Chapter 298: Sly
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I want to become stronger.
Mingzhu silently said to herself.
I don’t want to be at the mercy of others, waiting for their pity. Even if fate is unavoidable, I must struggle. I can’t just sit and wait for death.
Mingzhu raised her head and looked at Yuwen Chu, humbly saying, “I still want His Highness to teach me. In this matter, from your perspective, whose shadows do you see?”
Yuwen Chu immediately noticed that Mingzhu was a bit different from before.
Previously, she was lively, always charging forward with a hint of anger, strong in purpose but lacking in methods, reckless and rough. Now, while she remained lively, that underlying anger and resentment had faded, replaced by a much calmer demeanor. Her purposefulness had increased, and besides directness and roughness, she now understood the importance of subtlety and tact. If before she was forced to learn to become stronger, now she actively wanted to learn and become stronger.
Because he could see she didn’t quite believe his promises, he felt a bit lost but was still happy about her transformation. A good man didn’t just talk, over time she would see what he did for her.
Yuwen Chu rallied and earnestly analyzed the whole situation for Mingzhu, “…Relying solely on Empress Dowager Min and her son, they have more ruthlessness than cunning, so someone must be guiding them. Overall, Zhongshan Wang is the most likely. Only he could have such strong power in the palace, the capital, and even across the country, with so many people at his disposal.”
“Is the palace servant who spoke up for Huiru actually a death soldier? Is she from Zhongshan Wang’s side? Regardless of whether the matter is true or not, will they still pursue it?” Mingzhu immediately seized on the key point.
Yuwen Chu praised, “Yes! That’s it.” He took a pen and wrote down Zhongshan Wang, Empress Dowager Min, the young emperor, Huiru, and others on paper, connecting the dots and explaining it to Mingzhu.
Mingzhu listened attentively, asking him about anything she didn’t understand. Then, when he wasn’t paying attention, she suddenly asked, “These past few days, His Highness has been cleaning the sewers and wells in the capital. Did he find anything?”
Her topic changed so quickly that it took Yuwen Chu a moment to react, then he laughed, “Are you trying to catch me off guard and get me to spill the beans?”
Mingzhu was caught, but she wasn’t embarrassed. She said confidently, “Knowing the enemy is a key to victory. Since Zhongshan Wang is the one hiding in the shadows, we must unite against him! His Highness shouldn’t treat me as an ignorant palace woman. I should know everything I need to know. I’m trustworthy.”
“Alright. There’s actually nothing to hide.” Yuwen Chu leaned in and whispered softly in her ear, “We found several secret passages, but we didn’t want to alert them. We’re keeping watch nearby, waiting for the right person to appear so we can catch them and find a suitable reason to clear Rong Ming’s name. After all, his sacrifice alone isn’t enough; we must find someone to blame.” He then discussed with Mingzhu at length, “I’ve told you everything I need to do on my end. Can you tell me what your father and the others are planning?”
Mingzhu blinked, “His Highness will find out soon. Father said there are some things His Highness is better off not knowing.”
“Sly little one! A little sly one who only wants to take advantage!” Yuwen Chu tapped Mingzhu’s head lightly, but he wasn’t angry that she refused to tell him how the Fu family planned to respond. Both sides were cooperating, each with their own concerns and reservations. As long as everyone’s efforts were aligned, he wouldn’t dwell on these trivial matters. He had that kind of tolerance and trust.
Seeing him generously not pressing for more information, Mingzhu, who had been feeling low, felt slightly uplifted.
The next morning, Mingzhu had someone send a memorial to the palace early, requesting an audience with the Great Empress Dowager. However, by noon, she still hadn’t received permission to enter the palace. Feeling she couldn’t wait any longer and unwilling to ask Imperial Consort Min for help, she decided to seek help from Princess Changhua, hoping she could find a way for her to enter the palace.
Princess Changhua managed to arrange for her to enter the palace. Mingzhu went straight to Changxin Palace upon entering. Accustomed to doing as she pleased, and with no one knowing whether she had obtained permission from the Great Empress Dowager, no one stopped her. She rushed into Changxin Palace and immediately noticed that the atmosphere was different.
The palace servants were as quiet and solemn as before, each maintaining their duties. However, the expression on everyone’s face was tense, with furrowed brows, looking very worried. Two young eunuchs were cowering in a corner, their eyes swollen, occasionally sniffing.
Mingzhu recognized the two young eunuchs as Rong Ming’s disciples. They had always been attentive to her, but she hesitated to go over and comfort them, fearing it might not look good if seen by someone with ulterior motives, so she pretended not to notice.
A palace maid named Sangmei, who was making shoes in front of the hall, was extremely surprised to see her. She put down the shoes and stood up, saying, “Why is Wangfei here?”
Mingzhu asked, “I want to see the Great Empress Dowager. Is she well?”
Sang Shen’s eyes immediately turned red, but she held back her tears and said, “The Great Empress Dowager is in the Chongzheng Hall handling state affairs. It’s said that today’s affairs are busy, and she probably won’t be back until dark. Your Highness, it’s better to go back for now.”
Mingzhu had come so far and naturally didn’t want to leave. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait here for the Great Empress Dowager. It doesn’t matter if it gets dark; I’m not going back tonight, and His Highness knows about it too.”
Sang Shen couldn’t do anything about her, so after a moment of thought, she said resolutely, “Then Your Highness can come in and wait. Even if I have to risk my life, I’ll keep you here.” With her head held high, she led Mingzhu inside. When they were alone, she choked up and said, “The Great Empress Dowager is suffering inside but has no one to confide in. She has to push forward and handle state affairs, pretending like nothing is wrong. Your Highness, please stay with her for a few more days. She’s so wronged! From last night until now, she hasn’t had a meal. We all know she’s suffering, but there’s nothing we can do.”
Everyone knew that Rong Ming and the Great Empress Dowager had a good relationship, and no one would deny that. However, to say there was anything inappropriate between the two was something none of them would admit. The Great Empress Dowager had always been cautious and proper, so how could she do such a thing? But suddenly, Huiru died, Rong Ming died too, and the Great Empress Dowager inexplicably got the blame. She was so wronged and had to pretend like nothing happened while still handling state affairs. Meanwhile, that mother and son were enjoying their wealth and status without a care in the world! None of them serving in the palace could bear to see it anymore!
Mingzhu listened silently and then instructed Sang Shen, “Go and make some millet porridge, prepare some refreshing side dishes, keep them warm, and when the Great Empress Dowager returns, send them over to me for handling.”
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