Longsheng Great Eldest Princess knew she had no way out and arrogantly cursed the young emperor, Yuwen Chu, Mingzhu, and others publicly. She also cursed her husband, Princess Consort Cui, and Third Master Cui for being ungrateful. Even the young emperor couldn’t stand it and ordered her mouth to be gagged, yet she still caused a scene.
Yuwen Xin’s secret letter to Yuwen Chu stated she would be stripped of her title and demoted to a commoner to maintain royal dignity. After her crimes were announced, she would be given a cup of poison to end her life.
As for Peng Liang, Yuwen Chu’s mood soured. Peng Liang refused to admit his guilt, quoting classics with harsh, venomous words. Despite evidence, he denied everything. But Yuwen Chu had decided he must die, not only for treason and conspiring with Longsheng Great Eldest Princess but also for many other crimes.
Everyone has family and disciples. Even if Peng Liang was incorruptible, his relatives and disciples might not be. Yuwen Chu had long decided to take action against him, thoroughly investigating and finding irrefutable evidence for each charge. It was just a matter of the method and severity of his punishment.
Yuwen Chu said slowly to Mingzhu, “I won’t wrong him with any charge. Once the case is settled, it will be announced publicly, and he will be executed at the market. Some suggested more brutal punishments to warn others, but I believe it’s unnecessary. The law is clear; we should follow it. I want them to be convinced.”
Peng Liang’s fate would affect his close followers and family, the price of being on the losing side. However, Yuwen Chu knew his real opponents weren’t the powerless Great Empress Dowager and her allies but Zhongshan Wang in the north and the Xiongnu people.
“Next, we just have to wait for this matter to settle and for someone from the palace to come and fetch us.” Yuwen Chu laid comfortably on the couch, squeezing Mingzhu’s hand, “These hands are plump, a sign of good fortune.”
Mingzhu knew he had been ignoring state affairs these past few days. According to Wei Tiande, the memorials in the Chongzheng Hall should be piled up to the ceiling, with many issues waiting to be addressed. If the young emperor wanted to clear that daunting pile of documents, he would have to come and fetch Yuwen Chu back to the palace in a grand manner, thereby restoring his status.
The ship plans could wait, but the gunpowder formula was ready. In warfare, timing was crucial. Mingzhu handed the piece of paper with the gunpowder formula to Yuwen Chu, “I don’t know if this counts as good fortune for me, but I did manage to get it.”
Yuwen Chu’s expression shifted from relaxed to frozen in a heartbeat. He stared at the paper in disbelief, then at Mingzhu, “Is this what you were working on this afternoon?”
Mingzhu smiled, “That’s not all. I hope I won’t disappoint you.” She didn’t intend to take all the credit, “Caiyun doesn’t want anyone to know she’s involved with this.”
Yuwen Chu, too excited to stay still, paced barefoot around the room. After calming down, he earnestly told Mingzhu, “Even though Caiyun brought it, I always believe this is your accomplishment, your good fortune.” If Mingzhu hadn’t taken the risky journey to follow Jiang Zhouzi, if she hadn’t gained the favor of Shi Jiuqing on the mountain, and if she hadn’t treated Caiyun kindly, they wouldn’t have this gunpowder formula or the subsequent surprises.
Mingzhu replied just as seriously, “It’s your good fortune.”
Thrilled with the unexpected treasure, Yuwen Chu lifted Mingzhu and spun her around, whispering in her ear, “You are my good fortune.”
Things were progressing smoothly, and both were in high spirits. In the comfort of warmth and safety, certain thoughts naturally arose, leading to a series of intimate moments. This was, without a doubt, the most satisfying time they had spent together recently. No wasted efforts or frustrations, everything was perfectly utilized and incredibly fulfilling.
The intimate encounter lasted half an hour. Satisfied, they stopped around midnight and planned to soak in the hot spring.
Mingzhu had someone bring grape wine. Light rain continued to fall, but soaking in the hot spring with the one you love, drinking wine, and watching the rain was a rare pleasure. They enjoyed each other’s warmth, heartbeat, and breath, indulging in tender moments. In this vacation-like state, there was no need to wake up early or worry about interruptions, making it truly relaxing.
Yuwen Chu shared his dreams of a strong and prosperous Great Xia, while Mingzhu described her simpler dreams. She wished for peace in the country, for people to live happily and safely, for her loved ones to be healthy, and for her children to grow up well. She hoped that when people remembered Fu Mingzhu, they would recall at least one or two of her good qualities.
Excited, they talked until dawn before falling into a deep sleep. The next morning, Mingzhu woke to find Yuwen Chu already gone. Donghui reported, “His Highness got up at dawn, hurriedly gathered Master Ma and others, closed the Garden gate to outsiders, and didn’t even eat breakfast.”
He was eager to test Caiyun’s gunpowder formula. Mingzhu smiled, “Just have the kitchen ready whenever he calls for food. Don’t disturb him.”
After spending some time drawing with Caiyun, Wei Tiande brought news, “Peng Liang is dead. He committed suicide in the prison last night.”
Mingzhu couldn’t believe it, “How did he die?”
Yuwen Chu’s intention was to publicly announce Peng Liang’s crimes and have him executed at the marketplace, not for him to die quietly in prison, which would seem suspicious and unjust. He must have had people closely watching Peng Liang to prevent any chance of him ending his own life.
Wei Tiande sighed, “If someone truly wants to die, it’s impossible to stop them.”
