Chapter 788: Nursery Rhyme
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Mingzhu frowned, “Wasn’t it because of differing political views between my eldest uncle, you, and the Great Empress Dowager?”
Fu Cong replied, “Your grandmother only had three children: me, your eldest uncle, and your aunt. We grew up together and had a close bond. If it were just a matter of differing political views, it wouldn’t have led to such a complete estrangement. You were too young to remember, but you had a third cousin, about the same age as your second brother. He got involved in a situation that wasn’t entirely his fault, but he couldn’t shirk his responsibility. The situation escalated, and I had no choice but to imprison him and sentence him to death. Your eldest uncle pleaded with me and the Great Empress Dowager, but I couldn’t relent.”
Mingzhu was stunned, then understood, “No wonder. I always thought it was odd that, despite being family, my eldest uncle had such a strange temper, and my eldest cousin and Fu Zifei acted without regard for family ties, solely focused on their ambitions. It turns out they bore a grudge.” She also felt the Great Empress Dowager was too harsh, forsaking familial bonds.
Fu Cong continued, “Having done the same thing myself, I understand His Highness’s position from a rational perspective, though emotionally, I share your feelings. Don’t plead for him or make things difficult for him. Your second brother was framed. I know the child I raised… but having lost him, I don’t want you to be implicated too. Do you understand?”
Mingzhu softly reassured him, “I understand, I won’t be stubborn. Fourth Brother will find Second Brother, and everything will be fine. Let’s not speak ill of the situation.” She resolved not to plead with Yuwen Chu, but she had her own plans. If her second brother was innocent, she would do whatever it took to save him. Otherwise, what was the point of her rebirth?
Fu Cong, gravely ill, seldom concerned himself with outside matters. Speaking so much with Mingzhu had exhausted him. Seeing his pain, Mingzhu forced him to drink calming medicine, lit calming incense, and watched over him until he fell asleep.
From the capital to Tongzhou, even riding swiftly day and night, it would take Fu Mingzheng over twenty days to bring back news. During this waiting period, Mingzhu calmed herself, continuing to send carefully prepared food and supplies to the palace, along with messages of her concern and well-wishes. True to her word, she stopped going to Lansheng Pavilion.
She still visited the palace, responding to summons from the Great Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort Min, who would call her in for conversation and comfort. She remained busy but no longer overwhelmed to the point of breathlessness.
She created a schedule, dividing her time meticulously. Rising at dawn, she would stretch and practice her long-neglected dance skills, play music, then meet with her stewards to manage household affairs. By the time she was done, her children would be awake. She would tell them nursery rhymes, read stories, play games, correct their bad habits, and take them for walks with the now-grown wolf, Iron Hammer. After lunch with the children and their nap, she would rest briefly before attending to outside affairs, visiting the palace or friends, consulting with her elder brother, and striving to return home by dinner to spend the evening with her children. Once they were asleep, she would review the day’s reports and accounts.
This routine afforded her a moment of relaxation each day: brewing her favorite tea, lighting her favorite incense, reading, and writing, all helping her to unwind. By the second watch (9-11 PM), she was in bed, no longer staying up late or waiting for Yuwen Chu.
Though she still missed Yuwen Chu, this life was fulfilling. Regular exercise, learning, early to bed and early to rise, with meaningful tasks and loved ones to care for, kept her energetic and motivated.
Since Jiang Zhouzi was confined to the palace, Mingzhu had Tang Chunlai select a group of talented orphans to study medicine under him. Cai Xia, a female disciple of Shi Jiuqing, emerged from hiding to assist Tang Chunlai. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, Cai Xia was popular and thriving.
Mingzhu often invited Cai Xia for conversation, inquiring about various topics, including gunpowder. Cai Xia, admitting she was more playful than knowledgeable, could only offer limited information. Mingzhu didn’t pressure her, allowing her to pursue her interests freely.
Ten days passed with no news of Fu Mingzhao, but another rumor arose. The capital experienced a severe drought, numerous meteors streaked across the sky, and there were reports of a celestial fire falling in Xiting Town, igniting a mountain blaze that burned for three days and nights. Smoke from the fire was visible from the city walls. Consequently, a nursery rhyme began spreading through the streets, “West in chaos, North in defeat, Beginning troubles, Unfavorable light.”
When Mingzhu heard this rhyme, she understood that the expected crisis had arrived. Unlike the panicked servants in the household, she remained calm, issuing two orders. First, no one was to chase or scold children singing the rhyme. If anyone did, they were to be stopped to prevent further escalation. Second, she had Mr. Meng write ten new nursery rhymes for Li Bochun to teach the orphans at the charity house. These orphans, coming from various backgrounds, were eager learners. They spread the new rhymes throughout the city, mingling with other children, sharing their songs.
After completing these two tasks, Mingzhu had the kitchen prepare a light and delicious meal, then personally selected a bottle of homemade grape wine from the cellar. She changed into simple household gauze clothing, tied her hair into a bun with two pearl flowers, applied no makeup, and sat on the veranda to tell stories to her children.
Halfway through the story, the wolf Iron Hammer, who was lying beside her sleeping, perked up its ears, then trotted out, whining softly. Su Lan gave Mingzhu a look, indicating that Yuwen Chu had arrived. Mingzhu remained composed, her face maintaining a serene smile, and continued telling the story in a gentle voice.
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