It was a pity that some decisions, once made, left no room for regret. Just like now, she wanted to leave with her sons, only to find that her sons had quietly disappeared. These ungrateful brats hadn't waited for her, and Madam Sun's heart sank instantly.
But since she had chosen this path, she had to grit her teeth and persevere. She never expected these people to imprison them in the imperial prison. Looking at the frenzied crowds inside, Madam Sun's heart began to tremble. She recognized some of them. Just a few days ago, they had been high and mighty, but now they were prisoners. Wu Caiwei began to doubt what her husband had done. Those who were imprisoned with them were likely involved in the coup that occurred last night.
Was her husband trying to court death? Even she, an ignorant woman, knew that one shouldn't get involved in succession disputes carelessly.
Unfortunately, after entering the prison, she was separated from her husband and couldn't question him directly. She recognized the other ladies in the prison, but since they didn't acknowledge her, she felt awkward approaching them.
Although Madam Sun was the wife of a Duke, most prominent families in the capital looked down on those from humble beginnings. They thought her manners were improper, her gait lacked grace, and her social skills were clumsy. Madam Sun didn't know what she did wrong or how to improve, but she could discern people's attitudes. Unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn't attend other people's banquets. (She recognized the ladies present because, at the Emperor's banquet during the New Year, these ladies had sat in front of her. She had deliberately observed them a few times, never expecting they would end up in the same prison.)
"Mother, I am young and unmarried. I don't want to die. Please save me," a young girl pleaded, clutching Madam Li's hand tightly.
Madam Li appeared indifferent, but her heart was bleeding. The hand she held belonged to her youngest daughter. How could a mother not love her child? But what could she do? She couldn't even save her sons, let alone her daughter. She had advised her husband early on not to get involved in the succession dispute so easily. Although their family wouldn't rise higher, at least they would be safe in the capital. If her husband had heeded her advice, they wouldn't be facing this catastrophe.
Seeing her mother's expression, the young girl seemed to understand. She collapsed onto the ground, despair washing over her as she thought of her fiancé waiting outside. They were childhood sweethearts, having grown up together. Due to their comparable social standing, their elders had already tacitly approved of their union. This morning, her fiancé had visited her, urging her to find a way out, lest he be forced by family pressure to marry another woman.
Her heart shattered then. Reason told her their family had fallen. Even if she escaped, she couldn't be his wife. Yet, a sliver of hope remained. But now, seeing her mother's demeanor, she knew their situation was dire. This life, she was destined to be apart from him, no matter how unwilling she was, she was powerless.
Watching her despair, the women in the prison couldn't help but reach for their handkerchiefs. How many of them could regain their freedom after being brought here? Although they were resentful and desperate, they kept their emotions hidden. Even at this moment, they maintained the demeanor of ladies from noble families.
If even they couldn't escape, Madam Sun's heart sank. She once again realized her predicament. At this moment, she was beyond tears. Her husband had initially wanted her to leave with their sons, but she had foolishly insisted on staying with him. Now, her head was about to roll. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, and she couldn't help but sit on the ground and weep uncontrollably.
The ladies from aristocratic families couldn't help but frown at her unseemly display. It was no wonder everyone gossiped behind her back. In this state, she truly resembled a shrew from the streets. What use was crying now? They could only blame their husbands for seeking wealth through perilous means. They had to accept the consequences of their gamble.
Sun Guotang showed no surprise when Wu Caiwei appeared before him. He knew she had come to gloat over his downfall.
"You are too heartless. I truly didn't know your circumstances back then. And for that, you want our lives? By Heaven and Earth, I truly liked you once. Even now, you hold an irreplaceable position in my heart. If you don't believe me, I can swear to Heaven." Sun Guotang spoke with a pleading tone, trying to gain some favor.
"Aren't you curious why, the first time I met you, I knew you would hand me over to the Grand Eunuch?" Wu Caiwei looked at him with a sinister smile.
Sun Guotang's body shivered. He looked at her with disbelief. Yes, why? It was too bizarre. Even thinking about it sent chills down his spine. Bao Susu was a simple, innocent, and cheerful person. If you were nice to her, she would reciprocate your feelings. That's why he had her completely in his grasp. But this Wu Caiwei gave him an unfathomable impression, and she looked so eerie now. He felt a prickle of fear.
"Are you human or ghost?" After a moment of hesitation, he finally voiced his doubt.
"If I said I was half human and half ghost, would you believe me?" Wu Caiwei said meaningfully.
Sun Guotang shook his head. This was the first time he had heard such a term and didn't understand its meaning.
"To be more specific, the Bao Susu you knew is dead. You killed her. She was so young and so innocent. You sent her to the Grand Eunuch. With the Grand Eunuch's perversions, how could she not be tormented to death? Letting her leave was impossible. Sending her to the Grand Eunuch was sending her to the guillotine. And I, a lonely wandering soul, have occupied her body. I must avenge her. Don't expect me to be soft on you, because I have no feelings for you whatsoever."
Wu Caiwei felt that letting him die so easily was too lenient. Sometimes, fear in the human heart was more torturous than anything else. She decided to terrify him thoroughly. Anyway, no one else could hear their conversation. If he dared to spread their words, she could simply deny everything.
With his doubts answered, he instinctively took a few steps back, feeling that what she said might be true. If this had happened before, he would never have believed it. But he was certain he had harbored that lewd thought without telling anyone. It was only when he saw Wu Caiwei that he recalled the incident. Unexpectedly, she saw through his thoughts at a glance. He had found it strange at the time and put it aside, not delving deeper. Now, thinking about it, it was exactly as she said. She seemed to be able to read minds. If he hadn't experienced it personally, why would she relentlessly pursue him?
At this moment, all his lingering hope vanished. He knew she had no feelings for him and wouldn't listen to his parents. If he were brought before the Third Prince, he would undoubtedly face a grim fate. He suddenly remembered Bao Susu's appearance and voice, feeling an intense longing. If it weren't for him, would she still be alive?