Chapter 28: Hey, Is Your Wife Reliable?

Chapter 28: Hey, Is Your Wife Reliable?

He An was about to step forward, but Ruan Qinghuan gave him a subtle signal, suggesting they observe the Second Prince's intentions before acting.

Although He An was displeased, he halted his steps when he saw Ruan Qinghuan's warning look.

Ruan Qinghuan wasn't stupid. With so many women in the prince's palace, it was only natural that Chen Wang's consort wasn't as magnanimous as she appeared. The fact that she said something like that in front of everyone was clearly intended for Ruan Qinghuan to hear.

It seemed like she was setting the stage for He An.

The Second Prince wanted to win He An over. The best way to control a man was to place a woman by his side, allowing constant surveillance of his movements.

But that didn't make sense. He An was known for his ascetic and indifferent nature; in twenty-six years, not a single scandal involving men and women had surfaced about him.

Things only started getting chaotic after Ruan Qinghuan entered the Prime Minister's residence.

Where did the Second Prince get the idea that the woman he sent would win He An's heart?

After being publicly scolded by Chen Wang, his consort immediately changed her expression. "Madam, I have a straightforward personality. I hope you won't take my earlier words to heart."

This gave Ruan Qinghuan an opportunity to save face.

"Your humble servant wouldn't dare."

After exchanging a few words with the young masters who came over to greet him, the Second Prince was about to leave. Before departing, he patted He An on the shoulder. "I can only help you this far today, my friend."

He An: "..."

It seemed Ruan Qinghuan was right. The earlier scene was indeed a performance for the couple.

The Crown Prince shook his head. "The Chen Wang has always been unrestrained in his actions. What happened today was indeed inappropriate."

The Crown Princess frowned in disapproval. "Your Highness didn't see the situation just now. Did the Chen Wang's consort show any semblance of dignity?"

It was as if she was no different from those street performers who used their looks to entertain.

Ruan Qinghuan smiled lightly. "There's no need for the Crown Princess to be angry. I'm fine."

The Crown Princess nodded. After this incident, she began to view Ruan Qinghuan with some admiration. Despite the public humiliation from Chen Wang's consort, Ruan Qinghuan remained calm.

He An took the opportunity to lead Ruan Qinghuan to a quieter spot. "Should I ask Jiang Ming and Jiang Qi to escort you back?"

"If I go back now, it would truly be slapping your face," Ruan Qinghuan said nonchalantly. "It's foolish to let a fool provoke you."

He An: "..."

He understood. Ruan Qinghuan was calling Chen Wang's consort a fool.

Though she hadn't said it outright, it didn't really matter.

Ruan Qinghuan glanced at him. "The Second Prince is about to send a woman your way. Have you figured out how to deal with it?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"They've already dealt with me, your Madam, so what else do you expect?" Ruan Qinghuan sighed. "The only thing I don't understand is why they think you're a lustful person."

"I'm not."

"I know," Ruan Qinghuan said with a cold smile. "But that's what they think you are."

He An: "……"

Although he didn't refute Ruan Qinghuan, he thought that this time she must be mistaken. If the second prince really had such intentions, why would he wait until today?

It was actually the emperor who had considered this. Worried that Ji Lingchuan would take sides among the princes, he had briefly entertained the idea of arranging a marriage.

When Ji Lingchuan arrived, the two had almost finished their conversation. He looked like someone ready to watch a good show. "Guess who I just saw?"

He An didn't say anything.

Ruan Qinghuan wasn't interested either. The people Ji Lingchuan knew, she might not necessarily know.

The two were being uncooperative. Ji Lingchuan felt a bit disappointed but couldn't resist sharing, "Liu Yueru."

Ruan Qinghuan: "Who?"

Ji Lingchuan repeated, "Liu Yueru."

Ruan Qinghuan glanced at He An, then at Ji Lingchuan. The questions in her mind seemed to have found answers. She looked around but didn't see Liu Yueru.

Ji Lingchuan said, "Don't look anymore. She's gone to the inner courtyard."

Ruan Qinghuan: "……"

When she first arrived, she overheard a maid say that the innermost courtyard of the peach garden was the second prince's private residence and not a place guests could casually visit.

The answer in her heart was probably about eighty percent correct. Ruan Qinghuan raised an eyebrow. "You're on your own, Lord He."

Both He An and Ji Lingchuan looked puzzled.

Just as Ji Lingchuan was about to ask what was going on, he saw someone enter the garden gate. He immediately panicked and hid behind Ruan Qinghuan.

"In broad daylight, did you see a ghost?" Ruan Qinghuan was confused.

He An saw Chu Li enter the garden and said, "His nemesis has arrived."

Nemesis?

Wasn't that Chu Li, the daughter of the Chu Duke?

In the original story, Ji Lingchuan often acted tough, which eventually led Chu Li to call off their engagement and become a nun out of frustration.

Ruan Qinghuan sighed inwardly. What kind of company did He An keep?

Ruan Qinghuan grinned. "Don't worry, I'll handle it. I'll tell her you've already left."

Ji Lingchuan was deeply grateful. "Thank you, Madam. You are truly righteous."

Ruan Qinghuan watched Ji Lingchuan slip into the corner of the peach forest, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. When her gaze met He An's, she composed herself, cleared her throat, and walked away.

He An couldn't shake the feeling that she had been brewing some mischief.

Her sky-blue dress flowed gracefully with each step, and the delicate hairpin on her head swayed gently, adding a touch of elegance.

Chu Li searched the crowd anxiously, having confirmed that Ji Lingchuan was at the peach blossom banquet, but she couldn't find him anywhere.

Just as she was about to search deeper, a sky-blue figure appeared before her. Chu Li looked at Ruan Qinghuan, puzzled. "Who are you…?"

"My identity isn't important. What matters is that I know exactly who you're looking for." Ruan Qinghuan said with a smile.

Chu Li's eyes, which had been filled with disappointment, instantly lit up. "Really? I'm looking for Ji Lingchuan."

Ruan Qinghuan turned her head and pointed toward the corner where Ji Lingchuan was hiding. "He's over there. You should approach from the eastern path so he can't run away."

Ji Lingchuan, hiding in the corner, couldn't hear their conversation, but from their actions alone, he could tell that Ruan Qinghuan wasn't helping him.

"Hey, is your wife reliable?" He tried to kick He An, but He An flicked his sleeve and walked away.

It wasn't until his ear was grabbed from behind that Ji Lingchuan was dragged out, screaming. "Miss Chu, can't we talk this out? Why are you pulling my ear?"

"Talk it out?" Chu Li was livid. "You've been back in the capital for so long, why haven't you come to visit me at the Duke's mansion?"

Not only had he not visited her, but she also couldn't find him. It was obvious he was deliberately avoiding her.

If it weren't for that helpful woman who showed her the way, he would have run off again once he spotted her.

And so, in full view of everyone, Ji Lingchuan was dragged out of the garden.

As noon approached, it was time for the young masters and noblewomen to showcase their talents. Paintings and poems were hung around the peach garden. Some noblewomen had prepared dances and musical performances, while the young masters would compose poems and perform archery.

However, few bothered with swordplay. After all, who would come to such a banquet for exercise?

After circling the area, Ruan Qinghuan still couldn't find Liu Yueru. This confirmed that the second prince's plan for today might involve her.

She hadn't told He An earlier because she wasn't sure, but now, it was almost certain.

"Liu Yueru's presence here might have something to do with you. Keep an eye out," she said, taking out a pouch from her bosom. "This is a refreshing incense. You should take it."

"Why do you have this?"

Could Ruan Qinghuan tell him that she had prepared it just in case, to protect herself against him?

She had planned that if He An had any ulterior motives, she would knock him out, and this incense was the antidote.

But as things turned out, her careful preparations were meant for her own protection but ended up benefiting He An.