Chapter 170: You're the one who lets the empress cook, wash dishes, and tidy up the house, Lu Yuan

Help?

Lu Yuan felt a bit dazed, then looked at Wang Yulan and said helplessly:

"How can I help with this, bro?"

Never mind, those people are all from the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei.

It's basically the same department as our own Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei unit, the key point is……

They could help Lu Yuan, but they don't!

Why is the Great Zhou Dynasty thriving these days?

Isn't it because of strict laws?

Corrupt officials deserve to die!

After Lu Yuan finished speaking, the others in the courtyard all chimed in, saying Lu Yuan knew many high-ranking officials.

Can't we at least beg for mercy?

This matter can't be left ambiguous; it must be clarified on the spot. Immediately, Lu Yuan shook his head and said:

"I really can't help with this, bro. I know a few officials, but they're from the Forging Bureau and Agriculture Bureau, not the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei.

Besides, this matter……

Moreover, nobody dares to speak about it, after all it's already an ironclad fact."

Whenever the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei search a home, they always have evidence in hand.

Who would dare to plead for mercy at a time like this?

Wang Yulan, hearing that Lu Yuan couldn't help, felt her eyes well up and burst into tears again.

It looks like Wang Yulan has been crying since last night.

Her eyes are swollen, and with the cold weather, tears constantly streak her small face, causing Wang Yulan's skin to chap.

However, Wang Yulan also knows that her father and brother have no way to escape.

Although Wang Yulan always thought Lu Yuan was the most capable, even a little thought shows this is impossible.

Afterward, Wang Yulan looked at Lu Yuan with red eyes and said:

"Lu Yuan, big brother, could you take me to see my husband? He's supposed to be locked up for a few days; I doubt he'll be out anytime soon.

"It's cold in the cell, and my husband's health isn't great; I'm afraid something might happen to him."

Pang Kaige was arrested??

Lu Yuan felt a bit dazed, but upon reflection, this doesn't seem especially surprising.

After all, Pang Kaige is her son-in-law.

Moreover, that Pang Kaige kid isn't like Wang Yulan, a naive little rabbit; you can tell his background at a glance.

Pang Kaige will definitely need to stay inside for several more days of investigation.

This matter, okay.

Since this is something that can help Lu Yuan, we definitely should help.

Not for anyone else, but for Wang Yulan's sake, I also want to help.

Besides, this isn't really helping; it's just taking Wang Yulan on a trip.

Immediately, Lu Yuan nodded and said:

"Alright, get your clothes ready; I'll lead you there and give the clothes to him.

Wang Yulan quickly nodded and said:

"Lu Yuan, big brother, I've packed everything; let's go now."

After Wang Yulan finished speaking, the elderly women nearby handed over a parcel.

Wang Yulan had already returned, packed her things, and was waiting at Lu Yuan's doorstep.

Looking at Wang Yulan's pitiful appearance, Lu Yuan directly said:

"You ride the horse and lead me.

Although riding horseback would be fast, Wang Yulan can't ride, so she sits in front and Lu Yuan has to hold her.

Lu Yuan can't hold her, and he doesn't want to.

Lu Yuan can still handle this; he won't mess around.

She's a married woman; she and Pang Kaige are legitimately husband and wife.

Wang Yulan stared for a moment, then nodded repeatedly; this night really froze her to the point she could barely walk.

Lu Yuan led the horse, taking Wang Yulan hurriedly out of the Siheyuan.

Seeing this, the elderly women of the Siheyuan couldn't help but press their lips together.

Lu Yuan…… really seems to encounter urgent matters whenever something happens……

This kid may be useless in the courtyard, but he's good at bluffing.

But this kid can handle things when he's outside!

This kid wasn't the slightest bit afraid when he saw the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei the other day, and even had Kou Yang bring Wang Yulan two steamed buns.

None of the other men in the courtyard could have imagined that.

At that time, being scared, they went home feeling a bit uneasy.

Now, after thinking it over, the people in the courtyard really think only Lu Yuan can go.

At least Lu Yuan doesn't show fear when he's outside!

If it were someone else from the courtyard leading Wang Yulan,

then, when they saw the officials, they'd probably be so nervous they couldn't utter a coherent sentence.

For a moment, everyone thought Lu Yuan was a troublemaker…… but he's not completely useless.

This is sometimes…… really impressive.

……

At this moment, Lu Yuan led the horse, walking toward the direction Wang Yulan had mentioned.

This morning, the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei had taken Wang Yulan and Pang Kaige to the Ministry of Personnel's prison.

Now we need to go to the Ministry of Personnel's prison.

Lu Yuan really doesn't know anyone in the Ministry of Personnel.

Anyway, it doesn't matter; can't you still send clothes in?

What's wrong with you, Ministry of Personnel? Buddy, I'm still a Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei!

If you dare to put on airs and play officialdom with me, then let you know the might of the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei.

Of course, there are also Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei inside.

Besides, there won't be any troublesome situations.

On the way, Lu Yuan asked Wang Yulan about what happened last night.

After talking all the way, Lu Yuan came to know that Wang Yulan had been released at three in the morning.

Wang Yulan's identity and background are simple.

It's like applying for a job—Wang Yulan is like a fresh college graduate with nothing on her résumé.

The Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei took one look, couldn't find anything to ask, and directly released Wang Yulan.

However, the released Wang Yulan didn't leave; instead, she waited in the Ministry of Personnel's compound until dawn, hoping to see her man come out.

But Pang Kaige never came out; Wang Yulan boldly went back in to inquire and learned that her man would be detained for a few days.

And as for sending things in, what's to be done?

It's all about following procedure.

Pang Kaige is no longer in the interrogation room; he's now in the Ministry of Personnel's cell.

This cell isn't something just anyone can enter, especially since Pang Kaige has only just begun to be investigated.

If you want to send things in, you still need to handle paperwork, other matters, and later run between departments.

Anyway, Wang Yulan just can't figure this out.

Wang Yulan never went out before; how could she understand this? So she ran back to find Lu Yuan for help.

"Lu Brother…… what will happen to my father and them in the end?"

Lu Yuan turned his head and glanced at Wang Yulan, who still had tears.

After pondering for a moment,

Lu Yuan pursed his lips, then sighed and said:

"Little sis, you must have guessed by now……"

At this point, Lu Yuan didn't want to lie; after all…… it's already settled.

Now lying to Wang Yulan that her father is fine——

When the time comes, if he's beheaded…… it's still the same.

It would be better to say it now, while she's already crying…… just let her keep crying……

After a while, it will get better.

Hearing Lu Yuan's words, Wang Yulan could no longer hold back; her red, swollen eyes instantly shed a line of clear tears, her voice trembling as she spoke:

"Then…… what about my older brother……"

Lu Yuan didn't look back at Wang Yulan either, merely letting out a faint sigh and saying:

"He should be exiled."

Lu Yuan didn't say how many years.

After saying that, Lu Yuan quickly added:

"However, your mother, your sister, your brother-in-law, etc., are all fine."

But not all brothers-in-law are like Lu Yuan.

Generally speaking, after a sister marries out, she becomes part of another family, and the brother-in-law is seen only once a year at New Year.

For Wang Yulan, her only relatives are her father and older brother.

But now……

Wang Yulan couldn't hold back again, bursting into tears on horseback.

Lu Yuan couldn't comfort her either, unable to do so, and could only walk ahead.

After about an hour and a bit, Lu Yuan brought Wang Yulan to the Ministry of Personnel.

The Ministry of Personnel is one of the Six Ministries.

It specifically manages the appointment, dismissal, and punishment of officials in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

This is the most powerful organ of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

This isn't something the Forging Bureau or Agriculture Bureau—those small offices—can compare to.

After all, the Forging Bureau and Agriculture Bureau are both agencies under the Six Ministries.

Compared to the Ministry of Personnel, the head of the Six Ministries, there's naturally no comparison.

The Ministry of Personnel is located in the center of the Huangcheng.

Its area is roughly five to six times that of the Agriculture Bureau.

Various solemn and imposing office buildings.

This place, a woman like Wang Yulan who has never seen the world, would definitely not be able to handle it.

Lu Yuan, upon first coming to such a place, is completely dazed, not knowing where to go.

However, Lu Yuan's greatest strength is that he never shows fear.

What's wrong with the Ministry of Personnel!

Not afraid at all!

Immediately, Lu Yuan entered the Ministry's compound and, upon catching someone, asked them.

After asking, Lu Yuan first went to the stables to tether his horse.

Then he walked toward the Ministry's office building.

Wang Yulan followed behind Lu Yuan, tears streaming down her face while carrying a bundle.

After finding out the specific procedure, Lu Yuan then began taking Wang Yulan through the paperwork.

This is really a bit of a hassle, damn it~

Don't think it's just delivering clothes; you also have to verify identity and then register.

Finally, when taking the items to the Ministry prison, you also have to have the items inspected before they go in.

That's normal; it's not because they're afraid outsiders will pass messages to insiders.

After all, this isn't an ordinary government office, nor a detention center for those locked up for fighting.

This is the Ministry prison, so naturally one must be careful.

By the time everything was done, it was almost noon.

Lu Yuan was hungry and eager to eat, but right now there's nothing to eat.

Finish up first, then go eat.

After all the paperwork is done.

Only then did the two of them arrive at the Ministry prison.

After entering, a Ministry employee was sitting with legs crossed, drinking tea and reading a newspaper.

As soon as Wang Yulan came in, she immediately put the bundle on the table and said:

"Leader, everything's here; please inspect it."

He put down the newspaper, glanced up at Lu Yuan and Wang Yulan, then picked up the newspaper again and said while reading:

"Open it yourself."

After nodding repeatedly, Wang Yulan opened the bundle and took out the clothes inside.

Wang Yulan wiped her tears while pulling out the clothes and said:

"Leader, may I see my husband?"

The Ministry official seemed engrossed in the newspaper, ignoring Wang Yulan.

Actually, there's no need to ask about this.

You definitely can't see him.

Items sent in must be thoroughly inspected; how could they let outsiders visit?

Impossible.

The Ministry leader remained silent; Wang Yulan grew a little afraid, didn't dare speak, just lowered her head, wiped her tears, and laid out the clothes and such on the table.

After arranging everything, Wang Yulan also looked up at the Ministry leader before her and said softly:

"Leader, everything's set up; please come inspect it."

He didn't utter a word, just continued reading the newspaper.

This official sits here reading the newspaper; who dares to mutter a couple of sentences?

Wang Yulan certainly wouldn't dare.

Since her husband is still inside, Wang Yulan fears that if she says something that annoys them, the leader might refuse to process things.

Lu Yuan, standing aside, also didn't say anything.

Hmm...

These people are basically like this.

Especially, this person is also the prison warden.

Those who come here all have family members inside, families that have gotten into trouble.

Once they're here, they're all honest folks.

Lu Yuan stood at the doorway, lit a cigarette, and wondered whether Gu Lie was about to be deployed.

It seems, there are still a few days left.

Gu Qingwan had previously said that Gu Lie had been in the capital for half a month, training mortar personnel.

After half a month, he would take his troops south.

Counting the days, it's about these few days.

I still have some feelings for Gu Lie, like he's my own younger brother.

That guy's a bit rough, but if you say he's a real man, he deserves it.

He's trustworthy.

Lu Yuan thought, in a few days, why not bring Gu Lie to his home; as his older brother, he'd invite Gu Lie to a meal at Louwailou.

Send Gu Lie off with some provisions.

Just where does Gu Lie's family live……

Before, it was always Gu Lie and Gu Qingwan coming to find Lu Yuan; he really didn't know where those two lived.

But… my wife seems to know.

Last time, didn't my wife go out to buy vegetables with Gu Qingwan?

While on the way, my wife asked a question.

Gu Qingwan also said that, and later one evening Lu Yuan was chatting in bed with his wife, and his wife had mentioned it in passing, but Lu Yuan didn't take it to heart.

He went home to ask his wife, thinking he would look into it in the next few days.

As Lu Yuan pondered while smoking, the cigarette was soon finished.

After Lu Yuan tossed the cigarette butt aside, he wondered whether things with Wang Yulan were settled.

But when Lu Yuan looked back, he was no longer calm.

That Ministry of Personnel leader was just there reading the newspaper.

Wang Yulan stood to the side, looking pitifully at Lu Yuan, not knowing what to do.

Immediately, Lu Yuan pursed his lips, approached the leader, and tried to put on a gentle smile as he said:

"Eh, leader, have you finished reading that newspaper? If you have, please hurry up and inspect it for us, stamp it, so we can finish here."

Lu Yuan is hungry!

He's still waiting to eat!!

After Lu Yuan finished speaking, the leader, somewhat annoyed, put down the newspaper in his hand and said:

"What's the rush!"

Having said that, the leader then picked up the tea cup beside him, preparing to take a sip.

Lu Yuan here was so hungry he felt like stars were popping before his eyes.

When a person is hungry, their temper won't be too good.

Of course, Lu Yuan also didn't want to cause trouble.

After watching the slow-moving Ministry of Personnel clerk, Lu Yuan instead looked toward the passage behind him, where there were two people.

Instantly, Lu Yuan froze, then raised his eyebrows at the clerk who was drinking water and said:

"Fine, since you're not going to inspect it yourself, then don't bother inspecting it."

The Ministry of Personnel clerk wore a face full of question marks.

Hey!!

What a big temper!!

But before the Ministry of Personnel clerk could say anything, Lu Yuan strode straight to an iron fence gate and immediately greeted the two Qing Cang Wei inside the passageway:

"Hey, brother."

The two of them were instantly startled, turned their heads toward Lu Yuan, and upon seeing his face, they both looked a bit dazed.

Having come to their senses, the two quickly walked over to Lu Yuan.

Meanwhile, Lu Yuan, while pulling out a work permit from his pocket, extended it through the iron fence gate and said:

"My name is Lu Yuan; we count as a unit, take a look at my ID—I'm from the headquarters over there."

This work permit is actually Lu Yuan's Qing Cang Wei credential, just taken out of his storage space.

As he spoke, Lu Yuan was about to hand it over.

Meanwhile, the two Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei inside the iron fence blinked, looking bewildered.

Still need to check the ID?!

Even if you, Lu Yuan, turned to ashes, we'd still recognize you!!!

Let the empress tidy up the house, wash the dishes, and cook for you!!

We all know that!!

(End of chapter)