Chapter Thirty-Eight: Who Says I Killed Eighth Sister

“What were you just saying?!” Lady Cheng, overwhelmed with emotion, grabbed Yan Heru’s collar.

Old Madam Yan, witnessing the scene, immediately coughed awkwardly. “Lady Cheng, what are you shouting about here? Can’t you see the Deputy Minister of the Court of Justice is investigating a case?”

“Investigating? And the investigation reaches my daughter? Didn’t you hear what she just said?” For the first time, Lady Cheng spoke to the old madam in such a tone.

“Aunt, what I said just now is not a lie! Eighth Sister came to see me today, but it got late, and since we haven’t met in so long, she wanted to stay the night with me. But who would have thought…” Yan Heru deliberately paused here, feigned wiping away imaginary tears, then continued, “Who could have known, Grandmother brought the Deputy Minister here, barging in at night to investigate a case! And then, Eighth Sister was seen by that officer just now! What are we to do?”

As she spoke, Yan Heru leaned against the doorframe and began to sob loudly.

Lady Cheng, hearing this explanation, felt darkness descend before her eyes and collapsed to the ground unconscious.

Old Madam Yan’s face was as dark as coal. “Heru, I never imagined you could fabricate such nonsense. Someone, take Lady Cheng away at once!”

Lady Cheng was escorted away, but Old Madam Yan’s expression remained sour, and the Deputy Minister found the atmosphere awkward.

“Grandmother, I don’t understand why you came to my courtyard so late tonight! And you brought an outsider! Is it your intention to ruin our reputation, as you did before?” Yan Heru’s words struck like a stone cast into a calm lake, stirring waves.

“Is Miaor still alive? Didn’t you hide her body beneath the bed?” Old Madam Yan gritted her teeth, now genuinely anxious.

Was what Yan Heqi said true? If Yan Hemiao was truly alive and peacefully resting in Yan Heru’s bed, tonight’s matter would be disastrous.

But even if she lived, another issue weighed upon her. Revealing it tonight was perhaps fitting.

This thought brought her some comfort.

Yan Heru observed the shifting expressions on Old Madam Yan’s face and understood all too well her inner calculations, secretly sneering.

This Old Madam Yan had been scheming against her from the very beginning.

“Body? Grandmother, what do you mean by that? How could I harm my sister? She is my own flesh and blood!” Yan Heru pointed at Old Madam Yan, her hand trembling.

Although the Deputy Minister had some acquaintance with Old Madam Yan, it was only due to Master Yan; their families, at the root, had no real connection.

If tonight’s events proved that the old madam had falsely accused the Ninth Princess, his own position as deputy minister would be precarious. Only by maintaining impartiality could he hope for an escape should the outcome favor Yan Heru.

“Why don’t we go in and see for ourselves?” Yan Heqi suggested.

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Yan signaled to Madam Wang beside her, who promptly entered.

Yan Heru no longer felt the need to block their way, stepping aside to let Madam Wang in.

Madam Wang, seeing Yan Heru’s confident demeanor, grew uneasy. She feared the old madam would lose tonight.

Once inside, Madam Wang found someone lying on the bed. Moving closer, she confirmed it was Yan Hemiao, checked her breath and temperature, and immediately stepped back in shock.

Yan Hemiao was not only unharmed, but sleeping soundly.

Madam Wang hesitated, uncertain how to proceed. With Yan Hemiao alive, the mistake rested with the old madam, and Yan Heru could use this to rise again, ruining the old madam's plan.

Madam Wang glanced at Yan Hemiao, and suddenly made up her mind. She took out a handkerchief from her bosom and slowly approached Yan Hemiao.

Just then, Yan Heru burst in noisily, “Since none of you believe me, let Eighth Sister prove she’s alive!”

Hearing Yan Heru’s voice, Madam Wang quickly concealed her handkerchief. Yan Heru strode to the table, grabbed a cup of tea, and poured it onto Yan Hemiao.

“Ah! Who—so cold!”

The chill of the tea startled Yan Hemiao awake. She sat up abruptly, and upon regaining her senses, saw two people standing by her bed.

“Yan Heru?! Was it you who poured tea on me? How dare you!”

“It seems she is indeed alive—full of vigor and not harmed in any way,” the Deputy Minister interjected, cutting off Yan Hemiao.

Yan Hemiao looked toward the door, and upon seeing the Deputy Minister, was stunned.

He was a rare and handsome man. Yan Heru, however, felt numb to beauty after seeing so many attractive men in the capital, and had no particular impression of him.

In truth, the Deputy Minister was a renowned gentleman in the capital, and Yan Hemiao was instantly taken with him.

“You… Miaor…” Old Madam Yan entered at this moment.

Seeing Yan Hemiao gaze bashfully at the Deputy Minister, Old Madam Yan understood everything, and though comprehension dawned, she felt faint, almost unable to bear the truth.

Thankfully, Madam Wang caught her in time; otherwise, Old Madam Yan might have collapsed like Lady Cheng.

“Now you see! Eighth Sister is clearly alive, blushing in the presence of a handsome man! How can you accuse me of killing her without any proof?” Yan Heru seized the moment, quickly absolving herself.

Yan Hemiao, hearing this, realized she was not even dressed. She snatched the blanket and covered herself.

“Will you all leave already! Can’t you see what’s happening?” Yan Hemiao, face flushed, began to chase everyone out.

Tonight was the most embarrassing night of her life. By tomorrow, surely all of the capital would know what had happened.

“Yes, yes! Hurry and leave!” Yan Heru echoed.