He knew, after so many years, that Sun Guotang was being deliberate. He hadn't reacted immediately because the contrast was too great, but he found her quite amusing.
"My lord, how can you allow such a woman into our family? She's been married before, and I hear she has a lover now. Such a woman insults our Sun family's reputation. Get rid of her at once." Madam Sun had intended to handle things slowly, but ever since Wu Caiwei appeared, she had suffered so many setbacks. She couldn't bear it any longer, fearing that if the other woman remained in the mansion, who knew what would happen next. Thus, she voiced her demand, risking her husband's displeasure.
"Madam, please don't misunderstand. I am remarried. My husband's family name is Li. Lord Sun wished for me to return to the Sun family, but alas, I refused. I am here today because Lord Sun himself invited me to tour the Duke's mansion, to witness your wealth and change my mind. However, I have feelings for my husband and cannot easily change partners," Wu Caiwei said, looking at her with an innocent expression.
Sun Guotang opened his mouth to retort, but found himself speechless. Everything she said was true. He had invited her, and he had harbored thoughts of reconciliation. Yet, when put together, it didn't feel right. She was so charming; if she could return to him, it would be a good choice.
Madam Sun glanced at Bao Susu and then at her husband. She understood perfectly that this was her husband's wishful thinking. Angered by his lack of backbone, she was surprised by this woman's skill. After just one meeting, she had made her husband forget his dislike for her. Madam Sun felt fortunate that she had employed certain tactics. If that woman were still in the mansion, what position would she herself hold?
The concubines, who had been standing by watching the spectacle, could no longer sit still. They began to size up Wu Caiwei, trying to understand what charm she possessed that could captivate their husband's heart. They resolved to learn from her in the future.
Suddenly, Madam Sun felt weary. The physical pain and the distress in her heart made it difficult for her to breathe. She used the excuse of needing to rest and asked them all to leave.
Leaving Madam Sun's courtyard, Wu Caiwei, who had caused quite a stir in the Duke's mansion, also found an excuse to depart. Sun Guotang watched her leave with a lingering gaze. After a moment's thought, he let her go. As long as she lived in the capital, he still had a chance. He wanted to see what trump cards she truly held.
Having taught Madam Sun a lesson, Wu Caiwei's mood instantly improved. She couldn't help but skip and hop as she walked. But as she walked, she suddenly saw a familiar figure.
"You are a high-priority target now. If the other princes knew you were out alone, who knows how many men they would deploy. Are you trying to implicate me?" Wu Caiwei approached with a smile, showing no surprise that the Third Prince knew her whereabouts.
"Isn't that what you're here for? As long as you're here, my safety is guaranteed." The Third Prince knew she was joking. Of course, he hadn't left the palace without guards. They were all hidden, and with her martial prowess, she would surely sense them.
Wu Caiwei smiled but said nothing. Soon, the two found a teahouse and began to chat. The Third Prince, a busy man, never sought her out without reason. Wu Caiwei, too impatient to waste time, got straight to the point.
"Speak. What do you want?" Wu Caiwei poured herself a cup of tea and looked at him calmly.
The Third Prince immediately took a paper packet from his怀 and handed it to her. Wu Caiwei took it without hesitation and sniffed it. "This is a poison from the Western Regions. It's colorless and odorless, very difficult to detect. But once one is afflicted, there's no escape. Within half a month, they will starve to death. This poison is extremely rare and has no antidote. It seems the mastermind went to great lengths to deal with you."
The Third Prince gave a wry smile. If not for the palace maid's inexperience on her first mission and her subsequent slip-up, he would never have discovered it and might now wish for death. At that moment, the first person he thought of was Wu Caiwei. He had her examine the item quickly and, as expected, found something hidden within. Fearing he wouldn't see the next day's sun, he came up with an idea.
"Let's make a deal. For the duration of my ascent to that position, you will stay by my side and protect me. Once I am on the throne, I will spare Li Shengxu and ensure you all have a lifetime of comfort and security. As long as you remain loyal, I will protect you all." At this moment, he was sincere. Although he sometimes harbored doubts about her, he knew she posed no significant threat. If she wanted to deal with him, she wouldn't resort to such roundabout methods.
Wu Caiwei knew he was desperate, which was why he had come to her. Having lived in the palace, she knew its dangers all too well. Especially now, with the Emperor lying in bed and it being obvious to everyone that he was displeased, anyone who could pull the Third Prince down or eliminate him would shift the balance of power. With the throne only a step away, who wouldn't be tempted to use all their skills?
After a moment of hesitation, she nodded. Although she disliked being constrained, she knew that it was only beneficial to her if the Third Prince ascended the throne. If another prince took the throne and learned of Li Shengxu's true identity, wouldn't he seek to eliminate the Li family?
The Third Prince, who had prepared a lengthy speech, was stunned. He hadn't expected her to agree so readily. However, what she said was true. As long as they remained loyal, he would protect them for life. Moreover, Wu Caiwei was a highly capable individual, and he wanted to win her over. Every ruler desires a divine physician, someone who can treat them if any health issues arise.
Thus, when the Third Prince returned to the palace, everyone noticed a familiar guard accompanying him. Yes, the events at the hunting grounds were still vivid in many people's minds, and many remembered that exceptionally skilled guard. However, he had been rarely seen since, sparking curiosity about where he had been lately.
Clearly, the Third Prince had no intention of answering their questions. He never introduced Wu Caiwei proactively. As for Wu Caiwei, she showed no caution or apprehension around the Third Prince, behaving as if he were an ordinary person, which greatly pleased him.
When Sun Guotang saw her again, following the Third Prince, he couldn't help but secretly examine her. In terms of height, appearance, and temperament, she bore a strong resemblance to Bao Susu, who had been so eloquent in the teahouse that day. However, there were slight differences in her features, leaving him uncertain. He dared not approach her directly. Wu Caiwei seemed to know what he was thinking. She walked up to him and deliberately paused.