Chapter 787: Do Not Dare
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Mei Yusi knew Yuwen Chu wasn’t asking him but rather Wangfei, so he replied calmly, “Yes, sent back. Wangfei scolded him for his audacity in dirtying the memorials.”
Another one speaking up for Mingzhu, Yuwen Chu thought, glancing at Mei Yusi, “Are you planning to serve Wangfei in the future?”
Mei Yusi smiled calmly, “I serve His Highness. Wherever His Highness sends me, I will go.” Although he answered flawlessly, he didn’t deny his willingness.
Yuwen Chu glared at him, “You wish! You’re all just looking for the easy life beside Wangfei. She’s easy to deceive and soft-hearted.”
Mei Yusi laughed, “Well, you can’t blame me. Everyone knows it’s good to find shade under a big tree.”
Yuwen Chu silently watched Mei Yusi.
Mei Yusi lowered his eyes, his lips still carrying a faint smile, appearing untroubled and straightforward.
“If you seek the shade of a big tree, isn’t this Highness not a good tree to rely on?” Yuwen Chu said coolly, “Mei Yusi, do you remember what year you entered the palace?”
Mei Yusi replied, “I can’t remember.”
Yuwen Chu said, “It was the first year of Zhengqian.”
Mei Yusi looked impressed, “His Highness has a great memory.”
Yuwen Chu continued, “That year, my elder brother ascended the throne and started a purge. Do you remember how your father and brother died? You were not young when you entered the palace, having experienced worldly riches and pleasures. It must have been very painful when you were castrated, right?”
Mei Yusi slowly knelt, “Your Highness said the past would not be pursued.”
Yuwen Chu smiled, “Of course, the past is not pursued. Your father and brother offended my elder brother, not me. But remember, there is only one Rong Ming; there can never be a second.”
Mei Yusi turned pale, “His Highness is overthinking. I just wanted to make her highness happy.”
“You’re the one overthinking,” Yuwen Chu placed the soup bowl aside, “You are a smart person. Don’t overthink and do your job well. I’m not foolish; I know what needs to be done.”
Mei Yusi quickly collected the soup bowl and fled the room like he was escaping a disaster.
Yuwen Chu watched his retreating figure and murmured to himself, “Running off before even serving me for the night and claiming he has no hidden motives? Wishful thinking. He doesn’t fear being poisoned by me. It seems reading too much makes even a servant restless. From now on, I must abolish the rule allowing the descendants of criminals to serve as palace eunuchs. They should all be sent to guard the borders.”
He rubbed his forehead, his head throbbing as if it would split. He knew the cure for his headaches and insomnia: holding Mingzhu would allow him to sleep soundly. But he knew he couldn’t go back. He couldn’t face Mingzhu, nor could he harden his heart against Fu Mingzhao.
This defeat, no matter the reasons, the main responsibility laid with the commander. He was the one who arranged the troops and devised the plans. He was the one who assigned Fu Mingzhao to Tongzhou. Mingzhu had every right to blame him. Some things, though clear, were unavoidable and required difficult choices due to the high stakes.
Thinking of Mingzhu possibly treating him coldly because of this, blaming and resenting him, Yuwen Chu’s headache worsened. He hoped Fu Mingzheng would bring back good news.
The next day, Mingzhu rose as usual, managing her daily affairs, then took her two children to the Prime Minister Fu’s residence. Zhuangzhuang could already speak fluently and move agilely, his footprints all over the Regent’s residence and the Prime Minister’s residence. Millet started walking early, just over ten months old, but remained lazy. Interested in new things before mastering them, she would lose interest once she did, appearing lazy even at play.
She particularly loved crawling on Fu Cong’s bed as if it hid treasures. Jiajia was her good companion, only a month older but very caring, often handing her toys she was too lazy to fetch. The two children communicated in a language adults couldn’t understand, one active and the other exceedingly lazy, yet in harmony.
Little Stone and Zhuangzhuang, eternal frenemies, would bicker and cry, then quickly reconcile. They looked down on Jiajia and Millet as little kids, finding joy in climbing, catching bugs, and collecting stones.
Li Shumei, pregnant again, radiated a comfortable warmth, fully integrated into the Fu family, busy alongside Lady Qian. Lady Su had fallen ill, and Wenwen, despite her worries, bravely took care of her mother and siblings. Upon seeing Mingzhu, she didn’t plead or beg as others might but advised Mingzhu not to worry too much.
Mingzhu knew she had been forewarned by Fu Mingda and others. Despite her young age, Wenwen’s ability to endure, courage, and capability made her a source of pride. She would surely find happiness when she married into Qi Wang’s family.
Fu Cong dismissed everyone else to talk to Mingzhu, “Don’t think too much. If it’s beyond your control, let it be. There’s no need to rush to the palace. His Highness has his own plans. If he wants to see you, he will return. If he doesn’t, going won’t help.”
Mingzhu didn’t want Fu Cong to worry about her, “I understand. That’s why I haven’t been going to the palace lately. Even if I do, I won’t go to Lansheng Pavilion. He doesn’t want to be disturbed, so I won’t go.”
Fu Cong said gently, “You’re still upset, holding a grudge.”
Mingzhu laid on Fu Cong’s bed, whispering, “I was just worried about him, wanting to see him and let him know I’ll always support him. But he suspected my intentions and embarrassed me. I have my pride too.”
Fu Cong sighed, “Men and women think differently. You think he doesn’t want to see you because you might plead for your brother. But have you considered he doesn’t dare to see you? He’s in pain from the defeat, feeling more humiliated and distressed than anyone. He’s proud and always omnipotent in front of you. Suddenly failing is a deep shame, especially involving your brother. Do you think he dares to see you?”
Mingzhu lowered her head, “Even if he feels ashamed and guilty, he wouldn’t hesitate to act against my brother when necessary. Right? Doesn’t that make father sad and angry too?”
Fu Cong asked, “Do you know why your eldest uncle left the capital and returned to Jiangnan? And why your eldest cousin is so estranged from us?”
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