Chapter 350: It Has Begun
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The Great Empress Dowager was reviewing memorials when she heard that Yuwen Chu and Mingzhu had arrived. She lifted her head, visibly a bit more worn out than before. Still, her tone remained very warm: “You two look well. Seeing you both doing fine puts my mind at ease.”
Mingzhu wasn’t sure if the Great Empress Dowager’s weariness was due to a worsening illness, the death of Eunuch Rong, or perhaps the busy state of affairs. In her memory, the Great Empress Dowager had never brought memorials back to Changxin Palace for review before. Now, she had, indicating that the Empress Dowager was tightening her grip on political matters and taking them more seriously.
Receiving Mingzhu’s concerned gaze, the Empress Dowager smiled gently at her and said, “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. I’ve missed you. Come over here and sit with me.” She didn’t offer Yuwen Chu a seat or tea.
As Mingzhu and the Great Empress Dowager sat close together, leaving Yuwen Chu standing alone, it didn’t seem significant usually, but the current atmosphere made it feel awkward, almost as if Yuwen Chu was being deliberately isolated. After hesitating for a moment, Mingzhu walked over to the Great Empress Dowager’s side, affectionately hugging her shoulder, but she didn’t sit down as instructed.
The Great Empress Dowager seemed not to notice her small gesture, affectionately patting her hand and smiling, “Was the manor at the Great Temple fun? I remember you were supposed to pass by that imperial estate where lotus roots are cultivated, right? The lotus leaves must have withered by now, haven’t they?”
Seeing the Great Empress Dowager bring up a lighthearted topic, Mingzhu also relaxed, chatting away with her about the anecdotes and Cao Jinran at the Great Temple estate, and wanting to say a few good words for Yuwen Chu: “His Highness taught me so much. I never knew agriculture could be so interesting before.”
Just as she was about to mention that Yuwen Chu wanted her to learn silkworm rearing for next year, it suddenly dawned on her, and she abruptly closed her mouth, looking at Yuwen Chu. Him wanting her to learn about silkworm rearing and make clothes for him wasn’t just about learning that skill; it was related to the Empress’s personal silkworm ceremony.
Yuwen Chu stood calmly and gently to the side, not getting upset by the Great Empress Dowager’s deliberate or inadvertent neglect. When she looked at him, he just smiled back at her.
The Great Empress Dowager noticed the sudden pause and said with interest, “Really? I used to think you were only good at business and finance, but now I see that you’re not only meticulous and courageous but also knowledgeable and intelligent, with diverse interests.”
While this sounded like praise, it didn’t quite feel that way to Yuwen Chu. Even Mingzhu noticed the difference. The Great Empress Dowager wasn’t foolish; she could obviously sense Yuwen Chu’s thoughts and was even more guarded, subtly warning him.
Yuwen Chu respectfully bowed to the Great Empress Dowager with a smile and replied, “It’s all thanks to royal mother’s kindness and generosity that this son has achieved what he has today.” He then glanced affectionately at Mingzhu and said, “What I’m most grateful for is that Royal Mother arranged for Mingzhu to marry me. It fulfilled my long-standing wish, and I am content.”
Mingzhu could tell he was showing weakness to the Great Empress Dowager and didn’t want to conflict with her. However, the Great Empress Dowager didn’t appreciate it. She smiled and said, “Speaking of which, I want to ask you something, Ying Wang. Zhongshan Wang submitted a memorial, suggesting that the royal family is declining, and the major princely mansions without main consorts should promptly select candidates for main consorts. Those without side consorts should also do so early, and those without betrothals or marriages should hurry to arrange them.
The second daughter of the Marquis of Changxing, Jiang Shanshan, was originally betrothed to you as your main consort candidate. Later, due to unforeseen circumstances, you married Mingzhu instead, leaving her aside. I’ve wanted to compensate her several times, but unfortunately, the timing was never right. Finally, we chose Liao Guang for her, but unfortunately, Funing unexpectedly fell in love with Liao Guang, making it embarrassing for me to face the Marquis of Changxing. What do you think we should do?”
Mingzhu clenched her sleeve, not worried that the Great Empress Dowager would bring in a side consort to cause trouble for her but concerned that she might be planning to deal with Funing harshly. For a Wangfei confined to her chambers, being able to marry someone she truly loved was a stroke of luck. If this happiness were shattered, it would be a heavy blow.
Yuwen Chu suppressed his smile and didn’t mention that Liao Guang and Funing were manipulated into being together. He calmly knelt down and took responsibility, “It’s my fault for not properly disciplining Funing.”
However, the Great Empress Dowager didn’t let him off easily. She said lightly, “Liao Guang is young and talented, with a strong character. If given more polishing, he will surely become a pillar of the country in time. If he marries the princess, he won’t be able to hold an official position, which is a pity. Currently, the Emperor is young, and Ji Country, Wusun, Xiongnu, and the Southern Dynasties are all eyeing us. The talent in our court is declining, which is worrying.”
This meant that the marriage proposal couldn’t be counted on anymore. Although the words of the Great Empress Dowager, being as solemn as imperial edicts, couldn’t be easily changed, she had already withdrawn the betrothal between Mingzhu and Yuwen You earlier. Then, she also cancelled the betrothal between Jiang Shanshan and Yuwen Chu. Even the plan to marry Jiang Shanshan to Liao Guang had been changed to Funing being married to Liao Guang. Therefore, retracting the marriage proposal between Funing and Liao Guang wouldn’t be a big deal.
Everything becomes a habit after doing it several times.
Mingzhu looked sadly at the Great Empress Dowager and Yuwen Chu. The war between these two had begun, and she was destined to be caught in the middle. Being as foolish as she was, only walking straightforwardly and not understanding the art of diplomacy, what could she do?
Yuwen Chu’s face remained calmly impassive. “I didn’t consider it carefully enough,” he said but didn’t actively indicate that the marriage proposal was to be canceled.
The Great Empress Dowager said lightly, “Go discuss it with your mother.” She didn’t consider Funing’s feelings or opinions at all.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Mingzhu looked around futilely and then said, “At that imperial estate where lotus roots are grown, we saw a pair of large golden carp. They were said to be auspicious. Cao Jinran said he wanted to present them. Did he present them? Did Your Majesty see them?”
The Great Empress Dowager turned to Mingzhu with a friendly smile and said softly, “Yes, I saw them. But that’s not considered auspicious. I’ve seen much larger ones before, and I even ate them. I don’t believe they’re auspicious.”
Ate them! Mingzhu felt at a loss for words but instinctively felt that she couldn’t let this awkward situation continue. She asked reluctantly, “Were they tasty?”
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