Chapter 547 Family
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Yuwen Chu sat by the window writing reports. He moved his desk to the outer room of Mingzhu’s quarters, separated only by a beaded curtain, so he could hear any movement.
Zhuang Zhuang was already full and asleep, while Mingzhu laid on the bed, lost in thought. Yuwen Chu had promised to take her back to the Fu residence to visit Madam Cui and Fu Mingzheng, to see for herself if these two were really good people.
However, Yuwen Chu had left early in the morning and had been writing reports since he returned. She knew that Liang Youyi had been killed by Yuwen Chu, and an explanation must be given to the Great Empress Dowager. Under these circumstances, it seemed she shouldn’t trouble him, but she was really anxious. She was so anxious that today there was only a little bit of milk. Zhuang Zhu couldn’t eat enough from her, so he had to cry and look for the wet nurse.
This couldn’t go on.
She turned over, hesitating whether to remind Yuwen Chu to go out. Just as she was about to gather her courage, she heard Yuwen Chu say in the outer room, “Just wait a moment, I’ll check again. Have Su Lan and the others pack your things, put on a thin cloak, and have someone bring the sedan chair over.”
It seemed that he really intended to take her back, not deliberately delaying or hiding anything. Mingzhu felt relieved, and a smile appeared on her face. “Your Highness, write with peace of mind. Let’s leave after you finish.”
“Alright.” Yuwen Chu picked up the report and glanced at it for a moment before saying, “It’s done. Let’s get ready to go.”
Just then, someone came to report, “Eldest Madam Fu has arrived.”
Mingzhu asked curiously, “Why is the eldest sister-in-law coming at this time?”
Yuwen Chu put down the report and said without looking up, “Let her in and ask what she wants.”
After a while, Lady Qian walked in. Seeing Mingzhu’s appearance, she frowned, “What is the Wangfei doing?”
When she saw the bruise on Lady Qian’s forehead, she couldn’t help reaching out to touch it. “Does it hurt, sister-in-law?”
Lady Qian smiled slightly, “Of course, it hurts, but compared to Mother, it’s nothing. She fell much harder than us. What are you doing all dressed up like this, Wangfei?”
Yuwen Chu explained, “She’s worried about Mother-in-law and fourth brother-in-law, suspecting that I’m deceiving her. She insists on me preparing a carriage to take her back to visit them.”
Lady Qian’s face darkened, “Nonsense! Where have you ever seen a new Mother wandering around?”
She was just frightened by Fu Zifei and worried, not really wanting to cause trouble. Mingzhu lowered her head and whispered in self-defense, “I just sat in the carriage the whole time, and there was a sedan chair. I’ll just take a look and come back, nothing will happen.”
Lady Qian complained, “Mother is injured, but still worrying about you, insisting I come and check on you to feel at ease. Now that I’m here, you’re still causing trouble, troubling everyone, do you think I have too much free time or something?”
Mingzhu had never heard Qian complain like this before. In her impression, her sister-in-law had always been gentle, elegant, and generous, always speaking very nicely. This was the first time she had spoken so harshly to her.
It was indeed very hard for Lady Qian to manage such a big family, especially with her elder brother not at home, and Fu Lin being like this. In addition to physical labor, she also had to worry. Mingzhu looked at the bruise on Lady Qian’s forehead with great shame. “Are Mother and fourth brother really okay?”
“Why would I lie to you? Mother dotes on you the most. If she sees you like this when you go back, I don’t know how guilty she’ll feel. At this time, don’t visit, you’ll probably worsen her condition.” Lady Qian sighed, “You’re already a Mother yourself and should understand this feeling. Mother asked me to tell you not to cause trouble for His Highness and to finish your confinement before bringing the child to see her. If you’re still worried, sending someone to check on her every day is the same.”
Lady Qian brought the accompanying maid with a box and opened it for Mingzhu to see: “The longevity lock inside was given to Zhuang Zhuang by Mother, and it was blessed in front of the Buddha. She asked me to bring it.”
Lady Qian was not usually a liar, but when she did lie, it was quite believable, especially with Yuwen Chu beside her, prompting. Mingzhu felt ashamed but suppressed her suspicions. She took the initiative to speak to Yuwen Chu, “I won’t go back, so as not to cause trouble at home.”
Yuwen Chu calmly replied, “It won’t cause much trouble. You can go back whenever you want. Just don’t overthink it, recover peacefully.”
Mingzhu felt reassured and confided in Lady Qian, “The milk was fine yesterday, but today, for some reason, it’s decreased.”
Was she supposed to breastfeed herself? In the noble families and official households of the capital, which lady of the house would personally breastfeed her child? It wasn’t about whether she could breastfeed or not, but rather that a woman’s prime years were limited. She needed to take advantage of her husband’s favor, maintain her health, and bear several children early. Putting it bluntly, if others found out, they would laugh, saying this family couldn’t even afford a wet nurse.
Zheng Momo and the others couldn’t argue with Mingzhu, and they didn’t know what Ying Wang was thinking… Lady Qian was surprised and quietly went to see Yuwen Chu. She found him sitting calmly, neither approving nor disapproving.
After some consideration, Lady Qian said, “I heard from experienced old midwives at home that if a person is in a bad mood or has too many worries, this situation may occur. Perhaps you’re worrying too much.” She didn’t mention what Fu Zifei said when she arrived at the mansion, excusing herself, “It’s getting late, and Mother said she wanted sour cabbage soup noodles for lunch. I have to go watch them make it.”
Mingzhu became more convinced, “Sister-in-law, go quickly and tell Mother not to worry about me. Let her rest assured and wait until I’m better to visit her.”
Lady Qian agreed.
Yuwen Chu said, “I’ll escort Sister-in-law out.”
They walked out one after the other. In a place where Mingzhu couldn’t see, Yuwen Chu gave a deep bow to Lady Qian, “I’ve troubled Sister-in-law. You’re so busy, yet you still have to take care of us.”
What a good Ying Wang, modest and polite, knowing his boundaries. No wonder Father and Husband supported him. Lady Qian quickly returned the gesture, “Your Highness is too polite. Since Mingzhu married you, we are not outsiders. It’s only natural for family members to help each other.”
Family members. Yuwen Chu repeated the word silently, smiled slightly at Lady Qian, and sincerely said, “I will do everything I can to bring Eldest Brother back safely.” Sweet words are empty; only actions matter.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Lady Qian’s eyes reddened, holding back tears as she left.
When Yuwen Chu returned to the room, Mingzhu was grabbing Rong Momo and asking about lactation-inducing medicine. Rong Momo was very nervous, speaking vaguely. Everyone else was trying to stop milk production, but the princess wanted to induce lactation. What was she up to?
Yuwen Chu waved for Rong Momo to leave, sat beside Mingzhu, and asked, “Do you want to breastfeed yourself?”
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