Duan Mingxi was greatly surprised upon hearing that Chu Yaonian had entered the palace to file a complaint. However, after thinking it over carefully, he realized that this move was actually executed with remarkable precision.
The position of shizi to the Jingyuan Marquisate was like a fuse waiting to be lit. Even if Jingyuan Marquis Madam denied everything, she couldn’t explain it away—after all, Yu Wangfei was her stepdaughter and the biggest obstacle to her son inheriting the title.
However, if He Wanyi entered Yu Wang’s residence, she and the Wangfei would naturally keep each other in check, leaving the latter with less energy to support her maternal brother.
By filing a complaint with the Emperor, Chu Yaonian effectively tore away the last layer of pretense from Jingyuan Marquis Madam. Once they broke through her defenses, everything else would follow naturally.
As for whether Xingan Marquis would ultimately confess to colluding with Duke Cao and the Empress and Crown Prince, Mingxi couldn’t say for sure. However, given the timing of Yu Wang and He Wanyi being caught in the act, she refused to believe the Emperor wouldn’t grow suspicious.
The key lay in Xingan Marquis. Unfortunately, Mingxi had no leverage to compel him to confess.
As for Xiao Muchen’s side, she could only wait for news.
Every moment spent at the marquisate felt like an eternity. Unable to sit idly by, Mingxi decided to take her carriage out to inspect her businesses—better that than staying home, overthinking, and growing restless.
She now owned quite a few properties, some gifted by her father and others acquired with her own earnings. As she made her rounds, she visited a silk shop, a pharmacy, Yuxian Tower, and finally, the storefronts along Longhu Lake.
Before the Dragon Boat Festival, her father had purchased several shops there, anticipating the event’s lively spectacle. Now, property values along Longhu had skyrocketed. Some of her properties were leased out, bringing in substantial annual rent.
When her carriage stopped by the lake, she stepped out and stood at the water’s edge, gazing at the sunlight shimmering over the lake’s surface. Boats drifted along the water, laughter and conversation faintly audible in the distance.
The golden ripples and the gentle waves should have been refreshing, yet with palace affairs weighing on her mind, she found no peace.
“Sister Xi!”
Hearing the call, Duan Mingxi looked up to see a pleasure boat approaching. As it drew nearer, she recognized Xiao Yan, waving excitedly from the deck. Even before she arrived, her exuberance was palpable.
Mingxi’s lips curved into a slight smile as Xiao Yan’s boat reached the shore.
“Sister Xi, come aboard and join us for a boat ride!”
Mingxi shook her head. “I’ll be heading back soon. Did you come alone?”
“Of course not.” Xiao Yan beamed. “My cousin is with me.”
Duan Mingxi spotted Liu Yan stepping out from behind Xiao Yan, looking slightly embarrassed—a rare sight.
“Liu Shizi,” Mingxi greeted with a smile.
Liu Yan hurriedly responded, “Miss Duan, how have you been?”
Mingxi nodded. “Same as always. I heard your engagement to County Princess Muhua is near—congratulations.”
Liu Yan’s face flushed instantly. Remembering how he once avoided Xiao Yan at all costs—under Mingxi’s watchful gaze no less—he now felt thoroughly embarrassed.
Xiao Yan, however, thought nothing of it. She hopped off the boat, grabbed Mingxi’s hand, and grinned. “Sister Xi, thank you for your blessings! I’m so happy right now.”
Her joy was pure and infectious, bubbling over like a spring. Seeing her like this, Mingxi couldn’t help but feel a little lighter herself.
“To find a true match in life is indeed something to be happy about.” Mingxi had once wished for such fortune, but in her past life, she had been unfortunate enough to meet Gao Zhan—a wolf in disguise.
In this life, she and Xiao Muchen shared a certain understanding, yet… they were never destined to grow old together.
Xiao Yan, oblivious to such thoughts, only grew happier. She clung to Mingxi’s arm, insisting she join them for tea. With that, the three of them made their way to a teahouse.
With Liu Yan present, they were led to a private room on the third floor, where the shopkeeper personally served their refreshments.
As Xiao Yan chatted excitedly with Mingxi, Liu Yan observed how Mingxi showed no impatience at all. He himself often found his cousin too noisy, yet Mingxi listened attentively, even appearing to enjoy the conversation.
He had to admit—he was no match for her.
“I wonder how my eldest brother is doing. My second and third brothers wanted to go too, but Father gave them a beating. So pitiful.” Xiao Yan pouted.
Hearing this, Mingxi immediately understood that Ning Qin Wang could no longer allow his remaining sons to take such risks.
If they left the capital as well, the Emperor would find it difficult to justify.
But young men, driven by ambition, seldom considered such things. Seeing their elder brother venture beyond the capital, they too wished to go, to earn merit and make a name for themselves.
Mingxi merely said, “Since Xiao Shizi has left the capital, it’s only natural that someone must stay to serve and care for their parents. Not everyone can leave.”
“I’m still here,” Xiao Yan declared matter-of-factly.
“But you’ll be married off one day.” Mingxi chuckled.
At this, Liu Yan stiffened slightly, struggling to keep his face from turning red.
“You can always visit your maiden home after marriage, can’t you?” Xiao Yan turned to Liu Yan. “You wouldn’t forbid me, would you?”
Liu Yan: …
“Of course not.”
Did he have a death wish?
Mingxi laughed. “Liu Shizi wouldn’t stop you, but public opinion can be harsh. When the time comes, you’ll have to consider your parents’ reputations too.”
Xiao Yan’s cheerful expression faltered, and she sighed heavily. “Life is so difficult.”
Mingxi found her dramatics amusing—was this really such a serious problem?
But for Xiao Yan, perhaps it truly was a major dilemma.
Then, as quickly as her mood had dipped, Xiao Yan perked up again. “Sister Xi, have you heard the latest news from the palace?”
Mingxi nodded slightly. “I’ve heard a little.”
“Why would Cousin Yu Wang do something so reckless?” Xiao Yan frowned in disapproval.
Mingxi couldn’t help but laugh. Looking at her, she said, “People seek different things in life, so they make different choices. While you pity him, perhaps Yu Wang himself sees it as a sweet indulgence.”
If Yu Wang had no ulterior motives, he wouldn’t have fallen into the trap so easily.
Didn’t he know this bait was poisoned?
Of course he knew. But what he wanted was far greater and far heavier than just this bait.
As for Yu Wangfei… it’s likely that Yu Wang no longer cares.
After all, with such a scandal breaking out, where does that leave Wangfei’s dignity?
Yu Wang clearly doesn’t care.
Xiao Yan tilted her head and looked at Liu Yan. “Cousin, what does Sister Xi mean by that?”
Liu Yan: …
How would he know?
They were all just idle rich young masters, and yet she was testing him? That was just unfair!
But, of course, he wouldn’t dare say that out loud. His mind raced, and suddenly, inspiration struck. He looked at his cousin and bluffed, “Yu Wang is definitely in trouble this time. A prince like him, falling for a woman’s charms—my Father was so angry he nearly fell ill.”
Mingxi: …
So you do know Yu Wang is your cousin, and yet you speak so harshly!
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