Duan Mingxi could imagine how upset Yu Wangfei must be right now. She glanced over at Chu Qingying.
Meeting Mingxi’s concerned gaze, Chu Qingying couldn’t even manage a smile and said grimly, “Thankfully, Consort Xian sent people over. Otherwise, my sister wouldn’t have been able to clear her name.”
Yao Yunyi also looked troubled. “If this keeps up, when will it end? And my cousin—such a fool—still can’t tell right from wrong. It makes me furious.”
If Yu Wang had any sense, he wouldn’t have been demoted and sent away before.
After returning to the capital, he behaved for a while, but perhaps thinking his position was secure again, he was back to his old ways.
Duan Mingxi suspected Xingan Marquis had promised him some benefit again, which clouded his judgment.
Otherwise, why would He Wanyi dare to make such a scene without the support of the Marquis’s house?
Liu Yunhua and Xu Nanxi exchanged a glance—both looked helpless. Matters of the royal family weren’t things people like them could get involved in—they could only gossip in private.
Especially now, with the Empress and the Crown Prince keeping a close watch over the capital. One wrong move could spell disaster for their families.
Xu Nanxi sighed. “Only Consort Xian can handle this matter. Even Guangxiang Marquis’ household wouldn’t dare make a move right now.”
Yao Yunyi nodded. Besides, the elders in their families looked at things differently. While the younger generation sympathized with Yu Wangfei, the elders cared more about the bigger political picture.
That was the root of the conflict.
Mingxi, however, knew that Consort Shu had already gone to speak with Consort Xian. But since this involved the inner palace, she couldn’t say it outright. She simply said, “Actually, the bigger this mess becomes, the better. That way it’s sure to reach Consort Xian’s ears. Niang Niang won’t be able to ignore it, especially since it concerns the legitimate heir in Yu Wangfei’s belly.”
Chu Qingying then looked to Yao Yunyi.
Yao Yunyi hesitated, then quietly said, “Before I left, my mother entered the palace.”
Chu Qingying’s eyes lit up—if Guangxiang Marchioness entered the palace, she must have gone to see Consort Xian.
“But I can’t guarantee what she went in for,” Yao Yunyi sighed.
Chu Qingying had been through a lot by now and was no longer a naïve girl. In fact, because of her stepmother, she probably understood these intricate connections better than anyone else here.
“No matter what the reason, I’m grateful the Marchioness made the trip.”
At the very least, the message had been delivered.
Mingxi looked at Chu Qingying. “Yu Wangfei now has people sent by Consort Xian by her side. I heard another one was sent later. With those two protecting her, even if the entire Xingan Marquis household were to act, they wouldn’t dare to lay a finger on her openly.”
Chu Qingying knew Mingxi was trying to comfort her, so she forced a smile and said, “I know. My sister had someone send me a message earlier, telling my brother and me not to go to the manor. I don’t dare to go either. I don’t know what the situation in Yu Wang’s manor is like right now, but I just hope that my sister and her child are both safe and well.”
At that moment, she once again felt the harsh reality of the gap that status and position brought.
Guangxiang Marquis Madam could enter the palace to request an audience with Consort Xian, while she could only worry helplessly outside.
If only she could marry a man with power and influence…
All that talk about love and affection was empty; only what one held in hand was real.
Xu Nanxi also spoke up, “Yu Wangfei has always been calm and composed. She’s always acted with careful judgment. Maybe she had already prepared for this. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have sent that message to you. Not letting you visit the manor isn’t because you’d be a burden, it’s because she’s afraid the Xingan Marquis family might target you.”
Chu Qingying looked around and said, “Let’s not talk about this anymore. I trust my sister has a plan. Today’s a happy day to congratulate Yunyi—we should talk about something cheerful.”
Since she said so, the others didn’t want to dampen her mood and started talking about Yao Yunyi’s upcoming marriage.
Yao Yunyi was about to marry into the Fuchang Marquis household—the little brother of Mingxi’s sister-in-law, the heir to Fuchang Marquis. So technically, there was now a bit of family relation between them.
Yao Yunyi looked at Mingxi and asked, “Have you met Xiao Jun? What do you think of him?”
Mingxi shook her head. “I went to the inner courtyard of the Fuchang Marquis residence. How would I run into Xiao Jun? I haven’t met him, but his sister is my eldest sister-in-law. She is upright and well-mannered. Plus, Xiao Ling is favored by Duchess Wei. I suppose her younger brother wouldn’t be too bad either.”
When the Xiao family daughter married into Dingyuan Marquis household, she wasn’t well-known. It was only after Duan Yu joined the military selection office and inherited his title that more attention was paid to her.
Madam Xiao was always cautious in her conduct and had never had any bad rumors.
On the other hand, Xiao Ling had a livelier personality, and Duchess Wei genuinely liked her, often taking her to social events, which gave her a wider reputation.
Yao Yunyi blushed a little. “I’m just nervous, that’s all.”
“Everyone is before getting married,” Mingxi said with a smile. “The Fuchang Marchioness has a gentle personality. I think you’ll get along well.”
Xu Nanxi chimed in, “Having a good mother-in-law is even more important than having a good husband. You’ve really gotten lucky.”
Yao Yunyi’s face turned red. She looked at Xu Nanxi and said, “Don’t worry, your turn will come too. A good match won’t escape you. Duke Wei will surely find you a good husband.”
Xu Nanxi’s smile faltered for a moment, then she quickly recovered and said with a light laugh, “I won’t hide it—I’m hoping for it too. Who doesn’t want a good husband and a kind in-law family?”
Everyone laughed heartily, and even Chu Qingying smiled along.
Yes, she wished for it too.
But because of her stepmother, it was likely a blessing she wouldn’t get to enjoy.
The group had a good gathering, and by the time they parted ways, it was already early evening.
Mingxi took a carriage back to the manor. Halfway through, she heard the sound of horse hooves slowing beside the carriage. Curious, she lifted the curtain and saw Xiao Muchen riding beside her.
“Wangye?” Mingxi smiled. “What brings you here? What a coincidence!”
Xiao Muchen got off his horse and climbed directly into the carriage, sitting beside her. “You smell like alcohol. Went drinking?”
“One of the girls from the Guangxiang Marquis family is getting married soon. I’m close with her. A few of us got together for a little celebration.”
Though they had only sipped a little, the scent of wine still lingered.
Xiao Muchen nodded. It was normal for friends to gather.
Mingxi then asked, “Have you heard about what happened at Yu Wang’s manor?”
“It’s already been handled.”
“That fast?” Mingxi sobered up immediately. “Really? What happened? Was Yu Wangfei harmed?”
From her concerned tone, it was clear she truly cared. He took her hand in his and replied, “I didn’t know you two were this close.”
