Chapter 142 Closeness
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Upon hearing the sharp scream, Mingzhu suddenly trembled, her steps faltering.
Yuwen Chu silently pulled her and forcefully dragged her forward. Mingzhu looked up at him, only to see him tightly pursing his lips, his gaze cold and expressionless as he gently shook his head at her.
No, even if she couldn’t bear it anymore, even if she knew the palace maid was innocent, even if she knew all of the young emperor’s anger and cruelty were directed at them and this marriage, she still had to endure. Because even if she couldn’t bear it, she couldn’t save the palace maid. Even if everyone knew that the child was not fit to be emperor, he was still the emperor. If she seriously went back to plead for that palace maid, it would just give Yuwen Bai an opportunity—why do you have the right to interfere? Who gave you the courage? Fu Family? Great Empress Dowager? Or Yuwen Chu?
Mingzhu clenched her fists, her expression indifferent, and followed Yuwen Chu with lowered eyes. Outside the palace gate, the palace maid, tied up with fishing nets and hanging high, was now silent, her flesh blurred, leaving only the nightmare-like blood.
“Human life is worth less than that of pigs and dogs.” Mingzhu felt a heavy stone pressing on her chest, making it hard for her to breathe, making her very angry and frustrated. In a place where no one could see, she stopped and turned to Yuwen Chu, impulsively and angrily whispering, “I once pleaded for an innocent palace maid. Originally, that palace maid only deserved a beating, but because I pleaded for her, he tortured her to death.”
Her face was pale, and her eye sockets, which appeared slightly blue due to lack of rest, looked even darker, but her eyes seemed brighter and more vivid due to anger.
Thinking about it, apart from the marriage with Yuwen You, this was the first time she had so clearly discussed her true feelings and attitudes towards the emperor with him. Yuwen Chu held her hand and whispered softly, “I know.”
Mingzhu didn’t believe he knew. He hadn’t experienced her experiences, so how could he understand her feelings? But his gentleness greatly relieved her restlessness and anger. Mingzhu took a deep breath and lowered her eyes. “I know. He always trusted you and never made things difficult for you or Funing. But ever since you and I were engaged, he hasn’t been very happy.”
Last time, although Funing was punished, she was comfortable, but she also knew the young emperor’s intentions. Imagine, Funing suffered because of her, lost face, and would forever hate her as his sister-in-law. As close relatives, Yuwen Chu and Imperial Consort Min wouldn’t feel comfortable either. And now, with this wedding gift, everyone must be feeling the pressure.
“I know.” Yuwen Chu repeated gently, “To marry you was my own decision, and I can bear it no matter what happens. Don’t worry, I can protect you.”
Mingzhu felt a little proud and happy. His attitude was really upright! She felt that she must say something nice to him at this moment, like giving him peaches in return for plums. Before she could think about how to say it, Yuwen Chu had let go of her hand and walked ahead, smiling and saying, “Since I said I can bear anything, that naturally includes your bad habit of lying.”
Mingzhu stood still. What did he mean by saying she liked to lie? When did she lie to him? This person couldn’t even distinguish clearly.
Mingzhu hurried to catch up with Yuwen Chu’s pace. She originally wanted to argue with him stubbornly, but when she saw his indifferent and solemn profile, her restless heart calmed down, and she quietly followed him without a fuss. When they were about to reach Changxin Palace, she couldn’t help but say with some displeasure, “I’m not ungrateful. If you really treat me well, I won’t let you suffer.”
Yuwen Chu turned to look at her, his eyes dark and compelling. Mingzhu suddenly felt a little guilty and took a step back, then gritted her teeth and stepped forward, “Why are you looking at me like that? Am I your enemy?”
“You really are my enemy, speaking with such bitterness.” Yuwen Chu took Mingzhu’s hand, smiling happily, and stepped into Changxin Palace, appearing in front of all the women in the hall, his voice loud and clear, “Your humble son Yuwen Chu, accompanied by his wife, Lady Fu, comes to pay respects to the Great Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager!”
Laughter filled the hall. Imperial Consort Min covered her mouth with her fan, laughing with curved brows, as if she was genuinely happy. “Finally, you’ve married the one you love. Look how happy our Ying Wang is. Even his voice is much louder than usual, and his steps are lighter.”
The Great Empress Dowager also smiled, “Seeing you two happy, I can rest assured.” This remark had a double meaning, understood only by the parties involved.
Yuwen Chu looked at Mingzhu with a solemn smile and said sincerely, “Please rest assured, Great Empress Dowager, I will treat Mingzhu well.”
Just like you know how to pretend, so do I. Mingzhu also looked into Yuwen Chu’s eyes affectionately and shyly, saying sweetly, “Please rest assured, Great Empress Dowager, I will do my best to serve my husband and be a good Ying Wangfei.”
The atmosphere was very good. Everyone seemed to have collective amnesia, forgetting how awkward this marriage was, and even forgetting the bloody acts committed by the enraged young emperor. Instead, they congratulated the newlyweds on their long life together and early blessings of children.
Mingzhu originally thought her face would sour from smiling too much, but she didn’t expect it to be not that difficult to handle the whole situation. What’s so great about it? Laughter is better than tears. After everyone finished their tea, Imperial Consort Min made an excuse to leave, and several noblewomen who were close to her also found excuses to leave. Then, the Great Empress Dowager said, “Go and see your mother, I see she hasn’t been eating or sleeping well these days, worrying about you. Let her know that you’re doing well, so she can be happy.”
Yuwen Chu solemnly bowed, “Thank you, Great Empress Dowager.”
The Great Empress Dowager looked at him and said, “No need to thank me, just treat your wife well.”
Suddenly, the second prince, Yuwen Fu, walked out from behind the curtain and went forward to pay respects to the Great Empress Dowager: “Grandson pays respects to Royal Grandma.”
“Oh, it’s Fu Er.” The Great Empress Dowager’s expression softened, and she affectionately touched Yuwen Fu’s hair, saying, “Why didn’t you go to study today?”
“The teacher is ill,” Yuwen Fu replied, then he walked over to greet Mingzhu and Yuwen Chu: “Greetings to Sixth Uncle and Aunt.”
Yuwen Chu smiled and said, “It should be called Shenniang* now.”
* wife of father’s younger brother
However, Yuwen Fu refused to call that and instead looked at Mingzhu with his clear black and white eyes, as if asking her whether she liked being called that or not.
Such a well-behaved child, the hope of Fu family. Mingzhu smiled contentedly and said, “What a thoughtful child, afraid that I might feel embarrassed.”
Yuwen Chu just smiled faintly and turned to leave first.
Only then did Yuwen Fu cautiously reach out and hold Mingzhu’s hand, whispering softly, “Auntie, I still prefer calling you auntie, it feels closer.”
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