Chapter 40: Being a Stand-in

"Young lady, be careful," the old woman warned in a low voice, "I heard that this girl is pregnant and almost had a miscarriage a few days ago."

She has been working in the yamen for so many years. What kind of strange cases and gossips about family life has she not heard of?

Zhao Tinglan was stunned for a moment, then understood and couldn't help laughing. This aunt must have heard too many secrets about the harem, which is why she was so shocked. Although she didn't care much, she nodded seriously: "I know, thank you for reminding me."

Good intentions may not be useful, but they always make people feel warm.

Li family's young mistress Wei came with her personal maid.

Zhao Tinglan did not invite her in, and the two of them sat opposite each other on the stone bench in the yard.

"What's the purpose of your visit, Second Young Madam?" Zhao Tinglan said calmly.

"I've met you a few times, young lady, and I know you're a sensible person." Wei deliberately softened her tone, "I've come here today to show you the way forward."

"I'm all ears."

Seeing her attitude was acceptable, Wei felt relieved. She thought the girl had calmed down and finally understood the situation.

She pulled an envelope from her sleeve and slowly pushed it to the center of the stone table. "The banknotes in here are enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life."

Zhao Tinglan didn't reach out: "Is this what Li Lin'an meant?"

"Since Lord Lu has already pleaded guilty, this matter has nothing to do with my husband. Given his personality, he would never agree to my doing this." Wei pursed her lips. "As women, there are some things we don't need to explain clearly. You should understand."

Zhao Tinglan's eyes were sharp. "Since you're so certain of his innocence, why would Young Madam bother with this unnecessary effort? Could it be that you're worried the authorities might wrongly accuse him?"

"Or... has the Second Young Madam actually noticed that this seemingly perfect husband is hiding some shameful secret?"

Wei's fingertips suddenly closed together, and the silk handkerchief was crumpled into a mess in her palm.

Zhao Tinglan saw through her momentary panic and asked, "Second Young Madam, have you ever heard of the name... Zhao Wuyou?"

Zhao Wuyou?

Wei's hands unconsciously clenched in her sleeves.

"Never heard of it." She blurted out.

"Really?" Zhao Tinglan looked at her suspiciously.

Wei was panicking and subconsciously wanted to grab something to calm herself down, but her hand touched nothing on the stone table - not even half a cup of tea.

The personal maid understood her master's thoughts best. She immediately noticed her master's displeasure and raised her eyebrows at the old woman, saying, "Is this how you treat guests in the dignified capital government? You can't even offer a cup of tea?"

Ordinary families would not dare to give orders to the government, but how could the Li family be an ordinary family?

The old woman gave an apologetic smile, "Second Young Madam, please bear with me... There's no hot water on the stove right now."

When the little maid heard this, she was so angry that her face turned blue - wasn't this obviously a trick? Did she really have to tell this old woman something as stupid as "If there's no water, you can boil it now"?

But if she were to argue with a woman, she would lose her dignity, so she had to suppress her anger.

The old woman curled her lips secretly and muttered to herself: This person is a double body, how dare she give him food casually? Doesn't the old saying go like this - be careful and you will sail a long way.

Wei couldn't help but frown as she listened to this conversation - she had never been neglected like this before.

But right now, she didn't have the heart to care about this.

"Who is that Zhao Wuyou Miss Zhao just mentioned? Why do you think I should know her?"

She spoke carefully, with just the right amount of confusion in her eyes.

"That's my sister. She disappeared four years ago. Coincidentally, your features bear a striking resemblance to hers."

Wei's heart trembled suddenly.

Four years ago?

She married into the Li family only three years ago.

I still remember the excitement I felt at being able to marry the second son of the Li family. He was a renowned nobleman in the capital, over twenty years old, still unmarried, his heart focused on reading sage books. What lady wouldn't be attracted to a man of such good character and appearance?

There were countless ladies from prominent families who hoped to marry into the Li family, and many of them were from families of higher status than hers. But it just so happened that the Second Young Master Li took a liking to her.

She always thought it was because of the stunning glance he gave her at the flower viewing party that year.

After she got married with full of expectations, her husband treated her with great care and consideration, which was simply perfect.

Until that night.

Her usually restrained husband came home drunk. When she was helping him to bed, she heard an unfamiliar name from his lips: "Zhao Wuyou".

Gradually, she began to doubt her husband and couldn't help but wonder: Does he have someone else in his heart?

One day, she used the excuse of tidying up the study and inadvertently glanced at the name again - every stroke of the name was so familiar to her that it was clearly her husband's handwriting.

She finally understood.

It turned out to be a woman who looked similar to her!

No……

Wei smiled bitterly in his heart.

I'm afraid that the other person came first and I came later, and I don't know who looks like whom!

"Second Young Madam, have you remembered anything?"

Zhao Tinglan noticed her expression change slightly and asked.

Mrs. Wei shook her head. "Come to think of it, I've certainly never heard of that name. Miss Zhao, if you're hoping to find out about your sister's whereabouts from me, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."

She raised her eyes to look at Zhao Tinglan, "Miss, you might want to reconsider your suggestion."

Zhao Tinglan looked at her.

I could clearly see that her face was not right just now, but now she denies it outright. She is such a good wife for protecting her husband like this!

"No need to think about it, I just want justice."

"If that's the case, then there's nothing more to say." Wei's tone turned cold. "Miss Zhao... take care of yourself. Goodbye."

The maid took the envelope back with a cold face.

"Thank you for your kindness, Second Young Madam. I have something to say to you. You must discern clearly whether the person you sleep with is a human or a ghost, lest they bring disaster upon you in the future."

Wei paused slightly.

After a moment, she couldn't help but sneer.

She was married, officially married. How could her husband's kindness to her be fake? It's easy to pretend for a day, but it takes three years without revealing any flaws. Where in the world could someone be so capable? Even if her husband had someone else in mind, it wouldn't change the fact that she was the legal wife. Why should she lower herself to compare herself with others?

Even if what Zhao Tinglan said was true, it was just a momentary entertainment for her husband, not even a concubine. As for the incident of hurting someone, it was unknown whether it was true or not. Even if it was true, that person was ungrateful.

After all, her husband treated her differently. Zhao Tinglan's words were truly ridiculous.

Sensing the gazes following her, she quickened her pace and left the imperial court. The carriage sped away, and soon they returned to the Li residence. A maid supported her as they headed straight for Qiyue Pavilion.

Wei, who was worried, was supported by her maid and returned to the main hall. Suddenly, she heard a familiar call from behind.

"Yu'er."

Looking back, she saw her husband walking out of the inner room. Wei calmed herself down and forced a smile.

"Where did you go?"

Her husband offered her a hand and helped her inside, his tone casual.

Wei hesitated for a moment and said, "I went to the government office in Beijing..."

She didn't want to mention this matter, but the woman's name kept lingering in her mind.

In the past, she always wanted to ask, but she remembered her husband's words, "Husband and wife should be of one mind and should not hide anything", so it was still difficult to ask.

What Zhao Tinglan said today might just be the right opportunity...

As she was thinking about it, she saw the smile on her husband's face gradually freeze.

"What are you going to do at the government office?"

Li Lin'an's tone remained gentle, but the smile in his eyes faded a little.

For some reason, Wei looked at her husband's eyes, which were the same as always, and suddenly felt a little regretful about bringing this up. But the words were out, and she had to continue. Besides, she was sure her husband wouldn't get angry. He had never blamed her when she made mistakes before, and this time, she was completely thinking about him.

Thinking of this, Wei felt more at ease and continued, "I went to see that Zhao Tinglan and persuaded her to change her words in front of everyone and clear her husband's name...but she was stubborn and refused to listen."

Although the outside world's rumors had changed slightly, many people were still taking a wait-and-see attitude due to Zhao Tinglan's persistence. She only hoped that Zhao Tinglan could clarify the matter publicly as soon as possible to reduce the impact of this matter on her husband.

"You went to see Zhao Tinglan?" A hint of sarcasm and confusion flashed in Li Lin'an's eyes.

He had never realized his wife was so prone to making decisions on her own. Convincing Zhao Tinglan to change his mind? Such a foolish idea, she hadn't thought of it.

Wei felt uneasy when he looked at her, so she could only nod: "Yes..."

"Who gave you permission to see her?"

Li Lin'an suddenly chuckled. "After the retrial, the truth will come out. Going to see her now is like a thief with a guilty conscience. What will others say? Have you considered the consequences?"

"Husband, I..."

Wei was shocked by his aggressive aura. She opened her mouth but couldn't say anything. She unconsciously took two steps back.

Li Lin'an approached, his tall figure casting a shadow. Wei clutched her sleeves, feeling that breathing had become difficult.

Li Linan stared at her and said in a low voice, "What did Zhao Tinglan say to you?"

He hated it most when others asked about things he shouldn't know, and once someone crossed the line, he would never let them off easily.

"Nothing... She just said she wanted justice."

Wei was tense all over and dared not mention anything about Zhao Wuyou.

Li Linan looked down at her condescendingly.

Wei froze in place, not daring to breathe. She didn't understand why she was so frightened. Her husband's eyes were calm, yet she felt like he was a completely different person.

"Husband, what's going on?"

Wei forced a smile and mustered up the courage to ask.

The sharpness in Li Linan's eyes gradually faded.

He had originally thought that the incident of Zhao Tinglan being rescued was easy to handle, and as long as he acted according to plan, it wouldn't affect his life. But today in the Hanlin Academy, he still felt too many meaningful glances.

He has always divided himself into two: on the surface, he is the perfect Young Master Li, envied by the world; secretly, he does whatever he wants.

But now, this clear boundary was suddenly broken. This feeling of being out of control made him extremely irritated, and he couldn't even concentrate on playing the perfect Second Young Master Li.

Especially now, his wife, who has always been submissive and obedient, actually took the initiative to meet Zhao Tinglan, and might even learn things from him that she shouldn't know.

All these unexpected events made it increasingly difficult for him to control the situation. Turbulent emotions surged in his chest. Looking at his wife's panicked expression, his eyes fell on her slightly bulging belly, and he suddenly smiled.

The smile did not reach his eyes.

"Yu'er, let the authorities handle these matters. You're pregnant now, so it's best for you to rest and recuperate. Be obedient, okay?"

Wei tried to nod naturally, as if that would restore everything to normal. She forced a smile and reached out to gently support her husband's arm. "It's getting late. Let me help you rest, husband?"

Li Linan pulled his arm back: "Let the maid come."

Wei was stunned for a moment, and quickly called her personal maid to help him change clothes.

After Li Lin fell asleep, she sat quietly in the side hall. When the maid brought her hot tea, she was surprised to find her fingertips trembling slightly.

A cup of tea goes down my throat and my mind feels a little more at ease.

But the waves in my heart became more and more intense, and Zhao Tinglan's words lingered in my ears.

My husband, when he heard that she had met Zhao Tinglan, why did she lose her composure like that?

Do you really just think she's meddling too much?

Or... he didn't want her to know about Zhao Wuyou's past?

She had never been one to tolerate a concubine, but her husband's unusual behavior today was truly bizarre. Even more alarming was the fact that this reaction clearly proved she was merely a substitute.

How can being a substitute for someone else last long?

Chaotic thoughts surged in her mind like a tide, making her more uneasy and unwilling.

No, we must not sit still and be in trouble.

Only by finding out the cause can we deal with it.

Wei waited quietly in the hall for a long time, and only got up after confirming that her husband was asleep.

The personal maid quickly stepped forward and asked, "Second Young Madam, is there anything important that I can do for you?"

"Nothing, I just couldn't sleep at night, so I wanted to go to the Second Master's study to find some books."

The maids rushed in first to light the lamps.

The night wind blew through the hall, and the maid carefully closed the study door.

She pretended to browse through ancient books and picked up a few books casually, but secretly touched the secret compartment mechanism behind the bookshelf.

She had discovered this secret compartment a long time ago.

There is a box inside.

She thought the box contained some secret letter.

But after opening it, it is not the case.

At this moment, her fingertips trembled slightly as she opened the lid of the box. As expected, the object was still there.

After confirming, she returned the contents of the box to their original place.

Then he sat in the study for half an hour, but he didn't read more than a few lines of the history book in his hand.

When she returned the books, she said to the maid, "Don't tell the Second Master that I was here."

The maid didn't understand why, but she agreed anyway.

The lights in the study behind her went out. She looked at the dark night and secretly decided: she would go somewhere tomorrow.