Chapter 632: The News
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Listening to the Great Empress Dowager’s words, Mingzhu replied coldly, “You won’t do that.”
“Why wouldn’t I? He dared to lay hands on my grandson and attempt to seize their family property. Why can’t I take action against his son?” The Great Empress Dowager said expressionlessly.
Mingzhu said, “Because once you do that, I will be your enemy.”
“You’ve changed.” The Great Empress Dowager sighed lightly, waved her hand for Mingzhu to leave, and said, “Lead them downstairs to rest. I don’t want to see you anymore.”
Mingzhu gestured for Imperial Consort Min and Huayang Wangfei to follow her out. Fu Zifei watched her back with extreme regret. Such a good opportunity, but she couldn’t directly get rid of her, nor could she harm Zhuang Zhuang.
“What are you thinking?” The Great Empress Dowager opened her eyes and looked at Fu Zifei. “Today, I dealt with that lunatic. You will never be able to become his consort in the future. Aren’t you happy about this?”
Fu Zifei whispered, “Of course, I’m happy. But if County Prince Sien were still alive and well, and if you were in good health, I would be even happier.”
The Great Empress Dowager remained noncommittal and suddenly asked, “What do you think of County Prince Yanping?”
Fu Zifei didn’t know why the Great Empress Dowager suddenly brought up County Prince Yanping, Yuwen Guang. She replied evasively, “County Prince Yanping is naturally good, but your granddaughter is not familiar with him.”
The Great Empress Dowager asked, “If I asked you to marry him, would you be willing?”
Fu Zifei was surprised. Who would want to marry such an immature child? Yuwen Fu and she had at least a pleasant relationship, some affection. Yuwen Guang, on the other hand, always seemed indifferent and insincere whenever he saw her. She didn’t want to marry such a person. But when it came to words, what she said was: “The prosperity and wealth of your granddaughter and her family are all given by you, Grandmother. Whatever arrangement you make, your granddaughter will listen to you.”
The Great Empress Dowager was truly satisfied this time. “Alright, remember your words. You may go rest now.”
“Granddaughter is not tired. Let granddaughter stay by your side to take care of you.” Fu Zifei refused to leave. She was afraid that if she left, someone would say something unfavorable to her, and she wouldn’t even be able to defend herself.
The Great Empress Dowager said, “You are very filial.”
But you still love Mingzhu the most. Fu Zifei thought to herself, but on the surface, she became even more respectful, considerate, and attentive.
Soon, it was morning, and the snow continued to fall without any sign of stopping. Mingzhu wrapped herself tightly in a fox fur and stood by the window, looking outside. The place where Yuwen Fu lived had become completely quiet, covered with a thick layer of snow, seemingly no different from other places. The cries and curses of Consort Li could be faintly heard, making people feel annoyed and confused.
Some palace servants brought them hot water and breakfast. Mingzhu received two notes, one written by Yuwen Chu, stating that he had rushed back to the capital overnight and was safe, asking her not to worry. The other note was written by Fu Mingzheng, informing her that Zhuang Zhuang was safe and sound. He had taken Zhuang Zhuang to the Fu mansion to take care of him, and everything at home was fine. They would arrange for her to leave the palace soon.
Mingzhu threw the notes into the charcoal basin and burned them to ashes in front of Imperial Consort Min and Huayang Wangfei. Imperial Consort Min and Huayang Wangfei were both a little downcast. Each ate a little and then put down their chopsticks. Mingzhu, on the other hand, ate quite a bit. Huayang Wangfei said, “You are really broad-minded. Aren’t you afraid?”
Mingzhu replied, “Why should I be? If I know it’s clean and edible, I’ll do my best to fill my stomach. Who knows when the next meal will come?”
Imperial Consort Min and Huayang Wangfei were persuaded by her words and picked up their chopsticks again. The three of them ate everything on the table. Sang Shen came to deliver a message, “The Great Empress Dowager has ordered that the Imperial Consort may return to Guangming Hall. Ying Wangfei and Huayang Wangfei, please stay here.”
Imperial Consort Min was eager to inquire about the news of Funing and quickly thanked Sang Shen before heading out. Mingzhu was worried and afraid that Imperial Consort Min would be handed over to Empress Dowager Min. She quickly said, “Has the Great Empress Dowager woken up? May I accompany Imperial Consort to Guangming Hall?”
Sang Shen said, “Let me go and ask.”
Seeing her different attitude, Mingzhu hurriedly caught up and asked, “Is there any change in the situation?”
Sang Shen cautiously looked around, saw no one paying attention, and whispered to Mingzhu, “Steward Mei has found out that the reason why County Prince Sien fell from the horse yesterday was not because he was startled by His Royal Highness the Prince, but because he was drugged. That’s why he lost control and fell from the horse. Also, it has been confirmed that Huayang Wang’s horse was fed a drug that can cause madness, and the horse that followed up and trampled County Prince Sien was from the Longlin Guards and the new army established by His Majesty. So the Great Empress Dowager now hates Zhaoyang Palace and Chongzheng Hall the most.”
Being able to prove one’s innocence and find out the true cause of Yuwen Fu’s death in such a short time was not an easy task. Mingzhu felt proud of Yuwen Chu. “Did that person really order to imprison Ying Wang and Huayang Wang?”
She was unwilling to call Yuwen Bai “His Majesty”, only willing to call him “that person”. Sang Shen understood who she was referring to and whispered, “Yes, but Ying Wang and Huayang Wang fought with the people guarding them, and they will come to see the Great Empress Dowager in the palace soon.”
Mingzhu hurriedly urged Sang Shen, “Please help me ask.”
Not long after, Sang Shen came to deliver the message, “The Great Empress Dowager said that Ying Wangfei and Huayang Wangfei can go to Guangming Hall with the Consort, but they are not allowed to go out without permission.”
In other words, they were being confined to a different place. But no matter what, Guangming Hall was still their own territory. It was more convenient for them to act there, and everything, including eating, drinking, and sleeping, would be much more reliable. Mingzhu immediately urged Imperial Consort Min, “Let’s go.”
As they walked to the palace gate, Mei Yuxi was standing there talking to two loyal leaders of the Great Empress Dowager’s guards. Seeing them approach, he stepped aside and bowed respectfully, saying in a low voice, “After the Imperial Consort and Wangfeis return to Guangming Hall, please do not go out without permission. His Majesty is still recuperating, and the Great Empress Dowager’s mood is not good.”
At this moment, the palace was divided into two distinct camps, one controlled by the loyal guards of the Great Empress Dowager and the other by Empress Dowager Min, mother and son, as well as their loyal Longlin Guards and new army. Mei Yuxi’s reminder could be considered a kind reminder, telling them not to cross the line.
Imperial Consort Min and Huayang Wangfei were intimidated by Mei Yuxi’s previous act of shooting at Yuwen Bai and their attitudes towards him had changed significantly. They could only nod in agreement and dare not say a word of refusal. Mingzhu was now certain that Mei Yuxi was either her father’s man or Yuwen Chu’s man. Of course, she was very polite to him, “Steward Mei, rest assured, I will be at your service anytime.”
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