Chapter 576: Flattery
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Regardless, she had great fortune. Mingzhu clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and silently prayed for a while before asking Jing Song, “How were these iron caltrops found?”
Jing Song said, “It’s strange. If they really intended to harm someone with these, they should have been strictly guarded against. Otherwise, even losing one could create a fatal flaw. Why did they lose them but also more than one?”
Mingzhu casually remarked, “Perhaps the bag containing these iron caltrops happened to have a hole in it.”
Jing Song shook his head, “For such matters, careful inspection is always done. I lean more toward human factors.”
Just as they were speaking, Yuwen Chu returned. He carefully examined the iron caltrops and decisively said, “These iron caltrops are from Zhongshan Wang’s mansion.”
Mingzhu became interested, “How can you tell? Is there anything special about these iron caltrops?”
“Their iron caltrops are custom-made, with barbs on them. The first time they pierce, it’s the first injury to horses and people, and pulling them out is the second injury. Also, this iron is specially treated, prone to rusting. Once rusted, it’s easy to cause infection after injuring people or horses, making treatment difficult.” Yuwen Chu gestured for Mingzhu to look. There were four iron spikes on each iron caltrop, each extending from a different direction. When thrown on the ground, one of the spikes would always be pointing upwards. Ordinary iron caltrops have sharp pointed tips, but these iron caltrops had barbed tips and were rusty.
Mingzhu was already dissatisfied with Zhongshan Wang’s cunning and ruthlessness. Now, seeing these iron caltrops, she disliked him even more. Why did this person always exude such a vicious and petty aura in everything he did? He was always involved in underhanded dealings, things that couldn’t see the light of day.
However, her husband was knowledgeable and competent, so he deserved praise. Mingzhu immediately admired Yuwen Chu and praised him repeatedly, “Your Highness is truly amazing. Even with just an iron caltrop, you know so much. I know nothing. Today, the Chief Minister’s mansion’s steward came over, saying I was fortunate. But my fortune is all thanks to Your Highness’s teachings.”
Saying this, even if Yuwen Chu’s face was thick-skinned and composed, at this moment, he couldn’t help but blush slightly and glanced at Mingzhu, signaling her to shut up quickly. When it comes to flattering one’s husband behind his back, they can do it as much as they want, and he enjoys it too. But in front of his subordinates, was it really appropriate to be so blunt? He also feared that they would laugh at him behind his back.
Mingzhu received Yuwen Chu’s hint but didn’t mind it. Instead, she looked at Jing Song, who was bowing his head and pretending to be deaf and dumb, and said naturally, “Yang Dianjun, do you think what I said is correct?” She hadn’t lied. The reason she was able to escape the disaster so alertly today was because Yuwen Chu always taught her diligently. Of course, it was also because she was clever, diligent, and willing to learn…
Jing Song raised his head, calmly saying, “Wangfei is absolutely right. His Highness’s knowledge and wisdom are well-known. Many details that we often forget or don’t pay attention to, His Highness remembers clearly and can find many crucial clues. As for fortune, I believe both His Highness and Wangfei are truly fortunate. His Highness’s willingness to teach is genuine, and Wangfei’s diligence and willingness to learn are also genuine.”
Truly, the unexpected praises were impressive. Mingzhu couldn’t help but smile. If Jing Song wasn’t a tall man and an outsider, Mingzhu would have patted his shoulder and praised him a few times. His words really touched her heart. Thinking about it again, why did she feel like she and Jing Song were like a treacherous concubine and a sycophantic courtier, flattering the wise and brave Ying Wang?
Yuwen Chu’s ears turned even redder, his face stiff as he said, “Jing Song, go gather Mr. Meng and the others at Tingxue Building. I’ll come over shortly.”
Seeing his discomfort, Jing Song went off solemnly, even considerately closing the door behind them.
As soon as Jing Song left, Yuwen Chu went to grab Mingzhu, “You’ve gone too far!”
Mingzhu was prepared and laughed, evading him, “What did I do?”
She circled the table, making sure Yuwen Chu couldn’t catch her. Yuwen Chu didn’t want to make too much noise for the others outside to hear, so he stood there with a stern face, gesturing for her to come, “Come here! I have something to tell you.”
Mingzhu shook her head, “No, I won’t come if you’re going to scold me.”
“You haven’t done anything wrong, why would I scold you?” Yuwen Chu said kindly, “Come here, let me hug you. You had a close call today, I want to praise you.”
Mingzhu still refused, “If you’re going to blame me for flattering you in front of Jing Song and embarrassing you…”
“Since you know, why did you do it?” Yuwen Chu’s voice raised slightly.
Mingzhu looked at him with wide eyes, “Your Highness, I’m sincere. I think highly of you and just wanted to praise you, to let others know how good you are. What’s wrong with that? Haven’t you praised me in front of others before?” She gazed at him affectionately, sweetly saying, “Loving someone means not hesitating to praise them, letting others know of their goodness.”
Yuwen Chu’s stern face cracked, wanting to laugh but afraid Mingzhu would see. If he laughed, she would be even more cocky in the future. But not laughing seemed a bit too much. After much internal struggle, he finally spoke seriously, “Don’t do this again next time. If you want to praise me, do it behind closed doors or when I’m not around. Praise me however you want, just not in front of me. I’m thin-skinned.”
Mingzhu quickly agreed, “I’ll remember.” Then she urged him to go, “Mr. Meng and the others are waiting. Your Highness, go quickly.”
Yuwen Chu left with a reminder before departing, “Prepare some good wine for tonight, I’ll help you relax.”
Help her relax? Humph~ Did he think she didn’t know what he was up to? Ever since they started eating meat, he often thought about that matter, with numerous ideas and variations. Mingzhu didn’t say anything as she watched Yuwen Chu leave. Yuwen Chu saw she didn’t respond and sternly said, “Remember! Don’t forget, or I won’t let you off.” With that, he left with his hands behind his back, looking very dignified.
Mingzhu smirked, containing her smile as she fell behind him a few steps before heading back to the rear courtyard. Zheng Momo approached her and informed her about Teacher Lin’s son, Lin Yuan, who was left behind: “He’s sick, with a high fever. He keeps calling out for his father in his delirium. Lord Tang examined him and said he has unresolved issues in his heart. Even if he gets better physically, he’ll probably turn against the Wangfei sooner or later. It’s a dead end.”
Mingzhu thought for a moment and said, “I’ll go see him.”
Zheng Momo frowned, “Wangfei, he harbors resentment towards you. If you go, he might not pay you any attention or listen to you.”
Mingzhu shook her head, “I made a promise to his father. Whether he listens or not is up to him. I won’t go back on my word.”
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