Powerful Minister Buddha-like Sweet Wife
Chapter 93: Exposed
Liu Yunan stepped out off the carriage, her smile unwavering, her composure perfect. Yet, a keen observer would notice the subtle heaviness in her stride, a tell-tale sign of her inner turmoil. Upon entering the bustling shop, her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Fuping Princess. A small sigh of relief escaped her when she didn't immediately spot her.
However, her gaze then landed on Liu Tangxi, who was engrossed in picking out goods in a far corner. A faint frown creased Liu Yunan's brow. Her earlier suspicion that Liu Tangxi might be here had, unexpectedly, been confirmed. Wei Hanzhou, Liu Tangxi's husband, supported the crown prince, and abducting Liu Tangxi would only serve to threaten those aligned with him. But now, King Jin was their primary adversary. Kidnapping Liu Tangxi seemed utterly pointless, a move that would only complicate matters.
Just as these thoughts swirled in her mind, the shopkeeper's voice broke through: "Second Miss." Liu Yunan snapped back to reality, offering the shopkeeper a polite smile before moving deeper into the shop.
At that moment, Liu Tangxi looked up, drawn by the commotion. Liu Yunan's eyes fell upon Liu Tangxi's swelling belly.[Read More Here]
"Big Sister, are you due soon?" she asked, a note of surprise in her voice.
Liu Tangxi hadn't anticipated seeing Liu Yunan. Despite Wei Hanzhou's vague reassurances, she'd felt the tightening grip of King Jin's power in the capital, an escalating tension that felt like an arrow drawn taut, ready to fly. The Third Prince must be consumed by anxiety, plotting against the Crown Prince and King Jin. How could Liu Yunan possibly have the leisure to shop for New Year's goods?
A sense of exasperation washed over Liu Tangxi. The Third Prince had, after all, married a formidable woman from the General Hou's Mansion. Why was Liu Yunan still so devoted to him? Was her love for him so absolute? Yet, Liu Tangxi couldn't recall the heroine in the original book displaying such unwavering devotion. She remembered the heroine as being strong and independent. What was Liu Yunan truly thinking?
Recalling her past attempt to comfort Liu Yunan out of sympathy, Liu Tangxi suddenly felt foolish for her unsolicited meddling. Now, she simply wished to avoid conversation. "Yes, it's coming soon," she replied curtly.
"Big Sister, are you buying New Year's goods?" Liu Yunan pressed.
"Mm."
Just then, Fuyao and several other girls emerged from a side room. " Third Aunt ," Fuyao piped up, "did you say there's a kind of carriage that can run super fast without a horse, making the journey from our hometown to the capital only a few hours?"
Liu Yunan's eyes widened, and she slowly turned to face Liu Tangxi, her composure momentarily shaken. As she saw the little girls, Liu Tangxi's expression softened, her attention shifting from Liu Yunan to the children. "Yes, there is," she said with a smile. "But not anymore," she added silently.
"Madam Wei, how is that possible? How can a carriage run without horses? I don't believe it!" Fuping Princess exclaimed, incredulous.
Fuyao retorted, "I told you ! My Third Aunt said there's such a thing. Even if the Princess hasn't seen it, that doesn't mean it doesn't exist!"
Princess Fuping initially doubted Fuyao and Shulan, but Liu Tangxi's affirmation forced her to believe. Still, doubts lingered. If such a thing existed, how had she never seen or heard of it? Her brow furrowed. "Is there really such a carriage? If so, why wasn't it used during Father's war?" Such a vehicle could have quickly delivered troops to the enemy, ensuring an easy victory and saving countless lives.
Liu Tangxi, accustomed to telling amusing stories to Fuyao, hadn't given much thought to her casual remarks. Now, faced with Princess Fuping's serious questions, she fumbled for an answer.
At this point, Shulan chimed in, "I know! This must be from a book that Third Aunt read. Maybe it hasn't been made yet. Since the Princess is so clever, you can try to make it!" Shulan then looked at Liu Tangxi, asking, "Auntie, am I right?"
Liu Tangxi gently stroked Shulan's hair. "Good, very right," she affirmed with satisfaction. This was her usual excuse for explaining away fantastical inventions to the children. When they asked too many questions, she'd simply encourage them to try and create these things themselves.
With Liu Tangxi's approval, Shulan beamed. As Liu Tangxi continued to stroke Shulan's hair, she suddenly felt an intense, scrutinizing gaze upon her. Turning her head, she saw Liu Yunan staring at her with a peculiar expression.
Liu Tangxi's heart leaped. She'd been so careless, especially when speaking to the children. To ignite their imaginations, she often spoke of inventions that didn't yet exist, attributing them to books because they sounded so outlandish. No one, not even the shrewd Wei Hanzhou, had ever questioned her. But she had forgotten about Liu Yunan, who was also a transmigrator and was equally intelligent.
Liu Tangxi realized that her drastically changed demeanor must have made Liu Yunan suspicious long ago. Had she just inadvertently exposed herself? What should she do?
She mulled over the situation, and then a surprising realization dawned on her: even if Liu Yunan discovered her secret, it didn't seem like a big deal. Liu Yunan's focus was clearly elsewhere, and Liu Tangxi's days were spent in leisurely pursuits—eating, drinking, playing. She wouldn't trouble Liu Yunan or hinder her in any way. Their paths didn't intersect. Given Liu Yunan's temperament, even if she knew, she likely wouldn't expose her to Marquis Huai . Besides, even if she were exposed, Liu Tangxi would simply deny it. This body belonged to the original owner; she'd refuse to admit it even if beaten, and no one could truly harm her.
With this thought, Liu Tangxi's composure returned, and she offered Liu Yunan a calm smile.
"Which book is it? Why haven't I seen it? Is there really such a book?" Fuping Princess persisted.
Liu Tangxi turned to face Princess Fuping, but before she could speak, Liu Yunan interjected, "Big Sister must have read it when she was young. I vaguely remember reading the same book as her."
Liu Yunan was certain she'd never mentioned such a thing. How, then, did Liu Tangxi know? This strongly suggested that Liu Tangxi was also a transmigrator. Liu Yunan had always assumed that transmigrators would strive for greatness, making their journey worthwhile. Yet, Liu Tangxi had done nothing of the sort. In fact, she seemed even more useless than the ladies in ancient time , utterly lacking ambition. Her days were filled with planting flowers, tending land, running a small business, and cooking. She didn't seem like a transmigrator at all. But now, the undeniable truth was before her: Liu Tangxi had indeed transmigrated, just like her. It appeared that some people truly were content with an ordinary existence.
Liu Tangxi must have transmigrated after her older sister left the Capital . At that time, Wei Hanzhou was merely a humble scholar. Yet, Liu Tangxi seemed perfectly content with her rural life and made no effort to return to the capital. Liu Yunan knew the harsh realities of life in the countryside and couldn't fathom how Liu Tangxi, a transmigrator, endured it. To put it nicely, it was contentment; to put it bluntly, it was uselessness.
However, if Liu Tangxi had transmigrated, many things began to make sense: why her temperament had changed so drastically after her memory loss; why she chose Wei Hanzhou to seek revenge after her "rebirth"; why she never sought trouble with Liu Yunan; and why, when she learned Liu Yunan couldn't marry the Third Prince, she didn't seize the opportunity to taunt her. Liu Tangxi must have known all along that Liu Yunan was a transmigrator but chose neither to acknowledge her nor to expose her. It was clear she wanted no connection with Liu Yunan. This realization made Liu Yunan feel a lot more at ease, and Liu Tangxi seemed less annoying.
"Ah? You've both read that book? Why didn't I know?" Princess Fuping sounded a little dejected.
"If you had a computer, it might be faster to check. Don't you agree, Big Sister?" Liu Yunan's gaze on Liu Tangxi was now different, sharper.
Liu Tangxi, sensing Liu Yunan's implication, knew she had been exposed. Having already braced herself for the worst, she responded directly, "I think a mobile phone would be more convenient." Their eyes met.
"Computer? Mobile phone? What are those?" Princess Fuping was even more bewildered, turning to Fuyao and Shulan. [Read More Here]
"Have you heard of them?" Both girls shook their heads in unison. "No."
Having confirmed each other's secret, the two transmigrators averted their gazes. Liu Yunan glanced at Princess Fuping. The interruption had stirred long-dormant memories. Now, looking at Princess Fuping and considering her impending actions, Liu Yunan's emotions became complex. Her previous actions could be justified as differing political stances, a matter of "you die, I live." The schemes in the inner courtyard could also be explained as self-preservation. She was on the Third Prince's side, and her political position was at odds with King Jin's.
However, Princess Fuping was just a child and had never harmed her. A few months ago, Liu Yunan still held great hope for the Third Prince, but now, as King Jin's power gradually unveiled itself, only four words echoed in her mind: the general trend is gone. Unless King Jin died, or if Emperor You , the Crown Prince, and the Third Prince united, there might be a glimmer of hope. Was she truly going to obey the Third Prince's command, abduct Princess Fuping to threaten King Jin, and resort to such underhanded tactics to reverse the situation?
Liu Tangxi glanced at Fuyao and Shulan. "Fuyao, Shulan, this is my Second Sister. Just call her Auntie."
"Auntie," Shulan said obediently.
Fuyao then exclaimed, "Oh? Are you the Girl Ann that my master spoke of?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yunan's gaze shifted from Princess Fuping to the young girl in front of her. "Is it really you?" Fuyao asked excitedly. Liu Yunan looked at Liu Tangxi, then back at Fuyao, and nodded, confirming her identity.
Fuyao, bursting with enthusiasm, continued, "You're amazing! my master said you could compose poems at age three and memorize anything she said in half a day. He said you know astronomy and geography and have insightful opinions on many things. He also said you've studied so much and brought convenience to everyone... He even said that if you were a man, you would surely be named on the gold list!"
Looking at the pure, admiring eyes of the little girl, Liu Yunan's heart softened.
Liu Tangxi felt a pang of discomfort watching Fuyao's adoration. She remembered Fuyao used to admire her the most. After only a few months of classes at the Hou's Mansion, how could she have shifted her admiration to Liu Yunan so quickly? What was so special about Liu Yunan? Was she a better cook, or did she grow bigger fruits?
Despite her sourness, Liu Tangxi had to admit that Liu Yunan indeed possessed admirable qualities. Her achievements were far greater than Liu Tangxi's. If Fuyao could learn something from her, that would be wonderful. However, Liu Yunan's misguided ambitions were not something to emulate. When they will return home tonight , she would have a serious talk with Fuyao, urging her to extract the essence and discard the dross!
"Do you still write articles? I don't know how to write articles. I really want to see what you wrote," Fuyao said, twisting a little.
Liu Yunan suddenly felt a wave of unease. Since she had begun plotting for the throne with the Third Prince, she hadn't written a single article. "I did'nt write anything recently ," Liu Yunan said. Seeing the disappointment in Fuyao's eyes, Liu Yunan felt a little lost. In all these years, she had never encountered anyone who spoke such things to her face, nor had any girl idolized her so directly. Everyone she met either hated her or sought to flatter her, each with their own agenda.
"I will write one for you when I have a chance in the future," Liu Yunan added.
Fuyao smiled brightly. "okay !"
Princess Fuping, having been educated by her family, knew Liu Yunan's true nature. Seeing Fuyao's fervent admiration, she quietly tugged on Fuyao's sleeve and whispered, "She's a bad person , don't like her." Fuyao's expression soured slightly at Princess Fuping's words, but she remained silent, not refuting her.
Liu Yunan observed Princess Fuping's expression and let out a long breath. Why should she trouble a little girl? Even if the child was a bit annoying, she was innocent. Liu Yunan gently touched Fuyao's head. "In the future, you must study hard. One day, women can also make a difference."
"Yeah!" Fuyao nodded vigorously, a bright smile returning to her face.
Liu Tangxi thought, indeed, one day women could make a difference. But for now, Dali society didn't allow it. While Dali didn't restrict women as much as some places, there was no precedent for women holding official positions.
After speaking with Fuyao, Liu Yunan leaned in and whispered something in Liu Tangxi's ear. "Take Princess Fuping and escape through the back door."
Liu Tangxi, who had just been contemplating how to speak with Fuyao, was stunned. She looked at Liu Yunan, incredulous.
"Quickly," Liu Yunan urged, her gaze fixed on Liu Tangxi. The Third Prince was no longerlike his previous self. Now that the general trend was against him, there was no telling what desperate acts he might commit. Even if Liu Yunan didn't trick them out now, the Third Prince's forces would soon be on the move.
Liu Tangxi met Liu Yunan's eyes, her mind racing for a counter-plan. Liu Yunan was not a benevolent person. Her actions were a mix of good and bad, always driven by her personal agenda. She was clearly an adversary of King Jin's mansion, so she would surely act against him. But why would she warn Liu Tangxi to take Princess Fuping away? Was it a trap? Yet, if Liu Yunan hadn't warned her, it would have been even easier to ensnare them. For some inexplicable reason, Liu Tangxi found herself believing her.
"Princess, didn't you say you wanted to have dinner at my house at noon? Let's go back and prepare now," Liu Tangxi said. Princess Fuping immediately lit up. "Okay, let's hurry!" she chirped, heading towards the main entrance.
Liu Tangxi caught her arm. "Let's go through the back door. My carriage is waiting there. We can sit and talk together."
"Okay!" Princess Fuping was overjoyed. "I want to eat sweet and sour fish and chestnut chicken!"
"Good," Liu Tangxi replied.
Princess Fuping's maid, who was accompanying her, started to head towards the main entrance to speak with the palace guard. However, Liu Yunan stopped her. Liu Tangxi made a swift decision. "Let's go first. I'll have the shopkeeper inform them later." Before leaving, Liu Tangxi glanced at Liu Yunan once more, then hurried towards the back door with Princess Fuping, Fuyao, and Shulan.
As soon as they were safely in the carriage, Liu Tangxi's face turned grim.[Read More Here]
"Go to the Hanlin Academy."
Everyone in the carriage, especially the palace maid, was taken aback. "I suddenly remembered I had something urgent to tell Master Wei. We'll return after we've spoken," Liu Tangxi said calmly.
"Good."
Upon arriving at the Hanlin Academy, Liu Tangxi sent Dongsheng to find Wei Hanzhou. "My lord, the Madam says she has something urgent to discuss with you, and she's waiting outside."
Wei Hanzhou was in the midst of a discussion with Xie Congli. Hearing the message, he rushed out. They had meticulously planned everything. At such a critical juncture, what could prompt Liu Tangxi, heavily pregnant, to come looking for him? It must be something significant. Xie Congli, sharing the unease, followed.
This was Liu Tangxi's first time visiting Wei Hanzhou during his official duties. Wei Hanzhou knew her temperament; she wouldn't come to him easily. The current situation heightened his sense of foreboding, and he quickened his pace.
The moment Wei Hanzhou appeared, Liu Tangxi felt a wave of relief. Seeing Xie Congli beside him, she forewent formalities and spoke directly: "Just now, I was shopping with Princess Fuping and Liu Yunan. After a brief conversation, Liu Yunan suddenly whispered to me to take Princess Fuping and run away. I'm worried, so I came to you. Do you think she is conspiring something ? Is she lying to me? But she didn't seem to be lying at the time." Liu Tangxi glanced at Xie Congli.
Xie Congli was visibly shocked. Wei Hanzhou's brow furrowed slightly. The actions of the Crown Prince and Third Prince were under their surveillance. Early that morning, the Third Prince had indeed been with Liu Yunan. He had even personally picked her up from Marquis Huai Mansion. The shortest route from Marquis Huai's Mansion to the Third Prince's Mansion happened to pass by the lady's shop. Therefore, the Third Prince must have been with Liu Yunan at that moment. Their target was undoubtedly Princess Fuping.
Wei Hanzhou and Xie Congli exchanged a glance, then conferred in hushed tones. Soon, they reached a decision. Wei Hanzhou looked at Liu Tangxi's anxious eyes, gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and spoke as calmly as possible: "Don't worry, it's fine. You and the Princess should go live in a house in the suburbs of Capital for a few days."
Liu Tangxi's premonition of disaster intensified.
"Don't be afraid, just go live for a few days. My parents will go with you. Remember, Till I won't come to pick you up, you mustn't try to come back."
Tears welled up in Liu Tangxi's eyes. "Wei Hanzhou, why are you saying this? What do you mean?"
"Be good my dear ," Wei Hanzhou whispered, pulling her gently into his embrace. Soon, he released her. "My father and mother need you to take care of them, so go."
Liu Tangxi blinked rapidly, suppressing her tears, and said in a deep voice, "Okay. Then promise me, you must live. If you die, I'll remarry with the child."
Unexpectedly, Wei Hanzhou chuckled. "My lady, I'm afraid you won't have that chance in this life."
Seeing him like this, Liu Tangxi felt a great deal of her tension ease. At that moment, another spacious, unmarked carriage pulled up. Liu Tangxi stood on tiptoe and kissed Wei Hanzhou, whispering in his ear: "You must live. It doesn't matter if you lose, just live. I have a lot of cash with me, and we'll flee to other places when the time comes."
"Mm."
"Eat more of the fruits I planted."
"Okay ."
As the carriage stopped, Liu Tangxi stepped inside.
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