On her wedding night, she went into exile with her pharmacy arsenal

Chapter 2286 Suicide

"This...how is this possible?"

Madam Qin muttered to herself, staring at the medical record, utterly bewildered: "Miaoqin clearly told me that Qin Zhao had drugged me, those prescriptions..."

"Those prescriptions may be real, but they may not be the ones Qin Zhao used to harm you."

Yan Ruyu slowly said, "Miaoqin deceived you, making you dislike Qin Zhao and even hate him to the bone. She was just using you."

She knew that the Qin family's pharmacy was Qin Zhao's weakness, and she also knew that you were the person Qin Zhao cared about most, so she instigated you to take revenge on Qin Zhao so she could reap the benefits.

Madam Qin slumped in her chair, the medical record in her hand scattered on the floor, her face as pale as paper.

It turns out that she had been living in Miaoqin's lies all along; she hated the wrong person and did the wrong things.

She destroyed Qin Zhao's hard work and their former home with her own hands, all because of a woman's instigation.

"How could this happen... how could this happen!" She kept repeating this sentence, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls. "I... I was actually deceived by her so badly..."

Yan Ruyu felt a pang of pity and said softly, "Qin Zhao and Miaoqin are indeed in a cooperative relationship. They are after Youcheng's trade routes and want to control the Chamber of Commerce."

However, Qin Zhao had no romantic feelings for Miaoqin whatsoever.

His reason for cooperating with Miaoqin was simply to prove himself, shed his status as a son-in-law, and gain recognition for his abilities from everyone.

Madam Qin nearly fell off her chair, her eyes filled with regret and pleading: "Your Highness, please, please let me see Qin Zhao one more time."

I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have listened to the slander, and I shouldn't have sought revenge. I want to apologize to him in person.

As she spoke, her legs went weak, and she knelt straight down on the ground: "I know I am guilty, I just want to apologize to him in person and ask him to forgive me."

Yan Ruyu looked at her and pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Qin Zhao's death sentence is already decided, and he will be executed tomorrow."

"Considering your past as husband and wife, I will allow you to see each other one more time."

Upon hearing this, Madam Qin kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness!"

The next morning, a notice announcing Qin Zhao's impending execution was posted in front of the governor's mansion, and the surrounding crowd discussed it animatedly.

Madam Qin, led by a jailer, entered the prison.

Qin Zhao, dressed in prison clothes, sat on straw, his face haggard.

Hearing footsteps, he slowly raised his head and saw that it was Madam Qin. A look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"lady?"

Madam Qin walked to the iron bars and, seeing his haggard appearance, tears welled up instantly: "Husband, I'm so sorry, I was wrong, I was really wrong!"

Qin Zhao was slightly taken aback, looking at her with a puzzled expression.

"I listened to Miaoqin's slander and mistakenly thought that you and she had an affair, and that you were the reason I couldn't conceive. That's why I had the old steward poison the medicine and frame you."

Madam Qin sobbed uncontrollably: "I only found out yesterday that it was all Miaoqin's conspiracy. She deceived me and you."

I've reviewed all those medical records. It's my own health that's the problem; it's not your fault..."

She spoke incoherently, telling Qin Zhao the whole story in detail, her eyes filled with remorse: "Husband, I know I deserve to die. I shouldn't have caused you to end up like this."

Qin Zhao listened quietly, his expression shifting from astonishment to shock, and then to complexity.

He remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, "I never intended to harm you..."

His voice carried a hint of weariness, but also a hint of relief: "Actually, I... guessed it after you left."

How could I not have guessed? The procurement and transportation of medicinal herbs are handled by just a few people.

The most capable person is the old housekeeper.

The old steward was always obedient to his wife and extremely loyal.

As for why, he couldn't figure it out for the time being.

However, I understand now.

It was all because of Miaoqin.

“Husband…” Madam Qin looked at him, her tears flowing even more fiercely.

"It's no use saying all this now that things have come to this." Qin Zhao shook his head gently. "I will eventually pay the price for the mistakes I made. From now on... live well and don't be as foolish as before."

Madam Qin choked up, wanting to say something, but couldn't utter a single word.

A tree in the courtyard of the Prince's mansion was in full bloom, and a faint fragrance filled the air.

The governor's wife and the first wife sat under the eaves, their faces rosy and their spirits much better.

After these days of recuperation, their bodies have basically recovered, and the governor's wife is preparing to return to the governor's residence today.

Yan Ruyu had a carriage prepared, gave a few more instructions, and then accompanied Huo Changhe to the door.

"Thank you so much for your care these past few days, Your Highness. I will remember this kindness in my heart," the governor's wife said sincerely, holding Yan Ruyu's hand.

Yan Ruyu smiled and said, "You're too kind, Madam. It was nothing. Take care on your journey and get some rest when you get back."

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came, and Cui Chong rode over in a panic.

Before the horse had even steadyed itself, he dismounted and hurried to Huo Changhe and Yan Ruyu, bowing and reporting, "Your Highness, Your Highness, it's terrible! Madam Qin... Madam Qin has committed suicide in prison!"

Huo Changhe and Yan Ruyu exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of surprise on their faces.

Yan Ruyu never expected that Madam Qin would be so ruthless.

He slammed his head against the wall and died instantly, right in front of Qin Zhao.

Qin Zhao was so shocked that he couldn't speak; tears streamed down his face, but he made no sound.

Only when he was led to the guillotine did he cry out, "My lady, slow down! Your husband has come to find you!"

Blood was spilled on the spot.

Madam Qin also had a suicide note on her person; she had resolved to die the night before, after learning the truth.

In her letter, she asked Yan Ruyu to make proper arrangements for the old steward and his men, as they were all loyal servants who had worked hard all their lives and deserved a good end.

Whether you sell your family property or hand it over to the government, please leave some money so that they can enjoy their old age in peace.

As for the Qin family's pharmacy, all the medicinal herbs inside were handed over to the government, and the shop could be converted into a free clinic to help the poor.

This can be considered as making up for even a tiny bit of the mistakes Qin Zhao and she herself made.

Yan Ruyu sighed inwardly. After discussing it with Huo Changhe, she wrote down the meaning of the suicide note in a notice and announced it to the people of Youcheng.

Wrong is wrong, good is good; they should be clearly distinguished so that the people of Youcheng will remember their good intentions.

The critically ill patients at the treatment center gradually left and went home. The place was disinfected and cleaned, and returned to peace.

Those doctors and assistants who had made contributions were awarded bonuses by the governor's office, and Governor Cao personally wrote documents to commend them. Their names were also written in the announcement so that all the people in the city would know.

This glory is far more meaningful than money.

Yan Ruyu went to bed early that night, and as her consciousness entered the space, she let out a long sigh.