Chapter Twenty-Two: The Crisis Finally Passes

In the darkness, Qu Wanqing let out a cold laugh. "Your world? Today, I’m going to see exactly what kind of monster or demon you really are!" She drew a dagger from her sleeve; a flash of cold light illuminated her resolute face.

Jiang Yu stood silently by her side, his long sword humming as if responding to its master’s fighting spirit.

Suddenly, a lantern flickered to life, the dim, yellow light dispelling some of the shadows. Miss Bai appeared once more, followed by Master He and Steward Feng.

Master He’s face turned livid. He pointed at Qu Wanqing and snapped, "You have a lot of nerve, trespassing in my private courtyard!"

"Private courtyard?" Qu Wanqing sneered. "This is clearly a den of filth! Did you really think you could hide all those sordid deeds of yours?"

"Nonsense!" Master He retorted, flushed with anger and shame.

"Nonsense?" Qu Wanqing pulled a letter from her sleeve. "This is the letter you wrote to Taoist Liu, clearly stating that you instructed him to spread rumors that I am a harbinger of disaster so that I would be cast aside. Do you dare to deny it?"

Master He’s expression changed. He lunged forward, snatched the letter, and tore it to shreds. "Forgery! This is all a forgery!"

"A forgery?" Qu Wanqing produced a jade pendant. "This is what you gave to Mother Ma as payment for spreading those rumors. What else do you have to say for yourself?" She pressed on, her aura overwhelming.

Beads of cold sweat broke out on Master He’s forehead. He looked at Miss Bai for help, but she remained silent, watching Qu Wanqing with a complex expression.

Qu Wanqing continued, "And the ghouls in this courtyard—you were the one keeping them, weren't you? To cover your crimes, you didn't hesitate to use such dark sorcery to harm others. You are absolutely depraved!"

"You... you..." Master He pointed at Qu Wanqing, unable to utter a single word. He had never expected her to possess so much evidence.

Steward Feng, who had remained silent until now, suddenly stepped forward. He collapsed to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Master, I have failed you, but I can no longer suppress my conscience! The lady... she is innocent!" He pulled a ledger from his robe and held it high above his head. "Here is the evidence of your years of corruption and bribery, and... and proof of your collusion with Taoist Liu to frame the lady. It is all here!"

The crowd was in an uproar. Master He looked as if he had been struck by lightning; his face turned deathly pale, his lips trembling as he failed to find his voice. He never imagined that his loyal steward would betray him.

Qu Wanqing raised an eyebrow, a cold smile tugging at her lips. She gave this plot twist a perfect score.

"You... you ungrateful dog!" Master He pointed at Steward Feng, shaking with rage.

Steward Feng cried out, "Master, I am sorry! But I could not watch you commit such heinous crimes!" He turned to the crowd, his heart heavy. "To seize Miss Bai’s inheritance, he imprisoned her in this courtyard and used dark arts to control her! The ghouls here were his tools to threaten her!"

Miss Bai, who had been keeping her head lowered, suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with fear and hatred. She pointed at Master He and trembled, "It was him! He is the one who ruined me!"

The truth was out. The onlookers were filled with righteous indignation and began to condemn Master He. Secretary Qin was particularly devastated; he could not believe he had been blinded by Master He for so long.

Qu Wanqing looked around at the crowd and spoke slowly: "Everyone, I believe the truth of today’s events is clear. I, Qu Wanqing, am no harbinger of disaster, but a victim of a villain’s schemes! Now that the truth has come to light, I can finally leave the He family in peace."

The crowd showered Qu Wanqing with praise for her wisdom and courage, looking at her with deep admiration. Taoist Liu and Mother Ma, terrified and pale as ghosts, knelt on the ground trembling and begging for mercy.

Master He was eventually taken away by the authorities to face the punishment he deserved. Taoist Liu and Mother Ma were also shunned by all for their role in the conspiracy, their reputations completely ruined.

Standing in the night, Qu Wanqing let out a long sigh. This farce was finally over. She turned and offered a faint smile to Jiang Yu, who had been guarding her silently. "Let’s go."

Jiang Yu watched Qu Wanqing, who dazzled like a celestial being in the moonlight. A flicker of imperceptible tenderness crossed his eyes. "Wanqing..."

Seeing her so radiant, his heart raced, his mind filled with the thought of how wonderful it was to be with her. He walked to her side, gently lifted her chin, and said affectionately, "Wanqing, you are… exceptionally charming tonight."

Qu Wanqing felt a flutter in her heart at his sudden flirtation. Her cheeks turned slightly pink, but her eyes held a playful glint. "Oh? It seems Mr. Jiang has met his KPI for the night. Do you want a little reward?"

Jiang Yu was tickled by her playful comeback, but with the onlookers still around, he had to suppress his excitement and gave a light cough. "Ahem, mind your image, mind your image."

The two shared a smile, fingers interlaced, and walked out of the dilapidated courtyard under the envious gazes of the crowd. This display was a massive blow to the single people present, who felt as though they had been struck by ten thousand critical hits.

Once outside, Qu Wanqing exhaled deeply, feeling a weight lifted from her shoulders. This remarriage crisis had finally been put to rest. She had not only cleared her name but also rooted out a nest of corrupt officials, and in the process, found love—a total victory in life.

She looked at Jiang Yu, her heart overflowing with gratitude and affection. This man had provided her with the firmest support and protection during her most helpless moments; he was the most precious treasure of her life.

Sensing her gaze, Jiang Yu smiled gently. "What is it? Are you dazzled by my handsomeness?"

Qu Wanqing playfully tapped him. "Don't be so full of yourself! But, thank you for always being by my side."

"Silly, why thank me? We are the most important people in each other's lives." Jiang Yu squeezed her hand. "From now on, no matter what happens, I will be by your side to face it with you."

A warm current surged through Qu Wanqing’s heart. She knew the road ahead was long and that more challenges might await them. But as long as Jiang Yu was there, she was not afraid.

Suddenly, Jiang Yu stopped in his tracks, his gaze fixed on an ancient tree not far away, his expression turning grave.

"Wanqing..."