Yuwen Chu had some free time only by the fourth watch of the night.
Mei Yusi reported the events in Changxin Palace: “The Great Empress Dowager said you would surely order General Fu’s execution. She wanted Wangfei to stab or shoot your arm to vent her anger, promising to help save General Fu in return.”
Yuwen Chu blinked and then sneered. The speed at which this information reached him made him suspect the Great Empress Dowager did it on purpose. While he had informants in Changxin Palace, the Great Empress Dowager had been careful about her secretive actions, and such information rarely reached him. Yet now, after Mingzhu’s argument with her, the news was almost immediately passed to him.
A blatant attempt at sowing discord, counting on Mingzhu’s deep family loyalty and his predictable stance. Indeed, once Fu Mingzhao’s guilt was confirmed, he would have no choice but to order the execution. Fu Mingzhao was not only Mingzhu’s brother but also a general of Great Xia. Mingzhu might understand and accept it, but their relationship would never be the same again, always overshadowed by Fu Mingzhao’s death.
Some might suggest pretending to be hurt to fool the old witch, shedding a little blood to save her brother. But his Mingzhu had come to him, saying she couldn’t bear to hurt him. He didn’t know if she hesitated or considered it, but she ultimately said she couldn’t bear to hurt him!
Mei Yusi waited quietly for Yuwen Chu to speak. He wondered if the regent would ask him to investigate Fu Mingzhao’s case further or monitor Wangfei and the Fu family, but Yuwen Chu said nothing.
Yuwen Chu just stared at the flickering candle flame, expressionless and silent.
Mei Yusi hesitated and then cautiously suggested, “Shall I help you rest, Your Highness?”
Yuwen Chu replied calmly, “Prepare my horse, I’m going back.”
As expected, Mei Yusi immediately bowed and left to arrange the horse. Riding back from the palace to the Regent’s residence would save nearly half the time compared to a carriage, but it still meant the regent would have little sleep before morning duties. But he didn’t mind; young couples, after all.
Mei Yusi, feeling slightly bitter, watched Yuwen Chu leave.
Mingzhu couldn’t sleep and was nervously plucking at the embroidered flowers on the quilt, ruining the beautiful golden acacia flowers. Her mind was chaotic. What she was about to do was crucial. Shen Ruilin seemed like the best executor, but she had to consider the trouble it would bring if the plan was exposed. This was a matter for the Fu family, and she couldn’t involve Shen Ruilin too much.
Her father was gravely ill and couldn’t be involved, and her elder brother, the future head of the Fu family, couldn’t afford any risks. That left her fourth brother.
Her fourth brother was her best accomplice; he was smart and knew what to do. Mingzhu sat up, intending to write a letter to Fu Mingzheng. But before she could get dressed, she heard footsteps outside. Yuwen Chu entered, looking tired but with a smile in his eyes. “Why aren’t you asleep? Is it because I wasn’t home and you were lonely?”
Mingzhu was relieved she hadn’t started writing the letter, or it would have been awkward. But she was glad he came back. She warmly embraced Yuwen Chu, giving him a big hug. “Yes, without you here, I couldn’t sleep.”
Yuwen Chu enjoyed her enthusiasm. “So, I came back to keep you company.”
“You won’t get enough sleep.” Mingzhu busied herself helping him undress and called for hot water. “If I’d known, I would have stayed in the palace with you no matter what.”
Yuwen Chu chuckled. “So, does that mean I need someone to accompany me?”
Mingzhu widened her eyes. “Isn’t it because you missed me and couldn’t bear to be apart?”
Yuwen Chu laughed heartily. “Yes, yes, I couldn’t bear to be without you!”
They soon laid down together. Yuwen Chu glanced at the quilt that had been plucked into disarray, blew out the lamp in one breath, and pulled Mingzhu tightly into his arms.
Mingzhu had a feeling that he knew everything and wanted to tell her something, so she waited quietly. But after a long while, she only heard Yuwen Chu say in the darkness, “Sleep.”
Mingzhu felt a bit disappointed. She wanted to hear him say, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle your second brother’s issue and won’t let you be sad.” But Yuwen Chu said nothing, which made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
Mingzhu suddenly became very angry. She twisted around and turned her back to Yuwen Chu. He didn’t say a word, but he unceremoniously pulled her back and held her tightly.
“It’s so hot!” Mingzhu couldn’t find another excuse, so she used this clumsy one.
“Stop fussing! I’m tired.” Yuwen Chu didn’t loosen his grip at all and soon started to breathe rhythmically, clearly having fallen asleep.
Mingzhu felt both angry and very wronged, and she wanted to cry. She wanted to push Yuwen Chu awake and ask him what he intended to do, but she knew she couldn’t. She was no longer the impulsive Fu Mingzhu of the past, and Yuwen Chu was no longer His Highness Ying Wang he used to be. His responsibilities were heavier, and he faced greater dangers and challenges. It could even be said that he no longer entirely belonged to her but to the country and the war.
Mingzhu laid on her pillow, silently crying. If she had known it would be like this, she would have preferred he not come back. She knew he had come to keep her company, but his presence only made her feel more heartbroken.
She fell asleep crying. Despite everything, there was still a chest and an embrace behind her, shielding her from the wind, which gave her a sense of security.
The next morning, when Mingzhu woke up, Yuwen Chu was already gone, which made her feel a sense of relief. Su Mei came to remind her that she should go fetch Funing for a short stay at their residence, but Mingzhu bluntly refused, “I just got back from the estate yesterday. The house is a mess. Let’s talk about it in a few days.”
Mingzhu sat at the desk to write letters to Shen Ruilin and Fu Mingzheng. She had urgent matters to attend to, and bringing Funing over would only cause trouble for herself. Even if Funing got upset about it, she couldn’t worry about that now.
