Chapter 729: Increasingly Protective
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
But things don’t always go as planned, do they? Ignoring the Great Empress Dowager and the orthodox faction’s opinions, Mingzhu herself wanted to find that book to do her part for her parents. She quietly asked Du Heng, “I asked Jiang Zhouzi, and Huazhou is not far from here. If I want to continue forward, how much danger can we expect?”
Du Heng said, “Now that Yicheng is in chaos with everyone busy vying for power and profit, they wouldn’t dare to openly oppose the court. If you still wish to continue forward, we can arrange a team to escort you. It might cost more in terms of manpower and resources, but there’s no need to worry about danger. For now, focus on resting and wait for news from the capital.”
Thus, Mingzhu settled down peacefully, awaiting Yuwen Chu’s response. She knew he wouldn’t be happy, but finishing this task without causing any harm was the only thing she could do now. Having come this far, she didn’t want to give up halfway and let the sacrifices of Jing Song and Su Momo go to waste.
The news of Huan Wang Yuwen Qiang’s death and Huan Wang’s seal, passed down through generations, quickly reached the capital, causing a huge uproar. Yuwen Chu had already learned of it through his own channels, so he remained the calmest person in the entire court.
The death of Huan Wang and the chaos in Yicheng were highly beneficial for the war situation, not only breaking the alliance between the North and Yicheng, making it easier to quell the rebellion, but also removing a potential supporter of the Great Empress Dowager. Although Yuwen Chu should have been pleased, everyone noticed he didn’t smile; instead, the Regent maintained a gloomy face, silently handling state affairs. Despite his good temper and self-control, he unexpectedly lashed out at Empress Fu Zifei one evening for unknown reasons, causing her to cry bitterly and claim illness, staying out of sight for several days.
Some said he was overbearing, but he remained unfazed, continuing his stern demeanor. People concluded the issue lay with the Regent Wangfei. They had learned the eastern convoy was a decoy and that the real Regent Wangfei had gone south. Many speculated that her involvement was significant in Huan Wang’s death. However, the exact details remained unknown.
Rumors spread wildly. Some guessed the Regent Wangfei was captured and mistreated by Huan Wang, prompting Yuwen Chu’s furious retaliation. Others believed she disobeyed Yuwen Chu, causing a marital dispute.
Meanwhile, in court, the orthodox faction and Yuwen Chu’s supporters argued over who should control Yicheng, suppress the local tyrants, and manage its resources. After much deliberation, the Great Empress Dowager proposed Yuwen You, while Yuwen Chu firmly insisted on Shen Ruilin, leaving no room for negotiation.
Given Shen Ruilin’s outstanding performance in the rebellion and the Shen family’s military influence, this decision gained strong support from the military. Thus, in May, the young but steady Shen Ruilin took office in Yicheng. As a compromise, Yuwen You was assigned to assist Shen Ruilin with administrative duties.
The two divided their responsibilities, Shen Ruilin handling military affairs and Yuwen You managing civil matters, working together to reclaim and stabilize the small towns seized by various warlords after Yuwen Qiang’s death, while also planning Mingzhu’s journey.
Mingzhu realized only after being sent off and waving goodbye to Shen Ruilin that despite being so close during his tenure in Yicheng, they had only met three times, each time too brief or interrupted by urgent military matters.
Reflecting on this, she expressed her feelings to Donghui, “General Shen is really busy. I wanted to chat with him about Aunt and his own affairs, but never got the chance. Perhaps he won’t be as busy when I return?”
Donghui vaguely responded, “Hmm.” It wasn’t that General Shen was truly that busy, but rather that Yuwen Chu wanted him to stay that way, ensuring that no matter how long Mingzhu stayed, Shen Ruilin would remain occupied until she left.
In the aftermath of the chaos in the South, despite minor disturbances, Mingzhu’s thousand-strong escort quickly subdued them. As her pregnancy progressed, she traveled slowly, finally reaching Huazhou at the end of June. Nearing childbirth, she settled there, focusing on her health and preparing for her second child’s arrival. Memorizing medical texts was taxing, so she decided to wait until after her delivery and recovery.
Jiang Zhouzi, despite his anxiety, refrained from voicing his concerns, concentrating on ensuring her well-being. Donghui and Du Heng bustled around, arranging for a wet nurse, midwife, and preparing baby clothes, ensuring Mingzhu received the same meticulous care as during her first childbirth. Local magnates, eager to gain favor, offered their treasures, but Mingzhu only accepted what was appropriate, firmly regulating her guards, fostering a harmonious atmosphere.
However, her lavish journey sparked another round of criticism from the orthodox faction, accusing her of wasting resources and being too extravagant. Yuwen Chu, composed, responded to each accusation.
What? You say we shouldn’t have mobilized so many people? That was to find a cure for the Great Empress Dowager. Do you wish for her to remain uncured? Where’s your loyalty? You must be colluding with the rebels of Zhongshan!
What? You say it was too costly? Wasting state funds? Did we use your family’s money? That was our own. How we choose to spend it is our business. When did the Regent’s household finances become your concern? Are you envious?
What? You claim it stirred public resentment? Really? Which eye saw that, which ear heard it? All the reports I received praised the Regent Wangfei’s kindness, her efforts not to disturb the locals unless absolutely necessary. Look, she even stood up for the poor, capturing many bullies, traffickers, and bandits. Wherever she went, the people welcomed her and even built shrines in her honor. What more do you want? Why don’t you try taking her place?
Oh, Mr. Meng, you say these reports are exaggerated, that the people under me are trying to curry favor by inflating the facts? So what? I know exactly what kind of person the Wangfei is. If I say she’s good, then she’s good. Do you have anything else to say? We haven’t even settled the matter from last time, and here you are again? I’ve heard your relationship with your wife isn’t great. Have you ever considered why?
Mr. Meng retreated silently, unable to avoid another sleepless night. It seemed his highness had become even more protective, to the point of attacking his personal affairs. While the Wangfei wasn’t adept at political machinations, his highness excelled in them and didn’t need her to contribute. Her ability to be obedient and weak when necessary, to endure hardships, and to assert herself when needed, made her even more formidable. Over time, if she made any unreasonable demands, as long as they didn’t cross a certain line, his highness would likely fulfill them unconditionally.
The wise and mighty Regent, with a charming yet petty Wangfei clinging to his leg, truly affected his image!
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
