Chapter 404: Do You Not Like Women?
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Yuwen Chu walked into the Mansion amidst the lingering glow of the setting sun.
He knew about what had happened on Tianquan Street at noon today, but he didn’t care whether Jiang Shanshan was truly deceiving the world, because that had nothing to do with him. He only cared about the connection between Mingzhu, Jiang Shanshan, Bed Crossbow Diagram, and the drip dew pot.
Why did Mingzhu and Jiang Shanshan both have the Bed Crossbow Diagram? Why did they both know about the drip dew pot? Although Mingzhu always seemed to be the one bringing them out, one could consider whether the Bed Crossbow Diagram had leaked from stolen drawings, but what about the drip dew pot? Jiang Shanshan couldn’t possibly steal the drawings and get the information every time.
She didn’t have such abilities or courage. Mingzhu must be aware of something, but she was unwilling to speak, and she was resolute about it, which he could see from her eyes. He wasn’t an overly curious person, and theoretically, as long as it didn’t affect the overall situation or jeopardize everyone’s safety, he shouldn’t ask too much. However, when it came to Mingzhu, he found it hard to resist his curiosity.
The sound of silk and bamboo instruments drifted from Yinghui Hall, sounding lazy and relaxed. Yuwen Chu smirked. She knew how to enjoy herself. While others were out there suffering, she was back home indulging in food, drink, and merriment. Without alerting anyone, he quietly entered and stood at the doorway, peering inside.
Mingzhu lounged lazily in a reclining chair near the window, while Fu Mingzheng sat on a chair under the bookshelf. Both wore drowsy expressions. On the other side sat Su Ye and several beauties from the northern garden, playing various instruments, emitting a seductive atmosphere.
As a piece concluded, Mingzhu’s eyes sparkled as she asked Fu Mingzheng, “Fourth Brother, how did you find the piece?”
Fu Mingzheng struggled to rouse himself. “Excellent, absolutely superb.”
“In what aspect? Is it because of her singing?” Mingzhu pointed to Su Ye, then to another beauty. “Or is it because of her guqin playing?”
“Both,” Fu Mingzheng forced a bright smile, but Yuwen Chu immediately sensed his lack of enthusiasm. Glancing at Su Ye and the other beauty, both looked bashful, their eyes downcast with a hint of spring-like sentiment. Yuwen Chu knew what Mingzhu intended.
As expected, she continued, “Since both are excellent, then I’ll give them to Fourth Brother.”
Fu Mingzheng’s drowsiness vanished instantly. “That wouldn’t be good! His Highness will be furious!”
Mingzhu remained unfazed. “Our Highness isn’t that type of person. Look at these young ladies in their prime, confined to the northern garden without freedom. It’s quite pitiful. You also don’t have anyone to serve you tea. They’re quite good.” She signaled for the beauties to leave.
Carrying their instruments, the beauties exited the room. Upon seeing Yuwen Chu at the door, they were terrified and prepared to bow. Yuwen Chu gestured for them to quietly leave without causing a stir. They left silently.
Fu Mingzheng continued to object, “Who said I don’t have anyone to serve me tea? There are plenty of pretty maids around.”
Madam Cui always felt he was clueless. She had chosen several beautiful women for him, considering them quite thoughtful. Quiet and gentle, lively and cheerful, literate and refined—they had them all.
Mingzhu was aware of this, but he simply ignored them. What was the use? Thinking of the third son of Longsheng Great Eldest Princess, she lowered her voice, asking Fu Mingzheng anxiously, “Fourth Brother, do you not like women?”
Fu Mingzheng happened to be drinking tea and almost spat it out at her question. He managed to hold back, asking, “What do you mean?”
Mingzhu looked serious. “The third son of Longsheng Great Eldest Princess is homosexual. If Fourth Brother is truly like that, then I won’t force you to marry, lest you harm the girl and yourself.”
“Pah!” Fu Mingzheng laughed sarcastically, shaking his finger at her. “Even if you want to save this dinner, there’s no need to berate me like this. Can’t someone just not want to get married without liking men? You’re insane! Quite severely!”
Mingzhu replied casually, “If it’s no, it’s no, why are you so worked up? I’m just worried that you might feel embarrassed to say it, so I’m taking the initiative to share your worries. Why make a fuss?”
Fu Mingzheng retorted, “Then let me ask you, when Ying Wang hesitated to get married, was it also because he had a liking for men?”
Mingzhu replied sweetly, “Of course not… Our Highness is a devoted person, he’s been waiting for me with all his heart.”
“You fool, idiot!” Fu Mingzheng lamented. “Look at you, acting so infatuated! Haven’t you heard of sweet talk? You believe anything just because it’s said to you. Haven’t you heard the saying? If men could be trusted, even old sows would climb trees!”
Yuwen Chu finally couldn’t stand it anymore after hearing this. He stood at the door and coughed loudly, then pulled the curtain open and walked in briskly. Mingzhu and Fu Mingzheng both stood up and bowed to him. He smiled warmly at Mingzhu and said softly, “Please sit.” Then he turned to Fu Mingzheng with a stern face and said, “Fourth Brother-in-law, father-in-law sent someone to find you, saying there’s an urgent matter for you to attend to.”
Fu Mingzheng didn’t doubt it at all and immediately started packing up to leave. “Do you know what it’s about?”
“I don’t know, but the messenger looked very urgent.” Yuwen Chu said with false sincerity. “He also said he wanted to have a few drinks with Fourth Brother-in-law tonight, what a pity.”
Mingzhu, not suspecting anything, said regretfully, “I’ve made so many delicious dishes in the kitchen, they’re ready to be served. Can’t it wait a bit longer? Why leave in such a hurry?”
Fu Mingzheng shook his head. “I can’t delay the old man’s affairs. Have someone copy your recipe and send it over.” After saying goodbye to Yuwen Chu, he hurriedly left.
“Safe travels, Fourth Brother-in-law.” Yuwen Chu escorted him to the door of the hall, then returned and looked at Mingzhu with a smile. “In the news from the capital, three out of five incidents are related to you.”
Mingzhu felt a bit guilty, so she decided to take the initiative and threw herself into his arms, smiling coyly. “That’s because His Highness spoils me too much.”
Yuwen Chu hugged her and sat her down, asking, “How did you know that Jiang Shanshan was planning to make this Drip Dew Pot? You’ve been scheming for so long, just waiting for this day, right?”
Mingzhu admitted straightforwardly, “Yes.” She knew she couldn’t hide anything from Yuwen Chu. As long as she made the Drip Dew Pot and competed with Jiang Shanshan, she wouldn’t be able to hide it from him. Instead of trying to cover it up, it was better to just come clean. As for the excuse, it didn’t matter what she said.
The matter of being reborn was too terrifying. It took her a long time to adapt, and she didn’t dare to reveal anything, not even to her most trusted and closest parents. She wouldn’t say it even more so in front of Yuwen Chu. Some things couldn’t be risked. If Yuwen Chu started to see her as a monster from now on, what would she do? It’s better to just keep quiet.
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