Chapter 297: Resolve
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
As the time was getting late, Mingzhu got up to bid farewell, “I intended to have a meal with my family, but I didn’t inform His Highness that I was going back home. I’ll have to come another day.”
Fu Cong waved his hand at her, “Go ahead, go ahead. Remember not to be willful. His Highness treats you well, but you shouldn’t take advantage of it. Don’t become spoiled by his favor. And, I must say, the things you did with your Fourth Brother recently were quite impressive.”
Mingzhu knew he was referring to the incident with Jiang Shanshan. She smiled at him and quickly left. Upon returning to the backyard, she bid farewell to Madame Cui, Lady Qian, and others, then hurried back to the Ying Wang Mansion. After tidying up and preparing dinner, Yuwen Chu returned.
Yuwen Chu noticed several exquisite pastries on the table, not the usual style found in the Ying Wang Mansion. He vaguely remembered having them at the Fu Residence, so he asked, “Did you go back home?”
Mingzhu didn’t hide it from him, “Yes, I went to see my parents and inquired about the situation in the palace.”
Sitting down next to her, Yuwen Chu said with a serious expression, “Rong Ming committed suicide. When the little eunuch who was serving him wasn’t paying attention, he ran to the Jiuzhou Terrace outside the Chongzheng Hall, shouted his grievances, and jumped down. Many courtiers were waiting below the Jiuzhou Terrace at the time.”
The teacup in Mingzhu’s hand fell to the ground with a “clang,” shattering into pieces. She never expected that Rong Ming, who was supposed to die three years later, would end up like this. And in such a tragic and decisive manner, ending his life abruptly.
Yuwen Chu called someone to clean up the broken porcelain pieces, then gently held Mingzhu’s hand and whispered, “This is the best solution.”
Rong Ming’s reputation was tarnished, and he was publicly insulted by the young emperor. Yet, the Great Empress Dowager refrained from defending him openly. Anyone with courage and integrity couldn’t tolerate this. Since revenge couldn’t be sought, one had to consider the Great Empress Dowager’s situation, and thus, committing suicide was the best response. Choosing to jump from the Jiuzhou Terrace, dying in front of many courtiers, was also to use his death to silence everyone. Rather than seeking justice for himself, he sought justice for the Great Empress Dowager.
With Rong Ming’s death, even if the other party wanted to exploit him, it was no longer possible. At most, they could only say that he committed suicide out of fear of punishment. However, Rong Ming was a former talented scholar, skilled in writing beautiful articles, and his words were like pearls. He spoke passionately on the Jiuzhou Terrace, starting from the turmoil caused by Consort Zhou, all the way to the sudden death of Emperor Zhengqian. He spoke about how the Great Empress Dowager supported the young emperor’s ascension to the throne, how she devoted herself to state affairs, and how she struggled to survive in front of powerful neighboring countries, ensuring that the people in the country had food and clothing. Finally, he expressed that he was just a eunuch and couldn’t do much for the Empress Dowager, so he could only wash away her humiliation with his blood.
Yuwen Chu initially had many opinions about Rong Ming. After all, the Great Empress Dowager was his Di mother, representing the dignity of the royal family. The spread of such scandalous rumors was not a pleasant matter. Rong Ming’s choice was both expected and unexpected for him.
It was expected because of Fu Cong. Even if the Great Empress Dowager couldn’t bear to see Rong Ming die, even if Rong Ming himself couldn’t bear to die, Fu Cong wouldn’t allow Rong Ming to live for the sake of the nation and the family’s overall situation. Therefore, Rong Ming had to die. On the other hand, it was unexpected because of Rong Ming’s character, sense of responsibility, and talent.
As the son of the former Duke, a young and talented scholar, he fell from grace overnight, struggling to survive in the mud, and couldn’t have a decent ending. If it weren’t for his deep and sincere love for the Great Empress Dowager, how could it be so?
“Rong Ming was born in the wrong era, it’s a pity.” Yuwen Chu commented on this eunuch whom he never looked upon favorably. If Rong Ming’s case had occurred under his jurisdiction, even if he couldn’t pardon Rong Ming due to the law, he wouldn’t have treated the current talented scholar with punishments like being confined to the palace. Even if he couldn’t stay in the capital, there were still frontier regions where Rong Ming could utilize his talents.
Mingzhu looked up at Yuwen Chu and whispered softly, “Actually, you already knew the outcome, didn’t you?”
Yuwen Chu sighed and didn’t deny it, “Yes, I knew, and father-in-law knew as well. However, this is the best choice.” He emphasized to her, “The Great Empress Dowager knew too.”
This meant that the Great Empress Dowager knew Rong Ming would die but didn’t stop it? Mingzhu knew they were all right, all making the most rational and calm choices. However, she still felt a heavy stone lodged in her throat, making it hard to swallow or spit out. If it were her, she probably couldn’t remain as calm and ruthless as they did.
Yuwen Chu could see her reluctance and sadness, couldn’t help but sigh again, and whispered, “Zhu Zhu, this is the struggle for power. It’s different from what you’ve done before. Those things you did never involved bloodshed, and the deaths were not directly related to you, so you didn’t feel too conflicted. But this time is different. Blood must be shed, and it won’t stop until people die. Even more people may die. In the struggle for power, you can’t afford to be soft-hearted.”
Mingzhu shook her head. “I understand. In a struggle, how could there be no bloodshed? What I am sad about is the unwillingness in my heart…” It’s the mutual affection between two people. The one who could be saved is willing to die for the so-called greater good and political affairs. She couldn’t do it. So when she saw Yuwen Chu suddenly calm, she couldn’t help but think, if one day he needed her to sacrifice for the so-called greater good, would he also calmly watch her die? Just thinking about it sent a chill down her spine.
Yuwen Chu stared at her for a moment, then suddenly pulled her into his arms, saying word by word, “Don’t worry, I’m not that kind of person.”
“Mm,” Mingzhu absentmindedly replied, breaking free from his embrace. “Tomorrow, I want to go into the palace to see the Great Empress Dowager.” Even if the Great Empress Dowager didn’t allow her to get involved, she was surnamed Fu, and the Great Empress Dowager’s most beloved person. She couldn’t stay out of it, especially since she didn’t want to.
Always relying on others, but what if that person couldn’t be relied on? The Great Empress Dowager and her family members would age, get sick, die, or leave, just like Yuwen Chu. If Eunuch Rong had enough power to protect himself, then today the one who died wouldn’t be Eunuch Rong, but his enemies and opponents. She didn’t want to be the one who was at the mercy of others. Sacrificing oneself for a loved one might be brave and touching, but she wanted to live, to live freely and joyfully. Wouldn’t it be better to watch her loved one grow old and die while smiling? And when her loved one was in distress and helpless, wouldn’t it be better to have the ability to help him solve his problems?
Can’t wait until next week to see more? Want to show your support? Come to my Patreon where you can get up to 10 more chapters of Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix right away ! Or go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! :)
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
