Chapter 266 Trying to bring them together
After hesitating for a long time, Madam Chang said, "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress."
The bond between her and Aunt Zhou wasn't actually that deep, but she always had feelings for the Third Prince. Now that she was married, there was no possibility of her being with the Third Prince anymore.
However, she did not want the Third Prince to live in the shadow of the Empress's death for the rest of his life. If the Empress were still alive, she would be willing to grant them their wish.
The Third Prince was surprised that she would say this to him so directly. He looked flustered and after a while, he pretended to know nothing and said, "Not dead? Impossible. I remember she died on the way to exile."
Madam Chang pondered for a moment, then carefully recalled Zhou Da Niang's appearance. "I was also startled when I first saw her, but after looking at her more closely, I felt that she didn't look like her. But Your Highness, I have known her for so many years, how could I be wrong?"
"It must be her. She must still be alive, she just doesn't want us to find her."
The Third Prince lowered his gaze and said, "This matter must not be known to the Emperor."
Madam Chang was startled and quickly said, "Fortunately, Your Highness reminded me, otherwise I would have almost written to inform my father."
The Third Prince nodded slightly.
Seeing his calm demeanor, Madam Chang gradually realized that something was amiss.
"Your Highness, I have only just arrived in Cheng'an County, and you have already come to my residence. Did someone specifically inform you that they had seen me today?"
The Third Prince was taken aback.
Madam Chang continued, "The old friend you mentioned, is it the Empress?"
When the Third Prince came today, he didn't intend to hide it from Madam Chang.
He has plenty of ways to keep Madam Chang trapped here and prevent her from spreading the news. He only came in person out of consideration for their past relationship.
When Madam Chang saw that the Third Prince did not reply, it seemed that she had guessed correctly.
The Third Prince stopped hiding anything from her, "I've come to see you today..."
Madam Chang quickly said, "You want me to keep quiet about this?"
The Third Prince remained silent.
Madam Chang smiled and said, "Don't worry, even if you don't say anything today, I won't tell anyone. The Empress has always treated me well. Although I argued with her a few times because of your matter, I never wanted her or His Highness the Crown Prince to die."
The Third Prince was slightly surprised when he heard her say that.
Madam Chang's eyes darted around, and she smiled, "But, Your Highness, when did you find out that the Empress was not dead?"
"Or did you always know she wasn't dead?"
The Third Prince quickly replied, "I, like you, only recently learned that she was not dead."
Madam Chang said slowly, "You've been here with her all this time. Does she know how you feel?"
The Third Prince replied with a stern face, "That's all in the past."
Madam Chang stood up and said, "Your Highness, this matter is not over yet. I think that since the Emperor believes she is dead anyway, why don't you two get married?"
"You?" The Third Prince looked at her in surprise.
Madam Chang continued, "You remained unmarried your whole life for her sake, but the emperor treated her so badly. You might as well grant your wish and let the two of you be together."
“We’re not young anymore. If you keep hesitating like before, we won’t have much time left together.”
Madam Chang's words struck a chord with the Third Prince.
Ever since the Third Prince learned that Aunt Zhou was not dead, he has been taking care of her family here. Although the two are of one mind, neither of them has spoken up.
The Third Prince thought that Aunt Zhou was unwilling.
Aunt Zhou thought that since she had already been married, she was not worthy to be with the Third Prince.
The two continued to struggle in this ambiguous way.
Now that Madam Chang has appeared, she intends to break this stalemate between them.
Madam Chang continued, "Don't worry, I'll pretend I don't know she's the Empress. Please take me to see her; I've been missing her too."
The Third Prince replied, "You don't need to go out of your way to see her. You will have a chance to meet her again in Cheng'an County."
After hearing this, Madam Chang nodded. "How is she doing now?"
The Third Prince turned to the side and said, "Naturally, it's better than the palace."
Madam Chang breathed a sigh of relief, "That's fine."
As she spoke, a look of guilt appeared on her face.
She has always been outspoken and unforgiving. She had known for a long time that Aunt Zhou had feelings for the Prince, and the Prince also had feelings for Aunt Zhou.
However, she deliberately kept it from the two of them and even said a few things she shouldn't have said in front of Aunt Zhou.
Otherwise, the two of them wouldn't have ended up in such a state.
Now that she's older, she knows right from wrong and feels guilty towards Aunt Zhou.
Seeing that she is still alive, I am quite happy.
After the Third Prince and Madam Chang reached an agreement, the Third Prince left the Chang residence, sending two people to keep an eye on her before he left.
If she really intends to write a letter or go to the capital to report on them, then arrest her.
In Changliu Village, Aunt Zhou was so frightened by Madam Chang that she dared not go to Cheng'an County for a while. Only after hearing the Third Prince say that she did not recognize her did she dare to follow Du Wanchun to the rouge shop.
The owner of the rouge shop gave the shop to Du Wanchun.
Du Wanchun was cheated out of money by the shopkeeper. With cash on delivery, the Zhou family got a new shop.
After acquiring the shop, Du Wanchun kept all the rouge she could, and planned to take the rest back to give to Aunt Wang and the others.
Just as the shop was tidied up, Madam Chang arrived.
Madam Chang pretended not to recognize Aunt Zhou and walked in with a smile, saying, "This shop has a new manager?"
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