Chapter 45: Protective Talisman
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Yuwen You woke up in pain, and when he opened his eyes, he found himself not in the Fu residence, but in his own room. The Chief and the Steward of Linan Wang were all dutifully guarding beside him. When they saw him awake, they all smiled, “Thank heaven, Your Highness, you have finally turned the corner.”
He smiled faintly, “Is everything alright?” Was everything going according to the original plan?
The Chief Shi Ruan Qingshang chuckled, “This matter has alarmed many people, even Zhongshan Wang sent a letter inquiring about it. There’s a stir among the royal family, saying that the Fu family has gone too far. The distinguished and respected county prince, unexpectedly fell victim to foul play in the Fu residence. It’s considered a crime of contempt against the royal family, and Fu Cong must provide an explanation, otherwise, they won’t let the matter rest.”
In other words, his initial goal of self-harm had been achieved – his life was temporarily saved. Even though the Fu family hated him to the core, they didn’t dare to do anything to him easily, or it would trigger even greater backlash from the royal family. Even though the Great Empress Dowager was powerful, her own son, Emperor Jingqian, had already passed away, and her grandson was the emperor. But this grandson didn’t see eye to eye with her. Once the royal family turned against her in favor of the young emperor, she would have a hard time. Fearful of the consequences, the Fu family not only dared not harm him secretly but also had to ensure his safety, flatter him, and serve him well.
“So, how did Fu Cong explain this matter?” Yuwen You smiled from the bottom of his heart. No wonder Fu Mingzhu had been so ruthless before, risking disfigurement just to cancel the marriage. Now, he also understood the benefits of it. The sacrifice was worth it.
Ruan Qingshang glanced at him with a raised eyebrow and said casually, “Fu Xiang didn’t say anything. In front of everyone, he knelt in front of the Emperor, weeping bitterly, saying that Fu Mingzhu was originally seriously injured and not yet healed. She was frightened and overwhelmed with grief, almost dying from illness. The Emperor was initially interested in asking for details, but later got annoyed by his tears and became impatient. Now, there are all sorts of rumors outside, but the most widely spread and believed one is that Your Highness and Fu Mingzhu had a conflict out of anger, neither giving in, resulting in an accidental injury. Because it was rumored that Fu Mingzhu had been seriously injured before, and since you disguised yourself and entered the Fu residence… Well, the effect is not as good as expected.”
Because everyone knew that Fu Mingzhu was infatuated with Linan Wang, who never liked her. So the reason for her canceling the engagement was speculated to be something that Linan Wang did that she couldn’t tolerate. Linan Wang had previously injured someone when he pursued her at the Jade Emperor Pavilion, then disguised himself and sneaked into the Fu residence. The knife was also carried on him. How could a weak woman who was injured and bedridden contend with a strong man like him? So people guessed that Yuwen You struck first, and then someone from the Fu family injured him. There were all kinds of conspiracy theories, but they had little to do with Fu Mingzhu. In this whole matter, she played the role of a foolish person who couldn’t see the truth, loved someone who didn’t love her, and forced her father and brothers to bear the consequences for her.
Fu Cong indeed loved this daughter very much, willing to shield her at all costs, even if it meant getting himself dirty. Yuwen You sneered, his face darkening. Was Fu Mingzhu frightened and overwhelmed with grief? Almost dying from illness? Bullsh*t! Maybe she would have been before, but after seeing her determined and hateful eyes after the cancellation of the engagement, he no longer believed it.
He remembered very clearly that when he stabbed himself with the dagger, Fu Mingzhu was indeed shocked, but there was no pity or tenderness in her eyes. When she was in the Jade Emperor Temple, she wished she could kill him. How could she suddenly become reluctant to see him die? The more she wanted him dead, the more determined he was to live well. She wanted to cancel the engagement and marry another suitable husband, but he wouldn’t let her have her way. With his embarrassing status, he wasn’t worthy of any good woman. He would just drag her down with him to h*ll.
Thinking that Fu Mingzhu would never again be able to hold her head high, but would have to live like a coward, confined to her room pretending to be sick all day, let alone talk about finding another good marriage, Yuwen You’s mood improved slightly. He rallied and asked, “You said just now, Zhongshan Wang also inquired about this matter?”
Ruan Qingshang said with a smile, “Of course. This news came from someone sent by the palace to inquire about your health. It’s absolutely true. In my opinion, Your Highness might as well write a letter personally and send it over to express gratitude for the uncle’s concern?”
Zhongsan Wang was the only surviving brother of Emperor Wenzong, born of the same mother, and was still vigorous and influential. He was trusted by two generations of emperors, commanding a hundred thousand troops stationed on the border. He was a crucial figure in the royal family. As long as he spoke, even the domineering Great Empress Dowager and the cunning Fu Cong would have to give him some face. If he intervened in this matter, it would be equivalent to Yuwen You having another layer of protection.
Yuwen You smiled, “That’s natural. Quick, bring me paper and pen.” The people in the room were all trustworthy individuals left to him by his father, and there was nothing he needed to hide from them. He sighed, “With the protection of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, backed by Zhongsan Wang, I can rest assured.”
When Empress Dowager Min summoned him that day, she promised that as long as he followed her instructions, she could ensure his safety, prosperity, and wealth. She even hinted that she and the young emperor dared not impulsively fight against the Great Empress Dowager and the Fu family. The two of them had a backer behind them. At that time, he guessed it might be this uncle, but he didn’t expect it to be true. He had been worrying about not having the opportunity to get close to this powerful uncle, and now that he had the chance, he naturally wanted to.
After sending out a heartfelt and tear-inducing letter, Yuwen You focused on recuperating in bed, occasionally listening for news related to Fu Mingzhu. It was said that no one, including the Great Empress Dowager and the Fu family, mentioned the cancellation of his marriage to Fu Mingzhu again. Instead, they suppressed the matter of breaking off the engagement. With Fu Mingzhu’s sounds disappearing from the capital, his mood improved considerably.
At this moment, Yuwen Chu came to see him. However, he didn’t want to see Yuwen Chu. He always felt that this sixth brother seemed like a well-meaning person, but those eyes always carried a hint of scrutiny and playfulness when they looked at him. Moreover, everything that happened in the Jade Emperor Temple had been seen by the sixth brother. Anyone with a bit of intelligence would figure out the origin of his injuries. It was truly embarrassing.
The servants who had been sent to announce Yuwen Chu’s arrival were still waiting for a response. Ruan Qingshang looked at them with some difficulty, then waved his hand to dismiss them and approached Yuwen You, whispering softly, “Your Highness, you cannot offend the Sixth Prince.”
Yuwen You glanced back at Ruan Qingshang. “Why?”
Ruan Qingshang replied calmly, “His Royal Highness, the Ying Wang, is generous, humble, smooth, and considerate. His reputation is excellent among the royal family and the ministers. Imperial Consort Min and the two Empress Dowagers are on good terms with him. It’s beneficial for us to maintain a good relationship with him. Why offend such a good person? Maybe he’ll be of help someday.”
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