Chapter 819: Mother and Son Turn Against Each Other
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“But they’re either dead or about to die. As a mother, I still despise you, and I always will!” Mingzhu motioned for Princess Consort Cui, who had been waiting outside, to come in and instructed Ye Xiu to bring Third Master Cui in as well.
Princess Consort Cui was in tears. He had only just heard Third Master Cui’s screams, realizing he was in the next room. He couldn’t help but feel a bit resentful towards Mingzhu for setting this up, causing his son such despair. However, he also felt a sense of relief, finally having his hopes dashed, which would allow him to live honestly in the future without getting involved in further schemes.
As for the Longsheng Great Eldest Princess, he had long lost hope. Her stubbornness and cruelty, prioritizing her power over family and love, made any further discussion pointless.
Third Master Cui was carried out, still in a state of hysteria, crying bitterly, wallowing in self-pity. Princess Consort Cui went to comfort him, and the father and son cried together, shedding countless tears.
The Longsheng Great Eldest Princess’s lips trembled as she tried to step forward several times but stopped, instead glaring at Mingzhu with hatred. Mingzhu ignored her, waiting patiently for Third Master Cui to calm down.
Princess Consort Cui, a good father, comforted Third Master Cui softly. After much effort, when Third Master Cui finally stopped crying, the Longsheng Great Eldest Princess said, “Sanlang, I am…”
Third Master Cui refused to look at her, shouting hoarsely, “Don’t talk to me! I don’t have a mother like you! I only hate my bad luck for being your son!”
The Longsheng Great Eldest Princess fumed, “Useless thing! You fell for such a simple trick? Are you going to help outsiders harm your own mother? You unfilial wretch! If you really do this, I’ll disown you!”
Third Master Cui choked, “Disown me then. You never considered me your son anyway. You talk about filial piety, but what about my father, who’s been heartbroken for you, and my innocent sister-in-law and nephews? I won’t let them die with you!” He looked at Mingzhu with red eyes, “Take me away. I don’t want to see her anymore! I want to report her for treason, conspiracy to murder court officials, and plotting to overthrow the government!”
Time was of the essence. This kind of stimulation had to be acted upon quickly before Third Master Cui could calm down and have second thoughts. Mingzhu immediately ordered Ye Xiu, “Take Third Master Cui to the Dali Temple.”
Princess Consort Cui looked at her pitifully. Mingzhu decisively assured him, “Rest assured.”
Third Master Cui, unwilling to leave, shouted, “Regent Wangfei, if I report her, can you guarantee my father and nephews won’t be harmed?”
Mingzhu solemnly replied, “I stake my life on it.”
Third Master Cui gave a bitter smile, hitting his chair forcefully. Ye Xiu personally escorted him to the Dali Temple, where officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate were waiting to immediately start the trial and establish the facts.
But this wasn’t enough. The public trial was two days away, where officials would listen, and Third Master Cui’s testimony was crucial. There would inevitably be those trying to persuade him to change his mind, so his resolve needed to be solidified. Princess Consort Cui, who cared deeply for his family and harbored resentment towards Longsheng, was the best person to strengthen Third Master Cui’s resolve.
Mingzhu turned to Princess Consort Cui, “Uncle, if you’re worried, you can go see him.”
Princess Consort Cui, previously dejected, perked up, “Every day?”
Mingzhu nodded, “Anytime you want. I heard he gets along well with the seventh grandson in your family, is that right?”
Third Master Cui himself was a homosexual and half-paralyzed, without children of his own, but he loved kids and got along well with his nieces and nephews, especially his seventh nephew. This child was very fond of Third Master Cui and always remembered him when there was something tasty to share. Mingzhu thought that if this sweet child could visit Third Master Cui and remind him of his responsibilities, it might strengthen Third Master Cui’s resolve to abandon the Longsheng Great Eldest Princess and protect his nieces and nephews.
Princess Consort Cui immediately understood Mingzhu’s intention and silently bowed to her, “I will bring Little Seven to see him.”
“Indeed, the most venomous is a woman’s heart. I will fight you to the death!” The Longsheng Great Eldest Princess finally seemed to comprehend the situation and, with a look of murderous rage, tried to lunge at Mingzhu. This time, the guards rushed forward without waiting for Mingzhu’s order, pinning her to the ground and tying her up tightly.
Mingzhu said calmly, “Take this treacherous rebel and lock her in the imperial prison. After the trial by the Three Judicial Offices, the Emperor will decide her fate.”
The Longsheng Great Eldest Princess tried to scream, but Princess Consort Cui stepped forward, grabbed her hair, and shoved a handful of dirt into her mouth, “Vicious woman, I must have owed you in a past life!”
The Longsheng Great Eldest Princess spat in his face and sneered, “Fu Mingzhu, you might be enjoying yourself now, thinking you are doing justice for Yuwen Chu, but you are just a fool being used! Just wait. When you grow old and useless, see how he tramples you like dirt, how he cruelly kills you and your son! Your entire family will be destroyed with no burial place!”
Although she expected such insults, Mingzhu couldn’t stand hearing malicious words about her children and family. She angrily looked at Dong Hui, “Her mouth is filthy, I don’t want to hear her anymore.”
Dong Hui picked up an inkstone and struck the Longsheng Great Eldest Princess’s mouth hard. She screamed, and blood flowed with her teeth, finally silencing her.
Dong Hui calmly instructed the guards, “Take the prisoner away and make sure she stays alive. She deserves to be quartered in the marketplace for her crimes.”
The Longsheng Great Eldest Princess was dragged out, glaring fiercely at Princess Consort Cui and Mingzhu without begging for mercy.
Mingzhu bid farewell to Princess Consort Cui, “The matter here is settled, I should go back.”
Princess Consort Cui, utterly defeated, had no spirit left to argue with Mingzhu. He hoarsely said, “Farewell, Wangfei. Please remember the promises you made to me.”
Mingzhu nodded, her emotions complex but maintaining a composed exterior as she left.
When she returned, Yuwen Chu was still discussing state affairs with his advisors. She didn’t disturb him but changed into clean clothes and went to see Zhuangzhuang and Millet. Zhuangzhuang was becoming increasingly mischievous, no longer content with ordinary games with Iron Hammer. He was trying to climb onto Iron Hammer’s back, fiercely driving away the nursemaids and maids trying to stop him. Without Su Lan present, the nursemaids and maids were too afraid of Iron Hammer to pull Zhuangzhuang away, creating quite a chaotic scene.
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