Fu Wang Consort, seeing that Mingzhu not only denied any involvement but also completely distanced herself, wasn’t surprised at all. “Well, I understand what you mean,” she leaned in close, whispering softly into Mingzhu’s ear, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to handle this cleanly for you. She’s far along in her pregnancy, and with all the traveling, premature birth is very possible.”
Mingzhu felt a wave of irritation, feeling disgusted and annoyed. She immediately kept a straight face and remained silent. Seeing her silence, Fu Wang Consort chuckled awkwardly, “Well then, I’ll go back first.”
“No need to escort me,” Mingzhu replied indifferently, nodding lightly, and then said nothing more.
Fu Wang Consort quickly withdrew, getting into her carriage and laughing, “She’s getting her comeuppance! Stubborn as a mule, can she really escape? With such a narrow-minded view, what will she do in the future?”
The trusted maid asked, “Is Wangfei really willing to take the blame for her? His Highness brought Ji Hui back knowing the Regent Wangfei is fiercely jealous and hard to deal with, hoping to please the regent. Informing the regent’s wife is understandable, given her and the Fu family’s extensive network; it’s impossible to keep this a secret from her forever. If she finds out, it will be a disaster. But if you really take the blame, how will the regent ever forgive us in the future for the death of his son?”
Fu Wang Consort cracked melon seeds and smiled, “I’m just saying that for now. First, show her some goodwill, then drag it out. When she gets anxious, she will take matters into her own hands. By then, it will be an issue between the couple, and nothing to do with me.”
The maid finally smiled, “The Wangfei is wise.”
Fu Wang Consort sighed, “I’ve been forced into this. Why are there no good men in this world?” She thought of Fu Wang, who had returned and was already thinking about taking a concubine, and felt even more indignant.
Mingzhu, in a fit of rage, ordered all the items used by the Fu Wang Consort, including tea sets and cushions, to be thrown out. Afterward, still unsatisfied, she stomped on the gifts brought by the Fu Wang Consort until she felt a bit better.
Su Lan silently cleaned up after her outburst without asking questions or offering unsolicited advice. Xia Xue, confused by the situation, saw tears welling up in Mingzhu’s eyes and said, “Wangfei, if you want to cry, just cry.”
Mingzhu exploded, “Cry for what? What’s the use of crying?” She knew that many people encountered such issues—men desiring multiple wives and concubines was a common dream. If Yuwen Chu hadn’t given her hope initially, she wouldn’t be feeling disappointed now. But he had done so well in the beginning, and now this sudden incident made her feel not just disappointed and angry, but disgusted.
Even if this was the Great Empress Dowager’s doing, it shouldn’t end like this. Was it a drunken mistake or a willing affair? Mingzhu threw the shoes she made for Yuwen Chu to the ground, kicked them against the wall, and commanded Xia Xue, “Burn them! Call Zhou Shuyi here!”
Zhou Shuyi arrived quickly and asked solemnly, “What are your orders, Wangfei?”
Mingzhu stared at him, “Where is His Highness now?”
Zhou Shuyi thought for a moment, then seriously wrote a few words with tea water on the table, indicating that Yuwen Chu was negotiating a secret agreement with the Xiongnu King to dissolve the alliance with the rebels, and was not in the Weishui Camp.
This meant that even if she wrote a letter now to question him, she wouldn’t get a timely reply. By the time he returned and responded, the child would be born. Mingzhu was deeply troubled, “Ji Hui is back.”
“What?” Zhou Shuyi was very surprised, “How did she return?”
Mingzhu threw a teacup at him, “Don’t pretend! Weren’t you always keeping an eye on Fu Wang? I don’t believe you didn’t know. If you keep pretending, you can get out!”
She hadn’t resorted to physical reprimands in a long time, usually maintaining a dignified and graceful appearance. Now, her old temper flared up, but Zhou Shuyi immediately stood up, “It’s my fault.”
Mingzhu glared at him, but he kept his head down. Eventually, she lost interest in the confrontation. No one could help her; she had to verify the truth herself and make her own decisions. She waved her hand dismissively, “Go.”
Zhou Shuyi respectfully left but paused at the door, “Wangfei, I have something to say. We can’t be certain of the truth; it’s better to wait for His Highness’s reply before making a decision. Besides, His Highness is not that kind of person. Even if it’s true, there must be a reason. If he knew, he would have informed you already instead of ignoring it.”
This was sound advice. Despite her frustration and anger, Mingzhu could discern good advice. This matter couldn’t be avoided and had to be dealt with. She called Donghui, “Go and see what that person is doing, and try to find out the truth from her attendants.”
Donghui returned in the evening, looking grim, “I didn’t see Ji Hui, but I saw Jiang Youyuan. His Majesty somehow learned about Ji Hui and came to see her. They had a long private conversation until late afternoon. I tried to inquire from her attendants, but they were tight-lipped. Only her wet nurse, surnamed Xiao, was boasting that their lady’s future was very bright.”
Mingzhu smirked. Yuwen Guang might be free-spirited, but who would inform him about this? Obviously, Ji Hui did. In the capital, the person who could protect Ji Hui the most was Yuwen Guang. She didn’t understand why Ji Hui, being smart, didn’t bypass her, have the child, and then go to Yuwen Chu directly. Did she want to avoid giving birth to an illegitimate child and seek legitimacy for the child?
Donghui, sensing the underlying issue, softly said, “Wangfei, ever since His Highness assigned me to you, I’ve been your person. Whatever you need me to do, just say the word. No questions asked.”
Mingzhu felt comforted and patted Donghui’s shoulder, “Not yet.” Though she wanted to confront Ji Hui and tear her apart, she sensed that this issue wasn’t simple. There were too many doubts. If she acted rashly, she might lose control. She needed to think it through before making a move.
Unexpectedly, the news spread quickly. The next morning, when she woke up, Fu Mingzheng was already waiting for her. Seeing her awake and acting normally, he smiled, “This is good. The family can be at ease. What do you plan to do?”
