Chapter 094: Are the daughters of the Duke’s family now reduced to pawning their belongings to get by?

Chapter 094: Are the daughters of the Duke's family now reduced to pawning their belongings to get by?

Pei Chong's plan had failed, and he spent his days secluded in his study.

The disaster in Lu City was unlikely to be traced back to him. However, the matter of private soldiers was a different story. Having been by the Second Prince's side for so many years, as the commander of the Southern Camp of the city defense army, he had been deeply involved in the private soldiers' affairs.

Although the incident was officially concluded as a bandit suppression, Pei Chong sensed that things were more complicated. On one hand, the Emperor seemed unwilling to pursue the matter further, but on the other hand, he was strictly investigating the main responsible parties for the disaster relief and governance failures, as well as the rampant banditry.

This appeared to be a deliberate strategy aimed at the Second Prince's faction.

Now that the investigation had reached the Ministry of Revenue, if Qi Yuanchang fell, then he...

Originally, He An was a sharp blade in the Emperor's hand, highly trusted and relied upon. But in this matter, the Emperor seemed to intentionally suppress He An's momentum, handing over most of the authority to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. This left Pei Chong deeply perplexed.

This Jiang Jie was originally a clerk in the Supreme Court, an unremarkable person who suddenly rose to the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court overnight.

Moreover, upon assuming power, he acted with decisive force, even blatantly disregarding He An. Could he have displayed such audacity without the Emperor's backing?

Pei Chong took a deep breath. Jiang Jie's promotion was too abrupt, leaving him momentarily unable to comprehend it. But Qi Yuanchang's attempt to ingratiate himself with Jiang Jie at this time was clearly calculated.

Could it be that Qi Yuanchang had caught wind of something?

Recently, the Prime Minister's residence had closed its doors to visitors, leaving officials who sought ways to save their lives out in the cold. This only added to the growing uncertainty within the court.

He An was the hero of Lu City, yet the comprehensive investigation was entrusted to Jiang Jie... But no matter who was in charge, it seemed like they had become the King of Hell, completely unreachable.

Pei Chong rose to his feet. It seemed imperative that he meet this Jiang Jie. Since he was opposed to He An, perhaps they could become friends.

Ruan Xiaoyue waited all morning, but Pei Chong did not come. Her mood grew more irritable and angry. He had not returned last night and offered no explanation upon his return, which was simply too much.

But for her to apologize first, Ruan Xiaoyue couldn't swallow her pride.

The door opened, and Pei Chong walked in, dressed in casual clothes, holding an exquisite brocade box: "Last night's matter was my oversight. My lady, please be magnanimous and do not take it to heart."

As he spoke, he handed the brocade box to Ruan Xiaoyue: "This is a gift I prepared earlier. See if you like it?"

Ruan Xiaoyue: "..."

Taking the box, Ruan Xiaoyue's mood improved: "My lord is thoughtful."

Pei Chong gave Xiao Qing a look, and she retreated.

Ruan Xiaoyue opened the box to find a phoenix-carved gold hairpin, exquisitely crafted and lifelike. She liked it very much.

Pei Chong pulled her into his arms, speaking sincerely: "From now on, my lady will be the mistress of the Pei residence. I will have my mother hand over the household management to you tomorrow."

Ruan Xiaoyue was surprised, looking up at him with joy but hesitating: "I just married into the family, I'm afraid..."

"Don't be afraid. It will be handed over to you sooner or later. Just take charge and act like the mistress."

Ruan Xiaoyue was secretly delighted.

Pei Chong's kiss landed on her forehead, and Ruan Xiaoyue blushed: "It's broad daylight, my lord, don't be mischievous... Ah..."

With a light gasp, she was lifted and carried to the bed. Pei Chong kissed her lips: "Our wedding night was delayed by official business, so let's make up for it now."

The room was enveloped in intimacy, and after a while, only Ruan Xiaoyue's gentle breaths could be heard.

Pei Chong held her in his arms, letting out an almost imperceptible sigh.

"Why is my lord sighing?"

"There are many matters in the court recently, and quite a few things need to be taken care of. I need to visit the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court later to get some information."

"What has happened that troubles my lord so much? Is it very difficult?"

"It's not a big deal, but the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has been very influential lately, and he seems to look down on everyone. I'm not sure if he will even grant me an audience." Pei Chong sighed again in frustration: "Back when I was working under the Second Prince, I fear that some people might use this against me. The words of the court officials are like knives that kill without drawing blood, and we must be cautious."

Ruan Xiaoyue sat up, her face showing concern. Even though she didn't understand much about court affairs, she knew that serving the emperor is like walking on thin ice: "Should I ask Xiao Rou to inquire with Ruan Qinghuan?"

She couldn't possibly meet Ruan Qinghuan herself, but if Xiao Rou inquired, things might work out.

Pei Chong shook his head: "The Emperor now highly regards the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and has entrusted him with full authority over this matter. Even the Prime Minister is only assisting in supervision."

Ruan Xiaoyue: "What should we do then?"

"We'll have to find a way through Jiang Jie. I'll go see my mother later and withdraw two thousand taels of silver from the family treasury as a congratulatory gift for his promotion." Pei Chong stood up: "I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you. Two thousand taels of silver is not a small amount, and it will take three to five days to gather. I might not be home these few days..."

As Pei Chong was about to leave, Ruan Xiaoyue called out: "My lord, wait."

Pei Chong turned around and smiled reassuringly: "I'll return once I've finished. This matter concerns the Pei family and my future, so I can't afford to be careless."

Ruan Xiaoyue held onto him: "Listen to me, my lord. Withdrawing funds from the family treasury will take time, but you can take it from me first."

She turned around, took two thousand taels in silver notes from a box in the cabinet, and handed them over. Pei Chong hesitated: "You've just married into the family, this..."

"Since we are already married, there's no need to distinguish between yours and mine. I am bound to the Pei family, and I should contribute as well. Don't say more, my lord, go and take care of the important matters."

Pei Chong's eyes deepened, showing a hint of gratitude: "Thank you, my lady."

As soon as Pei Chong left, Ruan Xiaoyue lazily lay back on the bed, reminiscing about the tenderness and his gentle demeanor. The frustration in her heart had already dissipated.

He said that he would hand over the management of the household affairs to her tomorrow. Ruan Xiaoyue smiled smugly, her eyes filled with pride.

She heard that Ruan Qinghuan still hadn't taken charge of the Prime Minister's household management. What's the use of pretending to be affectionate on the surface?

**

East Street was particularly bustling today. Ruan Qinghuan's long-prepared pawnshop finally opened. Since a suitable candidate couldn't be found, the shopkeeper was an experienced man from the He family's shop, over fifty years old, kind yet shrewd, and very thorough in his work.

The event plan Ruan Qinghuan had prepared in advance worked very well under his arrangement.

Today, customers who came to pawn items would receive an extra tael of silver in addition to the price of their items, and this tael would not be included in the redemption fee when they reclaimed their items.

This news caused quite a stir.

Ruan Qinghuan stood by the window on the second floor, watching the bustling crowd below. Some had already started queuing up, while others ran off upon hearing about the event, probably to see what they could pawn at home.

The event lasted only three days and accepted only gold and silver utensils, antiques, and paintings. It was an easy way to earn an extra tael of silver, so why not take advantage of it?

Chu Li walked in through a path cleared by the guards, holding a jade-carved white horse from a maid: "Today, I want to pawn this."

As soon as she said this, the crowd fell silent. Was the daughter of a duke resorting to pawning her belongings?