The Useless Alpha’s Yandere Wife - Chapter 16

Another two hours passed before Governess Yunhe finally returned to Jinhua Palace.

“What did you find out?” Noble Consort Lin asked, turning to Governess Yunhe.

“It’s the son of the Empress Dowager’s maternal cousin. He came to the Empress Dowager claiming he’d suffered a great injustice—that he’d been beaten so badly his face was swollen beyond recognition, three teeth were knocked out, and he still can’t open his eyes. It’s the Wu Family, the imperial merchants who supply tea to the palace from Shangyuan Street,” Governess Yunhe reported, knowing the two women were anxious for news.

“The Wu Family?” Noble Consort Lin didn’t recognize the name.

“It’s him! Aunt, you must avenge your niece! That day, I was waiting for Jiang Yan at a roadside tea stall when a group of lecherous men approached and began harassing me. That’s why Jiang Yan beat them up! Besides, there were six of them against Jiang Yan and only two or three friends. How dare that scoundrel even complain?” Tan Qianyue’s anger flared. Didn’t that dog deserve the beating?

“What did the Empress Dowager say?” Noble Consort Lin’s expression darkened.

“This servant brought Governess Cuiwei from the Empress Dowager’s residence with her,” Governess Yunhe said, glancing back.

“Oh? It’s Governess Cuiwei from the Empress Dowager’s side,” the Noble Consort remarked, her tone lukewarm.

“Cuiwei greets the Noble Consort,” the governess bowed.

“Rise. Did the Empress Dowager send you to Jinhua Palace with a message?”

“Indeed. Regarding the Shuntian Prefecture’s arrest of the Noble Consort’s family members, the Empress Dowager sent this servant to inform you,” Governess Cuiwei said, inclining her head.

“Oh? I just heard about this from Prime Minister Tan’s daughter. The Wu family brazenly harassed a respectable woman in broad daylight—a member of the Prime Minister’s household! If anyone should be arrested, it’s those audacious Wu family ruffians, not my niece’s family who were protecting the women!” Noble Consort Lin’s expression turned serious.

“The Wu family are distant relatives of the Empress Dowager. Though the connection is distant, Her Majesty owes them a small favor from years ago. Now that they’ve come seeking assistance, she can’t simply ignore their plea. However, given the involvement of the Noble Consort and the Tan Manor’s daughter, this is merely a formality. If the Shuntian Prefecture’s investigation confirms the Wu family’s guilt, their people will be returned unharmed. We hope the Noble Consort will grant the Empress Dowager this small courtesy.”

“Since the Empress Dowager has spoken, this palace has no reason to refuse. However, we must ensure the child’s safety,” Noble Consort Lin said, deciding to compromise. With so much pressing business, she had no time for such trivial matters.

“Noble Consort and Miss Tan, please rest assured,” Governess Cuiwei reassured them repeatedly. “The Shuntian Prefecture will not resort to private punishments.”

After learning the full story, Tan Qianyue felt slightly relieved. Though Official Wu deserved to remain imprisoned, given the Empress Dowager’s intervention, she was grateful that Jiang Yan would return to the manor unharmed.

By the time they left the palace and returned to Tan Manor, it was already Hai Hour (9-11 PM), with only three hours until midnight.

Yet Tan Qianyue still wanted to bring Jiang Yan some supplies. There was no telling how long she would be held in prison.

“Ying Hong, pack some things. We’re going to the Shuntian Prefecture Prison.”

“Yes, Eldest Miss. I’ll prepare immediately,” Ying Hong replied, swiftly gathering the items as instructed.

They packed a padded jacket, a water pouch, and the leftover meat pies from the kitchen. Tan Qianyue also included some common medicinal pills and insect repellent powder.

She also packed half a kilogram of peach crisps for easy snacking.

“Ying Hong, take some men to Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion and order a table of fine wine and dishes. Have the gatekeepers bring it back and load it into the carriage.” At this hour, only Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion would still be taking orders.

“Yes, Miss.”

After another two hours of frantic preparations, they arrived at Shuntian Prefecture Prison just before midnight.

The guards were slumped in their posts, some dozing, others leaning haphazardly against the walls.

“Who’s there?” A vigilant officer spotted Tan Qianyue’s group approaching.

The Eldest Miss had brought her maid, guards, and several attendants, totaling six or seven people.

“Officer, I am the legitimate daughter of Prime Minister Tan. It is only out of desperation that I come to see my Wife-Master at this late hour. Please grant me this favor.” Tan Qianyue, her face veiled, handed a heavy pouch of silver to the prison warden.

Hearing that she was the Prime Minister’s daughter, the warden’s voice dropped several notches.

“We did indeed detain a Tan Family’s consort today—presumably your Wife-Master, Miss. I am truly sorry for this inconvenience, but we are merely following orders. I hope you won’t hold it against us.” The warden was caught in a bind, unable to afford offending either side.

“Officer, you’re being too kind. You’re simply following regulations—there’s no fault in that. May I visit my Wife-Master inside and bring her some necessities?” Tan Qianyue placed the items before the jailer for inspection.

“I’ve also brought midnight snacks from the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion for you officers. I hope you’ll accept this small token of appreciation.”

“How could we possibly accept such extravagance, Miss? You’ve gone to so much trouble!” The jailer, ever observant, knew that treating his subordinates well meant they’d share the meat broth later.

“Miss, I’ll escort you inside immediately.” The jailer, now flush with silver and the promise of fine food, became excessively enthusiastic toward Tan Qianyue. As the daughter of the Prime Minister’s Residence, Miss Tan treated them, rough men though they were, with genuine courtesy. The heavy silver coins felt like blessings from the Goddess of Wealth herself.

“Thank you!” Tan Qianyue bowed slightly and followed the jailer into the damp, dimly lit prison.

The torchlight seemed to rouse the other prisoners, and a sudden burst of raucous laughter erupted from both sides of the corridor.

“Quiet down, you lot! Keep your heads where they belong!” the jailer roared, but his threats failed to silence the prisoners’ cheers and crude remarks.

In a solitary cell at the end of the corridor, Jiang Yan sat cross-legged on a straw mat, her eyes closed in meditation.

Hearing the jailer unlock the door, she slowly opened her eyes, but they widened instantly upon seeing Tan Qianyue.

“What are you doing here?” Tan Qianyue asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she rose and pulled Jiang Yan closer.

The jailer, sensing the moment, discreetly withdrew, leaving the couple alone.

“I know what happened,” Tan Qianyue said urgently. “It was that Wu fellow causing trouble. His family went to the Empress Dowager, so you’ll likely have to stay here for a few days. But given the Noble Consort’s influence and the Tan Manor’s reputation, the Empress Dowager is just going through the motions. She won’t do anything drastic. Just endure for a while.”

“I understand. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine here,” Jiang Yan replied, feeling guilty that Tan Qianyue had come to the prison late at night after working so hard.

“The basket contains a padded jacket, a water pouch, and mosquito repellent. Remember to use them,” Tan Qianyue continued, meticulously listing precautions.

Jiang Yan’s lips curved into a smile. It felt good to have someone looking after her.

Tan Qianyue glanced around the cell, her expression visibly darkening.

“It’s not so bad,” Jiang Yan reassured her. “The room you’re staying in was one I cleaned myself.”

Tan Qianyue shot her a glare.

“There’s just one downside: I won’t be able to serve you tonight, Wife. Don’t miss me too much,” Jiang Yan said, reaching out to touch Tan Qianyue’s veiled face.

It was only then that Tan Qianyue remembered a critical detail: her antidote was about to run out.