Even though she was a woman he had once truly loved, he thought he had no feelings for her. The moment she shed tears, he realized his heart still beat for her.
Sighing, he slowly walked forward and opened his arms. Madam Zhou threw herself into his embrace without hesitation, and they held each other tightly. This moment felt like a return to over ten years ago. Madam Zhou couldn't help but be moved, but the thought that this man wanted to get rid of her immediately brought her back to her senses. Seeing the disappearing hem of her skirt in the corner of her eye, she couldn't help but reveal a smug expression.
After a while, the First Prince gently pushed her away and said with deep emotion, "We have no future. Meeting was a mistake. In the future, if you need any help with our daughter's marriage, just ask. Let's not discuss anything else."
Madam Zhou nodded sadly. The First Prince gave her a deep look and turned to leave without a backward glance.
As soon as he left, Madam Zhou calmly wiped away her tears. The food was already on the table; it would be a shame not to eat it. If the First Prince were there, he would surely be astonished by her transformation.
Initially, the First Prince thought he could rest easy and focus on cultivating his relationship with the Eldest Princess, building a good family life.
Who would have thought that news of him and Bai Huixian would spread like wildfire overnight?
Details of how they met and their physical contact were spoken with such vividness that it was hard for the First Prince not to suspect that Madam Zhou had done it intentionally.
However, his priority was to explain himself to the Princess and prevent her from misunderstanding. Rushing into the Eldest Princess's chambers, he saw her gloomy face and his heart sank. He quickly explained, "Your Highness, please don't listen to their gossip. It's impossible between Madam Zhou and me. We agreed yesterday that we would have no more contact. I will stay by your side and live a devoted life."
The Eldest Princess, who had held back her tears for so long, finally let them fall. She choked out, "I thought that after so many years, even an iceberg could be melted by me. It seems I overestimated myself. If you truly wish to leave, I will grant you your freedom."
The First Prince panicked at these words, stammering, "You must believe me! I have truly cut all ties with her. After all these years, I've realized that I love you. We have children; how can we divorce?"
The Eldest Princess staggered back a step, her voice filled with sorrow. "It seems the children are the only reason you won't divorce. Don't bother defending yourself. My people personally witnessed you embracing each other, and you initiated it. Yet you tell me you've severed ties? Do you think I'd believe that?"
The First Prince suddenly felt as though he couldn't wash himself clean even if he jumped into the Yellow River. He had the urge to bang his head against a wall.
"She said we should have one last embrace. I thought that one embrace would resolve her trouble, a very worthwhile transaction, so I agreed. If I had known you would misunderstand, I would have refused no matter what," the First Prince argued feebly. If he had actually done something, he could have admitted it, but the critical point was that he hadn't.
The Eldest Princess looked at him with disappointment. In the past, she had thought him genuine and brave enough to admit whatever he did. But this time, he had utterly disappointed her. If he had no feelings for Madam Zhou, why had he left in such a hurry during that dinner? Why were they so close when they met? And why did the other woman throw herself into his arms? After years of repeated disappointments, the Eldest Princess felt she shouldn't trust this man anymore.
Having figured this out, she only wanted to escape and be alone to find peace. The First Prince didn't understand how things had escalated to this point. He blamed Madam Zhou for everything; if she hadn't returned, none of this would have happened.
Meanwhile, Master Bai and Madam Bai looked at their daughter standing before them and snapped, "Kneel!"
Bai Huixian began to kneel, looking innocently at her father. "I don't know what mistake your daughter has made that Father is so angry."
Hearing her words, Master Bai felt his heart condition worsen. She had caused such a huge problem and was still feigning innocence. He couldn't believe his daughter had no idea of the severity of the situation, which left only one explanation: she had done it deliberately.
"What do you truly want by returning this time? Do you know you're dangerously probing the limits? In the end, it's the Bai family who will suffer. Your affair with the First Prince is known to everyone. Will the Emperor let us off?" Master Bai finally understood the feeling of dread he'd had when he first saw his daughter. It turned out she had returned for revenge.
"But why? My son is dead, and my life is ruined. But he, he turned around and went to live happily with the Eldest Princess. This is too unfair. Since I cannot have happiness, he shouldn't have it either." Madam Zhou was very clear-headed. She knew her father had doted on her since childhood. She could still play dumb when her father brought up other matters. But the thought that her outrageous behavior could implicate them broke through her composure, and she poured out all her grievances at once.
Although Master Bai was deeply disappointed in his daughter, she was, after all, the treasure he had cherished for so many years. Seeing her like this, he couldn't help but feel heartbroken. He said helplessly, "Where is there any fairness in this world? Whoever has higher status has the right to speak. He is now the Emperor's son-in-law, representing the royal family's honor. Members of the royal family will not allow you to trample on his dignity. Give up early, return to your life, and avoid seeing what troubles you; that is the right way."
"I am so unwilling! Every night when I'm alone, the thought of my son pains my heart. Why is there such a difference between his children?" Madam Zhou collapsed to the ground, sobbing.
"What's done is done; you can only accept reality. After all, everyone must look forward. These words are just for me; from now on, bury them deep in your heart," Master Bai said, walking to her side and patting her shoulder to comfort her.
Madam Zhou cried even louder. After venting her emotions in front of her parents, she felt much better and began to doubt herself. Had she been too extreme? If she dragged the Bai family down with her, wouldn't she become a sinner to them?
Wu Caiwei had been constantly observing Madam Zhou's every move. In reality, she also looked down on the First Prince. When you were in love with someone in your youth, how could it be so easy to break free now?
Although she detested Madam Zhou, she didn't want to attack her with this matter. The capital was the most prosperous place in the world, so of course, she intended to do business.
Thus, Wu Caiwei began to open shops discreetly. The reason she wasn't as high-profile as in the south was mainly because every shop here had a powerful backer, and their official ranks were higher and higher. To avoid alerting them and stepping on their toes, it was better to keep a low profile.