When Mingxi arrived at Peony Terrace, she finally saw Liu Yunhua. Having not met for some time, they naturally had plenty to talk about.
Liu Yunhua complained, “I used to find Mu Hua annoying and would avoid her whenever I could. But when she got poisoned, you should have seen my brother—his legs nearly gave out as he ran straight to Ning Qin Wang’s residence.”
Mingxi laughed. “Childhood friendships have a special bond.”
“Exactly. But Mu Hua, convinced she was gravely poisoned and wouldn’t survive, refused to see him and even yelled at him to get lost. Ning Qin Wang dotes on his daughter, so he actually had my brother thrown out. It wasn’t until my mother visited in person that they let him back in.”
Mingxi: …
She suddenly felt a little envious of such deep affections. She had never been so fortunate—no childhood sweetheart, nor a good husband.
“Their engagement is settled then. That’s wonderful news,” Mingxi said sincerely.
Liu Yunhua nodded. “Mu Hua wanted to tell you herself, but as you know, Ning Qin Wang’s household has been keeping their doors shut. They rarely go out. Since I was coming to see you anyway, she asked me to deliver the message.”
“I still feel guilty about what happened to the county princess…”
“This has nothing to do with you. Mu Hua made it clear—you shouldn’t feel responsible.”
Ning Qin Wangfei had also said as much. Mingxi smiled. They truly were mother and daughter.
She looked at Liu Yunhua and asked, “So, was this the only reason you called me out today?”
Liu Yunhua’s expression turned serious, and she shook her head. “No, there’s something else—something very important.”
Sensing the shift in her friend’s demeanor, Mingxi also grew serious. “What is it?”
“Did you know that my family is renegotiating a marriage with the Zhong family?”
“I heard some rumors, but since you haven’t mentioned it to me, I assume it hasn’t been finalized yet,” Mingxi said.
Liu Yunhua felt a bit embarrassed talking about her marriage. She cleared her throat and lowered her voice as she spoke to Mingxi. “My brother is still discussing marriage with County Princess Muhua. My marriage wasn’t urgent, but the Zhong family wants to finalize the engagement first, and the wedding date can be decided later.”
“Why the rush?” Mingxi asked, a little surprised.
Liu Yunhua’s face turned slightly red as she looked at Mingxi. “A matchmaker recently visited, and when Zhong Sheng found out, he got anxious.”
Mingxi recalled that in her past life, Liu Yunhua had also married Zhong Sheng. She wasn’t sure how their life had turned out, but she had never heard of any discord between them, so it must have been a good marriage.
Seeing Liu Yunhua’s expression, she could tell she was fond of this engagement. Smiling, Mingxi said, “If you like this match and the Old Madam of your house also approves of the Zhong family, then it’s indeed a fine marriage.”
Liu Yunhua shyly nodded. “My mother told me that the Zhong family has a strict and upright family tradition. Though they are not extremely wealthy, Zhong Yushi has a reputation for integrity, and he is an upright and just man. Madam Zhong is also kind and gentle. Marrying into such a family would be a blessing.”
“The Madam is right,” Mingxi agreed.
Only those who had experienced the hardships of marriage would truly understand what was most valuable.
“I came to find you today because Zhong Sheng secretly told me something, and I thought I should inform you.”
“What is it?” Mingxi asked curiously.
“Zhong Sheng told me that Lord Zhong has obtained concrete evidence that Duke Wei abused his power for personal gain and protected a criminal under his command—someone named Qiu Yun. He is preparing to submit an impeachment memorial against Duke Wei.”
Mingxi was momentarily stunned.
Liu Yunhua, unaware of Mingxi’s reaction, continued, “Isn’t Duke Wei’s shizi engaged to Second Miss Xiao? I thought this was a serious matter and wanted to inform you first.”
Mingxi looked at Liu Yunhua and said, “Thank you. This matter is indeed very important to me.”
Duke Wei had refused Bai Zhiwei’s threats, so the Crown Prince was clearly taking revenge.
Mingxi wasn’t too familiar with Qiu Yun’s case, but since Duke Wei had taken the risk to protect him, there must be hidden reasons.
Liu Yunhua smiled at Mingxi. “As long as it’s useful to you. Just don’t spread the news—if it reaches Zhong Yushi, Zhong Sheng will get in trouble.”
“Of course, I won’t involve Young Master Zhong. Don’t worry.”
Liu Yunhua blushed and said, “If it weren’t for Second Miss Xiao’s engagement with your family, I wouldn’t have mentioned this. A good young lady like her, engaged to Xu Shizi—if something happens to Duke Wei’s household, she’ll inevitably be affected.”
“Yunhua, thank you. I won’t forget this kindness.”
“No need to be so formal with me. My brother owes you his life, after all.” Liu Yunhua smiled, pressing her lips together. “Now that I’ve told you, I feel relieved. There’s nothing else I can do to help.”
“Just this news is enough,” Mingxi said seriously. “But let me also remind you—Duke Wei must have had his reasons for shielding Qiu Yun back then. I’m worried that Zhong Yushi might be used as a tool for someone else’s agenda. You should let Zhong Sheng know.”
Liu Yunhua was startled. “But I have no proof. Even if Zhong Sheng believes me, how would Zhong Yushi?”
Mingxi shook her head. “This is all I know.”
The matter of Bai Zhiwei threatening Xu Heng was too serious to reveal lightly. Thinking of this, she looked at Liu Yunhua and said, “Even when the evidence is irrefutable, I believe Lord Zhong is an upright man. He shouldn’t make a decision based on one-sided information—he should investigate thoroughly.”
Liu Yunhua shook her head. “I’m afraid there isn’t much time for that.”
Mingxi frowned. From that alone, she could tell that convincing Lord Zhong would be difficult.
“Then all we can do is try our best and leave the rest to fate.”
“I will pass on a message to Zhong Sheng, but I can’t guarantee the outcome.”
Mingxi nodded slightly. “That’s all we can do.”
Both were lost in thought as Liu Yunhua bid farewell to Mingxi, already thinking of a way to arrange a meeting with Zhong Sheng.
Meanwhile, Mingxi knew that relying on the Zhong family alone might not be enough. Since the Crown Prince had taken action, he surely had more tricks up his sleeve.
She boarded her carriage and headed to Yuxian Tower, sending Li Quan to find Qi He and arrange a meeting with Xiao Muchen.
Unfortunately, Xiao Muchen had entered the palace, and it was uncertain when he would return. Mingxi decided to wait for him at Yuxian Tower.
As she stepped onto the stairs, she heard laughter and conversation. Wearing a cloak with a hood, she lowered her head slightly and turned to the side to avoid attention.
“Miss Duan?”
Mingxi looked up at the sound of the voice—and saw the Crown Prince standing before her.
Today, the Crown Prince was dressed in a dark robe, wearing a gold crown and a jade belt at his waist, holding a folded fan in his hand. Behind him stood a group of people Mingxi didn’t recognize.
“Greetings, Your Majesty,” she said, since avoiding him was no longer an option.
The Crown Prince looked at her—bright eyes, delicate features, snowy-white skin, and jet-black hair. It had only been a short time since he last saw her, yet she seemed even more beautiful now.
