Chapter 183 Self-awareness
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“Alright, Father-in-law has left.” Yuwen Chu’s move worked immediately. He stopped and spoke to Mingzhu with a hint of flattery, “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have spoken with Ban Jian.”
“It’s not just that you shouldn’t have spoken with him, but you must promise not to covet my things in the future! Unless I willingly give them to you.” Mingzhu, seizing the opportunity, red-nosed and swollen-eyed, tightly hugged his arm and shook it, “Others can, but you can’t!”
“Why not?” Yuwen Chu found her stubborn appearance somewhat amusing and couldn’t help but smile. He really didn’t understand how Fu Xiang, such a serious and conservative person, raised such a little troublemaker.
“Because you’re my husband! Others can disregard my feelings and snatch my things, but you can’t. Because it would make me sad. Do you understand?” Mingzhu blurted out, her tone unusually serious. “I don’t want you to treat me like this!”
The softness of her small chest rubbing against his arm, her red and swollen eyes flashing with cunning and smug yet expectant light… Whether it was her cunning little gestures that moved him or her sentence “Because you’re my husband! I don’t want you to treat me like this!” that moved him, Yuwen Chu instantly softened. “I promise. Unless you willingly give it to me.”
Mingzhu’s conspiracy succeeded, and she couldn’t help but feel proud. She finally knew how to deal with Yuwen Chu! Crying, making a scene, threatening, hugging, and saying some mushy words would guarantee at least a sixty or seventy percent success rate!
It was quite glorious to have a Wangfei in the family. All the respectable members of the Fu family came to visit. It was rare for Yuwen Chu not to act high and mighty. He was exceptionally amiable and courteous when introduced to the Fu family members by Fu Cong. He spoke with moderation, and when someone toasted him, he accepted graciously, straightforwardly, and generously, bringing face to Fu Cong and Mingzhu.
The news spread to the banquet area for the women of the rear court, naturally eliciting envy from everyone. Madam Cui, very satisfied, reminded Mingzhu earnestly, “Such a good temperament is truly rare. Today, he must be drunk for sure. You’d better have someone go back in advance and prepare sobering soup or something similar, take good care of His Highness, and don’t let him suffer.”
Yuwen Chu, despite his cunning nature, must be acknowledged since he’s willing to give her face. Immediately, Mingzhu beckoned a palace maid over and instructed, “Go and relay a message to His Highness, saying that there’s plenty of time ahead, and alcohol can be consumed at any time. Remind him to take care of his health. Have some food first to line the stomach; it’s not advisable to drink on an empty stomach. Also, please ask a few senior brothers to go easy on the alcohol; I won’t tolerate anyone getting drunk.” She also asked Lady Qian to assist in preparing sobering soup in the kitchen, ready to be sent to the front later, not just for Yuwen Chu but for everyone.
Seeing her thoughtfulness and maturity, Madam Cui relaxed a lot and whispered to the elders of the clan with a smile, “This marriage is a good match. In just a few days, she’s already so considerate and thoughtful.”
“Our Mingzhu is straightforward by nature, unlike those who conceal their feelings. They pretend to be generous even when they’re reluctant. Everyone knows that they’re heartbroken but still act as if they’re generous.” The female members of the clan teased Mingzhu, then added, “The young couple will be even better in the future. When they have children, it’ll be even more evident.” They also congratulated Madam Cui on getting such an excellent son-in-law, which was indeed rare.
Madam Cui smiled happily, and when no one was paying attention, she repeatedly advised Mingzhu, “In a marriage, there must be mutual respect and love. Hearts are made of flesh; if you treat him well, he’ll know.”
Mingzhu thought to herself, her heart was also made of flesh. Smiling, she obediently agreed to whatever Madam Cui said. After sitting for almost half an hour, the banquet showed no signs of dispersing, and it became increasingly lively. Mingzhu felt a bit overwhelmed, propping her chin and feeling drowsy.
Concerned for her daughter, Madam Cui apologized on her behalf, “She caught a cold and isn’t feeling well. Enjoy yourselves, and if anything is lacking, don’t hesitate to ask.”
She didn’t mention that Mingzhu used to be a precious golden ingot, and now, as a Wangfei, she was even more untouchable. The clan members didn’t dare to criticize her. They smiled and sent her off.
Mingzhu returned to her former residence before marriage, lying on the bed for a while to rest her tired body. Then, she asked Su Lan to dismiss the maidservants who had come from Ying Wang’s mansion, and then sent someone to invite Fu Mingzheng over.
Fu Mingzheng arrived shortly, gulped down half a pot of tea before saying, “During the honeymoon period, regardless of size, it’s rare for our new son-in-law to not act like a prince. We must assert dominance and let him know not to bully you. I and my third brother joined forces and just filled him with at least two pots of alcohol. If it weren’t for Father’s glare, we would’ve kept going. That kid is really secretive; he can hold his liquor quite well and dared to accept the challenge. My third brother even got drunk by him.”
Mingzhu glanced at Sulan, who tactfully exited and closed the door. Fu Mingzheng then said, “I’ve heard about the incident with Ban Jian from Wu Jiang, but since nobody outside knows about his special talent, I didn’t want to complicate matters. It’s better to just gloss over it and not make a fuss.”
Mingzhu spoke softly, “Brother, do you remember a few days ago when Ying Wang asked our family to investigate the bed crossbow? We didn’t find anything at the time, but after hearing about Ban Jian today, I think these two things might be connected. To be safe, we should check the background of the family in Jade Emperor Temple who looked for Ban Jian.”
Fu Mingzheng asked, “Why not just tell it directly to Yuwen Chu? After all, it was he who asked us to investigate, and perhaps he knows something we don’t.”
Mingzhu cleared her throat and looked away, saying, “I’m not good at bargaining with him, nor am I good at playing mind games. At most, I can only act foolishly and coquettishly to gain some benefits. The rest should be left to Dad and my brothers to handle. They are better at handling things than I am.”
She had never thought of becoming the helmsman of the family; at best, she could only use her rebirth to help the family at critical moments, remind her father and brothers, and stir up the situation a bit to expose the scum lurking beneath the surface for her father and brothers to see. Otherwise, in terms of life experience and power politics, how could she compare to her father and brothers? She had this self-awareness.
“Alright, I know what to do now. When Ban Jian’s drawing is ready, send it to me, and I’ll arrange for someone to search for him. I’ll also go to Ying Wang’s and speak to him. I think he won’t keep anything major from us.” Fu Mingzheng was very relieved. This marriage had a hint of each party needing something from the other from the beginning. Although the two families were cooperating now, for self-preservation, they wouldn’t share all their resources and intelligence with Yuwen Chu. Likewise, Yuwen Chu wouldn’t expose all of the secrets of Ying Wang’s Mansion to them. Mingzhu’s choice was entirely correct and rational.
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