Chapter 692: You’re Overthinking
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Mingzhu held Zhuangzhuang and waited outside. She heard the low voices inside, knowing that Fu Cong, Yuwen Chu, and the others were discussing countermeasures regarding this matter. Feeling the impending separation, she gradually felt sad and hugged Zhuangzhuang tightly.
After a while, Yuwen Chu came out. Seeing her expression, he walked over and gently pressed down the small blanket covering Zhuangzhuang’s body, whispering, “Don’t be sad. you’ll be back soon, and I’ll take good care of Zhuangzhuang and the family. Jiang Zhouzi and I have discussed it, and he will first treat your mother and the Great Empress Dowager. During this time, we will also make preparations and try to return as soon as possible, safe and sound.”
At this moment, Mingzhu only hoped that there was no one around, so that she, Yuwen Chu, and Zhuangzhuang could quietly stay together as a family of three. But now, even a moment of peace was hard to come by in this scene.
Yuwen Chu understood what she was thinking. He took Zhuangzhuang from her arms and handed him to the nursemaid, then said firmly, “The child is still young. No matter how much you love him, you can’t hold him outside in the cold wind all day. Listen to me, let him go back to the room to rest, and you come with me. I have something to tell you.”
Reluctantly watching the nursemaid walk away with Zhuangzhuang, Mingzhu quietly followed Yuwen Chu. They got into the first carriage, while Tang Chunlai and Fu Mingzheng accompanied Jiang Zhouzi, who had returned to his usual appearance, into the second carriage.
As soon as Yuwen Chu got into the carriage, he hugged Mingzhu tightly. Mingzhu nestled in his arms, coquettishly saying, “Your Highness, I’m not afraid of hardship or danger on the road. I’m just afraid that when I’m gone, there will be fox spirits coveting you.”
Yuwen Chu said confidently, “You’re overthinking. I have to mourn for the country and take care of state affairs. I don’t have time for such things.”
Mingzhu was satisfied and pretended to say, “Indeed, I overthought it.”
Yuwen Chu reiterated, “You don’t need to worry about Jiang Zhouzi causing any trouble. He promised me that he will maintain this appearance all the way, without revealing his true identity. No, I should say he will change into another appearance, and then change again for you, in order to avoid those with ulterior motives.”
“Oh.” Mingzhu felt a little regretful. She couldn’t see the handsome man anymore, but she could change her appearance, which was also fun.
Yuwen Chu frowned. “You seem to be looking forward to this trip?”
“Where did that come from?” Mingzhu saw his anxious expression and quickly climbed onto his lap, hugged his neck, and whispered softly, “I feel sad and scared when I think about leaving you and Zhuangzhuang. But when I think about shutting up those who attack you, I feel happy again. If Your Highness could accompany me on this trip, it would be even better.” After speaking, she leaned against Yuwen Chu’s shoulder like a little bird, obediently and quietly resting her head on his shoulder, gently pecking his earlobe twice.
Yuwen Chu’s earlobe gradually turned hot. He pulled Mingzhu out of his arms and pushed her down onto the seat, kissing her lips. Mingzhu felt her heart racing, unable to catch her breath. It was as if she was about to faint, but she didn’t want to let go of him for a moment. Like an octopus, she clung tightly to him, whispering softly, “Your Highness, Your Highness…”
Yuwen Chu remained silent, wishing he could strangle her into his bones.
After a long time, he finally let her go and whispered, “Give me five years, and I will give you a peaceful and prosperous world. I will make you the most supreme and happiest woman in the world.”
Mingzhu whispered, “Actually, I’m already quite content now, almost living as I please. Your Highness, you don’t know how painful it was for me when I woke up from that dream. I stood on the edge of the corridor, hoping I was just a light leaf that could fall off the corridor, carefree and painless. I never thought I would meet you, nor did I expect you to treat me so well, let alone have Zhuangzhuang. I’m actually very easy to satisfy.”
Yuwen Chu remembered her determination back then, as if she wanted to stomp through the floor. He said each word emphatically, “I promise you, you will only get better and better.”
The carriage stopped at the palace gate. Mingzhu and Yuwen Chu tidied up their appearances, as usual, Yuwen Chu got down first and then turned to help Mingzhu.
Because of the news that the divine doctor was about to enter the palace to treat the Great Empress Dowager’s illness, the palace gate was crowded with courtiers and nobles. Some people shouted Mingzhu’s name in the crowd. Mingzhu looked up and saw An Xiaogu and several noblewomen who were close to her in daily life standing by the road, waving to her.
Seeing her turn around, they excitedly waved their handkerchiefs. Mingzhu asked Yuwen Chu in a low voice, “Why are there so many people here?”
Yuwen Chu looked ahead and whispered, “I don’t want you to be an unknown hero. Since you are, let everyone know openly. Anyway, the news can’t be hidden from those bad guys, so it’s better to let everyone know about your loyalty and righteousness.”
Mingzhu took a deep breath and smiled beautifully at the crowd. She walked over to An Xiaogu and the others gracefully, quickly hugged An Xiaogu, whose eyes were filled with tears. “It’s clearly a sinister plan. Why do you have to take this risk? I thought, once the bad people are gone, you should relax, but you’ve stirred up more trouble. I can only come here to wait for you.”
Mingzhu comfortingly patted her shoulder, “Don’t worry. Every time someone causes trouble for me, I end up benefiting. Wait for me to come back, and I’ll treat you to delicious food.”
An Xiaogu nodded and pushed her away, “Go quickly, don’t give those rotten guys any excuses to attack you.” Mingzhu bid farewell to the crowd and followed quietly behind Yuwen Chu into the palace.
Outside Changxin Palace, there were even more people with various intentions. Yuwen Guang welcomed Jiang Zhouzi and led him into the main hall.
The Great Empress Dowager lay still on the bed, and Mu Gugu shouted at her several times before she slowly opened her eyes. She glanced indifferently at Jiang Zhouzi, then at Mingzhu, and whispered something so softly that it was barely audible. However, Mingzhu, relying on her previously impaired hearing skills, understood the Great Empress Dowager’s meaning.
The Great Empress Dowager was calling her over.
Mingzhu hurried over and knelt beside the Great Empress Dowager’s sickbed, whispering, “Aunt, I’m here.”
The Great Empress Dowager whispered softly, “I’m glad I’ve been good to you not for nothing.”
Mingzhu’s eyes suddenly warmed with tears, and she restrained her emotions. “Let’s not talk about this. Let the doctor see you first.” At this point, she didn’t want to delve into the matter of the sandalwood cup anymore.
The Great Empress Dowager shook her head. “No, there’s something I must tell you first, or I may never have the chance to say it again.”
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