This scene was witnessed by Prince Xiaoyao, who was not far away. He couldn't help but touch his brow. Was this the fairy in his mind? Why did she seem like a shrew cursing in the street, instantly shattering all his fantasies.
The people around Prince Xiaoyao were also dumbfounded. They knew the prince's intentions and had thought she was a woman well-versed in literature. They never expected her to be so vulgar, possessing only a beautiful exterior. It wasn't just the prince who was disappointed; even they shook their heads.
"Return to the manor," Prince Xiaoyao commanded with a grim face, walking ahead. The young servant who had given him advice followed timidly. Having witnessed the scene, he knew he had ruined things and dared not utter a sound.
Gao Xuejuan waited at home, expecting Wu Caiwei to get into trouble. To her surprise, Wu Caiwei was peacefully conducting her business. After a brief inquiry, she learned the truth from the servant's grumbling complaints. She was bewildered by the reason. If Wu Caiwei was truly that vulgar, why was Liu Moran still so infatuated with her?
If she was faking it, did she know Prince Xiaoyao's preferences? That was a secret, and even she hadn't known it until today. Besides, did she even know Prince Xiaoyao? How could it be such a coincidence that he happened to witness it?
Gao Xuejuan was plagued by a multitude of unanswered questions, which she could only keep to herself.
As for Wu Caiwei, she had come to avenge the original owner, not to be humiliated. Since others had made a move, she would not hold back. Were they trying to stifle her with gossip? Then she would turn their scheme to her advantage.
The next day, everyone who needed to know, knew about Meng'er and Liu Moran. At first, Liu Moran was utterly confused as to why people were looking at him strangely.
A colleague, with whom he had a good relationship, said earnestly, "Minister Liu, you are quite intelligent. How could you make the same mistake as others? Is it truly that even heroes cannot resist a beautiful woman?"
Liu Moran felt that the other person must know the truth and quickly asked for clarification, "I don't understand what you mean. Please enlighten me."
The colleague looked at his sincere expression, finding it hard to believe, "You truly don't know?"
"I truly don't know," Liu Moran nodded firmly, sounding a little wronged.
After a moment's hesitation, the colleague explained the rumors circulating outside in a tactful manner. Then, fearing that Wu Caiwei might overthink it, he added, "I don't know where the rumors started. I only heard others say it and told you. I didn't embellish anything."
Liu Moran knew what the other person was thinking and quickly bowed deeply, "I understand. If you hadn't told me today, I would still be in the dark. I am only grateful to you."
The colleague tried to hold back but eventually couldn't help himself, saying with some uncertainty, "Are you truly involved with her? If so, I urge you to break it off quickly. I heard that Miss Gao is interested in you and has turned down many suitable marriage proposals for your sake. Brother Liu, you must seize the opportunity; you mustn't be foolish at this time."
Liu Moran nodded distractedly.
Lying alone in bed at night, he pondered a great deal. Only a handful of people in the capital knew about his past with Meng'er. He could feel Gao Xuejuan's affection for him and knew she wouldn't do anything to damage his reputation. This meant they were drifting further apart, which was not what she wanted, so she could be ruled out first.
Prince Xiaoyao, being so high and mighty, wouldn't stoop to such a thing, nor was it possible for him to do so. Therefore, Meng'er must be the culprit. Had she discovered his actions? He recalled every moment that had transpired since he met her, but found no flaws.
So, the next day, he specifically sought out Wu Caiwei, wanting to talk to her privately. The moment she saw him, Wu Caiwei knew he had guessed it. She felt it was good to clear the air, lest they continue to entangle each other.
"There are rumors circulating throughout the city about us. I want to know if you have anything to do with this matter," Liu Moran said, looking at her intently. After all, Meng'er was a woman he had once genuinely cared for, and he didn't want them to become enemies.
"Since you've found me, it means you are very certain in your heart. Yes, I did it, but I was only stating a fact and didn't add any embellishments," Wu Caiwei said with a smile.
"Why?" Liu Moran looked at her with an injured expression, full of disbelief. He never expected the fairy-like figure in his heart to have such a moment of image collapse. He felt extremely distressed.
"Why? Don't you find this question ridiculous? You are allowed to trick me, but I am not allowed to fight back? Don't treat everyone like a fool," Wu Caiwei said with a cold laugh.
"You know everything? No wonder you wanted to distance yourself from me as soon as you entered the capital. But I had no choice. The other party is Prince Xiaoyao, the Emperor's own brother. What am I? A farmer. If he wanted to kill me, it would be as easy as crushing an ant. We have no future," Liu Moran said, tears streaming down his face.
"I know all of this and can understand your difficulties, but I won't forgive you. From now on, we will mind our own business and go our separate ways," Wu Caiwei said calmly.
"How can you be so heartless? Three years of affection gone just like that."
"Don't look at me with a blaming gaze. I don't owe you anything. On the contrary, you owe me. If I hadn't saved your life back then, who knows what would have become of you? I paid for your imperial examinations, and I paid for your journey to the capital. Therefore, without me, you wouldn't be where you are today. You repay kindness with enmity, and I can't even sever ties with you? Or should I go out on the street tomorrow and proclaim it?" Wu Caiwei found him utterly ridiculous, not realizing that not everyone would revolve around him unconditionally.
Upon hearing this, Liu Moran quickly looked around, regretting meeting her in the teahouse. Although the teahouse had private rooms, observant people could still see. The gossip about his and Meng'er's affair had already drawn criticism. If people found out that they had been engaged privately and that he was now clinging to her, they would all think he was crazy. Su Dan Novel Network.
Finally, under Wu Caiwei's indifferent gaze, he chose to compromise. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "If one day you change your mind, I can buy a courtyard in the suburbs of the capital and keep you. We can still be together. Don't worry, my past promises still hold true. I will treat you well for the rest of my life."
As soon as Wu Caiwei heard this, she quickly drew the whip from her waist and sneered, "You want me to be your mistress and call it treating me well? Believe it or not, I'll whip you to death."
"If not a mistress, then what? Your status is not presentable. Do you really think someone would marry you with a grand sedan chair?" Liu Moran's patience ran out, and he felt she couldn't see the situation clearly.