Xiao Muchen bringing this matter up with Mingxi was clearly to have her relay the message to Madam Xiao and then ask her family for advice.
If Fuchang Marquis’s residence was willing to arrange the marriage, then the matter would be easy to handle.
If Fuchang Marquis was unwilling, Duke Wei’s family would treat it as if nothing had happened and would not drag Fuchang Marquis’s family into this mess.
However, Mingxi then thought of something.
Her sister-in-law was the eldest daughter of Fuchang Marquis’s residence. If Xiao Ling married Xu Heng, they would indirectly become relatives.
Thus, although Duke Wei didn’t openly take a side, it was clear he had a good impression of Duan Wang.
Consort Shu must have realized this, so she would rather offend the Empress to secure this marriage.
This was essentially pulling Duke Wei halfway onto her son’s boat, which was something she would want.
Mingxi glanced at Xiao Muchen. She could see now—he was the one who nearly eliminated the Crown Prince in the past.
“Alright, I will help inquire. I can’t guarantee success, though,” Mingxi said seriously.
She had a good impression of Fuchang Marquis’s family, and Xiao Ling was a good girl. In terms of character, she and Xu Heng were indeed a good match.
But it all depended on Fuchang Marquis’s own decision.
At that moment, Fang Xulin knocked on the door and personally brought in a large food box, filled with dishes for the table. Mingxi noticed that some of the dishes were ones she had enjoyed during her previous visit.
He was thoughtful, remembering her preferences.
“Try this steamed duck; it’s Uncle Fang’s specialty. You didn’t get to try it last time, and this duck isn’t available every day.” Xiao Muchen used the public chopsticks to take a duck leg and placed it into Mingxi’s bowl.
Mingxi thanked him, took a bite, and said, “It really is good. In Jiangcheng, there’s also a dish called Eight-Treasure Duck, which is equally delicious. One has a delicate and refreshing taste, while the other is rich and fragrant.”
Xiao Muchen smiled. “One day, if the opportunity arises, I’ll visit the place where you grew up. You always talk about how wonderful Jiangcheng is, and it makes me yearn to see it.”
Mingxi closed her mouth.
She would focus on eating.
Xiao Muchen looked at her, slightly awkward, but his smile deepened.
Fuchang Marquis’s people handled the matter with Li Peilan well. They were willing to protect Mingxi, and when the opportunity arose, he would naturally help them out.
Such a good marriage, how could he let it go to the Li family?
As for whether Duchess Wei truly liked Xiao Ling, that wasn’t important. As long as Mingxi held the position of Duan Wangfei, Duchess Wei would always approve of Xiao Ling.
….
Mingxi and Xiao Muchen said their goodbyes and returned to the Marquis residence. She first went to see Madam Xiao and carefully explained everything.
Madam Xiao was stunned. Duke Wei’s family?
Such a good match, it was something she never even dared to imagine. Her younger sister wasn’t the family’s legitimate daughter, but if this marriage came to pass, she would be the daughter-in-law of a Duke’s family.
Madam Xiao suppressed the excitement in her heart. Duke Wei’s family had a good reputation in the capital, but what worried her was Duke Cao’s family.
“Eldest little sister, I can’t make this decision. I’ll need to ask my family for advice first.” Madam Xiao smiled. “Although this marriage is excellent, it involves Duke Cao, so I can’t make a decision.”
“Big sister-in-law is right. Naturally, we need to ask the elders of the Marquis’ family for their opinion,” Mingxi said. “I’m just passing on the message. Whether or not it succeeds depends on the fate of both families.”
“That’s true, marriage is something that requires careful consideration,” Madam Xiao quickly replied.
The marriage was a good match, but it was a tricky one.
Without a bit of courage, one wouldn’t dare to take it on.
That afternoon, Madam Xiao found an excuse to leave and went back to her family. Last time, Madam Jiang had scolded Madam Xiao over the matter of the children, but now her son had come to ask her not to cause any more trouble.
He was so busy that he had no time to spend with his wife, let alone have children.
Madam Jiang: …
Ever since the eldest daughter grew wings, even her son dared to raise his voice against her.
Madam Jiang was feeling irritated. She knew Madam Xiao had returned to her family for her sister’s marriage issue. Although she was not happy, she didn’t stop her.
Madam Xiao returned to her family, met with her grandmother and mother, and explained everything.
The Old Madam and her daughter-in-law were both surprised. They exchanged a glance, and the Old Madam turned to her granddaughter and asked, “Did Mingxi send this message? Is it really the intention of the Duchess Wei’s residence?”
“Yes, if it weren’t for the pressure from Duke Cao’s residence, Duchess Wei had intended to send someone to propose after the Mid-Autumn Festival,” Madam Xiao replied.
“Duke Cao’s residence forcing the marriage must be related to the Empress and the Crown Prince in the palace, and it’s a big matter. Your father must make the final decision, so you should go back and wait for news.”
Madam Xiao nodded. “Naturally, but I really think this is a good match. After all, it’s Duke Wei’s family.”
Fuchang Marquis Madam couldn’t help but praise, “That young master Xu Heng from the capital has quite a good reputation. Among all the young ladies in the capital, I never thought the Duchess Wei would have taken a liking to our Ling Er.”
The Old Madam smiled, “Our family has a good reputation, and the girls raised here are no worse than others. Why can’t they become the mistress of a Duke’s residence?”
“Mother is right,” Fuchang Marquis Madam said with a smile. “But we still need to look into it. If Duke Cao’s residence finds out we’ve intervened, it could cause trouble.”
“You’re the one being foolish. Since they’ve entrusted it to Consort Shu, it’s clear they want to pull us out of this.”
Fuchang Marquis Madam slapped her forehead. “I was being foolish.”
Madam Xiao bid her family farewell and returned to the Marquis residence to wait for news. Meanwhile, Duchess Wei of Duke Wei’s residence was furious.
“Does she really think her daughter is a celestial? The way she acted, you’d think my son marrying her daughter was a great favor,” Duchess Wei said with a dark expression. That day, Duke Cao’s residence had come to pressure her again, which had made her quite angry.
Duke Wei tried to comfort his wife, “Don’t worry, just delay it. We’ll have news from Duan Wang’s side soon.”
Duchess Wei sighed, “They’re forcing you to choose. Whether it’s the Crown Prince or Duan Wang, neither is a good choice at this moment.”
“But what does the marriage with Fuchang Marquis’s residence have to do with Duan Wang?” Duke Wei laughed.
“You say it lightly, but which person in the capital wouldn’t think like that?”
“What others think is their business. I’ve always done things my way, and I will continue to do so. In time, they’ll understand,” Duke Wei said.
“But what if Duan Wang is displeased because of this?” Duchess Wei asked.
“Duan Wangye would probably prefer it if it seemed like we’re not too close,” Duke Wei replied with a smile.
Duchess Wei’s expression softened slightly, and she sighed, “Fengcheng Marquis Madam came to apologize, saying that their family’s actions have caused trouble for us. How can I accept this?”
“Madam is right. Although there is some connection with Fengcheng Marquis, it’s not that great. The Crown Prince wanted the marriage between Duke Cao’s residence and ours because of my military power. If we’re to blame, Fengcheng Marquis is the one who should take responsibility.”
“You’ve known each other for so long; don’t be so distant,” Duchess Wei said. She had a good relationship with Fengcheng Marquis madam and had originally hoped for her son to marry Siyu. However, the Emperor had betrothed Siyu to Kang Wang.
Had she known earlier, she would have secured the marriage sooner, preventing this predicament.
At this thought, she turned to her husband, worry clear on her face, “If we settle this marriage with Fuchang Marquis’s residence, we’ll completely offend the Crown Prince and Duke Cao.”
“If the Empress dares to ask for an account, I’ll go all out and cause a scene!”
