Chapter 120: Is the Backer Really the Emperor?

Chapter 120: Is the Backer Really the Emperor?

"Don't worry, with you being the First Rank Lady of the Imperial Court from the Ruan family, even if the Crown Prince is anxious, he wouldn't dare to interfere with the Ruan family."

Ruan Qinghuan lowered her head. Though the words were comforting, Qingzhou's recent injury made her unable to relax her vigilance.

Recalling when he took her to Lu City for disaster relief, she was initially unwilling. Now, thinking back, it actually provided a safeguard for the Ruan family.

"What's the story behind the Revival Pill?"

Senior Xu mentioned that this Revival Pill is extremely rare and precious. How did He An come by it?

Ruan Qinghuan suddenly realized she knew very little about He An. She initially thought that after two years of marriage, they could go their separate ways, each living their own lives. Initially, she didn't pay much attention to his matters.

But now things are different. They have become a real couple, with a harmonious relationship, naturally caring for each other.

Returning to the room without thinking, He An knew he couldn't keep this matter from her: "The Revival Pill was crafted by my master, Master Xuyang. When Ji Lingchuan and I were young, we trained in martial arts at Xuyang Valley. My master promised to give me a Revival Pill as a life-saving resource in emergencies."

"So, you went and got this Revival Pill for Qingzhou, didn't you?"

"This Revival Pill has served its purpose well. With it and Senior Xu's treatment, Qingzhou won't suffer any lasting effects."

Ruan Qinghuan was deeply moved and leaned against him.

The recent events had left her both physically and mentally drained, especially when she heard that Qingzhou's life was in grave danger. The worry, fear, and helplessness she felt plunged her into unprecedented despair.

After leaning quietly against him for a while, she suddenly whispered, "He An, I'm so glad to have you."

**

In the main hall, over a dozen tables were filled to capacity. Not only were there relatives and friends of the Ruan family, but also many officials from the capital had come to pay their respects.

Out of courtesy, the second branch of the Ruan family and the Pei family were also invited.

Pei Wen, upon entering and seeing the luxurious courtyard of the Ruan family, began to make snide comments: "Hmph, we share the same surname, Ruan, but the difference is night and day. Sister is honored as the First Rank Lady, while sister-in-law has to rely on our Pei family to save face."

Ruan Xiaoyue sat coldly to the side, watching Pei Chong remain indifferent to his sister's words. She felt a lump in her throat, but with so many people around, she could only hold it in.

Madam Pei glared at her daughter: "You, keep your mouth shut."

Pei Wen was not one to hold back. The Pei family had agreed to marry Ruan Xiaoyue because of the Ruan family's wealth. Now, it seemed like a wasted effort, as the second branch of the Ruan family had been moved to a separate residence:

"Mother, I'm just telling the truth. We've been here for so long, and look, does the Ruan family even care about us?" Pei Wen was indignant: "This is all thanks to sister-in-law. We've contributed our share, yet we're still being snubbed. Isn't it infuriating?"

Since entering the mansion, Pei Chong had been observing the guests. The Ruan family wouldn't send invitations to officials, yet many had come today, clearly to show support for He An.

Recently, dealing with the Crown Prince had become increasingly difficult. The failed attempt to poison Ruan Qingzhou had cost the Pei family a lot of money. If this continues, they might not be able to hold on.

Now, to get money, apart from the Ruan family, there was no other option.

Seeing his mother-in-law talking to the Ruan matriarch, Pei Chong said: "Since you're back, go and pay your respects to grandmother, say some nice words. If your parents can move back to the Ruan mansion, life will be easier in the future."

Ruan Xiaoyue: "..."

What was he planning? She knew all too well.

In front of everyone, it was absolutely impossible for her to lower herself to the main branch of the family.

Pei Chong's face turned cold, his voice low but threatening: "Ruan Xiaoyue, don't test my patience."

The surrounding people, sensing the tension, turned to look. Some were relatives of the Ruan family, already aware of the second branch being moved to a separate residence.

It's all the fault of the Madam from the second branch for lacking judgment—how dare she embezzle funds and falsify the accounts?

No wonder the Madam ultimately turned a blind eye to this matter.

**

In the midst of the standoff, suddenly the gatekeeper loudly announced: "The Minister of Justice, Jiang Jie, has arrived at the estate."

At these words, the courtyard fell silent for a moment.

This newly appointed Minister Jiang has become the bane of the court officials. Shortly after taking office, he has investigated and dealt with many high-ranking officials in the court. Even Minister Qi of Revenue, connected by marriage, might not escape this calamity.

The most talked-about topic in the court at the moment is that the Minister of Revenue wanted to form a marriage alliance with Minister Jiang, and Minister Jiang agreed.

It was assumed that Minister Jiang would show leniency towards the Qi family as a result, but two days ago in court, Minister Jiang personally submitted evidence of corruption, implicating Minister Qi again. This act, in the Emperor's presence, solidified his reputation for loyalty.

But it also made other court officials avoid him even more.

This man is capricious and merciless, forcing those who seek to ingratiate themselves with him to keep their distance, lest he stab them in the back at any moment.

Ruan Qinghuan's expression soured. Jiang Jie is an enigma. Although He An had clearly stated that their relationship was cooperative, she always felt that he seemed to have a grudge against He An.

Despite holding a lower official rank, he displayed no fear, indicating that he must have a powerful backer.

But is this backer really the Emperor?

Or... the Crown Prince?

He An gave her hand a reassuring pat: "Madam, rest assured, I will go and see."

Jiang Jie showed no hesitation. After exchanging greetings with He An and Ji Lingchuan, he joined them at the table: "I am here today to discuss urgent matters with the Prime Minister."

He An remained calm: "For Minister Jiang to come at this late hour, it must be of great importance. Shall we move to the side hall?"

"No need, although this matter is important, it's not a secret." Jiang Jie showed concern: "The assassin apprehended at the martial arts field has bitten off his tongue and taken his own life."

Ji Lingchuan pounded the table: "What? How could the Dali Temple let this happen?"

"The guards on duty had confiscated all potentially harmful objects, but they didn't expect him to bite off his tongue."

Ji Lingchuan, bristling with anger, made to rise, but Chu Li pressed him down, whispering: "Let's wait to hear the Prime Minister's response."

What is there to say?

With the man dead, there's no evidence left.

Ruan Qinghuan's gaze turned somber. She knew clearly that if that person was indeed sent by the Crown Prince, silencing him would be easy.

But such a simple logic, she could think of, and naturally, He An could too.

Meanwhile, Jiang Jie, confronted with such a significant event, remained composed, clearly confident that he would not be implicated.

He An was silent for a moment, then spoke indifferently: "In such a situation, what Minister Jiang should do is report to the Emperor at tomorrow's morning court, not come to see me late at night."

"Prime Minister, you misunderstand. This case was ordered by the Emperor for you to oversee. I dare not neglect it. Moreover, the injured is your brother-in-law. Now that the perpetrator is dead, it can be considered that he has paid for his crimes."

Ruan Qinghuan sneered upon hearing this: "Whether it is a true confession and punishment is for the Emperor to decide. Minister Jiang's conclusion is premature."

Seeing him hand a brocade box to He An, he said unhurriedly: "What the Prime Minister's wife says is correct. I will report this truthfully to the Emperor. Besides official business, I am also here to celebrate Master Ruan's appointment as the deputy commander of the Jiangnan garrison. I've brought some humble gifts, and I hope Madam will find them acceptable."

Ruan Qinghuan frowned and said nothing.

He An: "Minister Jiang is too kind."