Jiang Zhouzi dared not meet Mingzhu’s eyes, his gaze wandering elsewhere, vaguely saying, “It’s probably been about a month or so. I thought, since she refused treatment herself, it’s not our concern. What difference would it make if I told you? We couldn’t persuade her anyway, so I didn’t say anything.”
It was precisely because he didn’t say anything that nearly caused a disaster! If she and Yuwen Chu had known that the Great Empress Dowager’s days were numbered, they would have been more cautious, and this accident wouldn’t have happened. Mingzhu was furious with Jiang Zhouzi for his irresponsibility, “Didn’t I tell you when I sent you to the palace that you should report promptly when something happens? Did you still take matters into your own hands? Do you know that because of your concealment, it almost led to everyone’s deaths?”
Jiang Zhouzi dared not argue with Mingzhu and admitted his mistake with his head lowered, “I won’t do it again.”
Mingzhu found a place to sit down, ordering him, “Go and pour me a glass of water, neither too cold nor too hot. I’m parched.”
“It’s really hard on the Wangfei.” Jiang Zhouzi quickly brought water and tried to please her. He glanced at the camp where Yuwen Chu was stationed and whispered, “Aren’t you going to see His Highness soon? You came from afar, but you won’t go in. You insist on standing here, it’s as if you have no manners.”
Mingzhu casually said, “I’m first asking the doctor about His Highness’s condition. Is there something wrong with that?”
“No, no, Wangfei is always right.” Jiang Zhouzi brought the pastries and fruits given to him by others to Mingzhu, trying to please her, “Rest assured, His Highness is fine. It’s just a flesh wound, and he’ll be fine in two or three days.”
Mingzhu completely relaxed, “I heard from the Great Empress Dowager that she used extremely potent poison.”
Jiang Zhouzi raised his eyebrows, “Really? Anyway, I haven’t seen this poison, otherwise, I would like to try it.”
Mingzhu asked him, “Why?”
Jiang Zhouzi shook his head, “I don’t know, and I dare not ask.”
Suddenly, Zhang Huan stood at the door awkwardly and said, “Wangfei, if you have any doubts, you can ask His Highness. He’s not busy right now. You can go in now.”
He really knew how to find an excuse for himself. It was as if she wouldn’t go in to greet him because she was afraid he was busy, so she deliberately avoided him and waited quietly on the side until he had time. Mingzhu snorted and pretended not to hear Zhang Huan’s words, continuing to ask Jiang Zhouzi, “How do you usually manage to get by when you enter the palace?”
Jiang Zhouzi said, “Every time I enter the palace, the Great Empress Dowager refuses to see me. She says she’s in a coma or indisposed and only allows me to wait in the side hall until it’s time for me to leave.”
Seeing that Mingzhu ignored him, Zhang Huan had to go back and report to Yuwen Chu. He said very tactfully, “Wangfei is currently inquiring about His Highness’s condition from Mr. Jiang. She will come over later. She asked His Highness to rest assured and not to worry about her.”
Yuwen Chu smiled. “Have a few buckets of hot water sent over. Prepare some light food, and make it quick.”
Zhang Huan was more than happy to oblige and hurried off.
Yuwen Chu continued to calmly review his documents. Whatever needed to happen would happen, and he didn’t believe that Mingzhu and Jiang Zhouzi had so much to discuss.
Indeed, Mingzhu and Jiang Zhouzi only had a few trivial matters to talk about. After discussing the Great Empress Dowager’s illness, they talked about matters related to the medical class. Soon, they ran out of topics and couldn’t continue reminiscing about the past, such as how they used to search for medical books together.
Clearing her throat, Mingzhu said, “I have a few questions for you, sir. You previously taught me pharmacology, and there are a few areas where I’m confused…”
“Wangfei, the meal is ready. His Highness invites you to come over for dinner. He knows you’re coming and has been waiting for you.”
“I’ll be there shortly.” Mingzhu waved her hand to dismiss the messenger, intending to continue her questions. But before she could, she was interrupted again.
“Wangfei, the hot water is here. His Highness wants to know if you prefer lingering flower scent or cold plum scent. He wants to prepare accordingly.”
Mingzhu’s face turned red. Had she ever heard of such shameless questioning about her bathing preferences in front of others?
Suppressing his laughter, Jiang Zhouzi didn’t care if Mingzhu still had a grip on him. He waved his hand casually at Mingzhu, “Wangfei, please go. My quarters are too small for you, and His Highness is still injured. It’s not good for him to go hungry.”
Mingzhu entered Yuwen Chu’s barracks with a sour expression.
Yuwen Chu sat upright, still looking at his documents. He quietly watched her as she entered, not speaking or moving, his eyes particularly deep and bright, full of affection.
Mingzhu couldn’t help but tremble when she met his gaze. She quickly looked away and spoke stiffly, “Knowing that Your Highness is safe and sound, I’m relieved.”
“Thank you again.” Yuwen Chu smiled and stood up, giving Mingzhu a solemn bow. “If it weren’t for your blessings, I would have been shattered by now. If you’re lucky, you might be able to piece me back together. If not, I’ll be cremated and buried.”
Mingzhu couldn’t stand his teasing and frowned, “The more you say, the more smug you become, don’t you have any taboos?”
Yuwen Chu reached out to pull her, “Alright, I won’t say anymore. Do you want to eat first or take a bath?”
Mingzhu saw the large tub in the middle of the room and the lack of privacy around it. Did he expect her to bathe in front of him? Her face flushed as she clutched her clothes and whispered, “I won’t bathe! This is a military camp! Although it’s not that women are not allowed in military camps, it’s still something to be avoided. As a military commander, you should be cautious, right?”
She hadn’t forgotten the way those soldiers looked at her when they first saw her. If they knew she stripped naked in front of him as soon as she arrived, she wouldn’t be able to face them.
Yuwen Chu chuckled, “You don’t have to bathe. I don’t mind if you’re dirty. What’s the rush? Let’s eat first.”
But Mingzhu was uncomfortable. She had rushed over, covered in dust and sweat, and felt miserable. She silently picked up her chopsticks and angrily tapped them on the table, accusing Yuwen Chu, “You did it on purpose!”
Yuwen Chu patiently picked up food for her, “Of course, I did it on purpose. You’ve suffered so much, running under the scorching sun to see me. Anyone with a heart would feel sorry for you and want to make you a little more comfortable. Is that wrong?”
Of course, Mingzhu couldn’t say it was wrong, but she still felt uncomfortable. She angrily said, “Have you ever seen a man asking his wife what scent she prefers for bathing? Shameless.”
Yuwen Chu remained calm, “Why should I be ashamed? You’re my wife, and I take care of you just as you take care of me. Where’s the harm?” He raised an eyebrow, “I know, you’re afraid that others will know I fear my wife like a tiger and think I’m not manly, right?”
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