Chapter 021: The Joke of the Prime Minister’s Residence

Chapter 021: The Joke of the Prime Minister's Residence

In the plum garden, Meng Suqiu, with nothing to do, was tending to a few pots of orchids that had just sprouted new leaves.

Chen Po walked in quickly. "Madam, the young madam has returned to her family's home."

"Could it be that something happened at the Ruan family?"

"Oh, no," Chen Po hurried forward and whispered into Madam's ear, ending with a sigh, "Our people had already investigated the matter. Who would have thought it would involve Jingzhao Mansion?"

Meng Suqiu's expression turned cold. "Since the matter has arisen, we must give Qinghuan a proper explanation. Such rumors can destroy a reputation. It's clear the rumor-monger has ulterior motives."

"Then... according to your wishes, Madam."

After a moment of thought, Meng Suqiu considered that sending Liu Yueru away would have been enough, but now that the situation had caused such a stir, it would not be so easy to resolve.

Chen Po added, "Now, not only are there rumors about you, Madam, but there are also whispers that the master brought Miss Liu into the residence to take her as a concubine."

This matter could be either big or small.

Liu Yueru herself was not particularly notable, but she was the younger sister of General Liu. Since General Liu had died in battle, the court had treated his family with great favor. If this scandal continued to grow...

Initially, the princess had shown interest in He An, and the emperor had considered granting a marriage. If this matter wasn't handled properly, and the emperor, in an effort to appease the family of a meritorious official, hastily granted her entry into the Prime Minister's residence, it would be disastrous.

After a moment of contemplation, Meng Suqiu whispered a few words to Chen Po, who nodded repeatedly. "This is a good plan."

**

At lunchtime, only Liu Yueru was in the dining room. Chen Po said with a lack of enthusiasm, "Miss Liu, there's no need to wait. There's been some trouble at the residence. Madam is unwell, and the master has not returned. Please feel free to do as you wish."

"Chen Po, what trouble has arisen at the residence?"

"It's about the young madam... but it's nothing serious."

Liu Yueru's heart raced, and she glanced at her maid. The two exchanged knowing glances.

Chen Po sighed again and again, and Liu Yueru guessed that things had likely succeeded.

Since early morning, when Qinghuan and the master left, they had not returned. It was possible she had been detained in the Jingzhao Mansion's prison. Adultery involving an official's family member was a serious crime. She wanted to see how Qinghuan could turn this around.

At that moment, Yingxue, on duty in the plum garden, ran over quickly. "Chen Po, Jiang Ming has returned and said that the master is drunk at the villa. The old madam's wish is to send someone to take care of him."

"I understand. Then... let Minglan go."

"Yes."

Liu Yueru had only eaten a little lunch before finding an excuse to return to the courtyard of the guest rooms.

Upon entering, her maid hurried to help her bathe and change. As she worked, she said, "This is truly an opportunity that comes without effort. Minglan is our person. Tonight, the plan will surely succeed."

As the moment approached, Liu Yueru's thoughts became somewhat scattered, but this was also the best opportunity.

Since she had been staying at the Prime Minister's residence, He An had always treated her with utmost respect, never allowing himself to have any improper thoughts. Now that he was distressed over Qinghuan's matter, taking advantage of such a time to offer him comfort would increase her chances.

At the Prime Minister's villa, Minglan knelt on the ground, sobbing, "Chen Po, please spare my life! It was Liu Yueru who forced me—really, she did!"

"Hmph, as an outsider staying at the Prime Minister's residence, what authority does she have to force you?" Chen Po's eyes were cold. "It's clearly you who, lured by money, framed the young madam."

Minglan shook her head repeatedly, then collapsed to the ground, searching her body frantically and pulling out a money bag. "Chen Po, please spare me. Here is a money bag with two hundred taels of silver in notes and coins."

Minglan knew that if this matter reached the authorities, the charge of framing an official's family member alone would be enough to send her to prison.

Today, she had originally planned to escape while on duty at the villa, but no sooner had she left the Prime Minister's residence than she was dragged into a carriage and escorted there by four or five footmen.

"You can't escape the consequences of your actions, but whether you can carve out a chance for survival depends on you."

Chen Po sighed. She remembered how sharp and resourceful the girl had been when she first joined the household, working under her supervision. It was unexpected that she would make such a mistake.

**

As dusk fell, the sound of a carriage outside the courtyard set the dogs in the neighboring yard barking.

Minglan carefully opened the courtyard gate, and Liu Yueru quickly entered. "Where's Elder Crane Brother?"

"The master is asleep in the main room, still drunk from earlier," said Minglan, pointing over her shoulder to the main room.

Liu Yueru hurried inside, and her maid handed Minglan a banknote. It was too dark for her to notice that Minglan's hand was trembling as she took the banknote.

Liu Yueru stopped in front of the door, her heart racing with excitement. This was the moment she had dreamed of for so long. As long as tonight went well, she would become the master's woman.

Once Ruan Qinghuan was cast out of the Prime Minister's residence, divorced and disgraced, the position of the main wife would be hers.

She told her maid to stay outside and keep watch, then pushed the door open. The room was unlit, and it took a moment before she could make out the outline of the furniture.

The heavy breathing from the bed suggested he was already asleep.

Liu Yueru removed her cape and tossed it aside, slowly walking to the bedside. She murmured, "Elder Crane Brother, don't be sad. If Ruan Qinghuan doesn't cherish you, Yueru truly loves you."

The gates of the villa swung open, and Meng Suqiu strode in, flanked by two elegantly dressed women.

When they reached the inner courtyard, the maid standing in front of the main room was so frightened she forgot to greet them.

Meng Suqiu feigned confusion and asked, "Aren't you the maid by Miss Liu's side? What are you doing here?"

"I...I..."

"You're stammering," Meng Suqiu said, unwilling to bother further, before turning to one of the ladies. "We don't usually use this villa. If Madam Su is genuinely interested in buying it, we can discuss a reasonable price."

"Although this garden is small, its design is exquisite. It would be perfect for my brother's family. Could you show us around the rooms, Madam? It would be a great help."

"Of course, this is the main room in the west courtyard. After we finish here, we can go to the east courtyard..."

"T-the old... the old lady can't go in!" The maid's face turned pale as she tried to block them.

Meng Suqiu's expression turned cold. "You insolent girl, your mistress is only a guest here. Who gave you the right to meddle in my affairs?"

The two ladies exchanged glances, suspecting something fishy was going on.

It was no secret that Miss Liu was staying at the Prime Minister's residence. Could it be that the master and Miss Liu had an improper relationship?

Seeing that she couldn't stop them, the maid came up with a quick plan. "Madam, it's the master..."

"Someone..." Meng Suqiu cut her off, and Chen Po and Yingxue quickly stepped forward, pushing Liu Yueru's maid aside.

Liu Yueru had already heard the commotion outside and decided to go all the way. She groped her way to the bed...

The door was pushed open with a loud bang, and a scream came from inside.

The two ladies who had come to view the property didn't dare to take another step forward. Not everyone could afford to witness the scandal unfolding at the Prime Minister's residence.