“Wangfei means…?” Zhenbei Wangfei asked tentatively.
Everyone saw how glorious Zhenbei Wang Residence appeared—an ennobled royal title granted to one of a different surname, the only case in all of Great Chu.
But standing in such a prominent and dangerous position, only they themselves knew how nerve-wracking each and every step was.
Even among the Emperor’s sons, the Crown Prince had once tried to win them over. Only Duan Wang had never made any overtures.
Now that Duan Wangfei had come to her—was this of her own accord, or was it the will of Duan Wang?
“This time, your house’s second young master is getting married. The Crown Princess is with child and naturally cannot attend in person, but a gift will definitely be sent.”
The Empress was Li Peilan’s paternal aunt, and the Crown Princess was her cousin-in-law. With such close ties, Bai Shixi could not possibly fail to show some stance.
Zhenbei Wangfei remained silent, quietly listening.
“Yu Wangfei is heavily pregnant and can barely take care of herself—likely, she won’t be able to attend either.”
From the tone of Duan Wangfei, not only would Yu Wangfei not show up, but even a gift wouldn’t be sent.
“Yesterday, Kang Wangfei and I had tea together. She brought up this matter and we found ourselves of like mind. On the joyous occasion of your household, we shall refrain from adding any trouble for Wangfei.”
Zhenbei Wangfei’s heart gave a jolt.
It was only Qi Wangfei who was left out.
By reason alone, even if they couldn’t personally attend due to the Empress, at the very least, a gift should be sent to keep up appearances for everyone’s sake.
But now, neither the person nor the gift was present. What did this mean?
Were they trying to challenge the Empress?
How did Duan Wangfei dare to do that?
Zhenbei Wangfei’s expression instantly turned serious. She looked at Duan Wangfei and asked solemnly, “Is Wangfei serious about this?”
The key question was: how had she convinced Yu Wangfei and Kang Wangfei to act alongside her?
It was understandable that Yu Wangfei, being pregnant, might go along with things more easily—but Kang Wangfei?
She had just married into the family not long ago. How could she dare act so boldly?
“Of course,” Mingxi smiled faintly at her. “I imagine you wouldn’t be happy seeing Li Peilan enter your household basking in glory either, would you?”
Li Peilan was essentially the Empress’s eyes. Could she possibly behave herself once she entered the Zhenbei Wang household?
With such a daughter-in-law—someone you couldn’t treat too harshly nor too leniently—constantly tying your hands, could that bring anyone joy?
Zhenbei Wangfei sighed lightly. “You’re right, Duan Wangfei. We never wanted this marriage, but we couldn’t refuse it. My poor son even had to break off a relationship with the girl he’s loved since childhood.”
This was the first time Mingxi had heard about this. She looked at Wangfei. “I’ve never heard of that.”
Zhenbei Wangfei gave a bitter smile. “How could we publicize such a thing? It’s one thing for our family, but how could that girl marry in the future if word got out? And with Miss Li’s personality—if she found out, who knows what she might do? Why bring harm to the girl?”
Mingxi understood now. It seemed that girl was much loved by Zhenbei Wang household, so they protected her, concealing the entire affair to spare her from harm.
Being able to do that improved Mingxi’s impression of their household even more.
“Duan Wangfei, you must know that families like ours may seem glorious, but every step we take is with great caution. That’s why my son and the girl never showed their feelings publicly. We planned to wait until she came of age to arrange the marriage. Who would have thought…”
“I suppose she must be a refined and virtuous girl, to be so cherished by you,” Mingxi sighed. “To be protected by someone like you—truly her blessing.”
Zhenbei Wangfei looked bitter. So what if she was?
Her son still had to marry someone he didn’t like. And ever since the engagement, Yun Er had vowed never to marry and even wanted to become a nun.
They were childhood sweethearts, and both families had an unspoken understanding—waiting only for her coming-of-age. If only they’d formalized the engagement back then. But regret was now too late.
Mingxi was silent for a moment before looking at Wangfei and saying, “So, I imagine you’re willing to join hands with me.”
Zhenbei Wangfei drew in a deep breath. “Duan Wangfei, you know the situation of Zhenbei Wang household in the capital. There are things we cannot do—otherwise, we’ll bring harm to Wangye.”
Forcing her son to marry Li Peilan was precisely for the sake of protecting the household’s peace.
She knew why Yun Er was willing to give up. After all her grieving, she understood—if she didn’t, both families would face trouble.
The two children were so sensible, which made her feel even worse.
Even now, when Duan Wangfei had laid out a proposal to collaborate, Zhenbei Wangfei remained very cautious.
“You’re right. How could I do something so heartless and put Wangfei in a difficult position? Besides, this is merely a matter of the inner household.”
The inner household?
Zhenbei Wangfei immediately latched onto those two words. She stared at Mingxi and asked, “Duan Wangfei, please explain further.”
“The suicide of Jin Wangfei—I imagine you know more about the inside story than most.”
Zhenbei Wangfei gave a small nod.
“You see, that person has targeted and framed me time and again. Even a rabbit will bite when pushed. So what about a living, breathing woman like me?”
Zhenbei Wangfei’s heart skipped. Good heavens—this woman was going to go head-to-head with the Empress.
Now she was really interested.
Zhenbei Wang household could not directly oppose the Empress and Crown Prince, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t leverage someone else’s strength.
She had long wanted to let out the frustration of being forced to yield to the Empress and her son.
If it wouldn’t drag her husband into it, she would definitely be willing.
Just think—before marrying, this Duan Wangfei had accomplished so many astonishing things in the capital. Which one of them could have been pulled off by an ordinary lady?
As Mingxi softly laid out her plan, Zhenbei Wangfei’s brows furrowed and relaxed by turns, her face a mix of hesitation and excitement—it was a strangely complex expression.
Mingxi spoke with calm ease, her tone light and casual, as if what she was proposing were nothing more than tea or a meal, rather than a major undertaking.
That level of composure and patience… even someone older like Zhenbei Wangfei was impressed.
No wonder she had been able to make the Crown Prince suffer losses in silence.
“Alright, let’s settle it,” Zhenbei Wangfei finally said decisively. “There’s still half a month before the wedding—plenty of time.”
Mingxi had expected Zhenbei Wangfei would eventually agree, but not this quickly. That, in itself, showed just how deeply she resented this marriage.
Zhenbei Wangfei quietly left with her cone-shaped hat on. Mingxi had a vegetarian meal at the Lingyuan Temple, and only returned to the estate after the hour of Shen.
Just as she stepped through the door, a letter from Duan Qi arrived.
The messenger was Duan Ning.
“Big Brother was going to come himself, but I thought that would be too conspicuous, so I came instead,” Duan Ning told her.
Mingxi was puzzled. “It’s not yet time for Duan Qi’s usual letter—why so early?”
“Take a look first,” Duan Ning said seriously. “If you can get Wangye back, that would be best.”
Mingxi narrowed her eyes. “Does the letter concern Wangye?”
Duan Ning shook his head and pointed in the direction of the Eastern Palace. “It concerns that one.”
Mingxi immediately summoned Li Mama and told her to send someone to find Qi He, asking him to relay a message to Xiao Muchen.
Then, she opened Duan Qi’s letter.
