Mr. Gu, Your Replacement Bride Is A Big Shot! Chapter 1853 - Imposter

When Song Yu caught Auntie Cao's words, a subtle shift crossed her face, yet she rapidly steadied herself. Lifting her gaze to Auntie Cao, she smiled and remarked, "Auntie Cao, there's no need for us to meddle in Big Brother's business no matter what he does. He's free to gift his purchases to anyone he pleases."

Song Yu had learned earlier about a traitor lurking in the household. She'd never pinpointed the betrayer's identity. Among the family's servants, Auntie Cao stood out as the sole one who stirred trouble right in her presence.

Auntie Cao appeared oblivious to Song Yu's piercing gaze. She responded amiably, "Sixth Miss, you're far too generous."

After setting the fruit plate down on the table, she pivoted and headed out.

As Auntie Cao departed, Song Yu's features hardened into ice. In Lu Zhu's study.

Lu Zhu sat inside when a knock echoed at the door. "Come in."

Qiao Nian stepped in and spotted Lu Zhu gazing pensively at the pair of magnolia-bark pots.

Seeing Qiao Nian enter, Lu Zhu's eyes lit with faint surprise. A warm smile bloomed across his face, softening his tone. "Sugar, how come you're back already?"

Qiao Nian felt too sheepish to admit she'd hurried back to Lu Zhu. She rubbed her nose. "I was already heading back when I sent the message."

"Got it." Lu Zhu's focus lingered on the magnolia-bark, missing the odd hitch in Qiao Nian's reply. He added, "I located it earlier; it arrived just today!"

As a Chinese medicine expert, Qiao Nian knew every herb's look by heart. She approached the two plants, examined them closely, then affirmed with a nod, "Exactly. These are the herbs I need."

Lu Zhu exhaled in relief. "Then go ahead and take them."

Qiao Nian turned to him at his words, her expression grave as she inquired, "Brother, who was this magnolia-bark meant for originally?"

Surprise flickered in Lu Zhu's eyes. He furrowed his brow, his face clouding over. "Who told you that?"

He realized Sugar was always considerate. Should she learn he'd procured it for Song Yu at first, she might refuse to take the magnolia-bark.

Qiao Nian sensed her brother's curiosity about the gossip source. Truth was, the servants hadn't spilled much—just idle chatter. Unwilling to see them punished, she kept it vague. "Yu'er's had trouble sleeping lately. Big Brother got this especially for her, didn't you?"

Though her view of Song Yu remained lukewarm, Qiao Nian hoped to avoid any strain between her brother and Song Yu over this.

"Yes," Lu Zhu answered flatly. Recalling Song Yu's frail condition, he explained, "Her sleep's been poor. Being in the public eye, she can't easily visit a hospital. I called in a private doctor to check her at home, but no diagnosis emerged. Qi Qi mentioned magnolia-bark's aura aids rest. Still, you need it for Madam President's treatment. This ties to the Lu family's security."

Qiao Nian nodded. It made perfect sense.

Standing just outside the study, Song Yu pieced together the situation from her brother's voice.

The magnolia-bark her brother sourced for her was likely going to her sister for Madam President's cure.

Nearby, Lu Nian noticed Song Yu at his brother's study door. He scowled, about to approach, when Song Yu rapped on the door.

A knock sounded; Lu Zhu called, "Come in."

Song Yu eased the door open and entered, offering a soft smile as she greeted, "Brother, Sister."

Her eyes then settled on the two herbs. Glancing back at Lu Zhu, she continued, "Brother, Sister, I overheard everything. Please take the herbs to Madam President first. Our Lu family's safety comes above all."

On entering, Song Yu had loosely shut the study door. Her words carried into the hallway, reaching Lu Nian's ears. Shock briefly crossed his face, followed by a bitter smirk as he turned away.

Song Yu persisted in her facade of virtue before the family, even now!