Chapter 291 - 290: Son-in-Law Chosen from the Ranked Scholars
Zhao Yuqing wanted to find out the cause of her mother’s death, but no one could help her.
Even her father thought she was making trouble.
Zhao Yuqing knew clearly that her father had also discovered something suspicious, but he didn’t want to waste energy investigating.
Or perhaps, he feared that the results of the investigation would implicate his new lover.
That’s why he strongly prevented her from reporting to the authorities, and forbade her from investigating privately.
Men are unreliable, Zhao Yuqing had come to understand.
Young General Wei wanted to defy the Emperor’s order and marry Yun Ling in the future; this was her only leverage.
Zhao Yuqing wanted to amplify the issue, using it as a bargaining chip to achieve her goals.
But after days of pondering, she still had no clue.
Receiving a letter from Liu Xu, Zhao Yuqing felt confused.
She had no friendship with Liu Xu.
Thinking of Liu Xu’s relationship with Lan Ci and Yun Ling, Zhao Yuqing couldn’t help but wonder if her plan with Young General Wei had been exposed.
Was Liu Xu coming to settle scores?
Although she was the daughter of an official, she had no connections in the capital, nor much weight in front of her father.
Faced with Liu Xu, she was unsure of her chances.
Liu Xu, although a woman, had expanded her business greatly, proving she was not simple.
With an uneasy heart, Zhao Yuqing went to Ruyi Residence.
To know oneself and one’s enemy is to ever be victorious; she had to probe Liu Xu’s attitude.
If possible, she might join forces with Liu Xu, where Liu Xu would help her investigate the truth, and she would deal with the Wei Family.
Liu Xu was just a merchant, but her thriving restaurant in the capital proved she had connections anyone with a brain could see.
In any case, it’s better than fighting alone!
Zhao Yuqing was desperate to uncover the truth about her mother’s death; she would grasp any slight chance.
Her father wasn’t on her side, and Young General Wei didn’t want to help either.
She could only rely on herself.
Liu Xu did not expect Zhao Yuqing to come so quickly, appearing in her private room the very same day.
Still observing mourning, Zhao Yuqing was in plain clothing, a white flower pinned to her hairstyle, her face thin, her demeanor exhausted, clearly having not rested well.
"Miss Zhao, my condolences."
Liu Xu’s expression was calm, not looking like she was here to settle scores.
Zhao Yuqing discreetly sighed in relief.
Directly asked, "Madam Liu, did you call for me for something urgent?"
Liu Xu disliked beating around the bush as well.
"Miss Zhao, Young General Wei is your fiancé, but as far as I know, he once said he wanted to annul the engagement."
What happened that day wasn’t a secret; many knew Young General Wei didn’t want to marry her.
For that, she was ridiculed extensively.
Zhao Yuqing clenched her palm, "Madam Liu, are you here to kick me when I’m down too?"
Faced with her self-deprecating gaze, Liu Xu shook her head, "I just want to know why, after leaving the officials, Young General Wei suddenly didn’t mention annulling the engagement?"
Liu Xu picked up the teacup, sipping hot tea lightly.
The tea fragrance filled her mouth, and she suddenly thought of another possibility.
In this scheme, could Miss Zhao also be playing a role?
Liu Xu’s gaze was subtle but had an insight into people’s hearts.
Although Zhao Yuqing considered herself clever, she found no room to exercise her wits before Liu Xu.
Whether it was an illusion or not, she felt Liu Xu already knew everything.
Too tense, her clasped hands tightened more.
Zhao Yuqing forced herself to stay calm, "Madam Liu, what exactly do you want to say?"
Liu Xu’s gaze was steady, "Was that stupid idea given to Young General Wei by you?"
Otherwise, it couldn’t be explained why someone clamoring to annul the engagement in public suddenly quieted down.
Liu Xu didn’t say it clearly, but Zhao Yuqing understood what she referred to as a stupid idea.
She dodged her gaze briefly, confirming for Liu Xu that it was indeed her idea.
Now that the Wei named pointed at them like a viper, they might strike at any moment against her and Lan Ci.
Facing the "culprit," Liu Xu couldn’t help but be angry.
Had it not been for years of business, encountering all sorts of bizarre people and things, she would surely curse now.
Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself down.
"What deal did you make with Young General Wei?"
Not yet knowing if Liu Xu would help her, Zhao Yuqing naturally wouldn’t reveal everything.
Pursed her lips, "I don’t understand what you’re talking about."
"Young General Wei probably hadn’t considered growing old with you, right? Tell me what you know; perhaps we can both get what we want."
Liu Xu blew on her red-painted nails, "Even if you don’t say, I can guess it myself, Miss Zhao, are you sure you don’t want to cooperate with me?"
If Young General Wei truly had intentions of defying the Emperor’s order and plotting against Yun Ling, with a witness, she could stir things up.
The trouble surrounding him would keep him occupied, allowing Lan Ci to smoothly take the exam.
The private room was silent; Liu Xu had a lot of patience and didn’t rush Zhao Yuqing to make a quick choice.
While drinking tea and flipping through account books, her manner was leisurely.
The more confident she was, the guiltier Zhao Yuqing felt.
Since, after all, it was indeed her idea.
Back then, she only wanted to preserve the engagement without realizing involving innocent people.
"Madam Liu, if it really was my idea, would you still want to cooperate with me?"
Lan Ci admired Yun Ling; if he pursued it, sooner or later, the Wei named would notice.
It’s just a matter of time.
This Liu Xu knew well.
Answering indirectly, "Opportunities only come once; if Miss Zhao doesn’t want to cooperate, I won’t force it."
After a long silence, Zhao Yuqing asked, "Can you... help me investigate my mother’s cause of death? I know you have connections."
It was indeed tragic; she was an official’s daughter, yet had to seek help from a merchant.
Zhao Yuqing felt bitter inside.
She had no other choice, lest her mother die unjustly.
Liu Xu was surprised Zhao Yuqing proposed this condition.
She thought Zhao Yuqing would find ways to become the Young Madam of the Wei Family.
After all, Zhao Yuqing had the Emperor’s decree to demand Young General Wei marry her, rightful and proper.
"Deal!"
With Mrs. Zhao’s passing, Zhao Yuqing’s matron ceremony was temporarily postponed.
Considering the Wei family’s reputation, Young General Wei hadn’t mentioned annulling the engagement.
Anyway, there were three years left, enough time to maneuver.
From her mother’s words, he heard Princess An He’s original words, Young General Wei knew the Duke Mansion truly valued Lan Ci.
As long as he achieved the top three ranks, the Duke Mansion would surely select him!
"That Yun Ling is not a celestial being, nor the most erudite; why not let it go? If word reaches the palace, your sister and nephew will be affected!" advised Mrs. Wei.
Young General Wei shook his head, "My sister initially wanted to betroth Yun Ling to me; I’ve pondered, as long as we withstand pressure from the Emperor, marrying Yun Ling will only stabilize my sister and nephew’s status."
The Wei Family was a meritorious family; the Emperor, though displeased, couldn’t execute them.
Withstanding the pressure, they’ll just wait until the young Crown Prince grows up!