Qi Wang and his wife came from the Chongzheng Hall, and as per custom, first went to pay respects to the Emperor, and then came to the Kunde Palace to greet the Empress.
At this moment, the two stepped forward to salute the Empress, and the Empress, as was customary, gave Qi Wangfei a meeting gift.
After that, Consort De led Qi Wangfei to greet the other three consorts. Finally, they proceeded from the Crown Princess, Jin Wangfei, and Yu Wangfei, down to Mingxi.
Mingxi had written ahead to Yu Wangfei, and since there were already precedents of others giving meeting gifts at her own wedding, what she had prepared was not much different—just a set of hair ornaments, with only minor differences in style.
This time, the Empress was unusually kind, and the entire meeting proceeded very smoothly. Not to mention causing deliberate trouble—not a single sarcastic or sour remark was uttered.
It was a stark contrast to what had happened with Mingxi back then, but she didn’t take it to heart.
The Empress was probably trying to create a deliberate contrast, to make her feel uncomfortable and thereby develop resentment toward Qi Wangfei. But how could Mingxi willingly jump into a trap she could clearly see?
Soon, the Crown Prince and the others also arrived. Duan Mingxi watched as Xiao Muchen and the others paid respects to the Empress, then greeted the noble consorts, and finally came to sit beside her.
As soon as he sat down, Mingxi sensed that Xiao Muchen was not in a good mood.
Although to outsiders, Xiao Muchen always wore a wooden expression that gave nothing away, she was different. Even though they hadn’t been married long, they’d spent enough time together for her to understand him to some extent.
“What’s wrong?” Mingxi still wore a faint smile, making it seem like casual small talk between the two, so no one would notice anything unusual.
Xiao Muchen, taking advantage of the table and chairs as cover, gave her hand a gentle squeeze and replied in a low voice, “Nothing serious.”
Which meant—there was something, just not major.
Mingxi didn’t say anything else. She quietly watched the Empress speaking warmly with the Crown Prince, then glanced at Bai Shixi, who played the role of a virtuous wife throughout, and finally caught the unwillingness hidden deep in Jiang Sujie’s eyes.
It was still early for the midday banquet, and as usual, the Empress dismissed everyone to relax freely. The four consorts didn’t leave Kunde Palace but stayed to chat with the Empress, while the Crown Prince took the others outside to admire the flowers.
The Crown Princess and Yu Wangfei were both pregnant. The Crown Prince, at least, remembered to make a show of caring for his wife, but Yu Wang seemed completely lost in thought the whole time, not paying the slightest attention to his pregnant Wangfei.
The group stopped to rest in the octagonal pavilion of the imperial garden. Palace maids came and went like flowing water, bringing refreshments before bowing and stepping back.
Mingxi sat beside Xiao Muchen. He casually picked up a teacup from the table and handed it to her. She took it without thinking.
After taking a sip, she lifted her head—only to find that everyone’s gaze was on her. She froze. Why were they all looking at her?
Bai Shixi, noticing Mingxi hadn’t realized, gave a light cough and gently said, “Fourth Brother and Sister-in-law are truly loving. Fourth Brother being so considerate is rather unexpected. Sister-in-law, you’re very fortunate.”
Duan Mingxi: …
Perhaps she had grown used to how things were in Duan Wang’s household and had momentarily forgotten to be cautious in public. Habit really was a dangerous thing.
What they did in private was no one’s business, but…
She turned slightly to look at Xiao Muchen. This guy did it on purpose!
So—should she play along?
Xiao Muchen saw the hint of hesitation deep in her eyes and was amused, though his face remained serious. He turned to the Crown Princess and said solemnly, “Crown Princess flatters us. Being able to marry Mingxi is my true fortune.”
Mingxi paused. …Aren’t you overacting a bit?
What on earth happened today that made Xiao Muchen say and do such things?
With their mutual understanding, she knew it likely wasn’t just the “small matter” he had mentioned earlier.
She immediately reacted, putting on a calm, composed, and perfectly natural smile.
After all, it was true that he had been the one to propose the marriage back then. Others didn’t know the agreement between them and wouldn’t suspect anything.
At this moment, with him saying such things, no one would doubt it.
Still, the very fact that he said it out loud would naturally draw attention.
Knowing something was one thing—saying it aloud was another entirely.
Mingxi immediately followed up, “To be favored by Wangye is my good fortune—it is indeed a blessing.”
Qi Wang watched these two shameless people taking turns and couldn’t help twitching at the corner of his mouth. Eventually, he couldn’t resist saying, “Fourth Sister-in-law, Fourth Brother truly is lucky. After all, not everyone can be like you, giving away hundreds of thousands of taels just like that. Of course he must cherish his blessings.”
Mingxi’s smile faded slightly. She turned to Qi Wang and said, “Seventh Brother, that’s not quite right. In the battle of Yuxiang City, tens of thousands of soldiers lacked supplies. I merely did what little I could.”
“Thanks to His Majesty’s grace, the empire enjoys peace and prosperity. Only then can merchants conduct business with peace of mind and earn a modest living. Benefiting from the dynasty’s blessings, in a time of crisis for Great Chu, of course I should contribute what I can—whether effort or wealth.”
“In my heart, a prince taking command in a time of need and leading troops to battle is far more admirable than a few taels of silver. If Seventh Brother had been the one to go to war back then, I certainly would have done my part as well.”
Qi Wang: …
How did throwing money around become a noble and glorious act when it came out of Duan Mingxi’s mouth?
What was worse—he actually found it hard to argue with her logic.
The Crown Prince and Jin Wang both glanced at Duan Mingxi.
Mingxi pretended not to notice and turned her head toward Xiao Muchen.
Xiao Muchen took her hand.
Everyone: …
It was clearly Qi Wang’s celebratory day, but somehow, something didn’t feel quite right.
Qi Wangfei’s expression wasn’t looking too good. But since it was her husband who’d spoken first, it only ended up making Duan Wang and Duan Wangfei look good.
The Crown Princess sat quietly beside the Crown Prince with a smile, saying nothing. At a time like this, since the Crown Prince didn’t speak, she naturally wouldn’t either.
On the other hand, Jiang Sujie, though visibly surprised, managed to calm herself and looked at Duan Mingxi thoughtfully.
This version of Duan Mingxi was very unfamiliar to her—completely different from the person she thought she knew.
Jin Wangfei looked like she was about to burst with sarcasm, but with Duan Wang present, she forced herself to stay silent.
Given that sharp, unforgiving tongue of his, if she said something wrong and he caught it, it would be a total embarrassment.
Those two were a perfect match—both equally difficult to deal with.
And yet, to the Emperor, these two troublesome people were a model son and daughter-in-law: one who saw wealth as dirt and served the nation, and the other who was upright, uncompromising, and principled.
Truly infuriating!
Just then, the Crown Prince finally opened his mouth. He looked at the couple, and his gaze settled on Xiao Muchen. “Old Four, about the matter raised in this morning’s court session—what’s your take? You’re observing at the Ministry of Revenue now, so taking this post would be quite appropriate.”
Everyone perked up their ears.
The Crown Princess stood up and smiled, “Your Highness, I’ll take our sisters-in-law and younger sister over there to enjoy the flowers.”
When the men discussed official matters, the women were expected to step away.
The Crown Prince gave a slight nod.
Duan Mingxi glanced at Xiao Muchen before following Yu Wangfei out of the pavilion.
After a few steps, she heard Jin Wang say, “Fourth Brother is still young. For such a major responsibility, Royal Father may need to consider carefully.”
Then came Qi Wang’s voice: “If you ask me, Royal Father is showing favoritism. Last time Fourth Brother led the army—this time, it should be someone else’s turn.”
The voices faded as she walked farther away, and she could no longer hear what was said next.
