Three days later, the atmosphere in the imperial court in the capital was as heavy as the oppression before a storm. Prime Minister Su's expression was solemn, his steps steady and resolute. In his hands, he clutched a weighty piece of evidence: irrefutable proof of Liu's brother's embezzlement. This evidence embodied the Prime Minister's days of painstaking effort and anger, and also carried his resolve to seek justice for his deceased wife.

When Prime Minister Su presented the evidence, the entire court erupted in an uproar. Minister Lin's previously composed face instantly turned pale as paper upon seeing the evidence, his eyes filled with fear and despair. He had never imagined that his carefully woven web of corruption would be so swiftly ripped apart by Prime Minister Su. At the emperor's command, Minister Lin was apprehended on the spot by the ferocious soldiers. His usually imperious figure now appeared utterly humiliated under the escort of the soldiers.

Meanwhile, in the ancestral hall of the Prime Minister's residence, Liu sat dazed on the cold ground, her hair disheveled, her eyes revealing endless fear and confusion. When she heard the news of Minister Lin's arrest, it was like a bolt from the blue. She suddenly lost her breath and collapsed to the ground, like a body without a soul.

Su Jinli stood quietly at the entrance to the ancestral hall, gazing at the woman inside, who had once seemed incredibly familiar yet also incredibly unfamiliar. A sense of dullness welled up within her. The hatred of her past life had once raged like a blazing fire, spreading wildly within her. But now, that fire had burned out, leaving only cold ashes on the ground.

"Jinli," Su Xiang walked slowly towards them with heavy steps. In his hand was a divorce letter. The paper trembled slightly in the breeze, as if sighing for the impending farewell. "I have written the divorce letter. Send her to the ancestral temple. From now on, she will have no connection with the Xiangfu anymore."

Liu Shi suddenly came back to life. Hearing Su Xiang's words, a glint of madness flashed in her eyes. She rushed to the door, her hands like eagle claws tightly grasping the hem of Su Jinli's skirt, and cried out in tears: "Li'er! I'm your stepmother! You can't do this to me! I watched you grow up, you can't repay kindness with hatred!"

Su Jinli looked at Liu, her eyes filled with disgust. She forcefully kicked Liu's hand away, her movement carrying years of pent-up anger and disdain. She said coldly, "When my mother died, why didn't you consider that I was her daughter? You plotted to murder her, but did you ever feel the slightest bit of guilt?" Su Jinli paused, then slowly bent down and whispered in Liu's ear, "Oh, and I've had my brother dig out the money you hid under the tiles of the Buddhist hall. It's just enough to give me a dowry, and it can be considered a small reparation for your sins."

Upon hearing this, Liu's eyes were filled with anger and resentment. She tried to protest, but was dragged away by the servants. Her feet struggled in vain, leaving a trail of messy marks on the ground, and she kept shouting, "Su Jinli, you will not die well! You will be punished!"

Young Marquis Su, carrying a long string of firecrackers, chased out like a little hero. The moment the carriage started, he lit the firecrackers without hesitation. The "crackling" sound of firecrackers rang out instantly, like a burst of enthusiastic cheers, startling the sparrows perched on the trees. The sparrows flapped their wings and flew into the sky in panic, as if they were also shocked by the sudden excitement and determination. Young Marquis Su waved the firecrackers in his hand and shouted loudly: "Go away! There will be no more people like you in the Prime Minister's Mansion in the future! You bad woman, don't ever think of coming back!"

Watching the carriage recede amid the sound of firecrackers, Su Qingyao approached gracefully, carrying a bowl of lotus seed soup. Raising her eyebrows slightly, a hint of relief in her eyes, she said, "Finally, some peace and quiet. This is my new 'Forget Worry' incense, to dispel your bad luck. You've been tired these past few days." As she spoke, she handed the lotus seed soup to Su Jinli.

Su Jinli took the bowl and looked at her elder sister's proud yet concerned face. A warm feeling suddenly surged in her heart, and her eyes reddened slightly. She said softly, "Thank you, elder sister. It's great to have you here."

In the evening, the setting sun was like blood, dyeing the sky a brilliant crimson. Jiang Yan, like a warm messenger, once again arrived at the Xiangfu, carrying two jars of Peach Blossom Wine. He wore a familiar smile, a smile as warm and bright as the spring sunshine.

"I heard that you dealt with Liu today, so I came to celebrate." Jiang Yan raised the wine jar in his hand, his eyes full of support and praise for Su Jinli.

Su Jinli looked at Jiang Yan, her heart filled with emotion. Together, they walked to the rooftop, sat on the tiles, and felt the gentle breeze. Jiang Yan gently opened the wine jar, and immediately, a rich peach blossom fragrance hit them, filling the air.

Su Jinli took the jar, tilted her head back, and took a sip. The wine flowed down her throat, carrying a hint of sweetness and heat. Her cheeks gradually flushed, as beautiful as the sunset glow on the horizon. She narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at the picturesque sunset on the horizon, and said softly, "Actually... I'm a little scared."

"What are you afraid of?" Jiang Yan turned slightly and looked at Su Jinli with concern, his eyes full of tenderness and pampering.

Su Jinli was silent for a moment, seemingly hesitant about how to express her inner thoughts. After a moment, she slowly said, "She's afraid I'll become as vicious as she is. I'm afraid that in this struggle, I'll lose myself and become like those who hurt me."

Jiang Yan listened and smiled softly. He reached out and gently rubbed Su Jinli's hair, the action full of love and comfort. He looked into Su Jinli's sparkling eyes and said seriously and firmly: "You are different. You are protecting yourself and your family. Everything you do is out of love for your family and your insistence on justice. Jinli, there is a light in your eyes, a light of kindness and hope, something that Liu has never had in her life. You will not become like her, believe me."

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!