278 Untitled (2/2)

”My wife is extremely virtuous.” Feng Wu calmed himself down, suppressing his emotions, and went on. ”Ever since she got married to me, she knew that the fact both princes and princesses could take over the throne was a silent killer. She would always persuade me against fighting for the throne and instead, just focus on being an idle prince. Of course, having lots of fortune at our disposal was great, but ultimately, there would be no point if we didn't have the life to enjoy it. I listened to her, and every day, I'd just go to the magistrate's inquisition chamber for formalities sake, and I'd spend the rest of the time with her reciting poems and cooking. I enjoy cooking and have always been ridiculed by my brothers for that, saying that it 'I'm cheapening my own worth,' or being a 'humiliation' for the imperial family. But she, on the other hand, believes that being looked down upon in order to stay alive is better than being a respected corpse. Her words are accurate for those who have ridiculed me are mostly dead…”

Meng Fuyao remained silent. 'This girl is able to grasp the situation very clearly. Many things are easy for the bystander to give up, but those who are involved are often blinded by what is in front of them. Furthermore, she was bullied and mocked. If it was someone else, they would definitely urge their husbands to take over the throne so that they could hold their heads up high. It is rare that she could make such a logical, calm decision. Feng Wu sure has a good eye for people,' Meng Fuyao thought, slightly impressed.

No wonder Feng Wu would test the relationship of couples even if they were just eating. It was probably because he missed those loving days he had with her.

”What did she hear to bring upon this calamity?” Meng Fuyao muttered to herself irresolutely.

”I don't know. That night she had hurried me to leave in a fearful manner. No matter how I asked, she would insist that some things are better left unknown. She only said one sentence before sending me out of the door…”

”What is it?”

”She said, why would this happen to that person…”

”Is that person a male or a female?” Meng Fuyao pressed him for further details.

Feng Wu shook his head in dismay. After a while, he covered his face with his hands as he sobbed. ”She should have escaped with me that night, but she insisted on returning to the palace… She knew that danger laid ahead, yet she still made her way there… Why am I so dumb? To not have noticed that she was giving me time to escape…”

In the dark, damp walkway, the pale man leaned against the wall and wept silently. The air had somewhat of a salty taste, the taste of tears filled with longing and pain.

”And so you baited us here with your food and politics?” Meng Fuyao broke the silence. ”How did you know we were coming here?”

”Initially, I did not have such plans.” Feng Wu blew his nose on a dirty cloth before continuing. ”Back then, I was broken-hearted and roamed around various places - rivers, towns, the wild - while cooking as a way to take off my mind. But recently, I received news from the Tang Family, a loyal official that refused to take sides in this fight for the throne. He told me that before returning home that night, she went over and discussed something with him. He did not mention specifically what they talked about but told me to think of ways to stop the two of you and inform you two that danger lies in front—please be careful. In the northern borders, which is under the rule of the Eleventh Prince, it would be wise to travel on water even if it might be inconvenient. If possible, make use of the pirate gang that isn't under the control of the Eleventh Prince to avoid around some of the traps and danger. In the middle of your journey, it is best to travel through mountains as the Amethyst Cape Knights have a difficult time entering mountain ranges. And so I thought of this food and politics idea to attract your attention…”

”And then?” Meng Fuyao gaze wavered as she smiled. ”Exchange this limited information for our help to find your wife or to take revenge for her?”

The thin-skinned Feng Wu hung his head down in shame, acknowledging it.

Meng Fuyao watched him and sighed. She turned to Zhangsun Wuji who had been quiet but smiling all this while. ”Look, everyone enlists me as a volunteer to help out. At least he provided some information. That Wang Huayan went to my house without anything.”

Zhangsun Wuji caressed her head as if she was a dog. ”Well, you are known for your nosiness, especially when it comes to imperial affairs.”

”Me, nosy? Nosy?” Meng Fuyao pointed to herself. What a huge misunderstanding! Since when was she nosy? Wasn't it just a coincidence that she was involved with Zhangsun Wuji, Zhan Beiye, and Zong Yue? She just didn't want to owe them anything!