Madam Xiao called Madam Ma over to prepare dinner and let Mingxi and the Old Madam discuss Huirou’s matter.
Madam Ma was still a bit dazed — she hadn’t expected that the household would produce another Wangfei. What kind of family had she married into? Even a rocket couldn’t climb this fast!
Two Wangfeis from the same household — this was truly unheard of.
Madam Xiao discussed the menu with Madam Ma. Madam Ma was quick and capable, never competed for favor, and Madam Xiao liked working with her. She was helpful and pleasant to deal with, and so Madam Xiao didn’t hold back when teaching her things.
The two sisters-in-law got along very well. Privately, Madam Ma asked Madam Xiao how Huirou ended up being appointed as a Wangfei — the matter had come too suddenly.
The real reason hadn’t been explained publicly earlier — after all, there were children around, and some things couldn’t be spoken too plainly. If word leaked, it would be a big deal.
Madam Xiao told Madam Ma about the dangerous situation at the palace. Madam Ma turned pale from fright and looked at Madam Xiao. “Sister-in-law, so they wanted Huirou to enter the Eastern Palace?”
Madam Xiao nodded. “Exactly. If Eldest Little Sister hadn’t reacted quickly, our family would have been in real trouble.”
“I really didn’t expect it to be so dangerous. We knew this palace trip wouldn’t be smooth, but who could have imagined it would be this bad?”
Madam Ma, being the daughter of a minor official, had never even had the status to attend palace banquets. She’d only heard stories about the palace; she didn’t realize the fights were so vicious.
Seeing Madam Ma’s frightened expression, Madam Xiao gently patted her hand. “Luckily, things turned out alright. Although Huirou will be a second wife, the former Wangfei left no legitimate children, Xingan Marquis’s household has fallen, and Side Consort Qian, for now, doesn’t seem capable of causing much trouble. As long as Huirou is cautious step by step, her days won’t be unbearable.”
Madam Ma didn’t dare meddle in the main house’s affairs. Especially after the title passed to her husband and her father-in-law and his wife were forced to separate from the family — because her maiden family had acted improperly before marriage, she had been carefully respectful to her in-laws ever since, finally earning favor.
Life had only just become comfortable; she dared not speak out of turn about the main branch’s matters.
Thinking of this, Madam Ma quietly said to Madam Xiao, “Sister-in-law, this is a big matter. I can’t help much, but if you ever need me, just ask. I may be clumsy, but I can at least lend a hand.”
Madam Xiao, understanding the hidden meaning, quickly held her hand and said, “You mustn’t slack off. Preparing Second Sister’s dowry will be enough to keep us both busy.”
Madam Ma immediately agreed. She was willing to work hard — she just didn’t want to offend anyone in the family.
While the two sisters-in-law were making plans, Mingxi was discussing matters with the Old Madam at the Old Master’s place.
Second Madam and Third Madam had each sent word to their husbands to return home for dinner.
The Old Master was living comfortably these days, no longer burdened with constant worry over the younger generation. His complexion had visibly improved.
When he heard Huirou had been appointed Jin Wangfei, the Old Master was speechless for a while — very surprised.
The Old Madam looked at her husband. “Say something. What are you thinking?”
The Old Master sighed helplessly. “What is there to think? We must follow the court’s decree. But Mingxi did the right thing. Huirou sometimes thinks too simply and can easily be manipulated. She’ll need two capable people around her — one managing internal affairs, one handling external threats. If they can stabilize her position inside and out, her days will gradually improve. No matter how powerful Jin Wang is, our family isn’t one to be bullied now. If they mistreat Huirou, we’ll have to demand justice.”
The Old Madam nodded. “If he really favors Side Consort Qian, that’s fine. Once Huirou gives birth to a legitimate heir, let them be. But if Jin Wang won’t even give her a child, that’s unacceptable.”
For women, when they couldn’t rely on their husband, they had to rely on their children.
Jin Wang couldn’t go too far — Huirou needed something to stand on.
Though the Old Madam spoke fiercely, she stole a glance at Mingxi.
Relying on “seeking justice” wasn’t enough to suppress Jin Wang — they would need Mingxi to act.
Mingxi’s mouth twitched slightly. Of course, she noticed the Old Madam’s little ploy, but given how things had already progressed — and how humble the Old Madam’s tone had become — how could she refuse?
“Grandmother is right,” Mingxi smiled and agreed.
The Old Madam breathed a sigh of relief. She knew it — Mingxi had a soft heart. As long as Huirou behaved properly, listened to the family, and followed Mingxi’s guidance, Mingxi wouldn’t abandon her.
Besides, Huirou had indeed been dragged into this mess through no fault of her own. Mingxi was generous enough not to leave her in the lurch.
The Old Madam was in good spirits. She exchanged a glance with her husband, then looked at Mingxi and said, “How should we prepare Huirou’s dowry? Of course, we can’t go over your head.”
The main issue was that their family couldn’t compete with the Duan family, those wealthy merchants.
Mingxi already had a plan in mind. She looked at the Old Madam and said, “We’ll prepare her dowry according to the standard for a Wangfei. Additionally, I’ll give her a sum of money to have on hand. Side Consort Qian has entrenched herself in Jin Wang’s manor for many years. If Huirou wants to live comfortably, she’ll have to pave her way with silver.”
The Old Madam’s heart gave a little jump. “You really plan to do that? How much money will that take?”
Mingxi gestured with her fingers to show the amount. The Old Madam was left speechless—this child was indeed thorough.
The Old Master, however, fixed his gaze on Mingxi and asked, “Do you have another plan as well?”
Mingxi knew she couldn’t hide it from him. She nodded slightly. “Yes. That Side Consort Qian in Jin Wang’s manor—I’ve always found her suspicious. Now that Huirou is opening a path into the manor, she might be able to help me uncover the truth.”
The Old Madam: …
In the end, she realized she had been too narrow-minded!
The Old Master thought for a moment and then said, “Huirou isn’t as smart or capable as you. Be gentle when using her.”
Mingxi: …
That made it sound like she was some sort of villain!
Mingxi grumbled inwardly but agreed aloud, “Don’t worry. You can’t rush hot tofu. I know what I’m doing.”
After speaking, Mingxi rose and said, “I’ll go to Huirou’s place and give her a few reminders.”
“Go ahead. Speak to her properly,” the Old Madam urged.
Mingxi left with a pleasant smile.
Once she was gone, the Old Madam’s face immediately fell. She turned to her husband and said, “I don’t know whether this will be a blessing or a curse. If only Huirou had even half of Mingxi’s ability, I wouldn’t be so worried.”
The Old Master gave his wife a glance and said slowly, “As long as Mingxi wants to dig out Side Consort Qian’s secrets, she must protect Huirou. Besides, that child is very clear about right and wrong. Since Huirou was dragged into this against her will, Mingxi won’t abandon her. You should worry less and stop upsetting the children.”
The Old Madam huffed off angrily—why did this old man have to bring that up again?
Yes, she had done a few unseemly things in the past, but hadn’t she changed?
Always bringing it up! What’s the point?
At her age, didn’t she deserve a little dignity?
The Old Master watched his wife’s retreating figure and slowly closed his eyes. Apart from the disappointing eldest son and daughter-in-law, the Marquis Household was now thriving. Even if he died tomorrow, he would have no regrets.
