Chapter 699 New Year’s Eve
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Seeing Dong Hui’s embarrassment, Mingzhu thought that if these two unmarried individuals could come together, it would be a beautiful thing. She smiled and said, “No need to explain. It’s not a big deal. Mend them however you like.”
Dong Hui blushed deeply, awkwardly tidied up her needle and thread, settled Mingzhu to rest, and then laid down herself.
Outside the window, snowflakes fell lightly, and the cold wind rattled against the old window, making a “clattering” sound. Mingzhu remembered the rare pearls Yuwen Chu had given her last New Year’s. Her heart felt sour. This year, she wasn’t with him and Zhuang Zhuang. She didn’t know if he had forgotten the promise he made to her? He had promised to find several of those pearls for her every year, to complete a set of jewelry for her.
Well, she didn’t care about those pearls; she missed him. She knew that he must be working late right now, without anyone to comfort him or force him to rest. Thinking about this, amidst her heartache, she fell asleep.
In the Imperial Palace of the capital, in the Chongzheng Hall, the atmosphere was icy.
Because Eling was breached by Zhongshan Wang, General Yuan Lihuan, who defended Eling, was betrayed by his trusted aides and died in a bloody battle, unable to hold Eling. Of his 50,000 soldiers, half were dead or wounded, and the rest had surrendered to Zhongshan Wang.
Eling was a key fortress in the north, leading to the Central Plains, with significant strategic importance. Its fall was equivalent to having one’s doorstep breached, allowing invaders to march straight in. When the news came, the court was in an uproar. Some blamed Yuwen Chu entirely for this defeat, claiming it was his poor command that led to the loss of Eling. Others blamed the Orthodox faction for delaying, acting contrary to their words, which led to the delayed arrival of reinforcements and supplies, resulting in the easy breach of Eling.
The two factions argued fiercely, even resorting to violence in the hall. Yuwen Guang was scared, hiding behind Yuwen Chu and dare not show his face. Yuwen Chu remained calm, though his anger was barely concealed. The loss of Eling was within his expectations. Mingzhu’s risky promise to seek medical help for the Great Empress Dowager merely facilitated a superficial peace between the Orthodox faction and his own faction. In reality, both sides were tearing each other apart, fearing that the other would gain popularity. It would be strange if there were no failures.
But failure was not a big deal. He would carefully sort through and eliminate those who caused trouble in this defeat, one by one, to set an example. The loss of Eling was not his intention, but without defeat, there would be no establishment. Unfortunately, General Yuan Lihuan and those soldiers who died in battle were the real victims.
After arguing for a long time, the ministers realized that the two people sitting at the head of the table hadn’t spoken a word and gradually quieted down. Yuwen You said, “The Regent has been silent all this time. Do you have a good idea?”
Yuwen Chu gave him a cold glance and said, “Of course, there’s a good plan, but before that, we must root out a group of traitors.” With a command, the Imperial Guards surged in, overturning several key figures among the orthodox faction. The crowd was shocked, and Peng Liang and others were in an uproar, demanding an explanation from Yuwen Chu.
Yuwen Chu remained expressionless as Mei Yusi stepped forward, publicly listing the crimes of these individuals one by one. With ample evidence and witnesses, they paid no heed to Peng Liang’s objections and dragged the accused away to the prison.
Naturally, Peng Liang and others were indignant, crying out to see the Great Empress Dowager. Fu Zifei was reading to the Great Empress Dowager at the time. Upon hearing the commotion, she discreetly retreated behind the tent, listening to the proceedings. As the story unfolded, she couldn’t help but be in awe of Yuwen Chu’s decisiveness and command, knowing that victory in this battle was only a matter of time.
It’s unclear what the Great Empress Dowager said to Peng Liang and the others, but Peng Liang quietly withdrew afterward. Fu Zifei came out as usual, gently asking the Great Empress Dowager, “It’s getting late. Does Grandmother wish to rest?”
The Great Empress Dowager half-closed her eyes and said hoarsely, “I can’t even have peace for the New Year. They’re just waiting for me to die.”
Fu Zifei dared not speak.
After a moment of silence, the Great Empress Dowager muttered to herself, “I wonder where Mingzhu is right now.”
Even if it was to protect Fu Mingzhu’s safety and keep her whereabouts confidential, the Great Empress Dowager shouldn’t be unaware of her whereabouts. This was truly strange. Fu Zifei tentatively said, “Grandmother, didn’t she go east? The local officials should report her whereabouts in the official reports at any time, shouldn’t they? Does Grandmother not know?”
The Great Empress Dowager didn’t respond to her, but said, “I heard there was quite a commotion earlier. The Emperor didn’t even have time to come and kowtow to me. How about this, bring some food and send it up front, and persuade them to rest early. After all, it’s New Year’s Eve.”
“Okay.” Fu Zifei was overjoyed. She hadn’t seen Yuwen Chu for many days, and she was truly lovesick. Wasn’t this a great opportunity? It was rare that that witch Fu Mingzhu wasn’t there. Even if he didn’t want to talk to her, just seeing him and speaking to him would be good.
Seeing Fu Zifei trying to contain her excitement, she pretended to be calm and led the way with her attendants. Mu Gugu couldn’t hide her worry on her eyebrows. “Your Highness…”
The Great Empress Dowager didn’t say a word, turning over and facing away from her.
Mu Gugu could only watch silently as the candle flames flickered on the candlestick.
It was late at night, and the Chongzheng Hall seemed especially cold amidst the wind and snow. The ministers had already left, and Yuwen Guang was tired and lying down. When he heard that Fu Zifei had come under orders from the Great Empress Dowager to see him and the Regent, he had to force himself to sit up and receive Fu Zifei.
Fu Zifei dressed very simply, with just a pair of red coral earrings to suit the festive occasion. Her features were delicate and charming, with a gentle demeanor, which made Yuwen Guang unable to speak harshly to her. After touching the food rewarded by the Great Empress Dowager a little bit in her presence, he dismissed her, saying, “It’s too late today. I’ll go and pay my respects to the Great Empress Dowager early tomorrow morning. Sister, you can go back first.”
Fu Zifei smiled and said, “Then I won’t disturb Your Majesty. However, the Great Empress Dowager instructed me to pass on a few words to the Regent and send some food over. The Regent is intimidating, and I’m a little afraid. Can Your Majesty accompany me?” As she spoke, she glanced at Yuwen Guang shyly.
Yuwen Guang already disliked her, and being young, he had no interest in matters of love and felt annoyed. Seeing her like this made him even more fearful and eager to get away. He said, “I’m tired and don’t want to go. Sixth Uncle is still handling official documents in the side hall and hasn’t rested yet. Sister, you can go directly there.”
Fu Zifei hesitated, “Is this appropriate?”
Yuwen Guang was afraid she would insist on taking him, so he quickly said, “What’s inappropriate about it? You came by order, and you’re younger. There’s nothing to fear, it’s all out in the open.”
Fu Zifei bit her lip, feeling very awkward, “Then I’ll go.”
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