The wet nurse, an agent of the Great Empress Dowager, was tasked with protecting His Highness County Prince Xiangcheng. Being entrusted with such a duty implied she was not foolish, so she recognized the murderous intent in the Empress Dowager’s momentary glance.
She decisively said, “Your Highness, don’t be anxious. Let me scout the way first.”
Yuwen Nuo hid behind the curtain, terrified at the slightest noise. Finally, the wet nurse returned and led him out.
At this moment, Fu Wang’s entry into the palace had diverted everyone’s attention. The Empress Dowager, Yuwen Guang, Fu Mingda, and Mei Yusi were all focused on Fu Wang inside and Fu Mingcheng outside, making it the perfect time to escape.
Yuwen Nuo followed the wet nurse nervously, sneaking along the base of the wall and into the darkness outside Chongzheng Hall. Thanks to Yuwen Guang’s affection for him, the palace staff treated him as a guest rather than a prisoner, making it easy for him to escape.
Consort Jing still resided in the distant Yihe Palace, quite a distance from Chongzheng Hall. Yuwen Nuo soon grew tired and tugged at the wet nurse’s clothes, whining to be carried. The wet nurse sighed, squatted down, and said, “Little master, climb on.”
Yuwen Nuo happily lunged towards the wet nurse’s back but never reached it. Cold, strong hands grabbed him instantly, covering his mouth.
He kicked and scratched in terror, making muffled sounds. Before the wet nurse could turn around, she was struck down by a wooden stick. Yuwen Nuo watched in horror, rendered speechless.
Under the slanted moonlight, Fu Wang walked out of Chongzheng Hall, feeling triumphant. He believed his performance had completely earned the trust of Empress Dowager Xu and Yuwen Guang. He was confident that he would be the next regent.
The Empress Dowager, weary, rubbed her forehead, “Let’s sleep. We’ll discuss this in the morning.”
Yuwen Guang escorted her away, then returned to ask Mei Yusi, “Where is Minister Fu?”
Mei Yusi replied, “Minister Fu is still at Jiuzhou Terrace, following the Empress Dowager’s orders.”
Yuwen Guang smiled, “Let’s go up and see.”
Fu Mingda stood silently on Jiuzhou Terrace, observing the chaotic capital. Several fires had been extinguished, while others were flaring up again, growing higher.
Yuwen Guang didn’t care about whose houses were burning or who was dying. He only cared if Yuwen Chu was still alive. He asked Fu Mingda sternly, “Is Sixth Uncle safe? Please answer truthfully.”
Fu Mingda refused to reveal anything. “According to reports, the regent was assassinated and injured. This is certain. The Great Empress Dowager also told the regent wangfei that she had found a unique and incurable poison.”
Yuwen Guang was disappointed. He smiled wryly and turned to leave. Waiting for him was Jiang Youyuan, looking panicked. “His Highness County Prince Xiangcheng is missing.”
Yuwen Nuo had vanished into the chaotic night. Yuwen Guang was helpless and pleaded with Fu Mingda and Mei Yusi, “If he has been kidnapped, there will be no peace in the realm!”
He could ascend to the throne, but Yuwen Nuo might be used by others with ulterior motives to establish a new regime. Fu Mingda and Mei Yusi immediately organized a search.
Soon, dawn arrived, and the palace gates remained closed. Fu Mingcheng and Fu Wang had differing opinions, sparking a new round of conflict. Fires, looting, and murders continued to plague the capital, escalating into chaos.
The uproar began when someone attempted to rob the neutral Zhongqin Bo residence amidst the chaos. They were caught and turned over to the Military Command, where it was discovered that these individuals were servants of Chen Gusi, a subordinate of Fu Mingcheng. Their true aim was to kill two students from the Imperial Academy residing there temporarily.
These students had written famous articles criticizing the collapse of the Weishui defense line, blaming infighting among the orthodox factions. Although they were not supporters of Yuwen Chu and had criticized him, they were deeply resented by the orthodox faction.
Chen Gusi, known for his ruthless attacks, was one of Fu Mingcheng’s trusted aides. Once this information leaked, it caused an uproar at the Imperial Academy and among scholars in the capital, tarnishing Chen Gusi’s reputation.
Despite this, Chen Gusi fearlessly continued to support Fu Mingcheng, seizing this as an opportunity to gain merit.
Meanwhile, the Five City Guards Office captured many arsonists and murderers but kept their identities secret.
Sensing a dangerous shift in the atmosphere, Fu Mingcheng decided to storm the palace gates, planning to seize control of the Great Empress Dowager and the young emperor.
It was evening, the sky filled with dark clouds, signaling an impending storm. Fu Mingzheng looked at the sky and quietly ordered his men, “Move out!”
At the second watch of the night, fierce battles erupted at the palace gates, with both sides fighting desperately. Fu Mingcheng, after supervising for a long time, grew tired and decided to rest.
But before he could lie down, he saw Fu Mingzheng, dressed in black. Fu Mingzheng casually raised his knife and held it to Fu Mingcheng’s neck, asking softly, “Do you know about the matter in Tongzhou?”
The cold blade sent a shiver down Fu Mingcheng’s spine. He trembled uncontrollably. “I don’t know. Fourth Brother, what are you joking about? Let’s talk it out. We’re family.”
“You don’t know what the people in Tongzhou looked like when they died, nor how their families live with their heads still displayed on the city walls. Don’t call me family; you’re not worthy.” Fu Mingzheng smiled, lightly slicing Fu Mingcheng’s neck, drawing blood. Fu Mingcheng screamed in terror, “Help! Help!”
When no one responded, Fu Mingcheng tried to kneel and beg for mercy, “If you’re worried about Second Brother, I can help him return honorably.”
“I’m not doing this for him, but for the 30,000 people of Tongzhou.” Fu Mingzheng’s blade pressed deeper, “According to your crimes, you deserve to be cut 3,300 times. But I don’t want to wait. Die now.”
Fu Mingcheng died with his eyes open, unwilling to accept his fate.
