Hearing that Sheng Chumu was looking for him, Lu Qi knew that things had gone wrong. The Lu family’s fortune came from war valuables. They robbed wherever they attacked. Unfortunately, the Nine Pillar City was not a rich city and most of the war valuables had already entered his pocket. He then allowed the other soldiers to ransack the city. He never thought that they would go through the entire city and create such a big commotion.
Lu Yunji remained calm. “It is a pity that I cannot make use of Sheng Chumu when he is such a talent on the battlefield.” His hand sliced at the air. Lu Qi understood. He meant to get rid of Sheng Chumu.
When Sheng Chumu entered, he had yet to open his mouth when Lu Yunji said that he was looking for him.
“You have made great accomplishments by taking down the Nine Pillar City. I wanted to let you rest for a few days but war matters are urgent and we cannot afford to relax. A messenger just came and reported signs of the rebel army along the Anxi Canyon. Take two hundred men with you and locate the rebel army. Report back to me immediately when you have any news.”
Sheng Chumu laughed bitterly in his heart. Lu Yunji really knew no limits. From two thousand to two hundred. Sooner or later, he would instruct him to go on a mission by himself.
Lu Qi sneered, “We are not asking you to fight, just to investigate. Too many people will make it easier to discover you all. Moreover, this is just a small rebel army. What are you afraid of?”
Sheng Chumu saw blood. “Since it is just a small rebel army, why do you need me, a General, to personally lead men to investigate? Even an Assistant Lieutenant would suffice.”
Lu Yunji said earnestly, “Chumu ah, when in war, one cannot afford to be picky. You can’t be the only one obtaining achievements like attacking the city. We also have to allow others to obtain achievements. Rest assured. When you return, I will reward you accordingly.”
Sheng Chumu laughed. “I will heed your orders.” The more Lu Yunji wanted Sheng Chumu to die, the more determined Sheng Chumu was on staying alive. He was going to receive his reward from the Emperor and piss off this pair of father-son bastards from the Lu family.
When Sheng Chumu returned to his room, he told Fu Tao about how Lu Yunji was sending him to track the rebel army.
“Anxi Canyon?” Fu Tao shouted.
“The Anxi Canyon that is rumoured to be a death ground? Bastard! He is doing it again! How many people is he giving you this time? Don’t tell me that he is only giving you a thousand?”
“Two hundred.” Sheng Chumu had already accepted it.
Fu Tao patted Sheng Chumu’s shoulder sympathetically. “Brother-in-law, just run away. I hate people who defect the most but now I’m advising you to leave. A life as a defector would still be better than slowly getting tortured to death in here.”
“Defect?” It was not that Sheng Chumu did not think of this before. Why act as fish meat for someone else? However, “There are close to eight hundred people in the Duke Lu Residence. My father has been a general his entire life and achieved numerous feats. If I become a defect, what will happen to my parents? What will happen to Fu Rou? What about my two younger brothers that are still in Chang’an? I can’t defect.”
Fu Tao decided. “Then let me go with you. Even if I die, I will make sure you come out of Anxi Canyon alive.”
Sheng Chumu rejected him. “You can’t go. Moreover, there is one more thing that I haven’t told you. I have to tell you now. The huge fire at your house wasn't an accident.” Fu Tao listened as Sheng Chumu told him about the traces of oil found near the Fu Residence after the fire.
His eyes widened. “That fire was started intentionally by someone?”
“The Lu family.” Sheng Chumu explained, “Don’t ask me why, I am sure it's them. I am just not sure why the Lu family would start the fire.”
Fu Tao was stunned. “Lu family? Lu Yunji?”
Sheng Chumu stood beside Fu Tao. “Hence, if I don’t return, you must definitely stay alive to seek revenge for your mother and for me.” Wordlessly, he lifted his hands and karate-chopped Fu Tao’s neck.
Sheng Chumu was not going to let Fu Tao follow him. Mainly because it was too dangerous and even he himself was not certain of coming back alive, much less bringing Fu Tao with him. He also knew how much Fu Rou cared about her family. She already blamed herself so much over Third Madam. In addition, Fu Tao was her most beloved younger brother. Even if he could not protect himself, he should at least protect Fu Tao. Maybe that way, she would blame him less if he really did not make it home!
Chapter 17.2: Swing
On this day, Fu Rou delivered an embroidery piece to Lizheng Palace and bumped into Prince Qin. Prince Qin was only eight years old and still behaved like a child. He did not have the arrogance that was common of the royal family.
He greeted Fu Rou happily and his eyes widened as he caught sight of the embroidery. Alas, he scrunched up his nose and remarked, “It is always flowers and plants. So uninteresting.”
Fu Rou treated Prince Qin dearly. “What would Your Highness like?”
Prince Qin thought about it. “Imperial Father recently bestowed a jade flute to me. I would like a pouch to keep my flute. I want it to look impressive and powerful.”
“Impressive and powerful? I can’t think of anything now, but—” Fu Rou smiled warmly. “I heard that there are a lot of mysterious animals in the Classic of Mountain and Sea. Prince Qin, how about you read the classic and tell me if there is any that catches your attention? I will then help you sew anything you want.”
“Okay, it’s a deal.” Prince Qin ran into the palace happily.
Fu Rou followed him in. She greeted the Empress and Grand Consort Sun before presenting the embroidery.
The reason why Empress Zhangsun was respected by the Emperor was not only because they have gone through numerous hardships as a couple but also because she was extremely thoughtful when it came to establishing relationships. Back then, due to the Xuanwu Gate Coup, a wedge formed between the Emperor and the Grand Emperor to the point that they were no longer willing to see each other. However, as long as the Grand Emperor lived, he was still the Son of Heaven and cannot be neglected. Luckily, Empress Zhangsun was kind and filial to him, ensuring that everything is settled on the Grand Emperor’s end.
Grand Consort Sun often came to Lizheng Palace and was close to her daughter-in-law.
“Head Seamstress Fu, your embroidery is outstanding.” Grand Consort Sun was kind and knowledgeable.
Empress Zhangsun was also extremely pleased. She rewarded Fu Rou with a snack from overseas that she momentarily could not recall the name.
Fu Rou reported, “Your Majesty, this snack is called 'turn back'. I grew up in Guangzhou which is near the ocean. There would often be merchants around and I believe I have eaten this before. During the trading season, there would be even more merchants and more interesting snacks. For example, there is a snack I really love called fried scattered dough.”
Grand Consort Sun was intrigued. “I never would have thought that you not only are extremely skilled, you are also knowledgeable.”
Fu Rou remained humble. “I would not dare. It is just the convenience from living beside the ocean.”
Fu Rou told them of numerous interesting stories and everyone was absorbed by her stories. When Empress Zhangsun let her go to finish her duties, Prince Qin ran out after her. He expressed that he no longer wanted the flute pouch but wanted her to tell him more stories. She was delighted that there were people that enjoyed her stories. She promised Prince Qin that she would embroider the flute pouch and tell him stories.
As Fu Rou left Lizheng Palace, she thought that the day had passed rather smoothly. Who knew that she would bump into her jinx -- Prince Zhou.