Seeing Funing’s sour expression and the jealousy burning in her eyes, Mingzhu warned her, “General Shen and I grew up together, like siblings. Of course, our relationship is different. But even so, his marriage is not something I can easily intervene in. He is a highly regarded general by His Majesty, a pillar of the country. Who he marries and how he marries are of great importance, and His Majesty will consider it carefully. I know you feel aggrieved, but you have to accept it. Don’t stir up trouble, or you know what His Majesty’s temper is like.”
Funing sneered, “So according to Sister-in-law, how will His Majesty treat me? Will he kill me? Or imprison me? Now I’m already a laughingstock to everyone, so it wouldn’t be too much.”
Some people are just asking for trouble. Mingzhu sighed, “I don’t know what His Majesty will do. If Princess is not satisfied, you can always try.”
Funing fell silent for a moment, then raised her glass to Mingzhu, “I was too impulsive just now. Sister-in-law is naturally looking out for me, and His Majesty is my brother. He naturally can’t treat me unfairly. I was just angry earlier, but now I’ve calmed down. Sister-in-law, don’t take offense. I heard from my mother earlier that His Majesty also has someone in mind for me. Do you know anything about it?”
Mingzhu saw that Funing had finally stopped staring at Shen Ruilin and Zeng Yaqiu, and felt relieved, “I’ve heard His Majesty mention this matter. You probably don’t know that he has considered all the eligible candidates in the court and their families. He’s afraid you won’t be well taken care of. As for who he finally chooses, it seems it hasn’t been decided yet. Anyway, rest assured, you’re His Majesty’s only sister, and he won’t mistreat you.”
“I am reassured.” Funing appeared obedient on the surface, but her heart was dark. They say when one person ascends to the throne, even the chickens and dogs rise to heaven. Why did her own brother become emperor, yet she had to suffer like this? She couldn’t even get the man she liked, and had to watch that little fox from the Zeng family snatch away the marriage that should have been hers. She felt ashamed even without others mocking her.
Because Funing behaved well afterward and didn’t do anything outrageous, Mingzhu didn’t focus on her anymore. Instead, she turned to chat and console other noblewomen. She signaled Dong Hui to inform Shen Ruilin, “I have something to ask General Shen, please ask him to stay later.”
The banquet ended in a flash, and everyone left. Mingzhu saw off Empress Dowager Min, then made sure Funing obediently returned to her palace before finally returning to the Chongzheng Hall. Yuwen Chu was still reveling with the court officials and hadn’t returned yet. Mingzhu arranged some fruit and tea on the corridor, waiting quietly for Shen Ruilin to arrive.
When the moon was high in the sky, Shen Ruilin was led in by Su Lan. They first exchanged formal greetings as lord and subject, then talked about family matters, and finally sat down as siblings on the mat. A palace servant brought sobering soup, and Mingzhu handed it to Shen Ruilin, “Cousin, drink this first.”
A person who used to be so carefree had now become so thoughtful, knowing how to take care of others. Everyone had changed so much. Shen Ruilin smiled as he drank the sobering soup, “Your Majesty is different from before.”
“How am I different? I’m still me, always the same.” Mingzhu first handed him a bowl of noodles, then helped him crack walnuts and pomegranates, urging him to eat more, “The palace banquet is not very tasty. I bet you’ve been drinking on an empty stomach. Eat something first, otherwise your stomach won’t be able to handle it.”
Shen Ruilin silently accepted the bowl of noodles she handed him and kept stuffing his mouth. When he was finally full, Mingzhu said, “These years must have been hard for you, right? Since we parted in the capital and met again at Yicheng, we haven’t had a chance to talk properly. If we don’t talk this time, who knows when we’ll have another chance.”
Shen Ruilin sighed, “It’s not necessarily hard. I’m a soldier. Even if I die in battle, it’s only natural to die with honor. It’s just that thinking of those who have passed away, it’s always a bit bitter.”
Like Fu Cong, when he heard of Fu Cong’s death in the Northern Territory, he was heartbroken, but he didn’t even have a chance to pay his respects to this mentor-like figure because the next moment he had to command troops on the battlefield. Like Fu Mingzhao, he knew that he faced death at any moment. Every time he saw Fu Mingzhao, he felt sad, but he had to put on a brave face and pretend that they could finish the battle tomorrow and return home victorious. There were many others like them, who would never come back. Compared to them, Shen Ruilin, who could sit here peacefully, drink tea, enjoy the moon, and accept rewards, was less than one in ten thousand.
Mingzhu sighed, “Actually, the main reason I wanted to see you today is for two things. First, I haven’t seen you in a long time, and I’ve missed you. Second, Father left a message for you back then. I can’t go into details in a letter, so I’ll tell you in person.”
Shen Ruilin stood up respectfully, listening attentively as she spoke. Mingzhu chuckled, “You’re still the same. I said today was about family matters, so why are you so formal?”
Shen Ruilin said seriously, “Father’s last words must be respected.”
Mingzhu had no choice but to let him, “Father said, ‘Be cautious when alone. At all times and in all places, be cautious and meticulous, and you will be safe for a lifetime.'”
Shen Ruilin’s eyes welled with tears, “I’ll remember.”
Mingzhu asked him to sit down, “Let me introduce the children to their uncle.”
Zhuangzhuang and Millet came out one after the other, bowing respectfully to Shen Ruilin. Shen Ruilin gave them each a gift and smiled, “I’ve prepared two excellent young horses for you two, which have already been sent to the palace. You can see them tomorrow.”
Zhuangzhuang and Millet were overjoyed when they heard this, surrounding Shen Ruilin and bombarding him with questions. Shen Ruilin, being gentle by nature, patiently answered each one. Mingzhu leaned against the table, smiling as she watched this scene, feeling very pleased as well.
Suddenly, a palace attendant announced from outside, “Greetings to Your Majesty.”
Immediately after, Mei Yusi and Wei Tiande helped Yuwen Chu enter, whispering softly to Mingzhu, “Your Majesty, His Majesty is drunk.”
Shen Ruilin got up and bowed, but Yuwen Chu heavily patted his shoulder without saying a word. He pushed away Wei Tiande and Mei Yusi, reaching out to Mingzhu, “Empress, come help me.”
Mingzhu chuckled, “Your Majesty has had a bit too much to drink. It seems you’re very happy today.” She stepped forward to assist Yuwen Chu. Shen Ruilin was worried that Yuwen Chu might inadvertently hurt Mingzhu if he couldn’t control his strength while drunk. He couldn’t help but take a step forward to offer his assistance, but Mingzhu gently shook her head, discreetly moving his hand away. She then steadied Yuwen Chu and softly scolded him, “You should drink less. You’ll have a headache in the middle of the night.” She then instructed Zhuangzhuang and Millet, “Quickly go and prepare sobering soup for your father.”
The two children obediently ran off, and Shen Ruilin hesitated for a moment before silently bowing and leaving. He heard Yuwen Chu’s low laughter, “Empress, I want noodles.” Despite being drunk, his tone was sincere, as if he truly wanted that bowl of noodles.
“Alright,” Mingzhu answered in a drawn-out tone, but then heard Yuwen Chu continue, “I also want to eat osmanthus glutinous rice lotus roots, made by you.”
The place where Yuwen Chu had patted his shoulder was faintly sore. Shen Ruilin looked up at the moon in the sky, a smile playing on his lips, feeling a surge of jealousy.
