Chapter 73: Scheming
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Fu Mingzheng came in from outside with a smirk, mocking, “He’s just your distant cousin, but I’m your real brother. How come you don’t remember what I like to eat?”
Mingzhu had something to ask Fu Mingzheng, so she said generously, “We must have another bowl of duck blood and vermicelli soup! It should be piping hot and spicy. I’ll pay for it!”
Fu Mingzheng didn’t like to eat big fish and meat dishes, but he loved this soup. Seeing Mingzhu speak, he didn’t argue with her anymore and just gestured to her before walking out.
The two siblings went to the courtyard and found a quiet place with no one else around. Mingzhu then asked him about the situation in the palace, “I know Fourth Brother is well-informed. Tell me quickly, what’s going on!”
“This morning, several princes went to pay respects to the Great Empress Dowager. Empress Dowager Min fell ill, and the imperial physicians were summoned three times overnight. The Emperor drew his sword and killed a palace maid who didn’t serve well… In the afternoon, the Great Empress Dowager summoned Scholar Weng, who teaches the princes, and others to inquire about the princes’ studies. As you wished, things are heating up.” Fu Mingzheng gloated, “I heard that our nephew, the Emperor, has threatened to kill you. Next time you see him, you should avoid him in advance, or you might accidentally get killed by him.”
“Would he dare? He’s just talking big. He only dares to vent his anger on palace maids.” Mingzhu dismissed it.
The young emperor at this time was just a cruel child, and a timid and dark-minded child at that. He was afraid of the Great Empress Dowager and her father, and of course, he was also resentful towards them. He hated and feared them on one hand, and only dared to vent his anger on palace maids on the other hand.
Empress Dowager Min wouldn’t teach him anything right, she would only instigate him to deal with people and things she didn’t like. As long as she could please him, she wouldn’t care if he killed ten innocent palace maids in a day.
In her previous life, Mingzhu didn’t do anything, and her fate was still bad. Now, even if she deeply offended this mother and son pair, at most, it would just be a “death” sentence. She had died before, so what was there to be afraid of!
“Ah, so you’re this bold.” Fu Mingzheng smirked, “I really think Father spoils you too much.”
Mingzhu rolled her eyes at him, “Are you jealous?”
Fu Mingzheng was struck by Mingzhu’s sharp words, and for a moment, he was speechless. After a while, he laughed coldly, “Even if I am jealous, so what? Father has only you as a daughter, but he has four sons. Not to mention, I’m just an illegitimate child who’s neither good at literature nor martial arts.”
Mingzhu unceremoniously said, “Yes, eldest brother achieved the triple excellence through his own skills. Second brother is stationed at the border, earning military achievements through his own efforts in battle. As for third brother…” She mentioned Fu Mingqing and chuckled, “Third brother is also a renowned talented individual, with deep proficiency in poetry, painting, calligraphy, and music. As for you, apart from being clever, fierce, and troublesome, there’s really nothing else to praise. You’re just jealous that father indulges me. But have you ever considered that among all the illegitimate children in the capital, who else dares to be as bold as me? While daring to quarrel with his own father, he still lives comfortably and freely.”
“This tongue of yours is quite sharp,” Fu Mingzheng couldn’t argue with her and angrily said, “Don’t come to me for help in the future! Even if you do, I won’t help you.”
Mingzhu just smiled, “Actually, I went to see Ban Jian today and discussed a new idea with him. There’s a kind of hidden sleeve arrow, very small and convenient for women to wear, but if made well, it’s extremely powerful. I want to get one to play with. I wonder if fourth brother is interested?”
If fourth brother has such a personal protective device, wouldn’t the chances of surviving in the future turmoil be higher?
Fu Mingzheng was a bit tempted but refused to back down, “Who knows if what you come up with will be a useless piece of junk? It’s better to show off after it’s really well made.”
After saying that, he turned to leave, but then turned back seemingly casually and reminded, “With your arrogant temper, princes and grandsons will have no good fortune. If you marry and continue your mischief, sooner or later you’ll be beaten and sent back, or even quietly poisoned to death! In my opinion, it’s better to find someone honest, considerate, and devoted who will stick by you faithfully no matter what mischief you get up to.”
“What does that mean?” Mingzhu stopped him, saying, “Make yourself clear before you leave.”
Fu Mingzheng disdainfully rolled his eyes, “If you don’t understand, forget it. I don’t like talking to stupid people. It makes me stupid too.”
Mingzhu thought to herself for a while, then smiled faintly. This stubborn but soft-hearted Fourth Brother of hers always found fault with her, but he always cared about her affairs. This was a reminder for her: since Yuwen You and Yuwen Long were both unsuitable, why not seize Shen Ruilin? That big silly guy was indeed quite good, the only downside being that his father Shen Mingshan definitely wouldn’t like it.
But if this marriage could be arranged, it would be beneficial for her, even for the entire Fu family. Shen Mingshan and Madam Cui were cousins, but the two families had never been close. The reason was simple: Shen Mingshan was a loyal and upright general who disliked palace intrigue and especially despised Fu Cong’s cunning and power-hungry behavior.
When Shen Mingshan was captured by Ji Country in the past, his whole family was nearly wiped out, and it was only because his old mother pleaded to Madam Cui for help that they were saved. Madam Cui, moved by pity, begged Fu Cong to help, which led to Shen Ruilin being taken in by the Fu family for upbringing.
Later, Shen Mingshan miraculously escaped from Ji Country and Fu Cong recommended him as the commander-in-chief in the Battle of Langya Pass, where he achieved a brilliant victory, turning his fortunes around. With so much favor from the Fu family, their relationship should have been solid. Unfortunately, Shen Mingshan was stubborn and proud by nature.
He might not have been willing to accept Fu Cong’s help back then, and even less so now that he had turned his life around. He couldn’t stand some of Fu Cong’s behavior and actions, which led to a falling out between the two families.
However, Shen Ruilin was a special person. He was loyal, straightforward, grateful, and always remembered kindness. Whenever he came to the capital, he would definitely visit the Fu residence to see Fu Cong and Madam Cui. He was very respectful to the Fu family members he met outside as well. Not to mention, he went against his father’s orders and wholeheartedly supported the Fu family.
Mingzhu remembered that when she asked him to escort her mother and nephew to Changhua to seek a living, he said, “If it weren’t for Aunt and Uncle’s help and upbringing, I would have died unjustly with my entire Shen family. How could I have my present today?”
Even when they were children, although she teased and annoyed him, whenever someone bullied or provoked her outside, he would always be the first to stand up for her. Such a person, if she married him, should bring unexpected benefits to the family, right? After all, Shen Mingshan held heavy military power and was highly respected in the army. If the two families were to be allied through marriage, they would be bound together, and Shen Ruilin’s protective nature would surely treat her well.
As long as she married Shen Ruilin, if her father and aunt couldn’t bear to let her go with him to the border, they would definitely call him back, maybe even station him in the capital. If they replaced the person sitting on the Dragon Throne, then perhaps they could escape that disaster.
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