“You know now?” Mingxi shot back playfully.
“Alright, I know now,” Xiao Muchen replied, playing along.
Mingxi chuckled softly and leaned against his arm as the carriage gently swayed. “Yu Wangfei and the second daughter of Jingyuan Marquis household are both pitiful people. When I first returned to the capital, Qingying helped me, and Yu Wangfei also gave me some guidance. I’ve always remembered their kindness.”
“But the political scene in the capital is complicated. I’ve kept my interactions with her discreet. If people knew we were close, I wouldn’t be able to defend her in case of trouble—and vice versa. Especially now that we’re sisters-in-law, it’s best to keep a respectful distance.”
Xiao Muchen was a little surprised. He gently squeezed her palm and said, “The Xingan Marquis household caused a huge scene at Yu Wang’s manor. One of the stewards by Consort Yu’s side—someone sent by Consort Xian—immediately slipped out the back and entered the palace.”
“Consort Xian was furious when she heard and sent her chief eunuch to personally deal with the situation. He ordered He Wanyi to be sent to Yu Wang’s secondary estate to rest and carry her pregnancy. She’s not allowed back to the manor until after she gives birth.”
Consort Xian even went to the Emperor and reported the Xingan Marquis couple. Right now, the Xingan Marquis is still kneeling in the palace—and Yu Wang is kneeling beside him.”
Mingxi: …
Kneeling together. No would be able to stop themselves from wanting to laugh.
“If you want to laugh, then laugh,” Xiao Muchen glanced at her, eyes twinkling.
Mingxi laughed and collapsed into his arms. “Yu Wang—falling into the same pit twice, and both times because of the Xingan Marquis family. Has he learned nothing?”
Xiao Muchen held her close, his expression gradually softening. Though she always said she was keeping a clear head, he could feel her slowly drawing closer to him.
“He brought this upon himself. I truly hadn’t realized he was this foolish before—believing whatever others say without thinking. What kind of good person could Xingan Marquis be? He’s nothing but the Crown Prince’s lapdog, and yet he still eagerly followed him straight into the pit.”
Mingxi noticed that Xiao Muchen’s arm tightened around her, but she didn’t pull away. Since she had decided to try and live well with him, she wanted to give it a sincere effort.
“Xingan Marquis is cunning too—he’s already been punished twice by His Majesty for the Crown Prince’s sake. That can’t be good for him.”
“Since he’s already boarded the Crown Prince’s ship, he no longer cares how Royal Father sees him. As long as he keeps his title and his life, he still has the confidence to rise again.”
The Crown Prince was his confidence, his hope.
Just as Mingxi was about to speak, Xiao Muchen continued: “But he won’t be celebrating for long.”
“You’re taking action over Qiao Wan’s case?” Mingxi sat up immediately.
Xiao Muchen looked at her. “Qiao Wan was originally a respectable woman, but she was forced into prostitution and ended up committing countless misdeeds. If this matter comes to light, it’ll cause an uproar in court.”
“Qiao Wan is willing to testify before the emperor?” Mingxi asked excitedly.
“She has no choice. Qiao Yu’s fate depends entirely on her,” Xiao Muchen said coldly.
“So this matter really involves Xingan Marquis?”
“Yes. I hadn’t expected him to have started working for the Crown Prince so early,” Xiao Muchen said slowly.
“If this can deal a major blow to Xingan Marquis, it’ll truly be like severing one of the Crown Prince’s arms,” Mingxi said, her joy practically overflowing. She had waited for this day for so long.
“Exactly.”
The two exchanged a smile.
The carriage stopped outside the residence. Xiao Muchen didn’t go in. Instead, he looked at Mingxi and said: “You go in first. I’m going to visit Jin Wang.”
“Why are you looking for Jin Wang? He might not be willing to help,” Mingxi said, puzzled.
“True, but Jin Wangfei is from Xingan Marquis’s family. There’s little affection between them as husband and wife, and they’ve had conflicts because of Side Consort Qian. For the sake of the woman he truly cares for, he might be willing to let Jin Wangfei lose her family’s protection. That way, she won’t dare throw her weight around in his household anymore.”
Duan Mingxi was impressed. “Alright, go then.”
If this worked, it would be a heavy blow to Xingan Marquis. Jin Wang’s betrayal would only accelerate his downfall.
Once Xiao Muchen watched Mingxi go inside, he left with Qi He. As they rode, he asked: “Have you arranged the meeting with Jin Wang?”
“Yes, at Uncle Fang’s place.”
Xiao Muchen headed straight for Uncle Fang’s small courtyard. By the time he arrived, Jin Wang was already there. Upon seeing him, Jin Wang said: “Old Four, you’re late.”
“Please don’t blame me, Brother. Something held me up on the way,” Xiao Muchen replied as he walked over.
Jin Wang didn’t often associate with this younger brother—their personalities were too different. Who could enjoy being around someone with a face like a funeral all the time?
“What did you call me here for?” Jin Wang asked, eager to get this over with.
“It’s something important, and I couldn’t decide alone. That’s why I asked you here to discuss it,” Xiao Muchen replied, frowning slightly with a troubled look.
That was odd. What kind of matter could actually trouble this cold-faced fourth brother?
Ever since Duan Wang was assigned to the Ministry of Revenue, Jin Wang had been feeling increasingly jealous. Having military achievements really did make a difference—his father clearly saw Duan Wang in a different light now. Only the Crown Prince had ever been allowed to observe at the ministries before, and now Duan Wang had joined those ranks too.
Still, seeing that Duan Wang had come to him for help first did soothe some of his irritation. He motioned for Xiao Muchen to sit and said smugly: “Not to boast, but I do have a few more years on you, and I’ve seen more in life. Tell me, what’s going on?”
“No rush,” Xiao Muchen said, signaling Qi He to bring wine and dishes, then looked back at Jin Wang. “Let’s talk as we eat, Brother.”
“Fine by me.”
It was dinnertime already. Jin Wang had been too busy watching the drama between Xingan Marquis and Yu Wang to eat properly.
Uncle Fang had already been instructed to prepare the food, and now he and Qi He brought it in personally.
Jin Wang didn’t spare Uncle Fang a glance—he barely looked at Qi He either. But the food smelled and looked great, so he didn’t hesitate to pick up his chopsticks and dig in.
Xiao Muchen poured wine for him and said in a somber tone: “Brother, what do you think of Second Brother’s situation?”
“Old Two? That fool? He’s run headfirst into the same wall twice and still hasn’t learned. I never realized he was this dumb,” Jin Wang said bluntly.
“Do you really think Second Brother’s stupid?” Xiao Muchen asked. “I’m not so sure.”
Jin Wang looked surprised. “You’ve heard something, haven’t you? Tell Big Brother.”
Xiao Muchen poured himself a cup, clinked it with Jin Wang’s, took a sip, then slowly said: “Second Sister-in-law is pregnant with his heir. Do you think Second Brother would just sit back and let a side consort scheme to harm his legitimate son?”
“Exactly! That’s why I say he’s a fool. All for a woman—has his brain been eaten by a dog?” Jin Wang said mercilessly.
