Chapter Six: The Conspiracy Unfolds, Love Difficult to Conceal

Qu Wanqing draped a cloak over her shoulders and briskly walked into the courtyard, where Jiang Yu had already prepared the carriage, waiting patiently. The wheels rolled steadily over the cobblestone road, heading toward a secluded residence on the outskirts of the city.

The name on that piece of paper was none other than a distant relative of Steward Zhao—a rogue who ran a gambling den outside the mansion.

Upon arrival, Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu disguised themselves and slipped quietly into the gambling house.

The cacophony of shouting and clattering dice mingled amid the stench of sweat and alcohol that permeated the air.

Qu Wanqing watched her surroundings without a flicker of emotion until she spotted her target in a shadowed corner.

The scoundrel boasted loudly to a group of gamblers, bragging about his vast influence, even claiming to have uncovered secrets of the Marquis’s household.

Qu Wanqing exchanged a glance with Jiang Yu and stealthily approached.

In hushed fragments, they learned that Steward Zhao had promised this rogue a hefty sum upon success, instructing him to spread rumors to tarnish Qu Wanqing’s reputation and force her out of the Marquis’s mansion.

Behind this plot, the shadow of Concubine Su seemed to loom.

What shocked Qu Wanqing even more was the ultimate aim of Steward Zhao and Concubine Su—to seize the Marquis’s estate for themselves!

The complexity of this conspiracy far exceeded her expectations; so many within the mansion were entangled in it!

Returning to the mansion, Qu Wanqing felt a chilling sensation down her spine.

She knew she had to unravel the truth swiftly, lest the consequences become unbearable.

Yet, both Mistress Lin and Steward Zhao had already sensed her movements.

They realized that if Qu Wanqing continued her investigation, their scheme would be exposed.

So, they decided to strike first.

At dawn the next day, news suddenly spread through the mansion—an invaluable jade ruyi scepter had gone missing.

After a thorough "search," the jade ruyi was "discovered" in Qu Wanqing’s room!

Qu Wanqing was brought to the main hall, surrounded by a crowd. Mistress Lin and Steward Zhao stood nearby, their faces twisted into sinister smiles.

Concubine Su also appeared, feigning shock while a gleam of triumph flickered in her eyes.

Mr. Zhang shook his head with a sigh, seemingly disappointed by Qu Wanqing’s alleged "misconduct."

Even the usually timid and cowardly Cui’er looked at her with an unfamiliar gaze.

“Madam, this jade ruyi...” Steward Zhao pointed at Qu Wanqing with malicious tone, “was found in your room!”

Qu Wanqing scanned the room; every pair of eyes pierced her like sharpened blades.

Within the oppressive main hall, the atmosphere was as tense as the calm before a storm. The towering beams cast dark shadows, like invisible hands trying to seize her tightly. The servants stood densely packed, their cold stares falling upon her like icy raindrops.

Amid this suffocating aura, Qu Wanqing stood proud like a plum blossom blooming in the harshest winter.

She knew this was the trap set by Mistress Lin and Steward Zhao—their last desperate gambit.

Taking a deep breath, her gaze filled with resolve and fury, she spoke slowly, a cold smile curling at her lips.

“This jade ruyi...” she began, “was indeed found in my room...” Pausing, her eyes swept over the crowd before settling on Steward Zhao’s face. “However...”

“However, this does not prove that I am the thief.”

Lifting her chin slightly, her eyes full of disdain, she paced deliberately, each step like a strike upon the hearts of Steward Zhao and Mistress Lin. Her voice was icy as the winter wind.

“Steward, what evidence do you have to prove I stole this? Has the Marquis’s mansion no law? To accuse me of theft merely because the item was found in my room—does that mean anyone here can be falsely accused at will?”

Steward Zhao and Mistress Lin were clearly unprepared for Qu Wanqing’s composure. Their anticipated panic and protests never came, leaving them momentarily speechless.

The surrounding servants began whispering among themselves, doubt creeping into their minds.

“This... this jade ruyi was found in Madam’s room. Is there still any question?” Mistress Lin forced calm, but the sharpness in her voice revealed her unease.

“Mistress Lin, one can be careless with food, but never with words,” Qu Wanqing sneered. “I’ve seen many thieves crying ‘catch the thief,’ but never such a clumsy performance as yours.” Her sarcastic remark drew suppressed chuckles from the servants nearby.

Just then, Jiang Yu appeared, escorting a meek servant from the mansion.

“Madam, we have the person,” Jiang Yu announced firmly, his voice steady and reassuring, bolstering Qu Wanqing’s aura.

Having wandered the martial world for years, Jiang Yu had honed an unerring eye for human nature. Quietly observing everything within the mansion, he quickly identified the suspicious servant when Qu Wanqing found herself in peril.

The trembling servant soon confessed under Jiang Yu’s interrogation—he had stolen the jade ruyi and implicated Qu Wanqing under orders from Steward Zhao and Mistress Lin!

They had promised him a substantial reward upon success to frame Qu Wanqing.

With the truth unveiled, the hall erupted in shock.

Steward Zhao and Mistress Lin’s faces drained of color, as if struck by lightning.

They never imagined their carefully plotted scheme would be unraveled so easily.

Concubine Su also faltered, unprepared for the turn of events.

The servants now looked at Qu Wanqing with newfound respect, surprised that this seemingly fragile lady was so intelligent and decisive.

Mr. Zhang awkwardly cleared his throat, ashamed of his former doubts.

Even timid Cui’er finally found the courage to speak out against Mistress Lin’s habitual cruelty toward Qu Wanqing.

Steward Zhao and Mistress Lin were dragged away, destined to face the mansion’s stern punishment.

Concubine Su slunk out of the hall, her conspiracy not entirely exposed but critically endangered.

Qu Wanqing looked at Jiang Yu with eyes full of gratitude—and something deeper.

Jiang Yu met her gaze, a gentle smile curving his lips, his eyes tender as he softly clasped her hand.

“Wanqing...” His voice was deep and magnetic, his grip firm, as if channeling all his strength into her.

“You have suffered much.”

Qu Wanqing’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She returned his grip, gently shaking her head.

“As long as you’re here, I fear nothing.”

The servants quietly withdrew, leaving the two alone.

Jiang Yu embraced Qu Wanqing, whispering in her ear, “Wanqing, I know the immense pressure you’ve borne. You’ve done well—truly well.”

Qu Wanqing buried her head against his chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace, the long-suppressed emotions finally released.

She realized that in this unfamiliar world, she had finally found a shoulder to lean on.

“Actually...” Qu Wanqing lifted her head, meeting Jiang Yu’s eyes, “I already suspected Steward Zhao and Mistress Lin, but lacked concrete evidence.”

Lying in bed, restless, her mind replayed the faces of those involved. She knew the waters of this mansion ran deep, every person potentially an enemy, as if groping in the dark, unaware when the next trap might spring. Yet how could she surrender so easily to their schemes?

Jiang Yu smiled softly and playfully tapped her nose.

“You always like to bear everything alone.”

“Just don’t want you to worry,” Qu Wanqing teased, sticking out her tongue.

They exchanged a knowing smile, unspoken understanding passing between them.

At that moment, a servant hurried in.

“Madam, Master requests your presence in the study, along with Mr. Jiang.”

Master? Qu Wanqing’s heart skipped—a chill of suspicion. Could there be hidden truths behind the second marriage crisis?

In the study, the mansion’s elderly lord—Qu Wanqing’s nominal father-in-law—sat sternly in his seat.

He spoke bluntly: “Wanqing, I know you’ve suffered much recently, and it’s all my fault.”

Both Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu froze. What was this about? Was the elder about to confess?

“Actually, Steward Zhao and Mistress Lin acted under my orders,” the elder sighed. “I had planned to marry you to the son of the Prime Minister to strengthen the Marquis’s position. But now, I regret it.”

“Regret?” Qu Wanqing found it hard to believe.

“Yes,” the elder nodded. “I’ve seen your talent and wisdom, and the bond between you and Jiang Yu. I am old and foolish—I should not meddle in the affairs of youth.”

His words brought relief to Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu; it seemed the second marriage crisis was finally resolved.

But was it truly so simple?

Suddenly, the elder shifted tone. “However, I have one more request.”

Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu exchanged uneasy glances.

“I wish for you both to accompany me to Qingfeng Temple outside the city to pray for the Marquis’s family.”

Qingfeng Temple? Wasn’t that the site of the temple fair?

“Of course, no problem,” Qu Wanqing agreed immediately.

Jiang Yu tightened his hold on Qu Wanqing’s hand, sensing that matters were not as straightforward as they appeared.

The next morning, the carriage slowly set off toward the outskirts.

Qu Wanqing lifted the curtain, her eyes sparkling at the bustling scene of the temple fair in the distance.

“Wow, so many people!” she exclaimed with delight.

Jiang Yu smiled at her excitement.

“Let’s go take a look.”

Yet, unbeknownst to them, behind the festive clamor, a greater conspiracy was quietly unfolding.

Suddenly, Jiang Yu grasped Qu Wanqing’s hand tightly, his gaze growing deep and vigilant.

He sensed an unusual presence approaching...