The sky seemed to suddenly darken, with gale-force winds, flying sand, and rolling stones. Thunder and lightning filled the air, and raindrops the size of soybeans began to pitter-patter down mercilessly. What was originally a terrifying sight was now greeted with cheers and even tears from the farmers. Some even ran into the rain to kneel and worship the heavens and the earth, wailing loudly. Others quickly brought out containers to collect rainwater for future use, while some took out their dirty clothes, preparing to wash them—just in case the rain stopped after a short while. There wouldn’t be any water in the wells for the time being.
The palace attendants who had come from the capital were scared silly by the sudden downpour. They looked around, hoping to find shelter, but the world was nothing but vastness—where could they find refuge? The strong wind mixed with rain poured into their mouths, eyes, noses, and ears, frightening the horses into a panic.
They had no choice but to dismount and desperately drag the horses through the darkness and pouring rain. After an unknown amount of time, they finally saw some lights. One palace attendant rejoiced, “Let’s go over there for shelter.”
The second attendant hesitated, “If we don’t reach the Regent’s estate before dawn, we won’t have a good ending.”
It’s fate! The third envoy stared at the distant light, determined not to proceed any further, even if it meant death. He looked down on his companions with contempt, thinking how their information networks weren’t as sharp as his. They didn’t know about the ominous prophecy left by the Imperial Observatory, which his eldest son had secretly copied and sent to the Emperor’s desk.
The most d*mning line of that prophecy was that the anomalies of heavenly fire and drought were due to the Regent’s ambition to usurp the throne, something even the heavens couldn’t tolerate. Now that the rains had come, the prophecy seemed less accurate. If this was heaven’s will, why should he go against it?
Unable to persuade his companions, he pretended to fall and successfully convinced them to leave him behind. He watched his companions head towards the endless path ahead, silently prayed, and led his horse to a nearby farmer’s house.
As the rain finally began to lessen, the two remaining envoys struggled onward. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck from the sky, startling their horses into a frenzied gallop. Unable to hold them back, they cursed as they ran, only to find themselves teetering on the edge of a deep trench filled with murky rainwater, illuminated briefly by another flash of lightning. They cried out for help, but amidst the vast, stormy wilderness, who could hear them?
Yuwen Chu poured out the last bit of tea, signaling the maid to clean up. He offered his hand to Mingzhu and helped her up. “It’s late. We should get some sleep. Tomorrow morning, we’ll have grilled fish and then show the children how to plant sweet potatoes.”
Mingzhu placed her hand in his, and they went inside, snuggling together to sleep peacefully.
At Changxin Palace, the wind chimes at the eaves clanged noisily in the wind, waking the Great Empress Dowager from her sleep in a cold sweat. She clutched the hand beside her.
“Grandmother, are you feeling unwell?” asked the gentle, melodic voice of Fu Zifei. She tenderly held the Great Empress Dowager’s hand, her expression full of concern and patience.
The Great Empress Dowager released her hand and looked indifferently around the dimly lit hall. Present were Fu Wang, Huayang Wang, Linan Wang, their wives, the widowed Dai Wangfei, and Emperor Zhengqian’s youngest son, Yuwen Nuo, Xiangcheng County Prince.
The Great Empress Dowager’s gaze fell on Prince Yuwen Nuo, who was only seven years old. Exhausted from staying up all night, he had fallen asleep in his mother’s arms, Consort Jing. Not far away, Emperor Yuwen Guang, who no one dared neglect, was sprawled asleep on a chair, covered with a thin blanket. His mother, the former Consort Xu, now Empress Dowager Xu, sat lovingly by his side, holding his hand.
The Great Empress Dowager frowned in disgust. Empress Dowager Xu noticed and quickly released Yuwen Guang’s hand, rising to bow. The Great Empress Dowager then looked toward Princess Wusun in the corner. Princess Wusun, who hadn’t been to the palace in some time, looked haggard, her eyes half-closed, silent and motionless, as if nothing there concerned her.
What a useless person, the Great Empress Dowager thought. After being crippled, she just accepted it. If she were ten years younger and not ill, would she allow Yuwen Chu to be so rampant?
Fu Zifei, thinking the Great Empress Dowager was looking for Yuwen Chu and Mingzhu, whispered, “We’ve sent people out. They should be back by tomorrow. Maybe when you wake up, they will be here.”
The Great Empress Dowager coldly remarked, “It’s pouring rain.”
Fu Zifei smiled, “There’s a carriage. Rain doesn’t stop filial piety.”
“Fool,” the Great Empress Dowager sneered.
With the rain, the people might not arrive at the Great Temple smoothly. The weight of the prophecy had lessened, and Yuwen Chu could even turn it against them, claiming the real culprit was caught, hence the rain.
Fu Zifei, insulted without reason, resented the Great Empress Dowager deeply but kept her composure. She cheerfully asked, “Are you hungry? Would you like some yam porridge or for Jiang Zhouzi to check on you?”
“We’ll have Jiang Zhouzi come,” the Great Empress Dowager said wearily.
Huayang Wangfei, with her large belly, had feet that were already swollen and shining. Upon hearing this, she knew that the Great Empress Dowager was about to start causing trouble again. She couldn’t help but massage her lower back and let out a soft sigh.
Huayang Wang, Yuwen Xin, frowned and looked at his wife with concern. She was about to give birth, and under normal circumstances, she shouldn’t be here in the palace tending to the sick. However, the Great Empress Dowager specifically mentioned that she liked her the most and wanted her to come and keep her company. If he had insisted on not letting his wife come, it wouldn’t have been impossible, but he feared that doing so might cause other issues that would disrupt Yuwen Chu’s plans. Now, he regretted it.
The Great Empress Dowager glared at the couple. If she couldn’t leave, she would make them stay. Wasn’t she supposed to rest and recover? Then let them all serve her. She wanted Yuwen Chu’s minions to suffer.
Suddenly, Yuwen You spoke up, “Your Majesty, I have an unreasonable request.”
Yuwen Guang, woken abruptly, asked, “What is it?”
Yuwen You pointed to Huayang Wangfei, “My seventh sister-in-law is about to give birth and has been standing for too long. My seventh brother feels uneasy about asking for mercy, so I dare to speak on his behalf.”
