Wu Caiwei's hand paused as she turned the cup, not expecting Sun Guotang to be so slick, betraying the Second Prince the moment he fell and aligning himself with the Third Prince.
"It seems he's had too easy a time lately. It's time I found him something to do," Wu Caiwei sneered, making no effort to hide her disdain for Sun Guotang. The Third Prince telling her this was his way of currying favor, indicating he knew about her affairs. She wasn't surprised; after all, he was a prince of the current dynasty, soon to be the Crown Prince, and investigating someone wasn't difficult.
"His eldest son recently passed the imperial examinations and was seeking connections for a good post. With the Second Prince's downfall, his former associates are in hiding, unwilling to step forward. When that person approached them for help, they all made excuses, afraid of attracting my attention. Someone sounded out my attitude, and I made my displeasure clear, which is why he's still at home. This is why Sun Guotang has come to me for refuge, hoping to pave the way for his sons." The Third Prince seemed to be chatting casually with Wu Caiwei, but in reality, he was increasing his bargaining chips for their negotiations.
"Thank you, Third Prince, for this matter. If there's ever anything I can do for you in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do my best to fulfill it," Wu Caiwei understood his intentions. She had no desire to overthrow the dynasty and claim the throne. As long as he didn't infringe upon her interests, she was willing to cooperate with him.
"It's a small matter. We've been cooperating for so long, I know your character and your capabilities. I just wanted to ask about your plans. Are you just going to let the Second Prince lie in bed like this?" This was what the Third Prince was most concerned about.
"Li Shengxu has been handled. I just need you to ensure the safety of the Li family. As for me, it will be quite difficult for the Emperor to capture me. If I don't show myself, no matter how hard he searches, he won't find me. As for the Second Prince, I'll ensure he can't threaten your position. Although the Empress is displeased, if I were to simply eliminate him, he would have died too easily. How would she vent her anger? Over time, he'll lose control of his temper, and the Emperor will become increasingly disappointed with him, pushing him and Consort Ru into a desperate situation." What Wu Caiwei didn't say was that keeping them alive also served as a threat to the Empress, preventing her from abandoning her after her own concerns were resolved.
The Third Prince stared at her intently, knowing these weren't her deepest thoughts, but he didn't expose her. Everyone had their own hidden motives. As she said, if the Second Prince died, the Emperor would surely suspect him. He was a useless pawn; why would he risk incurring the Emperor's suspicion?
"You didn't come to see me today just to talk about these things, did you?" The Third Prince knew she wouldn't visit without a purpose, and he looked at her with a questioning expression.
"Actually, what I want to tell you is that your father, the Emperor, doesn't have much time left. You know I have some medical knowledge, right? I took a look at the Emperor from afar last time and found that his illness is terminal. Although he appears rosy-cheeked now, his insides are hollow. You should learn from him and prepare yourself mentally. If the Emperor were to pass away suddenly one day, you could then control the situation and prevent other princes from taking advantage." Wu Caiwei was paving the way for her future actions, fearing that if she were to act one day, suspicion might fall on her. Although he didn't say it aloud, he would naturally be on guard.
The Third Prince looked at her in shock, never having expected this news. To be honest, he felt a secret delight. There was no genuine affection in the royal family. If they were ordinary father and son, they would surely wish for their father's longevity. But in the royal family, everyone hoped the Emperor would depart sooner. Moreover, this was a golden opportunity for him. Who knew if he might displease the Emperor one day and have another prince favored? If the Emperor died now, it would be best for him. Sudan Novel Network
"Is this true?" Although the Third Prince tried to suppress his joy, the corners of his lips couldn't help but lift. He had asked the question, but he knew Wu Caiwei never lied, so this should be the truth. He hadn't expected even heaven to be on his side.
"It is absolutely true. Prepare yourself well." Wu Caiwei glanced at him lazily, contemplating how to act against the Emperor without anyone noticing.
Upon hearing this news, the Third Prince fell into deep thought, considering his next steps. When he came to his senses, the room was empty. If not for the teacup she had drunk from still resting on the table, he might have believed he had merely dreamed it.
Thinking of the information she had conveyed today, even lying in bed, the Third Prince was too excited to sleep.
He woke up in the morning with dark circles under his eyes, but he felt no fatigue. His wish was about to be fulfilled. The more so at this moment, the more he needed to remain calm. Despite this, everyone knew the Third Prince was in an exceptionally good mood today. Some couldn't resist asking him what had happened, but he just shook his head mysteriously.
While the Emperor was searching for Wu Caiwei everywhere, she was hiding in a deserted cold palace within the imperial palace, leisurely enjoying food she had stolen from the imperial kitchens. She had always adhered to the principle that the most dangerous place is the safest.
"This is the medicine the Empress Dowager ordered for the Empress. Hold onto it and don't lose it." She suddenly overheard two palace maids discussing matters not far from her, their voices drowsy. Perhaps they thought no one passed through the cold palace, so they spoke their minds without reservation. Unfortunately for them, Wu Caiwei overheard them.
She had no intention of saving the Empress. This was clearly an enemy of the Empress in the palace. She tried not to interfere with karma.
Lying in her sickbed, the Empress harbored suspicions about Wu Caiwei. However, the latter was not in the palace. Furthermore, her personal maid had hanged herself, making the culprit seem obvious. The mastermind, however, remained unfound. An investigation revealed that the maid's sister had served in Consort Ru's palace, and the Empress, without her knowledge, had killed the maid's sister. This was an act of revenge.
The Empress, having lived in the palace her entire life, didn't believe this was the maid's personal act. She thought someone had instigated it, but there was no proof.
After the imperial physicians arrived, they exhausted all their efforts to save her life, but it damaged her fundamental health. She would require a long period of recuperation, or it would affect her lifespan. The Empress ordered everyone out, quietly licking her wounds, unable to comprehend why her life had become so miserable. She had been the envy of others for decades, and now in her old age, her son was dead, and she had become this. It was too unfair.