Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix Chapter 680

Chapter 680: All That I Need

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Mingzhu smiled and laid out the food from the box on the table one by one, "Braised pork trotters with soybeans, osmanthus sticky rice lotus roots, fish soup... These should be eaten hot. There are also snacks like tart cakes, green bean cakes, and water chestnut cakes prepared specifically for His Highness. If you're hungry, grab a few pieces. They are made in our kitchen, fresh and clean, so you can eat them with peace of mind."

Yuwen Chu sat across from her, silent the whole time, quietly watching her with a smile.

Mingzhu felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze and handed him a bowl of thick chicken soup, "It's cold outside, have a bowl of chicken soup to warm your stomach first."

Yuwen Chu took the chicken soup but didn't drink it, still staring at her.

Mingzhu had to ask, "What are you looking at, Your Highness?"

"I'm looking at you." Yuwen Chu put down the chicken soup and reached out to hold her hand, "You’re not blaming me?"

Mingzhu lowered her eyes and whispered, "I missed you, worried that you're not doing well, so I had to come see you to feel at ease."

Yuwen Chu's heart warmed slightly, "Since you're here, let me take this opportunity to talk about us, so that I can explain things to you before it's too late."

Mingzhu said, "There's no rush, let's eat first." She urged Yuwen Chu to drink the chicken soup first, then picked up a tender pork trotter for him, "Don't find it greasy. On such a cold day, after staying up all night working, you need to eat some meat to replenish your energy. It tastes really good. Eat up. Only when you're full will you have the energy to talk."

Yuwen Chu smiled, "I don't find it greasy. If you gave me a bowl of porridge right now, I'd think it's too bland."

Mingzhu hesitated for a moment, then buried her head and took out a jar of rice oil-preserved white porridge from the bottom of the food box, whispering, "I also prepared some porridge in case I arrived late and you had already eaten the palace-provided food, found it too greasy, or were too tired from staying up all night and had no appetite. Maybe you'd want a bowl of plain porridge."

Yuwen Chu was silent for a moment before saying, "I really do want to have some plain porridge. Porridge that has boiled until the rice releases its essence is the most nourishing, I know that. So even if it's plain, I would savor it." 

Mingzhu suddenly teared up and quietly complained, "Is it that whatever I give you, you think it's the best? Not a single truthful word. What do you really want to eat?" 

Yuwen Chu looked directly into her eyes and said, "The truth is, no matter what you bring me, I find it delicious. It's always exactly what I need."

Mingzhu instantly understood his meaning. He was delighted that she had come, happy that she had brought him food, and touched by the sentiment behind it. So, no matter what she brought, he would find it delicious and appreciate it.

She scolded him tearfully, "You're already a father, yet you're still so smooth-tongued. I've never seen a Regent who loves sweet talk so much."

"I've always been like this, always will be. You know." Yuwen Chu took her hand and kissed it lightly, "You look so handsome in men's clothing. I almost didn't recognize you and thought you were some handsome young lad."

Shameless. Mingzhu thought to herself, but couldn't bring herself to say a word of reproach. Instead, she couldn't help but stroke Yuwen Chu's cheek and whispered, "Even though I know who you are, I still can't let go of you. Let's eat first, and then we can talk. I have something important to tell you."

Yuwen Chu was in a great mood and had a hearty appetite. He ate most of the food Mingzhu had brought before putting down his chopsticks, smiling at her, "Should we hear you out first or should I speak first?"

Mingzhu said, "You should go first, Your Highness. You're busy, what if someone suddenly comes to call you away? If you keep things bottled up inside, it might make you uncomfortable."

Yuwen Chu didn't refuse and succinctly explained the matter concerning the Great Empress Dowager, "I know you have opinions about me. I couldn't explain in detail with so many people around before. Now, listen to me. First, I had no idea about His Majesty's intention to appoint me as Regent. Mei Yusi never told me, and I was surprised too. Second, I did know about the Great Empress Dowager taking the secret medicine, but I didn't tell you because I thought it wasn't necessary.

The Great Empress Dowager couldn't be unaware of the dangers of this secret medicine. Those like Mu Gugu must have advised her already, but she didn't listen and continued to take large doses in secret. That shows she had made up her mind not to listen to advice. Advising her would have the same result, and it would only make her more resentful, thinking that you and I were conspiring against her. After all, she even killed the doctor her father-in-law arranged for her before."

Yuwen Chu paused here and continued, "That's all I have to say about this matter. If you still can't understand, you'll have to figure it out on your own. But no matter what, I'm very happy that you came."

"In the midst of everything, you can only keep moving forward. I understand your difficulties, and I believe your explanation." Mingzhu said softly, "It's not that I can't understand, I just feel indebted to her, so I feel very uncomfortable. After all, no matter how unhappy I am with her, she has never really harmed me or Zhuang Zhuang, and she has often protected us. If she were to die by Your Highness's hand, and I were to live happily with Your Highness, no matter how you look at it, I would seem heartless... Just as if she were to harm Your Highness, I would also unhesitatingly protect you. The one who feels the most uncomfortable is always me. Does Your Highness understand my feelings?"

Yuwen Chu sighed, "Of course I understand, so I don't blame you."

Mingzhu said, "Thank you for bringing Tang Chunlai into the palace to treat the Great Empress Dowager. If there are any accidents or rumors related to this matter in the future, let me handle it."

"Because I brought Tang Chunlai into the palace for you, do you have to repay me for this?" Yuwen Chu joked, "Tell me, if there were really an accident, how would you handle it?"

"You'll know when the time comes." She poured him a cup of tea and quietly told him about Fu Cong and Jiang Zhouzi's affairs.

"So, Father-in-law will be safe soon? Your decision was correct, but be careful not to let anyone find out, or it will sound very bad." If Fu Cong woke up, things would be much easier. This was really good news, but Yuwen Chu frowned again, "Jiang Zhouzi hasn't made any demands of you yet?" He had a feeling that whatever demands Jiang Zhouzi made would be troublesome and not easy to fulfill.

Mingzhu whispered, "I know what you're worried about, Your Highness. Don't worry, if I really can't do it, I'll refuse."

Yuwen Chu nodded, "Take care of yourself when I'm not around."

Someone came to urge them, and Mingzhu reluctantly said, "You should take care too. Fourth Brother asked me to tell you that whatever he needs to do, as long as you ask, he'll do it."

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