Chapter 43: Advice

Upon hearing Yun Xiaoge’s words, Wang Liang immediately felt a sense of camaraderie, as if they were two souls suffering the same plight. Shoving aside the two men at her side, she lunged at Yun Xiaoge, reeking of alcohol. Clutching her tightly, she lamented bitterly, "Little sister Xiaoge, I’m a live-in son-in-law just like you. That tiger of a husband of mine keeps a death grip on the money and won't even let me drink. Honestly, my life is no picnic either. If I hadn't met you, I’d have to wait another month before I could even touch a drop of wine."

Yun Xiaoge had naturally sent Xiangcao to investigate Wang Liang beforehand. Indeed, Wang Liang was a live-in son-in-law, and despite her appearance, she was notorious in the capital for being henpecked.

However, Yun Xiaoge was on the verge of fainting from the overwhelming stench of alcohol radiating from Wang Liang.

Having no idea how much the woman had consumed, she steadied her and patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Big sister Liang, it’s truly a shame that someone with such a remarkable craft is kept on such a short leash by her husband. I feel for you. Does your husband handle all the business orders for you as well?"

Wang Liang shook her head and downed a few more gulps of wine, her mind becoming increasingly clouded. She shivered and slurred, "You said it. Just recently, he took on two commissions to forge tokens for the Princess's Estate. Normally, token-making is done in batches, but this time, both orders were for single pieces—it looked suspicious from the start. That stubborn man actually took the jobs just for the money. I just hope it doesn't bring disaster upon our household."

"What? Your husband went behind your back to do such a thing? Why didn't you stop him?" The moment had arrived. Yun Xiaoge signaled to Xiangcao, who understood immediately and ushered the idle crowd out of the room.

Soon, only Wang Liang, Yun Xiaoge, and Dieyi remained.

"Shh..." Wang Liang gestured for silence. She forced her heavy eyes open and suddenly realized everyone else had vanished.

*Little sister Xiaoge must have cleared the room because she realized how serious this is,* Wang Liang thought, casting an appreciative look at her. *She is truly so thoughtful!*

"I’m just a live-in son-in-law with no status at home. I have to watch his mood for everything. The moment I tried to speak up, he gave me a tongue-lashing. Little sister Xiaoge, you must keep this a secret."

Yun Xiaoge took a sip of wine, her bright eyes gradually clouding with feigned concern. "Rest assured, big sister Liang, my lips are sealed. But you really need to be careful. The case of the Princess Li Goule is causing an uproar across the city; surely you’ve heard? A token from the Princess's Estate was found at the scene. If one of those happens to be the one you forged, and they trace it back to you, you’ll be looking at jail time for illicit forgery."

Wang Liang grew anxious. Her plain face mirrored Yun Xiaoge’s feigned distress, becoming agitated. "What should I do then? Who could have known things would turn out like this?"

Yun Xiaoge patted her hand, her tone soothing. "Big sister Liang’s troubles are my own. I will certainly do everything in my power to help. Though I have no real authority at home, I have met the Prime Minister a few times through my husband’s connections. He appreciates talent, and we have become friends despite our age difference. If you trust me, tell me what the person who ordered the tokens looked like. I will beg the Prime Minister to investigate this thoroughly. If you confess and cooperate fully with the investigation, you might be able to have your sentence reduced."

At the mention of confessing, Wang Liang jumped up in terror, looking like a mouse with its tail caught in a trap. "What? You want me to turn myself in? No! I’ll go to prison!"