Duan Pingchang gave a slight nod. “Mingxi went to see Qi Dongchun today about the hot spring vegetables.”
Though Madam Xu was of a gentler nature, she had learned a lot about business from her husband over the years. Her expression darkened slightly. “That child must have encountered some trouble.”
“I think so too,” Duan Pingchang said. “Arrange a tea gathering at Yuxian Tower with Madam He and invite some others. Spread the word about the hot spring vegetables—after all, vegetables grown in hot springs are far superior to those from ordinary rivers.”
If Mingxi was going to charge ahead, he would be there to beat the drum in support.
Since Wang Xian’s downfall, He Cheng had taken his place. Over the past few months, under her husband’s guidance, Madam Xu had been socializing with many merchants’ wives, especially strengthening ties with Madam He.
Madam Xu nodded. “Yesterday, Madam He even sent an invitation, asking me to tea. I suspect it’s related to the allocation from the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau for next spring.”
Duan Pingchang smiled. “That rumor came from me. Since Tong Gaozhuo wants to trip me up, I’ll make sure all the major merchants in the capital start knocking on the bureau’s door.”
Madam Xu was briefly stunned before realization dawned. “So Vice President He caught wind of it and now wants Madam He to probe my stance?”
Duan Pingchang nodded.
“How should I respond?” Madam Xu asked. “There’s no definite news from the bureau yet, so I can’t just say anything recklessly.”
“If Madam He asks, just let her know that Tong Gaozhuo is trying to monopolize the benefits.”
“Will that work?” Madam Xu hesitated. “Didn’t you say that Tong Gaozhuo is only trying to trouble you? He might not necessarily go against He Cheng.”
“If He Cheng is sending Madam He to test your stance, it means he’s leaning toward seeing how I act.”
Madam Xu understood immediately. “Alright, then we must put on a good show. But what if He Cheng turns around and seeks out Tong Gaozhuo instead? Won’t that expose us?”
“Tong Gaozhuo is greedy and arrogant. He asks for too much profit. If He Cheng aligns with him, he’ll end up working for nothing. Why would he agree?” Duan Pingchang smirked.
“Then there’s no problem,” Madam Xu said with certainty. “I’ll send a message to Madam He, inviting her to Yuxian Tower for lunch tomorrow.”
Duan Pingchang looked at his wife. “Don’t tell Xixi about this yet. I don’t want her to worry. I can handle the matter with the bureau myself.”
“I understand,” Madam Xu said with a faint smile before sighing. “Only after arriving in the capital did I realize how difficult things could be. If even we face such challenges, imagine how hard it must be for Xixi, stepping into the royal family. Others only see the glamour, but they have no idea of her struggles.”
As parents, they could not afford to add to their daughter’s burdens.
***
Before dawn, the gates of the capital’s various residences opened, and civil and military officials set out on horseback or in sedan chairs toward the royal palace. Soldiers carrying lanterns lit the way as officials crossed paths on the gradually bustling streets.
As day broke and the palace gates opened, the officials assembled in the main hall.
Meanwhile, Duan Yu arrived at the Military Selection Division. Though his position did not require him to attend court sessions, his grandfather had often reminded him: with only average talents, diligence was essential to his success.
Since joining the Military Selection Division, Duan Yu had all but forgotten the pleasure of sleeping in. Even on days off, he would study with his tutors, a regimen more rigorous than his student days.
“Lord Duan,” a servant hurried in as Duan Yu settled into his chair. Bowing respectfully, the servant whispered, “A message has come down from above—Ning Qin Wang Shizi plans to head to the southern border of Qinan. You are to prepare in advance.”
Duan Yu’s heart skipped a beat. “Who? Ning Qin Wang Shizi?”
“Indeed. The instructions are clear: should anyone inquire, you are to claim ignorance and focus solely on preparing the documents.”
Suppressing his unease, Duan Yu handed the servant a hefty pouch of coins. “Understood. Now, leave quickly and avoid being seen.”
The servant slipped the pouch into his robes, bowed, and departed quietly.
Duan Yu busied himself preparing his appointment documents. As he put his brush to paper and signed his name, his heart was still pounding. The document would only take effect once his superior arrived and affixed the official seal.
After preparing everything, he locked the documents in his drawer, then wrote a few lines on a separate piece of paper, rolled it up, and tucked it into his sleeve. Only then did he step outside, calling for his personal attendant. In a low voice, he instructed, “Deliver this note to the eldest young miss at the estate immediately. Make sure it’s fast.”
“Yes, rest assured, Young Master.” The attendant took the note, tucked it into his robes, and left at once.
Duan Yu finally let out a small breath of relief. Mingxi’s words from last night still echoed in his ears, and to his astonishment, they had come true today.
If not for Mingxi’s warning, he would have walked right into a trap.
Xiao Lin was supposedly heading to serve as an lieutenant under Marquis Fengcheng, but the messenger who delivered the news only mentioned he was being sent to the Qinan border, without specifying his position or whose command he would be under.
It was a carefully laid trap. If he mishandled the matter and an investigation was launched, he would be held responsible. He might even lose his own minor official position.
Elsewhere, Mingxi was reviewing accounts when she received Duan Yu’s note. After reading it, she let out a cold laugh.
Just as she had suspected.
Xiao Muchen had arranged for Xiao Lin to serve as an lieutenant under Marquis Fengcheng, but the Crown Prince was bound to secretly interfere.
And with her older brother stationed at the Military Selection Division, the Crown Prince was clearly trying to kill two birds with one stone.
She called for Li Quan and handed him a sealed letter. “Take this to Qi He and ensure that it reaches Duan Wang’s hands.”
Li Quan accepted the letter. “I’ll leave immediately.”
After he left, Mingxi had Qiancao send word to prepare a carriage. Once she was dressed and groomed, she boarded the carriage and left the estate.
Yuxian Tower.
Ning Qin Wangfei entered the third floor under Qi Dongchun’s personal guidance. Just as she stepped through the doorway, she heard footsteps behind her.
Turning slightly, she saw Mingxi approaching, dressed in an elegant lake-blue gown.
Qi Dongchun bowed slightly. “Eldest Young Lady.”
Mingxi nodded. “Manager Qi, you may return to your work.”
“Yes.” Qi Dongchun promptly withdrew.
Mingxi personally pushed open the door, smiling at Ning Qin Wangfei. “I apologize for the sudden invitation, Wangfei. Please forgive the intrusion. Do come in.”
The entire third floor was eerily quiet, devoid of any other guests.
Ning Qin Wangfei strode into the room, remarking as she walked, “I assume you didn’t invite me here just for tea?”
Mingxi smiled. “Of course not.”
Just then, Qi Dongchun personally brought in tea and refreshments, setting them on the table before silently retreating once more.
Ning Qin Wangfei observed the scene coldly but made a mental note—these people were quite well-disciplined.
Merchants were often said to be crude, but clearly, that wasn’t always the case.
Mingxi pulled out the note sent by Duan Yu and placed it on the table, pushing it toward Ning Qin Wangfei. “Please take a look at this first.”
Ning Qin Wangfei glanced at the paper before looking back at Mingxi. “What is this?”
“You’ll understand once you read it.”
Without further questions, Ning Qin Wangfei picked up the note and scanned it quickly. Her expression shifted slightly. “Is this true?”
“My older brother had someone send it to me. It happened just this morning.”
Ning Qin Wangfei’s expression darkened further, and the fury in her eyes was barely restrained.
