After the palace attendants conveyed Mingzhu’s message to Sang Shen, Sang Shen calmly stated that she needed to wash her face. Thinking that they were guarding outside and she couldn’t escape, they agreed. However, once Sang Shen went inside, she never came out. When they went in to check, she had already taken poison and died.
Mingzhu leaned against her forehead. This was truly one problem after another.
Mu Gugu’s lips trembled, barely managing a smile. “A few days ago, Sang Shen said to this old servant that if the late Great Empress Dowager left, she would follow her to serve her until the end… At that time, I thought she was joking, but who knew it was true.” Her words were cut off by tears streaming down her face.
Afraid that Mu Gugu might not take it well, Mingzhu quickly said hoarsely, “From now on, Gugu, come and stay with me at the mansion. Let’s live like we used to when we were young.”
Mu Gugu shook her head. “This old servant will guard the tomb for Her Majesty. She asked this old servant to return and asked if this old servant still resented her. Actually, this old servant didn’t resent her, just felt sorry for her. Her worries, this old servant understands the most. She really didn’t want to be buried with the late Emperor and didn’t want to cause trouble for Fu Xiang and the Wangfei. After all, this is a matter after death, and it’s impossible to joke about it…”
Mingzhu handed Mu Gugu a handkerchief. “I understand. Don’t worry.”
News of Sang Shen’s incident spread, causing much discussion. Yuwen Guang ordered for her to be properly buried and accompany the late Great Empress Dowager in burial. Following this, several palace maids from Changxin Palace also committed suicide, all of whom were favored by the late Great Empress Dowager.
Rumors began to circulate, with many believing that Mingzhu was settling scores behind the scenes, leading to the deaths or executions of these palace maids. Funing seized the opportunity to catch several leaders of these rumors and quelled the rumors with severe punishment.
Mingzhu went to visit Fu Cong. Although the suicides of the palace maids were a bit distressing, she was more concerned about Fu Cong’s condition. Unexpectedly, Fu Cong was in surprisingly good spirits. When he saw her, he waved gently for her to sit beside him and had someone bring her hot ginger tea. “The deceased has passed away, and she has her own journey. I heard you were sick. You must get better soon. Otherwise, what will happen to your two children? Don’t make me worry about you.”
“It’s just a little upset fire. I’m almost better now.” Mingzhu asked, “There are rumors saying that Auntie’s request for a new tomb is deliberately making things difficult for us. If it really turns out this way, it will bring a bad reputation to His Highness. Father, what do you think?”
Fu Cong shook his head. “She wouldn’t joke about such matters. You may not know, but she sent people to survey the feng shui long ago, and the chosen location is Lufeng. I’ve already informed your eldest brother to notify the Ministry of Rites to send someone to inspect.”
Lufeng was indeed the burial site chosen for Rong Ming.
Mingzhu whispered, “In this regard, Auntie is actually similar to me.”
Not asking about background, not minding disabilities. Although she was the Great Empress Dowager, the other party was as humble as a eunuch, she liked him, wanted to be with him when she was alive, and even after his death. Similar to when she didn’t care about the situation of Yuwen You, she just liked him, wanted to be with him. But Rong Ming loved the Great Empress Dowager just as deeply, while Yuwen You didn’t love her.
Fu Cong said in a deep voice, “No, she is more miserable than you and not as lucky as you. I often think if she were a bit dumber, or a bit smarter, perhaps none of these things would have happened.”
Mingzhu agreed with Fu Cong’s words, recognizing her good fortune in meeting Yuwen Chu. That night, she wrote Yuwen Chu a letter, mentioning the last words and wishes of the Great Empress Dowager. She still couldn’t figure out what the Great Empress Dowager meant by mentioning Ji Hui at the end, but she believed Yuwen Chu would likely know.
During the days she awaited Yuwen Chu’s reply, January passed uneventfully. As February began, the mourning period ended, and everything returned to its original state.
Without the Great Empress Dowager, the palace and the court remained calm with no major incidents. Any minor issues were easily resolved by Huayang Wang, Fu Mingda, Fu Mingzheng, and others. The only significant issue was the spring famine. Last year’s drought had delayed the rains until autumn, ruining the crops. Fortunately, the widespread planting of sweet potatoes by the court greatly alleviated the famine. Although this spring was difficult, it did not lead to the selling of children or other extreme measures.
The frontline situation remained unchanged. Zhongshan Wang clearly felt the pressure and became more cunning. He tightened his forces, only defending without attacking, attempting to maintain the frontline south of Weishui. Although Yuwen Chu had strong troops and advanced weapons, facing this situation, he could only proceed cautiously. The two sides had a few skirmishes but ended them inconsequentially. However, both sides knew this was only temporary. The stalemate would be broken sooner or later, leading to either victory or defeat.
Mingzhu received Yuwen Chu’s reply in March, when spring was blooming. The letter arrived a bit late, and Yuwen Chu did not express any opposition regarding the late Great Empress Dowager’s tomb. His opinion was similar to Fu Cong’s; he would follow Yuwen Guang’s arrangements. As for Ji Hui, he only replied with the words: “I know, don’t worry.”
Mingzhu thought about Ji Hui, who was far away, and realized she couldn’t intervene. She had reminded her when necessary, so she let it be and focused on her duties.
At this time, the belly of the Wusun Princess finally became too big to hide. She hadn’t appeared in public for a long time, claiming illness and avoiding visitors, but there were many eyes in the capital watching her. Some people informed Mingzhu about it, hoping she would inquire.
Mingzhu ignored it, focusing only on keeping peace in Linan Wang’s mansion. She knew the Wusun Princess was deeply devoted to Yuwen You and wouldn’t do anything to betray him. The secrecy was likely a precaution. But this child was not like those of ordinary families; once born, it would need to be registered at the Court of the Imperial Clan. The Wusun Princess would eventually come to her.
Sure enough, the Wusun Princess soon came to her. She chose her timing well, coincidentally when Li Shumei was giving birth, and Mingzhu wasn’t at home. Zhou Nushi and Ping Nushi received her, thinking she had missed Mingzhu and might be displeased. To their surprise, the Wusun Princess showed great patience this time, refusing to leave and accepting refreshments.
Because of her unusual behavior, Zhou Nushi and Ping Nushi suspected she might have some ulterior motive or that something might be wrong with the unborn child, and she wanted to use this as an excuse to rely on Mingzhu. They handled her cautiously and quickly sent someone to fetch Mingzhu.
Li Shumei gave birth to a son named Fu Ji, with Fu Cong having chosen the given name and Fu Mingzheng deciding the nickname, Ruirui. Since Mingzhu was in a good mood and there were no other matters, she left after receiving the letter from Zhou Nushi.
When the Wusun Princess saw Mingzhu, she smiled and patted her belly, making sure Mingzhu noticed, before saying, “There’s something I need to trouble you with, Sister-in-law.”
