Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Su Che was unaware that this was the best and last time he would get along with Wen Liang. After Wen Liang left, not far from the entrance, a figure lurked in the shadows of a dark alley, a glint of shrewd coldness flashing in their eyes before they vanished into the darkness.
The next day, Wen Liang felt there was no one in the palace she could confide in, especially after her recent outing, which made her realize that some matters were better discussed with others. The people around her were mostly servants, and even those with opinions dared not speak freely, only knowing how to flatter and appease her.
Feeling the urge to leave the palace, she disguised herself and headed to a familiar courtyard in the suburbs. Xu Mu Cong was busy calculating accounts when he saw Wen Liang arrive, surprised and hurriedly rising to greet her. However, Wen Liang waved her hand, saying they were friends and there was no need for such formalities since there were no outsiders present. She then sat down casually, prompting Xu Mu Cong to ask why she had come to see him so suddenly.
"I thought... after parting ways in the palace, it would be difficult to meet the princess again. Did you come today with something on your mind?" He noticed Wen Liang was dressed plainly and had come without any attendants, realizing she had sneaked out and must have something important to discuss.
Wen Liang did not hide her intentions; she shared her encounter with Su Che and revealed her feelings for Mu Junze. Although Xu Mu Cong had known her for a short time, she could tell he had feelings for her as well. Besides those she trusted most, only someone who liked her would not betray her.
This matter was not a secret; almost everyone in the palace knew about it but refrained from discussing it openly. Nevertheless, Wen Liang still felt some concern. After all, people viewed her relationship with Mu Junze through the lens of ethics, as her mother and father had mentioned; such feelings were not blessed by society and could even be criticized.
Before fully expressing herself, she tested Xu Mu Cong's reaction. Once she realized he was different from others and supportive of her feelings, she opened up completely. However, when she mentioned Su Che, Xu Mu Cong's expression turned peculiar—a detail that did not escape Wen Liang's notice. She asked curiously, "If you have something to say, feel free to speak. There are only the two of us here; I consider you someone I can trust."
Xu Mu Cong smiled awkwardly, hesitating for a moment before finally speaking up. "If Su Che is indeed the son of the wealthiest family in Capital City... I might know a thing or two."
Wen Liang perked up at his words; she knew Xu Mu Cong was also involved in business and might have clearer insights into Su Che's character. It was normal for him to have dealings with the Su Family. However, what Xu Mu Cong said next left her utterly shocked.
"The Xu family is related to the Su Family; we grew up together. But after some events occurred, we stopped interacting. Those matters... never mind; it's my own shortcomings. Now that the Su Family is thriving and he is also connected to Beiqin Wangfei, it's best not to bring those things up again. In any case... Su Che is not as he appears on the surface; you should be cautious."
Xu Mu Cong's hesitance and half-hidden words piqued Wen Liang's curiosity even more. Since she planned to marry Mu Junze as a concubine and get along well with Su Che afterward, hearing this from Xu Mu Cong made it impossible for her to let it go easily. She pressed him for more details about what was going on and expressed her desire to investigate Su Che further. However, before she could gather any information, she had already come to see Xu Mu Cong.
For Xu Mu Cong and Su Che's sake, given that Xu Mu Cong had helped her before and treated her well while harboring feelings for her, their relationship had lasted longer than hers with Su Che.
She had a bit more trust in Xu Mu Cong, and now that Xu Mu Cong happened to know information about Su Che, she naturally wanted to listen. According to Xu Mu Cong, Su Che was not as easy to get along with as he appeared.
There might be some history between the two of them; having grown up together, their sudden estrangement must have a reason behind it. Xu Mu Cong pretended to be helpless against Wen Liang's persistent inquiries, and finally agreed to share some details about his relationship with Su Che.
Of course, he did not tell the whole truth. With a pitiful demeanor and his descriptions, Wen Liang became extremely angry, wishing she could storm into Duke Beiqin's mansion right then and there to give Su Che a good beating.
"This scoundrel! I can't believe he's such a hypocrite! The Su Family is filled with heartless villains; how can such malicious people exist in this world!"
"The Uncle Emperor must have been deceived by his facade and sweet talk! Don't worry, this palace will definitely seek justice for you! This is simply outrageous! Let's go! This palace will take you to Duke Beiqin's mansion right now to demand justice!"
Seeing that Wen Liang believed him, Xu Mu Cong was naturally pleased, but he dared not go along. When Wen Liang grabbed his arm and tried to leave, he quickly stopped her.
"Princess! I appreciate your good intentions, but the Su Family is no longer what it used to be. Even if we go... Besides, everyone has been deceived and believes him without question. Now that I have changed my name and identity, I only wish for a peaceful life. It would not be appropriate to seek justice at this time."
"Especially since you and... if it affects you, that would be unfortunate. I say this because I want you to be cautious; after all... I'm fine, but please do not let my troubles affect the princess."
Wen Liang thought for a moment and realized she had been too impulsive. Without evidence now, rushing in would not only fail to bring justice but might also put her at risk. However, since she had learned of these matters, she could not just stand by idly. Regardless of Xu Mu Cong's situation, she could not let Mu Junze remain in the dark; she needed to investigate.
But this matter could not be pursued openly. Wen Liang pondered for a moment before looking at Xu Mu Cong and said thoughtfully, "Rest assured, I will not let you suffer injustice like this. But you are right; without evidence now, going would be futile and might alert him. Yet I cannot investigate openly."
"Now that you have changed your name and identity, you must have connections that can help you return to the capital. Can you find any evidence? If there’s anything lacking, just send word to me. I will find a way to make this scoundrel pay!"
Xu Mu Cong looked at Wen Liang with immense gratitude and even knelt down. "Thank you so much for your kindness, Princess!"
His tearful expression made Wen Liang even more convinced of his sincerity. After discussing their plans, they decided that Xu Mu Cong would take the lead in gathering evidence.
Meanwhile, Su Che had not seen Prince Xiao Xuan or Wen Liang for several days. While Wen Liang remained silent about it, Prince Xiao Xuan truly felt too embarrassed to show his face again but still felt compelled to go back. He had been anxious at home these past few days, unsure how to face Su Che or explain himself.
Su Che did not think much of it; however, while wandering the streets one day, he caught sight of a familiar figure but only glimpsed it briefly before the person disappeared from view.
Comment 0 Comment Count