C19 The People Around You Should be Cleaned Up!

"Yes and no, I don't care what you're plotting, but I don't want you to harm the innocent!" Xiao Yuhan rarely spoke so seriously to Lo Qiuli. He stayed out of political struggles because he wanted the people around him to be safe. He secretly went into business to provide a better life for the poor, so he absolutely wouldn't allow Lo Qiuli to disrupt that.

"I refuse, Ninth Prince. It's comforting that you, a prince, can understand the hardships of the world. But do you know how many people die when you're unaware or powerless? Many innocents have perished because of political strife. I have my own goals, and I won't let anyone I can use slip away."

Blinded by hatred, Lo Qiuli couldn't agree to such a request. Perhaps the heavy burden of past lives weighed too heavily on her, making human life seem insignificant. She closed her eyes, her face showing restraint, and a tear fell unnoticed, spreading on the paper beneath her.

In the quiet of night, she often recalled that brutal battle, unable to forget the soldiers slaughtered on the battlefield. From that moment, she understood the harsh choices of war. She would never allow such a thing to happen again, so she couldn't agree to Xiao Yuhan's request.

"I think I can understand how you feel right now." Xiao Yuhan stood up, intending to leave, but seeing the tears at the corner of Lo Qiuli's eyes, he couldn't move. The despair emanating from her struck him deeply, making him feel they were kindred spirits. He sat back down, gently wiping away her tears.

His rough yet tender touch brushed her face, and Lo Qiuli opened her eyes, staring at Xiao Yuhan in shock. Slowly, the despair faded, and she smiled, no longer the hopeless woman she had been moments before. "I can promise the Ninth Prince not to attack the innocent."

"Okay." Xiao Yuhan nodded. For some reason, he felt he couldn't resist Lo Qiuli's pace. However, getting such a promise from her was already quite good. He suddenly smiled, a handsome and gentle smile that made Lo Qiuli feel as if the room brightened.

"Do you know Pingle is making a big fuss trying to find you?" Xiao Yuhan tapped his fingers lightly on the table. Thinking of Pingle's shy demeanor waiting for him at the palace gates this morning, he couldn't help but feel sorry. If Pingle knew the person she fancied was actually a woman, he wondered how she would react.

"If the Ninth Prince is interested in the position of Imperial Capital Mansion Director, perhaps you should consider Mr. Wen. You might find it rewarding," Lo Qiuli suggested, clearly not interested in discussing the matter further. Recalling the scene from the other day, she felt a headache coming on. She wasn't foolish; how could she not see what was obvious? Xiao Yuhan really knew how to bring up the most awkward topics!

"I understand." Xiao Yuhan frowned, running through the Wen family's situation in his mind. He didn't say whether it was good or bad, just nodded and stood up to leave. The necessary messages had been conveyed, and the discussions completed, leaving nothing more to say.

"Ninth Prince, it's time to clean up the people around you," Lo Qiuli said, sitting still, recalling the person who secretly sent a message to Xiao Hongfei. She felt it necessary to remind him, considering it a gift for Consort Zhen.

"Thanks for the reminder." Xiao Yuhan paused, his gentle demeanor suddenly turning stern. He gazed at the moonlight outside the window, pursed his lips tightly, snorted, and then left.

Outside, Wuhen, who had sensed the sudden tension in the room, was already on high alert. Seeing his master emerge, Wuhen finally relaxed his grip on the sword hilt. "Sir, what just happened?"

"Nothing's wrong." Xiao Yuhan's expression remained icy as he moved without pause, leaping over rooftops in the night. Just before reaching the Ninth Prince's mansion, he suddenly halted. "Go to the palace and deliver a message. Tell them it's time to deal with those who need dealing with."

"Yes, sir!" Although Wuhen didn't understand the situation, he couldn't ignore his master's orders. After acknowledging, he headed toward the palace. Watching Wuhen leave, Xiao Yuhan clenched his fists, feeling a newfound wariness toward Lo Qiuli. What else do you know, Lo Qiuli?

Time passed since the departure, and the room, once warm, had turned icy. Lo Qiuli felt a chill throughout her body, yet she was oblivious, lost in thought as she stared at the gradually brightening sky. What she was contemplating, no one could say.

Xiao Hongfei's journey back to the capital was fraught with difficulties. The day after receiving news of Yumei's complete recovery, Lo Qiuli learned of the Third Prince's assassination. This news quickly spread throughout the capital. At this moment, Lo Qiuli was summoned to Yun Tower by Qu Huasang.

"Greetings, Madam. I wish you good health!" Seeing Qu Huasang seated in the main position, Lo Qiuli was reminded of the past. In her previous life, during the month she was bedridden, Qu Huasang had returned to her family home and stayed with Noble Consort Qu, the Third Prince's mother. The timing of this visit was indeed thought-provoking.

"Good health? I bet you'd rather see me dead right now!" Qu Huasang's anger flared at the thought of what her daughter had told her. Did Lo Qiuli really think that being brought back to the Prime Minister's residence made her a true lady of the house? The audacity!

"Madam, I have never spoken such words. Why accuse me so? You know that plotting against the head of the household is a capital offense!" Lo Qiuli's eyes flashed with a hint of light, which quickly turned into a look of fear. This timid demeanor pleased Lo Qiushui, who smiled smugly, casting a challenging glance at Lo Qiuli.

"Framing me? If I'm framing you, Lo Qiuli, then what is this?" Qu Huasang sneered, tossing a blood-stained doll in front of Lo Qiuli, her eyes filled with disdain. They were well-prepared and had no fear of Lo Qiuli complaining.

"If you want to punish me, Mother, please be direct. I won't utter a word of complaint!" Lo Qiuli realized they had set her up completely. She was at a loss for words, so she simply knelt there, exuding a defiant spirit that refused to bend.