Duan Mingxi lowered her head slightly, but her eyes flashed coldly.
The Crown Prince was seizing any opportunity to drag her into trouble.
But she knew she didn’t need to speak at this moment.
Sure enough, she heard Xiao Muchen say, “I personally begged Royal Mother to request this marriage from Royal Father. It was not easily granted, so I naturally treasure it. Besides, I have no interest in such matters. With winter approaching, it’s the busiest time for the Ministry of Revenue. I’d rather not go and risk causing trouble instead of helping.”
“Fourth Brother, I never expected you to be such a romantic.” Yu Wang chuckled lightly.
There was a subtle hint of mockery in his tone—though not obvious, everyone present could hear it.
Xiao Muchen’s face darkened. “I naturally cannot compare to Second Brother, who is so effortlessly affectionate. I heard you’re planning to take a side consort into your household—congratulations.”
Yu Wang: …
His eyes flickered slightly.
From her angle, Mingxi caught the moment when Yu Wang instinctively glanced in the direction of Jin Wangfei. Her heart sank.
In her past life, He Wanyi had become Yu Wang’s side consort.
And He Wanyi was Jin Wangfei’s biological little sister.
If she entered Yu Wang’s manor, Yu Wangfei would truly be in a tough spot.
It seemed the shizi position of the Jingyuan Marquis Household had enraged the Xingan Marquis Household, and now they were deliberately making things difficult for Yu Wangfei.
Mingxi quickly withdrew her gaze, careful not to let anyone notice her reaction.
The news of Yu Wang taking a side consort immediately piqued everyone’s interest, and the conversation grew lively.
With just one sentence, Xiao Muchen successfully diverted everyone’s attention.
He subtly turned his head toward Mingxi, leaned in slightly, and whispered, “Not happy?”
Mingxi looked at Duan Wang and smiled faintly. “Not at all. I’m quite happy.”
Xiao Muchen knew she wasn’t telling the truth, but this wasn’t the place for such a conversation. He didn’t press further and instead changed the subject. “Tonight is just a family banquet, so it shouldn’t run too late. I’ll take you back afterward.”
“Alright.” Mingxi agreed readily.
Inside the palace, whether it was the Empress or the Crown Prince, if they wanted to pull any tricks, she would have a hard time countering them.
But with Xiao Muchen by her side, they wouldn’t dare act recklessly, making it easier for her to get away.
Meanwhile, the others were eagerly questioning Yu Wang about which young lady had caught his eye, but he refused to say.
At the same time, Jin Wangfei was subtly mocking Yu Wangfei, her words veiled with implications.
But Yu Wangfei was not one to be easily bullied. She looked at Jin Wangfei and calmly countered, “Sister-in-law certainly speaks from experience. After all, Eldest Brother already has a side consort. I hear Side Consort Qian is three months pregnant—congratulations.”
Jin Wangfei was hit right where it hurt, her expression nearly faltering.
How had the news of Side Consort Qian’s pregnancy gotten out?
“Where did you hear that, Second Sister-in-law? Even I was unaware of Side Consort Qian’s pregnancy.” Jin Wangfei feigned surprise.
“Oh? Sister-in-law didn’t know?” Yu Wangfei raised her voice slightly, ensuring the nearby Wangyes heard.
“Know what?” Yu Wang turned to his wife with a smile.
Yu Wangfei put on an innocent expression. “I saw Side Consort Qian while out shopping the other day. Her lower abdomen was slightly rounded, and her complexion looked pale. If she weren’t pregnant, why would she appear that way?”
Jin Wang immediately turned to his wife. “Is Second Sister-in-law telling the truth?”
Jin Wangfei, face full of suspicion, replied, “Side Consort Qian never mentioned this to me. I’ll ask her once we return to the manor and report back to Wangye then.”
Jin Wang nodded slightly, “Take more care with the matters in the household. Qian is timid. If it’s true, you should look after her more.”
Yu Wangfei inwardly sneered. Jin Wangfei hadn’t even given birth to a son or daughter yet, so how could she allow Qian to have a child?
If Jin Wangfei hadn’t been provoking her with talk of Yu Wang taking a side consort, she wouldn’t have brought this up.
Qian shouldn’t blame her—blame Jin Wangfei.
Both Jin Wang and Yu Wang had gotten married, but neither of their wives had news of being pregnant. Both Jin Wangfei and Yu Wangfei had been urged by the Empress in the palace because of this.
Thankfully, neither had received good news yet, but now that Side Consort Qian was ahead of them, Yu Wangfei naturally felt embarrassed. But the one truly anxious wasn’t her.
Jin Wangfei was facing her own troubles but still wanted to watch others’ excitement. It was truly laughable.
Bai Shixi and the others had no particular thoughts on this matter. None of them had married into the royal family, but from the earlier situation, they could tell that there was tension between Yu Wangfei and Jin Wangfei.
From now on, they would have to be cautious in what they said and did.
Mingxi noticed the uncontrollable joy in Jin Wang’s eyes. Yu Wang and the Crown Prince’s faces were not looking good.
If Side Consort Qian had a child, the Emperor’s eldest grandson, then Jin Wang would have the advantage, which was not good for them.
At this moment, the Crown Prince’s attendant came in to remind them that the banquet was about to begin.
Mingxi slightly tilted her head, realizing how quickly time had passed.
Everyone stood up and left. The Crown Prince told everyone to go ahead, and although Bai Shixi was the Crown Prince’s fiancée, she hadn’t officially married yet, so she followed Mingxi and the others as they left.
Yu Wang and the others chatted and laughed in the front, creating a picture of harmonious brotherhood.
Behind them, Jin Wangfei and Yu Wangfei led the way, with Mingxi and the others following. Jin Wangfei tried to keep a neutral expression, and despite her efforts to hide it, her face still showed signs of displeasure.
Yu Wangfei was in a good mood, occasionally chatting with Bai Shixi, then laughing with Sun Yaoqing and Zheng Siyu. Mingxi, seeing this, decided to remain silent.
She couldn’t recklessly bring up the matter of Yu Wang’s side consort. If Yu Wangfei asked where the news came from, how would she respond?
She would just have to act based on the situation.
The banquet was held in Kunde Palace.
They arrived at Kunde Palace directly. As the golden sun set in the west, the night sky gradually darkened. The palace lanterns were brightly lit, as if it were still day.
Servants passing by quickly kneeled in greeting. Zhang Mingde, who served the Empress, received word and hurried out to welcome them.
“Greetings, Wangyes, Wangfeis, and all the young ladies.”
“Rise.” Jin Wang had a pleasant smile, his face radiating joy.
Zhang Mingde stood up, bowing, and led them into the hall. The Empress hadn’t appeared yet, and Lu Momo was preparing for the banquet. They were led to a side hall to wait.
Once inside the side hall, Jin Wang and his companions were led to the left, while the ladies, including Jin Wangfei, were led to the right to take their seats. Mingxi sat at the lower end next to Bai Shixi.
As soon as she sat down, Sun Yaoqing hesitated for a moment and sat next to Zheng Siyu.
Zheng Siyu: …
How was she supposed to sit now?
Mingxi felt that she had no grievances with Sun Yaoqing, so she didn’t understand why Sun Yaoqing harbored some hostility toward her.
However, she didn’t mind and gave Zheng Siyu a small smile. Zheng Siyu hesitated for a moment before sitting beside Mingxi.
But she was extremely uncomfortable, fidgeting with the handkerchief she held, feeling utterly annoyed at Sun Yaoqing for always causing trouble.
Jin Wangfei and Yu Wangfei were talking about something, both of them wearing smiles to show a harmonious sister-in-law relationship for the people in Kunde Palace, but their eyes were cold.
Bai Shixi turned to Mingxi and whispered, “The banquet will not only have people from the Ning Qin Wang’s Mansion. Duchess Cao and Li Peilan will also be here.”
Mingxi understood that Bai Shixi wouldn’t bring this up without reason. She nodded slightly, then, covering her lips with her handkerchief, lowered her voice to ask, “If both the Emperor and Empress are present, would Li Peilan dare to stir up trouble? Doesn’t she fear bringing harm to herself?”
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