Chapter 687: Flawless
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Mingzhu’s eyes reddened. “I will remember. I promise.”
Fu Cong gently urged her. “Alright, since I’m awake now, there’s no need for you to worry here. Go on. Right now, many people are likely pressuring Ying Wang in the Chongzheng Hall to make you take this journey. Don’t wait for them to urge you. Dress up in your finest clothes, walk into the Chongzheng Hall, and confidently agree to their request. Since you’ve decided to go, do it beautifully and flawlessly.”
Fu Lin, listening from the side, was confused. “Grandfather, what if this is a trap? If Aunt agrees in public without knowing the full picture, what then?”
Fu Cong, having exerted himself just to say that much, rested a moment before replying slowly. “In this matter, it’s not the result that matters but the attitude of your aunt and Ying Wang. The villains want to see them unwilling to sacrifice and thus lose their good reputation. The common people want to see loyalty and selflessness from them. Your aunt’s declaration is crucial; verifying Jiang Zhouzi’s claims is our task behind the scenes. Understand?”
Fu Lin nodded. “Understood. Aunt, let me accompany you.”
Fu Cong agreed. “Very well. It’s time for you to gain some experience. Go ahead.”
Mingzhu paid her respects to Fu Cong and returned to her room to hold Zhuangzhuang for a while. She then donned her full Wangfei attire with a solemn expression. Unexpectedly, Zhuangzhuang started crying loudly, and neither the wet nurses nor Su Lan could calm him. But when Mingzhu held him, he stopped crying immediately. If she let go, he would cry again, almost suffocating with his sobs.
Li Shumei, feeling heartbroken, suggested, “Sister, take him with you. He’s well-behaved and won’t be a burden. Let those heartless people see how they’re bullying a defenseless woman!”
Mingzhu had no choice but to wrap Zhuangzhuang up and take him with her. Satisfied, Zhuangzhuang sucked on his hand, looking around with tear-filled eyes, and smiled when anyone played with him.
Fu Mingzheng helped Mingzhu and Fu Lin into the carriage, sternly saying, “I’ll handle the family affairs and figure out if that fraud is truly a fraud. You just go to Chongzheng Hall and make our case loud and clear! Say whatever sounds good and impressive. It’s all up to you now!”
Mingzhu nodded emphatically, “Don’t worry, I won’t disgrace our family.” She was determined to make Yuwen Chu fall deeply in love with her and never forget her. She understood her father’s intentions. Just as when the Great Empress Dowager was gravely ill and Yuwen Chu risked everything to have Tang Chunlai treat her, moving her deeply, she now needed to show her unwavering support and affection for him as well. She wanted him to know that she was willing to go all out for him.
Thinking of Yuwen Chu, Mingzhu no longer felt that this upcoming journey was frightening. Instead, she found it very interesting and was quite looking forward to it. Her mood influenced Zhuangzhuang, who kept staring at her with his bright eyes. He rubbed his furry little head against her chin, expressing his attachment and love for his mother.
Mingzhu’s heart melted, and she hugged Zhuangzhuang, kissing him repeatedly, calling him her good baby, heart’s delight, and little treasure. The mother and son played happily together, and before long, they arrived at the palace. Just as Fu Cong had guessed, the Chongzheng Hall was in chaos. Peng Liang, no longer guarding the Changxin Palace, had brought a group of die-hard traditionalists and was kneeling in the Chongzheng Hall, demanding Yuwen Chu take a stand and forcing Yuwen Guang to issue an edict.
In short, if Yuwen Chu didn’t agree to let Mingzhu go on this mission, he was considered malevolent, unwilling to save lives, unfilial, and disloyal. If Yuwen Guang didn’t issue an edict to force Mingzhu to comply with Jiang Zhouzi’s request, he was deemed an unfilial, irresponsible, and weak emperor, coerced by Yuwen Chu. In any case, everything was Yuwen Chu’s fault.
Yuwen Chu, with a grim face, noted the most vocal agitators and thought of numerous ways to deal with them, each more severe than the last. If they wouldn’t let him live peacefully, he wouldn’t let them either.
Yuwen You and the others, seeing this, intensified their pressure, knowing Mingzhu was Yuwen Chu’s weak spot. Naturally, Yuwen Chu’s supporters defended him, leading to a heated argument. Yuwen Chu remained expressionless and silent. Peng Liang signaled an elderly minister, who then loudly declared, “Since Ying Wang is unwilling to let the Wangfei take the risk, I am willing to sacrifice my life for the Great Empress Dowager…” With that, he rushed towards a pillar.
Yuwen Xin had a headache. If this old man really died, Yuwen Chu’s concessions would be worthless. It was a truly vicious plan… Naturally, Yuwen Chu wouldn’t let them succeed. With just a look, someone stepped in to stop the would-be suicide. Peng Liang, helpless, could only sneer, “Does Ying Wang refuse to be loyal and filial himself, and won’t let others be loyal and filial either?”
Suddenly, a clear and melodious female voice rang out, “On what grounds does Minister Peng say such things? Ying Wang was appointed Regent by His Majesty himself. Slandering him publicly and defying his authority is also disloyal and unfilial to His Majesty! Don’t bully the honest. Our Highness endures humiliation and doesn’t stoop to the level of petty, vile people like you. Do you really think you can turn black into white? The eyes of the people are sharp and discerning; your wicked schemes won’t go unchecked.”
Dressed in the attire of a Wangfei, Mingzhu walked in slowly, holding Zhuangzhuang. She was radiant and poised, unmatched in her elegance, with an air of dignified righteousness. Zhuangzhuang nestled quietly in her arms, his bright, curious eyes observing the people in the hall, adorably and without fear.
As the protagonist entered, the noisy hall fell silent for a moment. Yuwen Chu frowned with displeasure. “Why are you here?”
Mingzhu smiled at him and, holding Zhuangzhuang, first approached Yuwen Guang to apologize. “Entering the hall without prior notification is a capital offense. However, I have a few words I must say, as I cannot bear to see these scoundrels pressuring Your Majesty and our Wangye. Please forgive my intrusion and allow me to speak. Punish me afterward if you must.”
Yuwen Guang, a politically inexperienced child, had been driven to despair by Peng Liang and his followers. Seeing Mingzhu arrive, he vaguely understood her intentions and purpose. Naturally, he wouldn’t punish her and quickly said, “Aunt, don’t say such things. You understand the rules and wouldn’t break them without a significant reason. Speak, and I’ll pardon your offense.”
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