The Empress was trying to force Consort Shu onto the fire. Consort Shu’s mind turned quickly — today, seeing how Mingxi reacted to Duan Huirou made it clear she didn’t want her thrown into the fire pit either. Whatever the reason, Mingxi must have her reasons.
Protective by nature, Consort Shu immediately smiled lightly and said, “Your Majesty loves to joke. How could this Consort object? It’s just… to have two Wangfeis from the same family — shouldn’t this matter still require His Majesty’s approval?”
The Empress replied coldly, “His Majesty has entrusted this matter fully to this palace. Consort Shu, you need not concern yourself. As long as you don’t object, that’s enough. After all, it’s someone’s bright future.”
Consort Gui didn’t like Duan Huirou much either. Compared to Duan Wangfei, Duan Huirou seemed petty and small-minded. If she became the main wife, she likely wouldn’t be able to suppress Side Consort Qian.
Thinking of Side Consort Qian, Consort Gui grew even more frustrated. She wanted to find someone strong to suppress her, not someone like Duan Huirou.
Thus, Consort Gui said to the Empress, “Your Majesty, Second Miss Duan is indeed good, but Jin Wang prefers women who are bright, lively, and bold. I fear Second Miss’s gentle nature might not suit his taste.”
The Empress retorted immediately, “He Wanyu was bright and lively too — and what came of it? I think Second Miss Duan’s soft and tender demeanor is better. It’s settled.”
Consort Gui almost fainted from anger. She wanted to argue, but Consort Shu secretly tugged her sleeve.
Taking a deep breath, Consort Gui forced her words to turn in another direction. “He Wanyu was also from Your Majesty’s list and was betrothed to Jin Wang by His Majesty himself. Now the Second Miss is again Your Majesty’s choice. Hopefully, she’ll bring good fortune as well.”
The Empress had tried to use He Wanyu’s example to disgust Consort Gui — but Consort Gui immediately slapped back, reminding everyone that He Wanyu was originally the Empress’s pick.
The Empress gave Consort Gui a deep look and said coldly, “He Wanyu had a good character at first. If Jin Wang hadn’t favored his side consort over his wife, why would she have changed? This time, Consort Gui, you must make sure to advise Jin Wang — favoring side consorts over wives is not to be done.”
Consort Gui almost fainted with rage. Wow, the Empress could twist black into white so easily — now all He Wanyu’s faults were blamed on Jin Wang!
The Empress no longer bothered with Consort Gui. She quickly picked side consorts for the Yu Wang and Qi Wang without even asking Consort Xian or Consort De for their opinions.
Consort Xian and De looked visibly upset — the Empress was becoming more and more tyrannical!
Mingxi knew things were now settled. She turned her gaze to Duan Huirou.
Duan Huirou was stunned. Marry Jin Wang? As a second wife?
She didn’t want to!
But no one asked if she wanted to or not.
She instinctively looked at Duan Mingxi — and met her calm, dark gaze. For some reason, seeing those eyes, Duan Huirou slowly found herself calming down too.
She didn’t know why, but her heart ached and her eyes brimmed with tears. She forced them back with all her might. If she cried, it would be seen as dissatisfaction with the Empress’s bestowed marriage — a crime of disrespect.
Mingxi looked at Duan Huirou’s pale little face and thought of the Side Consort Qian at Jin Wang’s manor, her heart filled with worry.
Finally, the Empress looked at Consort Shu. “Duan Wang’s household should also add someone new. What do you think, Duan Wangfei?”
It was finally her turn!
Mingxi immediately perked up — the moment had come!
She stepped forward, standing beside Consort Shu, tilting her head slightly to look at her.
Consort Shu gave her a small nod before turning to the Empress and saying, “Your Majesty, when Duan Wang first proposed marriage to Mingxi, he promised His Majesty that he would not take a concubine for ten years. His Majesty granted his approval. Your Majesty’s kindness is appreciated, and I thank you on behalf of Duan Wang.”
“Consort Shu, this is an ancestral rule! Do you mean to break tradition? If everyone acted this way, who would respect the dignity of the imperial family?” the Empress said angrily.
Consort Shu knew the Empress was using this as an excuse to make trouble and to sow discord between Duan Wang and Duan Wangfei. She looked calmly at the Empress and said, “Your Majesty, if you say so, then according to the ancestral system, His Majesty should have countless consorts in his harem. Yet during the last selection, Your Majesty only allowed five or six women to enter the palace. Doesn’t that violate the ancestral system too?”
“Consort Shu, His Majesty is getting older. I made that decision for the sake of His Majesty’s health. Don’t twist the truth. Or do you mean to say you don’t care about His Majesty’s wellbeing?” the Empress snapped back.
“I wouldn’t dare,” said Consort Shu, frowning. The Empress was cunning indeed.
“In that case, this matter—”
“Your Majesty!” Mingxi loudly interrupted, “A gentleman’s word is as good as gold. When Duan Wang and I became engaged, he promised me no concubines for ten years. If Your Majesty insists on having him break his word, shouldn’t we at least ask Duan Wang for his opinion?”
“Duan Wangfei, I am the Empress — his legal di mother — naturally I have the authority to decide!” the Empress replied coldly.
“Indeed, I would never question Your Majesty’s authority,” Mingxi said. “However, Duan Wang and I made a pact. If Your Majesty wishes to break it on his behalf, then I must ask for justice. Is that so wrong? In Your Majesty’s eyes, does a Wangye’s solemn promise mean nothing? Can His Majesty’s decree be changed at will? I am but a woman, but I value integrity. If the imperial family is to break its word, at least grant me an explanation!”
Mingxi had been waiting for a chance to confront the Empress — and now the Empress herself had delivered it!
Normally, because of status, Mingxi couldn’t touch the Empress, but now the Empress had opened herself up.
“Outrageous!” The Empress shouted, “Duan Wangfei, do you realize your crime?”
“I have committed no crime. If Your Majesty wishes to accuse me unjustly, I will not accept it!” Mingxi answered loudly. “I asked Your Majesty a question, but Your Majesty has yet to respond. I ask again for Your Majesty’s answer!”
The Empress could make decisions for Duan Wang — but could she override the Emperor?
Of course not!
Mingxi clung tightly to this point, determined to see what the Empress would do.
The entire hall fell silent.
Consort Gui felt secretly delighted — as expected, Duan Wangfei was tough! She herself had been wise not to clash head-on with the Empress.
Consort Xian frowned, a little displeased with Mingxi’s boldness, but since it wasn’t about Yu Wang’s household, she simply watched the show.
Consort De glanced between the Empress, Consort Xian, and Consort Shu, thinking about the Qi Wang and Duan Wang….
Consort De pursed her lips, then suddenly spoke up, “Consort Shu, Her Majesty means well. As a royal son, Duan Wang must uphold the dignity of the imperial house. A casual promise shouldn’t be taken so seriously. You ought to teach Duan Wangfei not to be so rigid — after all, she was raised by merchants.”
Hearing this, Consort Shu’s face darkened with anger, but before she could speak, Mingxi opened her mouth: “Many thanks for Consort De’s guidance. After all, Qi Wangfei was beaten and sent back to her parental home right after marrying into Qi Wang’s manor. Surely that must be because of your fine teaching.”
Consort De: …
“How dare you speak to Consort De like that? She is your elder!” the Empress scolded.
“If rank and seniority are all that matters, without law and morality, then why bother with legal codes in court or rules in the harem?” Mingxi retorted.
“Silence!” The Empress’s dark eyes glared at her. “Duan Wangfei, you are twisting right and wrong! I will not allow your insolence!”
“I am only asking for justice. If that is seen as twisting the truth, is there any righteousness left in the world? I will not submit!” Mingxi said firmly.
Today, she was determined to strip the Empress of her dignity — a rare opportunity she could not waste!
