MFURCC -Chapter 39 Seeking Justice

She looked very similar to Ruan Changzheng. If not for that resemblance, she could never have taken Ruan Changzheng’s place to join the army.

Then, it was highly likely that Xiao Hengzi truly was Prince Su’s twin brother.

Xiao Hengzi had died for the country. If he really was Prince Su’s twin, he deserved a prince’s tomb—not to become a handful of soil in that desolate land.

Ruan Liuzheng even considered adopting a child in his name to inherit his military achievements.

…

Meanwhile, Madam personally escorted Ruan Yunzheng to the Changlong Temple.

She donated a generous amount for incense and offerings, making sure the abbot reserved the best courtyard for Ruan Yunzheng.

She even personally prepared the bed for her, so the maids left to serve her would understand that Ruan Yunzheng had not been abandoned by the Ruan family.

If they dared to look down on Ruan Yunzheng, she would not let them off.

These were things she had never done for Liuzheng, yet she felt no wrong—only a deep, aching sympathy for all the injustices Ruan Yunzheng had endured.

Once the room was arranged, they finally had time to talk.

With the door closed, Madam asked about today’s events.

“Why were you so foolish as to bring yourself into this trouble over a mere maid? Was she worth this?”

Ruan Yunzheng held Madam’s hand.

“Mother, Su Luo didn’t steal the silver reward token.”

Madam was slightly stunned. “Then it really was you…”

“No! I didn’t! I didn’t do it, and neither did Su Luo. We were both wrongfully accused.”

Gradually, Madam’s mind cleared.

“It was Liuzheng! She pressured you step by step, forcing you to end up in the temple.”

It was all orchestrated by Liuzheng!

Madam, however, could not understand: “But how did she manage it? She and the people from Tinglan Courtyard were clearly already confined…”

Earlier, she had truly believed Su Luo had stolen it, and Ruan Yunzheng had admitted guilt to protect her.

But now, she realized Ruan Yunzheng wasn’t that naïve.

Ruan Yunzheng said, “Mother, have you forgotten? Besides the maids and nannies, she also has two capable deputies. They can carry out any orders for her.”

Madam’s expression darkened.

“You have never wronged her—so why would she treat you like this? How could she be so vicious?!”

A fleeting hint of guilt crossed Ruan Yunzheng’s face.

She dared not tell Madam that it was she who had instructed Xianghe to poison the maid.

As long as she stayed silent, Madam’s mind would never connect the dots.

Ruan Yunzheng collected herself and said, “It’s because I took you away…”

“What do you mean ‘took away’? I am right here! What do you mean by that? Did I care for her any less? Even when your eldest brother schemed to take the military reward on her behalf, I instructed him not to be harsh… Besides, nothing came of it, so she wouldn’t have known.”

Ruan Yunzheng continued, “Mother, it’s not just me. Think about it—my eldest brother was also struck by her orders. The eldest sister might have known my brother’s plan; otherwise, she had no reason to act. And the second aunt—though impulsive, she wouldn’t dare poison the eldest sister. I suspect there’s something else at play here.”

Her words hinted at something suspicious—directly pointing to Liuzheng.

A chill ran down Madam’s spine.

“So you mean, she knew of our arrangements and broke Changzheng’s leg, not out of necessity, but for revenge? Against you and your second aunt as well?”

“That’s possible.”

Madam clenched her fists in anger.

“What a wicked child! Nothing succeeded, yet she still schemes? She’s already General Zhaoyong! What more does she want?!”

“Mother, please calm down… At this point, all we can do is wait for my brother’s leg to heal before thinking of any other measures.”

Madam closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling violently.

She deeply regretted giving birth to Liuzheng.

“When I gave birth to them, people outside said twin girls were an omen of fortune, but a boy and a girl was inauspicious… I didn’t listen at the time and scolded them instead. Now I think, I should have drowned her then! It was me, unwilling to let go of this flesh, that harmed you and Changzheng…”

Madam’s heart was filled with endless remorse.

She had forgotten that she did, in fact, heed those inauspicious warnings initially.

That was why, after her confinement, she focused entirely on Ruan Changzheng and ignored Liuzheng, leaving only the wet nurse to care for her.

Had it not been for Nanny Jiang and the old madam, the little girl might have died young.

Madam held Ruan Yunzheng’s hand tightly.

“I will see that justice is done for you!”

Ruan Yunzheng, eyes red, crouched at Madam’s feet and laid her head on her lap.

Madam loved this gesture—it was both intimate and submissive.

She wanted a child like Ruan Yunzheng—obedient and sensible—not Liuzheng, who was prickly all over.

As the sun neared the horizon and the city gates prepared to close, Madam, urged by Nanny Qi, finally got ready to leave.

Before departing, she comforted Ruan Yunzheng: “Once your brother’s leg shows any improvement, I’ll bring you back immediately. You won’t have to wait long; time will pass in the blink of an eye.”

Ruan Yunzheng also comforted Madam.

“Mother, don’t worry about me. I’m fine here. Su Luo will take care of me, and the abbot will treat me well. I can pray for my brother every day.”

“And now, the old madam is probably still angry. Don’t mention bringing me back in front of her, lest she blame you as well.”

“As for eldest sister… before I return, don’t do anything. Her status is different now, so you must control your temper and yield a little.”

So obedient. Not thinking of herself, only of Madam.

Madam’s heart leaned even more toward her.

Hearing the last words, “control your temper and yield a little,” her eyes filled with resentment.

Liuzheng was her child.

Without her, Liuzheng would not exist.

Yet she had to obey the will of the flesh she bore!

Seeing her adopted daughter’s current plight, Madam shed two streams of clear tears.

She could no longer tell whether the tears were out of anger toward Liuzheng or concern for Ruan Yunzheng.

“Your second uncle entrusted you to me. I thought I could take care of you, yet you suffered so many injustices. How can I face him?”

Ruan Yunzheng’s grandfather was Madam’s maternal elder brother.

It was thanks to him that Madam could marry into the Ruan family.

She remembered his kindness, which only increased her guilt toward Ruan Yunzheng.

Madam’s temper was extremely unsettled.

“When I come to bring you back, until then, I’ll visit you often.”

“Alright. Mother, please hurry back. The city gates are about to close. If you don’t return in time, people will make trouble.”

Ruan Yunzheng never mentioned Liuzheng but subtly avoided stirring Madam’s hatred toward her.

“Mm.”

Madam nodded.

Just as she was about to leave, Second Madam Zhao broke free from the attendant’s hold and rushed out of the room.

Startled, Madam instinctively stepped back and saw Zhao suddenly kneel before her.

“Eldest sister-in-law! I am innocent! Liuzheng has framed me! Please take me back! I cannot stay away! Bai Jie and Ming Ge cannot be without their mother!”

Madam helped her up. “I understand your grievances. I will investigate and restore your innocence.”

Second Madam’s eyes lit up.

“Really?”

“Of course. When have I ever lied to you?”

She left with a stern expression.

Unaware, Ruan Yunzheng, after watching her leave, returned inside and fell silent.

Though this was the best room in the temple, she still found it foul.

When had she ever lived in such a humble place?

No—she had. Not long ago, she had still been in the servant quarters of the general’s mansion.

That, too, was Liuzheng’s doing.

Liuzheng had not only prevented her from meeting the Crown Prince, she had twice sabotaged even her most basic comforts.

She hated Liuzheng.

She even thought: if Master Huifan not only could foresee the future but also kill from afar…

Yes… kill from afar.

Ruan Yunzheng’s eyes suddenly lit up.

She had thought of a way to deal with Liuzheng!

“Su Luo, come in!”

Earlier, Ruan Yunzheng had been sitting alone in the room, venting her anger. Su Luo knew she liked solitude when upset and hadn’t entered.

Hearing the call, she hurried in and immediately knelt.

“Miss, your great kindness and grace, your maid will never forget!”

“Good, Su Luo.” Ruan Yunzheng touched her forehead, eyes full of affection. “Though you are my maid, I treat you as a sister. How could I ever abandon you?”

Su Luo’s eyes reddened.

“I swear to follow you for life, Miss!”

“Your loyalty is enough. Don’t speak of life and death. Cheer up. We have done nothing wrong; we need not treat ourselves as criminals.”

Su Luo straightened her back. “Yes, Miss!”

Ruan Yunzheng smiled faintly, then quickly grew serious.

“We cannot just sit and wait for my brother’s leg to heal. I need you to do a few things for me.”

“Miss, do you want me to seek Master Huifan? I can go now, but if I go now, I’ll only return tomorrow.”

“Not that. Something else…”

She did not want to waste Master Huifan’s skills on Liuzheng.

Too costly.

Master Huifan was a criminal from the previous dynasty, involved in the former emperor’s death. Every meeting with him was extremely risky.

Liuzheng did not deserve that.

Ruan Yunzheng pulled Su Luo close and whispered detailed instructions.

Su Luo nodded firmly.

“I know what to do.”

…

Elsewhere, after leaving the general’s mansion, the Duke of Wei returned to his residence.

The Duchess was taking medicine to stabilize her pregnancy.

Seeing him, she had the maid bring the medicine down first.

“Why were you gone so long?”

The Duke took the medicine from the maid.

“Drink first; I’ll tell you after.”

The Duchess frowned. “This medicine is too bitter.”

“Then don’t drink it. But if you don’t, I won’t tell you why I was gone so long.”

The Duchess shot him a sharp glance.

“Are you going to tell me or not?”

The Duke sighed and confessed.

The Duchess, upon hearing it, was shocked, eyes wide.

“They… imprisoned her and even poisoned her?”