My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 24

Lin Zhang immediately took two steps back, his face full of embarrassment as he wanted to leave, but his mind was filled with what he had just seen—Miss Helan sitting in front of Ji’an, their faces almost touching. If he hadn’t interrupted, who knows what might…

He couldn’t even think about it; even if they were already engaged, this behavior was still inappropriate. He felt completely stunned by the sudden impact.

Miss Helan was actually being so intimate with Ji’an…

Helan Ci stood up and quickly said, “I just gave him some medicine…”

But Lin Zhang clearly couldn’t bear to hear any explanations. He hurriedly clasped his hands and said, “It’s my fault for coming at the wrong time, sorry for the disturbance. Ji’an, take care of your injuries. I… I’ll come back to visit another day.”

After finishing, Lin Zhang stumbled and ran away without any semblance of composure.

Helan Ci felt a bit of indescribable embarrassment for a moment. After all, the two of them had almost discussed a marriage proposal before, and now, in front of him, Lu Wuyou and her were seen in such an… inappropriate situation—though Lu Wuyou was just whispering in her ear. But still, there was an inexplicable sense of guilt.

She couldn’t help but ask Lu Wuyou, “This… are you going to explain later?”

Lu Wuyou turned back, his voice faint as a whisper, “Miss Helan, I am gravely injured… Since you care so much about Shaoyan, if I were to truly meet my end, marrying him wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

Helan Ci: “……”

This person’s strange and quirky behavior can’t be cured, can it?

Helan Ci immediately said with deep emotion, “Rest assured, Lu Daren, if you unfortunately pass away, I will definitely remain a widow for you, hmm… at least for five years.”

Lu Wuyou was so moved that he seemed like he could fall asleep at any moment.

“I’ll head back first.”

Seeing this, Helan Ci also didn’t plan to stay any longer. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly saw Lu Wuyou open his eyes, quickly sit up, look out the window, and then suddenly turn back and say, “The person who was eavesdropping just left… although I don’t know if they will come back.”

Seeing his tone as usual, Helan Ci also stopped pretending and immediately asked, “Are you really okay? Why did the Second Prince suddenly attack you?”

Lu Wuyou swiftly got out of bed, poured himself a cup of tea to rinse his mouth, and said, “The injury isn’t serious. Assassins are skilled, not like ordinary guards or generals. At first, I thought it was with a revenge-seeking motive, but then I realized I don’t really have any enemies…” He left home to study when he was about eight or nine years old, only occasionally returning home. Even the enemies of his parents’ sect couldn’t find him, “And the assassin didn’t seem to intend to take my life; it was more like they wanted to force me to take action. So I didn’t fight back, just took a bit of a beating to make it look more dramatic.”

After rinsing his mouth, he began rummaging through the cabinets and drawers for things.

“I later sent someone to track the assassin, and by following the clues, I confirmed it was the Second Prince. As for why he targeted me, it probably wasn’t just because I stole his person… That night, we both escaped, ruining his plan. He might have suspected me, so he wanted to figure out my background. By the way, my household registration is forged, so my parents can’t be traced… Ah, found it, luckily there’s still a pack.”

Lu Wuyou pulled out a sealed bag of candy, picked one and tossed it into his mouth. His peach blossom eyes curved downwards, revealing a faint smile.

Helan Ci was taken aback: “Forged?”

Lu Wuyou said, “It’s just that others see my parents as ordinary people, so I rarely mention them to anyone to avoid future trouble when I become an official. That’s why I asked you to help keep my martial arts skills a secret. Working at the Hanlin Academy means being in close proximity to the Emperor day and night. My martial arts skills are too high, and my background is not well-known. How could the Emperor feel at ease? Would you like a piece of candy?” He kindly handed over the paper bag.

“No, thank you.” Helan Ci politely declined, then paused and said, “……So you just told me like that?”

Lu Wuyou asked in confusion, “Aren’t we going to marry? Shouldn’t I tell you?”

Helan Ci was momentarily at a loss for words.

Lu Wuyou slightly curled his lips and smiled, saying, “I just think that we are all grasshoppers on the same rope now, so it’s better to be as honest as possible, so as not to be suspicious of each other in the future. I’m not interested in having to scheme against the person next to my pillow every day.”

When he said the words “person next to my pillow,” he didn’t blush at all.

But Helan Ci subtly felt a hint of shame.

This made her involuntarily recall what had just happened: “…By the way, how are you going to explain this to young master Lin when you are back?” He didn’t seem to be in a very good mood just now.

Lu Wuyou pressed his temple with some difficulty and said, “Let’s talk about it later. Anyway, he’s easy to fool… just need to be a bit more heartless. However, you do care about him. Miss Helan, does this count as an old flame that you can’t forget?”

If it weren’t for his truly calm tone, Helan Ci might have thought that he misunderstood her.

However, knowing each other well has its advantages.

Helan Ci’s tone was also very calm as he said, “You’re overthinking it. Although young master Lin and I have known each other for a long time, there are no personal feelings involved.”

Lu Wuyou paused for a moment, a somewhat comical smile appearing on his lips, “I also told Lin Shaoyan that our relationship was like this before.”

Helan Ci was taken aback, wanting to say that we indeed have a relationship, but… it’s not that kind of close relationship, yet it’s also not exactly pure.

“Alright, let’s not mention him for now.” Lu Wuyou casually changed the subject, saying, “The Second Prince is so ruthless, it’s not impossible that he will target you again. Besides the medicine and hairpin I gave you, do you have any other self-defense items on you?”

Helan Ci had indeed prepared something.

She carefully took out a wrapped dagger from her sleeve and handed it to Lu Wuyou, saying, “…… this.”

Lu Wuyou took the dagger, glanced at it, and couldn’t help but say, “This sheath is too rough.” Then he drew the blade from its sheath, deftly flicking the blade with his knuckles, and lightly ran his fingers along the edge.

Helan Ci kindly reminded, “…… Be careful not to cut yourself.”

Lu Wuyou turned to look at her and smiled, “With such a dull knife, even if you stab me with it, you probably wouldn’t be able to kill me. Why are you worried about this?”

Helan Ci: “……”

This was already something she had painstakingly asked her brother for; she couldn’t exactly carry a kitchen knife or an axe with her everywhere.

She grumbled a bit and said, “Just return it after you’re done with the inspection.”

Lu Wuyou bent the blade again and said, “No rush, I’ll find you a dagger later, as thin as a cicada’s wing, cutting through iron like mud, splitting hair with a breath, a hundred times better than this.” While speaking, the blade suddenly snapped, splitting into two halves. He paused for a moment, then said without any remorse, “It’s not my fault, it’s just that this dagger is really not… Qingye.” He raised his voice slightly, and the attendant who had wiped his sweat earlier rushed in, a flattering smile on his face, and said, “Young Lord, what would you like me to do?”

Helan Ci: “……?”

young lord?¹

Lu Wuyou said, “Go to the storeroom and bring that ‘Snow Night’ to Miss Helan.”

“Alright!”

Helan Ci held back for a moment but couldn’t, since he said he wanted to be honest: “…What does ‘young lord’ mean?”

Lu Wuyou casually said, “It’s just a title, don’t take it seriously. He won’t treat me like this if there are outsiders.”

Before long, the attendant named “Qingye” entered holding a dagger with a scabbard that shimmered like glassy water, and respectfully handed it to her, saying, “Miss Helan, please.”

Helan Ci hesitated for a moment before accepting it. This dagger was obviously much lighter than her own. The scabbard was polished to perfection, almost like a piece of jewelry. It felt comfortable and easy to wield in her hand. She drew the blade from the scabbard and saw that the blade was jet black and glossy, reflecting light and shining brightly. When turned, it resembled a thin layer of mirror. Without even trying, she knew it must be extremely sharp.

Lu Wuyou said, “It’s very suitable for concealing close to the body, and it’s also good for cutting vegetables or something. The only thing you need to be careful about is not to cut your own hand.” Seeing Helan Ci in a daze, he raised the two broken pieces of the dagger and said, “I’ve already broken your dagger, and you still want it?”

Helan Ci had no choice but to accept it silently, but couldn’t help asking, “Isn’t this usually… offered as tribute?”

She had seen swords and blades before, but this was the first time she had seen such exquisite ones.

Lu Wuyou said flatly, “We have a handful of them at home, and my sister doesn’t even like to play with them anymore.”

Helan Ci: “……”

What kind of family background does he have!

Perhaps he was amused by Helan Ci’s expression, Lu Wuyou smiled and said, “I forgot to tell you, my family—on my father’s side, our family has been best at forging swords and weapons for generations. We have all kinds of weapons, you name it. If you ever need anything, feel free to ask me anytime.”

Helan Ci: “……”

His family is a bandits! They must be bandits!

Helan Ci suddenly had the illusion that she was actually going to be sent to become the bandit chief’s wife.

Lu Wuyou propped his forehead and chuckled twice, “Don’t worry, I really haven’t committed any crimes. I’ve always been a diligent student. My parents… well, my mother is quite kind. If you meet her later, you’ll see.”

Helan Ci, holding the dagger, still said dryly, “Thank you.”

Lu Wuyou suddenly said, “Miss Helan, may I ask you a question? Do you dislike being helped so much? Why do you always look like you owe me a debt every time?”

Helan Ci didn’t expect him to ask this.

But she did subconsciously resist the man’s kindness.

When she was young, Xiao Helan Ci once received a sugar figurine from a little boy. When the boy saw her accept the sugar figurine, he came over to touch her hand. Xiao Helan Ci refused, and he repeatedly said, “You accepted my thing, why won’t you let me touch you?” Then he called over his friends and mocked her, saying she was a little fox demon for taking things from others.

Little Helan Ci threw away the sugar figurine, held back her tears, and ran home. When her father found out, he scolded her, saying that girls shouldn’t engage in private exchanges like that.

Later, the facts also proved that those men’s flattery and gifts were indeed mostly insincere and had ulterior motives.

But Lu Wuyou actually has nothing to gain from her.

She said somewhat awkwardly, “…Then I’ll change.”

Lu Wuyou nodded and said, “Hmm, let’s start with the clothes from the shop in the north of the city, let me fulfill my promise— I really didn’t expect you to drag it out until now and still not visit the shop.”

Helan Ci slightly moved her lips, and after a moment, said, “Okay… I’ll go.”

Lu Wuyou smiled and said, “If you want to repay me, just carry some candy with you in the future. By the way, how can there be a girl who doesn’t like sweets…” He muttered to himself, then as if realizing something, “… ah, you don’t have any money to buy candy?”

Helan Ci’s face turned red, and she muttered softly, “I don’t like eating sweets…”

Lu Wuyou seemingly unconsciously, “But you are quite sweet.”

Helan Ci: “……???”

Lu Wuyou slightly averted his gaze and said, “I’m just sharing my impression.” He coughed and said, “You can take the dagger for now, and I’ll give you something else next time. Hmm, and this bottle contains the Qingxin Pill I gave you last time. Medicine shop usually don’t sell this.This medicine, although it may not be able to counteract all poisons, is effective against most of the drugs and aphrodisiacs. It’s better to be prepared.”

Helan Ci took the medicine bottle and said, “Oh.”

Lu Wuyou said, “Alright, go ahead and take it. Remember to come see me in a few days—let’s do the whole act.”

Helan Ci thought for a moment and said, “What kind of candy do you like? I’ll try to buy it.”

Lu Wuyou generously said, “Anything sweet is fine.”

***

“Although that Zhuangyuan dodged quickly, but he doesn’t seem like someone who knows martial arts.” The speaker, kneeling on the ground, dressed in dark clothing, said, “I followed orders and did not take his life.”

In the world of martial arts, not everyone can join the major sects, and there are always some who, for the sake of power and profit, attach themselves to the government or the imperial authority.

Xiao Nanxun did not speak, but repeatedly grasped the armrest of the gilded wooden carved chair with his fingers, pondering. He couldn’t really kill the Zhuangyuan; otherwise, his father would definitely trace it back to him.

His father, although he turns a blind eye to some of his actions, would never allow him to casually assassinate court officials.

Xiao Nanxun’s current influence could not completely bypass the eyes and ears of the emperor—rather, the emperor would not allow him to do so.

He originally thought that even if he couldn’t find any dirt (evidence) on that person, he could still make him retreat in the face of difficulty. Unexpectedly, that person was quite loyal and devoted, even though he was gravely injured, he still insisted on proceeding with the wedding as planned.

Why didn’t that Zhuangyuan just die already?

No one would accept losing something they were about to obtain without a trace.

Xiao Shao’an even came to him crying and making a fuss.

“……Brother, the one who wants to take brother Lu’s life isn’t you, right? You promised me you wouldn’t kill him. If anything happens to him, I don’t want to live anymore!”

It’s so annoying.

***

After Helan Ci measured her figure at the clothing shop that Lu Wuyou mentioned, she didn’t see him again until the third day.

Before that, her father had worriedly advised her, “Since you have already been betrothed to him and exchanged geng tie, you are considered half married. You must not change your mind just because he was seriously injured, don’t let the other party be disappointed.”

…mainly because he thought that if he was dying, she would despise him.

Helan Ci immediately stated, “Father, don’t worry, even if he really dies, I will remain a widow for him.”

Helan Jin said, “Hmm, that’s…”

Helan Ci continued, “in life, I’m his person and in death, I’m his ghost. Right father?”

Helan Jin said, “Ah, well…”

Helan Jianwen exclaimed from the side, “Xiao Ci, you actually really like him this much!”

Helan Ci perfunctorily replied, “He won’t marry anyone but me, and I won’t marry anyone but him… Alright, I’m leaving.”

Hearing that the Hanlin Academy had granted him special leave for the past few days, she went to visit him. When Helan Ci arrived, she saw an extremely luxurious sedan chair parked at the entrance, carried by ten people. The door curtains of the sedan chair were embroidered with large clusters of peonies using gold and silver threads, exuding opulence and splendor.

Helan Ci felt something was off.

Before even entering the main gate, she heard the sound of wailing and crying from inside.

“Brother Lu, Brother Lu, wake up, wake up, look at me…”

Helan Ci immediately wanted to turn around and leave, but knowing that Lu Wuyou must be suffering immensely inside, she sighed and finally stepped inside.

Just as she stepped outside, she saw that person of golden branch and jade leaves lying on her future husband’s bedding, crying mournfully. The hairpin on her head swayed as she cried, while Lu Wuyou lay unresponsive, his face as pale and defeated as she had seen that day, as if he would be buried in the next moment.

The attendant who brought her in, Qingye, whispered very softly, “Miss Helan, you finally came. This princess has been here for the third time.”

Helan Ci also whispered, “…Do you still need me?”

Qingye whispered, “The young master said it’s good to have someone to share the burden with him.”

Alright.

Helan Ci cleared her throat, silently stepped into the room, sat on the other side of Lu Wuyou’s bed, and after gathering her emotions, she also started to fake a hoarse cry, saying, “Ji’an, Ji’an, wake up… I’ve come to see you.”

Hearing the voice, the little Gongzhu who had just been crying like a rain-soaked pear immediately looked up and glared at her angrily.

Helan Ci gritted her teeth and continued.

Xiao Shao’an angrily said, “Stop crying! Brother Lu isn’t dead yet!”

Helan Ci, with an innocent expression, said, “Greetings to the princess. It’s just that he is my fiancé, so I don’t understand why the princess is so angry.”

Xiao Shao’an really wanted to scratch her extremely beautiful, almost demonic face, but she couldn’t help but soften her voice and say, “Sister Helan, he’s almost dying. Can’t you give him to me?”

Helan Ci parroted back the words she had just used to confront her father, stammering, “Respectfully report to the princess, I’m his person in life and his ghost in death. Even if he really dies, I will be a widow for him.”

Although at this moment, she indeed felt a bit disgusted.

Helan Ci lowered her head and noticed that Lu Wuyou had extended his hand from under the blanket and gave her a thumbs-up.

…almost made her burst out laughing.

Unaware of the situation, Xiao Shao’an widened her eyes, so angry she didn’t know how to retort: “You, you… how can you be so shameless!”

Helan Ci calmly and politely said, “The princess is right; I am about to become a married woman, so I might as well not care about my face.”

Xiao Shao’an stomped her feet in frustration and said, “Brother Lu wouldn’t like a shameless woman like you!”

Helan Ci continued calmly, her voice devoid of any hint of anger, “Your Highness may not know, but I am beautiful, and he will like me.”

If her brother hadn’t told her not to directly deal with this woman, Xiao Shao’an would have immediately wanted to have her dragged out and beaten up, or directly thrown onto her brother’s bed.

Moreover, Helan Ci had been respectful from the beginning to the end, so she didn’t want to lose her temper.

Xiao Shao’an glanced down at the handsome young man on the couch, who seemed to be breathing more out than in, as if he could pass out at any moment. She stomped her foot, finally slammed the door shut, and before leaving the residence, she sternly instructed the imperial physician she had dragged over, “If there’s any news about Brother Lu, send word to me immediately, understood?”

After finishing, she completely left.

Helan Ci also secretly relaxed her tightly clenched fingers. If she could, she didn’t want to offend this Gongzhu, but the other party had long regarded her as a thorn in their side, so it didn’t make much difference.

She was just thinking when she noticed Lu Wuyou staring at her with those starry, sparkling peach blossom eyes, not blinking for a moment.

Helan Ci only just realized and felt a bit embarrassed about what she had just said.

She hurriedly said, “I was just saying that to deal with the princess, don’t take it seriously!”

Lu Wuyou propped himself up slightly on the bed, a playful smile on his face as he said, “So you do argue with others too?”

Helan Ci honestly said, “Not really, I mainly just wanted to annoy her.”

Lu Wuyou said, “I thought you were only quarrels with me.”

Helan Ci couldn’t help but say, “……Then shouldn’t you reflect on yourself?”

Lu Wuyou said, “We haven’t seen each other for three days. Can’t you be a bit gentler?”

“……”

“I’ve been suffering for a full three days.”

Helan Ci inexplicably detected a hint of accusation in his tone and reluctantly said softly, “Alright, I’ll do my best.”

1. 少主 (shǎo zhǔ) refers to a young male who holds a significant position of power or is destined for leadership. This could be the son of a clan leader, a martial arts master, or a noble family head. Disciples or members of a martial arts school/sect might address the son of their master or leader as “少主.”