My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 44

After saying that line, he said nothing more.

And his voice was so low and faint that if one didn’t listen carefully, it was almost like an illusion.

Helan Ci’s cheeks turned red. Her mind was in a daze, not knowing whether she should respond or not. Torn between inner conflict and fatigue, she unknowingly fell asleep just like that.

When she woke up the next day, she realized there were still other matters waiting to be dealt with.

Qingye, thoroughly ashamed, said, “Last night, I drank a bit too much with a few friends… who were called over. I didn’t pay much attention… but we’ve already interrogated them, don’t worry. We didn’t get rough, just went through the things they brought and gave them a scare to make them confess honestly.”

The two young women, who had still been flirting and flaunting yesterday, now looked as meek as quails, not even daring to lift their heads.

Helan Ci glanced at the items they had brought—an array of trinkets and goods: aside from clothes and jewelry, there were incense boxes, pills, and several bottles and jars.

“We’ve checked the contents. Aside from women’s cosmetics, there might be some low-grade aphrodisiacs.”

Every time Qingye spoke, the two women trembled slightly. For a moment, they looked so alike that Helan Ci forgot which was which.

“Furen, how do you want to handle them?”

She truly had a headache. These two looked like they couldn’t lift a thing, and seemed even more delicate than she was—Helan Ci even gestured briefly; anyway, her own waist certainly couldn’t twist that way.

Helan Ci was still pondering, the two young ladies moved first.

One of them began sobbing and said, “It was bold and reckless of me last night, but His Highness the Second Prince said that if we could seduce the Master, we’d be freed from slavery. I didn’t want to do it either. I won’t dare again in the future.”

Another one cried bitterly, “Madam, I have no improper thoughts about Master at all. I beg you not to send us back to the Second Prince.” As she spoke, she shivered again, seemingly very fearful.

Helan Ci had always been terrified of girls crying. For a moment, it was as if she recalled her little cousin in Qingzhou who wouldn’t stop crying and had to be coaxed with a gentle voice to finally calm down. She had no choice back then but to deal with it with a headache.

Fortunately, it shouldn’t be needed right now.

She pondered for a moment and said, “What can you do?”

The two young ladies exchanged glances and hesitantly said, “Qin, chess, calligraphy, painting…”

Helan Ci’s expression instantly relaxed, and she said, “As long as you can write and draw, how many characters do you know?”

They were even more confused, but answered honestly: “We’ve read The Jade Forest for Young Learners and The Thousand Character Classic. As for the Four Books and Five Classics, we’ve skimmed through a few. And some poetry, too.”

Helan Ci’s expression became more relaxed as she said, “That’s fine. The household doesn’t keep idle people, and we don’t currently have suitable works for you, but you can copy books in exchange for money and support yourselves.”

This was something Helan Ci used to do. After all, most people can’t read or write, and scholars tended to be proud, so few were willing to do such tedious work. But bookstores always needed people to copy editions.

She had once regretted not being a man—if she were, she could set up a stall outside to sell calligraphy or write letters for others.

The two girls were dumbfounded and let out a soft “Ah?”

Helan Ci added, “If you think your paintings can be exchanged for money, you can come to me. There is a catalog of books in the manor, and I will give you a copy shortly. You can borrow any book you want to read. However, the brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones won’t be given to you for free; their prices will be deducted from the payment.” She seemed to remember something and added, “If you can write scripts, that would be good too…”

The two girls probably had never encountered anything like this before.

Usually, mistresses of a household wouldn’t tolerate people like them. But staying here was clearly better than staying in the Second Prince’s residence—seeing servants dragged away in the middle of the night was enough to make anyone’s heart tremble with fear, worried about accidentally offending the prince.

Besides, the Eighth Prince only cared for looks, and his manor was full of beauties. As for flying up the branch (To gain favor, and rising up of status), that’s just wishful thinking.

They had braced themselves to be punished or humiliated, but instead were met with this—such an unexpected arrangement. Could it be that being beautiful makes one’s thought a bit more extraordinary?

Helan Ci asked, “Any other objections?”

“No, no…”

She pondered for a moment and added whimsically, “If you write any poetry or prose, you can have someone bring it to me for review. But if you sneak in again in the middle of the night, I’ll have no choice but to send you back.”

“Yes…”

The two were assigned to the furthest guest room from the main house, which is usually reserved for teachers, servants, or less familiar visiting relatives and outsiders. With people keeping a close watch on them, there should be no need to worry for the time being.

Helan Ci, having dealt with it all, returned feeling light and relaxed.

When Lu Wuyou came back, she was still slightly conflicted and found it hard to face him. Lu Wuyou seemed a bit hesitant too, but the eagerness to share the fresh news overcame the awkwardness.

Lu Wuyou sat down, eyes lowered, and said, “I previously sent someone to investigate Empress Xu and the Duke of Wei, and now there’s some progress. It took a bit more effort because I had to get the information from old servants in their households.”

Helan Ci suddenly remembered this matter and couldn’t help but sit up straight and ask, “And then?”

Lu Wuyou said, “They probably haven’t had much contact since their marriage. It’s true that they grew up together as childhood friends, and their feelings should have been quite good. However, at that time, Empress Xu was proud and arrogant, thinking that the Duke of Wei was a failure, only knowing how to fight cocks and dogs, and hang out with his shady friends. They even had a few arguments over this. Just then, His Majesty started courting her. At first, perhaps she only wanted to provoke the Duke by accepting His Majesty’s attention—but the Duke, in a fit of anger, went off to guard the border against the northern tribes. So Empress Xu, out of spite, married His Majesty.”

Helan Ci seemed to be listening to Yao Qianxue gossiping and couldn’t help but lean in a bit, saying, “Continue.”

Lu Wuyou slightly raised his eyes to look at her, then lowered them again and said, “You should already know about the situation with Empress Xu. The Duke of Wei came from a family of military generals and was quite brave when fighting the northern tribes. When he returned from fighting the northern tribes and earning military merit, he found the woman he loved already married. With no other choice, he took a wife—his now-deceased duchess. Rumor has it… she looked somewhat like Empress Xu. Rekindling old flames is unlikely, but the letter might be an attempt to make peace with the past. I can deliver it—I was planning to find an excuse to visit in person anyway, and also…”

While speaking, Lu Wuyou caught sight of her jade-like arms and slender, delicate fingers resting on the table.

…Forget it, just look at the face.

However, when Lu Wuyou lifted his head, he didn’t find her face any less striking.

He didn’t know whether she had heard what he said last night. He subtly hope she didn’t hear them, but also hope she did.

Helan Ci, of course, didn’t know what he was thinking; she just sighed thoughtfully for a while.

She took too long to ponder, and Lu Wuyou couldn’t help but start rambling again: “What are you thinking about? You didn’t marry me out of spite…” Driven by some instinctual possessiveness, he added, “…You shouldn’t still be thinking about Lin Zhang, right? You’ve always been pretty good to him.”

Helan Ci was taken aback and thought he was being ridiculous: “Don’t you know better than anyone whether there was anything improper between me and Lin Daren?”

Lu Wuyou began to bring up old grievances, slightly raising an eyebrow, “If you hadn’t reminded me, I might’ve forgotten. Miss Helan, didn’t you once lose your temper at me because of him? You even went out of your way to row the boat yourself to make his life a bit easier.”

Helan Ci didn’t know how he suddenly started being sarcastic again.

“Because he’s a good person, and… quite unlucky.”

Lu Wuyou paused. “…And I’m not a good person?”

Helan Ci said, “Then why don’t you start by speaking properly?”

Lu Wuyou indeed felt that his words were unnecessary. If Helan Ci had ever had feelings for Lin Zhang, seeing him with the second miss Kangning should not have elicited the same reaction as last time. However, when facing Helan Ci, he had always… said whatever came to mind. And the two of them had exchanged enough barbed comments that neither worried about appearances.

He composed himself and then smiled, saying, “However, I just heard the news that Lin Zhang and the second Miss Kangning have set a wedding date. It seems that the second Miss Kangning has indeed given up on me.”

Helan Ci both breathed a sigh of relief and felt that Lin Zhang was still unfortunate.

“We’re done talking about him. Now it’s about us…” Lu Wuyou said casually, “If you’re free, why don’t we go out for a meal later?”

Helan Ci was puzzled. “Huh? Why so sudden?”

Lu Wuyou said, “It just feels like it’s been a while since you left the house.”

…It hadn’t been that many days since they went outside the city.

Still, Helan Ci nodded. “I’ll go call Wei Ling.”

Lu Wuyou said, “She goes out every day, what do you need her for? I’ve already had the carriage prepared, hurry up.”

It wasn’t the same secluded restaurant from their wedding night, with its clear spring pool and the sound of bamboo hitting stones. Lu Wuyou took her to another equally exquisite-looking restaurant.

The food was naturally just as delicious.

While eating, Helan Ci noticed Lu Wuyou had nearly finished and was sipping wine while watching her.

She also quickly finished eating, wiped her lips clean, and said, “Why are you looking at me?”

Lu Wuyou put down his wine cup, his lips still slightly moist from the alcohol, and said, “I was just thinking, should I treat you a little better?”

Helan Ci sincerely said, “You’ve already been pretty good.”

Lu Wuyou said, “Before, I was just being responsible.”

Helan Ci pondered,  “And now? Is there a difference?”

Lu Wuyou paused for a moment and said, “Well, now that we’re this close, things should naturally be different… Do you have anything you want or want to do? I’ll try to fulfill it if I can.”

“Are you a bodhisattva from some temple?” Helan Ci couldn’t help but laugh, “Stop that, I don’t even dare to offer incense at Jueyue Temple anymore, afraid another person might crawl out from under the altar… Oh right, that’s where we met for the first time in the capital.”

Lu Wuyou coughed. “I only overheard bits and pieces that time and misunderstood. My tone wasn’t very kind.”

Helan Ci was slightly surprised. “My tone wasn’t good either, and besides, didn’t you help me at the time… Lu Daren, what’s going on with you today?”

Lu Wuyou’s lips moved for a long time before he said in a low voice: “</span>…Hasn’t I been played with by you?¹” ()

Helan Ci: “……”

Lu Wuyou said again, “…… do it again?”

Helan Ci immediately felt her wrist ache and her cheeks slightly flushed. She slowly exhaled and mumbled, “Lu Daren, are you… that insatiable?”

Lu Wuyou, in this regard, was not very ashamed: “After all, I am a man without hidden illness.”

“……”

Helan Ci suddenly felt that this person’s memory was too good, which might not necessarily be a good thing. How could he remember every word and action so clearly? Not only did he remember, but he also brought it up.

She hesitated for a moment and said, “Let’s talk about it tonight when we get back… speaking of it, </span>can you be quick²?”

Her arms were really sore.

Lu Wuyou faintly felt offended, but he still said, “That might be because Miss Helan’s skills are not yet refined. Aren’t you usually quite studious and inquisitive?”

Helan Ci also felt a little offended. “It’s not like I ever planned to study this kind of thing… forget it, is this even something you learn?”

Lu Wuyou said, “Generally, without a teacher’s guidance, one probably had to rely on self-study to succeed. But as long as one works hard and practices diligently, I believe that with Miss Helan’s intelligence and talent, it should… not be a problem.”

At first glance, this conversation seemed harmless, but on closer thought, it was full of problems.

Helan Ci even felt a little weird when looking at the chopstick holder beside her. Her head bowed, her fingers feeling a bit uneasy.

The awkward atmosphere lasted until they stepped out the door. Lu Wuyou seemed like he wanted to take her shopping for a few things, but Helan Ci quickly stopped him. Her clothes and accessories had already been added a lot by the siblings, and there was still many she hadn’t had time to wear.

Helan Ci finally remembered to ask, “What about the petition you wrote before… requesting the verification of the fief lands?”

Lu Wuyou also came back to his senses and said, “It’s almost ready. The report should be submitted in the next couple of days.”

Indeed, as Lu Wuyou said, two days later, the memorial was submitted to the emperor’s desk by the Ministry of Revenue. Inside, many detailed pieces of evidence were added, with every single time, place, and person clearly written out.

Not only that, this memorial, dubbed the “Treatise on Land Seizure,” quickly spread through the scholarly circles, even reaching common streets and alleys.

Because this Lu Liuyuan had become too famous for his insults—his book ‘a comprehensive compilation of Lu Ji’an’s rebuttals’ was indeed published. His words with sharp and witty language, precise insults, and it became a popular leisure reading material for everyone during their tea breaks.

Hearing this new memorial was written by Lu Liuyuan, many people came to read it. Moreover, because the text is simple and unadorned, anyone with a little literacy can understand it. Many people couldn’t help but shed tears upon reading it for the first time, and then they felt a surge of indignation. For a time, everyone was filled with passionate emotions.

The Emperor, upon learning of this, flew into a rage.

Even if he had known that the aristocrats were occupying good farmland and concealing it, he had never imagined the actual figures were so outrageous.

However, at the same time, all officials who had co-signed the memorial were arrested and put under investigation.

Lu Wuyou was still in the study when Han Ci saw the soldiers come in. They politely said, “We ask for Lu Daren’s cooperation.”

He remained composed and even patted Helan Ci’s shoulder as he passed by her. “It’s nothing. Wait for me at the residence. I’ll be back soon.”

Helan Ci couldn’t help but ask, “May I ask which department you belong to?”

The officer said, somewhat embarrassed, “The Censorate.”

Helan Ci: “……”

That’s quite a coincidence.

Lu Wuyou was gone for two whole days. They hadn’t even sorted out some of their more “delicate matters” before he was taken away.

Still, her father often experienced this kind of thing, so Helan Ci remained fairly calm.

It was Hua Weiling who couldn’t help worrying: “My brother won’t be wrongfully imprisoned, beaten, tortured into confessing, sentenced to life imprisonment, and then we’ll have to break him out of prison or something, right?”

Helan Ci comforted her, saying, “The Censorate doesn’t have this kind of procedure. What you mentioned is probably the Imperial Prison… What kind of storybooks have you been reading lately?”

Hua Weiling said, “Oh, it’s called ‘The Case of the Cleansed Grievance,’ particularly exciting.”

Helan Ci mimicked Lu Wuyou and patted her head. “Don’t worry. It’s probably nothing. Go back to your storybook.”

But with Lu Wuyou not around, Helan Ci was somewhat worried herself. Going to her father was not an option—he was famously strict and impartial.

The Censorate was located outside the Imperial City, and security wasn’t particularly tight. Even the Imperial Prison allowed visitors, let alone here, where officials were only called in for questioning. Indeed, many carriages belonging to officials’ families were already parked at the entrance.

Helan Ci didn’t wear a veil. The moment her face was seen, the guards recognized her and dazedly let her through.

Of course, Helan Ci had never imagined that Lu Wuyou would be surrounded by several people… reading palms.

“Come on, Brother Ji’an, since you’re free anyway, why not a look at mine?”

“Check mine too…”

When Helan Ci walked over, the surroundings suddenly fell silent. Most of these detained officials were young, and at this moment, some couldn’t help but blush.

Lu Wuyou slowly looked at her, but his eyes contained an indescribable sorrow and resentment.

Helan Ci, holding the prepared clean clothes and the specially brought lunch box, stuffed them all into Lu Wuyou’s hands and said,“…You’re okay, right?”

Lu Wuyou took them and placed them to the side. “Not okay.”

Helan Ci said nervously, “…Were you tortured???”

“No, good food and drinks, being looked after properly, but…” Lu Wuyou said in a straight tone, “Why did you come so late?”

Only then did Helan Ci notice the other officials around had already received items from their families.

She began to vaguely suspect and couldn’t help but say, “……Did I come late?”

Lu Wuyou leaned slightly closer to her and said, “Wife, this makes it seem like you don’t care about me. The rumor that our love is stronger than gold will be easily exposed.”

“Uh… I have a lot of faith in your skill.” Helan Ci changed the subject and said, “You know how to read palms?”

Lu Wuyou leaned in closer, voice dropping even lower. “No, I made it all up. They believed me. After all, we’ve got nothing to do here. Other than being questioned the first half-day, we’ve been sitting around since. Probably just to appease the nobles’ anger. Who knows how long we’ll be kept. No one’s troubling you, are they?”

 He paused and said, “No one has caused you any trouble, right?”

Helan Ci said, “It’s only been a few days, I’m not that weak.”

Although it is true that in recent days, more people have been lurking outside the house, if they really weigh the pros and cons and punish these officials, their situation will indeed become more passive.

Lu Wuyou said, “……Do you blame me?”

Helan Ci was taken aback and said, “Blame you for what?”

Lu Wuyou spoke in a calm tone, “If I hadn’t gotten involved, I could’ve lived peacefully as a lecturing official. Now… who knows.”

Han Ci smiled and said, “What kind of person do you think I am? Would I blame you for not being wise enough to protect yourself in such a situation? At least in this matter, I think you haven’t done anything wrong. If it really comes to punishment…”

They were already very close, and Helan Ci moved even closer, her lips almost touching Lu Wuyou’s ear: “……It is the </span>sage who is unclear³.”

Her voice was already soft, and this sentence seemed to float into Lu Wuyou’s ears.

Like some strange and bizarre temptation.

In an instant, Lu Wuyou’s hand gripped her shoulder. Then, under the searing gazes around them, he suddenly remembered—this was in full public view—so he suppressed the urge. He merely tilted his head slightly, letting his lips brush against her ear, and said, “…… It seems like I’ve led you astray.”

Helan Ci said, “I… have never been that of a loyalist either.”

Lu Wuyou chuckled softly. “Honestly, I did worry—if I really got in trouble, would you regret it the moment you turned around? When you didn’t show up, were you thinking about climbing another branch?”

Helan Ci knew he was rambling again and immediately spoke with a harsh tone, “Stop talking nonsense. I advise you to have a bit of faith in my character. Moreover…” Her tone softened in the latter half, “I know that being an official in Dayong involves ups and downs, and I was mentally prepared for it. Just stay here and be at ease. If you need anything, let me know and I’ll bring it. Even if you are convicted… I still wouldn’t think that way.”

After a pause, Helan Ci looked up, pulled back slightly, and said seriously, “I read your memorial. If I were you, I would definitely submit it. I think you…” She said somewhat awkwardly, “You’re pretty good.”

Helan Ci sincerely wanted to comfort Lu Woyou, but unexpectedly, after listening to her words, he suddenly said, “…… What should I do, I suddenly want to kiss you.”

“……?”

Helan Ci was taken aback and and saw several onlookers with eager expressions. She warned him, “Calm down.”

Lu Wuyou sighed, his tone even more mournful than when they first met today: “Why don’t we make them all keep their distance? I haven’t kissed you in three days.”

Helan Ci, with red-tipped ears, said, “Just owe it for now, and pay it back when you come home.”