Mingxi opened the dowry ledger and was stunned on the very first page. “The racetrack is in my name? How can that be?”
Since they couldn’t continue their business with the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau for now, her father had invested all his available silver into the racetrack. That business now accounted for nearly one-third of the Duan family’s assets.
“Why not? What would your little brother do with a racetrack? Your father said it would be far more useful in your hands,” Madam Xu said casually. “We only have you two children. Your brother is a boy—he’ll get part of the family business and can earn the rest himself. But you’re a girl. How can you not have money at your side? You’re marrying into royalty—you can’t be looked down on. Your father and I are merchants by birth, and that already weighs you down. We can’t let you feel ashamed too.”
Mingxi’s eyes turned red. She tossed the ledger aside and hugged Madam Xu tightly. “Who said you two are a disgrace or a burden? Last time with the military fund, even His Majesty praised Father’s patriotism. How many people ever get that kind of honor?”
“Mother, your daughter is capable—I can make money. I just hope you, Father, and Brother all stay safe and healthy, and that our family remains happy together.”
Madam Xu beamed. “Of course we’ll be happy.”
Back when they sent their daughter back to the capital for recognition, they thought they’d never see her again. Now they were still a family. Madam Xu couldn’t have been happier.
“Your father and I just worry that you’ll suffer after entering the royal family. That’s the imperial gate—if anything goes wrong, there’s nothing we can do to help. All we can do is give you more silver to help you stand strong,” Madam Xu sighed. “So if you want us to be at ease, you must accept it.”
Madam Xu was firm on this, and Mingxi had no choice but to accept it for now. She figured she could bring it up again after her brother married.
Madam Xu then led Mingxi to view the silk fabrics, gold and silver lacquerware, and all sorts of furnishings and items she had prepared. The entire warehouse behind the residence was packed to the brim.
The wedding date was drawing near. Madam Xu discussed it with Mingxi: “Your father means to send these items to the Marquis Household, and then have them brought into Wangye’s residence together with the dowry prepared by the Marquis Household. What do you think?”
Mingxi knew they were afraid the Marquis Household’s dowry might seem paltry, so they wanted to support her with a stronger display.
“I’ll go back and ask,” Mingxi replied with a smile. “But, Mother, the Marquis Household has already prepared a generous dowry for me. Besides, the royal betrothal gifts are substantial as well. I plan to take half of them with me.”
“Only half?” Madam Xu was a little dissatisfied.
Mingxi explained patiently.
She knew that right now the Marquis Household wasn’t coveting her dowry, but she had her own considerations. Leaving half of it there would benefit the younger siblings who had yet to marry. Those gifts, when used in their future marriages, would bring great honor and ease their prospects.
After all, ever since the incident with eldest master Duan, the marriages of Duan Huirou and the others had become somewhat difficult.
The Crown Prince’s scheme against the Marquis Household was aimed at her, but they had been implicated and affected as well. Mingxi naturally had to think of them too.
After hearing her daughter’s explanation, Madam Xu said no more but still grumbled, “Good thing we prepared generously for you. You’re just too kind-hearted. Always thinking of others—think about yourself a little too.”
Mingxi thought to herself: Everything I’m doing now is for a better future. How is that not thinking of myself? They all think I’m suffering, but I don’t feel that way at all.
As long as Father, Mother, and my brother are safe and healthy, that’s all I could ever wish for.
That wish had already come true. She was afraid that if she asked for more, the Buddha might think her greedy and take everything back.
Mingxi stayed for dinner with Madam Xu before heading home.
When she returned, she saw Qi He waiting outside the manor. As soon as he saw her carriage, he stepped forward.
Lifting the curtain, Mingxi asked, “Guard Qi, why are you here?”
Qi He quickly saluted before replying, “His Highness ordered me to wait here for you, Miss.”
“There’s news?” Mingxi asked.
Qi He nodded.
“This isn’t the place to talk. Come in with me.”
“Yes.”
Mingxi led Qi He into the Marquis Household and to the outer study.
“Where is Qiao Yu now?” Mingxi asked directly.
Without Qiao Yu, Qiao Wan wouldn’t open her mouth. Without that, they couldn’t get the evidence needed to accuse the Eastern Palace.
“Zeng Tuo took him directly into the Eastern Palace. He hasn’t come out yet. From the looks of it, he won’t show up again anytime soon,” Qi He reported.
Mingxi frowned. That complicated things.
Although she had some martial skills, breaking into the Eastern Palace to snatch someone was out of the question. One pair of fists couldn’t fight off an entire guard. The Eastern Palace’s protectors weren’t pushovers.
“What did Wangye say?” she asked.
“Wangye said to tell you not to worry. Duke Wei will handle it,” Qi He replied.
“Duke Wei?” Mingxi was truly surprised now. She hadn’t expected the duke to get involved in something like this.
“For the sake of Xu Shizi?” she guessed.
That was the only reason she could think of for the duke to lend a hand.
“I don’t know the details,” said Qi He. “Only that Duke Wei will find a way to force Qiao Yu out of the Eastern Palace.”
“No wonder,” Mingxi realized. That explained why the duke had loudly requested an audience with the emperor and then received an imperial edict to personally arrest those who tried to assassinate Xu Heng.
It wasn’t just for his son, but also to repay her for saving his life.
Still, how exactly was the duke going to force someone out of the Eastern Palace?
Mingxi couldn’t figure that out just yet, so she asked, “Did Wangye say anything else?”
“Only that this matter might not be resolved quickly, and asks you to be patient,” Qi He said.
Mingxi nodded. If it were easy to get dirt on the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t have lasted so long in her previous life.
She was mentally prepared.
But now that Xiao Muchen was pressuring the Eastern Palace through Duke Wei, the Crown Prince would surely be thrown into disarray. His days would no longer be peaceful.
And once he lost his composure, mistakes would be easier to catch.
All they had to do now was wait for the right moment.
It all depended on how Duke Wei acted to create that opportunity.
She hadn’t expected rescuing someone would bring such unexpected benefits. Mingxi was in a great mood. She had long been dissatisfied with the Crown Prince—if only she could reach into the Eastern Palace herself.
But it wouldn’t be long now. Once she married Duan Wang, opportunities would arise.
With Duke Wei’s support, Mingxi felt greatly reassured and began to fully focus on preparing for her wedding.
The emperor hadn’t attended court for several days, sparking much speculation. But after a day’s break, he resumed morning court sessions as if everything had returned to normal.
All eyes were now on Duke Wei, waiting to see how he would catch the culprits. Yet the duke remained steady as a mountain. Though he held military authority, he still followed proper procedures through the Ministry of War and obtained official warrants before making any arrests.
At the same time, what drew the most attention was the imminent wedding between Duan Wang and Mingxi. The Ministry of Rites had already come to finalize the last of the ceremonial steps.
Mingxi had to remain at the manor until her wedding day and couldn’t go out anymore. Her small courtyard had suddenly become lively with preparations.
At this moment, another issue was brought to the table. On her wedding day, the eldest master and his wife were supposed to take the seat of honor and send her off. But given the current situation, this matter still required discussion.
Mingxi was naturally unwilling.
