But no matter whatConcubine Xiasaid,Lady Suwas determined to send him away.

"OurSufamily has already gone above and beyond. We didn't injure him. We've called doctors from all over the city and poured expensive medicines into him. What more do you want? Should we take care of him for the rest of his lives? What kind of logic is that?"Lady Sucoldly interruptedConcubine Xia'sprotests.

Seeing that the situation couldn't be reversed,Concubine Xiawas afraid that her brother, upon seeing his son in such a state, might lose control and say something incriminating. She said, "If that's the case, please allow me to accompany him to theXiafamily. Let me explain things to my brother."

"Thank you, Madam!"

Just as he was pacing restlessly, there was a commotion outside. Thinking it was the gambling house's enforcers, he went out to look, but the scene didn't match his expectations.

"Who are you?"Xia Jiangshouted.

At that moment,Concubine Xiastepped out of the sedan chair, her face filled with sorrow, tears streaming down before she even spoke.

"Brother,Wencai...Wencaiis in a bad way!"

He took a step back, staring atConcubine Xiain shock and anger, his voice strained. "What... what happened?"

Hearing that his son was still alive,Xia Jiangmanaged to catch his breath and pushedConcubine Xiaaway.

Staggering forward, he saw that his son's chest was still rising and falling, and there were no visible injuries on his face. He thought his son was just unconscious.

"Quick, carry him inside."

Then he turned toConcubine Xiaand said coldly, "You, come inside and explain this to me!"

Once the boy was carried into the room and placed on the bed,Concubine Xiadismissed all the servants.

Only then didXia Jiangspeak. "Explain this to me. How did my perfectly healthy son end up like this in just one day?"

She then embellished the story, claiming thatXia Wencaihad fallen in love withSu Liat first sight and that she had only been trying to help her nephew.

But regardless of the reason, this matter was undoubtedly connected toSu Li.

"The doctors saidWencaimight wake up soon, or... he might never wake up."

Only then didConcubine Xiarealize why he had been so composed. Her expression grew even more sorrowful.

"Brother,Su Liis so cruel! She... she had someone shatterWencai'slimbs!"

The doctors couldn't even attempt to set the bones, so they left the limbs untouched and only prescribed painkillers and tonics.

After the initial shock,Concubine Xiafelt a strange sense of satisfaction.

This man had always held her secrets over her head, ordering her around. Now, seeing him suffer like this, she couldn't help but feel it was deserved.

Though she thought this, her face was full of panic.

She rushed to supportXia Jiang, saying anxiously, "Brother! Don't be upset! I will find rare treasures to healWencai! I will also make sureSu Lisuffers a fate worse than death!"

"And I wantSu Lidead!"

Just asXia Jiangwas about to speak, there was a commotion outside.

"Xia Wencai!Xia Wencai, come out! Damn it, pay back the money you owe, or else..."

As the voice fell, there was the sound of things being smashed.

She said ingratiatingly, "Brother, this is all I could gather. Use it to pay off the debt first, and the rest can be used forWencai'streatment. If it's not enough, I'll find a way."

Only then didXia Jiangcalm down a little, snorting, "At least you still have some conscience!"

AsXia Jiangwent out,Concubine Xia'sexpression darkened.

If it weren't for the fear that he might say something incriminating, why would she have to be so subservient!