Reborn Four Gorgeous Consorts

Poisoned

Regardless of the circumstances, Zhao Li had already traversed time. Since fate had granted her a second chance at life, she resolved to cherish it and prepared herself for whatever challenges might come her way.

As these thoughts occupied her mind, Zhao Li followed the Gu brothers.

From the youth, she learned their identities and names. The stern-voiced man was Gu Yaoting, the eldest, while the aloof one was Gu Yaolin, the second. The youngest, the youth himself, was named Gu Yaoyu. As for the man in red, with his alluring voice and exceedingly delicate features, he was Chu Chen, a concubine redeemed from a pleasure house by the original master.

Upon learning of Chu Chen's status, Zhao Li could not help but glance at the patched clothing of Gu Yaoyu, then recall how Gu Yaolin, despite his refined appearance, spoke only of poverty, causing her to marvel inwardly.

Imagining herself in their place, if someone were to spend a fortune on a concubine despite financial straits, the thought of such extravagance would indeed be vexing.

Although Zhao Li had braced herself, upon seeing the dwelling before her, she realized her naivety.

The abode was nothing more than a dilapidated earthen hut, its roof thatched, barely offering shelter from the elements. Considering that the original master had still managed to purchase a male concubine—

Zhao Li: "..."

Would she truly have to fear an assassination in the dead of night?

Entering the humble interior, she observed the bare, unpaved floor, the paucity of furniture, save for a few tattered chairs and a weathered cabinet in the corner, its wood darkened with age.

Gu Yaoyu led her to a room, presenting clean garments and suggesting rest. Before she could respond, Gu Yaolin whisked him away, the door slamming shut behind them.

Just before the door closed, Zhao Li heard Gu Yaolin's cold remark:

"Let her be; we have no money for a physician..."

With a wry smile, Zhao Li turned to survey the room. It was not small, yet it was desolate, containing only a wooden plank bed, a lopsided table, and two rickety stools.

The term "bare walls" hardly did justice to the scene of destitution.

Sitting on the bed, she felt the thin fabric beneath her, the hardness of the planks palpable, and mused, "Truly impoverished."

Given their dire straits, the former Zhao Li must have exhausted all savings to acquire the concubine.

After changing into the clean clothes, she searched the room, unearthing three copper coins from a corner and a chipped mirror under a pillow, which allowed her to see the visage of her new body.

What met her eyes was far from pleasant—a gaunt, soiled face, unkempt hair tinged with the yellow of malnourishment, a stark contrast to her former self.

This sight only deepened her curiosity about what had enabled the original Zhao Li to wed the Gu brothers.

Placing her left hand on her right wrist, she recalled her expertise as a medical professor. With this rebirth, she was determined to care for her health. Understanding her condition was the first step towards recovery.

...Hmm?

A frown creased Zhao Li's brow.

Something was amiss.

If her assessment was correct, though the pulse indicated robust health, there was a subtle sign of a chronic toxin, non-lethal but affecting neural function, thereby impairing intellect. One's vitality and intellect are reflected in the face; diminished intelligence can make even a fair countenance appear peculiar.

Considering the brothers' attitude, Zhao Li's expression grew complex. Could they be responsible for the poisoning?

But on second thought, it seemed unlikely. If they were the culprits, why use a non-lethal substance? Moreover, the accumulation of such a toxin would take longer than a couple of months.

Pushing aside these musings, Zhao Li decided her priority was to restore her health and eliminate the toxin. The identity of the poisoner could wait.

Just as she reached this conclusion, her stomach growled, signaling hunger.

Venturing out to find food, she encountered Chu Chen in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, an expression of disdain as he handled the kindling, cheeks puffed in contemplation.

At the sight of Zhao Li, his eyes lit up, and he approached, cooing, "Beloved~"

His tone cloyingly sweet, he embraced her arm, saying, "I thought, after your ordeal, you might need hot water to freshen up, despite the change of clothes."

Zhao Li's lips twitched, doubting Chu Chen's ability to boil water without setting the kitchen ablaze. She also questioned his sincerity, suspecting he merely sought to ingratiate himself, being a mere purchased concubine, unlike the Gu brothers who supported each other.

"I'm hungry," she stated.

Chu Chen, noticing her lack of usual acquiescence, narrowed his eyes, though his smile remained.

"There's no food left. I mentioned to Eldest Brother Gu that when they fetch a physician for you, they should buy some provisions. I couldn't bear to see you go hungry."

Initially, Zhao Li might have found Chu Chen's clinginess unsettling, but now, she was indifferent, treating his behavior as a performance.

"Mm, thank you for your efforts," she said, deciding to venture out to forage for wild vegetables and to familiarize herself with the village.

Assuming she was looking for the Gu brothers, Chu Chen waved a handkerchief as she departed, calling, "Take care, Beloved—"

Glancing back, Zhao Li caught Chu Chen's flirtatious wink, shuddered, and hastened her pace.

Beauty is indeed a blessing, but given her husbands' demeanor, she doubted any genuine affection. For the sake of her survival, such charms were a luxury she could ill afford.