Mrs. Chu asked Mrs. Li if she knew who was spreading the rumors, but Mrs. Li denied knowledge. She genuinely didn't know; she had no influence in the Outer Court, and the key positions in the Inner Courtyard were replaced by Mrs. Chu's people.
Mrs. Chu stated, "Very well, I shall have it investigated, and once we uncover the truth, that person will be dealt with."
It soon became clear that the source of the rumors was a coarse woman from Mrs. Li's courtyard. Many people testified that she had spread these rumors. Mrs. Chu had her beaten with ten rods and ousted from the premises.
Blaming herself for the rumors, Mrs. Li hid in her courtyard and dared not venture outside.
Days flew by, and by the 25th day, Chen Afu, who had been fake-sick for three days, finally got up. She had some unfinished business that couldn't be postponed by acting sick any longer.
