Chapter 123 Adoption
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Even after experiencing several bloody purges in the harem, none have felt as close to death and bloodshed as this one for Mingzhu.
This purge, although not incited by her, revolved around her. Wan Ru who conspired with Yuwen Long, the predicament of princes, princesses, and consorts in the Yihe Palace, the spies planted by Empress Dowager Min throughout the palaces – almost everyone involved in this incident, if they had any involvement, was almost completely eliminated.
Inside Changxin Palace, there is a serene atmosphere that shields it from the bloody turmoil outside. The kindly Great Empress Dowager played with the parrots on their perch, occasionally giving a few words of advice to Mingzhu, who was studying women’s virtues at her side as ordered.
Mingzhu had expected to feel unsettled, but surprisingly, she was very calm. This was originally a life-and-death struggle, and the power of Empress Dowager Min and her son was growing. If they don’t take advantage of this opportunity to clean their house, Mingzhu probably won’t be so lucky next time.
The Great Empress Dowager was somewhat surprised by Mingzhu’s demeanor. “You continue to amaze me more and more. I thought you would be terrified, but I didn’t expect you to be so calm.”
That’s only because she doesn’t want to experience the grief and loss of the past again.
Mingzhu didn’t want to continue this topic and asked lightly as she nibbled on the ivory pen in her hand, “I have a question that I don’t understand. Why was Auntie unwilling for this marriage arrangement before, but then changed her mind later?”
Discussing this matter behind closed doors, the Great Empress Dowager still seemed somewhat displeased: “Yuwen Chu’s heart is deeply scheming and difficult to control. But since…” She glanced at Mingzhu and continued, “since he truly cares for you, perhaps it’s worth a try.”
Why did both father and aunt say the same thing? Mingzhu nibbled on the ivory pen and asked, “Why did Auntie say he cares for me? I can’t see it.”
The Empress Dowager’s expression was subtle. “You understand nothing! Truly a little fool.”
Mu Gugu entered and said, “The Second Prince is here.”
The Greta Empress Dowager smiled, “Let’s go see the Second Prince together and let him thank you properly. He’s also fortunate this time. I’ll take advantage of this and keep him in my palace. Let’s see who dares to harm him now!”
In her past life, the Great Empress Dowager had only thought of keeping the Second Prince by her side at the very end. However, due to various reasons, she couldn’t accomplish it even before her death. Now this matter has been resolved early on.
Presumably, Empress Dowager Min and her son will be more cautious in their actions in the future. It’s unknown who came up with the idea of poisoning the camel soup, but it was such a clumsy move that it would likely infuriate them.
Though the process was perilous, the outcome was surprisingly pleasing. Mingzhu was delighted, “Auntie means well, but some people might not be pleased.”
She repeatedly provoked Empress Dowager Min, making it clear to the Great Empress Dowager that she must not have any illusions or soft spots for Empress Dowager Min and her son. Educating the Second Prince was just the first step in balancing the power with the Min family. The next step would rely on both sides’ intelligence, endurance, as well as human and material resources.
The Great Empress Dowager proudly said, “As long as I’m happy, that’s enough.”
The Second Prince Yuwen Fu had evidently learned about the camel soup incident. His already large eyes now held a hint of panic. His small body stood tightly under the steps, silent and terrified. It was heartrending. He was still her grandson after all, and the Great Empress Dowager pitied him immensely, “Good child, come to your grandmother.”
Yuwen Fu remembered to first pay his respects to the Great Empress Dowager and then greeted Mingzhu before slowly approaching the Great Empress Dowager. If not for his trembling body, everyone would have praised his calmness in the face of danger.
The Great Empress Dowager admired and pitied him even more for this: “He has his father’s demeanor.”
Yuwen Fu burst into tears, and the Great Empress Dowager reached out to wipe his tears. He took the opportunity to throw himself into her arms, “Grandmother, wouldn’t it be great if Royal Father were still here?”
Tears welled up in the Great Empress Dowager’s eyes.
Yuwen Fu was very clever. Hopefully, he could seize this rare opportunity.
Mingzhu quietly left.
It was dusk now, with the sky half-lit and the entire palace magnificent and imposing. Mingzhu remembered the day her aunt died, kneeling outside the palace gate, looking up at the magnificent palace from morning till night, but never able to see her aunt one last time. At that time, she thought if she could turn back time and prevent her loved ones from passing away, she would do anything. Now the opportunity was right in front of her, and she had no reason not to try. She would treat Yuwen Chu well, as long as he treated her family well.
“Your Majesty, Empress Dowager…” From afar, the voices of palace attendants offering greetings echoed. Empress Dowager Min, teary-eyed, led the young emperor over.
Mingzhu originally intended to avoid them, but after some consideration, she decided to approach and pay her respects. Even though she didn’t see it, she could feel Empress Dowager Min’s gaze, filled with deep-seated hatred, burning into the top of her head like a branding iron.
After a few breaths, she heard Empress Dowager Min say, “You may rise.”
Mingzhu stood up, and Empress Dowager Min stared at her, speaking slowly and affectionately, “It’s fortunate you’re safe. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to face royal mother.”
It was really difficult for her. At this stage, she could still show such intimate care for her,
Mingzhu pressed her handkerchief to her eyes, pretending to be very sad, “Empress Dowager, please don’t say that. How can I bear it?” Before Empress Dowager Min could speak, she continued, “I was really frightened. Those people are truly despicable! To think they would come up with such a malicious plan to sow discord between us. If something had really happened, not only would I have been implicated, but it would also have tarnished your reputation. You know, these people just love to gossip and spread rumors.”
The camel soup was a gift from the young emperor, so she, as the one tasked with delivering it, was highly suspicious. The mother and son beneficiaries would certainly be implicated as well.
Unexpectedly, this young girl who only knew how to eat and sleep could hit the nail on the head. Empress Dowager Min’s eyelids twitched, and she grabbed Mingzhu’s hand tightly, “As long as you understand.” Then she looked sadly towards the main hall and said softly, “I’m afraid my royal mother and the Second Prince will blame me for not managing the harem well and letting these people take advantage of me.”
Mingzhu widened her eyes innocently, “No way, just now Auntie was talking about how difficult it was for the Empress Dowager, and finally getting some joy, yet these troublemakers came out to sabotage and spoil the fun. Auntie even reminded the Second Prince not to overthink it.”
Whether Empress Dowager Min believed her or not, she followed Mingzhu’s lead, “Yes, as widows and orphans, with the emperor still young and me being an ignorant woman, if it weren’t for relying on the Great Empress Dowager, we might have been torn apart and eaten by those scheming royal relatives.”
The implication was that this matter was instigated by the ambitious princes and had nothing to do with her and her son.
Mingzhu played along, “Auntie won’t be fooled.”
The palace maids were sent to invite Empress Dowager Min and her son inside. Empress Dowager Min took a deep breath, gathered her emotions, and continued walking with red eyes.
When the young emperor passed by Mingzhu, he stopped and looked up at her, whispering very softly, “To part for three days requires us to see each other with new eyes. I’ve underestimated my cousin before.”
“What did Your Majesty say?” Mingzhu pretended not to understand.
The young emperor smiled innocently at her, “Nothing, I said, Linan Wang acts recklessly, disregarding filial piety and fraternal duty, arrogantly disrespectful. I’ll severely punish him! Cousin, do you think I should strip him of his title, or give him a good beating?”
“Mingzhu lowered her eyes and said, ‘Your Majesty will make the final decision, and it is not for a humble subject like me to interfere.'”
The young emperor persisted, “Auntie, don’t you hate him to the core? Let me vent your anger for you. In my opinion, stripping him of his title, considering his arrogant and haughty nature, would be far more punishing than merely beating him. Shall we strip him of his title?”
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