Chapter 35: Someone Else

With a Crown Princess like that, it is little wonder that a woman like Dou Hongyan would not catch the Crown Prince’s eye. It seems his visit to the Marquis’s estate today was not for her sake after all.

The adulterer must be someone else.

In the study, the two whispered to each other, their tones intimate. Liu Xin’er offered comfort to Shen Yishu from time to time, while covertly speculating with him on the identity of the secret lover. They believed their conversation was known to no one but themselves. Yet, almost the moment the words left their lips, they were relayed, word for word, to the ears of Dou Hongyan.

"Are they actually starting to suspect the Crown Prince?"

Liuyun frowned as she looked at the note, deeply worried. "My Lady, if they truly suspect His Highness, what shall we do? What if the Marquis’s estate decides to act against you?"

The suspicion had drawn so close; they were only a step away from uncovering the truth.

"It is of no consequence."

Dou Hongyan scanned the letter with indifference, a new plan already forming in her mind. Their conversation had reminded her of something: the engagement between Xiao Ze and Gu Zhaozhao could not possibly last much longer, could it? Perhaps she could use these circumstances to finally free herself from Xiao Ze’s entanglement.

It was absolutely perfect.

Her eyes brightened as she picked up her brush. After carefully weighing her words, she wrote a letter filled with feigned sincerity, then handed the envelope to Huixue with a smile. "Find a way to get this into Gu Zhaozhao’s hands. Tell her I have something to discuss with her."

"My Lady..."

Huixue hesitated, her usual gentle and steady demeanor marred by a look of distress. Contacting Miss Gu without authorization—if word reached the wrong ears, her mistress would surely face disaster. Even making secret contact with Gu Zhaozhao was no simple task for her!

Dou Hongyan remained unconcerned. She leisurely put away her pen and paper and urged her, "Do not worry. Just do as I say; the rest is not for you to fret over."

The letter to Gu Zhaozhao was sent out during the day. By nightfall, it was slammed heavily onto the table before Dou Hongyan. Xiao Ze sneered, "What is the meaning of this?"

The seal of the envelope had been broken. The lines of small, neat script were exposed, and upon inspection, beyond a few pleasantries, the main purpose was clear: it was an inquiry as to when the wedding date between Gu Zhaozhao and Xiao Ze had been set.

The tone held no bitterness, nor was there any sign of arrogance. It read as a simple query, ending with: "I know the world is harsh and life is difficult for a woman. As a widow with a child, I have no desire to entangle myself with a married man. If the wedding date is set, I pray Miss Gu will inform me truthfully. I shall withdraw accordingly to live a quiet life with my child. I am grateful for Miss Gu’s many days of care."

"A married... man..."

Xiao Ze’s palm pressed down on the table with increasing force, causing the mahogany to creak and splinter.

"Is that not what you are?" Dou Hongyan glanced at her ruined mahogany desk with a pang of regret. Her gaze flickered to her letter, but her expression remained unchanged. "Since Your Highness has a fiancée, and she has always been the mistress of the Crown Prince’s residence—and all of the capital knows that you lack nothing but the formal wedding ceremony—you are, by definition, a married man."

"Though my own position is not honorable, I have no wish to consort with a married man. Once you are wed to Miss Gu, that is when we shall sever our ties."

Had she not been influenced by the conversation between Shen Yishu and Liu Xin’er, she might have forgotten that the two were not yet married. Dou Hongyan felt a sudden spark of inspiration; it was a brilliant idea.

After hearing Dou Hongyan’s explanation, Xiao Ze’s smile became increasingly inscrutable. He stared at her, his expression dark as she stood her ground with righteous indignation. After a long silence, he turned away with a cold scoff.

"Do not think I am unaware of the little scheme you are hatching. Abandon your foolish fantasies; you will not use this opportunity to slip away and save yourself."