RPAGF Chapter 323 Sooner or later, I will personally tear off your mask.
Chapter 323 Sooner or later, I will personally tear off your mask.
Chu Ruohan did as instructed and returned to the Chu family home.
When Chu's mother heard that her daughter wanted to transfer some of her usual helpers from home, she readily agreed.
She held Chu Ruohan's hand, carefully examining her complexion, and asked her many questions about her pregnancy with concern, her eyes full of love.
"Mother, I'm fine, and Junze is taking good care of me."
Chu Ruohan smiled and comforted her mother, recounting some amusing stories from the mansion, but omitting the unpleasant people and events.
"That's good, that's good." Madam Chu was relieved. "You're heavily pregnant now, so you have to be careful in everything you do."
"These maids and servants in the house have been with us for many years. They are quick and efficient, and very attentive. You can use them as you please."
She personally selected two steady and reliable head maids and four clever second-class maids, and gave them many instructions before letting Chu Ruohan return to the mansion with them.
As soon as she arrived at the General's Mansion, Chu Ruohan began to subtly adjust the manpower arrangements within the mansion.
Using the excuse that she needed more careful service in her own courtyard, she arranged for the two old women brought by the Chu family to move into the inner courtyard.
He then assigned the four maids he brought with him to various places, seemingly randomly, but in reality, they were all placed in positions where they could get in touch with news from all over the mansion.
Yu Ling naturally became her right-hand woman, in charge of managing the affairs of the inner courtyard, and secretly keeping an eye on the feedback.
As for the elderly and palace servants "bestowed" upon them by the emperor, Chu Ruohan did not deliberately suppress or alienate them.
They were still assigned tasks such as cleaning the perimeter, purchasing supplies, or guarding the gate.
However, the money accounts and records of people entering and leaving the mansion were all taken over and reviewed by the stewardess from the Chu family.
In the afternoon, Chu Ruohan rested on the soft couch by the window, the sunlight shining through the window and warming her.
The little one inside seemed to sense this comfort and moved slightly.
She stroked her belly, a gentle smile on her face, but her thoughts drifted away.
Prince Su.
Gu Chengyan.
These two names weighed on her heart like two heavy stones.
She tried hard to recall everything about Gu Chengyan from her past life.
That man, seemingly gentle and refined, was actually cunning and ruthless.
He has a habit of unconsciously tapping the table lightly with his right index finger when he speaks; his gaze always carries a subtle scrutiny and assessment.
He is also allergic to a certain type of incense, and can't help but frown when he smells it...
Perhaps this is a breakthrough.
Chu Ruohan raised her eyes, a sharp glint flashing in them.
"Yu Ling".
"The servant is here."
Yu Ling immediately stepped forward and stood at attention with her hands at her sides.
“Go outside and find a kind of spice called ‘agarwood,’ but not the kind you usually find on the market.”
Chu Ruohan paused, carefully recalling the unique fragrance characteristics.
"Look for those aged ones, with a light aroma at first, but upon closer inspection, a very subtle spiciness."
"This spice is extremely rare, and is mostly kept in the back chests of some old spice shops, or only in some temples and Taoist monasteries that offer special worship."
She described it in great detail.
"No need to make a fuss, just use the excuse that I need to calm my mind and relax during my pregnancy, and go find it quietly."
"Once you find it, bring back a small sample for me to review."
"Yes, I have remembered it."
Yu Ling responded, her face showing no doubt, only complete trust.
She knew that the young mistress must have had her reasons for doing this.
"This matter must be kept secret, and no one else in the household should know about it, especially..."
Chu Ruohan didn't continue, but Yu Ling already understood.
Especially those people planted by the emperor.
"Slaves save it."
"Also, go and call Qin Fang here."
"Yes."
After Yu Ling left, Chu Ruohan breathed a sigh of relief.
My fingertips curled up unconsciously.
This is just the first step.
Qin Fang arrived shortly afterward.
"Young lady."
Chu Ruohan responded, "Secretly investigate Prince Su's movements these days, especially who he has been in contact with, where he has been, and find out everything, no matter how small."
"Furthermore, investigate where the former elders of the Marquis of Anyang's mansion are now, and whether anyone has any secret connections with the Prince of Su's mansion."
Qin Fang accepted the order and withdrew, his steps steady and without the slightest hesitation.
The room returned to silence.
Only the occasional birdsong from outside the window accentuated the tranquility of the interior.
Chu Ruohan leaned against the soft couch, her fingertips gently tracing her slightly protruding belly.
Gu Chengyan.
Sooner or later, I will tear off your mask...
"Sister-in-law," Gu Cheng'an called softly.
Chu Ruohan was somewhat surprised to see him dressed in casual clothes, wondering why he had come.
"sit down."
Chu Tian reached out and poured him a cup of tea.
Gu Cheng'an sat down, picked up his teacup, but didn't drink it; he just looked at the tea leaves floating in the cup.
"I have a day off today, so I came to visit my sister-in-law."
Chu Ruohan was a little confused. When did Gu Cheng'an become so familiar with her?
"I ran into Du Ruoling outside the camp yesterday."
Chu Ruohan raised an eyebrow, not surprised, and listened quietly.
“She…” Gu Cheng’an paused, seemingly unsure how to describe it, “She said she has money now and wants to… start over with me.”
He said this calmly, even with a hint of helpless self-deprecation.
Chu Ruohan looked at him and said softly, "She still has feelings for you."
Gu Cheng'an looked up at her, somewhat surprised.
Chu Ruohan continued, "The reason we were able to successfully obtain the poison from the Military Affairs Bureau was thanks to Du Ruoling's help. Du Ruoling was afraid that it would implicate you."
Gu Cheng'an was stunned. He hadn't expected this...
After a moment of silence, he gave a wry smile: "I know."
He twirled the teacup in his hand, his gaze falling on the blooming roses in the courtyard.
"But her love was too heavy, and too... suffocating."
He raised his head and looked at Chu Ruohan, his eyes no longer filled with hesitation, but with relief and determination.
“Sister-in-law, I am no longer the Gu Cheng’an I used to be. Now I just want to train hard in the army so that I can protect our country like my elder brother in the future.”
Chu Ruohan nodded, her eyes showing approval.
"It's good that you think that way. Let bygones be bygones, focus on the present, and don't let yourself down."
Gu Cheng'an hummed in agreement, and the atmosphere fell silent for a moment.
He looked at Chu Ruohan's slightly protruding belly and the calm and gentle light in her eyes, an expression he had never seen on her face before.
A strange emotion suddenly welled up in my heart, like regret or melancholy.
His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice was a little dry, and it almost came out of his mouth.
"Sister-in-law, if... if I hadn't faked my death on our wedding day... then we..."
He ultimately couldn't bring himself to say the rest.
Those once clear eyes were now tinged with a complex and indescribable emotion.
The gentle expression on Chu Ruohan's face vanished instantly...