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Su Che was unaware that this was the best and also the last time he would get along with Wen Liang. After Wen Liang left, not far from the entrance, in a dark alley, someone lurked in the shadows, a glint of shrewd coldness flashing in their eyes before they turned and vanished into the darkness.
The next day, Wen Liang found herself in the palace with no one to confide in. After her recent outing, she felt even more that some matters were better shared with others. The people around her were mostly servants; even those with opinions dared not speak freely, only knowing how to flatter and agree with her.
Feeling a desire to leave the palace, she disguised herself and went to a familiar courtyard in the suburbs. Xu Mu Cong was busy counting accounts when he saw Wen Liang arrive, surprised and quickly rising to bow.
Wen Liang waved her hand, indicating that they were friends and there was no need for such formalities since they were alone. She then sat down on her own, and Xu Mu Cong asked her why she had come to find him so suddenly.
"I thought... after parting in the palace, it might be difficult to see you again. Did you come today with something on your mind?"
Noticing Wen Liang's plain clothes and lack of attendants, Xu Mu Cong realized she had sneaked out and that her visit must be for a reason.
Wen Liang did not hide anything; she shared her encounter with Su Che and confessed her feelings for Mu Junze. Although she had only known Xu Mu Cong for a short time, she could tell he had feelings for her. Besides those she trusted most, only someone who liked her would not betray her.
This matter was not a secret; nearly everyone in the palace knew about it but refrained from discussing it openly. Nevertheless, Wen Liang still felt some concern. After all, in the eyes of the world, her relationship with Mu Junze was seen as inappropriate—just as her mother and father had said—such feelings were not blessed by society and could even be criticized.
Before revealing everything, she tested Xu Mu Cong's reaction. Upon discovering that he was different from others and supportive of her, she finally opened up completely.
However, when she mentioned Su Che, Xu Mu Cong's expression turned strange, which did not escape Wen Liang's notice. She curiously asked him what was on his mind.
"If you have something to say, feel free to speak. There are only the two of us here; I consider you someone I can trust," she encouraged.
Xu Mu Cong smiled awkwardly, hesitating for a moment before speaking up. "If Su Che is indeed the son of the wealthiest family in the capital—the Su Family... I might know a thing or two."
Wen Liang perked up at this revelation. She knew Xu Mu Cong was also involved in business and might have clearer insights into Su Che's character; it was normal for him to have dealings with the Su Family.
What Xu Mu Cong said next left her utterly shocked. "The Xu family and the Su Family were once relatives; we grew up together. However, some events caused us to lose contact. Those matters... never mind; it's my own lack of ambition. Now the Su Family is thriving, and he is also connected to the Beiqin Wangfei. It's better not to mention those things. In any case... Su Che is not as he appears on the surface; you should be cautious."
Xu Mu Cong's reluctance to elaborate piqued Wen Liang's curiosity even more. Moreover, she had already planned to marry Mu Junze as a concubine and hoped to get along well with Su Che afterward.
Now that Xu Mu Cong had mentioned this, how could she let it go? She pressed him for details about what was going on. She wanted someone to investigate Su Che but hadn't had time to gather information before coming to see Xu Mu Cong.
As for Xu Mu Cong's relationship with Su Che, he had helped her before and treated her well; his feelings for her were genuine, and they had spent more time together than she had with Su Che.
She had a bit more trust in Xu Mu Cong, and now that Xu Mu Cong happened to know information about Su Che, she naturally wanted to listen. According to Xu Mu Cong, Su Che was not as easy to get along with as he appeared.
There might be some history between the two of them; having grown up together, their sudden estrangement must have a reason behind it. Xu Mu Cong pretended to be helpless against Wen Liang's persistent inquiries, and finally agreed to share some details about his relationship with Su Che.
Of course, he did not tell the whole truth. With a pitiful demeanor and his descriptions, Wen Liang became extremely angry, wishing she could storm into Duke Beiqin's mansion right then and there to give Su Che a good beating.
"This scoundrel! I can't believe he's such a hypocrite! The Su Family is filled with heartless villains; how can such malicious people exist in this world!"
"The Uncle Emperor must have been deceived by his facade and sweet talk! Don't worry, this palace will definitely seek justice for you! This is simply outrageous! Let's go! This palace will take you to Duke Beiqin's mansion right now to demand justice!"
Seeing that Wen Liang believed him, Xu Mu Cong was naturally pleased, but he dared not go along. When Wen Liang grabbed his arm and tried to leave, he quickly stopped her.
"Princess! I appreciate your good intentions, but the Su Family is no longer what it used to be. Even if we go... Besides, everyone has been deceived and believes him without question. Now that I have changed my name and identity, I only wish for a peaceful life. It would not be appropriate to seek justice at this time."
"Especially since you and... if it affects you, that would be unfortunate. I say this because I want you to be cautious; after all... I'm fine, but please do not let my troubles affect the princess."
Wen Liang thought for a moment and realized she had been too impulsive. Without evidence now, rushing in would not only fail to bring justice but might also put her at risk. However, since she had learned of these matters, she could not just stand by idly. Regardless of Xu Mu Cong's situation, she could not let Mu Junze remain in the dark; she needed to investigate.
But this matter could not be pursued openly. Wen Liang pondered for a moment before looking at Xu Mu Cong and said thoughtfully, "Rest assured, I will not let you suffer injustice like this. But you are right; without evidence now, going would be futile and might alert him. Yet I cannot investigate openly."
"Now that you have changed your name and identity, you must have connections that can help you return to the capital. Can you find any evidence? If there’s anything lacking, just send word to me. I will find a way to make this scoundrel pay!"
Xu Mu Cong looked at Wen Liang with immense gratitude and even knelt down. "Thank you so much for your kindness, Princess!"
His tearful expression made Wen Liang even more convinced of his sincerity. After discussing their plans, they decided that Xu Mu Cong would take the lead in gathering evidence.
Meanwhile, Su Che had not seen Prince Xiao Xuan or Wen Liang for several days. While Wen Liang remained silent about it, Prince Xiao Xuan truly felt too embarrassed to show his face again but still felt compelled to go back. He had been anxious at home these past few days, unsure how to face Su Che or explain himself.
Su Che did not think much of it; however, while wandering the streets one day, he caught sight of a familiar figure but only glimpsed it briefly before the person disappeared from view.
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