Chapter 34: Secretly Hoarding the Eastern Pearl? A Capital Crime

When Chu Ruohan came back, the Chu family was bustling with activity.

Every time the caravan came back, my uncle would bring back some new and interesting things.

"Sister, you came back alone?"

Chu Yueshu came towards them skipping and jumping, her head kept looking behind her, as if looking for other figures.

Chu Ruohan smiled faintly and nodded in response.

"I heard that the prince is not in good health. You have to pay attention and take good care of him." Mother Chu took her hand, her eyes full of concern.

Chu Ruohan agreed obediently, knowing that her mother was thinking about her all the time.

"Han'er, your fourth uncle couldn't make it back on the day of your wedding, but he's been thinking about you the whole time!" Chu Ang carefully held an exquisite box in his hand. The box was antique with intricate patterns, and it looked very valuable.

"Look, this is the wedding gift Fourth Uncle prepared for you!"

Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to the scene and they gathered around.

The box was opened, and in an instant, a warm and brilliant light poured out, and a large, round pearl lay quietly in the box.

Everyone present couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, and leaned in closer to take a closer look.

"This is the first time I've seen such a big pearl." Chu Nanxin murmured, his heart full of jealousy.

"This is a treasure that a pearl diver took great risks and went down to the deep sea to fish out." Chu Ang's brows were full of pride.

"Dongzhu." Chu Ruohan said directly.

"Hahaha, my niece has good taste. This is something used by the nobles in the palace."

Chu Ruohan raised her eyes and looked directly at Chu Ang, her eyes full of coldness, "If an ordinary citizen secretly hides the Eastern Pearl, even if the nine clans are not executed, the three clans will be exterminated."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's faces changed.

"Niece!" Chu Ang's forehead was instantly covered with beads of sweat, and he stammered, "Fourth uncle is just a rough man, how could he understand these twists and turns? No, it's not that serious, right? We'll just hide it at home and not show it off to others, so it should be fine!"

Chu Ruohan looked at Chu Ang, not missing any change in his facial expression, and was certain in her heart that this fourth uncle must be pretending to be ignorant.

How could ordinary merchants who travel all over the country be completely unaware of the laws that concern their lives and property?

Besides, how could the sources of the imperial supplies in the palace be easily glossed over?

"Fourth Uncle, it's better to hand it over to the authorities as soon as possible." Chu Ruohan's tone left no room for questioning.

"Oh." Chu Ang agreed and quickly covered the box and put it away.

Chu's father had been standing aside, his brows furrowed and his face solemn. After Chu Ang hurriedly put the box away, he sighed heavily, took a step forward, raised his hand and patted Chu Ang on the shoulder.

He warned earnestly, "Fourth brother, you've been traveling extensively for years as a merchant. I know the journey is filled with many hardships and dangers. But the more so, the more careful you must be. This world is complex, and the slightest mistake could lead to ruin."

Father Chu's eyes were full of worry as he stared straight into Chu Ang's eyes, as if he wanted to engrave these words into his heart.

"Although our Chu family isn't a prominent family, we've managed to accumulate some wealth through honest business and live a stable life. Bringing back this deadly item is truly foolish of you!"

"Don't underestimate these laws and regulations. They are like swords hanging over your head. Once you violate them, whether intentionally or unintentionally, you will not escape punishment."

Chu Ang hung his head, his eyes deep with regret, "Brother, I really know I was wrong. I thought it was a rare thing and would be a great gift for Han'er, but I almost caused such a disaster."

Father Chu's brows furrowed even deeper, and he shook his head slightly: "You must be more careful in the future. You must find out the source of the goods and the transaction partners clearly. Don't just focus on making money and put your head on the belt without realizing it."

"Brother, I've taken note of this. I will be more careful in the future." There was a hint of reluctance in his voice.

"Fourth uncle, your niece has something to ask you."

Chu Ruohan followed Chu's father and Chu Ang to the study.

After the door was closed, Chu Ang seemed to be unable to hold back any longer and asked, "What's the matter, niece? You're being so secretive and you can't let anyone else hear it."

Chu's father also looked confused.

Chu Ruohan got straight to the point and asked, "Every time Fourth Uncle's caravan returns, they always send ink blocks to the Anyang Marquis's residence?"

Chu Ang was slightly stunned, his expression a little unnatural, and then he returned to normal in an instant.

"That's true. He gave me money and I brought him the goods. It was just an ordinary business. Why are you asking about this all of a sudden?"

Chu Ruohan frowned slightly and continued to ask, "Who is the person who made the deal with Fourth Uncle?"

The light in the room was dim, with only the faint light coming through the gaps in the window, shining on her stern face, making her eyes look even sharper than an eagle.

Chu Ang's brows knitted into a knot, and he looked at Chu Ruohan suspiciously, and asked, "Why are you asking this suddenly?"

Chu Ruohan knew that she couldn't push too hard at this moment, so she just made up an excuse to deal with it.

"Fourth Uncle, I've only been married into the Marquisate for a short time, and my mother-in-law is worried about me managing the household, so I wanted to first understand all the expenses and purchases in the mansion. If I manage it independently in the future, I'll have a clear idea and avoid making mistakes."

Her expression was natural and her tone was gentle, as if she was really just curious about the domestic affairs.

But Chu Ang didn't believe it completely. He still had a hesitant look in his eyes and laughed dryly twice: "So that's how it is. However, the one who bought the goods was the servant in charge of purchasing in the Marquis' Mansion. I didn't know who it was exactly. It was just a matter of handing over the money and the goods."

What happened today made her no longer trust Chu Ang.

Father Chu looked at Chu Ang with a serious expression, his tone unquestionable, "Fourth brother, the situation is different now. The Anyang Marquis' Mansion has become our in-laws. From now on, we should avoid any business dealings with them if possible and try not to get involved anymore."

As he spoke, he sighed softly, "Han'er's life in the Marquis' Mansion is already difficult, and the prince is not in good health. Don't let outsiders think that our Chu family is trying to curry favor with him."

Chu Ang stood aside with his head down and promised, "Brother, I understand. I won't make it difficult for Han'er."

"Uncle, let me handle Mo's matter." Chu Ruohan spoke at the right time.

Chu Ang stared at her for a long time, but he didn't notice anything unusual. His niece was well protected by her family and had always been simple.

"Okay, you can take it back later."

Seeing that she couldn't get any useful information from her fourth uncle, Chu Ruohan returned with Mo.

As soon as I stepped out of the courtyard, I looked up and saw Chu Nanxin standing not far away. It was obvious that he had been waiting here for a long time.

"Sister, are you going back so soon?" Chu Nanxin spoke first.

Chu Ruohan nodded slightly, her expression calm: "Well, I'm married. It's getting late, and the rules in the mansion are strict. I can't stay overnight outside." After saying that, her eyes lightly swept across Chu Nanxin's face.

The handkerchief in Chu Nan's hand was wrinkled by her. After hesitating for a while, he mustered up the courage: "Sister, can I...can I go to Anyang Marquis' Mansion to find you?"