Chapter 84: Sending Someone Off

“Remember”

Upon hearing the words “Zhao Prison”, Qiu Yi, who was driving the carriage, felt her heart tighten. Her previously relaxed brow furrowed into a knot, and her gaze towards the vast darkness ahead seemed to be coated with a layer of frost.

How could she not remember!!! The master had nearly lost her life!

This Zhao Prison was unlike the Ministry of Justice’s prison. It could be said to be a place outside the law, only controlled by Her Majesty. It’s said that since ancient times, the imperial family has been ruthless. For anything that shakes the royal family’s position, they would use any means to achieve their goals, so the punishments were correspondingly cruel, stopping at nothing.

Going in upright and coming out horizontal was already the norm. Everyone who heard the words “Zhao Prison” would change color at the mention.

She knew that the master had always had a knot in her heart, but why was she suddenly mentioning this matter again for no reason?

Qiu Yi’s face showed a puzzled expression. She slowed down the reins of the horse, slightly turned her head towards the curtain, and asked in a low voice, “Master, what’s wrong with you today? Did someone say something to you?”

“About that incident, you know I’ve always felt guilty…” Lu Yuner’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, her round fingertips unconsciously clenched as she sighed, “Accompany me to a place tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Qiu Yi slowly turned around with her eyes slightly lowered, not saying anything more. She continued to drive the carriage with a complicated expression. It seemed that someone had indeed approached the master.

Lu Yuner slowly opened her eyes, her lips pressed into a straight line. Suddenly bringing up old matters, it probably wasn’t that simple.

She knew little about Liu Bing, but from their interactions these days, it was clear that this person had an upright nature and clear eyes, not seeming like an evil or despicable person.

Coming to find her today, with a composed demeanor, showing no ripples in reaction to her, it was obvious that she was either prepared or… had been planning for a long time.

Currently, she only taught daily at the Imperial Academy, educating people and imparting knowledge, not much involved in court affairs.

At present, besides being a professor at the Imperial Academy, she was also the future wife-master of the young master Su. If someone suddenly came to her at this time, once she was drawn into some kind of dispute, her position, every word and action, in the eyes of outsiders, would seem to represent the attitude of Yun Qinwang.

It should be known that Yun Qinwang had always stayed out of court affairs, but her position was still second only to one person and above ten thousand others, enjoying this supreme honor.

In any case, she needed to be more careful in her words and actions in the future to avoid criticism.

Qiu Yi suddenly thought of something, her furrowed brow slightly relaxed, the corners of her mouth turning up with a hint of pleasure, “Master, the mansion has been quite lively recently, I’m a bit unused to it.”

Lu Yuner’s eyelashes trembled slightly as she looked out at the night through the carriage window, carelessly saying, “Since people are coming, prepare more tea and pastries, but remember to do everything as I said before.”

After getting engaged to the young master Su, in the eyes of outsiders, Lu Yuner was now like a phoenix that had climbed a high branch and flown to the treetop, naturally arousing jealousy and envy.

The front of the Lu mansion was no longer as quiet as before. Those officials who had been turned away by Yun Qinwang were now using various methods to approach her.

If she were to refuse all visitors, she didn’t have the same confidence as Yun Qinwang. After all, she was an official with status and position. If she didn’t show some courtesy, it would definitely ruin her reputation in private.

In life, what one fears most is the mouth of petty people.

Fortunately, there were other gains. Lu Yuner’s eyes curved as she continued, “Also, the recent money received, along with the accounts, should all be handed over to Minister Lu of the Ministry of Revenue, to be used for water conservancy projects and disaster relief.”

“Alright! Master.” Qiu Yi’s mouth completely opened in a smile, obviously unable to hide her joy, impressed by her master’s cleverness.

Seeing those officials who looked down on people now fawning over and currying favor with the master, Qiu Yi felt particularly pleased. If it were her, she would have treated them coldly long ago, unlike the master who was still polite!

At first, she had thought about finding an excuse for the master to decline visitors or not accept gifts, but unexpectedly, the master had come up with a clever plan that killed two birds with one stone.

The master had anticipated what would happen after getting engaged to the young master Su and had discussed a fundraising plan with the newly appointed Minister Lu in advance.

As a result, the officials were enticed by the master’s words, talking about patriotism on a grand scale, and had no choice but to donate all their valuable gifts, whether precious objects or gold and silver. When the benefits were explained, they not only did a good deed but also gained a reputation for benefiting the world.

With a good reputation spreading and fame increasing, how could these officials not be delighted!

Just as Qiu Yi was feeling happy inside, she saw a carriage parked ahead, with two men and one woman standing beside it. As their carriage drew closer, she finally saw clearly who it was ahead, and then swept her gaze over that carriage.

Understanding the situation, Qiu Yi leaned towards the curtain and said, “Master, there’s a carriage parked at the corner ahead of us. It seems something has happened? And standing beside that carriage is the son of Minister An from the Ministry of Personnel, Young Master An. What do you think we should…”

She suggested this entirely because Minister An was kind to people, and had given much guidance during the master’s initial tenure as Minister of Revenue.

In terms of human relationships and social etiquette, reciprocating kindness and making connections with good officials would do no harm to the master.

Hearing this, Lu Yuner lifted the carriage curtain and looked. By now it was dark, and there were few people on the quiet street. The three masters and servants ahead looked worried as they gazed at the parked carriage.

Lu Yuner slightly narrowed her eyes, “Pull over in a moment, let’s go take a look.”

The horse woman bent down to check and moved her hand back and forth on the wheel, finally shaking her head and coming to An Caihe, saying, “Young Master An, the carriage wheel is loose and worn out, it can’t move now.”

Worn out? The servant Xiao Jin’s face showed a hint of doubt.

Today was his friend Zhen Keke’s birthday, and An Caihe, who had just attended the evening banquet, now looked a bit sleepy, his brows and eyes showing signs of fatigue. “In that case, let’s walk back.”

The servant Xiao Jin said worriedly, “Young Master, it’s late at night, it’s not safe for a man to walk on the road. Why don’t you wait in the carriage first? It’s not far from the Zhen mansion, let the horse woman bring a new carriage.”

Just as An Caihe was about to speak, a familiar female voice came from behind them, “Young Master An, what’s going on?”

The three masters and servants turned their heads to look and saw a luxurious and exquisite large carriage parked beside them. The accompanying servant Lüluo pulled open the curtain, and Qin Yaxue, dressed in gorgeous clothes, came down from the carriage comfortably, her whole body exuding an air of arrogance.

Today, Qin Yaxue was also one of the guests invited to the Zhen mansion’s banquet.

Qin Yaxue looked at the carriage with a surprised expression, but a flash of triumph passed through the corner of her eye. She pretended to be considerate and said, “Oh… so the carriage broke down. It’s late now, why don’t I give Young Master An a ride?”

The servant Xiao Jin immediately came to An Caihe’s side, looking at her vigilantly. If it weren’t for Young Master Zhen being a good friend, the young master wouldn’t have attended the banquet.

A trace of disgust flashed through An Caihe’s eyes. He didn’t like Qin Yaxue at first sight. She was arrogant, acted tyrannically, and was vulgar and uneducated. He had heard about her at the Imperial Academy and was even more unwilling to have any connection with her.

Just as he was about to coldly decline, he saw two people approaching from the other side. An Caihe’s face immediately showed a gentle smile as he politely said, “Professor Lu.”

Hearing who the newcomer was, Qin Yaxue frowned and turned to look, her eyes filled with strong displeasure and contempt.

She really has great luck! Why didn’t she drown in the Liusu River back then, or die at the hands of an assassin?

She had thought she still had a chance to get close to Young Master Su, but unexpectedly, it came true as she said. She climbed up the high branch of Young Master Su, really became a pretty boy, and with her status and position changed, she even became the object of flattery for many officials.

Qin Yaxue suppressed the jealousy and contempt in her heart, but after all, there was order between teachers and students, distinction between noble and humble, so she had to pretend to bow slightly and say, “Greetings, Professor Lu.”

Lu Yuner glanced slightly at Qin Yaxue and asked An Caihe, “What happened?”

The quick-witted servant Xiao Jin spoke first, “Today, my young master attended Young Master Zhen’s birthday banquet. We just finished and were taking the Zhen family’s carriage back home when halfway, this carriage couldn’t move anymore. The horse woman said the wheel is worn out and broken.”

Lu Yuner had been to the An mansion before, and Xiao Jin had served her tea. His every word and action was polite, and she believed in his character, especially since her own young master…

“Broken?” Lu Yuner’s eyelashes trembled slightly. The Zhen family’s carriage?

The Zhen family was after all a prominent merchant family in the capital, with businesses spread far and wide. How could a carriage for sending guests be so cheap and worn out?

She thought for a moment and gave Qiu Yi a look, “Qiu Yi, go take a look and see if you can help.”

“Yes, master.” Qiu Yi walked forward, gave the horse woman beside her a deep look, and began to squat down to carefully inspect the carriage.

When the horse woman heard someone was going to inspect, her face suddenly turned pale, her palms began to sweat, and she nervously glanced at Qin Yaxue.

Qin Yaxue glared fiercely at the horse woman, then glanced at Lüluo. Lüluo immediately reacted, “Young miss, we should head back home, otherwise the mistress will worry.”

“Since Professor Lu is here to help, this student will take her leave.” Qin Yaxue took the opportunity to leave in her carriage.

After Qiu Yi finished her inspection, whether it was worn out or deliberately tampered with, she already knew in her heart. As she passed by the horse woman, her eyes were slightly cold. Then she came to Lu Yuner’s side and gave her a look, “Master, this carriage is broken and can’t move.”

Lu Yuner understood Qiu Yi’s meaning.

At this moment, a comfortable evening breeze blew by, lifting Lu Yuner’s stray hair near her ear. She casually raised her hand to tuck the loose strands behind her ear, her eyes smiling as she said, “If that’s the case, it’s late now. For safety reasons, why don’t you get on our carriage, and we’ll send you back to the An mansion.”

An Caihe looked at her quietly, his small face showing an unnatural slight blush, “Thank you, Professor Lu.”

Beside him, Xiao Jin’s inquiring gaze moved back and forth between the two, finally landing on his young master’s face, the corners of his mouth slightly raised as he waited quietly to the side.

Qiu Yi pulled the carriage over and stopped it steadily. Lu Yuner gestured with her hand, “Please.”

After Xiao Jin helped An Caihe into the carriage, he stood quietly to the side. Lu Yuner saw this and continued, “You get in too! Accompany your young master. Qiu Yi and I will sit outside the carriage.”

“This…” Xiao Jin was slightly stunned. How to put it! After all, it was someone else’s carriage, and they were receiving a favor. Moreover, as a servant, how could he occupy the master’s seat?

Qiu Yi also chimed in with a smile, “Go on! My master doesn’t have those official airs, she’s a warmhearted person and doesn’t mind these things.”

Moreover, the master was intentionally avoiding suspicion, afraid of causing trouble.

At this time, An Caihe spoke up, “Xiao Jin, come in.”

“Yes.” Xiao Jin obeyed and entered the carriage.

Qiu Yi drove the carriage, with Lu Yuner sitting beside her, heading towards the An mansion.

On the way, Lu Yuner, still pondering something in her heart, was originally not talkative and remained silent. However, Qiu Yi and Xiao Jin chatted happily.

Inside the carriage, An Caihe also didn’t say much, staring intently at the shadowy figure outside through the gaps in the swaying curtain.

Seeing his young master’s gaze somewhat entranced, Xiao Jin’s eyes rolled, and he asked, “Professor Lu, where were you coming from just now?”

Hearing someone call her, Lu Yuner came back to her senses. Just as she was about to answer, Qiu Yi spoke for her, “My master just sent the young master Su back to his mansion.”