After being forced into a marriage with a wealthy family, the virtuous wife caused a huge uproar.

"I have a wonderful use. I might be able to help you be recognized as your ancestors sooner." Rong Yingluo winked mischievously.

"What's your idea?" Gu Ce was taken aback. This girl was clever and mischievous, and sometimes she acted without considering the consequences.

"You'll find out then," Rong Yingluo said, keeping everyone in suspense.

The following day, Gu Ce had a day off, a rare privilege that he didn't have to attend the morning court session.

In Nanxia, ​​the morning court session is suspended on major holidays, and there is a one-day break every ten days.

On this day, Gu Ce accompanied Rong Yingluo to pay her respects to the old lady.

"Greetings to Grandmother."

It was rare to see the two of them walk into the hall together. The old lady smiled and waved to Rong Yingluo, "Come quickly to your grandmother's side."

"Grandmother, you look great today. What did you have for breakfast?" Rong Yingluo asked with concern.

"Young Madam, the Old Madam's health is improving day by day. This morning she drank two bowls of thick porridge and ate a steamed bun," said Granny Ye with a smile, answering on behalf of the Old Madam.

Since the young mistress entered the mansion, the old lady has started to recover. The young mistress is the master's benefactor, and isn't she also her benefactor? She and the old lady share a deep bond as mistress and servant, and naturally share both honor and disgrace.

"That's good."

"Liuli, it's the old lady of the Zhao family's birthday in a few days. You must go. Please give her my regards."

I was about the same age as her, only one year older. Before I got married, we were best friends. Later, my health deteriorated, and I didn't travel around the capital for many years, so we rarely saw each other.

"This time, please bring Qingyin along as well. Although she is a concubine's daughter, she is still a young lady from our Duke's mansion. Your mother did not do her best to find her a good family, so I entrust this matter to you," the old lady said earnestly.

Rong Yingluo's eyes lit up. It seemed that her second sister had been taking very good care of the old lady lately, and was now starting to consider her needs.

"Alright, I'll do as Grandmother says. I'll take my second sister to the Zhao residence to see if there are any suitable men there. If my second sister takes a liking to someone, I'll let you know," Rong Yingluo said with a smile.

She knew it wasn't the right time to talk about Zhou Haitao; it would be better to wait until after the imperial examination results were released.

"You've paid your respects, now go about your business." The old lady waved her hand.

The couple went to the main courtyard to pay their respects to Madam Su. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they heard Madam Su's loud cursing: "You shameless hussy, how did you comb your hair?"

"Madam, spare me! Madam, spare me!" came the maid's pleading voice.

Upon hearing the words "combing hair," Rong Yingluo knew what was going on and excitedly pulled Gu Ce to walk quickly.

Su Jingyi was still in the bedroom.

Rong Yingluo feigned curiosity and darted inside.

"Mother, what's wrong? What did this maid do to offend you?" Rong Yingluo put on the image of a good daughter-in-law who cared deeply for her mother-in-law.

"Oh dear, why is there so much hair on the ground? Mother, did the maid not use enough force when she combed your hair?" Rong Yingluo exclaimed dramatically, her voice so loud that Gu Ce in the main hall could hear her.

"Young Madam, I'm innocent! For the past month or so, I don't know what's wrong, but your hair has been falling out a lot. No matter how carefully I comb it, it keeps falling out." The maidservant knelt on the ground, pleading innocently.

"Oh? Is that so?" Rong Yingluo feigned surprise. "Mother, let me see."

She took two steps forward, stood behind Su, and lifted a few strands of her hair. With a little force, sure enough, three or five strands fell out. Su didn't even feel any pain from being pulled.

"Mother, you really can't blame the maid. Your hair really falls out very easily." Rong Yingluo held up a few strands of hair in front of Madam Su.

Su Shi had been very anxious about this lately, and when she saw Rong Yingluo casually pull out several strands of hair, her expression became even more unpleasant.

At this moment, she was staring at her forehead in the mirror. Her hair was much thinner than it had been a month ago. If this continued, in less than a month, she would have no hair left on her head.

If that day really comes, how will she face people?

"Liuli, do I have some kind of illness? Is that why my hair is thinning?" Su Shi couldn't find anyone else to ask, and even though she knew that she and Rong Yingluo were just pretending to be a harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, she still asked the question.

"Mother, I've heard of a condition called alopecia areata, commonly known as 'ghost baldness.' Once you get it, all your hair will fall out. I suggest you see a doctor as soon as possible," Rong Yingluo said with feigned concern.

"What?" Su Jingyi had never heard of this disease before and was startled.

"I've also heard of a disease that can cause hair loss," Rong Yingluo mentioned another disease.

"What illness?" Su asked, her eyes filled with fear.

"I have... a disease." Rong Yingluo said these words slowly and deliberately, making everyone who heard them feel a chill.

"You're talking nonsense!" Su roared angrily, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"Mother, I was just mentioning two diseases that I've heard of that can cause hair loss, why are you so agitated?" Rong Yingluo sobbed, feeling wronged.

Gu Ce listened intently to their conversation in the main hall, holding his breath. When he heard Rong Yingluo say that Su Shi had contracted a disease, he spat out the tea he was drinking.

She really dares to say that.

"Go outside and wait." Madam Su said sternly, clearly displeased.

Rong Yingluo obediently withdrew and came to the main hall, but dared not laugh out loud, as there were still two maids serving her.

When Gu Ce saw Rong Yingluo's strange expression, he knew that this matter was definitely related to her.

He had no idea when this girl had quietly dealt with the Su family.

The two waited for about fifteen minutes before Mrs. Su came out of the bedroom.

"Mother, are you alright?" Rong Yingluo immediately got up and went forward to support Su Shi.

However, Madam Su subconsciously dodged Rong Yingluo's hand.

Madam Su sat in the main seat, upright and proper, displaying the demeanor of a matriarch.

The couple stood together in the middle of the hall and bowed in greeting.

This is the advantage of seniority and status.

"A-Ce, now that you are the Prime Minister, you must have many political affairs to handle. There is no need for you to come and pay your respects every day. It is more important to share the Emperor's burdens." Madam Su began to play the role of a loving mother again.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mother. From now on, I won't have to go to the government office every day. I can stay in the outer courtyard, which won't take up much of my time." Gu Ce was always meticulous in his work.

Mrs. Su nodded, her smile gentle.

"In a few days it will be Old Madam Zhao's birthday. Now our Gu family is not only a Duke's mansion, but also the residence of a Prime Minister. We'll need A-Ce's opinion on what to give as a birthday gift. What do you think would be appropriate?"

"Mother should make the decisions. You are the head of the household." Gu Ce ignored her words.

If he says he'll give her something, she'll definitely ask him for money later.

Su's gaze turned cold as she picked up the tea beside her to conceal her displeasure.

"Mother, don't take your hair problem lightly. You should call a doctor to take a look as soon as possible." Rong Yingluo deliberately brought up Su's hair again.

"Greetings, go about your business." Madam Su felt restless and uneasy.

From the moment she noticed her hair was falling out so badly, in just over a month, she had lost almost half of her hair. If this continued, she would really go bald.

As soon as Rong Yingluo and her husband left, Madam Su immediately took the invitation and summoned the imperial physician.

She was really scared.

The imperial physician arrived at the residence soon after. This time, it was Physician Wan, who was skilled in detoxification.

Physician Wan carefully examined Su's pulse, looked at her hair and scalp, and thought for a while before speaking.

"Madam, your condition seems to be caused by some kind of poison, but I cannot determine what kind of poison it is. I am currently unable to provide an antidote, so Madam, you should seek help from another physician." Doctor Wan shook his head helplessly.

He couldn't possibly be familiar with all the poisons in the martial arts world. Being able to recognize poisoning was already the limit of his abilities.