A scumbag husband fakes his death to escape his marriage? I'll burn down his funeral hall and s

Chapter 224 What is aboveboard and honest may be the safest.

Two hours had passed since Chu Ruohan and Aunt Zhao finalized the details of the shop's opening.

Chu Ruohan let out a long sigh, stretched, stood up, and said goodbye to Aunt Zhao.

He then walked towards his room.

Gu Junze is still waiting for her!

She had just pushed open the door and hadn't even stepped inside when she suddenly felt a tightness around her waist as a strong arm wrapped around her slender waist.

Chu Ruohan exclaimed in surprise, and when she turned around, she saw Gu Junze's face, which looked a little aggrieved.

"Why is it taking so long..."

Before Chu Ruohan could even explain, he easily lifted her up in his arms.

Gu Junze turned to the side and hooked the door shut with his foot with a "bang".

Then, he strode toward the bed, and the thin curtains fluttered down.

Chu Ruohan quickly succumbed to temptation...

Afterwards, Chu Ruohan leaned lazily against the edge of the bathtub, gently rubbing her slightly sore neck, and slowly closed her eyes.

Before long, Yuling carried a wooden bucket and walked lightly into the house, the bucket still steaming.

"Young Madam, would you like some hot water?" Yu

"Ah."

As hot water is slowly poured into the bathtub, the water temperature gradually rises, and the warmth seeps from the skin to the heart.

Chu Ruohan's fatigue seemed to slowly dissipate in the warmth.

She suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Yuling, who was tidying up the wooden bucket.

"Is the imperial examination tomorrow?"

Yu Ling quickly put down the wooden bucket in her hand, turned around and replied with a smile: "Yes, don't worry, young mistress. Our young master Chen Yu has been studying hard since he was a child. He will definitely be able to pass the imperial examination with top honors."

Chu Ruohan smiled faintly and remained silent. Although Chen Yu worked hard, there was still a gap between him and the children of those scholarly families who had been nurtured from a young age.

Passing the imperial examination and becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) is already a great honor for one's ancestors.

After a moment's thought, Chu Ruohan spoke again: "Gu Chengyan is also going to the examination hall tomorrow. He lives a very frugal life there. As his elder sister-in-law, I should send him some essential clothes."

"Yes, this servant will go and do it right away." After accepting the order, Yu Ling hurriedly withdrew.

Early next morning

Chu Ruohan got up early to dress up and waited for Gu Junze to pack his things.

As usual, she saw him to the door, and the two stood side by side, their figures appearing especially intimate in the morning light.

Gu Junze turned around, his eyes filled with affection, and said softly, "I'll bring you chestnut cake next time I come back."

Ever since he learned that Chu Ruohan loved chestnut cake, Gu Junze would always remember to bring her some when he returned from his trips.

"Mm." Chu Ruohan nodded slightly.

Gu Junze reluctantly let go of her hand, mounted his horse, pulled the reins, and rode away.

Gu Chengyan stood aside, watching the direction Gu Junze had left, feeling a pang of sadness in his heart.

Gu Junze was deliberately trying to mislead him by saying that joining the army would still allow him to participate in scientific expeditions.

Chu Ruohan withdrew her gaze and walked up to Gu Chengyan. "Today is the imperial examination. Your brother and I have prepared some things for you. Third brother, you must do well on the exam!"

After saying that, she turned slightly to the side, gesturing for Yuling to hand him the prepared bundle.

Gu Chengyan stared at the bundle, his eyes deep and unfathomable. The imperial examination hall was heavily guarded and the screening was extremely rigorous; he dared not use Chu Ruohan's things.

This woman has schemed against him more than once...

"Thank you, sister-in-law," Gu Chengyan suddenly said loudly, his voice abrupt and clear.

Yu Ling was startled and her hand trembled, causing the bundle to fall to the ground with a "thud".

"The manor has already made preparations for me, so there's no need for you to trouble yourself, sister-in-law." Gu Chengyan's tone was stiff as he met Chu Ruohan's gaze.

At this moment, Su Wanniang also came out. Now that she was the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, she naturally had to go out to see her stepson off as he was going to take the imperial examination, putting on the appearance of a virtuous wife and loving mother.

"Ruohan is so thoughtful." Su Wanniang said with a polite smile as she walked to Gu Chengyan's side and began to give him instructions.

"Don't be nervous once you're in the exam room. Read the questions carefully and write neatly..."

She explained everything in great detail, just like a loving and caring mother.

Gu Chengyan nodded slightly, his face showing a hint of obedience, but a subtle hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes.

He knew perfectly well that Su Wanniang was just putting on an act for everyone else...

Gu Chengyan's pageboy, carrying a book basket, stood quietly to the side. After Su Wanniang finished giving her instructions, he followed Gu Chengyan and got into the carriage.

The wheels rolled slowly, making a dull thud.

Chu Ruohan looked at the bundle on the ground, a faint, meaningful smile on her lips.

She bent down to pick up the bundle and gently patted off the dust.

Chu Ruohan raised her head and looked at the carriage that was getting further away. Gu Chengyan, are the things prepared in the mansion necessarily clean?

As she watched the carriage disappear into the distance, the smile on Su Wanniang's face gradually faded, replaced by a complex expression.

She turned to look at Chu Ruohan and said with a forced smile, "Ruohan, you seem to care a lot about Chengyan."

Chu Ruohan smiled slightly, "He is my husband's younger brother, so it's only right that I care about him. As for you, Madam, as the head of the household, your concern for your stepson is truly exemplary."

Her words carried a hint of flattery, yet were like a barb hidden in cotton.

"We're all family, so naturally we should look after each other. The imperial examination is a big deal, and all we can do is offer our best."

She paused, her gaze lingering on the bundle in Chu Ruohan's hand for a moment, before continuing, "But Chengyan's things have all been prepared in the manor, so why are you so fixated on this bundle? Is there something special inside?"

"I cannot tolerate even a speck of sand in my eyes."

Chu Ruohan still smiled, knowing that Su Wanniang hadn't forgotten the embarrassment Gu Junze had caused her when she served tea.

Chu Ruohan replied calmly, "Madam is too kind. It's just some ordinary writing implements, paper, inkstones, and a few changes of clothes. I was just thinking of giving my third brother more preparations so he could feel more at ease during the exam."

"If Madam is still worried, then take it over and have someone examine it carefully."

As she spoke, Chu Ruohan gently shook the bundle in her hand and handed it to Su Wannian, her eyes calm and without any flaws.

Su Wanniang looked at the bundle but didn't take it. "What are you talking about? How could I not believe you?"

Chu Ruohan gently withdrew her hand, hugged the bundle to her chest, and said with her smile still on her face: "It's good that Madam trusts me. Otherwise, I would feel really bad."

Her tone was gentle, but her words carried a subtle sense of pressure, as if reminding Su Wanniang of her unfounded suspicions.

Su Wanniang coughed lightly, trying to cover up her embarrassment, "Look at what you're saying, I was just overthinking it."

After saying that, she turned and went into the mansion.

Watching Su Wannian's departing figure, Chu Ruohan's lips curled into a cold smile, which quickly vanished as she returned to her gentle demeanor.

She led Yuling onto the other side, to the carriage that had been prepared long ago...