Chapter 642: Unable to Guess
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Mu Gugu couldn’t figure out Yuwen Chu’s thoughts, so she could only watch him leave. When she entered the main hall, she saw Fu Zifei kneeling in front of the Great Empress Dowager, speaking softly to her. Seeing Mu Gugu enter, she glanced at her timidly, her eyes full of pleading.
Mu Gugu pretended not to notice Fu Zifei’s gaze, walked over, and whispered softly, “Your Majesty, Ying Wangfei has awakened. She’s eating right now, and her spirits seem fine. Sang Shen is taking care of her.”
The Great Empress Dowager nodded without saying a word.
Fu Zifei suddenly asked, “Auntie, was she injured? Do you need a physician to check on her?”
The Great Empress Dowager looked at Mu Gugu, who could only say, “It’s nothing serious, just some minor injuries. There are bruises from being bound with ropes, some cuts on the head and face, and a large bruise on the neck. It’s a bit inconvenient to move, and she says her cheeks are sore from having cloth stuffed in her mouth for so long, making it difficult to eat.”
“That’s good. Ever since Auntie went missing, I’ve been worried about her, afraid that those bad people would have ill intentions towards her, especially since Auntie is so beautiful.” Fu Zifei sounded disappointed. It was just a few minor injuries; why wasn’t there anything worse, like being violated?
The Great Empress Dowager frowned, “Is everything else alright with her?”
“Everything else is fine. She’s dressed neatly, and there were no abnormalities when the palace maids bathed her. With the palace in such a precarious situation, everyone is busy fighting for power and fleeing for their lives. Who would have the time to do such things?” Mu Gugu felt a bit uncomfortable. Why did Fu Zifei seem to hope that Mingzhu was not alright?
The Great Empress Dowager, satisfied that Mingzhu was safe, didn’t ask any more questions. She had been exhausted for several days, and even speaking a few words felt exhausting. “When Liao Guang and Marquis Huaiyin return with their report, wake me up. I’ll take a nap.”
Mu Gugu agreed, arranging the blankets and covers for her, and then sent Fu Zifei away, “Miss, go rest downstairs. There’s no need for you to suffer here.”
Fu Zifei shook her head, “I heard that Auntie once served our grandmother when she was ill and was so exhausted that she fell asleep leaning against the wall. I’m not at that point yet.”
Mu Gugu said, “Everyone is different, Miss. You don’t need to compare yourself with Ying Wangfei in everything.”
Fu Zifei looked dejected, lowering her eyes, “I know. I’m no match for you. I just hope I’m not that far behind.” She forced a smile, “Mu Gugu, just now, my grandmother told me that once County Prince Yanping ascends the throne, she intends to appoint me as his Empress. I don’t want to lose face for the Fu family, so I want to learn more.”
Mu Gugu had a soft heart. She knew that the Great Empress Dowager intended to marry Fu Zifei to Yuwen Guang, but she thought it would be a few more years, just like when she followed Yuwen Bai. She didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. Looking at Fu Zifei’s appearance and thinking about the fact that she was still a young girl with a secluded personality, Mu Gugu sighed inwardly and became less critical of Fu Zifei.
Fu Zifei, who was good at reading people’s expressions, saw Mu Gugu’s softened attitude and persuaded her, “Auntie, why don’t you go rest in the next room for a while? I’ll stay with the Great Empress Dowager.”
Mu Gugu had been busy for several days and was indeed very tired, but she still couldn’t rest assured, “I’ll go check on County Prince Yanping.” Yuwen Guang was chosen to be the next emperor, but Ying Wang was like a heavy mountain pressing on him. Yuwen Bai had died unexpectedly, and Mu Gugu could imagine the pressure he was under. She had to comfort him and prevent him from causing any more trouble.
Fu Zifei said, “Auntie, please go with peace of mind. I’ll take care of everything here.” Watching Mu Gugu walk away, Fu Zifei waited until she was far enough before turning to the Great Empress Dowager and staying by her side for a while. Hearing the Great Empress Dowager’s steady breathing, she knew she had fallen asleep deeply. She leaned closer and whispered, “Grandmother, Grandmother…”
The Great Empress Dowager slept soundly, showing no reaction at all.
Fu Zifei carefully stood up and whispered to the palace maids, “I need to use the restroom. I’ll be back soon.”
The palace maids immediately took her place, attentively watching over the Great Empress Dowager. Fu Zifei left the main hall, stood in the corridor for a moment, and finally made up her mind. She walked slowly towards Mingzhu’s residence.
Inside, Sang Shen was telling Mingzhu about Yuwen Bai, “Linan Wang brought him over, but soon realized something was wrong. He was unconscious, and even after the imperial physician used acupuncture on him, there was no response. Then, his body gradually turned cold. No matter how they called him, there was no response. Later, the imperial physician, went to check and said his abdomen was full of blood. He couldn’t survive.”
Sang Shen lowered her voice, “It’s terrifying. The needle was so long, piercing into his abdomen, and when they pulled it out, most of it was black… And there are rumors that he was poisoned to death.”
“How is Linan Wang now?” Mingzhu was just confirming Yuwen Bai’s death. Yuwen Cong had already told her that Yuwen Bai had to die because he needed him to die. Many people in the palace and the capital needed Yuwen Bai to die, including herself. As for the cause of death, it didn’t matter.
Sang Shen’s expression was somewhat strange, “Linan Wang, huh? His Majesty had just passed away not long ago, and he came over with the imperial seal to see the Great Empress Dowager. Her Majesty forgave him and let him lead the troops to capture Min’s people.”
“That’s acceptable?” Mingzhu thought for a moment and smiled. Why not? The Great Empress Dowager refused to admit defeat and needed someone suitable to control. Yuwen You had no way out, he was the husband of the Wusun Princess, and he couldn’t have children. He also had a deep hatred with Yuwen Chu, and he had a group of people under him to command. Of course, he was one of the best candidates to counter Yuwen Chu.
So many changes had happened by now, such as Jiang Shanshan’s fate, the birth of Zhuangzhuang, Yuwen Bai’s death, her mother’s unconsciousness, the exposure of Zhongshan Wang’s face, Yuwen You’s switching sides between Yuwen Bai’s family and the Great Empress Dowager… Mingzhu couldn’t predict what would happen next.
Fu Zifei’s voice suddenly sounded from outside, “Auntie, I’m here to see you. Are you asleep?”
The lamp was still on. Although Mingzhu really wanted to sleep, she was in so much pain that she couldn’t sleep at all. Sang Shen reminded her in a low voice, “Niang Niang intends to appoint County Prince Yanping as the emperor, and Miss Zifei will be the empress.”
Mingzhu lazily said, “Then please let her in.” She wanted to see what Fu Zifei was up to.
Fu Zifei walked in with lowered eyebrows and eyes, first saluting Mingzhu, then gazing keenly at the scars on Mingzhu’s neck and face, sighing softly, “Auntie, you’ve suffered so much.”
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