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Prince Xiao Xuan was lamenting loudly, completely oblivious to Wen Liang's momentary spark of interest when he heard about the rift between Mu Junze and his wife. However, that glimmer of hope quickly dimmed. Even if there were issues between the couple, what difference did it make? Their marriage had been sanctioned by imperial decree at Mu Junze's request; as long as they did not divorce, she had no chance.
Yet sometimes, people are like that—once a thought takes root, it grows wildly like weeds, impossible to suppress. She knew it was unlikely, but still clung to a sliver of hope. Even if it was just a fleeting thought, it was better than living like a walking corpse.
Or perhaps… when he returned, everything would be possible. A terrifying idea began to take shape in Wen Liang's mind. She would be willing to become his concubine; after all, she had already compromised so much. She couldn't believe he wouldn't be moved by her willingness.
As long as there was a glimmer of hope, she was willing to try. After all, she had already experienced the worst outcome once.
Lost in her thoughts, Wen Liang hardly heard what Prince Xiao Xuan said next, but one phrase caught her attention: the emperor had ordered him to go to Duke Beiqin's mansion.
It had been several days already; they could not delay any longer. With a sigh, Prince Xiao Xuan remarked, "I actually wish your marriage to that young man were true. I would rather serve as a witness than go to Duke Beiqin's mansion. Although I have never met him, something about it just feels off."
Wen Liang's eyes sparkled as she smiled at Prince Xiao Xuan. "Why not go? I’ve been feeling restless since my return and have long wanted an excuse to get out and clear my mind. Why don’t we go together? Besides, I’m curious about what kind of person he is."
Prince Xiao Xuan looked at Wen Liang, who had just moments ago worn a sorrowful expression but now seemed inexplicably cheerful. He couldn’t help but twitch his lips in amusement and instinctively moved away a bit.
"You… you’ve only been back for a few days? I didn’t expect someone so young to be so wild."
While he spoke, he couldn’t help but think how quickly women could change their moods; Wen Liang truly was influenced by Liang Fei. He admired her swift transformation.
"Little Prince~ Let’s go!" Wen Liang said playfully while tugging at Mu Xuan’s sleeve. Mu Xuan shivered at the gesture, goosebumps rising on his skin. He had no choice but to agree; after all, he was going anyway and might as well have company.
With someone else along, he wouldn’t have to worry about running out of things to talk about; after all, the emperor hadn’t specified that he could only go alone.
Wen Liang couldn’t just leave openly, so the two slipped out secretly. The sky was still relatively bright when they left; Su Che had just finished his tasks and was stretching lazily while preparing for a meal.
Just then, Prince Xiao Xuan arrived with a woman in tow.
Wen Liang rarely left the palace and since Mu Junze hadn’t spent much time in Capital City lately—and even when he did stay in the city, he wasn’t residing at the royal residence—most of the servants didn’t recognize Wen Liang.
Initially, the two exchanged polite gestures upon entering but soon began chatting happily and even shared a meal together. After Mu Junze left, Su Che found himself alone in the residence.
Since marrying Mu Junze, he hadn’t had a moment’s rest; now that things were quieting down, he felt somewhat unaccustomed—thankfully, Mu Xuan and Wen Liang had come by.
Su Che happily invited the two to stay at his residence. Mu Xuan was indifferent, as it didn't matter where he stayed, but Wen Liang had to refuse. If Liang Fei found out that Wen Liang had not returned home all night and was brought out by him, he feared that even if he pretended to be a cat, he would still be skinned alive.
Moreover, today he had just angered Liang Fei, so he dared not stir up trouble again and quickly shook his head, saying he would come to stay another day.
The atmosphere among the three was initially joyful and lively, but Wen Liang looked at Su Che and thought about how such a wonderful person could be so good-looking; it was no wonder Mu Junze would marry him. If it were her, she would probably want to marry him too. Su Che was kind and interesting, without any airs or the demeanor of a merchant, making interactions with him very comfortable.
Lost in these thoughts, Wen Liang unexpectedly blurted out her feelings. “Has the Empress ever considered letting Uncle Emperor take a concubine?”
As soon as the words left her mouth, the previously cheerful atmosphere fell silent. Su Che was taken aback and momentarily at a loss for words. Mu Xuan was even more startled by Wen Liang's comment; he quickly stood up and pulled on Wen Liang's arm, wanting to leave.
Wen Liang realized her mistake but felt embarrassed and didn't know how to explain herself. She wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide in. She initially thought Su Che wouldn't respond to her question, but unexpectedly, just as they were about to leave, he smiled and said, “This matter is not something I can decide, nor have I ever thought about it, so I’m sorry I can’t tell you anything.”
Wen Liang silently committed this statement to memory as they hurriedly left the palace. On their way back, Mu Xuan anxiously paced around Wen Liang. “No, my dear aunt, what were you thinking? Do you know how awkward I felt? I could have carved a palace with my toes!”
Wen Liang felt guilty and kept apologizing while secretly delighted by Su Che's words. This indicated that she might have a chance with him. She believed that given Su Che's character, they would get along well without any scheming or rivalry. In fact, Wen Liang even thought about what she would name her future children with Mu Junze.
Once they returned home, Mu Xuan sulked with a pout. “Your mother is quite patient and very clever; how could you not follow through? Had I known you would be so indiscreet, I wouldn’t have brought you along this time or taken you out again!”
Wen Liang didn’t mind much; she rarely left the palace anyway. Since Mu Xuan often played outside, they had only become friends because of Mu Xuan’s fun-loving nature and his ability to engage with anyone easily. However, Wen Liang never easily opened her heart to others; she viewed him merely as a child. No matter how well things turned out, he was still just a child who couldn’t understand adult thoughts.
She merely played with him like one would with a child. After sending him off with some comforting words, she began to ponder how to discuss this matter with Mu Junze when he returned.
Meanwhile…
Su Che repeatedly contemplated Wen Liang's question within the palace. He knew that the woman held an extraordinary status and was called Liang Er but did not know her name. Her question seemed sudden but clearly stemmed from something deeper. Although Mu Junze indeed had many admirers, if one were to count them carefully, even Mu Junze himself might not know who was who.
Su Che was puzzled. Just as he was about to rest, he noticed that one of the guards left by Mu Junze seemed a bit off. The guard stood at the door, his brow slightly furrowed, as if he had something on his mind but was hesitant to speak.
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