Chapter 62
Red candle tears, one drop after another, flowed onto the gilded candlestick, like congealed blood.
Cui Yunshu put down her empty wine glass, the cold touch of the porcelain still lingering on her fingertips, but her heart felt like it was being scalded and stifled by a blazing ember. Looking at the man before her, whose eyes were filled with "revolutionary ideals," she felt like a spectator who had mistakenly entered a stage, forced to put on a costume, and becoming the most helpless protagonist in this absurd drama.
Tang Pu was clearly unaware of her complex emotions. He slammed his wine glass down on the table, the crisp sound of the glass hitting the surface jarringly in the quiet bridal chamber. He took two steps to Cui Yunshu, placed his hands on her shoulders, and his frighteningly bright eyes were filled with barely suppressed excitement.
“Yun Shu, do you know? Ever since that snow disaster in the Northern Territory, I’ve known that you are no ordinary woman.” His voice was hoarse from drinking, but every word was firm and resounding. “You used the shops of Yun Jian Pavilion as intelligence stations, used the fleet of the Royal Maritime Trading Company to train your navy, and even the Jade Face Cream incident was a scheme you set up to test the court’s reaction and win people’s hearts!”
Upon hearing this, Cui Yunshu's heart clenched, and her nails almost dug into her palms. When had she ever been so "far-sighted"? The disaster relief in the Northern Border was to get rid of Tang Pu, the fleet was for escaping, and the Jade Face Cream incident was a desperate counterattack after being ambushed! But in Tang Pu's eyes, all of these had become the prelude to her "rebellion."
She opened her mouth, wanting to explain, but swallowed the words back. She knew Tang Pu's temperament all too well; once he made up his mind about something, nothing could change it. If she were to say now that she only wanted to run away, he would probably take it as a "test by the mastermind," and conjure up even more "unfathomable" scenarios in his mind.
“You’re right.” Cui Yunshu simply went along with his words, forcing a profound expression on her face that said, “I knew you saw right through me.” “However, now is not the time to be happy. His Majesty’s betrothal of me to you seems like a gesture of goodwill, but in reality, he wants to keep us firmly tied to the capital for easy surveillance.”
These words struck a chord with Tang Pu. The excitement on his face faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression: "Rest assured, strategist, I have already made preparations. The secret passage to the Prince's mansion has been dug to the canal wharf, and grain has been secretly stockpiled outside the city. As soon as the time is right, we will be able to..."
“The time is not right.” Cui Yunshu interrupted him, her tone firm and unwavering. “The situation in the court is complex right now. The Crown Prince and the Second Prince are engaged in a power struggle, while His Majesty is watching from the sidelines. If we act rashly, we will only become the target of everyone’s criticism. The most urgent task is to stabilize our position and secretly strengthen our forces.”
As she spoke, she was calculating in her mind. As long as she could temporarily dissuade Tang Pu from his idea of "immediate rebellion," she could buy more time to perfect her escape plan. Once the "Divine Machine Ship" was completely completed, she would quietly transfer the Cui family to an overseas manor. At that point, even if Tang Pu wanted to cause trouble, it would be none of her business.
Tang Pu nodded repeatedly at her words, his gaze towards Cui Yunshu growing even more admiring: "The strategist is indeed very thoughtful! So, what should we do next?"
“The first step is to integrate resources.” Cui Yunshu picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, and suppressed her panic. “You must firmly grasp the military power in your hands, but remember not to be ostentatious. I will have Yunjian Pavilion increase its investment in overseas trade to accumulate more wealth for us. In addition, Donghai Security Company should be reorganized as soon as possible so that they can become our true private army.”
She paused, then added, "Furthermore, the Royal Maritime Trading Company's maiden voyage must be flawless. This voyage will not only bring us huge profits, but also allow us to understand the East China Sea shipping routes, preparing for our future naval expeditions."
Tang Pu was filled with excitement, eager to carry out these plans immediately. He gripped Cui Yunshu's hand tightly, his tone extremely solemn: "I'll do whatever you say! From now on, wherever you point, I'll go!"
Cui Yunshu felt a sharp pain from his grip, but could only force a smile. Looking at the man before her, so full of longing for his "great cause," she suddenly felt a pang of sorrow. The "ideal" in his eyes was nothing but a fantasy based on misunderstanding, and she was the creator of this fantasy, and also the one ultimately to be devoured by it.
As night deepened, the red candles burned out their last bit of light, plunging the bridal chamber into darkness. Tang Pu was still enthusiastically planning his "grand undertaking," but Cui Yunshu was already distracted. Leaning against the bed, listening to his voice, her eyelids grew heavier and heavier.
After an unknown amount of time, Tang Pu finally stopped talking. Looking at Cui Yunshu's tired appearance, a trace of heartache flashed in his eyes: "You're tired, get some rest. We have to go back to your parents' home tomorrow, and there are still many things to take care of."
Cui Yunshu nodded, closed her eyes, but couldn't fall asleep. She knew that starting tomorrow, her "acting" career would officially begin. She would not only have to play the role of "chief strategist" in front of Tang Pu, but also the role of "virtuous princess" in front of everyone else. Once this play started, it would never stop.
Unbeknownst to her, a figure stood silently in the shadows outside the bridal chamber. The man was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, his face covered by a black cloth, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes. He had heard everything that was happening inside the bridal chamber, a cold smile playing on his lips, before vanishing silently into the night.
The next morning, Cui Yunshu was awakened by a knock on the door. She rubbed her throbbing temples, got up and opened the door, and saw her maid, Atao, with a cheerful expression.
"Miss, it's time to get up and do your hair. The Prince is already waiting in the front hall. He's returning to his parents' home today." As she spoke, Atao quickly prepared toiletries for Cui Yunshu.
Cui Yunshu looked at herself in the bronze mirror; her face was somewhat pale. She took a deep breath, trying to appear more energetic. Returning to her parents' home after their wedding would be another tough battle. She not only had to face her parents' worried gazes but also deal with the onlookers from the capital.
After finishing her toilette, Cui Yunshu stepped out of her room and saw Tang Pu standing in the courtyard. He was dressed in casual clothes, with an upright posture. Upon seeing Cui Yunshu, a smile immediately appeared on his face: "You're awake? Are you ready? We should set off."
Cui Yunshu nodded and followed Tang Pu out of the Prince's mansion. A carriage was already prepared outside, and the mansion's personal guards stood on both sides, maintaining a tight security. She knew this was Tang Pu's way of protecting her, but to her, it felt more like surveillance, a reminder that she was no longer in control of her own destiny.
The carriage moved slowly forward. Cui Yunshu lifted the curtain and looked at the familiar street scene outside. The streets were crowded with people, pointing and whispering about the carriage, their faces full of envy and curiosity. But Cui Yunshu felt that these gazes were like needles pricking her, making her feel uncomfortable all over.
"Don't worry, I'm here." Tang Pu noticed her unease, took her hand, and gently comforted her.
Cui Yunshu forced a smile and remained silent. She knew that Tang Pu would never understand her worries. In his eyes, the future was one of war and conquest, of ruling the world; but in her eyes, the future was simply a small island, where her family lived a peaceful and uneventful life.
The carriage arrived at the entrance of the Cui residence quickly. Mr. and Mrs. Cui Wen were already waiting at the gate. Seeing Tang Pu and Cui Yunshu alight, they immediately came to greet them. Madam Song held Cui Yunshu's hand, her eyes filled with heartache and worry, but she said nothing, only gently patting the back of her hand.
Cui Wen then cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Tang Pu, and said solemnly, "Your Highness, I entrust my daughter to you."
Tang Pu quickly returned the greeting, his tone sincere: "Father-in-law, rest assured, I will definitely treat Yun Shu well."
The group entered the Cui residence, where a banquet had already been prepared in the front hall. Cui Yuanjue and Cui Yunxi were also present, and they smiled upon seeing Cui Yunshu. However, Cui Yunshu could see the worry behind their smiles.
The banquet appeared lively, but a hidden agenda lurked beneath. Tang Pu spoke with great enthusiasm about his experience in suppressing bandits in the East China Sea and his future "plans," while Cui Wen and his wife, along with Cui Yuanjue, only occasionally chimed in, their eyes frequently glancing at Cui Yunshu.
Cui Yunshu knew they were worried about her. Taking advantage of a moment when no one was looking, she winked at Cui Yuanjue. Cui Yuanjue understood immediately, and under the pretext of changing clothes, he followed Cui Yunshu to the backyard.
"Little sister, are you alright?" Cui Yuanjue looked at Cui Yunshu with concern. "Tang Pu... didn't do anything to you, did he?"
Cui Yunshu shook her head and said with a wry smile, "He didn't do anything to me, but... his obsession with the 'Great Cause' is too deep. For now, I can only go along with him and take it one step at a time."
"Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on the Crown Prince's side." Cui Yuanjue lowered his voice. "If anything changes, I'll inform you immediately. Also, I've already secretly prepared the ships you requested, and they can be deployed at any time."
Cui Yunshu felt a warmth in her heart and nodded: "Second Brother, thank you. You've worked hard."
“We’re siblings, why are you saying these things?” Cui Yuanjue patted her shoulder. “Be careful, and if anything happens, be sure to tell your family.”
Back in the front hall, the banquet continued. Cui Yunshu forced herself to stay alert, dealing with everyone's toasts. She knew this homecoming banquet was not only a family reunion, but also a silent contest. She had to perform flawlessly to reassure those secretly watching her and to buy herself more time.
After the banquet, Tang Pu and Cui Yunshu prepared to return to the Prince's Mansion. Before leaving, Madam Song secretly slipped Cui Yunshu a brocade box and whispered, "Inside are some life-saving poisons and antidotes. Keep them with you just in case."
Cui Yunshu took the brocade box, her eyes slightly red. She knew her mother was worried that she might suffer mistreatment or even meet with misfortune in the Prince's mansion. She gripped the box tightly and nodded, "Mother, I understand. Don't worry."
As the carriage drove away from the Cui residence, Cui Yunshu leaned against the carriage wall and opened the brocade box. Inside were several small porcelain bottles, each labeled with the names of the poison and antidote. Looking at these bottles, she felt a mix of emotions. She had never imagined that one day she would need these things to save her life.
"What are you looking at?" Tang Pu came closer and asked curiously.
Cui Yunshu quickly closed the brocade box and said casually, "It's nothing, just some tonics my mother gave me."
Tang Pu had no doubts and nodded: "My mother-in-law is so considerate. Don't worry, I won't let you suffer any grievances in the Prince's Mansion from now on."
Cui Yunshu smiled but didn't speak. She knew Tang Pu was speaking from the heart, but he would never know that what she was truly worried about wasn't being wronged, but being dragged into a path of utter ruin by him.
The carriage quickly returned to the Prince An's residence. As soon as they got off, the steward of the residence rushed over with a solemn expression: "Your Highness, Your Highness, someone from the palace has come. They say His Majesty has issued an edict summoning you two to the palace immediately."
Cui Yunshu and Tang Pu exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. Why had His Majesty summoned them to the palace at this time? Was it to give them a warning, or did he have some other purpose?
"Understood." Tang Pu composed himself and said in a steady tone, "Prepare the carriage; we will enter the palace immediately."
Cui Yunshu took a deep breath and straightened her clothes.
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