While dark clouds loomed over Kunde Palace, Cuiwei Palace was filled with laughter and joy.
Consort Shu was chatting with Mingxi, the two of them—mother-in-law and daughter-in-law—happily examining the meeting gifts they had received today.
“The Empress is someone who, on the surface, cannot be easily faulted. Even when the Crown Prince married, the gift she gave to the Crown Princess was a pair of phoenix hairpins inlaid with red gold and jewels. Although it was neither biased nor extravagant, it was still rather tacky.”
“Speaking of Wangfei’s phoenix hairpins, they are quite different from those given to the concubines in the inner palace. They are only for show, and not worth much—quite stingy.”
“Consort Gui gave you this pair of icy jade bracelets, which are actually quite good. Keep them well.”
“Oh my, Consort Xian is really generous this time. She gave you a set of jewelry with tail feathers, which is rare. She really is sparing.”
“Consorts like the Empress can use full jade, but lower-ranked concubines use slightly lesser items, like tail feathers adorning their jewelry. Consort Xian’s set looks newly crafted and shows real effort.”
“Consort De sticks to her usual style: a pair of jade bangles. She treats everyone the same. If her daughter-in-law comes to the palace, I’ll send her a pair of jade bangles too.”
Mingxi listened to Consort Shu’s soft and detailed explanations about the gifts, finding the conversation entertaining rather than irritating. Through the gifts, Mingxi could tell the current attitudes of the four consorts towards her. Overall, Consort Gui and Consort Shu seemed to be closer, and were more friendly towards her.
Consort Xian’s attitude was probably due to Yu Wangfei’s influence, which made her more favorable towards Mingxi.
As for Consort De, it seemed to be more of a regular relationship.
The Empress, though, was a different matter.
Xiao Muchen, watching them fiddle with jewelry for a long time, couldn’t understand the fuss over such things. Just as he was thinking this, he heard Consort Shu speak, “Ah, I forgot something.” She then looked at her son, “Where is your little treasury?”
Xiao Muchen was stunned, “What little treasury?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. I mean the treasury in your mansion.”
Xiao Muchen: …
“That’s a royal treasury, not a little treasury,” he corrected immediately.
“Treasure or little treasury, whatever it is, you’re a married man now. Hand over the key, and from now on, Mingxi will be in charge of it.”
Xiao Muchen had originally planned to talk to Mingxi about the matters in Wangye’s residence when they returned, but his mother had already taken the opportunity to bring it up, leaving him with no chance to impress his wife. His expression immediately became a bit complicated.
Consort Shu noticed and realized she might have overstepped—her son had already planned on it. But since the words had been spoken, what did it matter to her?
She simply extended her hand.
Xiao Muchen, still trying to keep his composure, said, “How could I carry the treasury key with me?”
“True.” Consort Shu returned to her senses and then looked at Mingxi, “Once we’re back at the residence, let him hand over the keys to the personnel and account books.”
This was truly a mother’s love. Xiao Muchen’s face turned even more rigid.
A smile couldn’t even form.
Duan Mingxi, watching this scene, couldn’t help but laugh. Not wanting Xiao Muchen to lose face in front of his mother, she turned to Consort Shu and said, “Royal Mother, last night, Fang Momo already gave me the residence’s register. You don’t need to worry.”
Consort Shu immediately smiled, “Fang Momo is very capable, though she’s a bit older now. She raised Muchen, and after he established the residence, I had her follow him.”
Consort Shu sighed slightly, “Fang Momo has managed matters for a lifetime. In the past, there wasn’t really a lady of the house, so if anything was missed, just let me know and I’ll discipline her.”
“It’s not that I’m favoring her, but Fang Momo has always looked after Muchen in the palace and suffered quite a bit. I promised her that she would be cared for in Wangye’s residence.”
Mingxi immediately smiled, “You don’t need to worry, mother. I get along well with Fang Momo. She is very respectful and considerate, with no issues at all.”
Consort Shu smiled widely at this, “That old woman is indeed tactful. Since she’s like this, it’s fine for you to treat her well. If she shows any disrespect, let me know, and I’ll find her another place to stay.”
Mingxi was a little surprised. However, Consort Shu’s words served to protect Mingxi’s authority as Wangye’s wife while also safeguarding the Fang Momo’s dignity.
It seemed the Fang Momo must have endured a lot in the palace earlier, otherwise, Consort Shu wouldn’t treat her so kindly.
Thinking back to how the Fang Momo treated her the previous day, Mingxi realized that Consort Shu was worrying too much. She gently said, “Fang Momo is an elder who came from the palace. I lack a capable steward by my side, so I’d be grateful if you could leave her with me.”
Consort Shu’s heart warmed upon hearing this. She had been concerned that the Fang Momo might be too proud and that Mingxi would need to assert her authority in Wangye’s residence. If the Fang Momo didn’t show enough tact, she would be the one in trouble.
But now, everything was settled. Mingxi was generous, and the Fang Momo was sensible—ah, how satisfying.
Consort Shu glanced at Hu Momo, who immediately entered the inner room and quickly brought out a beautiful brocade box, over a foot long and half a foot wide. The box was thick, with golden corners and intricate carved designs.
Hu Momo placed the box in front of Wangfei consort and stepped back with a smile.
Consort Shu opened the box, and Mingxi looked up to find it was sparkling with pearls and jewels, almost blinding.
Before she could speak, Consort Shu said, “I know you don’t lack silver, but these jewels have a history. The ladies of Dingyuan Marquis’s family haven’t received imperial gifts in years, so compared to other Wangfeis, you may have everything, but you’re lacking these.”
This was the depth of a noble family!
Gold and silver were too vulgar—what mattered were things with a legacy!
Mingxi was truly stunned, “Royal Mother?”
Consort Shu smiled and said, “Look at this jade bangle made of mutton-fat jade. It was a gift from the late Empress Dowager. The jade is soft and warm. It will suit you perfectly.”
“This set of jewelry was a gift from the Emperor when I first entered the palace. It’s not too special, but this pearl is quite rare. And this bracelet was also a gift from the Empress Dowager. It’s not very expensive, but it was given by her…”
Mingxi really couldn’t imagine how much effort Consort Shu had put into preparing these items for her.
Not to mention anything else, even today, the Crown Princess and Jin Wangfei both wore pieces of jewelry that at least had some history.
Only she doesn’t have any.
The Dingyuan Marquis’s household hasn’t made any progress these years, so naturally, they haven’t received any special rewards.
She grew up in Jiangcheng, and none of these things are in her possession.
What Consort Shu said is true; even though she has money, she can’t buy such things wrapped in glory and seniority.
Looking at Mingxi, Consort Shu saw her eyes redden and quickly grabbed her hand, saying, “Child, you’ve just arrived here, these are things you’re still young enough to wear. In a few years, your mother will give you better things, and when you stand out, it’ll be like a phoenix spreading its wings. Everything others have, you will have too. If others don’t have something, let Muchen bring it for you. It’s okay to make others suffer, but not your own wife.”
Mingxi couldn’t help but laugh.
