“Second Young Master Gan doesn’t seem to be mentioned much in the capital,” said Mingxi, who had little impression of him.
Not in this life, nor in the last, had she heard much about Zhenbei Wang’s second son.
“It’s no surprise. He was born sickly and has always been frail, so he rarely shows his face in public,” Madam Xiao explained softly. “But although his health is poor, Zhenbei Wang and his wife love him dearly.”
Saying this, Madam Xiao let out a sneer. “Otherwise, why would Duke Cao pick him for his daughter?”
Mingxi’s heart sank. If that’s the case, then Zhenbei Wang really had chosen the Empress and Crown Prince’s side?
That shouldn’t be. Something must be off.
Seeing Mingxi frowning, Madam Xiao consoled her, “Don’t worry too much. Zhenbei Wang isn’t a fool. There might be some hidden reason we don’t know yet. Like how things unfolded with Miss Gan—if she hadn’t met you, she might have suffered in silence.”
Mingxi nodded slightly. Indeed, in her previous life, Gan Li did become the Crown Princess.
That thought startled her. Looking at Madam Xiao again, she asked, “Sister-in-law, can you find out what’s going on at Duke Cao’s residence?”
“You want to investigate Li Peilan?” Madam Xiao asked.
Mingxi nodded. “Li Peilan can’t keep anything to herself. If we want information, she’s the best breakthrough.”
“All right, I’ll try. Once I find something, I’ll send word to you.”
“Thank you, Sister-in-law.”
“It’s nothing, just asking around a bit,” Madam Xiao replied quickly.
A little maid waved from outside, signaling the banquet in the front courtyard had ended. Madam Xiao immediately stood up and said, “Little sister, have some rest. I’ll leave you now.”
Mingxi got up to see her off.
Not long after, Xiao Muchen arrived with a faint scent of wine. Only then did Mingxi realize—no wonder Madam Xiao had taken her leave just then. She really was considerate.
Xiao Muchen had rarely drunk this much. Seeing Mingxi, he said, “You didn’t bother to stop your brothers—they were all trying to get me drunk.”
Mingxi helped him into the room and said with a laugh, “It’s a rare day where they can openly drink with you. How could you escape?”
Xiao Muchen followed Mingxi into her boudoir—it was his first time there.
The room wasn’t very large. Though it had three sections, it couldn’t compare to the standards of a prince’s residence.
He glanced around slowly and remarked, “Living here must be hard on you.”
On the way, he’d noticed there was a more spacious courtyard—one that should rightfully belong to the legitimate eldest daughter.
“It’s just a place to stay for a bit, nothing to feel wronged about.” Mingxi looked at his wine-soaked state and responded casually, calling out for someone to bring sober-up tea.
The tea had been prepared in advance. Xiangxiang brought it in promptly and then left quietly.
Xiao Muchen frowned as he drank—it really tasted terrible.
Mingxi handed him a candied fruit.
Xiao Muchen didn’t reach for it. Instead, he leaned forward slightly and bit it directly from her hand.
Mingxi: …
Leaning against a soft pillow, Xiao Muchen pulled her into his arms. Mingxi tried to struggle—it wasn’t like they were at Wangye’s residence.
“Let me hold you for a while. I’m dizzy.”
Mingxi: …
She didn’t move after that.
Xiao Muchen chuckled. “Did you have a good time today?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Mingxi replied. “No one in this household can make me unhappy anymore. All thanks to you.”
“Oh? Then how will you thank me?”
Mingxi glanced at him. He really was drunk. She smacked him onto the pillow with one hand.
Xiao Muchen laughed softly and held her tighter.
Fearing he’d act out, Mingxi quickly said, “I have something serious to tell you.”
“What is it?” Xiao Muchen’s hand around her waist paused slightly.
“Li Peilan is engaged to the second son of Zhenbei Wang. Did you know about this?”
Xiao Muchen truly didn’t know. His expression turned serious. “When did this happen?”
“These past few days,” Mingxi said.
His deep, dark eyes became solemn. After a moment, he said, “If the engagement is already set and it’s this rushed, that’s not like Zhenbei Wang at all.”
Mingxi nodded.
“Besides, with past grudges, why would Zhenbei Wang want to form ties with Duke Cao?” Xiao Muchen found the whole thing suspicious.
“That’s what I thought too. I’ve already asked my sister-in-law to investigate. If there’s a reason behind it—then things are about to get interesting.”
Xiao Muchen gently held her fingertips, rare agitation showing in his usually calm demeanor. He couldn’t help but say, “No wonder the Crown Prince’s so composed.”
Noting the sarcasm in his voice, Mingxi looked at him and said, “No need to rush. Let’s wait until we find out the truth.”
“When the matter with Wang Mingcheng broke out, the Eastern Palace remained unusually quiet. I had my suspicions at the time, but I didn’t expect this—truly underestimated the Empress.”
“The incident with Gan Li back then already showed that the Empress had her eyes on the Zhenbei Wang’s household. Now that she’s made another move, if Zhenbei Wang has hidden difficulties and has no choice but to accept this marriage, with his temperament, what does it matter if Li Peilan marries in?”
When it comes to political marriages, both parties need to be willing.
Not every marriage is a stepping stone to something greater.
Mingxi’s tone cooled a little—even if the marriage does go through, the outcome might not be as smooth.
Hearing the meaning behind her words, Xiao Muchen looked at her and said, “I’ll have people look into it too. Let’s figure out what’s going on first. No need to rush.”
There’s no use being anxious.
Zhenbei Wang was different from Ning Qin Wang.
Ning Qin Wang was the emperor’s own younger brother, while Zhenbei Wang was a titled Wang from another family line—the Gan family had served in the military for generations.
The Empress set her eyes on the Zhenbei Wang’s household—it was certainly a juicy piece of meat.
The couple leaned against each other and fell into silence.
The room grew quiet. Mingxi had already calmed down. This engagement was sudden, but not entirely unmanageable.
First, they needed to investigate before making any plans.
After a busy day, both of them were a little tired and eventually dozed off leaning against one another.
It wasn’t clear how long they slept before they faintly heard voices outside. Mingxi immediately opened her eyes and saw Xiao Muchen had also sat up.
The sun had shifted westward—it was getting late.
Mingxi got up at once and said to Xiao Muchen, “We should go home now.”
Xiao Muchen nodded, “Alright.”
The two tidied up, said farewell to the Old Master and the Old Madam, and left the Marquis Residence in a carriage. Mingxi’s mind wandered again to the Zhenbei Wang’s household.
By the time she came back to herself and lifted the curtain to get out, she realized the carriage had stopped in front of the Duan residence.
Her parents and younger brother were outside, and she was momentarily stunned. She turned to look at Xiao Muchen.
Xiao Muchen took her hand and helped her down from the carriage. The Duan couple hadn’t gone to the Marquis Residence today, and Mingxi was clearly thinking of them.
Since they were visiting family, it was only right to stop by here as well.
Mingxi gripped Xiao Muchen’s hand tightly, took a deep breath, and ran toward Madam Xu.
