The sky was overcast, indicating imminent rain, and many dragonflies were flying up and down. Zhuang Zhuang, spirited and energetic, was perched on Guan Jiapo’s shoulders, directing him, “There, that one looks nice!”
Guan Jiapo had made a net using bamboo strips and spider webs, which was very effective at catching dragonflies, causing the group of children to shout with joy.
Millet, sitting in Mingzhu’s lap, watched with envy, biting her finger. After finishing his work, Yuwen Chu came over, squatted down to her eye level, and smiled, “Do you want to catch dragonflies too? Daddy can take you to catch some.”
After a moment of consideration, Millet extended her chubby hand to Yuwen Chu. He winked at Mingzhu, grabbed Millet’s hand, and effortlessly lifted her onto his shoulders. She squealed with delight, laughing and clapping his head, shouting, “Go, go!”
Yuwen Chu held her legs securely and ran off without concern for his appearance. Soon, the children split into two groups, one following Guan Jiapo and Zhuang Zhuang, and the other trailing Yuwen Chu and Millet, competing to see who could catch the bigger, more beautiful dragonflies.
The farmers nearby laughed and whispered among themselves about how the Regent had become kinder since having children. Some mentioned his rejection of the young emperor’s abdication offer with great admiration, noting how rare it was to find someone so selfless and dedicated to the nation and its people. Others expressed frustration, wondering why some malicious people couldn’t stand his success. They believed that someone like him should be the emperor, as only then could they have a good life. If he didn’t become emperor, it would be unjust.
Everything was going as expected. Winning public favor required more than just charity, planting sweet potatoes, timely rains, or amusing children and enduring grievances. But these small actions demonstrated the rapidly growing reputation of Yuwen Chu. Especially the recent abdication event had dealt a heavy blow to rumors.
Mingzhu fanned herself and looked into the distance. Zhou Shuyi and the people he brought were sitting in a small thatched hut, discussing matters with serious expressions. One tall man with a shiny black forehead gesticulated excitedly as he spoke.
Donghui followed Mingzhu’s gaze and whispered, “These people seem unfamiliar; they probably arrived at noon. If you want to know what they are up to, I can ask.”
“If I want to know, I will ask His Highness myself,” Mingzhu shook her head. She had already observed these people and had a suspicion, though it wasn’t confirmed yet. She smiled and joked with Donghui, “Whose side are you on, anyway? Aren’t you afraid His Highness will blame you for being nosy?”
Donghui solemnly replied, “I am loyal to you, Wangfei. His Highness mentioned at noon that you have no close and trustworthy people around you. He said I should be fully dedicated to you and consider everything from your perspective. I don’t need to think about him because he doesn’t lack people like me, but you do. So from now on, I will only listen to you.”
Mingzhu gripped her fan tightly, momentarily speechless. After a while, she blinked back her tears and mischievously whispered, “What if I ask you to do something bad, like kill someone His Highness doesn’t want dead?”
Donghui didn’t hesitate, “I will follow your orders. I am loyal to those who appreciate me. His Highness will never trust me as much as you do, so I am willing to die for you.” She mimicked Mingzhu’s mischievous smile and added, “I believe if you want someone dead, there must be a good reason for it.”
Mingzhu sighed in relief and gave Donghui a firm pat on the shoulder, cheerfully saying, “Good job!”
Xia Xue joined in, “I’m here too. His Highness gave me the same instructions. Our only master is you, not him.”
Caiyun approached with two female students from the medical class, presenting a newly woven basket of willow branches to Mingzhu like a treasure. “Unfortunately, the drought left no flowers or grass. Otherwise, it would look very beautiful.”
Caiyun, being skilled in medicine, had a keen sense of smell. Mingzhu instructed her, “Take this food to Zhou Changshi and tell me what you smell when you return.”
Caiyun suddenly became interested. She widened her already large eyes even further, dismissed the two female disciples from the medical class, and lowered her voice to ask Mingzhu, “Why?”
Mingzhu smiled, “Are you going or not? If you don’t go, I’ll find someone else.”
“I’m going, I’m going! Why wouldn’t I go? Wangfei is getting worse and worse.” Caiyun playfully complained as she grabbed the food box and ran towards the straw shed. She slowly arranged the food and poured tea for the people there, exchanged a few words with Zhou Shuyi, and stayed there for nearly the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before leaving. When she returned, she mysteriously told Mingzhu, “I know what Wangfei is trying to verify.”
Xia Xue asked curiously, “Trying to verify what?”
“Sorry, but Wangfei didn’t allow me to tell you.” Caiyun refused to tell Xia Xue and instead whispered into Mingzhu’s ear, “The smell of fish, a very real fishy smell.”
Mingzhu’s guess was further confirmed. She instructed Xia Xue, “Guests will be coming to the village tonight. Go and tell Zhu Shinan to prepare food and accommodations in advance.” Then she instructed others, “Tell everyone to pack up their things; we’re going back.”
Sure enough, before long, Yuwen Chu came back with two children, “It’s almost time, pack up and let’s go. If we leave now, we can avoid this rain.”
Mingzhu didn’t mention that she had already packed. She gave the order, and everyone took their belongings and got ready to depart. From the time Yuwen Chu gave the order until they were on the road, it took less than half a cup of tea’s time. Yuwen Chu looked at the orderly team and couldn’t help but smile, “You are getting more and more capable.”
Mingzhu teased him, “I’m no match for your abilities, Your Highness. Just think, these people return home, and a torrential rain arrives as if on cue. They must admire you so much, spreading rumors that you are a true dragon reborn, able to summon the wind and rain.”
She suddenly recalled a time when she followed Yuwen Chu and her fourth brother deep into the mountains to see Ban Jian and his men making bed crossbows. The soldiers had secretly gossiped that Yuwen Chu had nine golden dragons protecting him. She couldn’t help but laugh, “Your Highness, many people still remember that you have nine golden dragons protecting you.”
Yuwen Chu pinched her nose, “You are one of those dragons, the biggest, strongest, and most capable one. I can do without the others, but not without you.”
Mingzhu’s nose tingled, and tears suddenly welled up in her eyes.
