“The mother and son pair of Consort Shu would sacrifice all dignity for the Duan family’s silver,” the Empress sneered. “No wonder she could coax Duan Mingxi into handing over 800,000 taels to pave the way for Duan Wang.”
Such shamelessness—utterly reckless!
Lu Momo’s eyes flashed sharply as she said in a low voice, “Your Majesty, the real root of the problem is Duan Wangfei. Only by removing her can things return to normal.”
“You think I don’t know that?” the Empress said, rubbing her forehead in frustration. “But how easy do you think it is to act against her without leaving evidence?”
Lu Momo pondered for a moment, then said slowly, “Your Majesty, Qi Wang and Kang Wang haven’t married yet. There’s still an opportunity.”
The Empress was startled. “You mean… act during their wedding banquets?”
“That way no one will suspect you or the Crown Prince,” Lu Momo said. “Besides, isn’t Lady Jiang about to enter the Eastern Palace as a liangdi? The Jiang family is related to the Dingyuan Marquis.”
If one could harden their heart, the opportunity would present itself.
At the mention of Jiang Sujie, the Empress’s expression shifted. She had nearly forgotten about her. She looked at Lu Momo and asked, “Has the date for her entry into the palace been set?”
“She’s just a liangdi—she’ll be brought in through the side gate,” Lu Momo said. “The Crown Princess had it set for the end of June, based on the date chosen by the imperial astrologers.”
“The end of June? That’s not far off.” The Empress began calculating in her mind.
“Indeed. And it’s said Lady Jiang is Duan Wangfei’s cousin—it’s only proper for them to start interacting,” Lu Momo added with a smile.
The Empress nodded slightly. As for the past grievances between the Jiang and Duan families—what did that have to do with her? As long as Jiang Sujie served her purpose, that was enough.
“Though she’s only a liangdi, the Jiang family is not as powerful as they once were, but they still deserve proper decorum,” the Empress said slowly.
Only by letting the Jiang family taste a return to their former glory would they become desperate to hold on to it.
Then, naturally, they would obey her every command.
“You are absolutely right, Your Majesty,” Lu Momo agreed.
“Go personally to the Jiang family.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Lu Momo responded.
….
At Duan Wang’s Residence.
Mingxi was surprised to receive a set of jade-glass hairpins, and after hearing from Hu Momo, she learned that they had been requested by Consort Shu from the Emperor himself.
Her heart felt as if it had been steeped in sour plum soup—sweet, sour, and deeply satisfying.
Consort Shu treated her incredibly well.
Mingxi couldn’t help but wonder—if in her past life, Duchess Gao had treated her even a tenth as well as Consort Shu did, she would never have chosen to perish together with her.
With a faint laugh, Mingxi thought—for the first time, she felt that this marriage to Duan Wang might not be so intolerable. Ten years down the road, maybe she could make it work.
She personally wrapped a thick reward pouch and gave it to Hu Momo, who received it with a broad smile. “Many thanks, Wangfei.”
“You’ve worked hard running this errand, Hu Momo,” Mingxi said warmly. She held great affection for Hu Momo. Since her engagement to Duan Wang, the Momo had never made things difficult for her. Every time Mingxi visited Cuiwei Palace, she was served with great care.
Completely unlike Lu Momo, the Empress’s servant, who always looked down her nose at others.
After returning to the palace, Hu Momo even showed the reward to Consort Shu, who praised, “Such generosity from the Wangfei!”
Consort Shu smiled happily. “From now on, errands like these will be yours. You’ll get to stash away more of your own silver.”
“That’s wonderful, Your Grace! Just don’t go back on your word!” Hu Momo beamed even brighter.
Consort Shu sighed faintly. “But I think Mingxi hasn’t truly fallen for Muchen yet. I wonder when she’ll finally come around.”
“With how well Wangye treats her, and her heart not made of stone, it will eventually warm up,” Hu Momo said. “But I suspect that after being acknowledged by the Duan family, she’s been deeply hurt and is just more cautious now.”
At the mention of the Duan couple, Consort Shu’s expression soured.
“Wangfei is kind and thoughtful. Give it time, and she’ll realize Wangye’s worth,” Hu Momo continued. “There aren’t many men in this world who would promise not to take concubines for ten years!”
Consort Shu snorted. “Knowing my son, if he doesn’t like someone, having a beauty serve him would feel like getting defiled.”
Hu Momo almost burst out laughing and had to cover her mouth quickly.
Consort Shu rolled her eyes. “If you want to laugh, then laugh. What, am I going to punish you for it?”
Hu Momo laughed so hard she couldn’t close her mouth. “Your Grace, Wangye simply has high standards. Clearly, he’s already chosen the Wangfei.”
Consort Shu grumbled, “Back when he came of age, His Majesty told me to send a palace maid to serve him. The brat nearly kicked her out of the room. I almost became the laughingstock of the palace.”
“Because of this, His Majesty gave him a good scolding. He stubbornly refused to answer, almost making His Majesty jump in anger, and was even locked in confinement.”
“That’s exactly why the Emperor allowed Wangye to marry Wangfei back then, fearing that he would miss out on someone like her. After all, the Emperor thought this was the right match,” said the old servant, remembering the incident with amusement.
At that time, it had caused quite a commotion in the palace, and later Wangye was eager to move out of the palace and establish his own residence.
Consort Shu smiled but soon fell silent, and after a while, she spoke again, “His personality is too serious. I fear that he may never warm Wangfei’s heart. The more they grow apart, the harder it will be to reconcile.”
“Your Majesty, I don’t think Wangfei is that kind of person,” the old servant replied.
“Mingxi knows what she wants, and what she’s willing to let go. People who are too clear-headed often find life exhausting,” Consort Shu said.
“Since Your Majesty treats Wangfei so well, she will surely reciprocate, even if it’s just because of Your Majesty’s kindness,” the old servant added.
Consort Shu looked at the old servant and said, “Let’s hope so.”
Her son may not be capable, but that doesn’t mean his mother won’t step in.
Mingxi didn’t know Consort Shu’s thoughts. She cherished the kindness Consort Shu had shown her. When someone treats you well, it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Fang Momo with the keys to Wangye’s treasury, came and smiled, saying, “Originally, Wangye wanted to bring these himself, but something came up, so I was sent to deliver them and inform you that Wangye will join you for dinner later.”
Along with the keys, a stack of account books was delivered, detailing the items coming in and out of the treasury.
Wangfei glanced at Fang Momo and said, “These matters have always been under your management, so you will continue to take care of them.”
Fang Momo smiled and said, “I’m getting old, sometimes forgetful, sometimes sharp. I’ve been wanting to pass on these responsibilities for a while. Now that you’ve become the mistress of the house, please be kind to me.”
Wangfei looked at her, sighed, and said, “But you can’t just hand everything over all at once. I still need time to get everything in order. Please continue to guide me.”
Fang Momo nodded quickly. “If you have any questions, just ask. Don’t worry about me. I’m not showing off in front of you.”
Wangfei smiled, “Are you complimenting me or scolding me? People say having an elder in the family is like having a treasure. You are Wangye’s wet nurse, and I consider you a half elder.”
Fang Momo was surprised and thought, “Wangfei’s words make me feel like I would do anything for her!”
