Chapter 90: Husband’s Fear of His Wife, Her Word is Law

Chapter 90: Husband's Fear of His Wife, Her Word is Law

When Chu Li arrived at the Prime Minister's residence to see Ruan Qinghuan, she happened to find her about to leave with Wei Mingxi, who had once been at odds with Ruan Qinghuan. Seeing Wei Mingxi holding Ruan Qinghuan's arm, a flicker of confusion crossed Chu Li's eyes.

When had these two, who were once like fire and water, become so close?

Ruan Qinghuan was delighted to see Chu Li: "Chu Li, what brings you here?"

Chu Li collected her thoughts: "I received an invitation from the Pei family this morning, so I rushed over."

Chu Li had long known about the engagement between the Pei family and the second branch of the Ruan family. Although the Ruan family and the Duke's household had no connections, the Pei family had served as officials for generations. Even though they had declined, they still sent an invitation to the Duke's residence.

"Time flies. In five days, it will be Ruan Xiaoyue's wedding day."

Wei Mingxi sneered: "Sister-in-law, if she ever bullies you again, I'll teach her a lesson."

Chu Li leaned over, not hiding her suspicion: "Little maid, you're lucky if you don't stir up trouble behind her back."

"That... that was before. I definitely won't do that anymore." Since realizing her feelings, Wei Mingxi no longer harbored any hostility toward Ruan Qinghuan. Instead, she found her much easier to get along with than her cold-faced cousin, who never showed her any kindness.

The two escorted Wei Mingxi to the Ruan family's bustling rouge shop. Since the manager had been informed earlier about Wei Mingxi's arrival, he had already arranged tasks for her. Essentially, it was just arranging goods and watching the shop, a way to pass the time.

Ruan Qinghuan gave the manager a few instructions and then left with Chu Li.

After walking a few steps, Chu Li glanced back: "Are you sure she's here to work and not to stir up trouble?"

Ruan Qinghuan couldn't help but chuckle at the remark.

**

As they strolled, Ruan Qinghuan and Chu Li arrived at East Street. The pawnshop, managed by the capable Xia Lian, was ready to open, just waiting for an auspicious date to be chosen.

Chu Li had no interest in business but couldn't help praising the shop's facade: "The pawnshop's front is so grand and eye-catching. I noticed it as soon as I turned the corner. I wonder where they found such skilled craftsmen."

"Yes, the craftsmen did an excellent job." Ruan Qinghuan didn't mention that she had drawn the designs herself.

She wanted to run the business but couldn't be involved in everything personally. After all, she was now the Prime Minister's wife and couldn't frequently appear in public, so she had to remain a behind-the-scenes owner.

Xia Lian was busy inside and didn't notice her. Not wanting to disturb them, Ruan Qinghuan and Chu Li went to a nearby teahouse.

They ordered a pot of good tea and began chatting. Chu Li brought up the question that had been on her mind: "What's going on with Wei Mingxi? She used to be so jealous of you, but now she's calling you 'sister-in-law' all the time."

"She probably had a change of heart," Ruan Qinghuan said lightly, brushing it off. "I heard that after you returned to the Duke's residence, the Duke hired three tutors to teach you embroidery, poetry, and music. How's that going?"

At the mention of this, Chu Li's expression darkened: "Don't even ask. Those three tutors are so boring, droning on with endless moral lessons, all about teaching me to be a submissive wife."

"A submissive wife?" Ruan Qinghuan couldn't help but laugh. "That's a bit challenging for you."

"Exactly! So I came up with all sorts of ways to drive the tutors away."

That sounded like something she would do.

After chatting for a while, Chu Li remembered something important: "On the tenth of September, my cousin is hosting a banquet at the residence. She asked me to tell you to make sure you and the Prime Minister attend. It'll be a good chance for us to catch up."

Ruan Qinghuan thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

By the tenth, the Ruan family should have completed their division of assets.

She wanted to ask Chu Li about her mysterious relationship with Ji Lingchuan, but Chu Li kept dodging the topic. Seeing this, Ruan Qinghuan decided not to press further and changed the subject.

**

In the Jingzhao Mansion prison, Qu Yuancheng, disheveled and gaunt, leaned against the cold, damp wall. He had been imprisoned for nearly a month. Recently, the frequency of torture had decreased, and the food rations had been reduced. His survival instinct drove him to yearn for release as soon as possible.

Footsteps sounded from outside, and he hurriedly crawled to the cell bars. The foul smell of spoiled food wafted in, but his eyes gleamed with hunger. At this moment, eating was about survival, not enjoyment.

As the jailer approached with food, Qu Yuancheng noticed a nobleman accompanying him. Upon closer look, he dropped his bowl in shock and retreated to the corner of his cell.

He An's gaze was as cold as a thousand-year-old glacier, and Qu Yuancheng dared not meet his eyes.

The cell door creaked open, and He An stepped inside.

Seeing no way out, Qu Yuancheng knelt on the ground, bowing his head repeatedly. "Please, Your Excellency, spare my life! I knew nothing about what happened that day. It was all Liu Yueru's doing. She said she wanted to compensate me by arranging a concubine for me. I wouldn’t dare to covet the Prime Minister's wife, even if I had the courage of a lion and a leopard!"

"I know," He An replied calmly. "That's why I’m here today—to set you free."

Qu Yuancheng thought he had misheard and looked up in confusion. He An continued, "But Liu Yueru is out for your blood. I don’t know what schemes she might employ in the future. If you want to survive, you’ll have to rely on yourself."

At these words, hatred flashed in Qu Yuancheng's eyes, followed by a flicker of fear. No matter how wicked Liu Yueru was, she carried the merit of her brother's military achievements and was skilled in scheming. She might indeed find a way to end him.

Once outside the cell, Ji Lingchuan leaned in to sniff Qu Yuancheng and immediately recoiled in disgust. "You could have let the jailers handle this. Why did you come personally?"

He An shrugged. "This concerns my wife. I had to handle it myself."

Ji Lingchuan sighed in disappointment. "I never expected that someone as loyal and upright as Liu Zhongju could have such a malicious sister. I heard that since her release, she’s been secretly cozying up to..."

He paused mid-sentence, glancing at He An's darkening expression.

He An sneered. "Pei Chong really has no standards. He’d even take a woman like her."

"It’s not Liu Yueru he wants. It’s her hatred for you. If I’m not mistaken, Pei Chong plans to use her against you."

He An remained unfazed. "Let’s see what tricks they have up their sleeves."

With that, he strode away. Ji Lingchuan hurried after him. "Hey, since we’ve got nothing else to do today, how about grabbing a drink?"

"Not interested."

"Come on, you’re a grown man. If you keep rushing home after work, people will start thinking you’re henpecked," Ji Lingchuan teased with a grin. "Let’s go have a drink?"

He An stopped abruptly and gave him a cold stare. Ji Lingchuan squirmed under his gaze and finally admitted, "Alright, I need your help with something."

"I can’t help you."

"You haven’t even heard what it is! After all these years of friendship, you’re just going to brush me off like that?" Ji Lingchuan blocked his path, annoyed. "At least hear me out."

He An remained unmoved. "You’re only worried now? You should’ve thought about it earlier. If you want Chu Li to forgive you, you’ll have to figure it out yourself."

"I’ve tried, but ever since she returned to the capital, she’s been like a different person. She acts like I’m invisible. Every time I go to the Duke’s residence to see her, she’s always 'not available'..." He trailed off, then asked, "You and your wife had a three-year delay before your wedding. How did you finally get her to forgive you?"

"By being henpecked. Whatever she said, I obeyed."

Ji Lingchuan: "..."

Henpecked?

For a man who had once commanded armies, the idea was...