Was the Emperor testing them… or truly trying to appease?
Mingxi couldn’t be sure. When Xiao Muchen returned, she asked him directly.
He reeked of wine—not because he drank much himself, but because Qi Wang had forced so much on him that it soaked into his clothes.
After changing and washing up briefly, he sat down to speak with Mingxi.
“Royal Father is mostly trying to appease us. Perhaps he’s also testing a little, but it doesn’t matter. Even if we did take action, we were completely justified,” he said solemnly.
Mingxi knew she’d guessed right. “Will it hurt you? The Emperor is still biased toward the Crown Prince, otherwise he wouldn’t have done this.”
Even if he appreciated Duan Ning, he didn’t have to promote him.
This was too obvious.
The Emperor was essentially putting Xiao Muchen in the spotlight. The fire might not be burning yet, but eventually, it would.
Seeing her concern, Xiao Muchen looked deeply at her. “If Royal Father dares to put me in the spotlight, then I can’t let him down—nor can I let the Empress and the Crown Prince be disappointed.”
Mingxi understood—Xiao Muchen was now ready to openly build his own power.
“You’ve decided?”
“I decided long ago. I was just waiting for the right opportunity. And now it’s here—I won’t let it pass.”
“Aren’t you afraid Royal Father will become suspicious?”
“So what if he does? He’s already had doubts for a while. But at this point, he should start facing the sentiments of his court. The Crown Prince lacks virtue—how can he be the heir?”
If there’s going to be a struggle, then let it be open and aboveboard.
Playing the fool won’t work anymore. The Emperor is too biased. If no pressure is applied, he’ll never acknowledge the Crown Prince’s faults.
It was the same in the previous life. After the Emperor passed away, that’s why the Crown Prince and Xiao Muchen ended up in such bitter conflict.
“Alright, then we’ll fight fair and square!” Duan Mingxi looked at Xiao Muchen, eyes firm.
Xiao Muchen was right—this day would come sooner or later. Now that the Emperor had handed them an opportunity, they couldn’t let it slip by.
Xiao Muchen held her hand tightly. “As expected, only you truly understand me.”
Duan Mingxi blushed. “We’re talking about serious matters.”
“I am talking about serious matters.”
Duan Mingxi didn’t know what to say—how was she supposed to respond?
Seeing her blushing deeply, Xiao Muchen pulled her into his arms, held her hand gently, and whispered: “The Empress and the Crown Prince suffered heavy losses this time. They’ll definitely show weakness before the Emperor. We mustn’t let them succeed again.”
“Of course not. And as for Jiang Sujie—once the Crown Prince pushes her to act, I’ve already laid the trap. Just waiting for her to walk right into it.”
“People always say ‘thief couples,’ ‘thief couples.’ I never understood what that meant before—but now I do.” Xiao Muchen pressed his forehead to hers. “Xixi, I’m really happy right now.”
Mingxi’s heart raced. She bit her lip. “I’m happy too.”
She didn’t really understand what “thief couple” meant either, but she was happy—so happy it bloomed from the depths of her heart, impossible to suppress.
While Duan Wang’s residence was filled with joy, dark clouds loomed over the Eastern Palace.
Bai Shixi was sitting under the lamp, stitching baby clothes, thread by thread. Su Ying was by her side, speaking softly.
“The Crown Prince made Jiang Liangdi cry?” Bai Shixi paused her needle.
Su Ying nodded. “Yes. Word is His Highness flew into a rage. He even threw a teacup and hit Jiang Liangdi on the forehead—it broke the skin.”
Bai Shixi frowned.
Seeing her expression, Su Ying quickly added: “Crown Princess, you shouldn’t pity her. Is someone like her even worth pitying? Think about what she’s done. Duan Wangfei even wrote you a letter about it—such shameful behavior.”
Bai Shixi set down her needle and thread, leaned back slightly against the pillow, and finally spoke: “Jiang Liangdi isn’t an idiot. She wouldn’t target others for no reason—someone must have put her up to it.”
Su Ying paled with fear. “Crown Princess, please speak softly!”
Bai Shixi smiled faintly. “There’s no one else here. No need to worry.”
Still, Su Ying got up and checked outside. Confirming no one was there, she let out a breath.
“Better safe than sorry. His Highness has ears everywhere.”
“Before you came back, I paid off the maids with silver to go enjoy themselves. What is there to worry about when I’m just sitting here sewing?” Bai Shixi said casually.
Su Ying sighed. “Others envy you for being the Crown Princess, but I wish you weren’t. No one knows when this kind of life will end.”
“As long as I don’t make mistakes and bear a son, this position will be secure,” Bai Shixi replied calmly. “Eventually, I’ll get through this.”
“What about Jiang Liangdi?”
“Depends on how smart she is. But she seems ambitious to me.”
It’s hard to advise someone doomed. Jiang Sujie was far too ambitious. She might act respectful on the surface, but deep down she wasn’t. Just like Bai Zhiwei—proud and arrogant. Sooner or later, she’d fall hard.
Suddenly, Bai Shixi tilted her head. She heard soft footsteps outside. Her expression tightened, and she nudged Su Ying.
Su Ying immediately got the message and raised her voice slightly: “Crown Princess, it’s not my place to say, but surely there’s no need for you to sew the little prince’s clothes. Leave it to us maids.”
“Just passing time,” Bai Shixi replied, following her lead. “You can go rest. Don’t worry about me.”
“How could I? His Highness ordered me to look after the Crown Princess. I can’t slack off.” Su Ying sighed, then added, “Crown Princess, about Jiang Liangdi—you should still report the matter to His Highness.”
“His Highness is busy with official affairs. Why burden him with trivial things like this?” Bai Shixi said, a trace of displeasure in her voice. “Let’s not speak of it again.”
“I know you’re being considerate, but what Jiang Liangdi did really went too far. Duan Wangfei even came to confront us. Where does that leave your dignity?” Su Ying said angrily. “You can’t keep covering for her. If she dared do it, she shouldn’t fear the consequences.”
“You—when will you change that temper of yours?” Bai Shixi softened her tone. “I’m not shielding her—I just don’t want to create more trouble for His Highness. Besides, I’ve already scolded her. She should know her limits now.”
“If she really knew her limits, she wouldn’t have disrespected you in the first place.”
“Su Ying!”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Su Ying replied with a helpless expression.
At that moment, the curtain was lifted, and the Crown Prince entered.
Bai Shixi looked surprised and quickly stood with Su Ying’s help, her eyes filled with delight.
“Your Highness, what brings you here?”
The Crown Prince looked at her. “I came to check on you. How are you feeling today?”
“I’m feeling well,” Bai Shixi said happily. She had Su Ying serve tea. Once the Crown Prince sat down, she followed and sat beside him, her smile warm and gentle. “Your Highness, don’t worry about me. I’ll take good care of myself.”
Best if we only see each other every ten days or so, she thought. Otherwise we’ll just grow to loathe each other, and pretending to be happy is utterly exhausting.
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