Chapter 039: I Have a Perfect Plan

Chapter 039: I Have a Perfect Plan

The now calmed-down Chu Li rushed over just as she was about to speak and saw this scene.

Was that fear in He An's eyes?

Ruan Qinghuan looked at the Prime Minister's residence carriage not far away and assumed he was heading to the Ministry of Finance.

She patted his back. "It's okay, I'm really fine."

"You are not leaving my side from now on," he said, taking her hand to leave.

Chu Li: "..."

Seeing the Prime Minister's domineering attitude, which was actually concern, Chu Li couldn't help but feel a little envious.

Ruan Qinghuan held onto He An. "You have official business, sir. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to follow you. Besides, what just happened was an accident, a matter of probability. I'll be more careful in the future."

Looking at Chu Li, she continued, "I also want to have a chat with Chu Li. Why don't you go ahead with your business, sir, alright?"

"No," He An's tone brooked no argument.

If the wind hadn't lifted the carriage curtain at that moment, he wouldn't have noticed her in danger. If he had been any slower, she might have been trampled under the horse's hooves.

He An had never experienced fear before.

No matter the situation, if he wanted to do something, he only needed to figure out the how and then wait for the result.

But today, this feeling of losing control was different. When it came to Ruan Qinghuan, he realized he couldn't take any risks.

In just a short time, quite a crowd had gathered, and the guards from the Duke's residence, recognizing He An, didn't dare to approach.

Ruan Qinghuan softened her tone and took two steps forward. "Husband, so many people are watching. Can you please show me some respect? If you keep pulling that cold face, people will think you're scolding your wife."

"I..."

"How about this? I'll wait for you at the teahouse near the shop. Come fetch me after you're done at the Ministry."

He An took a deep breath. "Wait here for me. Don't go anywhere."

After finally coaxing He An away, Ruan Qinghuan felt utterly drained.

"I'm so sorry, Madam. I didn't see you," Chu Li, feeling guilty and miserable, looked utterly wronged.

Ruan Qinghuan took her to the teahouse. "Where are you headed?"

"To find that jerk Ji Lingchuan," Chu Li, furious, said. "How dare he run even after the Emperor's decree? Isn't he afraid of being punished?"

The two sat down in a private room, and Ruan Qinghuan poured two cups of tea.

The aroma of the tea filled the air, and snacks were laid out on the table, but neither of them had the mood to eat.

"Chu Li, the decree didn't specify a wedding date."

Hearing this, Chu Li felt even more uncertain and her eyes turned red. "Does that mean he's going to run away forever? No matter what, even if I have to search the ends of the earth, I'll find him."

"That won't happen. Although there's no date set, the marriage is a certainty. It's just a matter of time," Ruan Qinghuan sighed. "Let me ask you, do you want Ji Lingchuan to marry you because of the imperial decree, or do you want him to marry you out of love?"

Chu Li: "That goes without saying, but look at how he behaves. Every time he sees me, it's like I'm a disaster to him. He doesn't see any good in me at all."

"Chu Li, liking someone sometimes requires strategy. You're eager for him to know your feelings, but have you considered that your approach might be wrong?"

Chu Li looked confused, not understanding her meaning.

Ruan Qinghuan handed her a sliced sweet melon: "I think you need to make him realize whether he likes you or not."

Upon hearing this, Chu Li's eyes reddened: "I know he doesn't like me."

She then began to sob.

It had only been a day since the imperial decree was issued, and now Ji Lingchuan had already run off. How could she not be heartbroken? Ruan Qinghuan moved closer, and Chu Li, upset, laid her head on her shoulder and sniffled: "I, I treated him so well, and he even said he would marry me. Why, what makes me unworthy of him?"

Ruan Qinghuan gently patted her back and took the handkerchief Xia Lian handed her: "You're wonderful, but Ji Lingchuan just hasn't realized it yet. You've been chasing too eagerly; how could he notice your good qualities when he's only focused on running away?"

Chu Li looked up, studying Ruan Qinghuan: "So what should I do?"

"You need to be patient and take it slow. When he returns after handling his official duties, I'll have a plan by then."

"Will it really work?"

"Not necessarily, but if he cares, it will definitely work."

A look of surprise flashed in Chu Li's eyes as she tightly gripped Ruan Qinghuan's hand: "Then I don't want to wait anymore. Madam, come with me to find him, alright?"

Ruan Qinghuan: "..."

Knowing Chu Li's personality, Ruan Qinghuan couldn't help but chuckle: "Sister, as the Prime Minister's wife, how could I just leave?"

Chu Li, initially disappointed, suddenly thought of something and grabbed Ruan Qinghuan: "You can. I know this trip of Ji Lingchuan's is related to the Prime Minister's visit to Lu City. If you travel with the Prime Minister, it would solve the problem."

Ruan Qinghuan was taken aback: "How could that work? I have a pawnshop to open."

"Madam, are you confused? Is the Prime Minister more important to you, or is the pawnshop more important?"

This girl was starting to lecture her instead, so Ruan Qinghuan patiently explained: "It's different. The Prime Minister is on official business, not sightseeing. It would be very inconvenient to bring me along; I don't want to be a bother."

"That might not be the case. If you accompany him, it would actually make it less likely to raise suspicion."

Ruan Qinghuan: "..." Just moments ago, she was furious, having caused a scene by riding through the market, but now she was speaking so rationally.

Pretending to be angry, Ruan Qinghuan said: "Alright, I was genuinely concerned for you, and now you’re acting like this."

"No, Madam, I know Ji Lingchuan is dealing with official matters this time, but I was truly angry... yet I still helped him."

Everyone assumed Ji Lingchuan had fled back to the military camp, and it did seem like a good solution.

Ruan Qinghuan sat back down, maintaining a cold expression as Chu Li pleaded: "Madam, I truly didn't deceive you. Look into my eyes, listen to my voice, and see the tear stains on your shoulder... I'm really feeling wronged and heartbroken."

While Chu Li knew the trip was for official business, she also knew Ji Lingchuan’s desire to escape was genuine.

"I understand." How could Ruan Qinghuan bear to stay angry with her?

Seeing that she wasn't holding a grudge, Chu Li quickly refilled her tea: "But everything I said earlier was sincere. If you travel with the Prime Minister, it will definitely confuse the spies in Lu City and make them lower their guard."

Ruan Qinghuan: "..."

The matter of private soldiers was a serious issue, a matter of life and death. Ruan Qinghuan had always kept to herself, but now, the situation had reached the Prime Minister's residence.

Should she help with the cleaning?

"By the way, my cousin told me that Qian Yunxi, the daughter of the former Minister of Revenue, has always had her sights set on the Chancellor. And, they are currently staying in Lu City. Aren't you worried she might try to seduce the Chancellor?"

"If he can be seduced, he's not worth holding onto."

She coughed awkwardly.

Ruan Qinghuan: "Are you okay? Your throat sound rough?"

Chu Li shot her a warning glance. When she turned around, she saw He An standing there, his expression icy cold.

Realizing she'd stirred up trouble, Chu Li said, "Look, I'll buy the tea today. You two chat for a bit."