Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix Chapter 771

Chapter 771: Hitting a Sensitive Spot (Part Four)

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Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. It was inevitable that Fu Mingzhu’s reputation would be damaged. No matter how magnanimous Yuwen Chu was, he couldn’t ignore such unpleasant rumors and suspicions. Coupled with any other unexpected incidents, these two wouldn’t be able to reconcile! As for Yuwen You, if he made her miserable, she would make him miserable too. If they couldn’t share love, they could share hatred!

Liuli suddenly understood and cried, “Princess, why bother? His Highness will be even more angry with you in the future, won’t he?”

The Wusun Princess said coldly, “We women of Wusun have always been like this, did you forget? He married me, deceived my heart, but didn’t give me his heart. Then let’s suffer together! Why should he be happy while I’m sad alone?”

With the Wusun Princess’s troublesome matter, even though everyone tried to appease her, the atmosphere was still strange. Mingzhu didn’t want to continue like this, so after thanking everyone, she began to see her guests off.

Huayang Wangfei and An Xiaogu, as well as Lady Qian and others, stayed behind to comfort her. Huayang Wangfei reminded her, “I noticed several people looking strange just now, so I deliberately inquired, only to find out that everyone knew about how she said you made her pass out from anger. And it spread very unfavorably, all related to what she said today. Xiao Gu and I are not well-informed because of raising children, and we didn’t even know.”

As for the women of the Fu family, it goes without saying. If this went on for a long time, it might reach their ears eventually, but for the time being, everyone deliberately avoided them, so they naturally wouldn’t know.

An Xiaogu said, “There must be hidden motives behind this. With the Wusun Princess’s limited connections, she wouldn’t have been able to spread gossip in just a few days. So there’s probably someone behind the scenes fanning the flames and benefiting from it.”

Li Shumei said, “After I go back, I’ll tell your Fourth Brother to investigate.”

Mingzhu thanked them one by one and repeatedly reminded Lady Qian and others not to let Fu Cong and Madam Cui know. After seeing them off, she sat on the stone bench in the courtyard for a long time, trembling with realization. She had been too nervous just now. Although she hadn’t realized it herself, her body did. Once the tension passed, she couldn’t hold on anymore.

For a woman, especially in her situation, chastity and reputation were too important. One misstep could lead to irreparable disaster. She was actually afraid, afraid that Yuwen Chu would have doubts, afraid that Yuwen Chu would be influenced by the damage to his reputation and, as a result, start to dislike her Millet, turning away from her.

If she had never received anything before, it would be fine, but she had once received his love and favor completely. Suddenly, this love and favor turned sour. It was a heartbreaking thing no matter how you looked at it. To hide true feelings and emotions, then become impervious to all harm, was only out of necessity. No one wanted to end up lonely.

Mingzhu didn’t want Donghui and others to notice her weakness and fear, so she expressed her desire to be alone for a while. She sat alone on the stone bench in the courtyard for a long time, feeling gradually strengthened before getting up and walking inside. “Where’s Your Highness?” she asked.

She felt it was necessary to meet with Yuwen Chu. The wholehearted support and public declaration of admiration just now were only external necessities; deep down, he must be feeling uncomfortable.

“After sending away the Huan Wang and Mister Jiang, His Highness went into the palace, saying there was urgent official business,” Zheng Momo stepped forward to support Mingzhu, whispering, “It was really dangerous just now. The winds are strong and the waves are high lately. Your Highness, please take care.”

Dong Hui glanced at Zheng Momo and added, “His Highness said he would come back for dinner tonight. Your Highness, please wait for him.”

Zheng Momo calmly said, “The old slave has already instructed the kitchen to prepare the dishes His Highness and Your Highness enjoy. Xiangli has also drafted a list. Would Your Highness like to take a look?”

Mingzhu wasn’t in the mood to look at any menu. She replied gloomily, “No need to look. Just handle it yourselves.” Why didn’t Yuwen Chu take a moment to speak to her alone before leaving? Was it really that urgent? And with the recent rumors, hadn’t he heard anything? She knew she shouldn’t overthink, but she couldn’t help it.

Mingzhu felt lazy all afternoon, unable to muster interest in anything. When Zhuang Zhuang woke up from his nap, he climbed onto the bed himself and gently pulled at her clothes, handing her the new little leather ball.

Mingzhu was a bit irritable, but when she met Zhuang Zhuang’s eyes, she suppressed her irritation. She stood up, picked up Zhuang Zhuang with one hand, and said with a smile, “Let’s go play cuju together.”

She changed into a bright red short coat, put Zhuang Zhuang under the shade of a tree, and kicked the ball to show him. She moved gracefully and freely, with a strong body. The ball kept rolling on her body, from her shoulders to her arms, then to her legs, insteps, and toes, with various moves, never stopping.

At first, Zhuang Zhuang was stunned, but then he cheered and ran over, swaying as he held his little leather ball, trying to imitate Mingzhu. However, he couldn’t be as agile as Mingzhu. Even if he placed the ball properly, he would miss it when he ran over to kick it.

For the young Zhuang Zhuang, this was a huge blow. He cried sadly while holding the ball. Mingzhu couldn’t help but laugh heartily, holding him and running around the yard with him until Zhuang Zhuang finally stopped crying and started laughing again.

The laughter woke up Millet, who was also being held by her nursemaid and watching the fun from the side. She laughed along, and Zhuang Zhuang friendly approached her, indicating that she should come down and play with them. Mingzhu picked up Millet, patiently explained to Zhuang Zhuang, “Sister is still young and can’t walk. Brother should learn to play with the ball first and then teach Sister in the future, okay?”

Zhuang Zhuang understood her words and nodded vigorously, then generously kissed Millet. Mingzhu looked at the two children, feeling warm and gentle. The Wusun Princess was right; she already had so much. So what if she encountered a little setback occasionally? Thinking of this, Mingzhu felt happy again.

Su Mei came to report, “Linan Wang has come with Linan Wangfei and wants to apologize to Your Highness.”

Mingzhu didn’t even turn her head and said, “No need, let them go back.” Things had already reached this point; what was the point of apologizing? It would be better never to see each other again. It wasn’t worth being disgusted once, let alone twice.

After a while, Su Mei came back, looking embarrassed. “They refuse to leave and insist on apologizing to Your Highness.”

Mingzhu became furious. “Drive them all away!”

Zheng Momo quickly advised, “It wouldn’t look good if it gets too ugly. If Wangfei trusts the old slave, the old slave will volunteer to go and send them away.”

Mingzhu said, “No need. There’s nothing more to say. Just drive them away.” After that, she ignored the matter and went inside, carrying one child in each arm.

Zheng Momo hesitated for a moment before turning and leaving.

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