Chapter Forty-Nine: Throwing Eggs Against Stones

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Su Mingxiu lowered his eyes, falling into silence. Although there was no concrete evidence to prove that Prince Xian was responsible for the death of Jiang You’an’s father, it was certain that Prince Xian wanted to conceal the truth. If he were to reveal this information to Jiang You’an now, and she pursued the investigation further, she would undoubtedly provoke Prince Xian’s wrath.

She would then be thrown into grave danger. He truly did not wish to see that day come.

Yet... her family had been destroyed because of that case. How could it be fair to hide the truth from her?

Su Mingxiu gazed deeply into Jiang You’an’s clear and bright eyes, filled with hope. He sighed and slowly said, “If the mastermind behind your father’s death controls everything with an iron grip, the chances of you exposing him are slim, and you might even be harmed in the process. Are you still determined to continue the investigation?”

Jiang You’an remained silent for a moment, then met Su Mingxiu’s gaze calmly. “As a daughter, knowing my father died unjustly and my family suffered because of it, how can I merely seek to live quietly and selfishly? Even if that person is so powerful that I can never bring him down, at least I want to know the truth. Mingxiu, if you know anything, you must tell me. I don’t want to live a foolish life in ignorance.”

Hearing this, Su Mingxiu’s voice grew heavy as he finally spoke, “You’an, my father, the Marquis of Yong’an, has some understanding of the case involving Minister Jiang. He suspects the person behind it all is... Prince Xian.”

Jiang You’an’s eyes widened slightly, her entire body stunned.

Su Mingxiu clasped her hand tightly and added, “But this is only a conjecture; there is no solid evidence. I hesitate to tell you because I fear you might act rashly and endanger yourself.”

The news left Jiang You’an deeply unsettled. She steadied herself against the chair for a long while, then spoke with clear eyes, “Your father, the Marquis Yong’an, has been among the court officials for years. His judgment is trustworthy. Prince Xian... it’s Prince Xian...”

Su Mingxiu knelt beside her, speaking gently, “For now, all we can confirm is that Prince Xian is involved. We can start our investigation from this lead, but we must be extremely cautious. Information close to Prince Xian is not easy to obtain, and the process will be very difficult. Are you sure you want to continue?”

Without hesitation, Jiang You’an replied, “Of course. I won’t give up. Even if it’s like an egg striking a stone, I want to try my best.”

As she spoke, her beautiful eyes sparkled with fierce determination. Yet when she looked at Su Mingxiu, her gaze dimmed slightly.

“The Marquis surely doesn’t want to drag you into this trouble. He must have told you to stay out of it, right? Don’t worry. I’ll find a way on my own.”

Su Mingxiu smiled faintly, holding her hand. “We are already engaged; we are family. Your matters are my matters. How could I stand by and do nothing? If my father forbids me from intervening, then we will act secretly behind his back. As long as we are careful, we’ll be fine. Don’t be afraid. I won’t let you strike that stone alone. I will stand before you, shielding you from the storm.”

His palm was soft and warm, sending waves of comfort deep into Jiang You’an’s heart. She lowered her gaze to this man, bathed in gentle sunlight. The light cast a golden amber hue on his peach blossom eyes, filled with the most tender affection—so beautiful it seemed unreal.

“Why are you so good to me?”

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Su Mingxiu smiled. “Because my heart belongs to you. Isn’t it only right to treat you well?”

Jiang You’an bowed her head, murmuring, “But I don’t even know how to repay you.”

She had initially approached him to use his family’s influence. Yet not only did he never distance himself because of her motives, he never resented her methods. Instead, he gave his all to care for her.

But she had nothing to give in return—nothing to offer him. He simply liked her. It felt as though she owed him much. How could she ever repay him?

“Then accompany me for the rest of your life. Let that be your repayment.”

Su Mingxiu’s fingers slipped between hers, intertwining tightly. Jiang You’an looked up at him, smiling softly.

“However, if we are to continue the investigation, shouldn’t we exclude Lord Lu? After all, he is related by marriage to the Prince Xian residence.”

Jiang You’an paused to consider, then nodded. “You’re right. Lu Xuanheng is close to the Prince Xian household. If he leaks any information to them, it’s all over.”

Lu Xuanheng had been betrothed to the Princess of Nan Hua, binding his interests with the royal household. In such matters, she truly did not believe Lu Xuanheng would side with her.

“He never supported my investigation anyway. I’ll find an opportunity to tell him I’m giving up.”

...

The original case had been jointly reviewed by the three departments. Although the Ministry of Justice had lost the case files, the Court of Judicial Review still kept some records. Su Mingxiu had a close friend working there, who helped retrieve the related documents and handed them over to Jiang You’an.

Jiang You’an had been poring over the files in recent days, studying them carefully, desperately seeking new clues.

Fearing that people in the Lu household might find out, she could only sneak a look at the files at night. During the day, she served Lady Lu as if nothing had happened.

One early morning, Zhao came to pay respects to Lady Lu and assist her with breakfast.

After Lady Lu sat down, she glanced around and asked, “Where is Miss You’an?”

A maid nearby replied, “Miss You’an went to the garden at dawn to pick some flowers and dew to brew tea for Lady Lu.”

Lady Lu smiled upon hearing this. “That child is truly thoughtful.”

Zhao felt a pang of discomfort. It seemed Lady Lu genuinely liked Jiang You’an.

That girl was skilled in playing such flattering tricks.

Lady Lu ate little breakfast. Zhao noticed she had little appetite and said, “Didn’t you prepare some dried tangerine peel preserves for Mother before? They help with appetite.”

Lady Lu said, “I’m old now with poor teeth. I don’t like those things. I gave them all to You’an.”

Zhao was immediately irritated. The things she had given away were simply passed on to Jiang You’an? Was Jiang You’an even worthy of them?

Seeing Zhao’s displeasure, Lady Lu added, “There are several jars. You’an probably can’t finish them all. My appetite has been poor lately; I’ll try some.”

Zhao smiled. “That’s better.”

After speaking, she signaled to Madam Wang beside her.

Madam Wang turned and left, heading straight for Jiang You’an’s western chamber without hesitation and pushed open the door.

She found a jar of preserves on the table and was about to leave when she noticed no one was inside. She began rummaging around.

Perhaps Lady Lu had given Jiang You’an some special treats again.

She searched the room but found nothing unusual. Then she went to the desk, casually opening a drawer.

Her eyes widened in shock at what she saw inside.