Yu Wangfei had been detained in Changning Palace by Consort Xian. She was repeatedly told how Yu Wang had wronged her, yet Consort Xian firmly insisted that his reputation must not be tarnished. Thus, she had to step forward and handle the situation.
Naturally, Yu Wangfei readily agreed. She spoke of how husband and wife were one, how she and Yu Wang had always shared a deep bond, and how the blame must lie solely with He Wanyi for her misconduct, which had dragged Yu Wang into this mess.
In short, Yu Wang was innocent. Everything was He Wanyi’s fault. As his wife, she believed in her husband and was willing to do everything in her power to protect him.
Consort Xian was very satisfied.
But Yu Wangfei… was not satisfied at all.
Consort Xian’s words and actions sent chills down her spine.
Wasn’t she the biggest victim in all of this? The one who suffered the most?
Yet, with just a few casual words, Consort Xian dismissed her grievances as if they were nothing. In Consort Xian’s eyes, her suffering didn’t matter—only whether her son could escape unscathed did.
Then came the secret message.
She learned of the scheme between Xingan Marquis’s household and her good stepmother.
And now, Consort Gui’s side had sent someone to warn her about this very matter.
She finally understood.
No wonder He Wanyi was so willing to become a side consort.
Her true intention was to enter the household first—then take the position of the Wangfei.
Had her good husband been part of this plan as well?
The more she thought, the more her heart pounded. A chill crept over her, followed by a deep ache.
Consort Xian wanted her to save Yu Wang, while Yu Wang was working with another woman to destroy her.
She suddenly recalled what Duan Mingxi had once told her:
“In this world, you can only rely on yourself.”
Now, she finally understood—every single word was true.
She instinctively touched her belly. If only she had a child.
If she had a son to rely on, what would she have to fear?
But she didn’t have one.
Perhaps… that was exactly why Consort Xian and Yu Wang had other ideas.
She had lost her mother young, and though her Father was alive, he was as good as dead to her. She still had younger siblings who needed her protection. She could not fall.
Mingxi was right—she needed to turn weakness into strength.
She had to seize control of Yu Wang, using this crisis to her advantage.
“Wangfei, Niang Niang requests your presence.”
A palace maid’s voice called from outside.
Yu Wangfei took a deep breath, stood up slowly, and finally replied, “I’m coming.”
She had been resting in a side hall of Changning Palace. Now, she followed the maid into the main hall.
Consort Xian had changed into formal court attire. Without turning around, she asked, “Did you rest well? This afternoon’s matter is crucial—you must be prepared.”
“Royal Mother, rest assured,” Yu Wangfei said firmly. “I will protect my husband.”
Consort Xian nodded in satisfaction, finally turning to look at her. “Don’t worry. Now that He Wanyi has entered the household in such a manner, what dignity does she have left? With me here, she won’t be allowed to act recklessly.”
Yu Wangfei thought, but what if He Wanyi bears a son before me?
She kept her thoughts to herself, maintaining an expression of gratitude. She respectfully said, “Thank you, Royal Mother.”
Just as Consort Xian was about to leave, Yu Wangfei hesitated, appearing as though she wanted to say something but held back.
“What is it?” Consort Xian was willing to give her some respect since she had been so cooperative.
Yu Wangfei clenched the handkerchief in her hands. At first, she looked hesitant and anxious, then whispered nervously, “Royal Mother, I have something weighing on my heart… but I fear I might be mistaken, so I haven’t dared to speak of it.”
“Go ahead,” Consort Xian reassured her. “Even if you’re wrong, I won’t blame you.”
Yu Wangfei didn’t sit down. Her expression grew more worried, her eyes slightly red. She lowered her voice and said, “I recalled something Royal Mother told me before… and now, I suspect there’s more to Yu Wang’s situation than meets the eye.”
“However, there was one thing I still couldn’t figure out—Miss He, the second daughter of the Xingan Marquis Manor, was a legitimate young lady. Why would she willingly do something so ruinous to her own reputation?”
Hearing this, Consort Xian’s expression darkened slightly. She looked at Yu Wangfei and said, “Yu Wang told me that He Wanyi has admired him for a long time.” With that, she let out a faint sigh. “I know this won’t sit well with you, but for a young woman to go to such lengths, there really is no other explanation.”
Yu Wangfei: …
Recalling Mingxi’s analysis when she first learned of the matter, and now comparing it with Consort Xian’s reasoning, she couldn’t help but notice a stark contrast.
Even the smartest people lose their clarity when it comes to their own sons. Did she truly believe Yu Wang was such a coveted prize that every woman wanted to claim him?
“His Highness is indeed handsome and sincere. Miss He certainly has good taste,” Yu Wangfei smoothly complimented Yu Wang.
Hearing this, Consort Xian couldn’t help but feel a trace of pride. In her heart, her son was naturally excellent in every way.
“But… Miss He’s elder sister is Jin Wangfei. Wouldn’t she be worried that her actions might tarnish her sister’s reputation? Royal Mother, you know that Jin Wang’s household has a favored concubine, Side Consort Qian. After this incident, when they go up against Side Consort Qian, won’t their position be weakened? Would the Xingan Marquis Manor really want to see such an outcome?”
Consort Xian was stunned for a moment. She had been so focused on extricating her son from trouble that she hadn’t considered these implications.
At that moment, Feng Momo hurried in and bowed to Consort Xian. “Your Majesty, Guangxiang Marquis Madam requests an audience.”
Sister-in-law?
Hearing that Guangxiang Marquis Madam had come to the palace, Yu Wangfei’s eyes flickered. it seemed Mingxi had already taken action outside the palace and passed the message to the Guangxiang Marquis Manor.
With their support, her confidence grew, but in front of Consort Xian, she maintained an appropriately puzzled expression.
“Let her in,” Consort Xian said, checking the time. There was still some left before she had to go to Kunde Palace, so she might as well meet her sister-in-law first.
Guangxiang Marquis Madam arrived quickly. With such a scandal erupting, the entire marquisate had been shaken.
Before the marquis himself could investigate the truth, his daughter had already received new information. When he looked into it, he found that the rumors weren’t baseless.
Now, things were truly dire.
Consort Xian and Yu Wang had walked right into someone else’s trap.
Verifying the details had taken some time, which was why the Marquis Madam had arrived late.
“This subject pays respects to Your Majesty. May you be in good health,” the Marquis Madam greeted Consort Xian properly.
Consort Xian quickly responded, “Sister-in-law, please rise and be seated. What brings you here at this hour? is it about Yu Wang? Don’t worry, it’s merely a scandalous affair. once His Majesty’s anger subsides, everything will be fine.”
Hearing Consort Xian’s dismissive tone, the Marquis Madam felt a chill in her heart.
She glanced at Yu Wangfei, deliberating how best to broach the subject.
Just then, the palace attendants brought in tea. Yu Wangfei’s eyes flashed as she personally took the teacups, first serving Consort Xian, then handing one to the Marquis Madam.
“Aunt, please have some tea.”
The Marquis Madam sighed inwardly. Seeing that Consort Xian had no intention of dismissing Yu Wangfei, she realized the young woman would have to play a role in resolving this situation. So, she chose not to keep her in the dark.
After listening to the Marquis Madam’s words, Consort Xian’s expression changed repeatedly. She then looked at Yu Wangfei.
She hadn’t expected her daughter-in-law’s suspicions to turn out to be true.
Under Consort Xian’s gaze, Yu Wangfei immediately put on a flawless performance—her eyes widened with shock, tinged with anger, and she hesitated before speaking to the Marquis Madam in a halting voice, “I, I just… had a feeling that something was off. I thought maybe I was overthinking it, but now… Aunt, what should we do?”
Perfect.
With the Guangxiang Marquis Manor paving the way, she could finally make her move!
