Chapter 292 - 291: Calamity of Blood and Misfortune
Mrs. Wei arranged a meeting with Princess An He, and Liu Xu then knew that Zhao Yuqing’s words were true.
A three-year agreement.
The purpose is to escape the predicament of being oppressed and take away half of Young General Wei’s wealth to secure her future life.
To come up with such an idea, Liu Xu wondered whether to praise Zhao Yuqing for being clear in her goals and using stepping stones to gain profit.
Or to say she is foolish to make herself bait.
Once she enters the Wei Family, everything is decided by the Wei Family members.
Unless she has exceptional skills to navigate the treacherous waters within the confines of the mansion.
Surviving itself is not easy, and to leave while taking half of Young General Wei’s wealth is even harder.
Even if Young General Wei doesn’t care about material belongings, would others agree?
If it didn’t involve them, Liu Xu would think Zhao Yuqing is bold.
After all, she and Young General Wei are in a mutually beneficial relationship, with neither being wronged.
The benefits one can reap depend entirely on one’s abilities.
"My marriage with Young General Wei was bestowed by the Emperor himself. If he wants to annul it, he must plan carefully, because it’s not a matter to be resolved overnight."
Zhao Yuqing recalled the letter she received earlier, where Young General Wei tasked her with dealing with Liu Xu and her brother-in-law.
If she is willing, it won’t be difficult to fool that person for a while.
"Madam Liu, I will cooperate with you to buy Mr. Lan time so he can smoothly participate in the spring examination."
Liu Xu didn’t respond.
Pondering over her thoughts, as long as Young General Wei remains in the capital, he is a threat to Lan Ci.
She needs to find a way to send Young General Wei away from the capital for a while.
Liu Xu herself doesn’t have the capability, but Lan Ci has a friend who is a grandson of the Prince Mansion.
Moreover, this person is a cousin to Xie Yunzhen.
This is one reason why Lan Ci received an invitation from the Duke Mansion.
The Prince Mansion and Duke Mansion are relatives, and Xie Yunzhen doesn’t want Yun Ling to marry into the Wei Family.
It is possible that the people from the Prince Mansion also don’t want this.
Noble families need to balance each other, and the Wei Family’s status is already prominent enough.
The family produced an Empress, and the Empress also gave birth to the Crown Prince.
If they join forces, the power would be immense.
Lan Ci could approach that friend to help, and perhaps they could send Young General Wei out of the capital for some time.
Liu Xu knew Lan Ci’s temperament; he is proud of being a scholar and maintains gentlemanly relationships with friends, never troubling others with tasks.
But since the matter involves Yun Ling, he should be willing to put aside his "principles."
The marriage bestowed by the Emperor to the Wei Family already has a clear meaning.
Currently, Young General Wei still has Yun Ling in mind; if their dealings with Zhao Yuqing reach the Emperor, he would surely be displeased.
Due to a sense of leniency towards a meritorious servant, a blatant punishment for Young General Wei cannot be imposed.
But if someone pushes him a bit, sending the Wei out for a time is still possible.
Having a plan in mind, Liu Xu felt more at ease.
If Lan Ci does not want to bother a friend and owe a favor, then she would think of another method.
As for the condition proposed by Zhao Yuqing, spending some silver can resolve it.
If Mrs. Zhao truly died an unnatural death, the motives were none other than the ladies in the backyard and Mr. Zhao.
And since the Zhao Family’s status is not high, investigating wouldn’t be difficult.
If unable to resolve, it only proves not enough silver was spent.
Unlike Zhao Yuqing, Liu Xu’s least lacking asset is silver.
As long as the matter is accomplished, whatever the cost, she wouldn’t hesitate.
After contemplating, she said to Zhao Yuqing: "If he inquires, just say I don’t want Lan Ci to marry a noble lady, fearing it might affect my position within the Lan Family. This engagement has much to negotiate over, giving him a reassurance for now."
Zhao Yuqing stared at Liu Xu, "A woman’s reputation is very important. Aren’t you afraid that these words will spread, and others will misunderstand you?"
Liu Xu raised an eyebrow and retorted: "You jumped into the river that day, weren’t you afraid of damaging your reputation?"
As long as the goal is achieved, what does a damaged reputation matter?
Zhao Yuqing asked no more.
"Madam Liu, I await your news."
Liu Xu nodded, "I have something else to attend to, so I won’t entertain further."
Zhao Yuqing had no desire to linger either.
Though Liu Xu is a woman, she often exposes herself in business, being more astute than many.
Dealing with her put pressure on Zhao Yuqing, making her uneasy.
Faintly nodding, she then left the compartment.
Before departing, the shopkeeper handed her two boxes of snacks, "Miss Zhao, this is a small token from our owner, please accept with a smile."
She didn’t refuse and accepted, "Thank you."
Leaving Ruyi Residence, Zhao Yuqing sent a message to Young General Wei, requesting to meet him.
Whether he comes or not doesn’t matter; she just needs to fulfill the facade.
Lan Ci stayed in the capital for three years, even though his background is low, his knowledge was genuine.
Thus, over these years he gained several close friends.
Upon hearing about Zhao Yuqing’s and Young General Wei’s dealings, he wasn’t surprised.
After leaving Duke Mansion that day, Young General Wei approached him.
Upon reflection, Lan Ci realized that man truly had intentions toward Miss Xie.
"Go to that friend of yours for help, first get the Wei out of the capital for a time, everything will be decided after the spring examination ends."
Holding a book in hand, Lan Ci appeared calm.
"No need to seek help, I have a way."
The Prince Mansion and Duke Mansion are relatives, but sometimes, they prioritize personal family interests.
Regarding his and Yun Ling’s matter, Lan Ci didn’t want to involve too many people.
To avoid anyone taking advantage of the chaos, further scheming toward Miss Xie.
Seeing he was not hasty, Liu Xu suddenly felt curious.
"What method have you thought of?"
Lan Ci cleared his throat, "Using one’s tactics against them."
Young General Wei wants to use him, to occupy Miss Xie’s fiancé position.
Later, find a way to clear him.
Similarly, he can use Zhao Yuqing, letting her stabilize Young General Wei.
As for how to execute, further planning is required.
It would be best if their wedding date could be moved forward, thus Young General Wei wouldn’t have time to think randomly.
Liu Xu liked a one-time solution, finding Lan Ci’s method too time-consuming.
"Miss Zhao is still mourning; how can the wedding date be moved forward?"
Lan Ci gave Liu Xu a meaningful glance, "If Young General Wei was destined to face a calamity, requiring a timely resolution, whereas Miss Zhao’s fate is unique, just happens to be able to save him, what would the Wei Family do?"
Liu Xu’s mouth twitched, "They aren’t foolish enough to believe such absurd claims?"
Lan Ci raised his eyebrows, "Care leads to chaos, it depends on how it’s executed."
Liu Xu considered, certain individuals indeed believe in such things.
If executed well, it might actually succeed.
With seriousness, she asked: "If we create some misfortune for Young General Wei, wouldn’t the prediction of calamity appear more convincing?"
Seeing the excitement in her eyes, Lan Ci oddly felt like laughing.
His sister-in-law is certainly not someone kind and soft-hearted.
Young General Wei has threatened her, this grudge, she could probably hold forever...
Nodding slightly, "Possible."
Liu Xu briskly walked out, "I must go back and think carefully, it’s important to be discreet and make sure the Wei doesn’t have a good time!"