“Is there such a matter?” The Emperor’s slightly clouded but still deep and reserved gaze turned toward the Empress.
The Empress felt a chill in her heart, suppressing her anger as she cast a sharp glance at Consort Shu. Then, she turned to the Emperor with a smile and said, “Your Majesty, it was just a small misunderstanding. Consort Shu, being broad-minded as always, must have kept this trivial matter in her heart longer than I expected.”
Consort Shu had brought up the matter in front of the Emperor to give the Empress a warning, not with the intention of completely tearing down their relationship.
If the situation were fully exposed to the Emperor—that two men were vying over one woman—not only would it damage the Crown Prince’s standing, but even Duan Wang and Mingxi might lose the Emperor’s favor altogether.
The Crown Prince, as the heir apparent, would inevitably be forgiven by the Emperor, who valued him above all. But what about Duan Wang?
Especially for Mingxi, as a woman, she might end up bearing the brunt of the Emperor’s wrath.
Consort Shu ignored the Empress and sighed deeply to the Emperor. “Such events today have left me deeply troubled. Now, hearing that both the Crown Prince and Jin Wang were also ambushed, I feel even more unsettled.”
“Your Majesty, this matter must be thoroughly investigated. The Empress mentioned that Miss Fu has evidence. Coincidentally, Duan Wang has also captured one of the attackers alive. With this, I believe the truth will soon come to light.”
Mingxi had been secretly observing the Empress’s expression. At the mention of a captured assassin, the Empress’s expression momentarily changed before she quickly masked it—but Mingxi caught it nonetheless.
She had guessed correctly: tonight’s events were orchestrated by the Empress and the Crown Prince. What she couldn’t yet determine was how Jin Wang became involved. Was it a voluntary alliance or an unintentional collaboration? That required further thought.
The Noble Consort seemed genuinely surprised and turned to Consort Shu, asking, “Truly, they captured one alive?”
Mingxi met the Noble Consort’s gaze and noted that her surprise didn’t seem feigned, which made her ponder further.
“Where is this person now?” the Emperor inquired, looking at Consort Shu.
Consort Shu respectfully replied, “Duan Wang has already secured the individual. As for the exact location, I haven’t had the chance to inquire yet.”
The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze finally settling on Mingxi. “You, tell me what happened when you and Duan Wang were ambushed.”
Hearing the Emperor’s question, Mingxi stepped forward slightly. Only then did she lift her head to look directly at him, recounting the events in precise detail.
“At that time, Duan Wang had his back to the arrow. Had the assassin succeeded, Wangye’s life would be uncertain now. Your Majesty, the assailant was skilled, precise, and ruthless. For such audacity to exist under the Emperor’s rule, this matter demands a thorough investigation.”
The Emperor’s gaze lingered on Mingxi, studying her carefully for the first time. After a long pause, he suddenly asked, “Have you practiced martial arts?”
Duan Mingxi, unsure why the Emperor was shifting the topic, maintained her composure. “Yes, Your Majesty. When I was young, I was abducted. Later, I was rescued by my adoptive parents. My adoptive father, being a merchant, intended for me to inherit the family business and thus had me trained in martial arts and educated.”
The Emperor appeared intrigued. “Why would a merchant train his child in martial arts?”
“Most merchants spend a significant portion of their time on the road, often encountering bandits and robbers. Learning martial arts was merely for self-defense,” Mingxi replied.
The Emperor scrutinized Duan Mingxi further. Her posture, demeanor, and unflinching response to the monarch’s presence all displayed the grace of a noblewoman.
Having saved Old Four’s life, it became clear why he had insisted on marrying her despite her less-than-ideal background. Yet, her strengths far outweighed her imperfections.
“Where is your adoptive father now?”
“In Jiangcheng.”
“Jiangcheng is a fine place,” the Emperor mused nostalgically. “I once visited there myself.”
Duan Mingxi smiled lightly. “Indeed, Your Majesty. To this day, the famed Wangjiang Tower in Jiangcheng still preserves your calligraphy. Every year, countless scholars visit to admire it.”
“Is that so?” The Emperor’s interest was piqued.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I, too, once attempted to copy your inscription of ‘The First Tower Under Heaven,’ but my skill was far inferior and failed to capture even a fraction of your elegance,” Mingxi replied modestly.
The Empress and the Noble Consort’s expressions grew darker as the conversation continued, while Consort Shu’s astonishment was evident. She hadn’t expected Mingxi to make such a lasting impression on the Emperor through this exchange.
The Emperor, who showed favoritism even among his sons, rarely paid attention to their wives. Only the Crown Princess was granted any semblance of acknowledgment.
But after today, Duan Mingxi, the future Duan Wangfei, would undoubtedly leave a mark in the Emperor’s mind.
To win the Emperor’s favor with just a few words was no easy feat.
Consort Shu felt increasingly pleased with her daughter-in-law, while the Empress was filled with regret. Mingxi should have been hers. If only she hadn’t hesitated…
After a few more words with Duan Mingxi about Jiangcheng, the Emperor dismissed everyone, including the Empress, without mentioning the ambush again.
Upon leaving Chongzheng Hall, the Empress’s discontent was evident. She cast a cold glance at Consort Shu and Mingxi before storming off.
The Noble Consort, now looking at Mingxi with a changed demeanor, didn’t rush to leave with the Empress. Instead, she walked alongside Consort Shu.
Mingxi followed a step behind them.
The Noble Consort smiled and said to Consort Shu, “Had I known Duan Wang captured an assassin alive, I wouldn’t have opposed you earlier. What a misunderstanding.”
Consort Shu snorted. “Now you’re trying to play nice? You looked ready to eat me alive earlier.”
“That was just a misunderstanding. You know how panicked I was when I heard Jin Wang was in danger. The Empress spoke, and I didn’t have time to verify. It’s my fault,” the Noble Consort sighed. “Truly, my fault.”
Consort Shu didn’t believe a word but replied lightly, “As a mother, I can understand.”
“Ever magnanimous,” the Noble Consort chuckled. “The Empress mentioned that Miss Fu obtained a token from the assassin bearing Duan Wang’s insignia. Can you blame me for being alarmed?”
Duan Mingxi’s heart sank. So the token Miss Fu mentioned was indeed from Duan Wang’s household!
“Duan Wang’s insignia?” Consort Consort was surprise. “How could that be?”
“Exactly. That’s why I believed it without question,” the Noble Consort sighed again. “Something about this situation feels off. I can’t make sense of it, but that token is critical. You should investigate thoroughly.”
“Of course. Falsehoods cannot be passed off as truth,” Consort Shu replied coldly. “The token may be dubious, but the captured assassin is undeniable.”
The Noble Consort nodded. “You’re right. If it could happen once, it could happen again. For a Wangye to be ambushed so brazenly, you and I must stand together to seek justice.”
Duan Mingxi watched the Noble Consort walk away, recognizing her tactical shift. She had sensed the changing winds and swiftly turned against the Empress to ally with Consort Shu.
The Noble Consort was certainly quick to adapt and willing to set aside pride when necessary.
As expected, no one who has managed to raise a son in the imperial harem and maintain their status for so many years could be simple.
At the fork in the path, Consort Shu parted ways with the Noble Consort. After she left, Consort Shu turned to Mingxi and asked, “What do you think?”
Mingxi knew Consort Shu was testing her. Considering the actions of the Empress and the Crown Prince in the past, she decided not to hold back. She answered directly, “Niang Niang, His Majesty will most likely cover this matter up.”
Consort Shu’s eyes sharpened. Mingxi’s thoughts aligned with her own.
But she wasn’t willing to let that happen.
