When Mingxi first arrived at Duan Wang’s residence, she had no overbearing mother-in-law to control her, and no troublesome sisters-in-law to deal with—her first priority was to get the affairs of the residence in order.
As Xiao Muchen had to leave the residence temporarily for official matters, she happened to have the time to do so.
With Fang Momo around, Mingxi was able to quickly get a grasp on the affairs both inside and outside the estate. Fang Momo had already arranged the residence’s various duties with great care, and Mingxi had no intention of asserting her authority in the manner of a “new broom sweeping clean.” She let everything continue as usual.
In doing so, she gave Fang Momo the greatest respect possible—and how could Fang Momo not be pleased?
Li Mama brought Qiancao and Xiangxiang to first organize the Wangfei dowry and store it properly, then brought the account books. Mingxi placed her dowry ledger alongside the household’s ledgers.
Fang Momo took one look and had originally wanted to say something, but then thought better of it. Wangfei clearly understood these matters—placing them together meant she truly regarded Wangye’s household as her own.
That was a good thing.
“Wangfei, what would you like for dinner? I’ll go inform the kitchen,” Fang Momo asked with a smile.
Only then did Mingxi notice it was already getting dark. She casually asked, “Wangye hasn’t returned yet?”
Fang Momo shook her head.
Mingxi nodded slightly. “Have the usual cook prepare a few of Wangye’s favorite dishes. Then have one of the cooks I brought prepare two dishes from Jiangcheng.”
Fang Momo immediately left to pass on the instructions.
Mingxi skimmed through the household’s accounts and could tell Fang Momo was an excellent steward. Everything, from finances to personnel, was neatly and efficiently managed.
No wonder Consort Shu valued her so highly.
She had Li Mama put the account books away in the inner room, then turned to Qiancao and said, “I remember there’s still a jar of nourishing pills. Give them to Fang Momo later.”
Qiancao took note of it and smiled. “Wangfei, Fang Momo has treated us well. She’s been diligently helping us learn the household rules too.”
Mingxi nodded. “You all must remember Fang Momo’s kindness.”
“Of course,” Qiancao said with a smile. “Wangfei, would you like to change the furnishings in your room? Perhaps place some of the familiar ones from your maiden home so things feel more comfortable?”
Mingxi shook her head. “No need.”
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Xiao Muchen treated her well, and she didn’t want him to have to change his lifestyle too much just to accommodate her preferences.
She waved the maids away and leaned against a soft pillow. Only then did she truly relax for the first time that day.
She had been tense from morning till night, not daring to let her guard down for even a moment. Even though Consort Shu treated her with the utmost kindness, Mingxi still remained cautious in her presence.
The ten years she spent in the Duke Gao’s household in her past life had left a lasting mark on her heart.
She began to wonder: with Consort Shu being so good to her, how could she ever repay such kindness?
Upon deeper thought, she realized she could actually do very little for Consort Shu. One was in the palace, and the other in the Wangye residence—even if she wanted to fulfill her duty as a filial daughter-in-law, there weren’t that many opportunities.
But there was no rush. As long as nothing changed, they would have a long relationship ahead. She would sincerely and respectfully care for Consort Shu in the days to come.
For now, there was another matter to consider—Bai Shixi.
There was something off about Bai Shixi’s demeanor today. And yet… it didn’t seem like anything was overtly wrong.
Mingxi had never been pregnant herself, so she didn’t know what it felt like, but she had seen many expectant mothers and knew it was a difficult experience.
Bai Shixi didn’t look well today—but not unreasonably so.
But compared to Yu Wangfei?
This pregnancy hadn’t been easy for Yu Wangfei either, yet when they met at Kunde Palace today, she appeared in much better spirits than Bai Shixi.
Mingxi suspected that Bai Shixi might not only be struggling physically in the Eastern Palace, but also emotionally burdened by other concerns.
Only when one’s heart is weighed down by troubles does the mind become unfocused and the body weaken from the inside.
She knew this feeling well.
“What are you thinking so deeply about?”
Duan Mingxi was startled by the sudden voice of Xiao Muchen. She looked up at him, stunned for a moment, and then spoke, “You’re back?”
Xiao Muchen saw that her expression didn’t look very good, sat beside her, and put his arm around her waist. “What’s wrong with you? Are you tired today?”
Duan Mingxi wasn’t used to such intimacy. Her body stiffened for a moment, unsure whether to push him away or let him be.
Before she could make up her mind, Xiao Muchen pulled her gently toward him, half-reclining on the soft cushion, and spoke in a soft voice, “If you’re tired, you can rest. There’s no need to wait for me.”
Hearing this, Duan Mingxi gave up on the thought of pushing him away. She leaned against him. Though it still felt unfamiliar and awkward, his words comforted her.
They would live together for at least ten years. She had to get used to having him around.
Duan Mingxi relaxed against Xiao Muchen, smiling as she said, “I’m not tired. I was just thinking about the Crown Princess.”
“The Crown Princess?” Xiao Muchen noticed how Duan Mingxi hesitated before not rejecting his closeness, and his expression softened. He casually pulled her into his embrace.
Duan Mingxi: …
She had missed the best chance to reject him, and now it felt even more awkward to push him away.
Her conflicted expression only amused Xiao Muchen further.
He realized that while Duan Mingxi often acted tough, she was actually soft in her actions.
He was growing fonder of her, and so, being with someone you like means you can’t be shy—otherwise, how could you enjoy having such a beautiful person in your arms?
Even if she didn’t like him now, he knew when they had first been engaged that one day, she eventually would.
Duan Mingxi gave up struggling and leaned against Xiao Muchen’s chest, speaking softly, “Today, I saw the Crown Princess with thick makeup. Only those in poor health would wear heavy makeup to hide their complexion.”
“You suspect she’s not living well in the Eastern Palace?”
“She’s already not living well. But I fear it’s even worse than I expected,” Duan Mingxi frowned and said.
“She chose this path herself. She got what she wanted, but she has to pay the price for it,” Xiao Muchen said lightly.
Duan Mingxi was silent for a moment, then smiled, “You’re right.”
It was probably the only thing in this world that was fair—when you gain something, you lose something. Heaven doesn’t favor anyone entirely.
“However, when I attended the banquet in the Eastern Palace last time, Bai Shixi secretly helped me. Otherwise, it would have been much more troublesome,” Duan Mingxi said to Xiao Muchen. “Although we are not exactly friends, at least we are not enemies. I still hope she lives a good life.”
Xiao Muchen responded, “If she lived well, then you and I would probably not.”
Huh?
Duan Mingxi was stunned for a moment.
Then, she quickly understood. If Bai Shixi lived well, it would mean the Crown Prince was doing well, and if the Crown Prince did well, Xiao Muchen would naturally not.
They were originally on opposite sides.
Duan Mingxi sighed, looking at Xiao Muchen and saying, “That’s not what I meant. I hope Bai Shixi herself is doing well, not the Crown Princess.”
“Is there a difference? Bai Shixi is the Crown Princess, and the Crown Princess is Bai Shixi.”
Duan Mingxi sighed, Women and men think differently, after all.
Of course, they’re different.
