"You can also choose to stay here." If it were in the past, Sun Guotang would have spoken politely to the other party. But his current predicament was all because of her. Among the many women in the back courtyard, why couldn't she tolerate Bao Susu? If she hadn't taken matters into her own hands and caused him to misunderstand, he wouldn't have suffered the blow from Bao Susu. He might still be in the capital, proudly serving as a Duke.
Seeing his expression, Madam Sun knew that her husband was blaming her. Honestly, her heart was pounding. She never dreamed that Wu Caiwei would end up like this. If she had known this would happen, she would never have let her into their home. A woman as capable as her, if she hadn't been sent away by her means, and had remained in her husband's back courtyard, she might have taken her place.
The thought of her efforts over a long period ultimately leading to a disgraced return to their hometown made her feel agitated. She could already imagine the mockery from her sisters once they returned. When she first came to the capital with her husband, she had been so glorious, and her sisters were filled with envy. Now, returning to her hometown to seek refuge, they would likely kick her while she was down. Sud an Novel Network
But looking at her husband's stern expression, she knew the situation in the capital was more severe than she had anticipated. Last night, immediately after the Emperor's death, major events had unfolded in the capital. She didn't know her husband's role in it, but she knew he had been busy, coming home late and leaving early for some time.
After speaking, Sun Guotang walked out. He feared that if he continued to talk with his wife for a moment longer, he would be tempted to divorce her. If it weren't for their two children and his father-in-law, he would have already kicked her out, not wasted words with her.
Their two children had grown up and were on the verge of marriage. Without a mother, it would undoubtedly affect their weddings. If he left now, it would be difficult to return to the capital. All his hopes rested on his two children. He hoped they would find supportive in-laws. They couldn't falter at a crucial moment. Moreover, his father-in-law held some prestige in their hometown. When his wife married him, it was considered a downward marriage, and they still needed their protection. Abandoning them at this time would bring him nothing but harm, so he endured it.
With unwillingness, Madam Sun hastily packed some belongings and followed her husband. She watched the receding mansion and the bustling streets, tears welling up. She felt this was the most tragic moment of her life.
As they reached the city gate, they were stopped by the guards. Sun Guotang immediately stepped forward and said calmly, "I am Sun Guotang. I need to go out of the city on some urgent business. Please allow us to pass."
"We have been waiting for you. The Third Prince, no, he is now the Emperor. He gave orders to intercept you if we saw you." The commanding officer's face lit up with joy upon hearing his name. He hadn't expected to find what he was looking for so easily.
He worried that the other party might have received news and slipped away from elsewhere, leaving his mission unfinished. To have him walk right into their hands was an unexpected delight. The Emperor had just ascended the throne, and loyal followers like them were eager to prove themselves to him, hoping for promotions and accolades.
Sun Guotang's face immediately darkened. This was not good news for him. If he could successfully return to his hometown from the capital at full speed and hide for a while, allowing the Emperor to forget about him, there might be a glimmer of hope. But now, the Emperor had sent people to intercept him at the city gate, suggesting that his actions might have already been discovered.
Although he had been careful when he acted, ensuring no trace was left, walls have ears. Moreover, given Bao Susu's resentment towards him, he believed she would add fuel to the fire when speaking to the Emperor. He was sure he wouldn't have a good outcome. However, he couldn't find anyone to plead for him at the moment and reluctantly followed the soldiers. He saw the commanding officer wink at his men, and if they refused to cooperate, they might be apprehended personally. This would be extremely humiliating for a Duke who had once been so glorious. He was sure the news would spread throughout the capital by tomorrow. The fact that the other party hadn't taken immediate action was a gesture to allow him a way out.
Although Madam Sun didn't understand the situation, she, being adept at reading people, immediately sensed something was wrong. She quickly wiped away her tears and paid close attention to the unfolding events.
"If things turn for the worse, you quickly take the two sons and return. Hide in the mountains, and after some time, with your father's help, live under a false name. Do not come back for revenge, because my enemies are Bao Susu and the Third Prince. They are not people we ordinary folk can contend with." Sun Guotang cherished his life, but he clearly knew his target was himself. He was trapped and could not escape. However, his wife and sons might still have a chance.
Madam Sun opened her mouth, and the tears she had been holding back fell again. She hadn't expected things to be so serious. At this moment, she regretted deeply. She had merely used a small tactic, thinking she was dealing with a concubine, but she had brought such great trouble upon the Sun family. She had thought her husband was heartless, but at this critical juncture, he was still thinking of her and their sons. At this moment, she wished she could die in his place.
She immediately grabbed Sun Guotang's hand and said emotionally, "The sons are all grown up now. Let them take the valuables and leave. I will stay with you. We promised on our wedding day not to be born in the same year, month, and day, but to die in the same year, month, and day. Without you, how can I go on living?"
Sun Guotang looked at his wife in shock. He knew his wife was deeply devoted to him. After all, she had defied her father's wishes and married him resolutely. For so many years, she had continuously supported his family. But he never imagined she loved him to this extent, thinking of him even in such a dangerous moment. At this point, he truly regretted it. If he had lived a good life with his wife from the beginning, would the current situation be different?
But it was too late. Meanwhile, he ordered the steward to take the two sons away when no one was paying attention. This action of his was discovered by Wu Caiwei, who was watching from a distance. She did not intervene, as her revenge was against Mr. Sun and Madam Sun. She believed that even the kind original owner, if present, would not hold innocent people accountable.
Madam Sun was merely blinded by emotion for a moment. Upon calming down, she couldn't help but regret it. This man was not worth her devotion. If he had treated her wholeheartedly, it would be another matter. After so many years, did she still not know what kind of person he was?