Chapter 564: Visiting Mother
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Mingzhu knew that Yuwen Chu was right, but it didn’t make her feel any better. With red eyes, she asked, “If something really happened to my mother, would you keep it from me?”
“If it came to that point, I couldn’t keep it from you, or you’d resent me for life. But I thought that if we can keep it from you for now, we should. Whenever there’s an opportunity, I want to do my best to make your life a little better, a little easier,” Yuwen Chu said calmly, looking at Mingzhu. “It’s just a husband’s selfishness, caring for his wife. Please don’t blame me.”
Mingzhu burst into tears instantly. The reason her family kept things from her was also out of concern for her, wasn’t it? If it were her, facing such a situation with a loved one, she would probably make the same choice. It was similar to the way the whole family had united to push Fourth Brother into marriage; it was all for the good of their loved ones, all out of concern.
Seeing her crying so hard, Yuwen Chu didn’t argue further. He dropped the subject and asked her, “Are you planning to go see mother-in-law with puffy eyes, or are you going to cry your way back to your parents’ house?”
That didn’t fit her usual temperament at all! Even if she couldn’t laugh, she couldn’t cry and let others see, making them happy at her expense. No way! Mingzhu immediately called someone to come in and help her wash her face, reapply makeup, and dress up nicely. With determination, she picked up the baby, asking Yuwen Chu, “Are you going to accompany me?”
Yuwen Chu sighed. “Do you think I stayed back just to tell you this? Let’s go.”
The couple arrived at the Fu family mansion, where the family had already received the news and joyfully welcomed them at the gate. Fu Mingqing took the baby from Mingzhu. “Hey, good child, let Third Uncle hold you and have a look.” He praised endlessly, and a bunch of younger children quickly surrounded them, discussing excitedly: “Looks like Aunt.”
“Looks like Uncle.”
“It’s definitely Aunt!”
“It’s definitely Uncle!”
Wenwen had to step forward to settle the dispute. “Both look alike!”
“Oh, he’s awake and looking at me.”
“He’s clearly looking at me.”
“Oh, he’s smiling!”
“It’s because I took care of him well. Let me hold him, let me hold him!”
Lady Qian sternly reached out towards Fu Mingqing. “Give him to me. Third Brother, you go hold Stone.” All the children fell silent and stood in line to greet Yuwen Chu and Mingzhu.
Fu Mingqing grinned and turned to pick up his own son to show him to the baby. “Come, take a look at your little cousin. You’ll have a companion in the future.”
Stone was two months older than the baby, chubby and always smiling, looking particularly cheerful. When he saw Mingzhu, he waved his chubby hands, wanting to be held. Mingzhu was pleasantly surprised. “Oh my, you’ve grown so big, and you still remember Auntie.”
Yuwen Chu glanced at her indifferently and whispered, “Do you see now? Is our family as miserable as you imagined, in deep water and fire?”
Mingzhu held Stone without saying a word. Lady Qian, seeing the awkwardness between the two, couldn’t help but console Mingzhu: “It was indeed hard when Mother was first injured, but her condition stabilized afterward, and everyone just adjusted. After all, life goes on, and being gloomy doesn’t help. It’s right to be sad when needed and joyful when appropriate.”
Eldest sister-in-law was always correct. Mingzhu didn’t want to admit she was upset that Yuwen Chu had intentionally kept her in the dark, so she immediately replied, “I didn’t mean to blame anyone. I’m just worried about Mother.”
“That’s better. Let’s go inside,” Lady Qian said, holding Zhuang Zhuang and leading the family around Yuwen Chu and Mingzhu towards the main hall of the Cui residence. Although everyone’s expressions were serious, a profound sense of peace and tranquility persisted.
Yuwen Chu enjoyed this atmosphere very much. It was different from the big families he and the Fu family knew. There was the Great Empress Dowager, who was kind and calm when she was young, but became stubborn and domineering in her old age. There was also Fu Cong, who had held high positions for many years yet remained devoted to the country and the people, never succumbing to corruption or power hunger. And there was a large group of lovely, pure children, like the ethereal Fu Mingqing, the fierce Fu Mingzheng, the resilient Fu Lin, and the adorable Mingzhu.
The usual internal conflicts and intrigues common in ordinary families were rare in the Fu family mansion. Even if they occurred, they were resolved fairly and justly by the elders. So, the atmosphere in the Fu family mansion had always been good, and Yuwen Chu felt comfortable and relaxed as soon as he stepped inside.
Tang Chunlai had been stationed here all along, so he came out to greet Yuwen Chu and Mingzhu upon their arrival. Mingzhu knew that Tang Chunlai had played a significant role in keeping Madam Cui stable until now, so she bowed to him as a gesture of gratitude for taking care of Madam Cui.
Tang Chunlai was taken aback, glanced at Yuwen Chu, who didn’t show any special reaction, and accepted Mingzhu’s gesture with gratitude. He candidly said, “Madam’s condition has been stable, but I cannot guarantee whether she will wake up.”
It was possible that she would remain lying like this forever, or she might wake up one day.
Mingzhu understood Tang Chunlai’s meaning. Suppressing her sadness, she walked in. Madam Cui laid calmly on the bed, as if asleep. Mingzhu carried Zhuang Zhuang over, held Madam Cui’s hand, and gently touched Zhuang Zhuang’s little face, saying softly, “Mother, I’ve brought Zhuang Zhuang to see you. He’s a month old now, chubby, and weighs ten pounds.”
In a trance, she felt Madam Cui’s hand move slightly. But when she looked again, there was no movement. Madam Cui remained the same, with her eyes closed tightly, motionless. Mingzhu hurriedly continued, “Mother, you don’t know yet, do you? Fourth Brother is finally getting married. The Li family girl is a good match. You should wake up soon and drink the tea the bride will offer you.”
After chatting for a while with no response from Madam Cui, Lady Qian took Zhuang Zhuang away to be cared for by the nursemaid and went to comfort Mingzhu. “Life, aging, sickness, and death are normal. Don’t be too sad. You’re still in your postpartum period; you need to continue recuperating.”
Mingzhu wiped away her tears and composed herself. “Has Father not returned yet?”
Fu Lin said, “Grandfather has been busy these days. He knew Aunt and Uncle were coming back today and promised to rush back for dinner.”
Mingzhu went to see Fu Mingzheng. He had improved a lot and could sit and lie down without any problem, although he still couldn’t walk much. He sat alone in the yard, playing with the parrot. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, shining on him, making him look like he was gilded. He appeared unusually peaceful and had gained a little weight since before.
Fourth Brother had changed. Mingzhu noticed the difference as soon as she saw Fu Mingzheng. So, he should be very happy and excited about this marriage. She approached him with a smile and greeted him, “Fourth Brother, you knew we were coming back today, why didn’t you come out to greet us?”
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