Peng Liang’s death occurred under watchful eyes. He used a piece of broken porcelain to cut his carotid artery. The origin of the porcelain was unclear, but the coroner’s examination revealed that Peng Liang had been hiding it under his foot for a long time, causing his left foot to swell and fester. It showed he had resolved to die long ago.
Mingzhu believed this act demonstrated the extent of Peng Liang’s hatred and disapproval of Yuwen Chu. Unable to defeat him, Peng Liang made a final effort to spite him.
“You wanted me to die publicly at the marketplace to prove your justice and innocence? I will die quietly in prison to frustrate you. You are a conspirator, a usurper, a thief of the state, and even in death, I will not submit to you.”
“What’s wrong with His Highness? He has the world in mind, is diligent, loves the people, is capable and talented, considers the bigger picture, and has a long-term vision. He is also a legitimate descendant of the late emperor. Why can’t these people see that?” Wei Tiande didn’t understand.
Mingzhu calmly replied, “People are human because they have their own beliefs and pursuits beyond just living. His Highness’s belief is in bringing peace and prosperity, while Peng Liang’s belief was in maintaining orthodoxy.”
Peng Liang’s attitude reflected the thoughts and views of many. Mingzhu knew Yuwen Chu’s mood wouldn’t be good, so she gave instructions, “Let everyone go along with His Highness today, say things that make him happy, and have the kitchen prepare some good food.”
Yuwen Chu returned at noon, smelling of gunpowder. Mingzhu observed his behavior and noticed that, although he tried to appear calm, he avoided eye contact with her, and his eyes were darker than usual.
Sure enough, he was still affected by it. Mingzhu, without showing any emotion, handed him the ship plans that had already taken shape, not mentioning Peng Liang’s matter at all, only talking about the ship: “It’s like a pillow falling into my lap when I’m sleepy. I never thought that Caiyun would have exactly what I needed.”
Yuwen Chu silently accepted her kindness. Together, they studied the ship plans for a long time, and he vented his frustrations by eating a lot of delicious food. Mingzhu invited him to take a walk to aid digestion, but he refused, sitting by the window sulking. Mingzhu made him some cool tea, sat beside him with a fan, and fanned him. While accompanying him, the one being accompanied did not get sleepy, but she herself started to doze off.
“Where did I go wrong? I have been benevolent and exhaustive, where did I go wrong?” Yuwen Chu suddenly said, full of grievance.
Mingzhu woke up, gently soothing him with the same tone she used to comfort Zhuangzhuang and Millet: “Everyone has moments of blindness. When his eyes are blind, his heart is also blind. Why should Your Highness trouble yourself over such foolish people? You must believe, blind and deaf people are in the minority. Most people are clear-sighted.”
Yuwen Chu rested his head on her lap, gazing at the clear sky after the rain for a long time, then he softly said, “Even if I’m called a usurper, even if I bear infamy, I will achieve my goal. I want Great Xia to become the strongest under my rule, to have all nations pay tribute, and to make the people of Great Xia the proudest citizens in the world!”
Mingzhu’s heart surged with emotion: “I will be the proudest wife, proud of you.”
Yuwen Chu napped in her arms, and upon waking, regained his confidence and pride. He sincerely thanked her and went outside to continue his work, while Mingzhu continued to work on the ship plans and raise their children.
In the evening, an unexpected visitor arrived at the estate. It was Liao Zhang, formerly Liao Guang, Princess Funing’s ex-fiancé. He brought a list of Peng Liang’s confidants and records of their covert activities, as well as a letter of allegiance from other defectors like himself, thoroughly exposing his father-in-law, brothers-in-law, and allies.
His reasoning was straightforward. He had always admired Yuwen Chu but was previously constrained by circumstances. Now, he could no longer tolerate the Great Empress Dowager and others’ detrimental actions against the state and its people, so he decided to forsake everything, turn to the righteous path, and betray his kin for the greater good, even if it meant bearing infamy for generations.
Yuwen Chu accepted Liao Zhang and his group’s defection without a word. To him, this signaled a split within the orthodox faction, presenting a great opportunity to divide them and win more support for himself.
Mingzhu disliked this. She thought of Peng Liang’s daughter, seeing a reflection of her past life in her—a supposed good man turning on his own family. She constantly expressed her disdain and contempt for Liao Zhang in front of Yuwen Chu: “This man’s character is problematic. Today, he can betray his father-in-law and allies for wealth and abandon his wife. Tomorrow, he could betray you for other benefits.”
Yuwen Chu dismissed her concerns: “I know his character is flawed. I don’t like him either, but I need him right now.”
Mingzhu was indignant, but he stopped her with a smile: “I’ve made my decision. Don’t try to persuade me. I promise he won’t harm me. Let’s not let others affect our relationship. How about we go boating on the lake tonight under the clear moon?”
Mingzhu had to drop the matter and joined him to enjoy their rare vacation. They both knew their days of leisure would soon end.
In mid-June, during the hottest time, the three-story ship model was completed under Ban Jian and Caiyun’s collaboration. Yuwen Chu eagerly sent them to Yanghu to oversee the construction of his naval empire. Meanwhile, Longsheng Great Eldest Princess was demoted to commoner status and executed with poison in prison for treason. Many officials, nobles, and royal members associated with her were imprisoned.
Liao Zhang’s evidence caused a sensation in the court and the public. As a result, Peng Liang’s confidants and two sons were sentenced to immediate execution. His family members either died or were exiled. Liao Zhang’s wife drowned their only son and set their house on fire the night her brother died before taking poison herself.
After burying his wife and child, Liao Zhang returned to the court, facing ridicule and disdain but becoming a symbol of defectors’ reformation. He played a crucial role in Yuwen Chu winning the public opinion battle.
After this incident, the Great Empress Dowager’s health seriously declined. According to palace sources, upon hearing of Peng Liang’s death, she laughed three times, “Good death, wonderful death!” then fainted. When she woke up, her spirit visibly weakened, spending most of her time in a daze.
