"My mission is to give the original host a good life, to have a happy and peaceful life. Since I am with you every time, feeling joyful in body and mind, I have successfully completed the mission." As she spoke, Li Shengxu looked at Wu Caiwei with doting eyes, feeling that she was his lucky star.
As the two prepared to continue their affectionate conversation, they saw the eunuch who had brought Wu Caiwei in making a gesture from afar, urging them to hurry. If they were discovered, their heads would roll.
Caiwei immediately tucked away her countless unspoken words, saying anxiously, "Stay here for a day. I'll come back to rescue you at the same time tomorrow."
Finding his location made things much easier. She needed to go back and prepare, so that if any unexpected situation arose, she could ensure their safe escape.
"You don't need to risk yourself for me. My time is short. Even if you rescue me, what will it change? After experiencing so much with you, I am already extremely content. Think about ordinary people who only live one life, a mere few decades. Without this extraordinary encounter, I would be like them, without even the chance to avenge myself. At the very least, I have exposed the Second Prince's crimes before the Emperor. I believe the Empress will not let him off. I am content with this life. My only regret is that I cannot accompany you in the future. If you find someone suitable, please find another partner, don't be alone." Li Shengxu tried to calm himself.
Wu Caiwei opened her mouth, wanting to argue with him. She felt she would be the same as him, perhaps soon to meet her father. She was both surprised and delighted. Truly, if she could see her father, she would probably be like Li Shengxu and return to the universe, no longer needing to endure the trials of this world. Finally, she could see her father, whom she had longed for, and ask him how he was. If she could recall her parents’ lives as Li Shengxu did, she would be willing. In this life, she would definitely be filial to her parents and let them live out their days in peace and happiness.
She decided it was better not to let him know about these vexing matters. It was better to let him believe that she could continue endlessly.
"What are you talking about? I'm a divine physician, don't you know? I will definitely find a way to cure you. We still have to travel across this vast land together and jointly honor your parents, making up for your regrets from the past life." Wu Caiwei forced back tears and smiled.
"No need. I know you will honor my parents for me. They won't lack food and clothing in this life. Everyone has to die eventually. I can spend the remaining days cherishing our memories," Li Shengxu immediately refused.
"I said I'd come to save you, and I will. Just wait. I know you're afraid I'll get into trouble by saving you, but don't worry, I cherish my own life very much." With that, Wu Caiwei didn't give him a chance to retort and quickly walked towards the eunuch who was waiting anxiously.
Li Shengxu watched her retreating back. He had just extended his hand, then paused and let it drop. After so many years together, how could he not understand her character? To be honest, he also wanted to go back and see his parents, to let them rest in peace. Even if he died in their arms, he wanted them to know that their son had not abandoned them, but had been captured elsewhere and forced to break contact. However, he was afraid of causing trouble for Wu Caiwei. As long as they could live happily in this life, he would be content.
Exiting the imperial prison and looking at the dark night sky and the empty streets, Wu Caiwei's heart was filled with anxiety. She desperately wanted to rescue him quickly, but the imperial prison was heavily guarded. If it weren't for the Third Prince deploying all his long-standing operatives within the palace today, she absolutely wouldn't have been able to get in. Besides, where would she hide him if she took him away?
If he disappeared, the Emperor would surely issue a city-wide search. Even if he left with her, he would have to hide in the deep mountains and forests, living in anonymity. These were minor issues. More importantly, it would implicate his parents.
As Wu Caiwei worried, someone in the palace was also tossing and turning sleeplessly. Tonight, she had avoided the Emperor. Although the Emperor hadn't explicitly stated his position, how could she not know that he intended to spare the Second Prince? But who would spare her son?
Thinking of her son lying in the coffin, her heart ached so much she could barely breathe. If possible, she wished she could cut the Second Prince into a thousand pieces.
When the Third Prince heard that Wu Caiwei wanted to see the Empress, he couldn't help but widen his eyes. Previously, when he had requested an audience, Li Shengxu had done so out of gratitude for saving his life. Today, however, her request made the Third Prince overthink. Wu Caiwei stated matter-of-factly, "You and the Empress have a common enemy. The Second Prince almost cost you your life. I don't believe you don't hate him. If you had the chance to bring him down and ensure he never stood up again, I believe you wouldn't let it pass. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I am going to see the Empress today to save Li Shengxu's life, and in exchange, I will naturally help him resolve his greatest threat."
Wu Caiwei looked at him steadily, knowing that if she wanted the Third Prince's help, she had to tell him the truth. Otherwise, with their shallow acquaintance, he wouldn't believe her or easily lead her to the Empress. From recent events, he could sense that Wu Caiwei was a very dangerous individual who knew a great deal and undoubtedly had her own network. He had already secretly guarded himself against her.
The Third Prince nodded unconsciously. Every time he met Wu Caiwei, he constantly reminded himself to be assertive and not follow her lead. But as she spoke, he couldn't help but soften. This time, he reassured himself that it was the last time. The next time something happened, he would likely be comforting himself the same way.
She hadn't rested well for the past few days. This midday, the Empress finally managed to take a nap. As she slept, she was suddenly awakened by a nightmare. She dreamed that her son, Huang'er, was tightly gripping her hand, crying and begging her to avenge him. But she was powerless, only able to watch as the perpetrator roamed freely, while her own son met a tragic death.
"My son..." she cried out and sat up abruptly from the bed. Only then did she realize she had been dreaming. She touched her forehead, sweat beading there, and couldn't help but feel grief. Although it was a nightmare, she knew her son would never return. In fact, just as she had dreamed, the Second Prince would undoubtedly live well in the capital. The thought made her feel unbearably stifled. Had her son died in vain?
"Qiuping, Qiuping, bring some water..." I feel sticky all over. I want to wash myself, so she called for her attendant. She called out for a long time, but no one answered. Suddenly, she had a bad premonition. She looked up and realized that at some point, a strange young eunuch had appeared in her palace. Upon closer inspection, she realized she had seen him before.
"Aren't you one of the Third Prince's men? How are you in my palace?" she asked, scrutinizing him with her eyes. If she didn't know at this moment that the Third Prince had deliberately withdrawn his people and let this person in, then she wouldn't have been Empress for so many years. Since he had entered her palace, he must have his reasons. She would understand the truth of the matter and then weigh the options before cooperating with him.
Indeed, the Empress's first thought was that the Third Prince wanted to form an alliance with her. After all, her son was dead, and the Second Prince had committed such a grave offense. It now seemed that the Third Prince was the most likely to ascend the throne.