Transmigrated into the Scumbag Ex-Wife of the Prime Minister - Chapter 96

Half a month ago, the Transport Commissioner of Jiangnan Circuit, Princess Changning, inspected Binhe County and re-examined all the cases in the county.

While reviewing several murder cases that occurred in the county in recent years, she found evidence that the Dockyard Warehouse Governor, Peng, was involved in murder.

Peng Wanchun had served in Binhe County for many years, and his rank was higher than that of the county magistrate. Over time, he developed an overbearing and arrogant style.

Although no evidence could be found in the case of selling raw iron, Peng Wanchun had committed many acts of murder and arson. Thus, Qi Zhenshu suggested that Princess Changning start with this to apprehend Peng Wanchun first.

Once Peng Wanchun and a few key personnel involved were detained, people could be dispatched to search the dockyard warehouse and the Peng residence, and they would surely find some clues related to the sale of raw iron.

After finding evidence for several old cases, Princess Changning acted swiftly, immediately assembling constables and the patrol department to surround the Peng residence and the dockyard warehouse, respectively.

Hearing that Governor Peng was arrested, Lu Sheng immediately thought of Lu Yu. She quickly instructed her shop assistant and rushed out to Lu Yu’s house.

She knocked for a long time but received no response. Lu Sheng’s heart sank, and she hurried to the dockyard warehouse, only to find it sealed by constables. Lu Sheng thought for a moment and went to the patrol department instead.

Lu Sheng arrived just as Lu Zheng came to deliver a change of clothes to Zhuo Yu.

“Came to ask Xiao Yu about Lu Yu?”

Seeing Lu Sheng at the patrol department now, Lu Zheng didn’t need to guess her intention.

“Yes.”

Lu Zheng, with her big belly, found it a bit inconvenient to cross the threshold. Lu Sheng quickly stepped forward to help her. “I just went to her house and no one answered the door, so I thought I’d come here to check.”

Lu Sheng offered to take the package in her hand, but Lu Zheng waved her off, not needing her help. She asked, “How is Liu Yun?”

“Haven’t told her yet.” Lu Sheng thought she should at least get some news before telling Liu Yun.

Lu Zheng sighed, not saying anything more.

There were fifty-six people in the Peng residence, and between the arrests, interrogations, and registrations, Zhuo Yu was swamped and hadn’t even returned home.

“Go and invite Artist Xu here,” Zhuo Yu frowned as she instructed a subordinate. As soon as she looked up, she saw the Lu sisters walking in through the door.

“Why did you come here?” Zhuo Yu’s expression softened, and she smiled warmly.

She quickly walked up to them, took the package from Lu Zheng, and carefully helped her into the room.

“I figured you’d be staying at the patrol department these few days, so I brought you some clothes.”

For such a major case as the arrest of the warehouse governor, Lu Zheng had already guessed that she would be busy for quite some time.

“I could have gone back for them myself once I had some free time.” Zhuo Yu greeted Lu Sheng, then pulled her wife, carefully protecting her as she helped her sit down.

“It’s nothing, I just brought them over.” Lu Zheng smoothly tidied her slightly loose belt. Zhuo Yu bent down and whispered something private in her ear.

Lu Zheng laughed, glared at her playfully, and pushed his hand away.

Lu Sheng, accustomed to this public display of affection, was unfazed, although every time she saw it, it reminded her of Qi Zhenshu.

She decided that once the autumn exam was over, she would insist on staying with Qi Zhenshu and no longer endure this long-distance separation.

While Lu Sheng was deep in thought, Zhuo Yu had closed the door.

“Lu Yu ran away,” Zhuo Yu said, lowering her voice.

“Ran away?” Lu Sheng was surprised.

She hadn’t found her and assumed Lu Yu had been arrested.

Zhuo Yu nodded and recounted what happened last night.

The cases Princess Changning re-examined included the previous murder of the three people, including Zhou Dan. When the order was issued last night, it specifically mentioned apprehending Lu Yu.

Last night, Zhuo Yu was in charge of leading the patrol department to surround the Peng residence, while the county constables were responsible for the warehouse and dockyard.

In the morning, Zhuo Yu heard the news that Lu Yu had jumped into the river and escaped when they surrounded the warehouse.

As for Zhuo Yu’s side, they arrested fifty-six people, including Peng Wanchun, but missed Peng Wanchun’s most capable thug, Ah Kun.

She had just been instructing her subordinate to find an artist to draw portraits of Lu Yu and Ah Kun to post a warrant for their arrest.

“If she comes to you, you must not help her again,” Zhuo Yu cautioned. “Advise her to surrender as soon as possible.”

If it were before, perhaps, but now Lu Yu was an escaped criminal, and Lu Sheng could not help her in any way.

Although Zhuo Yu did not know about the raw iron trafficking case, judging by Princess Changning’s recent actions in Binhe County, she knew that Governor Peng was definitely going to be purged and could no longer escape the law.

Based on Lu Yu’s easy escape from the triple murder case last time, Zhuo Yu guessed that Lu Yu might have helped Governor Peng do a lot of illegal things.

“I understand.” Lu Sheng nodded.

Things had escalated to a point far beyond her ability to help.

“There will likely be constables guarding the entrance of the wine shop these days,” Zhuo Yu reminded her. “Is she still visiting Liu Yun frequently?”

Lu Sheng shook her head. “Not very often.”

Since her miscarriage, Liu Yun had given up on Lu Yu and always gave her a cold shoulder whenever she came.

Since Lu Sheng returned from Qingzhou, the number of times Lu Yu came to see Liu Yun had decreased significantly, and she hadn’t seen her for several days recently.

Upon returning to the wine shop, Lu Sheng was pulled aside by Sixth Aunt, who was waiting there, as soon as she entered the door.

“Miss Lu, I heard that Miss Lu Yu has become a fugitive!” Sixth Aunt said with a worried expression.

She was hired by Lu Yu, and she was supposed to receive her wages in a few days when Liu Yun was out of confinement. Now that she heard Lu Yu was arrested, she was immediately anxious.

“Sixth Aunt, don’t worry, I will pay your wages later,” Lu Sheng reassured her.

“Thank you, Miss Lu, thank you, Miss Lu.” Sixth Aunt immediately cupped her hands and thanked her.

“Sixth Aunt, how did you know Xiao Yu became a fugitive?”

Sixth Aunt glanced towards the backyard. “Two soldiers came earlier and told me.”

“Did Sister Yun already know?” Lu Sheng frowned.

Sixth Aunt nodded, a troubled look returning to her face, and said, “I saw her looking a bit off. You should go and check on her quickly.”

Even before the arrest, Princess Changning had people investigate everyone’s relationship network. With Lu Yu on the run, the constables naturally sought out Liu Yun first.

When Liu Yun heard that Lu Yu was wanted, Sixth Aunt observed that she was first stunned, and then, as if indifferent to Lu Yu, she nonchalantly said that Lu Yu hadn’t been there and that she hadn’t seen her for days.

When Lu Sheng walked into the room, Liu Yun was leaning half-sitting against the bed, staring blankly out the window.

“Been lying in bed for too long, I can even recognize Xiao Sheng’s footsteps now.” Liu Yun turned her head to look at Lu Sheng, a faint, almost invisible smile playing on her lips.

“Sister Yun.”

Lu Sheng walked two steps further in. Before she could say anything more, Liu Yun spoke again. “When is Xiao Sheng planning to go to Qingzhou again?”

“At the end of the month.”

The two chatted for a while, and then the shop assistant outside called Lu Sheng, saying someone was looking for her.

Before leaving the room, Liu Yun called out to Lu Sheng, her tone flat. “Xiao Sheng, if Lu Yu comes to you, tell her to stop running and surrender early.”

The moment she heard the news, Liu Yun couldn’t say whether she was happy or sad; she just felt that what was meant to come had finally arrived.

Having depended on each other for more than ten years, Liu Yun guessed that even if Lu Yu didn’t come back to her, she would come to Lu Sheng to relay a message, so she left a message for Lu Yu in advance.

“Yes,” Lu Sheng responded.

Arriving at the front shop, Lu Sheng immediately spotted the person standing there. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, then she guessed her intention.

Princess Changning’s demeanor was calm and elegant. Even dressed only in a plain, crescent-moon colored long dress, she still exuded an undeniable refined nobility.

Since dreaming of the original novel, Lu Sheng had automatically categorized Princess Changning as a ‘love rival.’ Every time she met her, she unconsciously scrutinized her, yet each time she had to sigh over the woman’s beauty and temperament.

She truly deserved to be the primary female protagonist in the original novel.

Every time she thought of this, Lu Sheng felt a sense of injustice for Qi Zhenshu in the book.

Both were female protagonists, but Qi Zhenshu’s parents died, and she was sold to the Lu family as a ‘live-in son-in-law,’ eventually persecuted by the original host and forced to leave her homeland.

In contrast, Princess Changning was born an ‘apple of the eye,’ and although her parents died young, she grew up under the Empress’s protection. Even the biggest obstacle in her life—the struggle for the throne—had Qi Zhenshu’s strong assistance and strategic support, causing no overly difficult setbacks.

“Miss Lu,” Princess Changning’s eyes curved slightly, and her tone was gentle.

“Your Highness,” Lu Sheng collected her scattered thoughts and bowed in respect.

“Does Miss Lu have time now?” Princess Changning asked.

“Yes, I do.”

Beyond her title, Princess Changning was also Qi Zhenshu’s superior, so Lu Sheng had to show some respect.

Lu Sheng followed Princess Changning out of the wine shop. A carriage was already waiting outside. Lu Sheng subconsciously scanned the area but did not find Qin Feiyan.

Princess Changning noticed her small gesture, her expression slightly hardening. She got into the carriage with the help of A-Lu, and the carriage traveled for about fifteen minutes, heading south to Binhe County’s largest teahouse, Taoran Ju.

Lu Sheng was puzzled. She guessed Princess Changning was looking for her mostly to ask about Lu Yu.

Logically, this matter was simple and could have been discussed at any teahouse near the wine shop. There was no need to deliberately go all the way south to Taoran Ju.

Taoran Ju was a circular, wooden two-story building. The first floor was a hall with a stage, where a storyteller was currently performing. The second floor consisted of private rooms built around the hall. The inner side of the private rooms had semi-tall, exquisitely lacquered wooden railings, allowing guests to see the stage on the first floor from their rooms.

The attendant was briefly stunned by Princess Changning’s beauty when he first saw her. He only recovered after A-Lu gave him a cold glance, and he hastily ushered them to a private room on the second floor.

After the attendant served tea, Princess Changning finally withdrew her gaze from the viewing platform downstairs and asked Lu Sheng, “Did Scholar Qi mention the raw iron trafficking case we are investigating?”

This question left Lu Sheng unsure how to answer. If she said yes, it would imply that Qi Zhenshu had privately leaked case details.

If she said no, Lu Sheng felt that given Princess Changning’s way of doing things, she probably would have already confirmed the facts before asking the question.

“I only know about Father’s situation, nothing else.” Lu Sheng’s mind raced, and she chose not to conceal anything, answering truthfully.

Princess Changning’s expression remained unchanged. She gently picked up the teacup, skimmed off the foam, blew on it, took a shallow sip, and spoke slowly.

“Your father was not involved. Governor Peng manipulated things at the dock, swapping the goods.”

Princess Changning’s words were brief, but Lu Sheng quickly understood the implications. She was inwardly shocked, but seeing Princess Changning’s calm demeanor, she somehow managed to maintain her composure.

She couldn’t appear too surprised and lose face.

Lu Sheng also took a sip of tea. Although not as graceful and leisurely as Princess Changning, she had managed to imitate Qi Zhenshu’s unhurried mannerisms eight or nine tenths of the way.

“So that’s how it is.” Lu Sheng sat upright, and even her speech began to mimic Qi Zhenshu’s concise style.

Princess Changning glanced at her, a hint of interest flashing in her eyes. She slowly said, “From February to May, four batches of grain sent to the military granary passed through Binhe County’s dockyard warehouse.”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but Lu Sheng guessed the rest of her statement.

“These four batches of goods were handled by Lu Yu,” Lu Sheng asserted.

Princess Changning nodded in approval. On the way to Qinzhou, she had noticed that Qi Zhenshu’s wife was pretty, cheerful, and generous, not the spoiled, fierce woman of rumored. Now, it seemed she was also intelligent and indeed a good match for Qi Zhenshu.

No wonder some people commented that finding a wife like Lu Sheng would be a fulfillment of wishes.

‘Good-natured, family-oriented, and also good at running a business to earn money, Xiao Sheng is a rare virtuous wife.’

“Precisely,” Princess Changning took a sip of tea, banished the thought of the person from her mind, and said seriously, “If Miss Lu encounters Lu Yu again, please deliver a message to her: it is not too late to atone for her crimes.”

Last night, they sealed the dockyard warehouse but found no clues related to the raw iron. Princess Changning thought perhaps they could start with Lu Yu.

She had investigated Lu Yu: she only worked at the dock for a few months before becoming the warehouse supervisor. Peng Wanchun had even instructed Ah Kun to kill three people for her, suggesting that she must have been highly valued by Peng Wanchun.

Zhuo Yu, Liu Yun, plus Princess Changning—everyone was asking her to persuade Lu Yu to surrender. Lu Sheng found it somewhat amusing; how could these people all guess that Lu Yu would come looking for her?

“I understand. If I meet Lu Yu, I will advise her to surrender,” Lu Sheng said, grasping the teacup.

As soon as she finished speaking, A-Lu knocked on the door outside.

“Mistress, time is almost up.”

The faint composure on Princess Changning’s face finally showed some movement. She put down her teacup and said to Lu Sheng, “I still have some matters to attend to, so I won’t chat with Miss Lu any longer.”

“Please go ahead, Your Highness,” Lu Sheng replied, standing up.

“If Lu Yu comes to her senses, tell her to look for me at the Lin residence,” Princess Changning took out a bamboo token and handed it to Lu Sheng.

Lu Sheng took it. Looking down, she saw the five characters ‘Jiangnan Circuit Governor’s Office’ carved on the token. She had seen Qi Zhenshu carry this token; it was a pass to enter and exit the Jiangnan Circuit Governor’s Office.

After speaking to her, Princess Changning gave a slight nod and turned to leave the private room.

As the group reached the corner of the stairs, they came face to face with two people walking up the stairs.

The woman in front was wearing a red, fitted riding outfit, followed by a young girl in a pale purple ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress).

“Your Highness?” Qin Feiyan asked, momentarily stunned.

Since arriving in Binhe County, she had stopped being Princess Changning’s guard, so seeing her at the teahouse was quite a surprise.

Princess Changning’s eyes briefly and faintly swept over the two of them, and she said calmly, “Escort Leader Qin.”

Lu Sheng still had a lot of things to attend to and had no leisure to drink tea or listen to the storytelling. She waited in the private room for a while to ensure Princess Changning had gone far before getting up to leave.

A few more days passed peacefully, and just as everyone had guessed, Lu Yu sought out Lu Sheng.

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