Chapter 645: Dignity
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Mingzhu spoke softly, “Kangning, your mother and your eighth brother once wanted us dead. Even on the morning of the Winter Solstice, she conspired with Empress Dowager Min against me. Do you understand this?”
Kangning could only cry sorrowfully, “I know we have wronged you, but she is my mother, my own mother. I can’t bear to see her suffer such humiliation, such misery. I have no other way or person to turn to for help. I don’t have the face to ask for anything else, but please, for the sake of being someone’s child, grant her a swift end.”
Kangning was a sensible person. She knew the victor writes history. If only Yuwen Long had been involved and Consort Xiao hadn’t directly participated, there might still be a chance for her and her mother to survive, given that Yuwen Long was already dead. But now, that possibility was gone. All she could hope for was a dignified and quick death.
Mingzhu was moved by Kangning’s final words, “everyone is someone’s child,” and instructed Donghui, “Go and find out what’s going on.”
Donghui went over and said a few words. The leading palace servant lifted her head, glanced in Mingzhu’s direction, and then dragged Consort Xiao towards them. When they reached Mingzhu, they threw Consort Xiao in front of her and smirked, “In response to Ying Wangfei, this servant was ordered by the Great Empress Dowager to capture and deal with the traitors and rebels. Yuwen Long attempted to usurp the throne, and his mother, Consort Xiao, was involved, so…”
Mingzhu calmly interjected, “Arrest, detain, and execute as necessary. There’s no need to publicly torture and humiliate her on the ground. After all, she used to serve the late emperor. Show her some dignity.”
The palace servant was somewhat defiant. “Wangfei is kind-hearted, but consider this, if these scoundrels had succeeded before, it would be Wangfei suffering now.”
Consort Xiao struggled weakly to defend herself, “That’s not true, it’s not true.”
Kangning, fearing Mingzhu might change her mind, quickly spoke up, “What grudge do we have against you? Why are you instigating persecution against my mother?”
The palace servant sneered and ignored her.
Mingzhu grew annoyed. “You won’t listen to me, will you? What’s your name?”
As expected, when asked her name, the palace servant wilted and lowered her voice, “This servant’s name is Dou Changxi.”
Mingzhu continued, “Dou Changxi, do you understand my words? Take her away and detain her until the Great Empress Dowager gives further instructions.”
Dou Changxi complied, and her subordinates helped the barely conscious Consort Xiao up and dragged her away. Kangning hurriedly bowed to Mingzhu, wiped her tears, and followed after.
After walking a short distance, Dou Changxi slapped Consort Xiao again. Kangning scolded loudly, but Dou Changxi paid no attention, though at least she didn’t torture her like before.
Mingzhu lowered the sedan curtain. “Let’s go.” Everyone has their own fate. What the palace servant said wasn’t entirely wrong. If they had failed, they would likely suffer similar humiliation and torture. However, since she encountered this situation and Kangning begged her for that reason, she decided to let it go. As for what would happen to Consort Xiao later, she couldn’t control nor did she want to interfere, but one thing was certain—Consort Xiao wouldn’t survive.
Su Momo explained to Mingzhu, “This Dou Changxi, her older sister used to serve Consort Xiao. When Emperor Wen visited Consort Xiao, somehow he favored her sister. Not long after, her sister died suddenly.”
It was another old story of jealousy leading to tragedy. So Dou Changxi had her reasons for humiliating Consort Xiao. Mingzhu suspected whether the Great Empress Dowager deliberately sent Dou Changxi to capture Consort Xiao. She didn’t genuinely sympathize with Consort Xiao and her daughter, so she quickly pushed this matter aside.
Under Yuwen Chu’s management, Guangming Hall had been completely staffed with personnel from Ying Wang Mansion. Not only was security tight, but the place was also comfortable. As Mingzhu entered, she felt the difference. The snow on the ground had been cleared, everything was tidy and neat, and everyone she met stopped to respectfully greet her. When she reached the main hall, she felt the warmth of spring.
There were about a dozen braziers burning in the hall, making it warm and cozy. Liu Gugu was leading people to lay out cushions and other items. When she saw Mingzhu, she hurriedly greeted her, “Your Highness said earlier that the Wangfei wouldn’t stay long in Changxin Palace, so we quickly tidied up the side hall. It’s all prepared now. Does Wangfei want to rest there?”
Donghui advised Mingzhu, “Wangfei, you should relax in the side hall.”
Mingzhu, however, had something else in mind. “I’ll stay in the side hall, but the main hall is also warm and comfortable. Could it be that the Imperial Consort has been found?”
Liu Gugu smiled and whispered, “Yes, she’s been found, but it’s strange. She was actually in the Cold Palace. She’ll be here soon.”
Mingzhu asked again, “What about Huayang Wangfei?”
Liu Gugu shook her head. “Huayang Wang searched here personally earlier but didn’t find her. They also searched the Cold Palace, but she wasn’t with the Imperial Consort.”
Mingzhu found a place to sit down. Since Imperial Consort Min had been found, Jiang Shanshan wasn’t as important. There was no need for her to rush to see her. It would be better to let Xia Xue take care of Jiang Shanshan first.
After about half an hour, a palace servant hurriedly entered. “She’s here, the Imperial Consort is here.”
Mingzhu quickly went out and saw Yuwen Chu carrying Imperial Consort Min down from the warm sedan chair. Their eyes met, and Yuwen Chu nodded at her. “I knew you couldn’t stay lying down.”
There was a hint of intimacy and reproach in his tone. Mingzhu smiled and helped support Imperial Consort Min, asking softly, “How are you feeling, mother? Is there anything uncomfortable?”
Imperial Consort Min wasn’t in good spirits. She looked at Mingzhu weakly and whispered, “I’m okay.”
Yuwen Chu added, “Mother hasn’t eaten anything. She’s starving. Quickly, prepare some hot porridge for her.”
“Alright.” Mingzhu was truly admiring of Imperial Consort Min. Despite her condition, she still held on, not saying she was starving. Couldn’t she just ask for something to eat? If it were her, she would have wanted something ages ago.
In no time, Imperial Consort Min was settled down. Clearly hungry, her eyes sparkled as she delicately sipped the porridge, looking like she wanted another bowl but still wiped her lips gracefully and set down the chopsticks.
Unable to bear it, Mingzhu kindly said, “This bowl is small, mother. Another won’t hurt. Let me serve you.”
Imperial Consort Min shook her head. “No need. I want to bathe.” She stood up, touched her temples, and her demeanor was extremely dignified, unlike before.
Mingzhu was puzzled and looked at Yuwen Chu for an explanation, but he pretended not to notice her confusion.
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