When Mingzhu returned home, Zhou Shuyi was indeed waiting for her. He handed the top-secret military information to Mingzhu with both hands. “His Highness asked for it to be delivered urgently.”
Mingzhu hesitated for a moment before accepting it. Yuwen Chu was not someone who mixed public and private matters. Top-secret military information like this, unless necessary, wouldn’t be shared with her, and she never proactively inquired. Therefore, this military information was probably similar to the contents of Shen Ruilin’s letter.
Mingzhu quickly read the letter. It was written by Du Heng and was more detailed and meticulous than Shen Ruilin’s letter. Her second brother was doing well. He was bonding with those special soldiers, drinking, eating, resting day and night. He had rich experience in marching and was brave in battle. Everyone liked him.
Mingzhu breathed a sigh of relief. That’s fine.
Zhou Shuyi waited nervously. As the closest official to Yuwen Chu and his wife, he knew exactly what had happened between them. Although he didn’t dare to open this letter privately, he could guess that it was related to that matter. His Highness sent this letter to reassure Wangfei and make her feel at ease, which is why he hoped Mingzhu could show some attitude, like a smile or something.
But he was disappointed. Mingzhu calmly folded the letter and put it back, saying, “How is top-secret military information usually handled?”
“Burned.” Zhou Shuyi provided the handling method, and Mingzhu burned the letter and left without expressing any stance.
Zhou Shuyi didn’t have time to think about it. He hurriedly caught up and said, “Wangfei, the person His Highness sent to deliver the letter is still waiting.”
Mingzhu raised an eyebrow. “He’s been working hard. Just treat him well, give him some good food and drink, and reward him as usual.”
Zhou Shuyi smiled bitterly. Your Highness, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, but she’s deliberately playing dumb. There’s nothing I can do about it.
Mingzhu slept peacefully. The next morning, after taking care of the housework and preparing to dress and enter the palace, she suddenly smelled a sweet osmanthus fragrance. Considering that it wasn’t the season for osmanthus to bloom, she couldn’t help but ask, “Where did the osmanthus fragrance come from?”
Xiutao proudly presented a carved, hollowed-out box and said with a smile, “His Highness just had this sent over.”
Inside the box was a pair of osmanthus flower balls, adorned with beautiful tassels and still glistening with dewdrops. Yuwen Chu’s training ground was at least several dozen miles from here. Even with a fast horse, he must have set out in the middle of the night.
Dong Hui smiled with pursed lips, “Yesterday, Wangfei complained that the osmanthus flowers at Marquis Runan’s residence weren’t blooming enough, so someone sent osmanthus flowers this morning. Didn’t you hear that osmanthus flowers outside the capital bloom earlier than those inside the city?”
Su Lan didn’t say a word. She simply tied the pair of flower balls to Mingzhu’s waistband. In her opinion, Mingzhu had calmed down after seeing Fu Mingzheng yesterday and chatting with Fu Cong and Wen Wen. She was definitely feeling uncomfortable, but not as angry and upset as before. She was still holding it in, just needing to hold it in. A little push would do.
Mingzhu sniffed at the flower balls disdainfully. “They’re so ugly. I don’t like the scent either.” But she didn’t take them off, and before Millet could reach out to pinch them, she quickly stuffed a rice cake into her hand, protecting the fragile flower balls.
Su Lan exchanged glances with a few others, indicating, See, that’s how it is.
Princess Kangning was still very thin, but her spirits were good. Because she hadn’t seen sunlight for years, her skin was very pale, but after applying makeup, she had a kind of enchanting beauty. Seeing Mingzhu, she was polite. “It’s been a long time, Sister-in-law. You’re still as charming as ever.”
Mingzhu had the gift placed down. “You’ve lost a lot of weight. I apologize for not taking good care of you, and please don’t blame me.”
Princess Kangning smiled candidly. “That’s alright. It’s the way of the world. You win some, you lose some. It’s already good enough to be alive. I don’t blame my Sixth Brother and Sister-in-law. If we had won back then, you two wouldn’t have survived.”
Princess Kangning was a smart woman who understood the situation. Mingzhu had been worried before that Kangning might hold resentment for the deaths of Consort Xiao and Yuwen Long, which might hinder their cooperation in the marriage alliance with the Wusun. But now, seeing Kangning, she suddenly wasn’t worried anymore. Yuwen Chu was right; Kangning was a much better match than Funing.
Thinking about Funing, who only cared about indulging herself, picking out delicious food, and selecting a good husband, Mingzhu couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty towards Kangning. “Your Sixth Brother asked me to inquire if you have any unfulfilled wishes. We’ll do our best to fulfill them for you. Also, I want to discuss the dowry with you.”
Kangning smiled. “I have only one request. If I have any issues in the future, my messengers can see Sister-in-law immediately without hindrance. Also, if possible, I hope to return to the capital in the future.”
Mingzhu nodded solemnly. “I promise you. But you must fulfill your duties and not abandon your country.”
Kangning replied, “That’s all I ask. If possible, could the dowry be a bit more generous? Can I choose the people accompanying the dowry?”
She knew what crimes Consort Xiao and Yuwen Long had committed, and there was no way they would have a good reputation. Staying in the capital wouldn’t lead to a good life. It was better to be far away from the capital and live freely. Since she had decided to live on, she would strive to live better. She had also met the King of Wusun, who wasn’t ugly and had abilities. He was much better than the old geezer.
Mingzhu smiled. “That’s not a problem. After the Ministry of Rites sorts out the dowry list, I’ll send it to you for approval. If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, you can let me know.”
Kangning nodded. “Thank you, Sister-in-law.” She glanced at the flower ball at Mingzhu’s waist and smiled. “It’s only early autumn, yet Sister-in-law is already wearing osmanthus flowers. That’s nice. I haven’t seen osmanthus flowers for two years. Can I take a look?”
She thought that this small flower ball wasn’t anything valuable. As long as she mentioned it, Mingzhu would give it to her. After all, exchanging flower balls between women was a common occurrence. And her initiative to ask Mingzhu for such a small thing also indicated her closeness.
However, to her surprise, Mingzhu almost immediately refused. “I’m sorry, but these were given to me by your Sixth Brother. If you want, I can have someone bring you another one.”
“I’m reassured,” Kangning burst into laughter and leaned closer to whisper, “There have been rumors in the palace these days that Sixth Brother and Sister-in-law are at odds. I was worried, but now I’m relieved.”
Fourth Brother had only returned to the capital yesterday, and Yuwen Chu had also left the capital according to the original plan to train the troops, so why was there a rumor spreading in the palace that she and Yuwen Chu were at odds? Was there some conspiracy going on? Suddenly, Mingzhu remembered the words of the Great Empress Dowager and broke out in a cold sweat. She hurriedly bid farewell to Kangning and instructed Dong Hui, “Send a message immediately to His Highness and tell him to be extremely careful!”
