The matter of selecting imperial consorts had also happened in her previous life, but it had nothing to do with her then—she was already engaged to Gao Zhan.
Since her engagement excluded her from the selection, the eligible candidate from the Marquis Household had been Duan Huirou.
But in this life, she hadn’t yet been engaged. As a family could only submit one candidate, Duan Huirou wouldn’t have the opportunity.
Thinking of Duan Huirou’s lofty pride, there was no way she would take this lying down.
This would certainly stir up some drama.
In her past life, Duan Huirou had set her sights on becoming the Crown Princess. However, given her background, the most she could achieve was becoming a secondary consort to the Crown Prince. Moreover, the awkward position of the Dingyuan Marquis Manor in the capital made it unlikely that either the Empress or the Crown Prince would consider them worthy.
Later, Duan Huirou shifted her attention to Duan Wang but ultimately failed to become his Wangfei. Instead, she married Kang Wang.
After becoming Kang Wangfei, Duan Huirou frequently flaunted her status in front of her.
This time, she wouldn’t even have the chance to dream of being Kang Wangfei.
Originally, the capital had been abuzz with discussions about Liu Yan’s injury, drawing countless eyes to the situation. Now, with the Crown Prince and the yet-unmarried Wangyes holding a consort selection, the event naturally garnered even more attention.
Public interest instantly shifted.
Duan Mingxi wasn’t focused on the consort selection, though. She believed the situation with Liu Yan must have been more significant than it appeared, compelling the Emperor to use this as a distraction to divert attention.
The Marquis Household also began preparing for the event, and all eyes in the household turned to Duan Mingxi and Duan Huirou.
The second and third branches of the family had no chance; only the main branch, which inherited the title, was eligible.
When Duan Huirou got the news, she immediately went to pester Madam Jiang. How could she let such a golden opportunity slip by? This was a chance to rise to the top in one step.
“Mother, Eldest Sister grew up in Jiangcheng. If she mishandles proper etiquette and offends the palace Niang Niangs, it could implicate our entire family. What should we do then?” Duan Huirou ground her teeth in frustration. Why did the selection have to happen now?
If it had been a few months earlier, or if Duan Mingxi had already been engaged to Gao Zhan, she wouldn’t be in such a passive position now.
Duan Mingxi was truly her nemesis.
That morning, everyone gathered to pay their respects to the Old Madam. Inevitably, the topic of the selection came up. Duan Huirou glanced at Duan Mingxi, only to see her sitting calmly, her expression unchanged, as if she didn’t care at all.
But inwardly, Huirou sneered. What a farce! As if she doesn’t want the position of Crown Princess or Wangfei.
Madam Jiang, softened by her younger daughter’s tears the previous day, subtly leaned toward Huirou in her remarks to the Old Madam, indirectly suggesting Huirou should go instead.
Duan Mingxi didn’t even spare Madam Jiang a glance. Whatever Madam Jiang said didn’t matter; the final decision rested with the Old Madam and the patriarch.
As for her so-called father, he was likely off cavorting in some concubine’s quarters.
Before the Old Madam could respond, the Second Madam interjected, “Eldest Sister-in-law, I too adore Huirou. She’s grown up before our eyes—graceful and well-mannered. But if every other noble family is presenting their eldest legitimate daughter, Huirou’s status as the second daughter would put her at a disadvantage. If she were rejected for this reason, wouldn’t the family waste a valuable opportunity?”
The Third Madam chimed in to agree, “Exactly. Huirou is wonderful, but Mingxi’s status is more appropriate. As for manners, they can be taught. There’s still time before the selection; we can bring in someone to train her.”
Listening to this, Huirou’s face darkened. She bit her lip, forcing herself to remain composed and avoid losing decorum.
Madam Jiang frowned, turning to her two sisters-in-law. “I’m not against Mingxi participating. I’m only concerned that palace etiquette isn’t something you can master overnight. If something goes wrong and the family is implicated, don’t blame me then.”
Duan Mingxi listened to Madam Jiang’s remarks, her face calm and indifferent.
She’s always been biased, finding excuses to justify her favoritism. How ridiculous.
The Old Madam swept her gaze across everyone before settling on Duan Mingxi. “Mingxi, what do you think?”
Finally, Duan Mingxi raised her head to meet the Old Madam’s eyes. “I’ll do whatever Grandmother decides.”
The Old Madam frowned deeply. “Speak your mind first.”
Duan Mingxi smiled faintly. “What’s there to say? Before anything has been decided, the Marquis Madam has already condemned me as poorly-mannered and a liability to the family. How could I possibly have an opinion?”
Madam Jiang’s expression darkened. “I know you resent me as your mother, but I’m genuinely looking out for you this time. Do you think the selection is a trivial matter? We’ve seen cases where families have been ruined because of it.”
“Eldest Sister-in-law, those incidents were ages ago,” the Second Madam said bluntly. “Mingxi is intelligent and beautiful—one of the finest among the young noblewomen in the capital. In my opinion, her chances are much higher.”
The Second Madam’s directness, coupled with the Third Madam’s support, left Madam Jiang at a disadvantage. Her face turned livid, an array of colors shifting like a dye shop.
“Enough arguing,” the Old Madam said sternly. “The palace hasn’t issued an official decree yet. Let’s wait before discussing further.”
The Third Madam covered her mouth with her handkerchief, hiding a smile. The Old Madam’s words clearly aligned with Madam Jiang’s thoughts: she wanted Huirou to participate instead.
After all, Mingxi didn’t grow up here. If she were to become a Wangfei, she might not have much affection for the family, and the Marquis’s household might not benefit much from it.
As they left Rongan Hall, Duan Huirou followed Madam Jiang with a sullen face. Duan Mingxi didn’t care in the slightest. Her relationship with the mother-daughter duo had already soured. She had no intention of pretending to be a filial daughter or a loving sister.
The Second Madam dismissed her daughter before pulling Duan Mingxi aside to speak privately in the garden.
“Mingxi, you must not yield on this matter. This could determine the glory of your entire life. A Wangfei is worlds apart from an ordinary noblewoman,” the Second Madam advised earnestly.
Duan Mingxi nodded obediently. “I don’t understand much about these things, but I’ll listen to you, Second Aunt. I know you have my best interests at heart.”
Relieved, the Second Madam sighed, patting Mingxi’s hand. “I’ll arrange for a Momo to come to the estate and teach you proper court etiquette. Learn as much as you can before the selection.”
Duan Mingxi thanked the Second Madam, who left in high spirits.
Meanwhile, the Second Madam’s eldest son and the Third Madam’s eldest son had both gone south to study under a renowned scholar. Although they hadn’t formally apprenticed, receiving guidance from him was still a significant achievement.
When Duan Mingxi returned to her courtyard, she had barely settled in when the head maid of Yang Yiniang discreetly arrived.
“Miss, our Yiniang asked me to inform you that the Madam is planning to send Second Miss to the Jiang family for a short stay.”
Duan Mingxi was momentarily taken aback.
The maid whispered, “The Jiang family is a prestigious but slightly declining noble house in Luozhou, known for their impeccable etiquette and traditions.”
Duan Mingxi immediately understood. Madam Jiang intended to give Huirou special training.
Heh.
