He had poisoned her. Why not increase the dosage to kill her outright, saving trouble and further highlighting Liu's viciousness? It would also make things quieter for him, removing a spy without any responsibility on his part.
But he didn't. Instead, he timely called a doctor to save her life.
Firstly, perhaps because he knew that if she died, Liu would certainly try to insert someone else into the situation, which he found troublesome.
Secondly, it also served as a warning, telling her that as long as she behaves, there will be peace.
He didn't want to deal with whoever Liu might insert next, hoping she could discern this and become a compliant person.
Su An'an sighed, never expecting the rumored sickly person to be so perceptive.
Cui Yan was still angry, muttering, "The young master doesn't care about Miss's life, yet Miss didn't want to harm him before, disobeying Madam's orders to dispose of the medicine. But the young master, without hesitation, used Miss as a pawn. It's too unfair."
Su An'an shook her head, having nothing to be angry about; being controlled by others, there's no fairness to speak of.
Moreover, she was originally a distant relative of Liu, so Shen Juncheng naturally didn't trust her.
She advised Cui Yan with a few words.
Cui Yan understood too, knowing they actually had no standing, merely voicing protest for Miss.
She worriedly said, "This matter fell through, so tomorrow Madam will surely vent her anger on you, Miss."
If this matter hadn't been handled well and it affected her reputation, given Liu's temperament, Miss would surely suffer.
Su An'an shook her head, "No need to worry, she won't punish me." At most, just a scolding.
The more at this time, the more she needed an informant.
The next day.
Shen Juncheng feigned illness to avoid paying respects, and Liu could say nothing about it. She even had to show magnanimity by personally visiting him, as the facade of their relationship had to be maintained.
This time, Liu displayed her benevolence to the fullest, continuously explaining that last night was just Qing He's desperate false accusation at the brink of death, urging Shen Juncheng not to take it to heart.
After a night, Shen Juncheng seemingly became naturally calm and indicated that he understood and of course trusted his aunt.
Liu smiled, tightly clutching her handkerchief, a sickly wolf.
Su An'an was also poisoned, and though she was awake, she was weak and unable to pay respects either.
Liu smiled kindly, her face stiffening with prolonged smiles, thinking how two weaklings deserved each other.
Internally complaining, but outwardly flawless, after visiting Shen Juncheng, she went to see Su An'an.
Su An'an appeared flattered, hurriedly dragging her sick body down to pay her respects.
Liu, with a face full of concern, exempted her from formalities and asked a few solicitous questions. After doing a good job of maintaining the facade, she gave a signal, and Li Ma immediately dispersed the maids, closed the door, and stood guard outside personally.
With only the two of them in the room, Liu's smile disappeared, "What is going on?"
Su An'an had already thought of a response, immediately reddening her eyes and crying out aggrievedly, "Aunt, I don't know what happened either."
She recited her prepared response, explaining how she followed orders to administer the medicine with just a tiny amount, yet Shen Juncheng excused himself from drinking due to a cough. She intended to put it in the tea, but unexpectedly he accidentally knocked over the original cup as he was blind.
In the moment she bent to pick up the cup, she saw he had already picked up the teacup to clink glasses with her, so she had no choice but to drink a cup of wine to cope with it.
Su An'an cried pitifully, her words a mix of truth and lies. Given that Shen Juncheng's scheme also exposed himself, why shouldn't she take the opportunity to push this matter onto him?