Jishan Camp allowed entry but no exit, leading to a misconception in the capital that Yuwen Chu and the Great Empress Dowager were truly incapacitated. Fu Wang frequently asked if his mother and the emperor were alive, and if the Regent was safe.
He received no clear answers, only knowing that Yuwen Guang was alive. The young emperor didn’t want any trouble and preferred to stay in Chongzheng Hall with his younger brother and mother, avoiding any risks.
He was indeed an obedient and sensible child.
Fu Wang was gratified and felt sorry for the young emperor, burdened with heavy responsibilities. He believed it was his duty as an older and more capable uncle to help. As for Yuwen Chu, he tearfully told everyone, “Sixth Brother is so unlucky, so young… I don’t know where my sister-in-law is, and those poor children… it’s so sad…”
Fu Mingzheng watched the plump Fu Wang’s performance with disdain, knowing that soon someone would act.
With Yuwen Chu’s status uncertain, the Regent’s faction was anxious and ineffective in their responses—some genuinely confused, others deliberately so. This made Fu Mingcheng more confident that Yuwen Chu was truly in trouble. He led a group to cause a disturbance outside the palace gates, performing every necessary act, then solemnly demanded the Great Empress Dowager or Yuwen Guang to appear. Otherwise, they would believe traitors had seized the palace and would act to rectify the situation and save the palace from disaster.
Of course, after rescuing the two palaces and killing everyone related to Fu’s family, Fu Wang shouldn’t expect to get any share of the rewards. Being the Great Empress Dowager’s nephew and the Empress’s father, well-read and talented, he should be the one to assist in governance.
To demonstrate his determination, Fu Mingcheng revealed his trump card: the troops loyal to the Great Empress Dowager, including the Imperial Guards and Longlin Guards, were lined up outside the palace gates, ready to storm in at any moment.
Fu Mingzheng asked Fu Cong, “What if I kill this traitor?”
Fu Cong responded indifferently, “Let him be for now.”
Thus, Fu Mingzheng withdrew, listening to his subordinates’ reports while quietly sharpening his blade and carefully oiling his crossbow. He was preparing to kill for revenge—for the over thirty thousand soldiers and civilians, and for Fu Mingzhao.
When is the best time to kill without facing consequences? During chaos, of course. This opportunity, created by the Great Empress Dowager and Fu Mingcheng, must be fully utilized.
Li Shumei came to see him, and seeing him focused on sharpening his blade, she thought for a moment and then led Jia Jia back. She also retrieved her own blade, which was well-maintained and didn’t need sharpening. She then called Fu Lin over, “It’s time to see the world. Take your brothers and patrol.”
Li Shumei, with her blade, went to Madam Cui’s room, where the women were gathered, waiting for the dreadful hour. Seeing Wen Wen eyeing her blade, she unhesitatingly drew it and showed her, “Do you want to learn a few moves? Even if it’s not very useful, it can strengthen your body.”
After a brief consideration, Wen Wen nodded, “Teach me after my little brother is born. I hope I’m not too late.”
The usually gentle and quiet Lady Ai signaled her daughters to follow, “You should learn too. It’s always good to have more skills.”
Madam Cui, somewhat confused, said, “Why bring such a big blade? You all should go back. You don’t need to stay with me. I want to sleep.”
Lady Qian and Wen Wen coaxed her with a few words. Someone suggested playing leaf cards, which everyone agreed to, making the main room lively with women eating, laughing, and chatting, as if the storm outside the courtyard walls didn’t exist.
At the same time, newly appointed Minister of Personnel Fu Mingda sat neatly dressed in Chongzheng Hall, clearly and steadily lecturing Yuwen Guang on the classics—he was one of Yuwen Guang’s teachers.
Although Yuwen Guang maintained his composure, Yuwen Nuo couldn’t hold on. He was too tired and had to be carried to the back hall to rest by his wet nurse.
Mei Yusi vigilantly monitored everything, keeping a close eye on Changxin Palace and ensuring the safety of Imperial Consort Min and Princess Kangning.
The noise outside the palace gates grew louder and louder. Yuwen Guang, becoming anxious, asked Fu Mingda, “Minister Fu, what is that sound?”
The dull, heavy “bang, bang, bang” seemed to strike at everyone’s hearts, making them instinctively tense up.
“It’s the sound of someone battering the palace gates,” Fu Mingda listened carefully and then solemnly answered Yuwen Guang.
“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” The loud voice pierced the dusk, reaching Yuwen Guang’s ears. He stood up, looking at Fu Mingda with some panic, “Minister Fu, what should I do?”
Fu Mingda calmly replied, “Your Majesty, do whatever you think is right.”
Yuwen Guang sat quietly for a moment, then said, “Minister Fu, step aside. I want to meet them.”
Fu Mingda cautioned, “Your Majesty, there are not only your in-laws but also many who are taking advantage of the chaos. You must be extremely cautious and take care of yourself.”
Yuwen Guang smiled, “Precisely because there are many who are unclear about the situation, I cannot let things get out of control. I will go out and dismiss them.”
Empress Dowager Xu hurried in, shouting, “Your Majesty, you cannot go!” She glanced at Fu Mingda and said gravely, “Who knows if there are assassins sent by Zhongshan Wang outside? What if they shoot you in the chaos? If Your Majesty dares to step out of Chongzheng Hall today, I will die in front of you!”
In fact, Empress Dowager Xu believed that neither the Great Empress Dowager nor Yuwen Chu could be trusted. If Yuwen Guang died, it would be a joy for both sides. The Great Empress Dowager had long disliked him, and there was a possibility she would replace him with Yuwen Nuo. As for Yuwen Chu, if he survived and Yuwen Guang died, it would be the perfect excuse to raise an army. Little Prince Yuwen Nuo would be easily dismissed.
Yuwen Guang, helpless, sat down. He had nothing, not even a fully developed body and mind, and could only await fate’s decision.
Empress Dowager Xu found Fu Mingda an eyesore and decided to send him away, “When I entered just now, I heard from the palace staff that a mansion in the city was on fire, thick smoke rising. I don’t know whose house it is. Minister Fu, please go to Jiuzhou Terrace and have a look.”
