This request was not unreasonable, but due to Ji Hui’s special status, Mingzhu couldn’t readily agree. After a moment of serious thought, she asked Ji Hui to rise, “I will discuss it with the Regent and give you an answer soon.”
Ji Hui remained kneeling, adding, “I have another request. Though the capital is nice, it’s not home. I wish to return to the north.”
Mingzhu immediately shook her head, “That is beyond my power.”
Ji Hui softly said, “My father has already written to the Regent, who has agreed. What I ask of you is to allow me to travel with the army.”
This was intriguing. Since Yuwen Chu was leading the troops, Ji Hui could have asked him directly but chose Mingzhu instead. Mingzhu, intrigued, asked, “Why not ask the Emperor or the Regent?”
Ji Hui, slightly embarrassed but resolute, replied, “The Emperor doesn’t want me to leave. As for the Regent, this is a matter between women. Since he has a family, it is proper to ask you, Wangfei.”
Mingzhu thought that since Ji Ke had written to Yuwen Chu, there must be plans in place. Yuwen Chu, seeking Ji Ke’s alliance, would not refuse his request. Ji Hui’s approach to her was out of respect. Thus, Mingzhu agreed, “Miss Ji, you are too polite. As a woman, I understand the hardships of travel. I will agree to your request.”
Ji Hui was overjoyed, “I wish Your Highness and the Regent a long and happy life together.”
Mingzhu smiled, “I wish you find a suitable husband soon and live a happy life.”
While this pleasant exchange took place, tension filled the palace hall. The Great Empress Dowager laid in bed, and Fu Cong on a stretcher. Despite their severe illnesses and the three-foot distance between them, there was no empathy.
Fu Cong appeared calm, but the Great Empress Dowager was filled with resentment. She coldly asked, “What do you think about the matter of County Prince Xiangcheng? As a loyal minister, will you stand by and watch Yuwen Chu, a traitor, harm the late Emperor’s children and the Emperor’s brothers?”
Fu Cong replied, “Your calculations are impressive, Your Majesty.”
The Great Empress Dowager sneered, “What do you mean? What does this have to do with me?”
Fu Cong sighed, “Qingfeng, you’ve always been clever. I don’t blame you for trying to put your grandson on the throne. We have different paths, and that’s just how it is. Between us, it’s only a matter of public interest, not personal hatred. We are still siblings. But you shouldn’t have involved Mingcheng, causing a split in the Fu family and dragging many others into it. That is your mistake.”
The Great Empress Dowager scoffed, “Do you really see me as family? From the day you supported Yuwen Chu, you betrayed me. If I didn’t involve Mingcheng, should I have let them help you against me? Don’t talk to me about the country’s need for a legitimate ruler. You did it for yourself, your sons, and for Mingzhu! You think losing Mingzhao was painful? I also feel the pain of losing my son. You think the family split is painful? I also regret not being able to protect the family legacy, feeling ashamed when I meet Tong’er in the afterlife.”
Tong’er was the late Emperor’s childhood name. Thinking of this nephew who died young, Fu Cong was deeply saddened. He decided not to argue further with the Great Empress Dowager or persuade her to retreat. Softly, he said, “Qingfeng, in the matter of His Highness County Prince Xiangcheng, you were wrong.”
The Great Empress Dowager responded with a cold laugh, remaining silent.
Fu Cong analyzed in a low voice, “In my opinion, your cleverness has backfired, leading you into a trap of your own making. If His Highness County Prince Xiangcheng had stayed in the palace openly, he might have lived peacefully, possibly even to old age. But now, he won’t survive.”
The Great Empress Dowager was first shocked and then furious, “You wish! He will live just fine.”
Fu Cong sighed, “The Regent values his reputation and would protect His Highness County Prince Xiangcheng as long as he stayed in the palace to avoid the stigma of harming his kin. But now that His Highness has been taken out of the palace, others will act before the Regent does. Mark my words, within three days, news of His Highness’s death will arrive.”
Yuwen Chu might not harm a child, but his advisors and followers wouldn’t hesitate. Yuwen Nuo would always be a threat to the throne, especially when out of control. The sooner he died, the sooner everyone could relax. In other words, the Great Empress Dowager had made a grave mistake by sending His Highness County Prince Xiangcheng to his doom.
The Great Empress Dowager stared at Fu Cong, her eyes wide in disbelief, before a violent coughing fit overtook her. She tasted blood, felt a rush of heat, and quickly covered her mouth. Sang Shen, hearing the commotion, rushed in and offered a handkerchief, but the Great Empress Dowager refused to let go, shaking her head desperately to signal Fu Cong to leave.
Fu Cong looked at her with pity, “Qingfeng, you’re as stubborn as ever. Do you think I don’t know your true condition? I know everything.”
The Great Empress Dowager lowered her eyes and saw dark red blood dripping from her fingers, staining the bedspread like blooming red plums.
She suddenly gave up, releasing her hand to let Sang Shen wipe her mouth. She pleaded softly, “Second Brother, I beg you, please save him. He’s just a child and doesn’t understand anything.”
Fu Cong replied sympathetically, “I can’t help you. Things have spiraled out of control. Even if you ask the Regent now, he might not know His Highness’s whereabouts. Think about it: if you were in his position, wouldn’t your subordinates act first and inform you later?”
The Great Empress Dowager, overwhelmed with anger and despair, wanted to scream and cry like a child to make others listen and fulfill her regrets. But she knew she wasn’t a child, and crying wouldn’t help. She decided not to beg Fu Cong, knowing from experience that his heart was equally hard. Besides, they now had a vendetta between them – even if Fu Mingzhao hadn’t died, their relationship would be similarly strained.
She asked to see Mingzhu, “Bring Mingzhu here. I have something to say to her.” Mingzhu was soft-hearted, especially towards children, and was her only and last hope.
Fu Cong saw through her intentions, “Don’t trouble Mingzhu. I know what you’re thinking. You believe I’m not helping because of Mingzhao, but that’s not the case. You need to understand why those people follow the Regent. Some do it for peace and prosperity, while others for personal gain. Their lives depend on it. They kill not only for the Regent but also for themselves.”
