Chapter 345: Falling off the Horse
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Fu Mingzheng returned to the manor of the Great Temple, changed into a set of clothes, and rushed back to the capital overnight. The next day, Jing Song also left, leaving Yuwen Chu behind to accompany Mingzhu in the leisurely countryside life. In the manor, there were chickens, ducks, dogs, and cats. Master Zhou Shuyi was an astute and humorous person with a wide range of knowledge.
Mingzhu’s life was very regular now, sleeping in became a luxury. Whenever Yuwen Chu woke up, he would inevitably pull her out of bed, force her to eat various countryside dishes and coarse grains for breakfast, then drag her outside. They would either walk along the field paths, watch farmers harvest crops and dry grain, or ride horses. He wouldn’t let her go back home until she sweated. As a result, she always had to eat an extra bowl of lunch and wasn’t as picky as before.
The fat around her waist disappeared, and she felt much more firm and strong than before. At night, when Yuwen Chu pinched her waist, he would always proudly boast, “This is all thanks to me. Before, it was soft, but now it’s more muscular and firm.”
Every time, Mingzhu wanted to bite him hard. She became fat because he hired many chefs to provide her with mountain delicacies, and she became strong because he dragged her out for walks or horseback riding every day. If he didn’t say it, how would she know that he actually minded her waist becoming thicker and wanted it to be firmer? So she always maliciously teased him, not allowing him to touch her waist or anything, claiming she was tired and needed rest.
But she never succeeded. Yuwen Chu always had various reasons and an extraordinary thick skin. In the end, it always turned into a discussion about whether she was healthier and more resilient. Health was indeed a matter of fact, she felt very healthy and comfortable. As for being more resilient, she felt embarrassed, but when she thought of her son, she accepted it. In the back and forth tug-of-war, the two ended up in a draw.
Their dream of playing in the haystack, however, ultimately failed due to various reasons. They were too conspicuous wherever they went, always followed by a group of people. Even very young children knew that Wangye’s stern face was intimidating, but Wangfei liked to give candy to children.
Adults might feel embarrassed, but children wouldn’t. They just wanted candy, so they waited by the roadside. When they saw Wangfei, they followed her, not too close, singing a song from afar, jumping around, playing, laughing, and presenting wild duck eggs or beautiful flowers. However cute and pitiful they acted, they got their candy. Although it was only a small piece, it was enough to satisfy their craving.
So wherever they went, a string of children always followed them, one after another. Yuwen Chu could only attribute this to the good management of the manor. Look at how estate hed and populous the manor was, and how much the people loved his Wangfei. She had the appearance and character of a mother of the world.
Life in the manor was leisurely and enjoyable. However, the people suffering in the capital’s deep water and scorching fire would not easily let them go. Soon, news came that Fu Lin had an accident while accompanying Yuwen Fu to study in the palace. He fell off the horse and injured his leg.
Wangye’s studies included horseback riding, and Fu Lin had an accident while accompanying Yuwen Fu to horseback riding class. The specific reason was unknown, but the injury was said to be quite serious. The Great Empress Dowager immediately beat two eunuchs to death on the spot and heavily punished the horseback riding instructor.
Mingzhu felt very heavy-hearted. This was an expected accident.
Fu Lin was the eldest grandson and the future successor of the Fu family. He had received strict education since childhood and was of great significance to the Fu family. Family legacy depended on excellent heirs, and those with disabilities couldn’t serve as officials. If Fu Lin’s leg was injured, it meant that his future was ruined. This was clearly retaliation from the Min family.
Mingzhu couldn’t sit still. While her family was suffering, she was enjoying herself here. She felt guilty both publicly and privately and felt she should go back and see Fu Lin. Before she could discuss it with Yuwen Chu, he took the initiative and said, “It’s about time to go back. Let someone pack our luggage and let Tang Chunlai to see Fu Lin.” He reassured her, “It may not be that serious. In the chaos of war, exaggerating injuries is not uncommon.”
Mingzhu felt slightly relieved. Since her father and brothers were not willing to endorse Yuwen Fu, they naturally wouldn’t want Fu Lin to get involved either. There was a possibility that they used this opportunity to let Fu Lin step back. However, she was still anxious. She hurriedly had someone pack their luggage, and together with Yuwen Chu, they returned to the capital that evening.
The two of them went straight to the Fu Mansion without going home. The Fu family seemed gloomy, even the gatekeepers were listless. The servants consciously lowered their voices when speaking, afraid of disturbing and angering their master, and incurring another round of scolding.
The one who came out to greet them was Fu Mingqing, the third brother. Fu Mingqing saw Yuwen Chu and Mingzhu, and before he could finish three sentences, he grabbed Yuwen Chu and burst into tears: “The horse he rode was drugged, it became extremely irritable. If it weren’t for Lin Er being vigilant, breaking his neck would have been possible. This is an attempt to ruin our Fu family’s future… Your Highness, you must intervene for us!”
Mingzhu had previously held some hope, but now seeing Fu Mingqing like this, her heart sank halfway: “How is Fu Lin?”
Fu Mingqing wiped away his tears and said, “His leg is broken, and his right hand is fractured. He was unconscious the day before yesterday and only woke up this morning. This child is sensible; although he’s clearly in great pain, he grits his teeth and refuses to make a sound. When asked, he just says he’s not hurting.”
Mingzhu was close in age to her nephews and nieces, and she was particularly close to Fu Lin. Their relationship had always been good. Hearing this, her eyes turned red, and she struggled not to cry. Yuwen Chu didn’t know how to comfort her, so he silently held her hand and listened to Tang Chunlai’s detailed inquiry about Fu Lin’s injuries.
“Wangye and Wangfei have returned.” Unconsciously, the group arrived outside the courtyard where Fu Lin lived. Fu Cong stood alone on the steps to greet them. After some time apart, Fu Cong had become even thinner. His originally graying temples were now completely white.
“Dad.” Mingzhu saw Fu Cong, and tears fell from her eyes. She deeply resented her own helplessness. She knew that Fu Lin was in grave danger, but she still couldn’t keep him away from the court.
Fu Cong frowned and said sternly, “Why cry? As long as he’s alive, it’s fine.” Then, he turned to Fu Mingqing, who was still crying, and said displeasedly, “What’s the big deal? You’re crying already! Go, there are many visitors here to inquire about his condition. Hurry up and send them away!”
Fu Mingqing, tears still in his eyes, reluctantly left.
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