Chapter 798: Well Matched
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
After leaving Changxin Palace, Mingzhu deliberately went to see Imperial Consort Min. It was evident that Imperial Consort Min had also heard about the bloodshed and chaos outside. Seeing her, Imperial Consort Min was anxious and bombarded her with questions. Mingzhu just comforted her, “Nothing’s wrong. Mother knows, right? His Highness always has his own way of doing things and won’t let others take advantage of him.”
Imperial Consort Min, seeing Mingzhu’s relaxed expression, relaxed a little more, but still pinched her eyelids and said, “My eyelids have been twitching, and I can’t shake the feeling that something big is about to happen.”
Funing, sitting aside and doing her embroidery, couldn’t help but ridicule her. “I told you long ago, Mother, you’re just idle. His Highness is someone you know well. He’s the one who schemes against others, not the other way around.”
Imperial Consort Min waved her away, saying, “Go! Go! The more you talk, the more outrageous it becomes. As the saying goes, two fists cannot defeat four hands. No matter how capable the sixth prince is, he can’t withstand others’ malicious intentions. He has just become the Regent, and there are plenty of people who don’t accept him. He can’t kill them all.”
Funing snorted coldly. “In my opinion, so what if he kills them? What can they do? There are always new officials to replace the old ones. Are we afraid of not having anyone to fill the positions? Isn’t that right, sister-in-law?”
Mingzhu smiled slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and simply said, “Sister, your craftsmanship is getting better and better. The color combination is lovely.”
“If you like it, sister-in-law, I can make ten or twenty more for you. I’ll have someone drill holes in the beads and jade fragments and weave them in. It’ll be quite unique.” Feeling proud after receiving the compliment, Funing suddenly remembered, “Sister-in-law, it’s been a while since you sent out your letter, hasn’t it?”
“What letter?” Mingzhu didn’t react immediately, which made Funing angry. “You said you cared about my lifelong event. Just look at yourself, you’ve forgotten the things you promised me. How dare you speak so shamelessly!” With that, she slammed her hand down and stormed out.
“She’s talking about the letter to the Shen family,” Imperial Consort Min sighed. “It’s already a troubled time, she shouldn’t bother you with this matter, but you also know Funing’s concerns. She’s not young anymore, and you’re already the mother of two children. With her stuck in this situation, it’s inevitable that she would have thoughts.”
“The letter was indeed sent out, but we haven’t received any response yet. As you know, there are battles everywhere, and it’s not easy for General Shen to handle this matter. He’s leading troops outside, and receiving and sending letters are not that easy.” Mingzhu thought that Funing had forgotten or lost interest in this matter since it hadn’t been mentioned for so long. She didn’t expect it to be brought up suddenly. However, she could only sincerely advise Imperial Consort Min, “Actually, I feel that there will be immediate battles again. Mother, it might be better to wait.”
Funing’s marriage had already been tossed around once. If there were any more mistakes on Shen Ruilin’s side, it would be delayed again, and it wouldn’t sound good. Although Imperial Consort Min understood Mingzhu’s meaning, she still sighed, “Ah Lang said the same to me before, but there’s a recent rumor in the palace that the Great Empress Dowager intends to marry Ji Hui to Young General Shen. That’s why Funing is anxious.”
Ji Hui? Mingzhu took a sip of tea, seriously considering this possibility for a moment, and then felt that it was quite appropriate. Although Shen Ruilin was a military general, he was taught by her father, proficient in various arts, and quite talented.
Seeing Mingzhu remain silent, Imperial Consort Min sighed again, “Forget it, forget it, I won’t say anymore. You’re all busy enough, I shouldn’t add to your troubles. How about this, why don’t you send both children to me, and I’ll take care of them for you? You’ll be more at ease.”
Mingzhu didn’t want to. “It’s not that I’m unwilling, but I’m worried. Mother, have you forgotten what happened before? The palace is too treacherous.”
Imperial Consort Min immediately dispelled the idea, “My apologies for not considering it. I won’t keep you any longer. Don’t worry about us and go back to rest early.”
Mingzhu did have other things to attend to. “Then I’ll take my leave.” Instead of bothering Yuwen Chu, she quietly left the palace along the same path she came. When she reached the front, the students causing trouble had dispersed. There were many bloodstains and stones scattered on the ground, even shoes and other items.
Ye Xiu was sent to inquire and came back with a pleased look in his eyes. “It didn’t escalate too much. There was a spy trying to cause trouble, but it was stopped by Linan Wang. The bloodstains and everything were caused by the spy who was beaten to death on the spot. Now the students have sent representatives to enter the palace to meet His Majesty and His Highness.”
Mingzhu was also pleased. Although the situation wasn’t completely resolved, it was still good news. “Let’s go to the Marquis Runan’s Mansion.” If she wasn’t mistaken, news about her second brother should be coming soon.
In the Lansheng Pavilion, Yuwen Chu arranged for the representatives sent by the students to be settled and sent everyone else away, leaving only Yuwen You.
Yuwen You was still wearing armor, but he had removed his sword and left it outside. He looked at Yuwen Chu expressionlessly. “What instructions does Sixth Brother have for leaving me here?”
“I’m surprised by what Ninth Brother did.” Yuwen Chu had already heard about the whole incident. From the beginning, he had expected Yuwen You to be among those who would die, but Yuwen You unexpectedly changed his mind and survived. Perhaps this was due to Mingzhu’s persuasion, or it might have been Yuwen You’s own thoughts. However, Yuwen Chu’s feelings at the moment were quite complicated. Nevertheless, he agreed with Yue Guo Gong’s view; it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble during this chaotic time.
Yuwen You curled his lips slightly. “I just did my part as a member of the Yuwen family. If we start making a fuss at home, that’s just a family matter. If we let outsiders in to watch the joke, that wouldn’t be good.”
Yuwen Chu tapped the table lightly. “What do you need? As long as it’s reasonable, I’ll help you.” Yuwen You’s actions were equivalent to betrayal in the eyes of the Great Empress Dowager and others, and he would inevitably face consequences.
Yuwen You was somewhat surprised. He thought that based on the grudges between him and Yuwen Chu, Yuwen Chu would wait to see him self-destruct. He didn’t expect Yuwen Chu to ask him what he needed help with. Although this help might not be sincere, what choice did a person at the end of the road have? After a moment of silence, he said, “If I say I want to go to the Northern Territory to lead troops into battle, will Sixth Brother agree?”
Yuwen Chu frowned slightly. “I need to think about it.”
Knowing that they wouldn’t trust him, Yuwen You’s lips curled into a knowing, ironic smile. He bowed, then left. When he stepped outside, the strong sunlight pierced his eyes, making him want to shed tears in an instant. With both sides against him, not even knowing why he couldn’t have children, it was miserable to the extreme. No wonder Fu Mingzhu didn’t fancy him back then.
Mei Yusi poured tea for Yuwen Chu and quietly reported Mingzhu’s recent activities in the palace. “She played a song in the Great Empress Dowager’s palace, forced the Great Empress Dowager to take medicine, then sat in Ji Hui’s room for a while, and visited the Concubine Mother. Now she’s left.”
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
