Chapter 48: Provocation
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Yuwen Chu’s carriage stopped in front of the Fu residence. Jing Song stepped forward and whispered, “Linan Wang already knows about the Eighth Prince’s intention to apprentice under Fu Xiang.”
Yuwen Chu seemed not to hear and strode toward Fu Cong, who was approaching. He spoke politely, “Apologies for the disturbance, Fu Xiang. I’ve been ordered to investigate the incident involving the accidental injury of Linan Wang.”
“Your Highness is too kind. With your orders, I shall obey without hesitation. Please, Your Highness,” Fu Cong replied with a slight squint, already categorizing the incident as accidental injury without even asking for details. It was such an obvious hint; if he couldn’t understand it, he would have lived in vain for so many years. Since the other party showed goodwill, he naturally had to reciprocate, but he also wanted to see what Yuwen Chu really wanted. However, when he glanced over, all he could see was Yuwen Chu’s calm and elegant demeanor, as well as his graceful composure.
As they entered the residence, Yuwen Chu’s demeanor became even warmer. “Fu Xiang, please gather all the personnel involved in the incident that day.”
Fu Cong smiled and instructed Fu Mingzheng, “Go, bring the maids and servants from your sister’s room, as well as the guards who participated in chasing the missing palace servant that day.” He glanced at Yuwen Chu cunningly before adding, “Check on your sister’s condition and see if she can handle it. Also, ask her to come over.”
Yuwen Chu remained indifferent and did not ask any further questions. He just proceeded into the main hall. Fu Cong, feeling helpless, followed suit.
Mingzhu, feeling bored, laid on the bed and looked out the window. The spring flowers in the courtyard had withered, leaving a lush greenery everywhere. From her angle, all she could see were a few scattered pink flowers blooming on the wall, nothing particularly interesting. She rolled over, feeling something uncomfortable, and picked up a book, “A Mirror for the Wise Ruler”, and threw it out randomly. Fu Mingzheng happened to catch it and mocked her, “Why not read it? Don’t you aspire to be a talented woman?”
“Who has the patience to be a talented woman!” Mingzhu’s eyes lit up when she saw him, and she reached out to grab his sleeve. “Fourth Brother, did you bring me anything fun?”
Fu Mingzheng was about to reply when he heard someone cough outside. Su Lan entered and reported, “Xiangye and His Highness Ying Wang are here.”
Mingzhu was startled and sat up straight, glaring at Fu Mingzheng. She asked him silently with her lips, “Why is he here?” Did he come directly to her boudoir?
“Who knows?” Fu Mingzheng also felt a bit uneasy. Wasn’t he supposed to lead them over? He was even planning to have Mingzhu pretend to be weak and dizzy, but who knew that Yuwen Chu would quietly follow them here after hearing their laughter and conversation? Now it would be difficult for Mingzhu to act ill.
Before the siblings could exchange any words, footsteps were heard in the outer room. Fu Cong stood by the curtain and said lightly, “Mingzhu, are you feeling better? His Highness Ying Wang has come to investigate. Don’t keep him waiting.”
Through the crystal curtain, one could vaguely see Yuwen Chu’s side profile, dignified and calm. Yet, his oppressive aura seemed to penetrate through the curtain. Mingzhu laid back on the bed, feigning boredom and helplessness. “I’m going to die.”
Fu Mingzheng found her strange antics amusing. He poked her forehead playfully and whispered, “Listen to Father. Don’t keep him waiting.” Although he didn’t understand why his father had brought them here directly and hinted that they didn’t need to pretend to be weak, he knew it was wise to listen to his father’s words.
Mingzhu allowed Su Lan and Su Mei to help her up and adjusted her clothes before following Fu Mingzheng out. In the outer room, she didn’t look at anyone and directly bowed in the middle, saying, “Mingzhu greets His Highness Ying Wang.”
“Please rise,” Yuwen Chu’s voice was calm and indifferent, displaying an air of handling official matters, as if he had never known her before.
Pretentious! Mingzhu thought of his various coercion tactics in the Jade Emperor Temple before, feeling disdainful, but she didn’t show it on her face. She stood up with lowered brows and eyes, pretending to be unsteady when she was about to stand straight. She swayed a bit, and Fu Mingzheng hurriedly reached out to support her. She then leaned gently against Fu Mingzheng without speaking, appearing elegant and graceful, completely unlike her usual fierce and proud demeanor.
Fu Cong squinted his old eyes slightly and glanced at Yuwen Chu without a sound. He saw Yuwen Chu sitting upright like a pine tree, his expression unchanged, calmly watching Mingzhu and Fu Mingzheng, and said lightly, “Fu Xiang, your two children are both good-looking, and the sibling bond is deep. It’s enviable.”
Fu Cong smiled and was about to modestly decline, but then he heard him say, “When one is young, it’s forgivable, but as one gets older, even siblings need to be wary of each other.”
Why did that sound so harsh? Fu Cong’s brows furrowed, but before he could speak, Fu Mingzheng handed Mingzhu over to Su Lan, raised an eyebrow, and gave a half-smile as he greeted Yuwen Chu, “Your Highness, duly noted.”
Mingzhu, unimpressed, pursed her lips and thought with a righteous air. What did it matter if she was close to her brother? Moreover, they hadn’t done anything improper. This person must have a bad relationship with his own sister and couldn’t stand to see other siblings getting along well.
Yuwen Chu observed the situation calmly and said mildly, “Miss Fu seems to disagree with what I said.”
Afraid that Mingzhu would confront him directly, Fu Cong quickly intervened, “She may be young, but she’s sensible. She knows who treats her well and who doesn’t. If Your Highness gives her advice, she will surely appreciate it.”
Mingzhu had been ready to sarcastically retort to this busybody’s interference, but Fu Cong’s words made her hold back. Her father went out of his way to defend her, refusing to say anything negative about her. How could she disappoint him? So, she forced a smile and said, against her true feelings, “Father is right. Although I may be ignorant and mischievous, I understand these matters. Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance. I am enlightened.”
Yuwen Chu looked at her keenly. “I’ve always heard that Miss Fu is forthright, but I didn’t expect her to be so two-faced.”
The pride Mingzhu had suppressed surged back, and she looked directly at Yuwen Chu, defiant. “Is Your Highness here to pick a fight?”
“Mingzhu, show some respect!” Fu Cong hurriedly intervened, but Yuwen Chu, unfazed, smiled. “I am here by order to investigate, not to pick a fight. I wonder why Miss Fu has such a misunderstanding about me?”
Mingzhu felt her hatred and disgust for this man refresh every time she saw him. But unable to act out under Fu Cong’s stern gaze, she could only grudgingly say, “If not, then it’s even better. Since Your Highness is here to investigate, feel free to ask whatever you need to know. I have nothing to hide. Please don’t waste your time on irrelevant matters.”
“Are you implying that I’m meddling?” Yuwen Chu leaned back in his chair, a hint of mockery in his eyes, like a cat toying with a mouse.
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