After the big battle came a brief period of rest and recuperation. Princess Kangning had successfully arrived in Wusun and held her wedding with King Heimo, while Fu Wang returned to the capital to report. Meanwhile, Zhongshan Wang tried a new tactic. Under the guise of peace talks, he pretended to engage with Yuwen Chu while secretly sending envoys with large sums of gold and silver to the capital. He brazenly bribed courtiers, cultivated relationships with Xu Lin, the maternal uncle of Empress Dowager Xu, and secretly visited Yuwen Xin, all with a posture that seemed genuinely interested in peace talks.
“The envoy’s name is Zhang Jian. He was a tutor in Zhongshan Wang’s mansion in his early years. He first said that each should govern on their own side of the river without disturbing each other. When His Majesty heard this, he casually threw the letter to the ground.” Huayang Wangfei brought her daughter Niu Niu to visit Mingzhu and told her everything that Yuwen Xin had informed her of: “He immediately said again that he was willing to submit, but the Regent is too murderous and untrustworthy. He hopes His Majesty can personally visit Weishui, and Zhongshan Wang is willing to surrender to His Majesty. His Majesty remained silent, and he kept urging, saying it’s for the sake of the people. His Majesty has not yet responded.”
“Since His Majesty hasn’t responded, he must find a way to meet with the Empress Dowager or ask Xu Lin to convey the message. Do you know what else he said?” Mingzhu knew this Zhang Jian. He was a renowned scholar in his early years but failed the imperial examinations several times due to various reasons. Disheartened, he followed Yuwen Feng to Beidi and became known for his resourcefulness. It was said that several of Yuwen Feng’s sons were taught by him, and Yuwen Cong was his most accomplished disciple, deeply influenced by his teachings.
Huayang Wangfei shook her head. “I don’t know about that, but as far as I know, most of the money he brought ended up in the Xu family.”
“Nowadays, people only know about the Regent and not His Majesty. If he visits Weishui for an inspection, not only can he pacify the hearts of the people, but he can also rectify the root cause. Moreover, he can gain the support of all the vassal kings. It’s just a matter of time before he can govern with diligence and skill! This is what Zhang Jian said to the Empress Dowager. In my opinion, kill this old thief, and everything will be quiet. Otherwise, these idle chickens in the capital who only know how to eat and don’t crow will only remember that they won now and will be busy grabbing benefits without thinking about how they won or what will happen if the fighting stops.”
Fu Mingzheng entered with a smile and greeted Huayang Wangfei politely before putting down the child he was carrying. Then, he courteously greeted Huayang Wangfei, “Sorry, this child kept clamoring to come find his big brother and little sister to play with. She irritated me, so I had to bring her over. I hope I’m not disturbing you, Your Highness.”
He has now been promoted to Left Deputy Inspector of the Censorate, responsible for supervising and impeaching officials, clarifying injustices. He can be said to be on cloud nine. When he opened his mouth, he recounted Zhang Jian and Empress Dowager Xu’s private conversations one by one. Though it seemed audacious, it was deliberate. Yuwen Xin was selected by Yuwen Chu to stay behind and manage the rear. He couldn’t afford any mistakes. Necessary discipline and intimidation were unavoidable. Yuwen Chu had been fighting at the frontlines, finally pushing back the rebels. These people, stationed safely at the rear, now wanted to cause trouble. He couldn’t allow it, or else there would be only one outcome: execution!
Huayang Wangfei was straightforward. Hearing Fu Mingzheng’s implied message, she blushed and stammered, “Indeed, our Highness also received many gifts, but we didn’t dare to accept them. We’ve compiled a list and sent it to Sixth Brother. I brought the items with me today; they’re outside.”
Mingzhu quickly intervened, “Since it’s a gift for you, then you should keep it. If His Highness were here, he would handle it the same way.”
Huayang Wangfei firmly refused, “Our Highness has said that if Sixth Sister-in-law doesn’t want it, then we’ll sell it for cash and use it as military expenses!”
“That’s a good idea. Let’s use their bones to make their own oil, infuriating the old thief.” Fu Mingzheng rubbed Jiajia’s hair and pushed her towards Xia Xue. “Go and play.”
Jiajia couldn’t wait any longer and asked Huayang Wangfei excitedly, “Is Niu Niu here too?” After receiving confirmation, she happily ran out. In no time, the shouts of several children could be heard from the next room.
Fu Mingzheng continued the previous topic with Huayang Wangfei with a smile, “If His Majesty is wise, he won’t fall for Zhang Jian’s tricks. If he does, and gives the old thief Zhongshan Wang a chance to catch his breath, that would be disastrous.”
Huayang Wangfei agreed, “Our Highness said that the old thief must have ill intentions. Provocation is his purpose. If His Majesty really goes to Weishui, he might not even return if he’s taken hostage.”
“Who’s to say otherwise? That’s when the old thief will truly become famous.” Fu Mingzheng smiled and got up to leave. “You two continue chatting; I’ll go play with the children. Children shouldn’t always be with their mother for too long, especially Zhuang Zhuang. I need to teach him what it means to be a man.”
Mingzhu chuckled, “My fourth brother has a straightforward mouth, making seventh sister-in-law laugh.”
Huayang Wangfei also smiled, “Hasn’t Minister Fu always been like this? We’re used to it.”
After Huayang Wangfei left, Fu Mingzheng returned, looking serious. “Mingzhu, His Majesty still hasn’t responded, indicating that he’s considering it. I need your strongest men and the best weapons.”
Mingzhu already knew what he wanted to do. She had been prepared since the day Zhang Jian and Xu Lin conspired together, just waiting for the right opportunity. She responded seriously, “I’m ready. Fourth brother, go and take the men tonight.”
Fu Mingzheng smiled faintly at her. “Wait for my message.”
That night, in the small hours, Dong Hui hurried in, whispering, “Yexiu asked his subordinates to report to Wangfei. Fourth Master has sent word back. Everything went smoothly, not a single trace left behind.” She smiled and reported the number to Mingzhu, but with a hint of regret, “Unfortunately, most of it went to others, and there isn’t much left.”
“It’s okay. They’ll spit it out.” Mingzhu brightened the lamp, flipped through the account book, and steadily added a note with her pen, “Received ten thousand taels of gold, one hundred thousand taels of silver, and various antiques and jade from Zhang Jian.”
This was the remaining part of the wealth brought into the capital by Zhang Jian, which Fu Mingzheng had just taken with his men. Yes, it wasn’t stealing or looting; it was taking. Because Zhang Jian and his followers were already dead.
The Regent’s Mansion and the Fu Family had no turning back. Any concession or hesitation could be fatal. Since Zhang Jian had come stealthily, let him quietly die. Even if everyone knew it was them, there was no problem. At this stage, there was nothing more to say.
Mingzhu put down her pen and instructed Dong Hui, “Early tomorrow morning, have someone send these one hundred thousand taels of silver to Ban Jian. Whatever materials they need to buy, just buy them. Tell them, no matter what, I want the best weapons.”
Dong Hui smiled and agreed. Seeing her joyful expression, Mingzhu suddenly said, “When His Highness returns, you and Yexiu can handle this matter.”
Dong Hui was taken aback but then said, “It’s up to Wangfei’s arrangements,” without further refusal.
