Chapter 646: Prosperous
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Was she kidnapped, starved and frozen in the Cold Palace, frightened, causing her to be a bit abnormal? Mingzhu quietly observed Imperial Consort Min, but couldn’t discern anything.
While Imperial Consort Min was being attended to by Liu Gugu for her bath, she whispered to Yuwen Chu, “Should we summon a royal physician to take a look? I feel like Mother isn’t quite herself.”
Yuwen Chu replied calmly, “Already done. But they’re just checking if there are any injuries on her body. As for what you think, she’s perfectly fine.”
Mingzhu felt relaxed talking to him. “Your Highness always knows what I’m worried about.”
“As soon as your eyes flicker, I know what’s on your mind. Mother is…” Yuwen Chu hesitated a bit. “I don’t know who told her, but someone mentioned to her that I’m going to prosper. She believed it without question, so she thinks she should maintain her image and not embarrass me.”
Using the term “prosper” amused Mingzhu, despite the seriousness of the situation. “So, has a great figure finally emerged from the rural landlord’s family?”
Yuwen Chu glanced at her, slightly embarrassed, and lowered his voice. “What’s so funny? Just wait and see. Next, she’ll start instructing you on what you can and cannot do. No matter how I explain it to her, she doesn’t believe me. Keep an eye on her! Don’t make a joke out of this!”
Suppressing her laughter, Mingzhu teasingly remarked, “Actually, Mother isn’t entirely wrong. Now the entire capital and palace are under your control. Naturally, everyone thinks you’re above all and below none.”
Yuwen Chu calmly responded, “But the world isn’t entirely under my control. There are still many people outside who only listen to the Great Empress Dowager, the royal seal, and the legitimate Emperor. If we push too hard, many will die, and chaos will reign for many years. It’s not guaranteed to end well. So, we’ve only taken the second step. There are many more steps to take in the future.”
This was why he stopped at the gate of Changxin Palace, and it was also why the Great Empress Dowager remained so calm and nominated Yuwen Guang to ascend the throne even when faced with imminent danger.
Mingzhu dropped her playful demeanor. “I understand. I’ll keep an eye on Mother.”
“And Funing. She’s about to enter the palace.” Yuwen Chu urged Mingzhu to rest. “You go rest. I’ll talk to her. She knows you’re injured and won’t be too harsh on you.”
Mingzhu asked him, “How about the Mins?”
Yuwen Chu replied calmly, “Executed for treason. The entire family was wiped out, except for Empress Dowager Min, Min Baoyun, and Min Baoyun’s two younger brothers.” Not a single adult male survived. Min Baoyun’s two younger brothers were still in infancy and only five years old, respectively. Even if they survived, they would be imprisoned for life and never see the light of day again.
What happened to the Mins mirrored what had happened to the Fus back then. Mingzhu thought she would be happy, but she didn’t feel particularly joyful. Instead, she felt a sense of emptiness. Of course, she didn’t pity the Mins either. Such was the nature of political struggle—victory meant survival, and everyone had to take responsibility for their actions.
Yuwen Chu noticed Mingzhu’s change in mood and said, “Don’t dwell on it. This is a matter of life and death.” Then he added, “Yuwen You handled this matter. By the time I arrived, he had already killed most of the Mins’ people and looted their treasury. Several women were insulted and committed suicide by jumping into wells.”
Mingzhu frowned. “Stop.”
Yuwen Chu smiled and indeed stopped. He deliberately added the latter part to let Mingzhu know that Yuwen You was no longer the handsome and proud Ninth Prince she once liked. He had become ruthless and only pursued his own interests. He wasn’t worth her nostalgia.
Mingzhu understood Yuwen Chu’s implication, but she didn’t understand why he was so conflicted about this matter. Since the moment she raised the dagger against Yuwen You, she hadn’t thought of turning back. Perhaps Yuwen You had some lingering regrets before, but she believed that when he chose to stay in the Chongzheng Hall and let Yuwen Bai take her away, he had made a decision. He and she should have no further ties.
Yuwen Chu had to attend to Yuwen Bai’s funeral arrangements, but Mingzhu had many more things to say to him. “Your Highness, you must find Seventh Sister-in-law. Otherwise, she’ll be so pitiful, and her daughter will be too. I want to go back soon. I miss Zhuang Zhaung, my family, and I don’t know how my father is.”
“We’ve been sending people to search. Just now, more manpower was added. As long as she’s alive, she’ll be found. Zhuang Zhuang is doing well. My elder brother-in-law and sister-in-law dote on him. I’m only worried that he’ll be spoiled.” After a moment of contemplation, Yuwen Chu continued, “Your father’s condition isn’t great. He was hit by a poisoned arrow. I asked Min Shixing, and he denied ever using such a thing, even under threat of death. I also asked his subordinates, and they all claimed not to have seen it. So, it’s probably related to Zhongshan Wang’s side. Earlier, when you weren’t feeling well, I had them keep it from you, but it couldn’t be hidden forever, so you…”
“Don’t worry, I know.” Although she was mentally prepared, Mingzhu couldn’t help but burst into tears. All the negative emotions accumulated over these days poured out—anxiety, worry, fear, panic, guilt, sadness, anger, and grievances—all turned into tears.
Yuwen Chu couldn’t care less about being in Guangming Hall and hurriedly hugged her, comforting her like a child. “You’ve been wronged. Cry, cry as much as you want.”
Mingzhu, without any concern for her image, sobbed uncontrollably. She was actually a very delicate person. Being pushed into so many things like a duck to the chopping block, many times people thought she was calm and composed, but in reality, she was roaring and going crazy inside.
She actually preferred rough and simple solutions to problems. The so-called calmness and composure were just because there was no other way, so she had to learn to imitate Yuwen Chu’s demeanor and bluff others. Even if she couldn’t bluff them, it could make her appear more impressive.
Imperial Consort Min, who was reserved, was frightened by this unceremonious outburst of tears. After quickly composing herself and maintaining her graceful demeanor, she walked out to see what was happening. Upon seeing Mingzhu and Yuwen Chu’s appearance, she couldn’t help but furrow her brows. However, to save face for her “prospering” son and also feeling that Mingzhu, her daughter-in-law, was not bad, she cleared her throat a few times, hinting at a reminder.
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