Chapter 581: Who Are You?
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There couldn’t have been a better gift and wish.
Fu Mingzheng looked at Li Shumei, who blushed and smiled shyly, and then at the serene Madam Cui. Suddenly, the knot in his heart disappeared. What did it matter to him about the elders? If Madam Cui could face him calmly, and the family could too, without feeling that he had failed to protect Madam Cui, then why couldn’t he face this family and these matters calmly?
As his father said, life, old age, sickness, and death, separation and reunion, were all part of human nature. Facing them calmly and with a clear conscience was enough. Fu Mingzheng respectfully bowed to Madam Cui and whispered, “Mother, rest assured, your son will treat Li well, and together with her, treat the family well, and live a prosperous life.”
Mingzhu rubbed her eyes. Thinking about it now, maybe the reason Fourth Brother was willing to take care of her despite her bad behavior back then was mostly because of Mother. If Mother had mistreated Fourth Brother, how could he have cared for her?
Seeing Fu Mingzheng bowing to Madam Cui again, Li Shumei also bowed without hesitation.
Fu Mingzheng looked at her tenderly. “Let me take you back to the bridal chamber.”
Mingzhu rolled her eyes. Really, saying no, no, no, but as soon as someone entered, it was like this. Wasn’t it too much?
Li Shumei nodded and looked up at Mingzhu, whispering, “Another day, I’ll invite you to drink.”
“Drinking to thank the matchmaker?” Mingzhu raised her eyebrows proudly. “I’m waiting for that. This drink, you and your husband should invite both of us.”
Just as they were speaking, there was a loud noise outside, followed by many more, like thunder, and the ground seemed to tremble. Everyone was stunned. Fu Mingzheng reacted first, pushing Li Shumei towards Mingzhu urgently, “You two stay here with Mother, don’t go anywhere. I’ll go see what’s happening.”
Li Shumei didn’t say a word, quietly holding Mingzhu’s hand.
Had the gunpowder firearms that Jiang Shanshan mentioned been made? It seemed like it. The power of that thing must be immense since there was a deliberate reinforcement of manpower today. Normal things couldn’t make such a loud noise. Mingzhu’s heart pounded, but she smiled at Li Shumei, comforting her, “Fourth Sister-in-law, don’t be afraid. The house is well-prepared. This main courtyard is the safest place. Whatever ghosts and monsters there are, we’ll make sure they don’t leave alive!”
Li Shumei calmly said, “I’m not afraid. I’m worried about you, Sister.”
Alright, Fourth Sister-in-law was also courageous. Mingzhu remembered how she had stayed to help her before, saving An Xiaogu’s life, and liked her even more. Happily, she said, “Then let’s stay here with Mother.”
Just then, there were more loud noises outside, followed by cries. Mingzhu hurried to the window and saw Third Sister-in-law Ai holding stone, accompanied by several nieces and nephews, along with a few other women carrying children, rushing over. Those women looked panicked, and their children were crying.
Mingzhu quickly went out to greet them, “Third Sister-in-law.”
Lady Ai’s face turned pale, sweat covering her forehead and face, eyes full of fear. She trembled and whispered, “There’s trouble outside. I don’t know what’s happening. Suddenly, there were explosions, and then many people jumped out and started killing… The house is prepared, so not many were hurt, but it’s chaotic. His Royal Highness asked me to bring the children here.”
“Third Sister-in-law, go inside quickly and don’t scare the children.” Mingzhu recognized two of the women as Lady Ai’s relatives, while the other two were strangers. She asked bluntly, “These two ladies look unfamiliar.” In extraordinary times, extraordinary people aren’t afraid to offend others.
Feeling awkward, Lady Ai explained, “They’re relatives from my maternal family. This one is my cousin’s wife, and this one is my niece. They’ve never been here before, so Sister doesn’t recognize them.”
Since they were known to her, Mingzhu didn’t stop them, but she didn’t let the maidservants and others in. She said politely, “Mother is ill, and the room is crowded. Let them stay in the tea room.”
Lady Ai said, “Sister is right. I was so frightened.”
“Where are Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, and Ah Lin?” Mingzhu took stone and saw his eyes wide open, looking at her calmly without crying or fussing. She couldn’t help but marvel, “This kid is really brave.”
Lady Ai suddenly realized, “Oh, His Highness asked me to come over, and I just followed his arrangement, forgetting about Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law.” Feeling ashamed, she turned to leave, “I’ll go find them.”
Mingzhu quickly stopped Lady Ai and said decisively, “I just casually asked. His Highness’s arrangements are correct. Third Sister-in-law, don’t go out, and take Sister-in-law with you first.” She had heard Yuwen Chu instructing Jing Song in the carriage before about the need for someone to step forward in case of sudden emergencies to organize the evacuation of frightened crowds to prevent stampedes.
Lady Ai had to take her relatives from her maternal family inside. Everyone was very understanding and didn’t go into the inner room, sitting obediently in the outer room. Only a few children who didn’t understand were still sobbing softly.
Li Shumei didn’t come out but stayed in the inner room to guard Madam Cui. Lady Ai didn’t know, worrying, “I don’t know how Fourth Sister-in-law is on that side. I shouldn’t forget about her. I need to send someone to check on her.”
Mingzhu said, “Fourth Sister-in-law is inside taking care of Mother.”
Lady Ai breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly, she heard someone crying outside again. Mingzhu hurriedly opened the door and saw several female relatives from the capital bringing their children and servants over. One of the women had blood on her face and looked weak, supported by others. The leading woman, according to seniority, should be called Aunt, wiped her tears and said with a choked voice, “When did the capital become so unsafe? People dare to kill and set fires in broad daylight.”
The situation was unexpectedly serious! Wasn’t it said that not many were hurt? Mingzhu didn’t have time to think carefully. She hurriedly led them to the next room and apologized, “I didn’t expect this. I’m sorry, everyone. Let me have someone fetch water to wash this lady’s face and find some medicine for her injuries.”
The woman just hummed in pain, her daughter holding her hand and crying continuously. Mingzhu should have gone over to comfort her, but she felt something was wrong. This was a face she had never seen before. Mingzhu immediately stepped back and asked sternly, “Who are you?”
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