Chapter 092: Liu Yueru is Dead

Chapter 092: Liu Yueru is Dead

Outside the door, Pei Chong, wearing a raincoat, called over an officer and asked, "What happened at the Ruan family?"

The officer recognized Pei Chong and hurriedly replied, "Nothing happened at the Ruan family. It's the Liu family in Liuhua Alley that's in trouble."

"Liuhua Alley?" Pei Chong's eyes darkened. Wasn't that where Liu Yueru lived?

Pei Chong was about to ask what had happened when the chief officer came out from inside, gathered the officers, and quickly left. Pei Chong had no choice but to hold back his questions.

He An did not follow them out, which was not surprising. After all, he was the Prime Minister, and cases from the Jingzhao Mansion did not require his personal involvement. However, the fact that the Prefectural Magistrate had sent someone to inform him indicated that the matter was significant.

Due to the rain, the wedding proceedings were simplified. On the way back, Pei Chong ordered his trusted aide to go to the Jingzhao Mansion to inquire. Liu Yueru not showing up today surely meant something had happened. Otherwise, given her hatred for He An, she would not have missed such a good opportunity to strike.

The wedding procession, planned for such a day, was drenched by the pouring rain, washing away much of the festive atmosphere. It felt more like a casual get-together of relatives and friends.

He An stayed with Ruan Qinghuan to entertain the guests until after dinner before heading back, giving the Ruan family enough face. As soon as they left, someone praised, "Yunzhi, you are truly lucky to have such a good son-in-law. Look at how considerate and caring he is towards Qinghuan. The couple seems to be head over heels in love, living a sweet life."

"He An's talent and character are impeccable, and his temperament is also good. I don't need to worry about them."

"Good temperament?" someone raised their voice, "I heard that the Prime Minister is cold and ruthless, lacking in human kindness."

This caused a burst of laughter.

This was true. Being in a high position naturally set him apart from ordinary people. Without a stern and dignified demeanor, how could he command respect?

"Oh, you all are so good with words. Back then, the He family delayed the marriage for two years, clearly wanting to break off the engagement. What's the use of putting on such a show now?"

Zheng Qiaohui, who had come in the rain, heard these flattering words from afar and felt a pang of jealousy. Today was supposed to be Xiaoyue's wedding, yet she didn't hear much auspicious talk.

Hearing this, the elders of the clan frowned, "Second Madam, it's not appropriate to say such things on today's occasion."

"Exactly, your daughter has just gotten married. You really shouldn't bring up past grievances. Besides, the past is the past, and the present is the present. From what we saw today, it's clear that Qinghuan and the Prime Minister have a good relationship."

The Ruan matriarch coughed lightly, not wanting to make a scene. She signaled Zheng Qiaohui to help entertain the guests. It was her daughter's wedding, yet she seemed to be waiting for everything to be handed to her, relying entirely on the main branch to maintain face.

Originally, the matriarch had been upset about the family division for quite some time. But now, it seemed that separation was for the best—out of sight, out of mind. It would also teach her a lesson about the hardships of life, so she wouldn't take everything for granted.

"Liu Yueru is dead?" Ruan Qinghuan was shocked. Although she didn't like Liu Yueru, the sudden death of a living person was still a shock. "How did she die?"

He An's gaze was calm, "The officer just said that Qu Yuancheng did it."

**

"Wasn't Qu Yuancheng imprisoned?"

"I heard that Qu Yuancheng bribed the warden and escaped during a break. He must have been filled with hatred for Liu Yueru. Instead of fleeing the city immediately, he went back home. By the time the officers arrived at the Liu residence, she was already dead."

He An didn't go into details, not wanting Ruan Qinghuan to waste her thoughts on such a malicious woman.

Ruan Qinghuan felt that something was amiss but couldn't quite figure out what it was. She only felt that life was unpredictable, and fate played its cruel hand. Liu Yueru had schemed so much, yet she ended up with such a tragic fate.

He An changed the subject, "I heard you arranged for Wei Xi to work at the Ruan family's rouge shop?"

He An had originally planned to send his cousin back to Jing County, but upon hearing that she had gone to work at the rouge shop, he guessed it was Ruan Qinghuan's idea.

Ruan Qinghuan wasn't sure if she had done the right thing, "I just thought that instead of forcing her to go back, it would be better to let her see things clearly and understand on her own. By then, even if she leaves the capital, she won't hold any grudges."

"Aren't you angry about what she did back then?"

"Angry? How could I not be?" Ruan Qinghuan rolled her eyes at him. "But after spending time together recently, I've realized that Mingxi is just childlike, without any bad intentions. The reason she acted that way was simply because she felt I had stolen her cousin and was resentful."

"Indeed, you did steal, and you came out on top."

Ruan Qinghuan rolled her eyes again. "Can't the Prime Minister be serious for a change?"

"No, in front of my wife, I really can't keep a straight face." After saying this, he unexpectedly kissed her on the lips.

After over twenty years of life, battles, and court politics, only he knew the hardships and helplessness that brought him to his current status.

Serving the emperor is like walking on eggshells; the higher you climb, the less room there is for error. Over time, he became increasingly aloof and unwilling to waste energy on trivial matters.

Until the emperor decided to arrange a marriage for him, forcing him to welcome Ruan Qinghuan into his home...

The Ruan Qinghuan who others described as arrogant and unreasonable gradually overturned his perceptions after entering the mansion.

She was rational and clear-headed, never impulsive, and even remained calm in the face of Liu Yueru's provocations, never making a scene.

Of course, she must have hated him back then, or at least didn't care.

He was truly grateful that they hadn't missed each other, giving him a lifetime to accompany, care for, and cherish her.

Returning to the Prime Minister's residence, the rain had lightened. They went back to Changchun Garden, where Ruan Qinghuan wanted to discuss the opening of the pawnshop with He An. Seeing his troubled expression, she frowned. "It's so late, are you still going out?"

He An: "I need to go to Jingzhao Mansion. The Liu family's case involves martyrs of loyalty, and Ji Lingchuan and I must go and see."

At the mention of Liu Zhongju, Ruan Qinghuan understood. "Go ahead, we can talk about our family matters tomorrow."

Inside Jingzhao Mansion, several bodies were neatly laid out, two of which were Qu Yuancheng and Liu Yueru's. The rest were accomplices in the crime.

Ji Lingchuan arrived earlier. "Qu Yuancheng was ruthless, hiring thugs to assault Liu Yueru, then poisoning the tea to silence everyone and exonerate himself. Unexpectedly, one of them didn't drink much and, in a fit of rage, killed him too. So, this case left no survivors."

The magistrate of Jingzhao Mansion was in a cold sweat. Since the Liu family's orphan arrived in the capital, one incident after another had caused a city-wide uproar. Now, with such a disgraceful death, he didn't know how to report it to his superiors. "Sirs, the emperor is already tired of the Liu family's affairs. What should we do about this?"

He An: "A domestic homicide resulting from marital discord. Submit this case to the Dali Court, and the magistrate won't have to handle this hot potato anymore."

"Yes, thank you for your guidance, sir."

As they left the government office, Ji Lingchuan laughed. "I told you, He An, not seeking revenge isn't like you."