The Crown Prince waved his hand dismissively. “I’ll think about it. You may leave.”
Yu Cheng dared not press further. He bowed and left.
Once alone, the Crown Prince let out a cold laugh. Fu Hongxiao was nothing more than a pawn in his game. The matter of the Yuteng Pills being exposed conveniently diverted attention from his own actions that day.
Now that the situation had played out, her role was complete.
A mere concubine-born daughter dreaming of becoming a liangdi—how dare she think herself worthy!
As soon as the Eastern Palace withdrew its support, the Shuntian Office received the signal. Realizing that the Crown Prince would no longer protect Fu Hongxiao, the investigation accelerated.
Wang Buming, with his sharp instincts, quickly pinned the blame on Fu Hongxiao and shifted his focus back to Deqing Marquis, specifically the accusations of favoring a concubine over his wife. He pressed relentlessly. Xu Yiniang, who had flaunted her arrogance for years, was now mired in numerous scandals.
Mistress Xu had always relied on her belief that the Marquis’s wife was weak and soft-hearted, someone who valued her husband above even her children. With that dynamic, she feared nothing.
But those who have long sailed smooth waters often fail to recognize the looming storm.
The crime of favoring a concubine over one’s wife could be treated lightly or severely, depending on whether the wife decided to pursue the matter to the end.
“Marquis Madam secretly met with the Marquis in private the day before. The next day, she tried to change her statement in court. Fortunately, Lord Zhang intervened promptly to prevent it, or all the efforts made so far would have gone to waste.”
Hearing this, Mingxi was unsurprised. “If Marquis Madam had any real determination, she wouldn’t have waited until the very end to stand up for her children in her previous life.”
“And then?”
“Madam Zhang acted decisively, supporting the Madam with Miss Fu on either side, preventing her from speaking further. The Madam greatly respects her sister-in-law, and with her daughter also pleading tearfully, she ultimately didn’t waver.”
“And what about the verdict?”
“Lord Zhang insisted on pursuing the matter to the end. In his frustration, he even declared that he would take the case directly to the Emperor to argue about the Marquis if necessary.”
Mingxi sneered. “Once the matter reaches the Emperor, the Marquis might lose his title altogether.”
“Indeed. The Marquis used this point to threaten Lord Zhang, but Lord Zhang countered by stating that since the title wouldn’t go to his own nephew anyway, he’d rather give it back to the court than let a concubine-born heir inherit it.”
Mingxi smiled. “Lord Zhang truly knows how to strike where it hurts. He understands the Marquis’s weakness.”
“Exactly. Madam Zhang took the opportunity to persuade the Marquis, saying that her sister-in-law deeply loved him. Once Xu Yiniang was removed, the couple could reconcile and live harmoniously. However, she also mentioned that their family could no longer trust him. The Marquis needed to secure the heirship first before discussing reconciliation.”
“These words weren’t said in court, were they?”
Li Quan chuckled. “Of course not. If such family matters were aired in court, they’d become the laughingstock of the capital.”
“The Marquis will likely propose appointing a successor first.”
“You’re absolutely right, Young Lady. That’s exactly what happened. However, Lord Zhang refused, saying that just as an heir can be appointed, they can also be removed. Trust in the Marquis was gone, so he would not agree.”
“And Madam Zhang must have continued to persuade him during this time.”
“You guessed it again, Young Lady. Madam Zhang advised the Marquis that since his eldest son was his rightful heir, granting him the title would ensure he remained respectful and loyal to his father. The Marquis could continue to enjoy the honor of his title as long as he lived. If the title were returned to the court, however, the family’s prestige would vanish, leaving him a mere commoner. Between losing both wealth and honor or making a difficult compromise, it was better to choose the latter.”
Mingxi chuckled softly. “Madam Zhang truly knows how to persuade. If the Marquis agrees, they’ll likely reach a settlement in court.”
“Indeed. But first, Xu Yiniang must be expelled from the Marquis’s household, severing all ties to the family. She’ll take full responsibility for the crimes, allowing Fu Qian and Fu Hongxiao to remain in the household.”
Mingxi nodded. “Those two children are the Marquis’s true concern. If they were also punished, it would back him into a corner. Leaving a path open for him to retreat is a wise move on Lord Zhang’s part.”
In her past life, Mingxi had been willing to drag the Duke’s household down with her because she had lost the will to live. Living had been more painful than dying.
But the Marquis’Madam still had her children, Fu Yan and Fu Jingshu, to think about. For their futures, she had to take a step back.
“All that’s left is for the Marquis to submit a petition citing illness, requesting the Emperor’s approval to pass on his title to his eldest legitimate son.”
Mingxi knew that with the Crown Prince needing to avoid suspicion due to the Fu Hongxiao scandal, and Duan Wang working behind the scenes, the decree would likely be issued swiftly.
Her prediction was correct. Just as Duan Pingchang delivered the final shipment of Southern Brocade to the weaving bureau, leaving Tong Gaozhuo stunned, Duan Wang discreetly facilitated the Marquis’s request for the title transfer.
The Emperor, preoccupied with the Longhu assassination case and recovering from a minor illness, had no energy for trivial matters. With just a nudge from Duan Wang, the Ministry of Rites processed the matter and sought the Emperor’s approval.
With no objections from the Emperor, the matter was resolved.
The Crown Prince, furious after hearing Tong Gaozhuo’s report, swept everything off his desk in a fit of rage.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a sure thing?
Where on earth had Duan Pingchang found the Southern Brocade to fulfill the order?
Investigate!
However, since Mingxi had assigned the task to Duan Pingchang’s second uncle and kept her involvement hidden, Tong Gaozhuo couldn’t trace the source of the brocade. All he could do was endure the Crown Prince’s wrath.
With everything settled, Mingxi was in high spirits. Madam Zhang even invited her out to meet and express her gratitude.
Joining them were Fu Yan and his sister. The newly titled Marquis Deqing was full of gratitude and respect for Mingxi.
“I am deeply indebted to you, Miss Duan. Should you ever require my assistance in the future, I will not hesitate to go through fire and water to repay your kindness.”
“Marquis, you must be joking,” Mingxi said with a faint smile. “It was merely a case of injustice along the way. I happened to have the ability to intervene, so I lent a hand. There’s no need to dwell on it.”
Hearing this, Fu Yan felt a jolt in his heart. To meet someone who could extend kindness without expecting anything in return was rare. The less she asked for repayment, the more he cherished her act of grace.
Fu Jingshu maintained her usual gentle and soft demeanor. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Mingxi. “Sister Duan, my older brother and I feel the same way. I may not have many abilities, but if you ever need my help, I promise to give my all.”
Mingxi chuckled. “Alright, but let’s hope that day never comes.”
“Sister will surely live a life of peace and health,” Fu Jingshu said with a sweet smile. “As you wish, your life will be smooth and trouble-free, with no need to rely on anyone.”
Madam Zhang chimed in quickly, “Oh, stop thanking each other like this—it’s making things feel distant. Come, sit and let’s talk.”
Everyone took their seats. Madam Zhang reached into her pocket, took out an item, and placed it in front of Mingxi. “This is something my husband asked me to pass on to you. He said you might find it useful.”
“What is it?” Mingxi asked curiously as she glanced at it. She then reached out and removed the cloth wrapping it.
When she opened it, she froze for a moment.
It was the command token of Duan Wang’s residence!
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