The guards trailing behind had no chance to cry out before Wu Caiwei clamped her hand over one's mouth and dragged him into the nearby woods.
All eyes were on the Second Prince, but in a secluded corner, she blended in with the rear of his escort, sticking close to their steps. Normally, everyone would have noticed her by now, but the Second Prince had captivated their attention.
He was usually steady and reserved, but today he seemed unusually rushed. An instinct told her something significant was happening, and she followed him closely, not daring to slacken her pace.
Although the Crown Prince also longed to get closer to see what was unfolding, a feeling told him it was very beneficial to him. However, he couldn't match the Second Prince's reckless riding style, and so he gradually fell behind.
The Second Prince glanced back and, seeing that he had left them far behind, heaved a sigh of relief. As long as the Crown Prince hadn't reached that part of the woods, he still had hope.
Though the original host had heard where the Crown Prince met his unfortunate end, as a woman, she had never ventured into these woods. If she were to search alone, she wouldn't know when she would find it. This was why she had taken the risk of following the Second Prince's entourage.
They traveled deep into the woods, the wind whistling past their ears and trees blurring as they sped by. After an unknown period, the Second Prince in front finally pulled back on his reins. Disregarding the pleas of his entourage, he leaped off his horse and headed towards the pre-arranged location. He thought that since he had already lost the Crown Prince, there was still time. As long as he acted discreetly, today's events would amount to nothing more than a scare.
His steps involuntarily slowed. When he reached the rendezvous point, he expected to see his men waiting in the woods. However, what he saw next caused his eyes to widen involuntarily. A figure with a profile identical to the Third Prince, dressed in the style he favored, plunged a sword directly into the Crown Prince's heart. The Crown Prince stared at him with disbelief, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
Let alone the guards present, even the Second Prince's mind went blank. He hadn't expected to be a step too late. If he had known such a situation was unavoidable, he would have steered clear long ago and severed all escape routes. Even if someone confessed, he could deny it, especially since the Third Prince was also suspected of staging the incident.
With the Crown Prince dead, those following him finally reacted. Some, unable to bear the shock, fainted on the spot. Their duty today was to protect the Crown Prince's safety, yet he had been murdered right before their eyes. Whether the Emperor would punish the Third Prince or not was unknown, but they themselves would surely face death. The thought of their elderly parents and young children brought tears to their eyes.
Wu Caiwei paid no attention to what happened next. Her gaze was fixed on the imposter Third Prince in the midst of the chaos. For some reason, she felt an uncanny sense of familiarity, her heart pounding.
She finally understood the source of her unease from early that morning. When the figure turned around and she saw those eyes, so familiar yet so familiar, her heart skipped a beat. Though she didn't know why he was in such a position, this was not the time for questions or contemplation. She had to find a way to save him.
The Second Prince, momentarily stunned, also regained his composure. He decisively drew his bow and arrow, aiming at the fake Third Prince. The guards behind him turned pale. Didn't the Second Prince know that with the Crown Prince killed by the Third Prince, it was most advantageous for him? Just as they were on the verge of success, why would the Second Prince go out of his way to kill the Third Prince? With the crime of fratricide, he wouldn't be able to get away with the Emperor. But then they thought of another question: when they set out, the Third Prince was clearly sitting beside the Emperor. How could there be another Third Prince here? Did he have the ability to split himself?
Those with quick minds already understood. Trembling, they realized that the Second Prince's scheme had been exposed, and they would all face dire consequences. They couldn't bring themselves to pick up arrows and shoot the fake Third Prince.
In the eyes of the other party, Wu Caiwei recognized the familiar resignation to fate. Her heart sank involuntarily, knowing that in this life, he might not have martial arts and wouldn't be able to escape. She acted decisively.
Seeing his arrow shooting directly at the man who stood there foolishly, unaware of how to dodge, the Second Prince thought, "Even though I have leverage over him, doesn't he know that man took his own life when he entered the dungeon? Even if he dies, he can't see her in this life. Let them be a pair of ill-fated lovers in the underworld."
The thought of no witnesses later relaxed his heart. After all, the Crown Prince was eliminated. Although the Third Prince's influence was not to be underestimated, it was nothing compared to his own. With a little scheming, he could eventually bring him down and ensure he never rose again.
Before his smile could fully form, his whole body froze. An arrow had shot out from behind him, colliding with his own and embedding itself in the ground at the other's feet.
The next moment, Wu Caiwei leaped into the fray, scooped up the man, and began to flee. While everyone hesitated to attack the fake Third Prince, fearing a mistaken kill, the sudden appearance of an uninvited guest was not so fortunate.
Listening to the wind at her back, Wu Caiwei, dragging the fake Third Prince, weaved and dodged the incoming arrows.
"Don't let them escape!" Seeing them getting farther away, the Second Prince roared. Even if he hadn't said it, everyone present understood that the Crown Prince had truly died before their eyes. The Emperor's wrath was something they couldn't withstand. They had to get to the bottom of this, and the two people before them were the key. They absolutely could not let them leave today, or they themselves would lose their lives.
Hearing the footsteps behind her, Wu Caiwei frowned. She knew that if she could bring this person before the Emperor, the matter would be resolved. But currently, she didn't understand the other party's background or why he was involved. If she rashly brought him before the Emperor, the Third Prince might be exonerated, but he might lose his life, and he would never forgive her in this lifetime.
"Let's go to the Emperor." Just as she was filled with anxiety and indecision, the man spoke.
Wu Caiwei hesitated for a moment, then nodded. They would overcome the immediate crisis first. Even if he were imprisoned in the heavenly dungeon, she could find a way to rescue him.
The Second Prince watched them change direction, understanding their objective. This was the last thing he wanted, because the person in Wu Caiwei's hands knew some of his secrets. Once they reached the Emperor, he was finished.