In preparation for making winter clothes, Mingzhu began visiting various mansions in the capital. The demand for winter clothing was enormous, and even though the Regent’s residence had money, it couldn’t cover all the expenses alone. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to afford the repairs for Ruyi Terrace now or have the funds for Zhuangzhuang and Millet’s future wedding.
The first stop was naturally Qi Wang’s residence. Qi Wangfei readily agreed to donate money and manpower. She then discussed with Mingzhu, “Wenwen is not young anymore. It’s been two years since we arranged the marriage. I think we should pick a good day soon and proceed with the wedding. What do you think?”
Mingzhu was very grateful. It’s easy to add flowers to a brocade, but difficult to send charcoal in snowy weather. Although Yuwen Chu was about to go on an expedition with great fanfare, no one knew if he would win or lose. In the previous Weishui defense battle, they suffered a major defeat. Her second brother’s life or death was unknown, and he was bearing a bad reputation, his future ruined. By bringing up the marriage now, Qi Wang’s residence was tying itself to Yuwen Chu’s ship. If the ship stayed afloat, everyone would stay afloat; if it sank, they would all drown together.
Another reason was that the Great Empress Dowager and Fu Cong might pass away at any moment, and Fu Mingzhao might also suddenly die. If they waited too long, Wenwen might be delayed by mourning.
She solemnly bowed to Qi Wangfei, “Thank you, Shenniang. I will inform my family as soon as I return. I am sure my sister-in-law will be very grateful to you.”
Qi Wangfei, smiling, helped her up, “This is what should be done. I want to hold a grandchild soon.”
After discussing serious matters, it was time for some gossip to lighten the mood. Just then, a trusted maid of Qi Wangfei, returned from outside and shared an intriguing story: “Recently, during the chaos in the capital, many houses were burned. The court has allocated money and food for compensation, and people have been registering for it. Both of you Wangfeis know about this, right?”
Mingzhu and Qi Wangfei were well aware because the compensation money wasn’t taken from the court’s funds but seized from the orthodox faction involved in the chaos, with a large portion coming from Fu Mingcheng’s house.
Shuangxi continued, “Many people registered, but I saw someone from Linan Wang’s residence among them.”
Mingzhu and Qi Wangfei were puzzled, as they hadn’t heard of Linan Wang’s residence being damaged in the recent turmoil. Otherwise, as part of the imperial family, the repairs would have been directly handled by the Ministry of Works with the Emperor and Yuwen Chu’s approval.
Qi Wangfei said, “Since Old Nine is fighting outside, we should take good care of his household. Let’s send someone to inquire about the situation. After all, there are still misunderstandings between us and the Wusun.”
Mingzhu felt very guilty. “It was my negligence.” Before leaving, Yuwen You had asked her to take care of the Wusun Princess, but because she and the Wusun Princess didn’t get along and there were many upheavals, she only occasionally checked in on Linan Wang residence.
Qi Wangfei understood. “It’s not your fault. Old Nine’s wife has a strange and stubborn personality, never confiding in us. You’ve been busy, so it’s understandable.”
Mingzhu nodded in agreement. “I’ll go see for myself.”
Qi Wangfei thought for a moment and stood up. “I’ll accompany you. It would be awkward for you to go alone, and if something happens, it’s better to have someone with you.”
Mingzhu welcomed this, and the two of them rode in the same carriage to Linan Wang residence. Instead of going in immediately, they had the coachman drive around the residence. They noticed that the west wall of the residence had completely collapsed, and several servants were working as makeshift masons, weakly trying to rebuild it, with little progress.
Donghui inquired and reported back, “It indeed happened that night. Linan Wang had offended many people. When he was present, no one dared to act. But once he was gone and only the Wusun Princess remained, those who bore grudges took advantage of the chaos. They pushed down the wall, killing two people and injuring several others. The injured and the families of the deceased have been crying and causing trouble daily, saying they can’t even afford burial costs. The Wangfei pawned her own jewelry to cover the expenses but it was still not enough, so she lined up with the commoners to get government subsidies.”
Mingzhu and Qi Wangfei exchanged a wry smile, unsure if the Wusun Princess was genuinely unaware of the implications or if she did it deliberately. If word got out, people would think this was the result of offending Yuwen Chu and Mingzhu. A grand prince’s residence, with the prince fighting and risking his life, had no money to repair a wall, forcing the Wangfei to pawn her jewelry.
“She has a fierce temperament. How could she let the servants bully her?” Qi Wangfei sighed. “Let’s retrieve her jewelry first and bring some money and provisions.”
Mingzhu agreed. The Wusun Princess wouldn’t appreciate their constant visits. So they split up: Mingzhu went to retrieve the pawned jewelry and money, while Qi Wangfei prepared medicine, cloth, and food. They met again at Linan Wang residence gate and sent word.
The doorman, upon learning who they were, quickly let them in and hurried inside to announce their arrival. The person who came out wasn’t the Wusun Princess but her trusted maid, Liuli.
Liuli said the Wusun Princess was ill and couldn’t receive guests. She refused to accept the items and money, but reluctantly eyed the set of turquoise jewelry Mingzhu had retrieved. “How much did the jewelry cost? Can we keep it for now and pay you back later?”
Mingzhu, without hesitation, handed over the box and asked, “What’s wrong with your Wangfei? Has she seen a doctor? Who treated her? What medicine is she taking?”
Liuli’s eyes darted around evasively. Seeing Mingzhu and Qi Wangfei’s stern faces, Mingzhu was about to lose her temper when Qi Wangfei intervened.
With her experience and fairness, Qi Wangfei wasn’t afraid of being accused of bullying the Wusun Princess. She immediately got angry, “Why didn’t you inform us or the Court of the Imperial Clan about her illness? Pawning jewelry and lining up for aid is a show for whom? If she’s ill, she should see a doctor. I suspect you servants are mistreating her. Seize them and send them to the authorities!” She invited Mingzhu, “Let’s go inside and see for ourselves.”
Liuli, seeing they were serious, panicked and followed, pleading, “No, we haven’t mistreated the Wangfei. She really is ill.”
Ignoring her, Mingzhu and Qi Wangfei continued inside until they saw the Wusun Princess being helped out by two maids. She looked exhausted and said, “Thank you for your concern. I’m fine.”
