The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

Murong Xuewei suppressed her inner disgust and turned her gaze to Xiao Wanning. "I am just from the border and do not know anything about court affairs. However, I have heard that Your Highness is very knowledgeable about the talents in the capital. Why don't you let Your Highness speak about them?"

The Emperor seemed not to have listened, but he kept nodding, "Yes, yes, Madam Gu is right."

Murong Xuewei smiled at Xiao Wanning. "Your Highness," Xuewei said, feigning respect, "I've heard you have extensive connections in court and know many talented individuals. With the severe flooding in Tongniu County, do you have any good candidates to recommend?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanning immediately became wary.

After Jiang Lingyun returned to the capital, Xiao Wanning naturally learned Murong Xuewei's true identity and realized that this seemingly weak woman was actually a cunning fox.

Murong Xuewei's sudden request for her to recommend talent is definitely not for good reasons.

However, Xiao Wan Ning thought for a moment and decided that since this girl wanted to play, she would play along.

Xiao Wan Ning curled her lips into a cold smile and said, "Since Madam Murong has said so, I do indeed have someone in mind."

Xiao Wan Ning looked at the Emperor, "This young man is named Jiang Lingyun. He is a rare talent. He is well-versed in literature and knowledgeable about both ancient and modern times. This time, let him go to Tongniu County."

Murong Xuewei sneered inwardly upon hearing the name. Jiang Lingyun? It seems Xiao Wanning has taken the bait after all.

"That's wonderful!" Xue Wei feigned surprise. "With Young Master Jiang involved, this flood should be resolved quickly."

Seeing Xue Wei's cooperation only fueled Xiao Wan Ning's suspicions. However, she still smiled and said, "Since that's the case, then it's settled. By the way, Madam Murong, shouldn't your Gu family also donate some money?"

Xue Wei cursed him inwardly as an "old fox," but her smile widened even more: "Of course! Our Gu family has always been enthusiastic about public welfare, and we will definitely donate generously this time."

And so, the donation was settled. Although Xiao Wanning still felt something was off, she couldn't figure out what Xue Wei was up to.

Halfway through the banquet, Xiao Wanning suddenly asked, "By the way, Madam Murong, why isn't your Lord Gu here? Isn't he usually the one who loves to join in the fun at these kinds of events?"

Murong Xuewei's heart skipped a beat, realizing something was wrong. Xiao Wanning was indeed up to no good; she was setting a trap for her!

However, Murong Xuewei reacted quickly, immediately smiling and saying, "Oh dear, I almost forgot to tell everyone. Gu Ye has actually already arrived, but he remembered on the way that I forgot something, so he went back to get it. He should be here soon."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan Ning and the Emperor exchanged a knowing glance and both revealed meaningful smiles.

"I see," the Emperor said with a smile. "Then let's wait a little longer. Someone, bring Lady Murong another cup of wine!"

Murong Xuewei felt a tightness in her chest, sensing that something was amiss. However, in this situation, she couldn't very well refuse the Emperor's kindness.

Just then, a palace maid walked over carrying a wine cup. Murong Xueyao didn't notice that the two exchanged a glance as the maid passed by Xiao Wanning.

Murong Xueyao accepted the wine cup, politely thanked the Emperor, and then drank it all in one gulp.

She felt something was wrong as soon as she finished drinking. She felt dizzy, and her vision began to blur.

"This...this wine..." Xue Wei tried to stay sober, but her body swayed uncontrollably.

Upon seeing this, the Emperor immediately feigned concern: "Oh dear, Lady Murong seems to be a little tipsy. Someone, quickly help Lady Murong to the side hall to rest."

Xiao Wan Ning watched this scene from the side, a smug glint in her eyes.

Xiao Wan Ning secretly gave a wink to the palace maid beside her, who immediately understood and followed her.

Seeing that her master was not in good condition, Liuli quickly stepped forward to help him up.

"Madam, are you alright?" Liuli asked softly.

Murong Xuewei barely opened her eyes and whispered, "There's...something wrong here...be careful...of this palace maid."

Liuli nodded and helped Murong Xuewei follow the palace maid to the side hall.

Just as she was about to reach the entrance of the side hall, Liuli suddenly felt a gust of wind on the back of her neck. She reacted quickly and dodged the attack by turning to the side.

"There really is something fishy!" Liuli shouted angrily, turning around and delivering a chop to the neck.

The palace maid who launched the sneak attack never expected Liuli to react so quickly and was knocked unconscious.

Although Murong Xuewei was dizzy, she forced herself to stay awake. She glanced at the palace maid lying on the ground and gritted her teeth, saying, "Quickly...get her...into the room..."

Without a word, Liuli grabbed the palace maid and dragged her into the room. Murong Xuewei stumbled after her, finally managing to get into the room and close the door behind her.

"Phew... I've finally escaped a disaster." Liuli breathed a sigh of relief and tossed the palace maid onto the bed.

Murong Xuewei leaned against the wall, took a few deep breaths, and tried to clear her head. She glanced at the unconscious palace maid on the bed and sneered, "I never thought... a princess like you would resort to such a despicable method as drugging."

Liuli looked at her mistress with concern: "Madam, how are you feeling? Should we call a doctor?"

Murong Xuewei shook her head: "No need, I'm fine. It's just... the medicine seems to be stronger than I expected. Liuli, help me out. We can't stay here any longer; Xiao Wanning definitely has more tricks up her sleeve."

Liuli nodded, helped Murong Xuewei up, and started to walk outside. Just then, footsteps suddenly came from outside.

"Oh no!" Xue Wei exclaimed in alarm. "It must be Xiao Wan Ning sending people to investigate. Liu Li, deal with them for now."

Murong Xuewei walked to the bedside, took off her own clothes and changed into the palace maid's clothes, then threw her own clothes on the ground.

"Madam, what's wrong..." Liuli asked, looking puzzled.

Xue Wei, panting, said, "Someone will definitely come to check on me later. Just say I'm drunk and have already fallen asleep. Remember, whatever you do, don't let anyone in!"

Liuli quickly nodded in agreement.

Sure enough, not long after, there was a knock on the door.

"Madam Murong, are you alright? Do you need any help?" a sweet, cloying female voice asked.

Liuli cleared her throat and, mimicking a palace maid's tone, said, "The lady has already gone to bed; there's no need to trouble you all."

The person outside seemed to hesitate for a moment, then said, "Well... let's come in and see if Madam is feeling unwell..."

“No need!” Liuli emphasized, “Madam instructed that no one is allowed to disturb us.”

The people outside hesitated for a moment, but finally left.

Xue Wei breathed a sigh of relief only after the footsteps had completely disappeared. She glanced at the unconscious palace maid on the bed, a ruthless glint in her eyes.