Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix Chapter 782

Chapter 782: Food (2)

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After walking a bit, Donghui caught up with Mingzhu and whispered, "I've told Wei Tiande. She won't have a good time."

Mingzhu lowered her eyes, adjusting her sleeve lightly. Since she couldn’t vent her anger openly, she'd find another way. If she didn’t teach Fu Zifei some manners, her arrogance would only grow.

"Wangfei." Mei Yusi stood in the shadows beside the path, bowing slightly with a cool yet respectful expression.

Mei Yusi wasn’t one to meddle, and he always seemed busy. If he was waiting here, it wasn't out of idleness. Fu Mingda said, "I'll wait for you up ahead."

Mingzhu nodded lightly. "Chief Mei."

Mei Yusi said, "I have a few words to report to Wangfei. May I ask Wangfei to dismiss the others?"

Mingzhu signaled Zheng Momo and Donghui to step aside.

Mei Yusi took out a small object wrapped in a silk handkerchief from his sleeve and carefully opened it for Mingzhu to see. "This glass bottle came from the Empress's palace and contains a substance that can cause fainting."

Mingzhu was puzzled. "Given the turmoil of the past few years, the palace must have plenty of such things. I wouldn't be surprised to find poison or aphrodisiacs in Fu Zifei’s palace."

Mei Yusi shook his head. "This bottle was a gift from the late Emperor Shang." He showed her the bottom of the bottle, where a small five-clawed golden dragon was intricately drawn.

Mingzhu realized the significance. If this bottle was given by Yuwen Bai, what role had it played in Fu Zifei’s hands? Or what major event had happened in the palace back then? She suddenly remembered Yuwen Fu’s mysterious fall from his horse. At that time, the person closest to him was Fu Zifei.

"County Prince Sien…"

Mei Yusi nodded approvingly. "County Prince Sien's death was suspicious. His body should have been examined, but there was a palace rebellion and a fire, destroying everything."

And at that time, the person guarding Yuwen Fu’s body was Fu Zifei.

Mingzhu frowned, rewrapping the bottle in the silk cloth. She asked softly, "Have you informed His Highness of this?"

Mei Yusi shook his head. "There’s no proof. What’s the point? Besides, the Empress's intentions are complex, and many are watching. It’s better for His Highness not to know."

Many guessed Fu Zifei's affection for Yuwen Chu. They were just looking for an excuse to slander him. If this were exposed, they would accuse Yuwen Chu of using Fu Zifei’s affection to have her kill Yuwen Fu, helping him to become Regent. They wouldn't care about the truth.

Mingzhu clenched the glass bottle. "If it's better for His Highness not to know, why are you telling me?"

Mei Yusi's lips curved into a deep smile, "I feel for County Prince Sien and do not wish to see Wangfei deceived or harmed by villains. I'm here to warn you to be cautious."

Mingzhu nodded gently, "I understand."

"Farewell," Mei Yusi bowed to her and, after taking two steps, turned and left.

Zheng Momo and Donghui approached. "Wangfei?"

Mingzhu tucked the glass bottle into her sleeve and walked toward Fu Mingda, "It's nothing. Let's go."

Fu Mingda and Mingzhu shared a carriage. His tone was heavy, "I think you need to know this: Tongzhou has fallen. Governor Gu Yuliang fought to his death, but your second brother, the garrison commander, is missing. Some say he fled; others say he died."

Fled... Mingzhu clenched her sleeve. If the garrison commander fled, it would be a grave crime. Not only would he lose his reputation and future, but if discovered, he would face certain death. Her second brother was not the kind of man to flee. Someone capable of rebellion and fighting would never desert in battle. She firmly stated, "My brother would never flee. He is not that kind of person."

Fu Mingda smiled bitterly, "We all know he wouldn't, but the fact is, he wasn't in Tongzhou at the time. Even his personal guards can't find his whereabouts. If he's alive, unless he has a compelling reason, he's as good as dead. Neglecting his duty is a charge he can't escape."

Mingzhu's eyes widened in fear, "If...if he were found, would His Highness have him executed?"

Fu Mingda didn't answer, instead looking out the window, "This summer will be hard. It's only the Dragon Boat Festival, but it's already too hot for silk clothes. Do you remember how long it's been since it rained?"

Mingzhu's tears flowed. Her elder brother was telling her how difficult things were for Yuwen Chu. After investing so much effort and resources in the war, it ended in defeat, involving his brother-in-law. The situation was dire, and rumors and slander would be aimed at Yuwen Chu.

So Yuwen Chu didn't see her today not because he couldn't, but because he didn't want to. He wanted her to be mentally prepared, as he might have to punish her brother to give an explanation to the people, lest he lose their support.

Mingzhu choked up, "It's been almost a month without rain, but His Highness said it would rain soon."

"Yes, His Highness knows it will rain soon, but the people are impatient." Fu Mingda's hands trembled on his knees, "Zhu Zhu, we're in big trouble. If your brother is alive but not free, unable to even choose death..."

Mingzhu, with tearful eyes, asked, "If he was framed, is it still his fault?"

Fu Mingda hardened his heart, "Then it's his incompetence! A garrison commander failing, leading to the city's fall and civilian slaughter, must answer with his life. There are no excuses."

Mingzhu covered her face, "Is there no other way?"

Fu Mingda patted her shoulder, "Don't be too upset. I'm talking about the worst-case scenario. If there's any hope, His Highness won't harm your brother. He feels no better than we do. Don't cause him trouble." He lowered his voice, "Your fourth brother has already left the capital to find your second brother, hoping to bring back good news."

Mingzhu cried for a while, then wiped her tears, "What can I do?"

Fu Mingda praised her, "That's the spirit. Things may not be that bad. Just do what you need to do."

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