Carry her in a sedan chair?
How?
Kang Wangfei was completely lost.
Mingxi leaned in and whispered a few words to her. Her eyes lit up. “Fourth Sister-in-law… will that work?”
“Why wouldn’t it?” Mingxi said coldly. “Fengcheng Marquis is being roasted over a fire. The Empress and the Crown Prince are no small part of that. I hear Duke Wei has been working behind the scenes, and Xiao Lin even took the risk of sneaking back to the capital.”
Hearing this, Kang Wangfei’s eyes reddened and she quickly dabbed at the corners with her handkerchief. “Fourth Sister-in-law, my mother is so worried. In just one month, she’s aged so much. And I’ve been completely helpless.”
Among the Emperor’s sons, Kang Wang was the least favored. His marriage had likely been a balancing act by His Majesty.
She didn’t blame her husband for lacking influence—she only resented the unfairness of fate.
But what could she do? As a woman in the inner court, she had no power.
But now, for the first time, she felt like she could do something. Fourth Sister-in-law was so clever—how did she even come up with such an idea?
Yes, they couldn’t interfere in frontcourt affairs, but in the rear court? That was their domain!
Even if the Emperor was displeased, what could he really say to his daughters-in-law?
Kang Wangfei’s eyes were practically blazing as she looked at Mingxi. “I’m going to see my mother right now.”
Mingxi pulled her back. “What’s the rush? If you go straight from here to the Marquis’s residence, people will know we planned something together when this all comes out.”
“Oh, right! I got too excited. Fourth Sister-in-law, you don’t know how hard it’s been. My heart has felt like it’s frying in oil.”
Her wedding had nearly turned into a joke. If it hadn’t been for Mingxi keeping things in order, she didn’t know what would’ve happened.
It sounded simple now, but on that day, she’d sat in the bridal chamber listening to her maids describe how Mingxi had handled the guests and laughed with the noble ladies at the feast—all to preserve her dignity.
Compared to Fourth Sister-in-law, what had Qi Wangfei done?
She had done nothing—only waited to see her make a fool of herself.
Mingxi knew that because of the situation with Fengcheng Marquis, both Kang Wang’s household and Kang Wangfei herself, as well as Fengcheng Marquis’s residence, were under enormous pressure from all sides.
Even Xiao Muchen had been working tirelessly because of this.
She was starting to understand now—His Majesty was keeping Xiao Muchen busy on purpose, to keep him out of Fengcheng Marquis’s affairs.
Thinking of this, it chilled her heart. Why was His Majesty so obsessed with the Crown Prince?
The Crown Prince had made so many mistakes—could His Majesty really not see them?
If he did see and still insisted on turning a blind eye, insisting on protecting him, then even someone as composed as Duan Mingxi would be enraged—let alone Xiao Muchen.
Besides anger, there was probably even more sorrow.
Mingxi asked for a copper basin, personally wrung out a cloth to wipe Kang Wangfei’s face, and brought out fresh powder to touch up her makeup. Smiling, she said, “No matter how difficult the hurdle, there will come a day when we get over it. Let’s not rush—wait for the right moment. Siyu, life is long—this is nothing. Steady your heart and move forward, step by step.”
“Fourth Sister-in-law, I want to, but I’m just afraid.”
“Afraid of what? If we can’t avoid it, then we fight them head-on!” Mingxi said firmly.
She had figured it out—since the emperor insisted on protecting the Crown Prince, then she would force him to loosen his grip one step at a time.
Impossible?
If she dared to risk everything, then what couldn’t she do?
If the Crown Prince ascended the throne in the future, what good end could people like them possibly meet?
If that’s the case—then fight.
Kang Wangfei was instantly stirred. “You’re right, Fourth Sister-in-law. There’s no retreat. So let’s not retreat.”
“That’s the spirit, but we need to act carefully.”
“I understand.”
Kang Wangfei knew—they had to act, but they couldn’t leave any evidence behind.
Just like how the Empress disgusted them—you knew she was the one behind it all, you knew she was targeting you, but you couldn’t speak a word of it.
This time, it was the Empress and her son’s turn to taste that bitterness.
After bidding farewell to Duan Mingxi, Kang Wangfei first returned to her residence, then visited her mother’s house the next day.
On Mingxi’s side, she secretly arranged a meeting with Zhenbei Wangfei at Lingyuan Temple, outside the city.
Zhenbei Wang’s Residence’s second son was about to be wed, and Zhenbei Wangfei had been running herself ragged with preparations. But when she received Mingxi’s invitation, she accepted immediately.
Mingxi had once saved her daughter. Though she had never asked to meet before, Zhenbei Wangfei had never forgotten this kindness.
Mingxi informed Xiao Muchen ahead of time and left the city early that morning. Upon arriving at Lingyuan Temple, she first paid respects to the Buddha and listened to a sermon, then donated a generous sum for incense offerings.
The incense at Lingyuan Temple was always flourishing. As the sun rose, many worshippers had already come and gone.
Mingxi borrowed a meditation room to rest. Because of her large donation, the temple gave her the quietest and most scenic courtyard.
When Zhenbei Wangfei arrived dressed in plain clothes, Mingxi was seated beneath a magnolia tree, sipping tea and nibbling on the temple’s vegetarian pastries—an air of complete leisure.
Only after entering the courtyard did Zhenbei Wangfei remove her pointed hat. Mingxi rose to greet her.
Zhenbei Wangfei bowed, but Mingxi reached out to support her, smiling as she said, “By rights, you’re my elder. But since we’re meeting outside, let’s not be bound by formalities.”
Zhenbei Wangfei smiled, though she insisted, “Etiquette cannot be discarded.”
Mingxi gave a small smile and sat across from her.
Fang Momo stood with the attendants outside the courtyard, leaving the inside perfectly quiet.
Mingxi poured her a cup of tea. “The temple’s zen tea—I find it rather good. Please try it.”
Zhenbei Wangfei was indeed a little thirsty after her journey. Her family had a military background, and she drank the tea in one bold gulp—very forthright.
Mingxi poured another cup. This time, Zhenbei Wangfei didn’t drink but looked directly at Mingxi. “Wangfei must have something urgent to discuss.”
Mingxi liked speaking with straightforward people. She looked up and said, “Yes. I have something I’d like to ask your opinion on. I assume you’re not pleased with your second son’s upcoming marriage?”
At this, Zhenbei Wangfei’s smile vanished. “Having a bride forced upon us—who would be happy with that?”
“Then I believe we’ll get along just fine,” Mingxi said with a smile.
Hearing this, Zhenbei Wangfei straightened and looked closely at Duan Wangfei.
To be honest, she had little interaction with her, but Mingxi had once saved her daughter, and that kindness had left a lasting impression.
Still, Zhenbei Wang’s Residence held a special status and usually stayed out of capital politics.
But this time, being forced by the Empress to take Li Peilan as a daughter-in-law had filled her with resentment. Hearing Mingxi’s words now, her heart stirred slightly.
The Empress and Duan Wangfei had longstanding enmity—was Duan Wangfei planning something?
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