“I heard the new side consort at Jin Wang’s residence, Side Consort Qian, has fallen ill. Jin Wang is so worried that he has no mind for wedding preparations,” said Kang Wangfei.
Mingxi had heard the news too. She looked at Kang Wangfei and said, “It’s fine. The Ministry of Rites handles weddings. Jin Wang just needs to show up.”
Kang Wangfei caught the meaning behind Mingxi’s words and felt reassured. She added, “My mother sent me a message to tell you: It seems Qian Zhifu is about to be promoted. If he becomes a capital official, then Side Consort Qian will truly be able to hold her head high.”
The biggest criticism against Side Consort Qian was her low family background. If that weakness was mended, things would get difficult.
Mingxi looked at Kang Wangfei and said, “I know what you’re worried about, but things haven’t gotten to the worst yet. Unless Jin Wang wants to completely break ties with Dingyuan Marquis’s family, he still needs to keep up appearances.”
After all, Dingyuan Marquis had her — Duan Mingxi — as his sister. Jin Wang had to weigh things carefully.
And besides, there was a clever Consort Gui in the palace who wasn’t going to be fooled.
Sure enough, at that moment, Consort Gui was angrily scolding Jin Wang.
“If you stay this muddleheaded, once that Qian woman gives birth, I’ll reward her with a cup of poisoned wine! Don’t believe me? Just try!” Consort Gui was so furious her chest was heaving, her face pale.
Her son wasn’t stupid, but instead of focusing on his career, he had thrown himself into infatuation with Side Consort Qian, neglecting his duties and being led by the nose.
“Royal Mother!” Jin Wang was startled by his mother’s sharp tone. “Why are you saying such things? Side Consort Qian hasn’t done anything wrong. Her pregnancy has been hard, and this one has been especially difficult. I’m just feeling sorry for her. Why say such harsh things?”
“Don’t even mention your previous wife — I disliked her from the start, and she messed up Jin Wang’s residence terribly. But this time, you’re marrying Dingyuan Marquis’s own sister. The Marquis himself is no big deal, but he has a sister — Duan Wangfei! She’s not someone you want to provoke. You better think clearly!”
“Duan Wangfei? So what?” Jin Wang frowned. “She can’t meddle in my affairs. If she’s rude, I’ll just talk to Duan Wang.”
Consort Gui closed her eyes tightly, almost unable to bear it. She picked up a teacup and hurled it at him!
Jin Wang jumped aside in fright. With a loud crash, the cup shattered, splashing tea all over him.
“I think your brain’s been eaten by dogs! When the Empress was picking side consorts for the Wangyes, Duan Wang would rather be punished than change his mind. More importantly, your Royal Father only made him kneel for one hour before letting him go. Can’t you see what that means?”
“What’s the big deal? Royal Father already approved back when Old Four married Duan’s daughter,” Jin Wang said indifferently. To him, breaking promises was what was truly disgraceful.
Consort Gui stared at her son, seeing him utterly blinded by Side Consort Qian. Now he cared only for pleasure, not political matters, and even after she explained it so clearly, he still didn’t get it.
Unable to hold back any longer, she grabbed a feather duster and began whacking him!
Jin Wang yelped and ran away, and Consort Gui, furious, hurled the duster after him, gasping for breath.
“Niang Niang, please calm down, catch your breath first,” Song Momo said, terrified. She quickly helped her into the inner hall, brought her warm tea, and fed her a sip.
After sending everyone else out, Consort Gui, leaving only Song Momo, said bitterly, “I must have committed a sin to have given birth to such a fool!”
“Niang Niang, Wangye is just momentarily confused. Please take care of your health and don’t get angry,” said Song Momo as she massaged Consort Gui’s back to help her calm down.
But how could Consort Gui swallow this anger? She looked at Song Momo and said, “Think about it — before Duan Mingxi got married, look at all the things she stirred up in the capital. Now that she’s married, she seems plain and well-behaved, but has she ever suffered a loss whenever the Empress made a move against her?”
“This kind of person is truly formidable. She’s fearless when causing a commotion openly, and she doesn’t lose when fighting behind the scenes. Since getting this daughter-in-law, Consort Shu has been glowing with pride — now she’s even willing to openly confront the Empress for her.”
“Niang Niang, Duan Wangfei has skills that ordinary people can’t hope to learn. She grew up helping her Father run a business, met all kinds of people, and experienced many things. Rarely does someone keep such a righteous heart,” Song Momo said with some envy. How she wished such a woman had married into Jin Wang’s household instead — then Consort Gui could have laughed even in her dreams.
“You see, that Qian woman is trying to win favor, yet even before Second Miss Duan officially entered the household, Side Consort Qian was already causing trouble. With her tiny frame, could she even survive one punch from Duan Wangfei?”
“Your Highness, if you put it that way, letting Duan Wangfei teach the Side Consort Qian a lesson wouldn’t be a bad thing.”
“You’re being foolish too. Do you think Duan Mingxi would leave any evidence for others to use against her? I’m more worried she’ll aim directly at Jin Wang.”
“That can’t be, right?” Song Momo was stunned. “Would Duan Wangfei dare?”
“Duan Wangfei herself might not, but what about Duan Wang?”
Song Momo was left speechless.
“Hasn’t Jin Wang embarrassed himself enough in the capital? At such a critical moment of marriage, if he loses face again, I’ll be the one paying for it!” Consort Gui grew angrier. “If something shameful happens during the wedding, don’t you think the overprotective Consort Shu will come looking for trouble with me?”
Consort Gui wasn’t really afraid of Consort Shu, but she feared that if Consort Shu decided to get back at her, she might team up with the Empress, and then she would be in serious trouble.
Besides, her relationship with Consort Shu had been improving lately. She didn’t want to ruin it. Especially now that the Empress was becoming more and more overbearing — if they fell apart, how could they resist her together?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Jin Wang was completely blind to the bigger picture, burying his head in the arms of a woman like a fool.
“No, this cannot continue.” Consort Gui’s face turned dark. “Send Qi Momo to Jin Wang’s residence. Tell her that she’s under my orders to care for Side Consort Qian during her pregnancy. Keep a close watch. After Jin Wang’s wedding is over, we’ll deal with it then. If Jin Wang dares to complain, tell him to come see me.”
Upon hearing this, Song Momo said, “Qi Momo is the Wangye’s wet nurse. With her around, the Wangye will at least show some respect. Your Highness’s plan is brilliant.”
Consort Gui pressed her temples, exhausted. “Let’s just get through the wedding first.”
This Qian woman was a real headache. If she remained childless, it would be fine, but now she was pregnant. Once she gave birth, who knew what chaos she would cause?
Qi Momo quickly went to Jin Wang’s residence. When Jin Wang heard about it, his face turned black, but he truly couldn’t drive her away — after all, she was his wet nurse.
When he was young and his mother had been busy fighting for favor, it was Qi Momo who had cared for him wholeheartedly. In his heart, she still held a special place.
Qi Momo had been seriously ill a few years back and was now thin and frail. When she stood in front of him, Jin Wang’s heart softened.
Qi Momo beamed at him, “Wangye is about to marry. This old servant is delighted. Since Side Consort Qian is pregnant, Her Highness sent me to look after her. Now that Wangye will have a heir, I couldn’t be happier.”
Jin Wang: …
“Wangye, Side Consort is pregnant. It’s not appropriate for you to visit her room at night anymore. You must think of her health — how can she still serve you like before?”
Jin Wang: !
He hadn’t even done anything yet!
Seeing Jin Wang’s expression, Qi Momo smiled even wider, “Rest assured, Wangye. I will take good care of the Side Consort and make sure she delivers safely. You can return to your own quarters now — this is no longer a place for you.”
Jin Wang: …
He was so furious he wanted to curse, but looking at the frail old nanny, he forcibly swallowed his anger, gritted his teeth, flung his sleeves, and stormed off.
Once he left, Qi Momo’s smile faded. She glanced coldly toward the inner room.
Supporting herself against a table, she sat down firmly. She would sit right here and see how that Qian woman planned to seduce the Wangye again!
