Chapter 434: Test (Two)
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Donghui had received orders from Yuwen Chu that Wangfei’s safety came first, but Wangfei’s words must also be heeded, and she couldn’t easily oppose her. So when she saw Mingzhu insist, she didn’t insist further but instead gave a subtle nod to a serving maid who discreetly acknowledged and respectfully withdrew with the tray.
After about the time it took for two cups of tea, Mingzhu put down her chopsticks and entrusted Fu Zifei to Hua Yang Wangfei and Dai Wangfei, saying, “I’ll be right back after taking care of something. Please look after Zifei for me.” She also left a backup plan, whispering to Hua Yang Wangfei, “Just in case, have someone come to the Jingting Pavilion to find me.”
Fu Zifei hurriedly stood up, “I’ll go take care of Aunt.”
Mingzhu smiled, “No need. Focus on eating your meal and learn some etiquette from the two Wangfeies.”
Hua Yang Wangfei held Fu Zifei’s hand and smiled, “A young girl should listen to her elders. Whatever your aunt asks you to do, just listen. You won’t go wrong.”
Dai Wangfei’s eyes flickered slightly as she quietly advised Mingzhu, “It’s crowded and chaotic. Be careful.”
Mingzhu nodded and, accompanied by Su Lan and Donghui, leisurely walked towards the depths of the courtyard. With the mansion celebrating, servants were coming and going. Su Lan stopped a servant and asked, “Where is Suiyu Pavilion?”
The servant was somewhat surprised but seeing Mingzhu standing in the shadows, didn’t ask further and just pointed in the direction before leaving.
Mingzhu led Su Lan and Donghui to stop outside Suiyu Pavilion. Donghui whispered softly, “There have been people following us before, but they’ve walked away now.”
Mingzhu turned and walked toward Jingting Pavilion beside Suiyu Pavilion. As she expected, the pavilion had windows on all four sides, and it was locked from the outside. Mingzhu glanced at Donghui, who immediately unlocked it. Su Lan watched in amazement, thinking she must never offend this Miss Donghui in the future, or she might end up with broken limbs.
Mingzhu pushed open the door of the pavilion. Inside, it was dark, and Su Lan was about to rush forward to support her, but she saw that Mingzhu had already walked in confidently: “Both of you, come in and close the door.”
Donghui was trained, and her night vision was excellent. In just a moment, she could clearly see the furnishings in the pavilion, surprisingly comfortable, not at all like a place that was usually deserted. Su Lan, on the other hand, stood still, too scared to move, only managing to take two hesitant steps forward while holding onto Donghui’s hand.
Mingzhu sat down on the side closer to Suiyu Pavilion, gently pushed open the window, and the sound of the wind blowing through the dried lotus leaves immediately came in. Suiyu Pavilion opposite was pitch black, and even the large red lanterns hanging under the eaves were extinguished. It was impossible to see what was happening over there in the darkness.
After a couple of breaths, the first female voice came from Suiyu Pavilion: “Ying Wang, have you thought it through?” It was Jiang Shanshan’s voice.
Immediately after, Yuwen Chu’s voice was heard: “I have thought it through, as you wished.”
“I don’t believe you. You need to show sincerity. Don’t deceive me by bringing me into the mansion and then just play games with me, leaving me empty-handed like drawing water with a bamboo basket. I’m not going to be that so-called concubine who has the life to become one but not the life to do anything.” Jiang Shanshan’s voice was seductive to the bone. If one hadn’t heard it with their own ears, it would be hard to believe that she, who usually pretended to be serious, could make such a sound.
Donghui and Su Lan were both holding their breath, looking at Mingzhu in shock. However, in the darkness, they couldn’t see anything around them, only Mingzhu’s calm breathing could be heard.
Yuwen Chu’s voice was icy: “Since I’ve agreed to you, of course, I won’t act recklessly. You’re not a fool, and neither am I. You say you have these things, but it’s just your word. Talk is cheap. You have to show some sincerity.”
“Hehe…” Jiang Shanshan laughed lightly, then whispered, “But I’m deeply in love with you, Your Highness. It’s rare for me to have this opportunity to be alone with you, so I can’t help but want to get close to you. To show my sincerity, how about Your Highness come here for a moment?”
This shameless wench! Su Lan almost couldn’t help but curse aloud. Donghui felt anxious for their Wangye, but she couldn’t go to stop this from happening. She could only speak in a low voice, comforting Mingzhu while convincing herself, “Your Highness, this is just deception! That wench brought us here to disgust Wangfei. She has evil intentions, and Wangfei must not fall for it!”
Mingzhu smiled wryly, “Don’t worry, I know. Just listen quietly.”
Mingzhu’s heart was divided into two parts, one part was ice, reminding her to stay calm; the other part was fire, burning with anger.
As she knew very well that she needed Zhou Nushi to come out to confront Jiang Shanshan, but seeing Zhou Nushi fawning over Yuwen Chu, she couldn’t stand it and had to quickly get away, or she might lose control on the spot.
Being a virtuous and magnanimous person was so difficult! It’s really too hard. Mingzhu sighed and continued to listen to the drama with her ears perked up.
If Yuwen Chu dared to kiss Jiang Shanshan, she would never let him kiss her again, even if he scrubbed his lips until they bled and then soaked them in brine for three days.
However, there were no more sounds coming from Suiyu Pavilion.
In the darkness, Donghui and Su Lan felt the surroundings suddenly become colder. Su Lan couldn’t help but grab Donghui’s hand, and Donghui also held onto hers. The two maids relied on each other, both feeling like crying.
Mingzhu stood up, almost unable to resist rushing into Suiyu Pavilion to see what Yuwen Chu and Jiang Shanshan were up to. But what could she do if she went? Yell and cause a commotion? It wouldn’t help. In the darkness, it was easy to get hurt herself and endanger her child, allowing others to take advantage.
So she sat back down.
Just then, there was an unusual sound coming from Suiyu Pavilion, as if someone was struggling violently after being gagged, making muffled sounds, accompanied by the sound of furniture being knocked over.
“Donghui, go and take a look! Make sure to protect His Highness.” After the surprise, Mingzhu issued her first command. Yuwen Chu was her and Fu’s biggest card, and Fu’s future depended on him. She couldn’t let anything happen to him. Jiang Shanshan had too many tricks up her sleeve and malicious intentions. Who knew what she would do to Yuwen Chu? Mingzhu couldn’t ignore it.
Donghui took two steps forward, then stopped, saying firmly, “Forgive me, Your Highness, but this servant cannot go. Since the day Your Highness assigned this servant to Wangfei’s side, it was said that this servant’s primary task is to ensure Wangfei’s safety, and nothing else matters.”
Mingzhu’s eyes turned red with anxiety. “Where did I go wrong? How dare you defy my orders?”
Donghui persisted, “In normal times, if there’s nothing urgent, this servant will naturally obey Your Highness’s orders. But at this moment, it’s obviously not peaceful. Please forgive me, Your Highness.” She whispered again, “Your Highness, rest assured, this courtyard is not just me alone.”
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