Funing didn’t dare argue with Yuwen Chu and said softly, “How could I suffer any big loss with you and Sister-in-law protecting me?”
Yuwen Chu was so angry that he laughed. He wanted to scold her harshly but realized it wouldn’t help, so he asked, “Why do you insist on going to my house?”
Funing replied, “I already said, to help Sister-in-law with the children and to learn skills from her. I’m not going to cause trouble. Both of you are fierce; who would I dare to provoke?”
Yuwen Chu stared at her sternly, “You do need to learn some skills, or you’ll end up foolish. Since you said this, I’ll have your Sister-in-law prepare lessons for you. I don’t expect you to excel, but having half of her ability would be enough.”
Funing was quite dissatisfied, “It’s not that I didn’t study well. If I really applied myself, I might not be worse than Sister-in-law.”
“Let’s see then. If you dare trouble your Sister-in-law, I’ll send you back to the palace immediately, and you won’t be allowed out again.” Yuwen Chu lectured Funing harshly before hurrying off to manage affairs. Despite Mingzhu’s reminders, Wusun had still caused trouble, and he needed to find a remedy to avoid Great Xia facing attacks from both sides.
Empress Dowager Xu was merely pretending to be ill to escape the Great Empress Dowager’s torment. Though she played the part well, lying in bed, she smiled awkwardly when Mingzhu and Imperial Consort Min arrived, saying, “How can I trouble you both, with all your busy schedules?”
Imperial Consort Min said kindly, “Why would you say it’s trouble, Niang Niang?”
The three of them maintained a facade of harmony, but the atmosphere remained subtle and uneasy. Mingzhu, after exchanging a few words of courtesy, got straight to the point, “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Kangning. How is she?”
Empress Dowager Xu had no deep grudge against Consort Xiao and Yuwen Long. The person who deeply hated them was the Great Empress Dowager. Therefore, after Consort Xiao’s death, Kangning naturally had a difficult time. However, Empress Dowager Xu couldn’t speak ill of the Great Empress Dowager. After some thought, she said, “Kangning has been depressed since the death of Consort Xiao. I haven’t seen her in a long time. I heard she was ill recently. I sent my attendant to check on her. Ah Mei, tell us.”
A palace maid stepped forward and reported, “The Princess has been very troubled and her health is poor. She has lost a lot of weight.”
It was expected that Kangning was having a tough time. Imperial Consort Min suggested, “Shall we go see her?” She felt that since Yuwen Chu brought up Kangning, it must be important, and it would be wise to show kindness.
Mingzhu thought it best to wait and understand Yuwen Chu’s intentions first, so she smiled, “Mother, I just returned home today with many matters to attend to. Let’s visit another day. For now, perhaps someone from here could check on her first.”
Empress Dowager Xu, being clever, immediately instructed Ah Mei, “Pass my decree, have the imperial physician on duty visit, and take some food, clothing, and supplies to Princess Kangning. Say it’s from Imperial Consort Min.”
Having achieved her purpose, Mingzhu and Imperial Consort Min took their leave. Mingzhu went directly home, where there was little to manage. Li Quanxin, Zhou Nushi, and Ping Nushi divided the work efficiently, keeping the house in order. Only a few personal matters and personnel changes required Mingzhu’s decision. After handling these quickly, she summoned Wet Nurse Tang and got straight to the point, “I’ve heard about several improper actions you’ve taken.”
Before she could elaborate, Wet Nurse Tang was already on her knees, begging for forgiveness, “I was momentarily foolish, blinded by greed. Please, Wangfei, have mercy.”
Mingzhu nodded, “I believe you were momentarily foolish, but you can’t stay. Considering your past care for Zhuang Er, I’ll give you a way out. Claim illness and leave.”
Wet Nurse Tang wept bitterly. Such a good position, which many coveted, was lost due to her small greed. However, Mingzhu was lenient, not punishing her or spreading her misconduct, leaving her a way out. She tearfully asked, “May I say goodbye to Zhuang’er?”
“You may. It’s only proper.” Mingzhu signaled Donghui to accompany her, “Try not to upset Zhuang Zhuang.”
Next, Su Mei, who had been recuperating, came to pay her respects. Mingzhu quickly helped her up, “Are you feeling better?”
Su Mei couldn’t hold back her tears, “I’m well. I’m just happy to see you.” Of the four, only she and Su Lan remained, and Su Lan’s return was uncertain. It was a sad thought.
“I’m happy to see you too.” Mingzhu was also saddened. Su Mei had narrowly escaped death when Yuwen Long and Yuwen Cong caused trouble in the palace. Luckily, she survived. Mingzhu resolved to become stronger to protect those around her from harm.
The two cried and talked for a while until Su Mei couldn’t sit still, insisting on working. Mingzhu advised her to rest a few more days, but she shook her head, “Keeping busy keeps my mind off things.”
Mingzhu let her be and took Zhuang Zhuang and Millet back to her family. Because Wet Nurse Tang had left, Zhuang Zhuang was unhappy. Mingzhu held him, softly explaining why Wet Nurse Tang had to go, “She is sick and needs rest, just like you want to sleep when you’re sick, right?”
Though still unhappy, Zhuang Zhuang accepted Mingzhu’s explanation. Children’s emotions come and go quickly. Once he saw Little Stone, he forgot about Wet Nurse Tang and played happily. Jia Jia and Millet, being younger, just watched the fun.
Mingzhu greeted her mother and sisters-in-law and then went to see her father. By now it was evening, and he was resting in the shade. Seeing her, he was delighted, “Did you tell His Highness? Let’s have dinner here tonight.”
Mingzhu mischievously smiled and said, “He knows I’m visiting my parents and told me to spend more time with them. He said he would come for dinner if he can make it. But, Father, do you think he can make it in time?”
“No,” Fu Cong laughed, “He recently fought a battle and, although he won, there are many unresolved issues. So many people were involved, and he can’t kill them all, or there would be no one left to do the work. Some must be punished severely, and some need to be forgiven. It’s enough to keep him busy. That position, it seems just a step away, but this step could take years to traverse.”
