Chapter 686: For Him
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At the Prime Minister’s residence, Fu Mingzheng was angrily berating Mingzhu, his eyes wide with fury. “If I hadn’t stopped you, would you have agreed? I said I would kill those who dared to force you, so what do you want me to do? You have a father and brothers, yet these people dare to target you. If I don’t beat them half to death, they won’t understand pain.”
Mingzhu knew he was in a bad mood, so she lowered her head and let him scold her. She understood that since Jiang Zhouzi had spoken in front of Yuwen You and the others, she had no way out.
She had to go. The Fu family could ignore public opinion for her sake, and she believed her mother wouldn’t let her risk herself just to cure her illness. She also believed the Great Empress Dowager wouldn’t force her to go either.
But she couldn’t easily give up this opportunity. If she tried and failed, it was fate. If she didn’t try out of fear, it was unforgivable. Moreover, for Yuwen Chu, she had to go.
Yuwen Chu had done so much for her, and she wanted to do something for him. Even if it meant walking into a tiger’s den, she would go. She was that kind of woman—loving deeply and unreservedly. Even after learning to be cautious, Yuwen Chu’s actions proved he was worth her love.
If he was willing to risk everything for her, what was this small effort to gain him a good reputation? Besides, she could win a chance for her mother and the Great Empress Dowager, giving herself peace of mind.
Fu Mingzheng, seeing her silent and seemingly obedient, knew she had made up her mind. Infuriated, he reached out to hit her on the head. “Are you an idiot? Jumping into any trap they set for you? And doing it willingly! There’s no one dumber than you!”
Jiang Zhouzi, watching this, whispered, “Fourth Master Fu is truly imposing… daring to mistreat the Regent King’s Wangfei in front of your father…”
“Shut up!” Fu Mingzheng, already displeased with him, seized the opportunity to vent his anger. He stormed towards him, finger pointed, and shouted, “Even if she becomes the Empress, she’s still my sister. I can scold her however I want, and I can hit her however I want. But no one else is allowed to touch a hair on her head or say a single word against her. Including you! You [xxx]…”
Jiang Zhouzi, who usually considered himself quite sharp-tongued and not easily outmatched, found himself utterly powerless against Fourth Master Fu. He could only listen, dumbfounded, as Fu Mingzheng berated him without repeating a single word. As he saw Fu Mingzheng becoming increasingly agitated, almost poking his finger at his head, Jiang Zhouzi finally reacted. He hurriedly hid behind Mingzhu and said indignantly, “I knew you would react like this, which is why I had no choice but to resort to this tactic.”
“You dare speak? Want me to tear you to pieces and feed you to the dogs?” Fu Mingzheng sneered, then turned to the steward. “Steward An, take Mr. Lu downstairs and show him our hospitality until he remembers his true identity.”
“I confess, I am Jiang Zhouzi, and Lu Houtui is a false name.” Seeing the sinister smile on his face, Jiang Zhouzi was startled and quickly added, “See, even now you dare to talk about silencing me. If I had secretly discussed this with you earlier, there wouldn’t even be a trace of my bones left.” He then called out to Mingzhu, “Ying Wangfei, it’s not right to burn bridges after crossing them. You can’t just get rid of me right after I’ve saved your father. I assure you, everything I said is true and there are no deceptions. If I’m lying, may I die a horrible death, no, may I die by my own scalpel.”
Die by his own scalpel—as a doctor, that’s the harshest vow he could make. She stared at Jiang Zhouzi for a moment and then said, “I believe you.”
Jiang Zhouzi immediately broke into a broad smile. “You have a good eye, no wonder you’re the Regent Wangfei. Because you have such insight, I can treat one more person for free.”
Mingzhu considered that the Empress Dowager’s illness might not be curable. If he couldn’t cure her, it would be a wasted opportunity. So, she decided to ask for more. Having learned the art of negotiation from Yu Wenchu, she knew not to settle for just one when she could aim for more. “Four people,” she countered.
Jiang Zhouzi frowned, “No, three is the maximum.”
Mingzhu immediately agreed, but he added, “I don’t treat the dead or terminal illnesses, otherwise kill me if you want.”
Fu Cong, who had been silent, finally spoke. “You’re Jiang Zhouzi?”
Jiang Zhouzi proudly replied, “Authentic and unmatched. My medical skills are well-known, even Tang Chunlai lost to me.”
Fu Cong then ordered Fu Mingzheng, “If that’s the case, send for Tang Chunlai to verify his identity.”
Fu Mingzheng, realizing his father’s intention to let Mingzhu agree to Jiang Zhouzi’s request, protested, “Father?”
Fu Cong said calmly, “Everyone has their own fate, and no one can live another’s life. This is your sister’s trial and also her opportunity. You must believe in her.” If Mingzhu succeeded this time, it would be another great merit. Should Yuwen Chu ascend to the throne, Mingzhu would have her achievements in offering the map, her sacrifice, and her legitimate eldest son by her side. With such a distinguished family background, no one would be able to touch her.
Fu Mingzheng fell silent, cast a cold glance at Jiang Zhouzi, and then turned and left.
Jiang Zhouzi, seeing how Fu Cong had easily dismissed Fu Mingzheng with just a few words, was full of admiration. “Prime Minister Fu, you are truly remarkable. I am quite curious about you…”
“If it weren’t for your need for my daughter, your curiosity wouldn’t be so rampant. Even if I died at your feet, you wouldn’t give me a second glance,” Fu Cong said, though he did not oppose Mingzhu, he showed no warmth towards Jiang Zhouzi. “Old An, please escort Mr. Jiang down to rest.”
An Rushan immediately stepped forward with a stern face. “Mr. Jiang, please.”
Jiang Zhouzi looked resigned but had a sly, self-satisfied gleam in his eyes. He wasn’t foolish; he knew that convincing someone of Mingzhu’s status to accompany him on such a risky journey was nearly impossible without using this method.
“Father.” Mingzhu sat down beside Fu Cong, feeling like she had a thousand things to say but not knowing where to start.
Fu Cong sighed. “I understand. You’ve grown up, and your father has aged. I can’t protect you forever; the road ahead is for you to walk alone. When we’re not by your side, always think twice before acting. Remember, we are all waiting for your safe return.”
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