Remarrying Chun Yuan

Chapter 225 Close the Door

When Yuan Cuo was led out of the county government office, he saw Liu Musheng and Liu Muchi waiting for him.

This time, Wei Gongming didn't confront him directly, but instead told him to wait for news. If Song Liu'er really had nothing to do with the spy, he would be released sooner or later. As for Yao Wei, who had just been rushed there, a decision would have to wait until the court hearing.

He rattled off a whole string of platitudes, something Wei Gongming was more than adept at.

Even if Yuan Cuo was His Majesty's favorite minister, he couldn't possibly force Wei Gongming to release the man...

"Have you taken care of things at the prison?" He looked at Liu Muchi.

Liu Muchi nodded. "It's all arranged. We won't lose out."

In the past two years, the Liu family has maintained an exceptionally harmonious relationship with the county jail, since they often cause trouble and need to be appeased.

Moreover, the Liu family is very generous. Even if Wei Gongming is the county magistrate and exerts pressure, his subordinates will have ways to deal with him after receiving money.

Yuan Cuo responded lightly, feeling quite helpless. He knew someone was targeting him, but he still had to pretend to be unharmed.

"You all go back first, I'm going to the palace."

"Second sister told brother-in-law and eldest brother to go home first, saying she had a plan for this matter and that brother-in-law should not interfere," Liu Muchi quickly relayed the message.

Yuan Cuo was instantly displeased, "Did you still tell her?"

"Brother-in-law, don't blame us. Second sister has sharp eyes; how could anyone hide this from us..." Liu Muchi said helplessly.

Yuan Cuo choked, "Forget it, they'll find out sooner or later... Sometimes, if you keep your anger bottled up inside, it can easily harm your health." He looked at Liu Musheng, "If you lose your temper, please be understanding, brother, and don't talk back to her."

“Talk back to her? I wouldn’t dare. I’ve never won a verbal battle.” Liu Musheng didn’t want to go back either. “The Imperial Household Department was summoning me before. Do you think I should go or not? That old eunuch… that old eunuch specially sent people. Who knows what tricks he has up his sleeve for me.”

"Go home first, ignore him. Let him sue us if he dares." Yuan Cuo's attitude was firm, clearly showing that he had nothing to lose.

Liu Musheng breathed a sigh of relief, as long as he didn't get scolded.

Yuan Cuo made a trip to the palace and returned home after dark. Liu Yuechu was eating fish ball noodle soup cooked by Granny Fang. She didn't like noodles before, but her taste changed after she became pregnant.

Seeing Yuan Cuo return, she waved her hand and beckoned, "Are you hungry? There's still some in the pot, Xia Zhi, go and get a bowl for your son-in-law."

Xia Zhi readily agreed and went to the small kitchen.

The only thing in the room was Sichuan peppercorns, so Liu Yuechu could ask questions casually, "Has the palace decided to appoint you as the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review?"

"Not yet, and that's because I didn't agree immediately." Yuan Cuo didn't hide anything. "I can't possibly trade my promotion at the expense of the Liu family's business, so why would I do that?"

"Is this His Majesty's intention?"

"Obviously not."

Yuan Cuo didn't care who it was. "I just met with Wei Tianxuan and His Highness the Crown Prince to discuss trade terms with the Yan Kingdom. As for family matters, the Crown Prince offered to help, but I politely declined."

"Everyone wants to reap the benefits without lifting a finger, but no one is willing to weave the net." Liu Yuechu sneered. Even though the Empress had been very protective of the Liu family lately, she no longer thought the Crown Prince was a good person.

Yuan Cuo watched her finish the last few bites of noodles, then took a handkerchief and wiped her mouth. "So, my wife, do you have any good ideas on how to handle this?"

"Let's see how far they can go," Liu Yuechu said, without giving a direct answer.

When Yuan Cuo saw Xia Zhi bring in the food, he said nothing more, thanked her, washed his hands, and finished a bowl in a few bites.

“Otherwise, I will resign from my position as Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial and request permission to take over the work of the Surveying and Mapping Bureau from home. I can cook and make soup for my wife.” Yuan Cuo said this suddenly after he had finished eating and drinking.

As Granny Fang entered, she overheard, "Does the young master think my cooking isn't good enough?"

"Please don't misunderstand, Granny. I've just been thinking about my wife's pregnancy and wanted to do something for her," Yuan Cuo immediately explained with a smile.

Granny Fang snorted coldly, "A man's ambition lies in all corners of the world. Besides, if you dare to request an imperial decree, the first person to impeach you will be Young Master Chen. Our household already has enough troubles. You should just let people have some peace of mind!"

After giving Yuan Cuo a lecture, Yuan Cuo could only listen sheepishly.

Liu Yuechu was grinning from ear to ear, seemingly carefree and having completely forgotten about Yao Wei and Song Liu'er's accident...

Huajiao helped Liu Yuechu wash up, while Yuan Cuo washed himself and prepared to rest in Liu Yuechu's room.

"Would the young master like to sleep in the side room? I can make up the bed for you in advance." Even though she was reluctant, Huajiao still asked.

Liu Yuechu was pregnant, so she couldn't have marital relations. Huajiao should have been a maidservant, but Yuan Cuo hadn't touched her.

Moreover, there are four people in the mansion who were bestowed by the palace. Not to mention the two who grow herbs in the backyard, there are also Guyu and Xiazhi.

Yuan Cuo naturally understood what she meant. "No need. If you're sound asleep tonight, I can take care of her. I don't feel comfortable having an outsider with her." His tone was cold.

Huajiao breathed a sigh of relief, agreed, and left.

Yuan Cuo turned and got into bed; Liu Yuechu was already fast asleep.

She was in a daze all day, sometimes asleep and sometimes awake, and was completely out of control.

Yuan Cuo helped her cover herself with the quilt, took out the incense he had prepared, lit it, and then rested for a while.

The next day, he didn't rush to court early; he had breakfast with Liu Yuechu before leaving.

Liu Yuechu slept very well last night and was full of energy. "No matter what happens today, don't hide it from me. You must report it to me immediately. Also, close all the shops managed by Song Liu'er. The shopkeepers have all been imprisoned in the county government. What's the point of selling anything now?"

"Those who need to collect debts, deliver goods, or pick up goods should all wait a bit, since I know nothing about the accounts."

"The fur business has also been shut down. My eldest brother is busy dealing with the Imperial Household Department, and my third brother is also busy dealing with the lawsuits filed by the managers. They have no time to run the business."

"Don't let Brother Chen Cheng come over to help out. He can just follow Suozi and get things done at the pawnshop."

"Go tell Lu Bingyang again that he should take full responsibility for the horse farm, since his elder brother doesn't have time to manage it."

Her leisurely and methodical arrangements can be summed up in two words: slacking off.

Liu Muchi was somewhat frightened upon hearing these words. Was this the idea his second sister had mentioned?

"Second sister shouldn't hold a grudge. Actually, when we get busy, it's not like we can't keep up."

"You can be busy without your feet touching the ground, but if the person who's watching you doesn't like it, who among you will be arrested?" Liu Yuechu didn't directly name the Third Prince, but anyone with a brain would know that the Liu family was being targeted.

Which cat wouldn't want to steal a bite of this big fish?

Liu Muchi froze; he hadn't really thought of that question.

“But we’re not pushovers. We’re upright and honest, and we haven’t done anything wrong. The county government can’t just frame us.”

"So Song Liu'er and Yao Wei were at fault?" Liu Yuechu bluntly stated, "They wanted to control them, ruin the Liu family's business, and then do a good deed to help us? I can't even get revenge, and I have to be grateful?"

"Then I might as well close down and see what other tricks they have up their sleeves."

"Anyway, our household can afford the loss, and if things really get out of hand, I still have one last trick up my sleeve!"