Chapter 306: Setting the Stage
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Mingzhu was held in Yuwen Chu’s arms, listening to his strong and steady heartbeat, smelling the faint, cool scent of water on him, feeling sweet in her heart, wishing she could turn around and tightly embrace his waist. However, remembering that she was still having a heart attack, she could only lie stiffly in his arms, feeling somewhat unwilling.
Yuwen Chu solemnly and worriedly laid her down and didn’t speak to her, only calling someone over to inquire about what had just happened. Of course, the attendants of Changxin Palace described Mingzhu as righteous, brave, and fearless. Yuwen Chu listened attentively, then calmly gave Sang Shen another order, “Ying Wangfei’s condition is not good. Why hasn’t the imperial physician arrived yet? It seems the person who was sent to inform the Great Empress Dowager earlier has delayed things. Please send someone again to inform her!”
What does this mean? Doesn’t he know I was pretending? Mingzhu pinched Yuwen Chu quietly, trying to tell him not to rush, there was no need to be so urgent. However, Yuwen Chu still ignored her, solemnly and worriedly saying, “The root cause of Ying Wangfei’s illness was left behind earlier. The imperial physician has always said to be cautious and not to stimulate her, otherwise…” He sighed and didn’t continue.
Sang Shen had already sent out two groups of people. Upon hearing this, she said, “Then this servant will go personally.”
Yuwen Chu didn’t refuse either, bowing and saying, “Thank you, Gugu.” Empress Dowager Min wanted to pretend, right? Since Mingzhu cleverly induced a heart attack earlier, he would continue to escalate the situation. Urging the imperial physician to come and treat Mingzhu three times in a row would let everyone know about Mingzhu’s mistreatment by Empress Dowager Min, no matter what. First, let’s solidify the fact that Mingzhu was frightened by Empress Dowager Min before moving on!
Mingzhu couldn’t help but want to talk to Yuwen Chu, but because she didn’t know if there were others listening, she had to endure it. It wasn’t until there were no other sounds in the room that she quietly opened her eyes a crack and glanced out.
The first thing she saw was Yuwen Chu’s eyes. His eyes were dark, deep, and bright. He was looking at her with concentration, a hint of gentle smile at the corner of his lips. Mingzhu suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, so she turned over and buried her head in his arms, softly saying, “Thanks for coming to rescue me in time.”
Yuwen Chu “hmphed” and said in a deep voice, “What do you mean? I think you’re quite powerful and decisive.”
Mingzhu couldn’t help but laugh a little, “Actually, I didn’t know how to end it. I thought she was about to faint, which seemed bad, so I thought I’d faint first, so we could all faint together. Anyway, I couldn’t let her have the upper hand. But then I didn’t know what to do next. Thanks for coming in time, Your Highness.”
As soon as he arrived, he threw out a terrifying piece of news at Empress Dowager Min, enough to scare her into forgetting to pretend to faint and getting angry. She rushed to find out what had happened, just solving her predicament.
Yuwen Chu smiled, “You’re right. In situations where there’s no solution, you have to take it step by step. As long as you can persevere, you should keep persevering. Nobody can predict what opportunities lie ahead. If you can’t persist, you definitely won’t be able to wait for any opportunities.” Pausing for a moment, he lowered his head to look down at Mingzhu and said softly, “Why did you quietly pinch me when I sent someone to inform the Great Empress Dowager and summon the imperial physician?”
Mingzhu whispered, “I was afraid you would worry.”
“Not willing to see me worried?” A tender love filled Yuwen Chu’s eyes as he gazed at her, his voice inadvertently softening, “Don’t know why I had to urge the Great Empress Dowager three times to summon the imperial physician? It’s because I want to shape public opinion, establish facts, and let everyone know what happened in Changxin Palace today. Seizing the initiative prevents Zhaoyang Palace from spreading rumors and slandering you.”
“Oh,” Mingzhu took his hand and played with his fingers, “I offended her severely today. In the coming days, I must tread carefully, or else she’ll catch onto my mistakes and have me killed.”
Only now did she realize how scary it was. Yuwen Chu sighed, “You’re really bold but foolish.”
“I’m not foolish,” Mingzhu emphasized earnestly, “I just lack experience.”
“Well, you’re not foolish, just inexperienced.” Yuwen Chu caressed her face a few times and asked softly, “Do you miss me?”
Mingzhu cunningly replied, “Of course, I do. Although I know Your Highness is very busy and has no time to think of me, I still think of you and worry that you haven’t had supper. I don’t know if the people in the northern garden know how to take care of you and bring you supper.”
Yuwen Chu couldn’t miss her meaning, chuckled, and said, “I really didn’t have time to eat supper last night. I was busy until dawn before taking a nap.” He lowered his head, letting Mingzhu see his eyes, “Look, they’re all bloodshot.”
Mingzhu carefully examined them and asked, “Did Your Highness sneak out last night?”
Yuwen Chu laughed at her, raised his hand as if to pat her but pretended to miss and said, “You’re really asking for it. I’ll settle the score with you later.”
Outside the door, Sang Shen whispered, “The imperial physician has arrived. The Great Empress Dowager is currently handling affairs and cannot come personally to visit Ying Wangfei. She has ordered that, considering the sensitive situation, Ying Wangfei should not stay in the palace for recovery. She needs to stabilize her condition, she will use the Great Empress Dowager’s carriage to send Ying Wangfei back home for recovery.”
Yuwen Chu accepted the imperial decree with trepidation, repeatedly saying “dare not.” The Empress Dowager was clever; as soon as she received his request for three imperial physicians, she understood his intentions. Sending four imperial physicians, led by the head of the Imperial Hospital, to examine and treat Mingzhu, and even arranging for Mingzhu to leave the palace in her own carriage, was a clear attempt to confirm and escalate the situation. However, Yuwen Chu couldn’t accept it. He had to politely refuse; otherwise, it would be arrogant and inappropriate.
With this arrangement, the grace and dignity from above were maintained, while the caution and respect from below were also observed. Everyone appeared dignified, while Empress Dowager Min and her son were left seething with frustration.
After the imperial physicians finished examining Mingzhu’s pulse and acupuncture points, waking her up with silver needles, they discussed vigorously before prescribing a treatment and taking their leave. The Great Empress Dowager publicly praised the Ying Wang royal couple for their good judgment and humility, and despite that, Mingzhu was sent out of the palace in a first-class carriage, with Yuwen Chu granted three days off to care for her.
Li Quanxin was already prepared and welcomed Mingzhu into the mansion with the demeanor of dealing with critically ill patients, making a grand display. Consequently, everyone knew that Empress Dowager Min had bullied Mingzhu, pushing her to the point of a heart attack. As for the reason, people could quietly inquire for themselves, but it was clear that Empress Dowager Min was ruthless.
Once Mingzhu was settled, comfortably lying in bed, she asked Yuwen Chu, “Your Highness, why were your eyes red last night? What kept you so busy?”
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