The next day, Duan Mingxi woke up late again. There was no one beside her. She sat up, lifted the bed curtains, and put on an outer robe as she stepped out.
Qiancao heard the movement and hurried in. “Wangfei, you’re awake?”
As she spoke, she quickly began helping Mingxi get dressed and ready for the day.
Upon hearing the commotion, Xiangxiang came in with a few young maids, carrying a copper basin, towels, and a copper kettle. They moved in an orderly fashion, and the room instantly became lively.
“Where is Wangye?” Mingxi wiped her face and looked at Qiancao as she asked.
“He went to the training grounds,” Qiancao replied with a smile. “Fang Momo said that Wangye goes to the training grounds every morning.”
Mingxi nodded slightly and sat in front of the bronze mirror. Qiancao picked up a jade comb to do her hair. As she combed, she said, “Li Mama has taken people to load the carts. The return-to-home gifts today must be done properly.”
Since there were no elders in Wangye’s residence, Fang Momo was handling the arrangements. She had already prepared everything, and now Li Mama was in charge of loading the carts.
Qiancao styled Mingxi’s hair into a luxurious peony bun and then took out an imperial-bestowed jade and colored glass hairpin to place in her hair.
Mingxi glanced up at it.
Qiancao said with a smile, “Wangye, this glass hairpin truly deserves to be from the palace—so beautiful.”
Mingxi could see through her little scheme. Wasn’t she just hoping for her to return home today in grand style?
“Yes, it is beautiful,” Mingxi complimented.
Glassware was rare but not particularly precious—it mostly came from overseas.
The Duan family had done maritime trade before, so glass wasn’t unusual to her. Still, the palace glass hairpins were of better color and craftsmanship.
As they were talking, a sound came from outside, and soon noises came from the bathing chamber.
After tidying up Mingxi’s appearance, Qiancao saw everything was in order and excused herself with a smile.
Mingxi got up and walked out. As she turned past the screen, she came face-to-face with Xiao Muchen.
Today, Duan Mingxi wore a pomegranate-red long dress with golden patterns. She looked festive and regal. Xiao Muchen glanced at her and said with a smile, “This color suits you best—bright and elegant.”
Mingxi’s expression paused slightly before she replied, “I’m not particularly fond of this color. I used to travel with my father in the past, and merchants avoided flashy attire to prevent drawing attention from bandits.”
As they spoke, they walked to the table and sat down. The table was filled with delicate and delicious food, its aroma making one’s appetite stir.
Mingxi was truly hungry. Without minding Xiao Muchen, she picked up a white jade bun filled with red bean paste and began to eat.
Knowing he was in the wrong, Xiao Muchen ladled soup for Mingxi and asked, “Would you like something sweet or savory?”
“Savory,” she replied.
It was early, and her mouth felt bland—eating sweet soup would just feel cloying.
They ate breakfast in silence. Mingxi didn’t speak, and Xiao Muchen remained quiet as well. After finishing the meal and having the table cleared, he led Mingxi into the inner room and finally spoke: “This morning, the Censor impeached Wang Mingcheng for deceiving the emperor and selling official positions. His Majesty was furious, has already had him arrested, and ordered the three judicial offices to investigate thoroughly.”
Mingxi was a little surprised. “That fast?”
Xiao Muchen nodded, eyes on Mingxi. “Wang Mingcheng’s position was once personally approved by the Emperor. Now that such a thing has happened, it’s naturally an embarrassment.”
“Selling official posts?” Mingxi focused on those words. “Where did the money from those sales go?”
Hearing that, Xiao Muchen burst out laughing and looked at her. “You’re right. That’s a very important question. I’ll remind the officials conducting the interrogation to pay attention to that.”
Since Wang Mingcheng was the Crown Prince’s man, where else could the money have gone?
Mingxi also smiled. “This is a big matter. It must be thoroughly investigated. Since it’s dirty money, it should be confiscated for the national treasury.”
In short—we absolutely can’t let the Crown Prince benefit!
After chatting for a while, they saw that it was about time and set off for the Dingyuan Marquis residence.
The family had long been waiting. As soon as their carriage arrived, someone ran inside to report, and by the time Mingxi stepped out, second uncle and others were already waiting.
The group respectfully escorted Duan Wang and Mingxi inside to the old madam’s courtyard. The old master was also present. The elders were too advanced in age to come out to greet them, but now that they saw Duan Wang, they came forward to salute.
Duan Wang quickly stepped forward and stopped them. “Grandfather, Grandmother, please rise. Today is just a family affair.”
Mingxi looked around. Most of the family was present except for Madam Jiang and her husband. Madam Xiao had also dressed up for the occasion. She had just finished her postpartum confinement and appeared more plump.
The second and third uncles, along with Duan Yu and Duan Ning, were all present. Though the courtyard was spacious, it still felt crowded with so many people.
After the greetings, the old master invited Duan Wang to the main hall to talk.
Naturally, Mingxi stayed behind to accompany the old madam and the womenfolk. Once Wangye left, the women immediately became more lively.
“We’ve all been looking forward to this day—finally, she’s home again!” the second madam said with a smile. “Mingxi, was everything alright when you entered the palace?”
They were concerned Consort Shu might give her a hard time.
Mingxi smiled. “Everything was fine, Second Aunt, no need to worry.”
The second madam let out a small sigh of relief. “That’s good, very good.”
The third madam then asked, “How are you adjusting to Wangye’s residence? Are the people there treating you with respect?”
Mingxi answered, “The person managing the rear courtyard is Fang Momo, Wangye’s wet nurse. As soon as I entered the residence, she handed everything over.”
The third madam was relieved. “This Fang Momo seems to know her place.”
Li Mama added with a smile, “Third Madam doesn’t know—when Fang Momo saw Wangfei enter the door, she was so happy she almost knelt and prayed. She said she never wants to manage affairs again and just wants to enjoy a peaceful life.”
Everyone in the room laughed.
The old madam looked at Mingxi and said, “Since Fang Momo is so sensible and she’s Wangye’s wet nurse, you should show her even more respect.”
“Yes, Grandmother. I’ll keep that in mind,” Mingxi replied.
Duan Huirou sat quietly in the corner, listening to Mingxi’s pleasant conversation with everyone. For once, she didn’t feel sad.
Just yesterday, Jiang Sujie had been brought into the Eastern Palace. Before she went, she had sent a letter to Huirou saying they should reconcile, that there are no overnight grudges between cousins. Huirou hadn’t even finished reading it before tearing it up and crying alone for half the night.
Today, she wasn’t feeling well, and had spent a long time putting on makeup in front of the mirror—she didn’t want Mingxi to see her looking pale and miserable.
Duan Qingyin was chatting with Duan Min. The two sisters laughed for a while and accidentally bumped into Duan Huirou. Duan Qingyin quickly said, “Second Sister, are you alright?”
The commotion drew Duan Mingxi’s attention from the front. She turned her head to glance back. Duan Huirou straightened her back and forced a smile, trying her best to appear normal. “I’m fine,” she said.
Duan Mingxi turned back again. Duan Huirou felt sweat gathering in her palms and gave a self-deprecating smile. What was she even nervous about?
In Duan Mingxi’s eyes now, she naturally wouldn’t spare her a thought.
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