The wedding was just called off, and Wu Muchuan's illness miraculously vanished. He was out and about again, relishing the fresh air.
Lin Ziyou, however, was shaken by the series of events and preferred staying indoors, believing her time was better spent reading. Wu Caiwei, on the other hand, needed to venture out, hoping to encounter him. But despite her frequent excursions, she hadn't seen him. A flicker of panic arose within her; had he decided not to accompany her further on this journey?
Though she hadn't found any news of him, she did hear a rumor that the prince of Dali Kingdom was coming to pay tribute. Streets buzzed with speculation about the Dali prince's appearance and customs, wondering if they would differ from their own.
Wu Caiwei, lacking strong curiosity, paid little attention to these discussions. Yet, on the day the Dali prince finally entered the capital, as she gazed at him atop a magnificent steed, she felt a pang of regret for all she might have missed.
Amidst the throngs of onlookers, Amu Yun spotted her instantly, feeling that the arduous effort he had exerted to secure this assignment was truly worthwhile. Though he didn't know her current status or where she lived, she knew him, and he was confident she would reach out.
Dali Kingdom had always been a tributary state of the Celestial Dynasty. As the annual tribute arrived, laden with rare treasures, the Emperor was overjoyed. "Prince Amu Yun, this must be your first visit here. Feel free to explore the city at your leisure," he said.
"Thank you for your imperial generosity, Your Majesty. It is precisely my intention. On my journey here, I fell in love at first sight with a lady of the Celestial Dynasty. I was just about to seek her out, and I request Your Majesty to grant us your blessing for our union," Amu Yun explained his boldness in speaking before the Emperor. His marriage was not entirely his own to decide. An imperial decree would leave his King and Queen with no grounds for objection. Furthermore, he feared Wu Caiwei's low status might displease the Emperor. If the Emperor blessed their union, he would at least bestow upon her a noble title, ensuring she would not be looked down upon upon their return to Dali.
"Oh? I am most curious about what kind of woman could capture the Prince's gaze. However, matters of marriage also depend on mutual affection. If the lady is willing, her parents do not object, and she is not already betrothed, I am willing to facilitate such unions," the Emperor mused. Court affairs were complex. While maintaining good relations with Dali was important, to the Emperor, they were ultimately less significant than his own ministers. If the prince had set his sights on a noble daughter whose parents were unwilling to send her so far away, he would not force the matter.
"Naturally," Amu Yun replied. He understood the Emperor's thoughts and concerns but had more faith in Wu Caiwei, believing she could resolve any obstacles. Even if her parents disagreed, they would find a way.
He underestimated the situation. That very night, Wu Caiwei stealthily entered the area designated for foreign dignitaries in the capital. Amu Yun was waiting for her. Hearing the slightest rustle, he emerged immediately to greet her.
Without alerting anyone, they quietly entered his room. Amu Yun, overwhelmed by their long separation, couldn't help but embrace her tightly.
Nestled in his arms, Wu Caiwei felt a profound sense of peace. She playfully remarked, "Your conversation with the Emperor today has spread throughout the city; everyone knows you've fallen for a Celestial Dynasty woman. You don't need to worry about me. I am currently unbetrothed and have no parents. To be precise, I don't know where my parents are, but my status is not worthy of you; I am merely a maidservant in the Lin household."
"The usual rule. No matter who you are, I want to be with you," Amu Yun declared. They had once traversed the world together, experiencing the highest pinnacles of life. Even if it meant forfeiting his princely title, he would stay with her.
"I believe you. But what about my young lady? My mission is to ensure her lifelong happiness and well-being. Some injustices remain unavenged, and the original owner's parents have yet to be found," Wu Caiwei said, feeling the weight of her responsibilities.
"If your young lady finds no suitable match, I have many generals in Dali Kingdom. At worst, they can marry her. As for matters within the palace, I can use my frequent comings and goings to create some trouble for them," Amu Yun suggested, believing that now that he had found her, his heart was settled, and all matters could be resolved.
"Let's wait a while longer. I believe my young lady would not wish to marry into Dali Kingdom, especially since she needs to care for her maternal grandparents," Wu Caiwei replied with a sigh. She felt his current status was problematic; a foreign prince had many limitations.
Seeing her reluctance to discuss the matter further, Amu Yun shifted the conversation and they shared their innermost feelings.
As it grew late, Wu Caiwei reluctantly departed under his wistful gaze.
Her mind burdened, she climbed over the Lin residence's wall and entered her courtyard without noticing anything amiss. The moment she pushed open her room door, the lights flickered on.
In the small room, Madam Lin sat in the center. Beside her, Lin Ziyou kept signaling to Wu Caiwei, her eyes filled with concern. As Wu Caiwei stepped inside, two matrons promptly shut the door.
"It seems to be a banquet of deceit. I wonder what the Madam wishes to inquire about?" Wu Caiwei, sensing trouble, knew she was in for a reprimand and decided to adopt a defiant stance, thinking she could always seek out Amu Yun.
"Look, look. Like master, like servant. I am the mistress of the Lin household, and you are merely a dog in our service. Is this how you speak to your master? Furthermore, it's late. A young woman like you goes out every day and returns this late. Don't tell me you've been meeting a lover?" Madam Lin sneered, her gaze sharp. Among the many servants in the manor, this was the first time someone had dared to speak to her in such a manner.
"Mother, what are you saying? I felt unwell and asked her to fetch me some medicine. She's an unmarried woman who stays with me all day. How could she have a lover?" Lin Ziyou, seeing Wu Caiwei's confrontational tone, quickly interjected with a smile, trying to defend her.
"Miss, you need not say more. I did indeed meet my lover today. Madam, please tell me how you wish to punish me," Wu Caiwei stated. She knew that no matter what she or her mistress said, it would not be believed, given Madam Lin's demeanor, clearly intending to cause trouble.
"What audacious words! The Lin family has strict rules. To prevent disreputable servants like you from corrupting the masters and tarnishing the Lin family's reputation, those like you should either be drowned in a pig cage or beaten to death," Madam Lin declared, casting a malicious glance at Wu Caiwei.
"Oh, I'm so scared!" Wu Caiwei exclaimed, feigning terror. Her pretense was so obvious that it was clear she was not genuinely afraid.