Chapter 52: Eighth Prince
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
The investigation lasted about six or seven days, and finally a conclusion was reached. Both sides compromised, claiming it was an accidental injury, and the matter of the marriage proposal was no longer mentioned. The two parties involved hid away to recuperate, and the guests who had come from afar gradually dispersed. The rumors in the capital spread too fast; within two or three months, almost no one mentioned the matter anymore.
Madam Fu, Lady Cui, was especially grateful to Yuwen Chu, “Thanks to His Highness Ying Wang. He is a generous and grateful person. If it weren’t for him to mediate and persuade Linan Wang and the imperial family, I’m afraid this matter would still be lingering. Mingzhu, you must remember, you owe him a great favor, so don’t be rude when you see him in the future!”
Mingzhu, leaning to the side, stirred the chilled plum soup in the agate bowl lazily, saying, “I remember, you’ve said it many times already.”
Seeing her lazy appearance, Lady Cui pinched her forehead with a mixture of annoyance and affection, scolding, “You ungrateful child, you were probably my nemesis in my previous life!”
Mingzhu grinned reluctantly, but in her heart, she was somewhat skeptical. That person was clearly someone who wouldn’t let go once he got a hold of something beneficial. How could he help others for free? She wondered what benefits her father and brother had given him. But if you really talked about it, his methods were indeed impressive. With his clever tactics, he managed to resolve such a tricky situation, not only silencing Yuwen You and preventing further trouble, but also keeping the old stubborn members of the royal family silent. Most importantly, he made Empress Dowager Min stay silent.
Elder sister-in-law Lady Qian brought in newly made clothes and jewelry. “For the upcoming birthday celebration of Imperial Consort Min, the Great Empress Dowager said she wants to make it grand. All the ladies from various mansions will attend, so it’s time for you, Mingzhu, to show yourself.”
Mingzhu tensed up upon hearing about going to the palace. Since her rebirth, she hadn’t been inside the palace yet. In her memory, the last time she entered the palace was when the Great Empress Dowager passed away. She begged bitterly to see the Great Empress Dowager one last time, but Empress Min refused and ordered the palace maids to stop her at the palace gates, where she was scolded harshly in front of all the palace attendants. Not only was she not allowed to enter, but she wasn’t even allowed to wear mourning attire. Thanks to Imperial Consort Min secretly sending someone to inform her that the Great Empress Dowager’s funeral arrangements were adequate, she felt somewhat relieved.
At that time, she didn’t think much about it, but now, she realized that Imperial Consort Min and Yuwen Chu had quite a few interactions with her, and they had never shown any malice towards her from beginning to end, which was not easy. Mingzhu was lost in thought and suddenly felt that Yuwen Chu wasn’t as detestable as she had thought.
It was already midsummer, and the newly made clothes were all made of thin silk, and the jewelry consisted mostly of jade, crystals, and gemstones, luxurious yet transparent. Lady Cui picked out a set of crimson palace dress for Mingzhu, saying, “This color suits you best. This specially made crystal silk is magnificent yet light, soft yet with a sense of weight, making clothes look the best.”
Lady Qian then opened a box and carefully took out a peony flower made of various gemstones and jade slices, comparing it to Mingzhu’s temples, saying, “Wear this.”
In fact, there were many similar pieces of jewelry, but most of them were made of jadeite and were not too large. This flower was different; its petals were large and dazzling, with beautiful colors, precious materials, and considerable expense.
Mingzhu felt somewhat bitter.
In her previous life, this flower was also given to her, but not in this context.
It was after she caused trouble with Yuwen You after marriage and ran back home crying angrily. Her mother brought this flower to cheer her up. She also liked it very much and often wore it on her head, causing envy from many people…
Where did this flower go later? Oh yes, she gave it to Empress Dowager Min to please her in order to collect her father and brother’s bodies.
She still remembered Empress Min’s disdainful look, “What good thing have I not seen? Do you think I really cherish your flower? It’s just because of your filial piety that I’m indulging you.”
Mingzhu smiled and accepted the peony flower, inserting it into her hair.
In this life, she wouldn’t let this flower fall into the hands of her enemies. She would wear it, protect her family, and watch those who plotted against her, slandered her, and abused her with envy, jealousy, and hatred but were helpless to do anything.
On the day of entering the palace, Mingzhu deliberately chose a time neither too early nor too late to go. If she went too early, people would say she was guilty and couldn’t face anyone; if she went too late, people would say she was too arrogant, looking down on others, and would have another offense. It was better to go in between, letting the wind blow from all directions as it pleased.
At the palace gate, the Great Empress Dowager had already sent Shen Changfu, a eunuch in charge, to receive them.
Shen Changfu was a clever one. When he saw the ladies from the mansion, he smiled and greeted them, flattering Mingzhu, “Miss, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you. You look even more like a fairy.”
Mingzhu threw a silver coin to him and chuckled, “Have you ever seen a fairy?”
Shen Changfu laughed, “Of course I have. Isn’t Miss one?”
This time, even Lady Cui couldn’t help but laugh, “Are you reincarnated from a bird?”
Shen Changfu was about to flatter a few more words when a person in brocade clothes and jade belt, accompanied by only one little eunuch, leisurely walked over. He took a step back and respectfully bowed, “This servant bows to Your Highness.”
The man had a fair face, round, slightly plump stature, and a decent appearance with a natural smile, very amiable. He was Anyang Wang, Yuwen Long, ranked eighth among the nine sons of Emperor Wenzong. He saw Mingzhu and others, smiled and glanced at Mingzhu’s face, then respectfully greeted Lady Cui, “Madam, are you going to congratulate Imperial Consort Min for her birthday?”
Lady Cui didn’t dare to be pretentious in front of him and quickly returned the greeting, “Exactly, Your Highness, are you coming to pay respects to Imperial Consort Min for her birthday too?”
“I received care and attention from the Imperial Consort in my early years. I dare not to miss her good days.” Yuwen Long supported Lady Cui and smiled, “Madam, no need to be so formal. I recently paid respects to the Prime Minister as my mentor. You are my mentor and elder in the family, so let’s use family etiquette.”
Lady Cui insisted, “Let’s follow the national etiquette first.”
Yuwen Long had no choice but to let Lady Cui follow the etiquette. He then glanced at Mingzhu, who was also bowing, and smiled, “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other, Little Sister Mingzhu.”
Mingzhu was extremely surprised. When did she become his little sister? His tone was so intimate, as if they were very familiar. Looking at Lady Cui’s delighted expression, Mingzhu felt somewhat uncomfortable. She smiled faintly and replied, “Hello, Your Highness.”
Yuwen Long smiled and glanced at her from head to chest, then down to her waist, and back up again, looking very satisfied. He lifted his head with a smile and naturally followed them inside. Sometimes he talked to Lady Cui about Buddhist scriptures, sometimes he pointed out the scenery inside the palace to Mingzhu and Lady Qian, attracting the attention of the palace servants, but he seemed very interested.
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
