Following the eunuch, they entered the front hall, bypassed the shadow wall, walked through a moon gate, and finally arrived at a flower hall clearly meant for receiving guests.
The flower hall was built within a small garden, its windows open on all sides, offering a full view of the scenery—a truly excellent place.
Yu Wang and his wife had just arrived as well and were conversing with others in the hall. Xiao Muchen and Kang Wang entered with Mingxi in tow.
After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats. Mingxi soon felt Jin Wangfei’s gaze land on her, making her slightly uncomfortable.
She didn’t return the look, instead pretending not to notice, sitting beside Xiao Muchen and tilting her head to greet Yu Wangfei.
The two of them were quite in sync, acting reserved in front of Yu Wang and the others, interacting as one would with any acquaintance.
Yu Wangfei, however, also noticed Jin Wangfei’s gaze on Mingxi. Remembering her own family matters, a cold glint flashed in her eyes, though it was quickly replaced by a smile.
Because of her younger brother’s dispute over the shizi position, she and Jin Wangfei were already at odds. However, she had always been careful not to let Jin Wangfei find out about Mingxi’s involvement, lest she get caught up in the conflict.
Yet now, seeing Jin Wangfei’s strange attitude toward Mingxi, could it be that she had found out?
It didn’t seem like it.
Then it must be because of her younger sister’s discord with He Wanyi. He Wanyi must have told Jin Wangfei about Mingxi’s friendship with her sister.
With that in mind, Yu Wangfei became more cautious.
She hadn’t planned on showing too much familiarity with Mingxi, but since Mingxi was close to Qingying and had even saved her before, being too cold would seem odd.
Yu Wangfei was quick-witted, and her actions were even quicker. She grabbed Mingxi’s wrist with a slightly insincere smile and said, “Qingying always talks about you whenever she sees me. Now that I see you, I feel a special closeness as well.”
Hearing Yu Wangfei mention Qingying, Mingxi immediately understood her intention—using Qingying as a bridge to maintain an appropriate level of interaction, neither too intimate nor too distant.
So, when Yu Wangfei brought up Chu Qingying, Mingxi’s smile deepened slightly, but her tone remained calm as she said, “Qingying has a straightforward personality, and we get along very well. I didn’t expect her to mention me in front of Wangfei.”
“How fortunate that Miss Duan happened to return to the capital just in time to save Miss Chu,” Jin Wangfei suddenly interjected, her tone laced with sarcasm.
Mingxi lowered her gaze slightly—so it begins.
Sure enough, Yu Wangfei spoke up, “Sister-in-law, what do you mean by that? We originally went to Yuguan Mountain for a polo match, and we joined the hunting party along with the others, including Second Miss He. Are you suggesting that Qingying’s accident had some other cause? If that’s the case, we should certainly clarify the matter. What exactly happened back then?”
Mingxi also turned to look at Jin Wangfei with a slightly puzzled expression, her brows faintly furrowed. “Jin Wangfei, I don’t quite understand what you mean. Why was it such a coincidence? Please enlighten me.”
The Wangyes who had been conversing nearby turned their heads toward the women’s discussion.
The Crown Prince glanced at Bai Shixi, who hadn’t been present at the time, before withdrawing his gaze.
Jin Wang’s eyes flickered, and then he burst into laughter, looking at Yu Wang. “Second Brother, we can’t blame anyone else for this. We all got involved, didn’t we?”
He was trying to spread the responsibility among everyone.
Mingxi glanced at Xiao Muchen, who, despite smiling, had a cold glint in his eyes. He slightly raised an eyebrow and turned to Jin Wang.
“Eldest Brother, could it be that you hid your trip to Yuguan Mountain from Sister-in-law? Otherwise, how could she say something like that?”
The moment Xiao Muchen spoke, not only Jin Wang but even Yu Wang was momentarily taken aback. Only the Crown Prince remained unreadable.
Jin Wang’s gaze swept past his wife before he smiled and said to his brothers, “Men’s affairs outside the home don’t need to be discussed with women. They should simply manage the household.”
Jin Wangfei’s smile stiffened slightly, and she pressed her lips together without saying anything.
Seeing the opportunity to back down, Yu Wangfei withdrew with a light smile in her eyes.
Kang Wang, with his minor presence, remained silent, and Zheng Siyu also kept quiet.
Sitting next to Qi Wang, Sun Yaoqing cast a suspicious glance at Mingxi’s face, seeming to contemplate something.
The Crown Prince looked at Duan Wang with a gentle smile in his eyes, “Fourth brother, Royal Father intends for you to take up a post in the Ministry of Revenue. What do you think of that?”
The Crown Prince’s words immediately stunned everyone in the hall, and all eyes turned to Duan Wang.
Xiao Muchen raised his head, casting a suspicious look at the Crown Prince, “Crown Prince, where did this news come from? I’ve never heard of it, and Royal Father has never called for me.”
The Crown Prince laughed heartily, “I advised Royal Father on this. I believe that Fourth Brother handles things with great composure, and the Ministry of Revenue would be the perfect place for you.”
“Crown Prince, how can you be so biased? With so many brothers, you can’t just care for Fourth Brother,” said Yu Wang, though in a joking tone, but with a hint of dissatisfaction.
The Crown Prince looked at Yu Wang helplessly, “Second Brother, the Ministry of Revenue is both complicated and tedious. You’ve never had patience for such things, so why bother torturing yourself? If there’s another suitable position, I’ll naturally recommend you.”
Hearing this, Yu Wang’s mood worsened. The Crown Prince had just labeled him as lacking patience, how could he ever take on any important duties after this?
Qi Wang’s eyes flickered as he almost spoke, but upon seeing Jin Wang, he hesitated and ultimately kept quiet.
He had suffered a loss at the Crown Prince’s hands before and wasn’t willing to be caught in another trap this time.
But such a good opportunity—how could he let it slip away without stoking the fire a little?
At this moment, Jin Wang suddenly spoke, “I think the Crown Prince makes a valid point. Fourth Brother has always been steady and reliable, so the Ministry of Revenue would indeed suit him.”
Duan Wang calmly looked at Jin Wang, “Elder brother, after the Crown Prince marries this year, I will begin preparing for my own wedding. If I take up a post in the Ministry of Revenue, where would I find the time?”
“What?” Jin Wang was stunned. Matters like marriage didn’t require much effort on their part, as the Ministry of Rites would handle them.
Xiao Muchen gave him a look as if to say, “You didn’t hear wrong,” and quietly observed him.
Jin Wang: …
He had always thought that Duan Wang’s infatuation with Duan Mingxi was something he had deliberately orchestrated, but… was it actually true?
To give up a post in the Ministry of Revenue for a woman?
Absurd!
Jin Wang was shocked, and Yu Wang and Qi Wang exchanged looks. Was this really happening?
What was Duan Wang thinking?
The Crown Prince, hearing this, had lost the last trace of a smile on his face and said with a serious expression, “Fourth Brother, do you know what you’re saying? If Royal Father hears of this, he’ll surely scold you for being consumed by desire for a woman. If this gets out, it will damage Miss Duan’s reputation as well. Be cautious in your words and actions.”
