In the early morning, before dawn, Mingzhu fastened Yuwen Chu’s cloak, preparing to see him off for his expedition. She tried to smile, but her lips kept pressing together, unable to form a smile. “I’ll only see Your Highness to the main gate. Please take care, and never part with your armor and sleeve arrows.”
Yuwen Chu knew what she was thinking, so he joked with her, “You can’t bear to see me go, can you? Last night you even stopped me, saying I should conserve my strength and not be reckless. Regretting it now?”
Mingzhu, both amused and annoyed, lightly punched him. “Who’s regretting? You make it sound like I think of nothing but that.”
Yuwen Chu hugged her tightly and whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. I’m well-prepared this time, with favorable conditions and support. Don’t be afraid. If anything happens, go to your father and elder brothers. If you’re bored, visit my mother in the palace, choose a husband for Funing, play cards with An Xiaogu, Seventh Sister-in-law, and the other ladies. Do whatever makes you happy.”
Mingzhu held him tightly, her eyes unknowingly welling up. “You must take care. Remember, the children and I are waiting for you at home.”
Yuwen Chu laughed, “It’s strange. When you went on a long journey, knowing you’d endure hardships, you didn’t cry. Now that I’m leaving with so many people, you’re crying.”
Mingzhu denied it, “I’m not crying.”
Yuwen Chu pulled her outside, “Let me see the children one more time. I’ll be gone for a long time; they might not recognize me when I return.”
Together, they went to see the sleeping Zhuangzhuang and Millet. Yuwen Chu lovingly kissed their little faces, then held Mingzhu’s hand and walked to the gate of the residence. Zhang Huan and a team of brightly armored guards were waiting. As soon as he appeared, they saluted in unison.
Mingzhu quietly withdrew her hand from Yuwen Chu’s and smiled, “I wish Your Highness victory and success.”
Yuwen Chu adjusted her cloak, “It’s cold. Go back inside.” He then strode to his horse, mounted it, and without looking back, spurred it forward. Timing is crucial in warfare. As the Regent and commander, he had his own entourage, but he planned to ride ahead with a unit of cavalry under his command.
The crisp, urgent sound of horse hooves striking the street made the early autumn morning feel even colder. Mingzhu walked quickly to the street’s edge, watching until Yuwen Chu disappeared from sight before turning back. Every step from the gate to Yinghui Hall reminded her of him, imagining him passing by, his every action, his smiles, or his anger.
The empty bedroom felt even more desolate. Mingzhu hugged herself, clutching the private seal that could mobilize all of Yuwen Chu’s forces in the capital, and laid on the white wicker chair, dazing out. As activity began outside and the stewards came to report, she wanted to feign illness to avoid responsibilities but reminded herself that she couldn’t let Yuwen Chu worry or appear weak to others. She pulled herself together, practiced smiling in front of the mirror, and then calmly began handling affairs.
She knew that from now on, she had to do more than just manage the household, the charity, the medical classes, and social relationships. She had to safeguard their home, protect the rear, and prevent anyone from attacking Yuwen Chu from behind.
Huayang Wang Yuwen Xin and Fu Mingda were officially in charge of overseeing the rear and coordinating general affairs, both were trustworthy old acquaintances. However, such responsibilities were always a gamble with one’s life. She needed to stay vigilant, check for gaps, and anticipate problems to ensure invincibility.
Thus, Mingzhu became exceptionally diligent. Besides managing household duties, children, social engagements, and physical training, she dedicated an hour daily to listen to Zhou Shuyi’s reports on the movements of various factions in the capital and important news from across the country. These were meticulously compiled and sent swiftly to Yuwen Chu.
Two days later, Yuwen Chu’s entourage and the main body of troops departed from the outskirts of the capital. Mr. Meng, due to his age, didn’t accompany Yuwen Chu directly but followed this group. Ji Hui, as she wished, also joined the journey, along with a batch of quickly trained military doctors and novice doctors from Jiang Zhouzi’s medical class.
Next came Princess Kangning’s wedding procession. With her mother and brothers deceased and her maternal family in decline, only a distant uncle came to see her off, along with some members of the royal family. Mingzhu thought Kangning might feel lonely and sad, but she was surprisingly cheerful, chatting and laughing. It was the assigned escort, Fu Wang, who looked miserable, as if heading to an execution.
Fu Wang had only enjoyed brief prominence during the upheaval, after which he became like a withered eggplant, his followers abandoning him without notice. He stayed home, fearful of Yuwen Chu’s retaliation. However, Yuwen Chu never bothered with him, not even scolding him. When they met, he still politely addressed him as “Second Brother.” Only when Kangning’s marriage to Wusun was arranged did Yuwen Chu assign him to escort her.
The entire Fu Wang’s residence was in chaos. Fu Wang didn’t dare show himself, and his concubine, holding their infant daughter, sought help from various influential women, but no one responded. Finally, they sent a favored concubine of Fu Wang, who had a good relationship with Mingzhu, to plead for information. Yuwen Chu simply said, “I know Second Brother wishes to serve the country. Escorting the princess is the easiest and most honorable task. Safely deliver her, present the national letter, sign the treaty, and return.”
This response left Fu Wang speechless. If he sought power and glory, this was the simplest task. Do it well first, and then talk.
According to Yuwen Chu’s plan, sending Fu Wang to the battlefield would be enough to dispel his unrealistic ambitions. However, Fu Wang felt he was being punished and believed he wouldn’t return. Mingzhu heard that he cried daily at home, but in the past two days, he stopped crying, wrote his will, divided most of his estate, and dismissed several young concubines.
Everyone was aware of these matters, but since Fu Wang was not considered a real threat, they treated it as a joke, laughing behind his back. Seeing Fu Wang’s pitiful appearance today, they couldn’t help but exchange knowing glances and smiles.
Fu Wang noticed but didn’t bother to respond, maintaining a resigned demeanor. Huayang Wang, Yuwen Xin, couldn’t stand it, pulled him aside, and spent a good while coaxing and scaring him until he finally pulled himself together, barely maintaining the proper demeanor of an envoy escorting a princess.
From then on, the capital settled down, awaiting good news from the front lines.
