The carriage stopped at a crossroads, and Chu Qingying bid farewell before getting into the car of Jingyuan Marquis.
Mingxi returned to her residence. One matter was about Qiao Wan, and the other about the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau. Neither situation seemed to have a simple resolution.
If Qiao Wan was a mole for someone else, it seemed that she had been specially trained for this purpose. Now, using her against Dingyuan Marquis, the intentions were certainly not simple.
However, Mingxi could not figure out what exactly Qiao Wan wanted to obtain from Dingyuan Marquis.
As for the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau, things were even more intriguing. Consort Shu had likely already brought it up in front of the Emperor, but the result was that the palace had received summer silks, and yet it wasn’t supplied by the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau.
Only the Empress could have taken such a step.
Things were worse than Mingxi had imagined.
She had just returned to her residence when the gatekeeper hurried over to greet her. “Miss, someone from the palace is here and is waiting for you.”
Mingxi was taken aback but nodded in acknowledgment, quickening her pace to enter the residence.
Xiangxiang followed behind and handed the gatekeeper a handful of coins as a reward. The gatekeeper thanked her profusely.
Just delivering a message, and already receiving so much silver — Miss is truly generous.
After entering the residence, Mingxi headed straight for her courtyard and, sure enough, saw Nanjiao, the head maid from Consort Shu’s side, waiting for her.
“This servant greets the young lady.”
“Nanjiao, please get up,” Mingxi personally helped her up. “It’s unfortunate today, I went to Ning Qin Wang’s residence to help County Princess Muhua with her makeup, sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“Miss, you are too polite. I’ve only just arrived not long ago,” Nanjiao said hurriedly. Mingxi was going to be Duan Wangfei, so she couldn’t take her politeness too seriously.
Mingxi entered the main hall and took a seat. She looked at Nanjiao and asked, “Did Niang Niang have any instructions for me today?”
“Niang Niang asked me to bring a letter,” Nanjiao said as she took out a letter from her sleeve and presented it with both hands.
Mingxi took the letter, opened it, and her expression immediately changed to one of puzzlement. She looked up at Nanjiao and asked, “Did Niang Niang have anything else to say?”
Nanjiao shook her head. “Niang Niang said the young lady is clever and will know what to do after reading the letter.” She paused slightly. “Does the young lady have anything she would like me to bring back?”
Mingxi hesitated, thinking of Yu Wangfei’s matter. After a slight pause, she spoke.
Nanjiao made a note of it and softly replied, “Niang Niang said that recently there’s much happening in the palace, and the young lady should avoid going to the palace if possible. If there is a letter from Wangye, you may send it to the Fang residence.”
“Alright, I understand,” Mingxi agreed.
Nanjiao stood to leave, and Mingxi had Qiancao hand her a thick pouch, which she personally handed over to Nanjiao.
Nanjiao declined, but Mingxi insisted, and only then did Nanjiao accept it with gratitude before leaving.
When Nanjiao returned to the palace, she reported everything to Consort Shu, including the pouch that Mingxi had given her.
Consort Shu smiled, “Mingxi is generous; when she gives, she really gives. She certainly doesn’t lack money.”
Nanjiao felt relieved and smiled, saying, “It’s all thanks to Niang Niang’s blessing.”
Consort Shu smiled and looked at Nanjiao. “Did Mingxi only mention Yu Wangfei’s matter? Was there anything else?”
“She also mentioned going to help County Princess Muhua with her makeup today.”
“Oh, Ning Qin Wang’s daughter is getting married,” Consort Shu nodded, then paused. “Her brother has yet to marry. Why is she marrying first? Which family is she marrying into?”
Nanjiao, having inquired, replied, “Your Majesty, you might have forgotten for a moment, but the shizi of Ning Qin Wang’s residence is in Yuxiang City. They’ll have to wait for his return to marry, though no one knows when that will be.”
“Ah, yes, I didn’t think of that,” Consort Shu sighed. There’s been so much going on lately that she hasn’t been thorough. “If that’s the case, it makes sense. A girl can’t wait forever.”
“Niang Niang is right. County Princess Muhua is marrying the shizi of Duke Rong.”
“Oh, him,” Consort Shu wasn’t surprised. “Duchess Rong is actually Ning Qin Wangfei’s sister. Although the two sisters don’t interact much, it’s rarely remembered that they are siblings.”
“Exactly,” Nanjiao nodded.
Consort Shu didn’t really care who County Princess Muhua married. She was more concerned about Mingxi’s message and the recent visit of the Crown Princess to Yu Wangfei’s residence.
The miscarriage of Jin Wangfei had already caused many suspicions, and now the Crown Princess had gone to Yu Wangfei’s residence…
Consort Shu remembered how cautious the Crown Princess always was. If she hadn’t been asked to go, she certainly wouldn’t have done so.
If the Crown Princess was sent to do something, it could only be the Empress or the Crown Prince.
Consort Shu immediately stood up. “Come with me to see Consort Xian.”
Yu Wang was sent to the outskirts, and Consort Xian had lost much face. She absolutely detested He Wanyi. Now, she was pinning her hopes on Yu Wangfei’s pregnancy, hoping she could give birth to the Emperor’s eldest grandson in one go. Naturally, nothing could go wrong.
Without mentioning what Consort Shu said to Consort Xian, after leaving, Mingxi had changed her clothes and left for the Duan family.
Duan Pingchang hadn’t returned yet, and Duan Sirui was at the academy. Madam Xu, being alone at home, happily greeted her daughter at the door.
She instructed the maid to bring tea and sat down herself, smiling as she asked, “Why are you here at this time? Will you stay for lunch?”
It was almost lunchtime.
Mingxi smiled, “Sure, I’ll take the opportunity to enjoy another meal.”
Madam Xu was even happier and repeatedly asked the housekeeper to inform the kitchen to prepare Mingxi’s favorite dishes for lunch.
The chef was someone Madam Xu had brought from Jiangcheng and was familiar with Mingxi’s tastes.
After running around to make the arrangements, Madam Xu returned to chat with her daughter.
“Look, this is the dowry list I’ve prepared for you.” Madam Xu took out a fresh new red and gold-lettered paper from the inner room and placed it in front of Mingxi, smiling as she urged her to take a look.
“Mother, the Marquis residence will prepare my dowry. Besides, you and Father have already given me plenty of things. These can be saved for my younger brother, as he will eventually get married.” Mingxi declined.
“You’re worrying too much—your younger brother getting married is still a long way off. Your father and I have it under control; it’s not like we’ll leave him lacking.” Madam Xu spoke casually. “What the Marquis household prepared for you is their gesture of goodwill—it’s not the same as ours. Your uncle and aunt also sent over gifts to add to your dowry. They originally wanted to come to the capital and congratulate you in person, but your cousin-sister-in-law is pregnant, and it’s not an easy pregnancy, so your aunt couldn’t leave her side.”
“Your uncle has also taken over some of the business your father passed on to him. He’s been running around nonstop and couldn’t get away, but he asked me to pass on a message—he hopes you won’t mind.”
“We’re all family. Why would I be upset with them?” Mingxi replied. “My cousin-in-law and her baby come first. After she gives birth, my aunt can come to the capital for a longer stay. But… how come Cousin didn’t come either?”
“She’s already engaged, and the wedding is coming up soon. She’s at home embroidering her wedding dress,” Madam Xu explained.
Mingxi looked a little disappointed. “If I’d known, I should have asked her to come last time.”
“There’ll be other chances.” Madam Xu looked at her daughter’s disappointed expression and knew she missed her cousin—they were always close. “It’s not that she didn’t want to come. Everything was planned, but who would’ve thought there were some issues with the groom’s elders? So the wedding date was moved up… probably to avoid a three-year delay.”
Mingxi was very surprised. No wonder. She knew that if there wasn’t something serious, her cousin definitely would’ve come to see her off before marriage.
While they were talking, Duan Pingchang came home looking tired. When he walked in and saw his daughter, he was a bit surprised but quickly said, “I was just about to send someone with a message to you. You came at the perfect time.”
