Chapter 754: Taking Someone Away
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Mingzhu clasped Imperial Consort Min’s hand in return, smiling. “It’s my duty to handle my sister’s marriage. I wonder if Royal Mother has discussed this matter with His Highness?”
Imperial Consort Min chuckled. “He’s so busy; I didn’t have the heart to bother him. Such matters, the two of us can decide. I’ll make the decisions, and you’ll make the arrangements.”
“Alright.” Mingzhu agreed readily. There must be something fishy in this, though she didn’t know the exact reason. It would be fine to agree for now and discuss it with Yuwen Chu later.
Imperial Consort Min reiterated, “Ah Lang doesn’t even have time to sleep. Let’s not tell him about this for now.”
“Agreed.” Mingzhu became more certain that this was no ordinary matter. She discreetly summoned someone to attend to them, but only saw Su Lan enter, without Zheng Momo. She found it odd and asked, “Where is Zheng Momo?”
Su Lan leaned in and whispered softly, “She’s got a stomachache.”
Shortly after, Zheng Momo hurried in, feeling embarrassed as she stood behind Mingzhu. “This old servant has embarrassed herself.”
People have urgent needs; no one can guarantee they won’t make mistakes. Mingzhu didn’t mind. She stood up and bid farewell to Imperial Consort Min. “I have to visit a few more senior consorts, and it’s necessary to visit the Great Empress Dowager too.” Before she could finish, a palace maid came to report, “The Great Empress Dowager heard that Regent Wangfei has entered the palace and asked the Wangfei to bring the children over.”
Things just happen as they’re spoken. Imperial Consort Min frowned. “How about finding an excuse not to let the children go?”
Mingzhu shook her head. Finding such an excuse wouldn’t be easy. Thankfully, she had prepared various kinds of food for the children before they left, so they were stuffed, unable to drink even water. Constipation was just a matter of eating some hawthorn digestion pills; eating the wrong thing would be troublesome.
In Changxin Palace, Fu Zifei and Ji Hui were just leaving together. They looked intimate, chatting and laughing. Upon seeing Mingzhu, Ji Hui stepped back and respectfully greeted her, while Fu Zifei stepped forward with a smile. “Aunt, you’ve finally come. Royal Grandmother heard early on that you brought the children to the palace and has been looking forward to it. Who knew you wouldn’t come?”
Mingzhu gave her a faint smile. “Was there such a thing? I asked when I arrived early, and they said the Royal Grandmother was resting and didn’t allow anyone to disturb her, so I didn’t dare to come. It’s embarrassing for the Empress to say that. I should really find the palace maid who spread the news and give them a good scolding. Let’s see if they dare to speak nonsense again.”
Fu Zifei forced a smile. “It’s probably a misunderstanding. It’s good that you’re here now.” She reached out to hold Millet, “Is this little niece? So adorable, let big sister hold her.”
Mingzhu stopped her, smiling sweeter than honey. “The Empress’s status is noble, I dare not trouble the Empress Niang Niang.” Fu Zifei’s face twitched slightly. She reluctantly went to pull Zhuangzhuang. “They’re already so big.”
Zhuangzhuang dodged into the arms of his nurse, not letting her touch him. Mingzhu was very satisfied. With a fake smile, she said, “I dare not delay Empress Niang Niang, respectfully sending off Empress Niang Niang.”
Fu Zifei smiled and waved for Ji Hui to come over. “Didn’t you say you wanted to learn dance from the Regent Wangfei? This is a good opportunity. You should seize it.” With that, she left.
Ji Hui stood awkwardly on the side, looking at Mingzhu with unease. “Wangfei, this servant…”
Fu Zifei deliberately left Ji Hui behind to make her uncomfortable and let Mingzhu deal with her, right? Mingzhu smiled kindly and asked, “Are you used to staying here?”
Ji Hui was pleasantly surprised, her long eyelashes flickering, a thin layer of blush appearing on her white, jade-like face. “It’s fine. It’s bustling and peaceful here, and the weather is warmer than in the north. Everyone treats me quite well.”
Mingzhu said, “There have been many things recently, and I haven’t touched dance for a long time. If I have time in the future, I’ll learn from Miss Ji. If you have something to do, you can leave first, no need to accompany me.”
Ji Hui was quite discerning, immediately bowing and taking her leave. Her movements were graceful and elegant, making her appear even more composed and elegant. Even Mingzhu couldn’t help but feel a fondness for her.
The Great Empress Dowager was reclining against the bedhead, listening to Sang Shen recite scriptures. When she saw Mingzhu leading the two children in, she signaled for Sang Shen to step back and gestured for Mingzhu to bring the children over. “Let me take a good look at the two children. Sigh, when one gets old, one doesn’t know when one will suddenly close one’s eyes and depart. Being able to see is a blessing.”
Perhaps seeing Zhuangzhuang reminded her of Yuwen Chu. Royal Grandmother only showed a perfunctory glance at Zhuangzhuang before ignoring him. She was more affectionate towards Millet. “Just like you when you were little.” She gestured to Mingzhu, “You were so tiny back then, lying in my arms, not shy at all. I wished you were my own.”
Mingzhu smiled faintly. Time had passed, and when she first reincarnated, all she could think about was changing the fate of her family. She didn’t want her parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and relatives to die tragically, nor did she want the Great Empress Dowager to silently pass away without anyone caring. She never imagined that when she became another Fu Mingzhu and things changed, the Great Empress Dowager would also change her attitude accordingly.
The Great Empress Dowager had been ill for a long time and was mentally weak. She quickly lost interest in playing with the children and gestured for the wet nurse to take them away. “There are many pastries freshly presented from the imperial kitchen, all of which are not available outside. Take them there to eat, and give them whatever they like.”
Mingzhu gave the wet nurse a look and greeted the Great Empress Dowager, “After adjusting the prescription, does Your Majesty feel any better?”
The Great Empress Dowager was noncommittal, “I know you want to ask about Jiang Zhouzi, right? Ying Wang sent someone earlier to say he wanted to take Jiang Zhouzi out to treat your father. I refused.”
Mingzhu felt a sinking feeling in her heart but then heard the Great Empress Dowager continue, “I refused not because I don’t care about your father, but because it’s strange. Why couldn’t our family’s matters be communicated by our own people? Why must an outsider be involved? Since he asked, I refused. If you ask, I’ll let you take him.” She then expressed her sadness and disappointment, “Your father ultimately sees me as an enemy. He won’t even tell me he’s unwell, let alone visit me. Does he really see me as so irredeemable?” After saying this, she indeed shed tears.
Mingzhu wasn’t sure if her feelings were genuine or feigned. After careful consideration, she still chose not to reveal her father Fu Cong’s true condition. “It’s not that I didn’t come or that my father wouldn’t see you, but we feared upsetting you.”
The Great Empress Dowager wiped her tears and said quietly, “Fine, say what you will. After all, we are family. No matter how we clash, we’re still connected. You tell me honestly, though our paths differ, have I ever harbored ill intentions towards you? Have I ever harmed you?”
Mingzhu kept her head down, saying nothing. The Great Empress Dowager then waved her off, “I just wanted to see you and the children, and let you take Jiang Zhouzi with you. Go now, so you don’t feel stifled here, making me uncomfortable too.”
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