No one had more reason and opportunity to take Yuwen Nuo than the Great Empress Dowager.
Firstly, she orchestrated the entire series of events, taking advantage of the chaos to act. If they won, she could easily release Yuwen Nuo; if they lost, she could hide him away.
Secondly, she had strong motives. She could tarnish Yuwen Chu’s name, create discord between Yuwen Chu and Yuwen Guang, ensure Yuwen Nuo’s safety, and use him as leverage against Yuwen Chu, forcing him to protect Yuwen Guang.
It was a strategy with multiple gains.
Mingzhu wasn’t sure how Yuwen Chu felt about this, but she knew the road ahead would be thorny. She grasped his hand tightly, offering silent support.
By the time the family returned to the capital from Jishan, it was evening. The city, just washed by rain, had a somber feel. Yuwen Chu was welcomed into the palace, while Mingzhu took the children home. Along the way, they saw many ruined buildings and homeless people. They even witnessed a scene where those who had lost their homes due to the actions of orthodox faction members sought revenge, demanding compensation and punishment for the culprits.
Mingzhu didn’t get involved in these matters. Instead, she quietly took the children back to her family home. As usual, Fu Mingda and Fu Mingzheng were not there. Fu Cong and Fu Lin were in charge, with Fu Cong directing operations and Fu Lin, along with his brothers and other clan members, helping neighbors and old friends affected by the turmoil. They provided money and manpower as needed, showing responsibility and adaptability.
The family reunion was joyful. Everyone inquired about Yuwen Chu’s condition, and after hearing Mingzhu’s account, they were relieved but still anxious. When asked about Min Hongwen’s fate, Mingzhu casually replied, “He colluded with rebels from Zhongshan in treasonous activities and will be executed.”
Yuwen Chu chose not to expose the Great Empress Dowager’s actions, opting for a discreet approach, as making it public would harm both the state and their family.
Suddenly, a palace servant arrived with a decree: “The Great Empress Dowager summons Prime Minister Fu.”
Fu Lin was displeased. Given Fu Cong’s severe condition, moving him could be fatal. He immediately refused, “My grandfather is gravely ill and cannot move. Please understand.”
The palace servant smiled faintly, “Why not ask Prime Minister Fu himself?”
Fu Lin was about to refuse again when the head steward, An Rushan, came out and said, “The old master wants to go to the palace.”
Fu Lin was anxious but couldn’t persuade Fu Cong. He hurried to inform Mingzhu, who decided to accompany her father to the palace. Knowing that the Great Empress Dowager’s days were numbered and her father’s health was deteriorating, she agreed to his wish. Filial piety, after all, meant fulfilling his wishes.
She provided her own Wangfei carriage, lined it with thick quilts, and carefully moved Fu Cong onto it, accompanying him and instructing the driver to proceed slowly on smooth roads.
Fu Cong, calm and smiling, told Mingzhu, “Don’t worry about me. I know my limits. Compared to being able to go out and see the world, this pain is nothing.”
Mingzhu admired her father’s resilience. She asked, “What do you plan to say to the Great Empress Dowager?”
Fu Cong replied calmly, “Farewell.”
Mingzhu felt a surge of sorrow but held back her tears, smiling as she lifted the carriage curtain to show her father the bustling shops and stalls outside, suggesting they try some of the delicious food.
Fu Cong smiled and said, “I’ve been busy with state affairs for decades. After retiring, I’ve been occupied with recuperating and educating my grandchildren. I never had the leisure to stroll around and see the sights. That was a mistake. Since you say these things are delicious, let’s buy them all, and I’ll see if they’re as good as you say.”
Mingzhu joyfully had people buy all the food and trinkets. The trinkets were piled up to the side, while she cut the food into small pieces and fed them to Fu Cong herself. His appetite wasn’t great, so he could only eat a little of each, but his spirits were high. “As you said, they are indeed delicious. This trip was worth it.”
After eating, Mingzhu displayed the new trinkets for him, worried that he might not find them interesting. She performed enthusiastically, frequently stealing glances at his expression. To her relief, Fu Cong watched like a child, occasionally smiling and exclaiming, “This is fun. Get more to take back for the children. It’s rare for me to go out, so this is a small token.”
Mingzhu was relieved and increasingly happy. Without realizing it, they reached the palace gates. Yuwen Guang had arranged for a palanquin to carry Fu Cong into the Changxin Palace smoothly, where they encountered Jiang Zhouzi coming out.
Mingzhu signaled to him, inquiring about the Great Empress Dowager’s condition. Jiang Zhouzi shook his head helplessly, indicating that the Great Empress Dowager still refused treatment. Sang Shen emerged and announced, “The Great Empress Dowager summons Prime Minister Fu.”
Mingzhu attempted to follow, but Sang Shen blocked her, saying, “Her Majesty’s order is to see only Prime Minister Fu.”
Fu Cong gently waved at Mingzhu, “It’s alright. Just wait for me outside.”
Mingzhu had to wait outside and soon saw Mu Gugu in the courtyard, quietly instructing servants. Noticing Mingzhu, Mu Gugu greeted her and asked, “Wangfei, was your journey safe?”
“Safe,” Mingzhu replied. “Gugu, have you returned?”
Mu Gugu calmly said, “I’ve come to see the Great Empress Dowager off.”
Mingzhu understood and remained silent.
Then, they saw Ji Hui approaching confidently. She greeted Mingzhu and said, “I have prepared some tea and snacks. Would Your Highness do me the honor?”
After a brief consideration, Mingzhu followed Ji Hui to her quarters.
Over tea, Ji Hui performed a deep bow and requested, “I have a favor to ask of Your Highness.”
Mingzhu did not help her up, merely asking, “What is it?”
Ji Hui looked up and straightforwardly said, “I wish to leave the palace and live elsewhere.”
