Love at First Sight Chapter 39 What else do you have to say?

“Lady Li, please don’t be angry. His Highness has ordered us to conduct a thorough search. We cannot overlook any corner of this room. I ask for your understanding,” Liu Yi said, making a gesture inviting her cooperation.

“Hmph, then hurry up. I’m very tired,” Lady Li replied, rising reluctantly. Although she was displeased, she still respected Liu Yi, the chief steward, who had served Zun You since childhood.

“Yes, search quickly,” Liu Yi commanded the guards.

The guards sped up their work. One picked up a cushion, examined it from all sides, found nothing amiss, and set it down.

But Liu Yi, watching closely, noticed Cui’er standing nearby. She had been motionless, but when the guard picked up the cushion, her expression tensed and she clutched at the hem of her garment. Only when the cushion was replaced did her demeanor relax and her hand drop.

Liu Yi, quick and observant, strode forward, snatched the cushion, and held it in his hands.

Lady Li was baffled—what could be so important about a cushion? Cui’er, on the other hand, paled and visibly tensed again.

Clearly, something was wrong. Liu Yi thought to himself as he drew the guard’s sword and sliced open the cushion.

Down feathers spilled out in clumps. Seeing this, Cui’er instinctively retreated a step.

Liu Yi spoke sternly, “Pack these down feathers from the cushion and deliver them to the front court for His Highness to inspect.”

Lady Li sank onto a stool, stunned. She had never imagined the cushion was filled with down feathers; no wonder it had always been so soft and comfortable.

She glanced at Cui’er, thinking, What is this troublesome girl up to?

“Eunuch Liu, it’s just a down cushion. Ordinary ones are too hard, so I had Cui’er make this for me. Is there anything wrong with that?” Lady Li, though flustered, maintained a calm facade.

“Whether there’s a problem or not is not for me to decide,” Liu Yi replied with a smile. “I’ll need to take Cui’er to the front court. Lady Li, you are with child—please rest.”

“You—Cui’er is my maid, brought from my family. I still need her to attend to me. You can’t just take her away,” Lady Li said, glaring at him.

“Rest assured, once His Highness has finished questioning her, I’ll return her to you,” Liu Yi promised, signaling two guards to escort Cui’er away.

“Miss, Miss, please don’t take me. I don’t know anything!” Cui’er struggled, but was nonetheless led away.

Lady Li sat alone in the room. Though the brazier burned hotly, she felt chilled to the bone.

“It’ll be fine. This isn’t evidence—nothing will happen. Cui’er would never say anything,” Lady Li murmured to herself, stroking her chest as she tried to calm her nerves.

Zun You stayed with Wen Yueqing in her room until nightfall before returning to his own chambers.

Early the next morning, in Zun You’s study.

He sat behind his desk, examining the cushion before handing it to Liu Yi.

“Tell me, what’s the story with the down feathers in this cushion?” His gaze was cold, his tone even.

Cui’er knelt on the floor, face pale. She had been detained in a side room all night and was terrified.

“I—It was because Sister Fang made excellent down bedding, so I went out recently and bought some,” Cui’er answered, head bowed.

“Who gave you permission to leave the residence?” Zun You asked.

Liu Yi stepped forward and bowed, “It was I. Lady Li is pregnant and wished to visit her family. They went out three times recently.”

“Very well. You may step back,” Zun You said, dismissing Liu Yi.

“How much did you buy, and where?” Zun You continued.

“I bought four pounds at the duck farm,” Cui’er replied. She had previously asked Fangcao about the place, so she could answer this question.

“I estimate this cushion weighs no more than two pounds. Where is the rest of the down?” Zun You asked calmly.

“I—I made a mistake. I bought two pounds and used it all,” Cui’er quickly corrected herself.

Liu Yi shouted, “Answer properly—think before you speak!”

“Yes, yes, I’m sure it was two pounds,” Cui’er stammered.

“Go, fetch the duck farm’s owner,” Zun You ordered, and a servant left to carry out the command.

At this, Cui’er’s nerves returned; she hadn’t expected Zun You to be so thorough.

It was too late to change her story now. She regretted not claiming she’d taken it from Fangcao.

After a while, the servant returned, reporting that the duck farm was closed—the owner was away and had shut down for several days.

Cui’er finally relaxed, relieved that her story hadn’t been exposed.

Zun You thought for a moment. “Go, bring Fangcao to me.”

Fangcao, who had been confined for two days, was anxious, fearing His Highness would blame her.

“Look at this down—are these the feathers you bought?” Zun You asked Fangcao.

Fangcao examined the down, sniffed it, furrowed her brow, and sniffed again.

“Your Highness, these are indeed the down feathers I purchased,” she replied, looking up with puzzlement. “But didn’t you burn the three-piece set? How is there still down here?”

Before Zun You could respond, Cui’er interjected, “No, Your Highness, I bought these down feathers myself.”

Fangcao understood at once—Lady Li must be involved.

She explained, “Your Highness, these feathers have a strong stale odor. When I cleaned them, I used a secret family recipe for a scent that’s applied to clothing. Its fragrance lasts for years. My family has done needlework for generations, and the formula is inherited. Please investigate carefully.”

“Do you still have any of the scent?” Zun You asked.

“Yes, it’s in my room,” Fangcao replied, and was escorted to retrieve it.

Indeed, the scent matched the down exactly.

Zun You’s eyes blazed with anger. “How dare you lie! Tell me the truth—what happened here?”

Cui’er was stunned by his fury, kneeling and trembling. “Your Highness, I admit I lied. I stole the down feathers, but I swear I did not plant those harmful mites.”

“Hmph.” Zun You sneered. “Liu Yi, when you searched the residence, did you reveal Wen Yueqing’s illness?”

Liu Yi stepped forward. “Your Highness, we followed your instructions precisely. We said only that Miss Wen had been targeted by someone.”

“What else do you have to say?” Zun You’s gaze turned fierce as he looked at Cui’er.