In the distance, Consort Shu observed the exchange with a hint of displeasure. She turned to Hu Momo and instructed, “Go and bring Mingxi to accompany me back to Cuiwei Palace.”
Hu Momo promptly responded and hurried toward Miss Duan.
Xiao Yan reluctantly bid farewell to Mingxi. She had to follow her mother back to the residence and would return in the evening for the banquet.
She didn’t want to leave, but her mother insisted.
After sending Xiao Yan off, Hu Momo conveyed Consort Shu’s message, and Mingxi followed her.
This time, Consort Shu wasn’t seated in her sedan chair. She waved to Mingxi.
Mingxi approached, curtsied, and greeted her, “Mingxi greets Niang Niang.”
Consort Shu warmly took her hand. “Let’s walk back together. The autumn scenery in the palace is quite lovely—I’ll show you around.”
Mingxi glanced at Consort Shu. She didn’t quite understand why the consort treated her so kindly, but she always cherished genuine kindness from others.
“Thank you, Niang Niang.”
Hu Momo led the attendants to follow at a leisurely pace. At the front, Chen Fu and the eunuchs cleared the path. The cobblestone road was serene, surrounded by blooming flowers, winding trails, rockeries, and flowing streams—a truly picturesque setting.
“The last time you lent a hand to save Muhua County Princess, Ning Qin Wangfei mentioned it to me. She wanted to visit your residence but was dissuaded by me.”
Mingxi hadn’t expected Consort Shu to bring this up and was slightly surprised. After some thought, she slowly replied, “Since then, Muhua County Princess hasn’t sought me out. I assume it’s thanks to Niang Niang’s intervention with Ning Qin Wangfei.”
Hearing no displeasure in Mingxi’s tone, Consort Shu’s smile deepened. She gently said, “Ning Qin Wang is the emperor’s younger brother. While His Majesty holds him in high regard and trust, some things are permissible for the emperor but not for others.”
Mingxi understood. Ning Qin Wang held a unique position in court. Though he distanced himself from any one prince, if Mingxi used the incident as leverage to forge ties with the Ning Qin Wang family, it might not be something the emperor would welcome.
Consort Shu was teaching her and offering guidance.
“Niang Niang’s advice is deeply appreciated. Mingxi will remember it,” she said earnestly.
Consort Shu patted her hand. “You’re a smart child. I knew you’d understand my intentions. Kunde Palace has been keeping an eye on you. You may continue your friendship with Muhua County Princess, but keep your distance from Ning Qin Wang’s household.”
It was fine to befriend Xiao Yan, but ties with Ning Qin Wang’s family had to remain limited.
Mingxi smiled faintly at this. “Niang Niang, I didn’t think much of it that day. It wasn’t truly saving anyone—just helping Muhua County Princess find a safe place. I wouldn’t dare claim it as a life-saving favor.”
“If you hadn’t distracted the assassins, who knows what might have happened in the crowd,” Consort Shu said with a smile. “Ning Qin Wangfei has her own thoughts. Just keep this in mind.”
Mingxi hesitated for a moment, then looked at Consort Shu with curiosity. “There’s something I don’t quite understand. May I ask Niang Niang for guidance?”
“Oh?” Consort Shu chuckled. “Go ahead.”
It was rare for Mingxi to have doubts, and Consort Shu was more than willing to listen.
Mingxi met her gaze but hesitated briefly.
Her life was burdened with so many responsibilities. Even in this second chance, there were countless tasks she had to accomplish, leaving no room for ease.
But after so many years in the palace, Consort Shu’s bright and lively eyes still shone with innocence. Mingxi suddenly felt a deep envy and yearning.
She, too, wished to live a life of ease and joy.
Noticing the fleeting emotion in Mingxi’s eyes, Consort Shu felt a pang of pity. She immediately assumed it was because Madam Jiang had hurt her and made her so despondent.
Just as Consort Shu was considering how to offer some roundabout comfort, Mingxi regained her composure and began speaking. Consort Shu’s motherly instincts… were left unused.
“Why is it that Qi Wang’s maternal aunt and Ning Qin Wangfei, though sisters, seem to have no interaction?”
Mingxi carefully recalled her past life. Whether it was Consort De or Qi Wan, they indeed had minimal connections with Ning Qin Wang family, which seemed odd given their familial relationship.
Hearing this, Consort Shu led her into a stone pavilion to sit and instructed her confidantes to guard the surroundings before replying. “Ning Qin Wang has always been solely loyal to the emperor. In his eyes, all the princes are the same. Ning Qin Wangfei prioritizes her husband and naturally follows his lead.”
Mingxi nodded slightly. That explained why Consort Shu had advised her not to exploit her ties for favors.
“Have you heard of the former Duke Chang?” Consort Shu asked.
Mingxi shook her head. She had heard a little in her previous life but didn’t know much.
Consort Shu explained, “Duke Chang had only two daughters—one married Ning Qin Wang, and the other married the Duke Rong.”
“A family with two daughters of such noble standing speaks volumes about their excellent upbringing,” Mingxi remarked.
Consort Shu smiled. “Indeed. But Duke Chang had no sons. The collateral branches of the Qiao family wanted him to adopt a son to preserve the family’s fortune and title.”
“The Duchess was inclined to agree, thinking it would provide support for her daughters, but the Duke firmly refused. Not only did he decline, but as his health failed, he submitted a memorial to return his title to the court.”
Mingxi had heard of this but didn’t know the details. She thought for a moment and said, “If so, the Duke must have deeply offended his family.”
“So what?” Consort Shu sneered. “Now, with one daughter as a royal consort and the other as a duchess, the Qiao family still curries favor with them. That was the Duke’s brilliance.”
Mingxi pondered this carefully.
Consort Shu observed her and asked with a smile, “What do you think?”
Mingxi slowly replied, “If he had adopted a son, the title might have been preserved, but the wealth and honor wouldn’t have benefited the Duke’s daughters. Worse, any mistakes by the adopted heir would still implicate them. It would be better to return the title to the court. In this way, His Majesty will remember the kindness of Duke Chang and look favorable on Ning Qin Wangfei and Duchess Rong.”
With the emperor’s special favor, why would they need help from others?
“That’s right. You see, Ning Qin Wang loves Ning Qin Wangfei very much, and Duke Rong protects Duchess Rong very much. Although they are sisters, Ning Qin Wang’s Mansion and Duke Rong’s Mansion rarely interact with each other. How can such clear-headed people live a bad life?”
Mingxi was momentarily lost in thought. If someone had guided her like this in the past, she wouldn’t have gone down such a dead-end path.
Though the late Duke Chang had passed, the shade of his legacy still protected his daughters.
Consort Shu glanced ahead and noticed a figure striding toward them. She pursed her lips and stood up, saying, “This wind is giving me a headache. I’ll head back and rest. Come talk with me later.”
Just as Mingxi was about to offer to escort her, she turned and saw Xiao Muchen in his ornate robe, walking toward her with long strides.
His tall, upright frame exuded an air of confidence, and in just a few moments, he stood before her.
Mingxi blinked, casting a glance at Consort Shu, who was already walking away in the distance. For a moment, she found herself unusually silent.
