Duan Mingxi said thoughtfully, “So that Qiao Wan wasn’t taken in as a mistress and is still continuing with her usual business?”
“Mother’s people have inquired. Qiao Wan said she couldn’t be brought into the house as a concubine, and she doesn’t want to be confined. She prefers to stay in Yuchun Courtyard. The more she acts like this, the more it seems that father is unwilling to let go. She certainly knows how to play her cards,” Duan Yu sneered.
“However, she is a clever woman. Even though she stays in Yuchun Courtyard, she no longer serves clients,” Duan Ning said, looking at the two of them. “If she were an ordinary woman from a brothel, she would be eager to escape that life, but she doesn’t. This makes her actions quite suspicious.”
Duan Mingxi’s bad feeling grew stronger. “If she doesn’t care about money, status, or her freedom, then what does she want?”
What she wanted, it seemed, was something far rarer than these things.
The three siblings’ expressions grew serious.
Duan Ning spoke directly, “In my opinion, it’s better to clarify this matter with father first.”
But Duan Yu shook his head, “That might alert the enemy.”
Duan Mingxi looked at Duan Yu, realizing that he had come to a deep understanding of their father, and concluded that he was not someone to rely on.
“Then we should first investigate her background,” Mingxi said. “If there’s a way to kill the problem, let’s investigate her origins.”
“That works too,” Duan Ning nodded.
The three siblings came to an agreement that Duan Yu would handle this matter.
Having trained at the Military Selection Division for so long, this task wasn’t difficult for him.
The next afternoon, after returning from the yamen, Duan Yu went to find Mingxi.
“I’ve investigated,” Duan Yu said, his expression darkening. “This Qiao Wan came from the south years ago as a refugee, and was bought by the matron of Yuchun Courtyard. Seeing her good looks, they spent a large sum to educate her.”
The more he spoke, the darker his face grew.
In the capital, there were many people with more power and influence than his family, and his father wasn’t particularly outstanding. How could Qiao Wan have set her sights on him?
There was something hard to say. Although Mingxi was not yet married, it could not be hidden, so he quietly said, “When she was with father, she was still pure.”
Mingxi: …
No wonder she had him wrapped around her finger so tightly.
Duan Ning arrived just in time to hear this, and his steps faltered.
“Then it seems Mingxi’s guess was right; she must have an ulterior motive,” Duan Ning said coldly. “Elder brother, Mingxi, we need to be even more cautious about this matter.”
“First, we need to find out what she wants,” Mingxi said.
“We still can’t tell, and we haven’t seen father do anything for her at the residence. Should we just wait?” Duan Yu asked.
Mingxi had no evidence, but she vaguely felt that this matter was related to the Eastern Palace. But if it was the Empress and her son behind it, what could they want Qiao Wan for?
She truly couldn’t figure it out.
“Let’s keep an eye on her for now,” Duan Ning said to the others. “Right now, we don’t know her intentions, so we can only wait patiently. We can’t rush.”
“I’ll also have someone investigate whom Qiao Wan has interacted with in the capital over the past few years, to see if we can uncover anything,” Duan Yu nodded.
They had thought this through thoroughly, and Mingxi agreed. They decided to proceed with this plan.
After they left, Mingxi went to her study. She couldn’t focus on her reading and kept thinking about Qiao Wan.
After all, in her previous life, she never had the chance to interact with Qiao Wan, Zhang Wan, or Li Wan. She had never even heard of Yuchun Courtyard.
Furthermore, in her previous life, she didn’t recall any involvement between Marquis Dingyuan and the women from brothels.
Her changes had already set off a series of reactions, and many things had deviated from their original paths. She could only reassess everything for herself.
She wondered how Xiao Muchen was doing in Yuxiang City. Since the last letter, there had been no more news. It wasn’t that she wasn’t worried, but with such a long distance between them, worry was of no use.
She hoped he would return victorious.
For now, she put Qiao Wan’s issue aside, because before that, County Princess Muhua and Liu Yan were getting married.
Xu Nanxi sent a message asking if she wanted to give County Princess Muhua a wedding gift, and if she was going, they could go together.
If she wanted to avoid suspicion, then she shouldn’t go.
But previously, Ning Qin Wangfei had publicly stated that she owed her a life-saving favor, and the two had interactions. If she avoided the event, it would only attract more attention. It would be better to go openly.
Mingxi replied to Xu Nanxi, and they arranged to go together.
“I didn’t expect County Princess Muhua to be the first to marry. She’s about the same age as me,” Xu Nanxi said with a smile to Mingxi.
She was still unmarried, while Xiao Yan was already getting married.
Mingxi knew that Xu Nanxi was the eldest daughter of Duke Wei’s family, so her marriage had to be handled carefully. She smiled and said to Xu Nanxi, “I’ve heard there have been many suitors for you. Your marriage could be settled quickly.”
Xu Nanxi was rarely a bit shy. She spoke softly, “Recently, people have been going to my grandmother to speak on my behalf, but I’ve only heard about it. No one has said anything to me yet.”
Mingxi smiled. “It hasn’t been settled yet, so of course, it’s not for me to know. But with the old madam looking out for you, I’m sure you don’t have to worry.”
Xu Nanxi also smiled, “My brother hasn’t married yet. I’m not in a hurry.” Then she looked at Mingxi. “Soon, you’ll be inviting me to a wedding banquet.”
Mingxi asked, “Your brother is getting married?”
“Yes, the marriage has been settled, and they’ve chosen a lucky date,” Xu Nanxi replied.
“Which young lady has been chosen?” Mingxi didn’t know who Xu Yunhui’s fiancée was.
“She’s the daughter of the Commandant of the Military and Police Bureau. Have you met her?”
Mingxi shook her head. “I haven’t met her.”
Xu Nanxi smiled. “You’ll have the chance to meet her. I’m not very familiar with her, but I’ve seen her twice. She seems gentle.”
Mingxi didn’t know that Duke Wei’s family was connecting with the Commandant’s family. Was this the idea of Consort Shu or Duke Wei? The Commandant held some military power.
Mingxi glanced at Xu Nanxi, clearly unaware of the details, as she simply mentioned the Commandant’s daughter, whose name was Wang Fang.
As they spoke, they arrived at Ning Qin Wang’s residence. After delivering their visiting cards, someone from Ning Qin Wang’s household came out to welcome them.
They first went to greet Ning Qin Wangfei. Upon seeing them, Ning Qin Wangfei was very happy. She chatted with them for a few moments, had tea, and then sent them to see Xiao Yan.
When Xiao Yan saw them, she was a little embarrassed and pulled them into the room. “Why are you both here together?”
Xu Nanxi smiled. “The county princess is getting married, so of course we have to come and congratulate you.”
Xiao Yan looked at Xu Nanxi, “You’re also getting married soon. When that happens, I’ll come and congratulate you properly.”
The three of them laughed, and Xiao Yan had someone bring tea and snacks. The two of them presented their gifts.
Xiao Yan had someone collect the gifts, then looked at Duan Mingxi and said, “Sister Xi, will you come to my wedding day?”
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