Fu Zifei mumbled, unable to speak clearly.
The Great Empress Dowager sensed something was wrong and asked angrily, “What on earth is going on? Sang Shen?”
Sang Shen fell to her knees and kowtowed repeatedly. The Great Empress Dowager then questioned the chief eunuch of Changxin Palace, Tan Yongji, who also knelt down, too afraid to speak.
The Great Empress Dowager’s expression turned icy as she looked at Yuwen You: “Old Nine, you must be eager to tell me what has happened.”
Yuwen You’s beautiful lips curved slightly: “Indeed. Mother, a major event occurred this morning. The high walls of the Jiuzhou Terrace suddenly displayed an edict from the late Emperor.” At this point, he stopped, smiling as he looked at the Great Empress Dowager.
The Great Empress Dowager, knowing his hatred for her, lowered her eyes and said calmly, “There can be no edict from the late Emperor. It is merely the deceitful schemes of traitors aiming to confuse the innocent people.” She appeared composed, but inside, she was eager to know what was written.
Yuwen You clapped his hands twice crisply: “Mother is right. The so-called prophecy from the Imperial Observatory a few days ago was just such a deceit. Yet some people still want to stir up trouble. Regardless of what the edict says, I do not believe it, and neither does Seventh Brother, right?”
Yuwen Xin forced a laugh: “I haven’t heard the news as promptly as Ninth Brother and do not know what was written.”
Princess Wusun suddenly raised her head and said each word distinctly: “It speaks of Heaven’s blessing on Great Xia, ensuring Great Xia’s victory!”
“That’s good.” The Great Empress Dowager felt slightly relieved, but then she heard Yuwen You, in a singing tone, recite: “As long as Qingfeng lives, chaos will ensue.”
The Great Empress Dowager was stunned for a moment before reacting with fury: “Who did this? Who did this? Summon Old Six and the Emperor immediately! Investigate thoroughly! I want to see who is so malicious as to dare slander me!”
She was shouting, but in her heart, she understood. Compared to her previous vague prophecies, Yuwen Chu’s move was sharp and decisive, putting her at a disadvantage instantly. He didn’t need to station troops to guard Changxin Palace anymore, but she truly couldn’t leave now. At least for the next few days, she couldn’t appear in public or interfere in Peng Liang’s case, or it would indirectly prove she was the source of all the turmoil. Hence, Peng Liang was doomed.
Fu Zifei watched the Great Empress Dowager’s face in terror, fearing she might die from rage.
Yuwen You elegantly bowed to the Great Empress Dowager: “I will obey and fetch the Emperor right away.” He added with a smile: “Seventh Brother, Mother wants to visit Peng Liang, aren’t you going to prepare?”
Yuwen Xin sighed, bowed silently, and withdrew.
The Great Empress Dowager grabbed a pillow and hurled it at Yuwen You, who deftly caught it: “Mother, don’t be angry. I will leave now, out of your sight and mind.” As he passed by Princess Wusun, he grabbed her wrist and dragged her out: “If you don’t follow me, do you want to stay here as a target?”
Princess Wusun had thought he would leave her behind, but his pulling her along brought her more joy than surprise. She silently turned to follow him.
“Wait,” the Great Empress Dowager called out, taking a deep breath, and stared coldly at Princess Wusun: “Leave her here to attend to me.”
Yuwen You smiled: “Mother, you can’t keep everyone here. We all stayed up last night. According to seniority, it should be Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law’s turn today, tomorrow Fourth Sister-in-law, and the day after Sixth Brother and Sixth Sister-in-law, then our turn again. Otherwise, if everyone stays here, who will handle the important matters? What if the Xiongnu and Zhongshan villains attack?”
He pushed Princess Wusun roughly: “Are you dumb?”
Princess Wusun quickly caught up with his pace, but outside, she couldn’t help crying softly. Annoyed, Yuwen You said: “Did I hit you? Did I scold you? Why are you crying? Or do you want to stay here and suffer?”
Princess Wusun clung to his sleeve, whispering: “No, I’m happy. From now on, I won’t associate with them, and I won’t cause trouble. Can we live peacefully like before?”
Yuwen You snorted coldly but didn’t reply. He strode forward without letting go of her hand, and even when he dismissed the imperial guards surrounding Changxin Palace, he didn’t let Princess Wusun leave.
Watching this scene, Yuwen Xin shook his head imperceptibly and headed towards the residence of Ji Hui. Huayang Wangfei was still there, and he needed to escort her home safely. Yuwen Chu’s plan was now mostly in place. Unless the Great Empress Dowager could perform a miracle, the outcome was almost certain, and there was no need for him to continue compromising like yesterday.
Huayang Wangfei lay on a white rattan lounge chair, basking in the sun, covered with a thin blanket, already asleep. Seeing the dark circles under her eyes, Yuwen Xin knew she hadn’t slept well last night. Since there was nothing else urgent, he decided not to disturb her and sat down nearby.
Ji Hui, accompanied by a maid, came to serve tea. With a graceful smile, she said: “Your Highness might have to wait a bit longer. Wangfei was worried about Your Highness last night and barely slept until morning.”
Ji Hui didn’t explicitly state it, but Yuwen Xin understood that Huayang Wangfei had only felt relieved after hearing about the edict incident.
What a smart and proper girl. Yuwen Xin smiled and gestured for Ji Hui to sit: “Miss Ji, you are a distinguished guest. No need to be so formal. Sit and talk.”
Ji Hui didn’t refuse, sitting gracefully: “How is the Great Empress Dowager’s health?”
“Neither good nor bad,” Yuwen Xin glanced at the attending maid, and Ji Hui waved her away, leaving only her nurse nearby.
Yuwen Xin bowed to Ji Hui: “This time, things went so smoothly, thanks to you.”
Ji Hui smiled modestly: “Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. I dare not take credit. It was just a children’s plaything that I happened to offer. How could I claim it as my achievement? It’s all due to the Regent’s wisdom.”
Her humility and poise impressed Yuwen Xin even more: “Miss Ji, you are wise and kind-hearted. You will surely be blessed in the future.”
Ji Hui smiled shyly: “Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Huayang Wangfei woke up, stretched comfortably, and looked at them lazily: “Your Highness, are you here to take me home? Miss Ji Hui, I’m sorry for causing you trouble and even disturbing your sleep. Thank you so much.”
Ji Hui shook her head: “It’s no trouble at all. I respectfully send off Your Highness and the Wangfei.”
