Chapter 722: From Spring to Winter
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Yuwen Qiang said, “Exactly. Who doesn’t know that Yuwen Chu is madly in love with his wife? As long as we have Fu Mingzhu in our hands, there’s nothing to fear. Not just one city, even three, four, five, or six cities—whatever he can offer is ours. Besides, she’s carrying his child.”
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He ordered Xie Boheng, “I don’t care what method you use, search every inch of the ground and find her for me! And make sure she isn’t harmed at all!”
Xie Boheng accepted the order and left. Just as Yuwen Qiang was about to rest, there was a commotion outside. A close attendant came in to report, “It’s Yuwen Cong. He’s been demanding to see Your Highness. This is the third time since yesterday.”
Yuwen Qiang laughed, “Perfect timing. Invite him in!” This was like a pillow when one was sleepy—no need to send people to capture Yuwen Cong. Capturing him first and then forcing him to reveal Fu Mingzhu’s whereabouts was ideal.
The night wind was slightly cool, and the lights flickered. Yuwen Cong stood outside the Huan Wang Mansion, seeing the once arrogant steward now acting obsequiously, inviting him in. He knew something was amiss but remained fearless. He smiled and walked confidently into the mansion.
Even if he was scared, there was no way out. Since yesterday, Yicheng’s gates had been tightly closed, allowing neither people nor animals to enter or exit. He was closely watched, with no chance of escape unless he grew wings. It was better to take this gamble than sit and wait for death.
As soon as Yuwen Cong stepped into the mansion, the door shut heavily behind him with a creak.
Yuwen Cong smiled faintly, “Afraid I’ll run away?”
The steward of the Huan Wang Mansion smiled obsequiously, “Fifth Master, what are you saying? It’s late, after all. We need to close the doors to sleep.”
Yuwen Cong didn’t bother to argue, walking in with his head held high. He saw Yuwen Qiang standing on the steps, and made a slight bow, laughing mockingly, “Your Highness is hard to meet. In just a few days, you’ve made me go from spring to winter.”
His words were a double entendre, vividly illustrating the change in Yuwen Qiang’s attitude towards him. Yuwen Qiang didn’t mind, smiling lightly, “Fifth Brother, such literary talent! You should’ve aimed for the top scholar. Running around like this, unappreciated by your uncle, is truly a pity.”
No matter how hard he tried, he never received his father’s recognition—this was Yuwen Cong’s deepest pain. He immediately retorted, “Does Your Highness think our alliance isn’t a significant matter?”
Yuwen Qiang laughed heartily, “Indeed, it is. But right now, I have another important matter and need Fifth Brother’s help. Will you assist me?”
Yuwen Cong warily asked, “What is it?”
Yuwen Qiang coldly replied, “Hand over Fu Mingzhu, and I’ll spare your life!” As soon as he finished speaking, many armed guards emerged from the courtyard, surrounding Yuwen Cong and his men.
Yuwen Cong replied slowly, “It seems Your Highness has made up your mind to completely side with the capital. Before you proceed, let me advise you: dealing with the tiger may bring short-term gains, but you risk losing long-term benefits. Even if the Great Empress Dowager promises you half the kingdom, you need to hold it securely. Do you think Yuwen Chu will stand by and watch you take advantage so easily?”
Yuwen Qiang laughed, “No need for your concern. If she dares to offer, I dare to accept. As for Yuwen Chu, with Fu Mingzhu in my hands, what can he do? One last time, will you tell me or not?”
Yuwen Cong closed his eyes, “One last time, will Your Highness reconsider?”
Yuwen Qiang furiously ordered, “Seems you won’t shed tears until you see the coffin, men, treat Fifth Master well!”
The guards of the Huan Wang Mansion rushed forward, pinning Yuwen Cong and his men to the ground. A burly guard stepped up and struck Yuwen Cong’s head with the hilt of his sword, causing blood to stream down his face and into his mouth. Despite the pain, he remained still, smirking mockingly.
“Fifth Master!” His subordinates were anxious and wanted to resist, but he stopped them, “Don’t rush. His Highness will change his mind.”
Seeing his composure, Yuwen Qiang suppressed his killing intent. A close attendant whispered, “Mu Qing didn’t follow.”
Yuwen Qiang had a bad feeling. He stepped forward, crushing Yuwen Cong’s hand underfoot, “Will you tell me or not?”
Yuwen Cong could almost hear the bones in his hand breaking. Despite the intense pain, he laughed, “Congratulations, Your Highness. You’ve just lost your last chance!”
Xie Boheng ran in, looking distressed, “Your Highness, the Regent Wangfei just died at the Yang Mansion.”
“Nonsense,” Yuwen Qiang couldn’t believe his ears. How could she be dead? There must be some mistake. He had met Fu Mingzhu before, and she didn’t seem like someone with a short life. How could she die so easily? This was too abnormal.
Yuwen Cong was in so much pain that his face was covered in cold sweat, yet he managed to keep smiling. “Today is Master Yang’s seventieth birthday. All the prominent families in Yicheng have gathered at the Yang residence for a banquet. Even Your Highness must have sent a gift. I failed to hold onto what I couldn’t keep myself, so I’ll give it directly to Your Highness as a token of gratitude for your hospitality these past few days. By now, the whole of Yicheng must know about the death of the Regent Wangfei. Instead of forcing me, Your Highness should think of a way to silence them. Be careful not to let the news spread. Otherwise, within three days, Shen Ruilin will march on Yicheng.”
Whether the dead person was really Fu Mingzhu or not didn’t matter. As long as everyone believed the dead person was Fu Mingzhu and that she died by Yuwen Qiang’s hand, it was enough. This way, regardless of whether Yuwen Qiang believed it or not, he wouldn’t dare make a move before verifying the truth, giving Yuwen Cong a chance to escape.
He regretted only that at the last moment, Fu Mingzhu was taken away and vanished without a trace, along with Mengtai and his men. Alive or dead, they were nowhere to be found. If not for this, his performance today would have been even more convincing, making even Yuwen Chu believe Fu Mingzhu was truly dead.
Yuwen Qiang immediately lifted his foot off Yuwen Cong’s hand, laughing, “Fifth Brother, you’re truly brave. To be able to talk and laugh in such a situation. Just now, I was joking with you. Does it hurt? Of course, it does. Someone, take Fifth Master down and treat his injuries!”
As Yuwen Cong was being taken away, Yuwen Qiang’s smile faded. He looked darkly at Xie Boheng, “What’s going on?”
Xie Boheng, with a mournful expression, said, “Someone reported seeing a pregnant woman resembling the Regent Wangfei at the Yang residence. We pursued her, but she panicked and jumped from the Yang family’s pavilion, ending up unrecognizable from the fall.”
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