CHAPTER 291: CHAPTER 291: ON THE BRINK OF DISASTER

"You are not allowed to interfere with this matter." Han Zhenggang said solemnly.

"But Arling has already met Qingdai and seems quite satisfied." Lady Han was a bit troubled, "Qingdai is a good child. If she could marry into that family, it might help ease Yun Ying’s relationship with his sister-in-law."

"What are you thinking? Yun Ying’s background is disgraceful, but he is now the Princely Heir. Even if Qingdai is recorded under your name, do you think she’s a match in status? He is favored by the Duke Zhen Country now. Do you believe his marriage is something Arling can decide?" Han Zhenggang snorted coldly.

"Then what should we do?" Lady Han asked.

"Just say I don’t agree." Han Zhenggang replied.

"Ah." Lady Han sighed, "You’re not afraid that Arling will be estranged from you in the future?"

"If she becomes estranged, so be it. That’s better than knowing she’s acting recklessly while I, as her elder brother, do nothing." Han Zhenggang said, "I’m doing this for her own good. She will understand eventually."

"Then find a chance to talk to Arling. You are siblings; even if there is displeasure at the time, it can be resolved in the future. As her sister-in-law, once Arling has a misconception about me, it will be difficult to reverse." Lady Han said.

"You sure know how to avoid trouble." Han Zhenggang grunted.

"I’m also doing this for my husband. Otherwise, when my husband is caught between me and Arling, isn’t he troubled too?" Lady Han said.

"Understood." Han Zhenggang smiled begrudgingly, "Thank you, madam, for thinking of me."

"It’s what I should do."

The next day, after court, Han Zhenggang caught up with the Duke Zhen Country, invited him to breakfast, and tactfully mentioned his sister’s intention to involve in Yun Ying’s marriage affair.

"She just can’t turn the corner at the moment. I ask you, Duke, to be indulgent if she does anything wrong." Han Zhenggang was very humble.

He had thought for a long time last night; his sister’s temperament was really not the kind of being contented. Even if he refused, she would certainly find another way.

Rather than constantly guarding against her, it’s better to solve the problem from the root.

"I also made mistakes on this matter. But, brother, you know, I had no choice. Heng’er is in poor health; even with good care, he doesn’t have much vitality left. How could I bear to burden him?" The Duke Zhen Country sighed, "My relationship with Arling..."

The Duke Zhen Country did not continue to speak, just let out a heavy sigh.

Han Zhenggang was somewhat embarrassed; as a man, he sympathized with the Duke greatly.

Yet as Arling’s brother, he naturally thought more for his sister.

"Young couples grow old together, Duke. All these years, Arling has worked tirelessly by your side. Considering the years of marital bond, if Arling does anything wrong, please be more forgiving." Han Zhenggang said.

"What you’re saying is true; otherwise, I wouldn’t..." The Duke Zhen Country hesitated.

"What has Arling done?" Han Zhenggang instinctively asked.

"Heng’er’s health is poor; the Imperial Physician said that with good care, he could live to his thirtieth year. But now, Heng’er doesn’t have many days left to live because he consumed an Elixir containing forbidden substances, completely ruining his health." The Duke Zhen Country said.

Han Zhenggang was too shocked to speak.

Forbidden substances are expressly prohibited by the Court.

Using or selling them could result in exile at best or beheading at worst.

The previous dynasty perished because members of the royal family became addicted to forbidden substances, neglecting state affairs, leaving the people in chaos.

Therefore, after the founding of Zhou Country, forbidden substances were classified as prohibited medicines.

And relevant laws were enacted to prevent any further addiction to these substances.

"Duke, how can Arling, a mere woman, possibly..." Han Zhenggang stammered.

He wasn’t making a fuss over nothing; if this matter turned out to be true, and it got out, the entire Han Family wouldn’t escape involvement.

"Brother, do you think I would make up such a thing?" the Duke sighed, "The fake Daoist who sold the Elixirs to Arling was caught by me, and he confessed everything."

"Has this matter been kept under wraps?" Han Zhenggang asked nervously.

"I didn’t dare hide it from the Emperor." The Duke replied.

Han Zhenggang stood up abruptly, his expression twisted.

"Brother, don’t be agitated, please sit down." The Duke hastily said, "This matter is not trivial, and I didn’t dare to keep it hidden. Besides, it couldn’t be kept under wraps; that fake Daoist is part of the Heaven and Earth Sect, and the Emperor is actively purging the Sect recently."

"Then, then..."

"The Duke Zhen Country Mansion had a contract of immunity, and I exchanged it with the Emperor in return for not pursuing this matter." The Duke said, "The Emperor agreed."

"So what about the contract of immunity?" Han Zhenggang asked.

"The Emperor took it back." The Duke said.

Han Zhenggang fell silent; that was a contract of immunity, and just because of his sister’s foolishness, it was lost.

But it appeared that he and Arling didn’t know about this incident.

Thus, the Duke had kept it secret.

This was to protect Arling, not letting her bear a mental burden.

Such a great sacrifice Han Zhenggang admitted he couldn’t make.

"Arling caused you trouble." Han Zhenggang said respectfully.

"She is my wife; we are one naturally, and I have to protect her." The Duke said, "Regarding Yun Ying’s marriage, if Arling insists on getting involved, I can only yield; as long as she’s happy."

"No, no, Duke, we can’t spoil her!" Han Zhenggang hurried to object, "She is angry, and whatever she’s doing is an outlet for her emotions. Matters of marriage should not be treated lightly; married life requires wisdom, and if Yun Ying is to inherit the Duke Zhen Country Mansion in the future, he must have a wise spouse to support him."

Han Zhenggang’s face turned red as he said this; his sister certainly couldn’t be called a wise wife.

"Arling is stubborn, and I fear..." The Duke hesitated.

"Duke, rest assured, leave this matter to me; I’ll definitely keep her in check." Han Zhenggang declared.

With the matter of the contract of immunity, their Han Mansion also owed a favor to the Duke Zhen Country Mansion.

Furthermore, even without this matter, his stance was to not allow Arling to interfere in this matter.

The difference was that before he thought to leave this difficulty for the Duke to resolve.

Now he was actively taking on the difficulty himself.

"Brother, how can I accept this? It’s a family matter; how can I trouble you with this?" The Duke declined.

"You call me brother, so we’re family. Moreover, Arling is my sister, the elder brother is like a father; if she is unreasonable and I ignore it, that wouldn’t make sense." Han Zhenggang said righteously, "Brother-in-law, you can be at ease; I assure you I’ll handle this."

The Duke looked grateful, "Then I won’t stand on ceremony with you, brother; thank you for your hard work."

Han Zhenggang bit hard into a bun, thinking that after finishing his meal, he would send for Arling to return to the mansion for a good talk.

"Duke, Changfeng from the Princely Heir’s side has arrived." The Duke’s attendant hurriedly said, "He reports that the Princely Heir has been poisoned and is in grave danger; I urge you to return quickly and check on him."

Han Zhenggang, who was just about to leave, felt his head buzzing; when he came back to his senses, the Duke Zhen Country was already gone.