Chapter 144: What Schemes Can She Still Pull?

Chapter 144: What Schemes Can She Still Pull?

Since the Pei family's downfall, the second branch of the Ruan family was brought back to the Ruan residence. Ruan Xiaoyue had mostly recovered her health, and Ruan Chenglin planned to move back to the villa, but was stopped by his elder brother, Ruan Chengfu.

Ruan Chenglin felt too ashamed to stay at home: "Elder brother, we were fortunate to survive the prison ordeal thanks to the Prime Minister. We cannot stay at home now. If this case takes a new turn, you will also be implicated."

Ruan Chengfu knew there were risks but did not intend to let them move out: "You returned to the Ruan residence right after being released from prison. Trying to distance yourselves now is likely too late. Instead of wasting time, think carefully about your relationship with the Pei family and prepare a divorce petition to submit to Jingzhao Mansion."

"But Pei Chong's current whereabouts are unknown. Can the divorce really go through?"

"Father, just try. I have two secret letters he sent to Qi Prefecture. Presenting these to Jingzhao Mansion may not absolve us of guilt, but it could serve as some leverage."

Ruan Xiaoyue, leaning on her sister for support, came over. Given the volatile situation, even if not for herself, she couldn't bear to see her parents and siblings implicated because of her.

Whether the divorce succeeds or not, presenting evidence would count in our favor.

Ruan Chenglin was surprised his daughter had such a backup plan: "Has the Prime Minister seen this?"

Ruan Xiaoyue nodded: "I copied the letters and handed them to my sister."

When Ruan Qinghuan returned and heard that her uncle had gone to Jingzhao Mansion, she knew it was about the divorce.

She had consulted He An about this. Although it was not easy to handle, it showed Ruan Xiaoyue's stance of not colluding with Pei Chong.

Previously, the two would clash and argue every time they met. Now, with the second branch causing such a mess, Ruan Chengfu feared his daughter's temper might flare up again and cause another argument with Xiaoyue, so he tried to coax her back to the east courtyard.

Unexpectedly, his daughter supported Xiaoyue and headed towards Jingxin Pavilion.

Both seemed calm, without their usual anger or resentment.

Through this ordeal, as an uncle, he hoped Xiaoyue had truly moved on.

**

On the way, Ruan Xiaoyue was visibly anxious, unsure if her earlier request to Ruan Qinghuan would be granted, given her status as a convicted person barred from leaving the capital.

They walked very slowly, letting Xiao Rou go ahead to Jingxin Pavilion.

Ruan Qinghuan understood her concerns and looked uneasy.

Ruan Xiaoyue guessed the outcome: "Sister, don't worry. I had prepared myself mentally."

Ruan Qinghuan: "Can you really handle it?"

"There's nothing I can't handle. I wanted to go to Qi Prefecture to help catch Pei Chong, to make amends. But as a convicted person, leaving the capital is not easy."

After the Pei family's downfall, she had truly changed.

In the original story, even until the end, when she had no more value in Pei Chong's eyes, she still didn't realize her mistakes.

Instead, she blamed all her misfortunes on the women in Pei Chong's life, believing their presence had changed his heart.

Ruan Qinghuan got straight to the point: "We leave for Qi Prefecture in two days."

Ruan Xiaoyue was shocked, more than anything, she was incredulous. She knew that being able to persuade the Prime Minister to let her accompany them was largely due to Ruan Qinghuan's efforts.

**

Since the Qi family's troubles resurfaced, everyone in the Qi family thought the Jiang family would cancel the wedding. No one expected the Jiang residence to come and fetch the bride as scheduled.

Upon hearing this news in prison, Qi Yuanchang felt a flicker of hope amid his despair.

Though his own fate was uncertain, if his children could find a way out, it would be a blessing from heaven, and he could die in peace.

In a dilapidated manor on the outskirts of the capital, Qi Siwei, dressed in luxurious wedding attire, stood out starkly from her surroundings.

She had originally thought of ending her life on her wedding day, thus preserving the Qi family's honor and her reputation.

But now, with her father imprisoned once again and her brother set for trial tomorrow, if she died, her parents and brother would have no one to rely on.

Fortunately, the Jiang family had not backed out of the marriage. Once she entered the Jiang household, she could reveal the Qi family's plans involving the Crown Prince. Perhaps Jiang Jie, fearing involvement, would lend a helping hand?

After all, from today onward, he would be the Qi family's son-in-law and couldn't easily distance himself.

"Young miss, today is your joyous day. You must cherish this opportunity," the maid's words beside her struck a chord with Qi Siwei.

Her personal maid, Yun Yi, had long resented her: "You're just a servant. How dare you meddle in the young miss's affairs?"

"Enough, Yun Yi, stop talking."

This was someone the Crown Prince's consort had arranged to be by her side, naturally overbearing. Now that the Qi family had fallen into trouble again, she became even more audacious.

Yun Yi pushed her aside: "Young miss, don't worry. At a time like this, Jiang Jie is still willing to marry you, showing he is a man of his word. He won't mistreat you in the future."

**

The political climate was turbulent, and the atmosphere in the capital became increasingly murky.

The Prime Minister and Ji Lingchuan had been ordered to head to Qizhou to investigate the grain hoarding incident, leaving the capital's affairs once again in Jiang Jie's hands.

It was said that the Crown Prince himself would attend the celebration today, so naturally, the other officials dared not slack off.

Amidst the clanging of gongs and drums, red lanterns, and festive decorations, the festive atmosphere momentarily overshadowed the political turmoil, allowing some relaxation over wine.

In stark contrast to this jubilant atmosphere was Qi Siwei, secluded in the back courtyard.

As the night grew darker, approaching midnight.

The noise from the front courtyard gradually faded, presumably as the guests departed. Jiang Jie should be returning soon, right?

Her heart grew tenser, her fingers tightly clutching the handkerchief, leaving white marks.

As the door slammed open, her body instinctively trembled.

The two maids greeted him: "Greetings, my lord."

Yun Yi hurriedly prepared the ceremonial wine, waiting to present it after the veil was lifted, but...

The lord seemed to have drunk too much, his expression not quite right, as if tinged with anger, sending a chill down her spine.

Qi Siwei could hear her own frantic heartbeat.

This day had finally come, but she had no escape. She could only hope that her earlier plans would succeed, thus neither offending the Crown Prince nor damaging her relationship with Jiang Jie.

As the veil was lifted, Jiang Jie looked at the woman before him, her gaze downcast, and sneered: "What, madam, are you not happy to marry into the Jiang household?"

"I... I dare not. It is my fortune to marry you, my lord."

"Is that so?" Jiang Jie pulled her to the table and picked up a wine cup: "If so, drink this wine."

Qi Siwei dared not refuse, instinctively glancing at the maid provided by the Crown Prince's consort.

The maid had also dressed up carefully today. Now that Jiang Jie was drunk, if she could just get through tonight, she might avoid this ordeal.

After drinking the wine, Qi Siwei dismissed Yun Yi and instructed Lianyao to help Jiang Jie change his clothes.

Hearing this, Jiang Jie's cold eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not stop her.

He wanted to see what other tricks she had up her sleeve.