Even with her head bowed, Qian Jieyu could clearly feel the contempt in Consort De’s gaze.
She knew—no one in this palace respected her.
Only Consort Shu was kind.
After more than half an hour, Xiao Muchen finally arrived at Kunde Palace to pay his respects to the Empress.
When the Empress saw him, she broke into a warm, affectionate smile, more kindly than even Consort Shu, his birth mother. She asked about his time in Yuxiang City in great detail and praised him for his valor and his service to the nation.
Xiao Muchen had always been a stoic, serious man since childhood. He spoke and acted with strict discipline and self-restraint.
Even now, with the Empress praising him so lavishly, clearly trying to elevate his status, he remained expressionless and replied evenly, “It was only thanks to Royal Father and Royal Mother’s tireless teachings that this son was able to succeed.”
Consort Gui cast a sidelong glance at Duan Wang and chuckled inwardly.
The Empress was trying to use flattery to destroy him—raising him up so others in the harem would grow jealous and resentful.
But Duan Wang had turned it right around and credited the Emperor and Empress for his achievements. What could the Empress say to that?
It was laughable.
At that moment, Consort Shu finally spoke. She turned to the Empress and said calmly, “Your Majesty, best not to praise him so much, lest he become arrogant. His Highness the Crown Prince is accomplished in both civil and martial arts, and he observes state affairs closely alongside His Majesty. That’s what my son should strive to emulate.”
Consort Shu’s words carried a double meaning — was she saying he should learn governance from the Crown Prince, or learn his conduct and behavior?
The Empress looked at Consort Shu with a smile and said, “What’s there to learn? The Crown Prince is simply following His Majesty’s orders. Since Duan Wang has made great contributions this time, His Majesty will surely reward him. All you need to do is wait.”
“Duan Wang serving His Majesty and showing loyalty to Great Chu is what he should do. If it’s just for rewards, that would be a betrayal of the Emperor’s nurturing grace,” Consort Shu sighed.
The Empress and Consort Shu exchanged veiled barbs, while Consort Xian sat with a pale face, not daring to get involved, and Consort De’s eyes flickered between the two.
Consort Gui simply gazed at Duan Wang, inwardly sighing.
When they were young, because of Duan Wang’s serious nature, he wasn’t favored as much as the sweet-talking and lively Qi Wang, the composed and generous Crown Prince, her own obedient son Jin Wang, or the clever Yu Wang. At best, he was just slightly more favored than Kang Wang.
But as the princes grew older, Duan Wang’s personality became more and more of an asset.
Now he was also the first among the princes to achieve military merit. Consort Gui looked at Consort Shu again and started to understand a few things.
After greeting the Empress, Xiao Muchen was soon summoned away by an attendant from Chongzheng Hall.
The Emperor was hosting a welcome banquet for Duan Wang, and the Empress couldn’t afford to lose face, so she also held a few tables at Kunde Palace, calling in the other consorts to liven things up.
It was all a show for the Emperor.
After the banquet, Consort Shu had endured a round of flattery from the lesser consorts, and with the Empress’s gaze growing heavier, she finally stood to excuse herself.
“Has the banquet at Chongzheng Hall ended?” Consort Shu asked while walking back to Cuiwei Palace.
Hu Momo immediately replied, “Chen Fu went to check. It’s almost over. His Majesty isn’t a heavy drinker and already left early. But several Wangyes and officials are still toasting Wangye. It may be a while longer.”
Consort Shu frowned slightly. “Is there no one helping Duan Wang drink on his behalf?”
“Niang Niang, the Duke and the Young Shizi have been at Wangye’s side all night. Don’t worry.” Hu Momo smiled.
Consort Shu sighed in relief. With her elder brother and nephew present, her son should be able to manage.
Xu Yunhui had dragged Xiao Muchen out the side door. If he drank any more, he’d throw up right then and there.
Duke Wei, his uncle, was still in the hall socializing.
Leaning against the palace wall for air, Xu Yunhui shot Duan Wang a look. “I knew they were up to no good. They switched all the wine to strong liquor. Why didn’t you say anything?”
Duan Wang glanced at his cousin and said calmly, “The wine in Yuxiang City was even stronger.”
Xu Yunhui paused. “Wangye must’ve had a hard time over the past months.”
“It wasn’t without its benefits.”
He’d managed to drink Jin Wang and the others under the table.
As they left the palace along the wall, Xu Yunhui intended to take Duan Wang back to his residence. But once they were outside the city, Duan Wang ordered the carriage to head for the Dingyuan Marquis’s estate instead.
Xu Yunhui sobered instantly. “You’re going to the Dingyuan Marquis’s like this?” he asked in alarm.
“Why not?” Xiao Muchen looked at him.
Facing Duan Wang’s gaze, Xu Yunhui couldn’t bring himself to object.
Was he drunk or not?
Why was he going to the Dingyuan Marquis’s residence? Naturally, to see Miss Duan.
But she wasn’t going anywhere — couldn’t he wait until tomorrow?
Seeing Duan Wang’s determined demeanor, Xu Yunhui knew that wasn’t an option.
“You really want to see her that badly?” he asked, rubbing his forehead.
Like he was possessed.
“Mm.”
A simple hum — and Duan Wang said nothing more.
Xu Yunhui gave in.
Fine, let’s go. He wanted to see this for himself now.
The alcohol had dulled Duan Wang’s mind; he didn’t even pay attention to Xu Yunhui. All he could think about was what to say when he saw her.
They hadn’t met for months — the woman who had said she’d divorce him ten years later. Would she be happy to see him?
The carriage stopped in front of the Dingyuan Marquis’s estate. The gatekeeper, seeing the emblem, rushed inside to deliver the message.
Mingxi was stunned to hear it — Xiao Muchen was here?
He’d just returned to the capital today and surely had a million things to do. How did he have time to see her?
Thinking that, she still rose to go out. Only when she stepped outside did she realize she hadn’t even changed clothes. She glanced down — it was only casual wear, but still presentable.
As she stepped through the main gate, she saw Xiao Muchen standing beside the carriage in his formal robe. Next to him stood a man whose features bore a resemblance to Xu Nanxi — she immediately guessed who he was.
“Greetings, Wangye. Xu Shizi.”
Xu Yunhui quickly replied, “Well met, Eldest Miss Duan.”
She was his cousin’s most cherished one — not someone to offend.
Xiao Muchen stared at Mingxi without saying a word.
Mingxi met his eyes and found herself unable to look away. She was just about to speak when he asked, “Why didn’t you come to welcome me today?”
Mingxi: ?
Was this… an interrogation?
Xu Yunhui was stunned by Duan Wang’s aggrieved tone. He must’ve misheard.
Was this a scene he should be witnessing?
Just as Xu Yunhui was debating whether to flee, he heard Mingxi respond.
“Even if I had gone, what difference would it have made? Others would only laugh at you.”
Xu Yunhui: …
He never imagined Miss Duan would speak to Duan Wang so directly. You can think that, but can you say it?
But she did.
Xu Yunhui couldn’t bear to listen anymore. Once Duan Wang sobered up, he might just silence him to keep it a secret.
He didn’t even dare say goodbye — he slunk off along the wall like a thief.
If he’d known… if he’d known it would be like this, he’d have risked his life to witness this unforgettable moment firsthand.
Watching Xu Yunhui sneak away like a criminal, Mingxi was speechless.
How did such a prim and proper girl like Xu Nanxi end up with such a shady older brother?
