Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 67

“Master, the matter you instructed has been taken care of.”

Yuan Zhao stepped inside, cupping his fists toward Shen Tangning.

She inclined her head slightly. “Running back and forth in this heat must’ve been exhausting. Have a cup of cooling tea.”

“Thank you, Master.”

Xueqing poured the tea and passed it over, but couldn’t help frowning. “But Young Master’s case has already been settled. Why would Miss still have Guard Yuan spread such rumors?”

Shen Tangning had ordered Yuan Zhao to bribe a group of beggar children, spreading word that the Hou Mansion had once intended to sever ties with Chi Yan. For now, the story was only circulating in small circles.

But hadn’t the Old Madam already given up on that idea?

Shen Tangning’s gaze turned deep as she countered softly, “And what do you think of the relationship between the First and Second Branches?”

Xueqing thought for a moment. “Cordially on the surface, estranged at heart.”

She had seen it clearly when Young Master was first thrown into prison. The First Branch’s immediate reaction was to distance themselves. They clearly looked down on the Second Branch.

And as for the Old Madam—her favoritism knew no bounds.

It wasn’t surprising. After all, the Second Young Master wasn’t born of her own flesh. Still, family should be family. To fail to treat them equally was one thing, but to cast them aside at the first sign of trouble—now that was truly chilling.

Just like her own lady—even if she disliked Concubine Fang or the Second Miss, she still maintained their dignity. So long as they behaved themselves, she would not make trouble for them.

Shen Tangning’s eyes narrowed faintly. “Just as you said, the two branches will never walk the same road. I’m merely preparing in advance.”

In her previous life, Chi Jingyu had aligned himself with the Third Prince.

Her own stance was with the Crown Prince. Court factional strife had always been ruthless—either you live, or I die. Sooner or later, the Second Branch would have to cut ties with the First.

If Chi Yan ended up supporting the Third Prince, then she would have to reevaluate their relationship. But after the Chunfeng Brothel incident, plus her subtle probing earlier, it was almost certain Chi Yan would not stand in the Third Prince’s camp.

Releasing the rumor that the Old Madam had once wanted to cast him out—if the two branches really did turn on each other in the future, then at least in the eyes of the public, the Second Branch would not suffer much condemnation.

Even after handling today’s matter, Shen Tangning’s brows still carried a faint shadow of worry.

“Miss, what troubles you?”

She sighed softly. “The Crown Prince will be returning to the capital soon.”

Xueqing blinked in confusion. “Isn’t that a good thing? I heard he won a great victory. Surely His Majesty will reward him lavishly!”

Shen Tangning tugged at her lips, though the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Is it really a good thing?”

The Emperor was still in his prime. Yet the Crown Prince was already dazzling—backed by the officials, beloved by the people, and with a powerful maternal clan behind him.

Would His Majesty not grow restless? Would he not begin to wonder if the Prince harbored ambitions for the throne, eager to seize it early?

Too much merit—becomes a crime.

Her gaze darkened with thought. “Yuan Zhao, I may need you to make a trip.”

He raised his brows in mild surprise. “No problem.”

As long as the silver was enough, everything could be done.

“Xueqing, prepare ink and brush.” Shen Tangning rose and walked toward the desk. “I need to write a letter.”

Yuan Zhao would ride hard. With luck, the letter would reach the Crown Prince before his return to the capital.

…

By the time the sun sank, the sky had long turned dark. Liu Yifu emerged from the prison with weariness etched deep into his face.

The corruption case involving officials was vast and tangled. His Majesty had ordered the Three Judicial Offices to investigate together. Liu Yifu had been running ragged these past days.

And no wonder His Majesty was enraged—the amount of embezzlement was staggering.

It wasn’t only funds for public works like dams and canals—it even touched the summer ice stipends and winter coal allowances.

These were originally benefits for officials, but gradually, they had become a blatant tool for bribery.

For promotion or budget allocations, lower officials would send offerings upward. If you refused, you were isolated and crushed—your career ruined.

So what then?

You offered tribute too. And so corruption became a way of life.

Those at the top lined their pockets until their private treasuries rivalled the state’s. How could His Majesty not be furious?

Liu Yifu rubbed his temple wearily. Looking up, he spotted a thin figure pacing nearby, hesitant and anxious.

His heart stirred. He stepped forward. “Miss Jin Xiu? What are you doing here?”

Jin Xiu’s eyes lit with relief. “Lord Liu! I came here specially to find you!”

“To find me?” Liu Yifu grew even more curious. “What has happened?”

“It’s about Miss Pingting.” Jin Xiu bit her lip, then summoned her courage and held out a bundle.

Liu Yifu blinked, instinctively taking it.

Hesitation flickered in Jin Xiu’s gaze. “The fire at Chunfeng Brothel burned many things, but thanks to the Prefecture arriving quickly, Miss Pingting’s room wasn’t entirely destroyed.

“When I was sorting through her belongings, I found this. I’ve never seen anything like it… it looked suspicious. So I thought I should bring it to you.”

Liu Yifu’s expression sobered. He bowed slightly in thanks. “You did well. Your caution is commendable.”

Flustered by the praise, Jin Xiu lowered her gaze, cheeks reddening. After a moment, she added with firm seriousness: “My lord, Miss Pingting was a good person. She saved me from the brothel madam’s grasp, encouraged me often—told me that even in the mire, I must never give up hope. I can’t believe she would so easily choose death. There must be some hidden truth!”

Seeing the tears shimmering in her eyes, Liu Yifu’s heart softened. “Rest assured. I will do everything in my power to see she rests in peace.”

Jin Xiu finally let out a breath, her lips curving in gratitude. “Thank you, my lord.”

…

Back at home, Liu Yifu untied the bundle.

The items spilled onto the table—and he froze.

A dance dress. Exquisitely crafted, with a style he had never seen before in Yanjing.

It was perfectly preserved, clearly cherished by its owner.

Beside it was a mask—grotesque, with a blue face and fangs like a hungry demon.

When Liu Yifu picked it up, the mask was icy to the touch. The carved grimace seemed ready to break free, to devour flesh and blood.

He knew well—most young women liked delicate masks: foxes, rabbits, butterflies. But such a hideous and terrifying mask, tied to someone like Pingting? It made no sense.

His brows furrowed. The mystery only deepened.

…

The next day, Liu Yifu went to Chunfeng Brothel intending to question Jin Xiu further.

But the madam only scoffed. “Jin Xiu? The girl went out yesterday and never came back! That lazy brat must be hiding somewhere. When she returns, I’ll flay her alive!”

Liu Yifu’s heart skipped a beat. A sense of dread coiled in his chest.

And sure enough—

Not long after, news reached him from the Prefecture.

A body had been found in an alley behind Chunfeng Brothel.

The victim was Jin Xiu.

Cause of death: her throat had been slit.

Liu Yifu felt as though struck by lightning.

“……”