"It's not impossible, but you need to think clearly. From now on, you'll have made an enemy of me. I doubt anyone in court will dare to employ you. You might end up worse off than those who spend their lives as minor seventh-rank county magistrates," Prince Xiaoyao said with a smile that was not a smile.
Liu Moran fell silent. He couldn't forget his parents, toiling in the fields, nor the hardship his family endured to support his studies. He also couldn't forget the joy in his clansmen's eyes when he passed the imperial examinations.
Yet, giving up Meng'er pained him. Ultimately, fame and fortune prevailed. Seeming to have made a firm decision, he spoke to Prince Xiaoyao about everything he knew concerning Meng'er in a voice so calm it was terrifying.
Prince Xiaoyao was pleased with his compliance and hinted that if he brought the person before him, he would be rewarded.
On the journey back to his hometown, he continuously tried to psych himself up, finally able to face Meng'er normally. His meticulous care for her was born out of guilt. Seeing her every day was torture, as it reminded him of his betrayal. By the time he reached the capital, he felt relieved, planning to send her to Prince Xiaoyao's manor the next day. He hadn't expected her to cause such a scene as soon as they entered the city.
"It's alright. I'll tell outsiders we're engaged. Since there are no elders at home, people won't think too much of it," Liu Moran quickly reassured her.
"You're destined for an official career. I can't become a stain on your reputation. If you had elders at home, I could stay with you for a few days. But for a man and a woman to share a room, it's bound to cause gossip. I don't care about myself, but I fear it will affect your reputation," Wu Caiwei quickly expressed her thoughts, considering him in every way.
Hearing her words, Liu Moran's guilt deepened. He dared not continue speaking with her, fearing he would falter and let her go.
Watching Liu Moran practically flee, Wu Caiwei scoffed. He was indeed more powerful and influential than her, but she couldn't let the original owner die without knowing the truth. Moreover, he ultimately benefited from it.
It could be said that Meng'er's lifelong tragedy was inseparable from him. The reason his portrait appeared on Prince Xiaoyao's desk was the result of a conspiracy between Gao Xuejuan and Prince Xiaoyao's manor.
Gao Xuejuan genuinely liked Liu Moran. After taking the portrait home, she grew more jealous and uncomfortable the more she looked at it. She angrily threw it on the ground and stomped on it several times to vent her frustration. She couldn't understand why she, a lady of a noble family, was inferior to a country bumpkin. Was it just because she was beautiful?
Beautiful, she suddenly gasped, recalling a rumor. She spent a large sum of money to bribe a servant in Prince Xiaoyao's retinue and presented the portrait.
As expected, Prince Xiaoyao was hooked the moment he saw it and immediately inquired about the woman. The attendant scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed. "I don't know either. I heard someone say she's the fiancée of the new Jinshi scholar, Liu Moran."
If it were just this, Meng'er would have considered him quite innocent, as someone else had taken a liking to him first and caused trouble. But what disgusted her was that Liu Moran later, despite knowing this matter was inseparable from Gao Xuejuan, happily married her and they lived together in harmony.
Every time he wanted something from the Gao family, he would bring up Meng'er to remind them, making Gao Xuejuan feel guilty and thus achieving his goal.
Since Wu Caiwei had arrived, she wouldn't let them succeed. After staying at the inn for only one day, she converted all the gold and silver jewelry she had brought into silver and bought property in the city. Although her savings over the years seemed like a vast fortune to others, in the pricey capital, it only bought her a courtyard with three entrances and two small shops.
Her actions naturally did not escape the notice of those with intentions. Liu Moran soon found her and said earnestly, "Such a big decision, and you didn't even discuss it with me? A young lady, doing so much business in such a large capital? The capital is full of high officials and nobles, with intricate relationships. I'm afraid you might offend someone you shouldn't."
"Don't worry. I investigated before acting. The seller was moving to another region to take up an official post, so they sold their businesses. Your concerns are unnecessary," Wu Caiwei said with a smile. Su Dan Novel Network.
"What can I say about you? How can you be so bold? This time is forgiven, but next time, you must consult me. No matter what, I'm more reliable than anyone else, aren't I?" Liu Moran looked at her with wounded eyes. He couldn't help but feel that Meng'er was drifting further away from him. If she knew about that incident, he could understand, but how could someone from a small place know about such filth?
Perhaps he was overthinking. Meng'er was usually quite intelligent. Everything she did was probably in preparation for becoming his official wife.
Although she inwardly dismissed his words, Wu Caiwei didn't want to alert him and nodded silently. Anyone who didn't know might think he was genuinely worried about her, but in reality, he was concerned about the money.
In the original owner's past life, Meng'er was sent to Prince Xiaoyao's manor by him unprepared, and she didn't even have time to take any gold or silver. Those things naturally fell into his hands. She had heard that when Liu Moran married Gao Xuejuan, he not only bought a courtyard but also gave a very generous betrothal gift, which was unlike someone from a peasant family.
"There are many local bullies and ruffians in the capital. It's inconvenient for a girl like you to live alone. Why don't you move in with me?" Liu Moran didn't give up and persuaded her again.
"No need. In a couple of days, I'll buy more guards, and the problem will be solved."
Liu Moran's heart panicked upon hearing this. He realized he had to speed up. Once she had enough manpower, he would have no chance.
"This is your first time in the capital. Let's go out and explore. I'll be your guide," Liu Moran suggested. Only by getting her away from her servants would he have an opportunity to act.
"Later. You don't know yet, I'm preparing to open a shop in the capital and I'm quite busy. We can go out when I'm free," Wu Caiwei replied without thinking, busy with her own affairs.
"Why are you, a woman, putting yourself out there? Afraid I can't support you? Besides, you're going to be an official's wife, and you need to consider your reputation." Liu Moran immediately objected, not wanting more people to know her, fearing their affair would be exposed.
"It's fine. I plan to hire people to manage the businesses for me, while I direct from behind the scenes. This way, I can earn money without affecting my reputation." Wu Caiwei was determined to establish herself in the capital and wouldn't give up because of his few words.
Liu Moran felt a sense of powerlessness, thinking that it wasn't good for a woman to be too opinionated. He could only return in vain.
Wu Caiwei knew he wouldn't give up, but she hadn't expected him to be so impatient. That night, just as she fell asleep, she heard unusual sounds.