CH 82.1

Chapter 82.1 – You Should Know Where The Wind Blows

Princesses of Liang were not allowed to participate in politics. Even if they wanted to affect the court, it would have to be through their prince consort after their marriage. Therefore, the identity as a prince consort wasn’t an obstacle in the court of Liang, instead, it was a great help.

For example, Lu Qipei who originally didn’t have any foundation, now thrived in the Court of Judicial Review just like a fish in water. Many people thought that this was due to Qi Yang.

Lu Qipei also didn’t try to defend herself. She became a Vice Minister through her own efforts, diligent and meticulous. In the past three years, she had thoroughly convinced and be acknowledged by her superiors and colleagues. As for what the others thought or said about her, she didn’t care at all.

On this day, another case happened in the middle of the capital. Lu Qipei led some people and went out to investigate for most of the day, then returned to the Court of Judicial Review in the afternoon.

After Shangsi, the weather had gotten hotter, and she was sweating a lot after running around for half a day. Lu Qipei sent the servants to fetch some water and prepare food, then prepared to take a rest before continuing to sort out the case files.

However, just after washing her hands and face and sitting in front of the table, before Lu Qipei had time to enjoy the late lunch, a servant rushed in to tell her that King Chu had sent someone to invite her to the House of Happiness after she got off work.

Her hand that was holding chopstick stopped, and after thinking about it, she couldn’t think of any relationship between herself and King Chu.

Qi Yang and Lu Qipei’s position in the court had always been clear. Even though the Crown Prince’s current situation wasn’t good, they stood firmly behind him. It’s not that the other kings had never tried winning them over, but they had all been mercilessly rejected by Qi Yang. Over time, the two sides had become antagonistic.

Lu Qipei was confused why King Chu, who should’ve given up a long time ago, would come to her again. She held her bowl and chopsticks for a while and fell into though, then shook her head and refused. “There’s a new case that need to be investigated today in the Court of Judicial Review. I don’t know when I’ll be able to get off work. I don’t want His Highness King Chu to wait for a long time.”

The servant received her reply, then bowed down and went out to pass it on to King Chu’s servant.

But soon, the servant returned again.

Lu Qipei was eating slowly, still thinking about today’s case. When she heard the sound, she looked up at him and asked, “What’s the matter?”

The servant bowed forward and handed her a letter, “This is what King Chu’s men were ordered to deliver to Milord.”

Lu Qipei finally put down the chopsticks, took the letter and opened it. There were two dates written inside. One was three years ago, and the other was four years ago.

Ordinary people would be puzzled for a while, but Lu Qipei’s mind turned fast, and she recognized the two dates very quickly. After thinking about them, she also understood King Chu’s intention and threat.

She slightly lowered her eyes and folded the letter again. If the servant opposite her looked up, he would’ve seen the amused smile on her lips. But he had his eyes lowered from start to end, so he never saw it. He only heard his lord say, “Go back to King Chu’s men. Tell them I will be there.”

The servant did not dare to ask further questions. He quickly acknowledged and hurriedly returned.

Lu Qipei casually left the letter on a side table, picked up the chopsticks and ate again, without any fear and worry that King Chu thought she would have.

Throughout the afternoon, Lu Qipei was calm as usual, busily sorting out the case files. She kept being busy until the afterglow of the setting sun started pouring into the room, and the servant outside finally couldn’t help reminding her that she still had an appointment with King Chu.

Looking at the files all over the table, Lu Qipei touched her forehead with a headache. After thinking about it, she got up and went out, and casually told a minor official, “Lock the door, no one may enter without permission, and don’t move anything inside.”

The minor official acknowledged it, then turned around and locked the door for her to ensure that everything would be the same when she came tomorrow.

Without stopping, Lu Qipei walked outside and asked, “I’m too busy today. Can you send a message back to the mansion?”

The Court of Judicial Review was an unusual place, and it would often be impossible to tell the time when you were investigating a case. In order not to worry Qi Yang, she had told her servants that if she could not return home on time while on duty, they should send a message home first without having to ask her.

The servant had long gotten used to this, and he naturally bowed down and replied, “The news has already been sent. Her Highness knows that Milord will return late.”

Lu Qipei nodded and walked out of the Court of Judicial Review, “Did you also mention King Chu’s invitation?”

The servant replied without thinking, “I have mentioned that. Her Highness said that Milord can do as you please.”

Lu Qipei nodded with satisfaction, not caring about the fact that she didn’t have any privacy. Although the servant already knew, he still couldn’t help but wonder inwardly when he saw the prince consort’s appearance. Was her calmness her true temperament, or something she faked?

But anyways, since the prince consort and her wife were harmonious, it also made the servants’ lives easier.

Just as he was thinking that, Lu Qipei had left the government office and boarded the carriage.

The servant quickly jumped onto the driver’s seat and drove the carriage to the House of Happiness.