Song Momo did not stay in the Marquis house for long. She left after delivering the things.
The brocade box in Duan Huirou’s hand felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Everyone in the mansion was very happy. No matter whether Consort Gui really valued Huirou, at least she was given this respect, and the first step after entering the mansion was to open it.
Everyone was full of joy, but Madam Jiang sat silently to the side, her face serious, lost in thought.
Yang Yiniang was being pulled aside by Madam Xiao to chat, occasionally glancing toward Duan Qingyin. Madam Ma followed behind the second madam, while the third madam, after laughing for a while, turned to look at her own daughter, silently hoping to find her a good marriage match too.
The next day, just at dawn, the entire Marquis Manor became busy.
Meanwhile, Mingxi also rose according to the appointed time. Xiao Muchen had already left early in the morning; the case at Qiping Prefecture was wrapping up, and he had timed things so that the matter would not be exposed until after the wedding of Jin Wang.
Because Duan Huirou’s marriage was not proceeding smoothly, Mingxi had also lost face, so today he had gone early to Jin Wang’s manor to assist.
Mainly to keep an eye on Jin Wang so he wouldn’t do anything foolish.
After breakfast, Mingxi dressed and groomed herself before getting into the carriage to head to Jin Wang’s manor.
The manor was especially lively today. When Mingxi arrived, everything inside was orderly, with servants bustling about without signs of panic. She nodded to herself in approval.
It seemed that Qi Momo really was capable.
Just as Mingxi alighted from her carriage, Qi Momo personally came out to greet her.
Mingxi immediately stepped forward, personally helping Qi Momo up with a smile. “Momo, please rise. I heard your health isn’t the best, so let’s forgo these formalities.”
It was the first time Qi Momo had met Duan Wangfei. At a glance, she saw that the Wangfei was radiant yet dignified, her bright eyes steady and upright, her smile sincere.
Such a person — radiant but not vulgar, pure but not coquettish, bold and composed — even an old woman like her found pleasing. Duan Wang truly had good taste.
With an elder sister like this, surely the younger sister wouldn’t be too bad.
As for the previous rumors of discord between the two sisters, Qi Momo didn’t care. Since Duan Wangfei had come personally to support her sister, how bad could it really be?
Qi Momo personally led the way and chatted as they walked. “Wangfei is generous, so this old servant thickens her face to accept your kindness. It’s just that this body of mine is not what it used to be.”
Mingxi noticed Qi Momo slightly gasping after walking a bit faster, realizing her illness was real. “Momo, please take good care of yourself. Your blessings are still ahead.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Wangfei,” Qi Momo replied with a smile. She led Mingxi to the floral hall to sit down, instructed a maid to serve tea, and then respectfully said, “If Wangfei needs anything, please just give orders.”
Mingxi, here to help but not to take charge, smiled and said, “Momo, I came early today because the manor will be busy with guests. I just wanted to lend a hand in receiving them. Later my younger sisters-in-law will arrive too, and it will get lively.”
Qi Momo immediately understood that Wangfei only intended to help greet guests, not interfere in household matters.
Qi Momo hadn’t expected Duan Wangfei to be so self-aware. She had thought Mingxi might try to establish her sister’s authority, but she hadn’t even mentioned it.
Now Qi Momo respected her even more, thinking if the new Wangfei had even half the abilities of Duan Wangfei, Jin Wang’s household would be secure.
Though she wanted to stay and chat, tasks kept coming up, and maids constantly came to ask for instructions. She had to excuse herself and leave.
After Qi Momo left, Qiancao smiled and said, “Wangfei, this Qi Momo seems quite easy to get along with.”
Mingxi smiled faintly. Easy to get along with?
Maybe.
She had thought Side Consort Qian would at least show her face today. Unexpectedly, she didn’t even appear. Clearly, Qi Momo had firmly suppressed her.
Being able to win Jin Wang’s trust and keep Side Consort Qian in check after years of favor — that took real skill.
From Qi Momo’s respectful attitude toward her, Mingxi could tell that she had expectations for Duan Huirou entering the household.
That was good.
Sure enough, soon Kang Wangfei arrived. Seeing Mingxi, she came forward and greeted her, “Fourth sister-in-law, I knew you would come early. I also tried to get here earlier. Wangye is helping Fourth Brother in the front courtyard. It’s already getting lively up there.”
Mingxi pulled her to sit and said with a smile, “Today will surely be busy for you. Rest for a moment first.”
After sitting, Kang Wangfei lowered her voice and said, “Fourth sister-in-law, have you heard? Seventh brother and seventh sister-in-law fought again.”
Mingxi really didn’t know. “What happened? I thought they had made up?”
Kang Wangfei twitched her mouth. “It’s because of Side Consort Ming.”
Side Consort Ming was the side consort the Empress had selected for Qi Wang. Mingxi asked, “Already causing trouble just after entering the household?”
Kang Wangfei cleared her throat and lowered her voice even further. “Well, from what I heard, on the day Side Consort Ming entered, Qi Wang stayed at her place. Not sure if he really likes her, but he’s spent several nights there. Naturally, Seventh Sister-in-law was upset.”
Duan Mingxi: …
Qi Wang and his wife already had a strained relationship, especially after that huge falling out where the Wangfei had returned to her natal home, causing a scandal.
If Side Consort Ming was smart, she would have been gentle and careful, easily surpassing the Wangfei.
But it seemed Side Consort Ming wasn’t one to play nice — right from the start, she intended to suppress the Wangfei.
Thinking of this, Mingxi said to Kang Wangfei, “It seems the Qi Wang’s manor will only get more lively from now on.”
Kang Wangfei immediately understood her meaning and sighed lightly. “Being too arrogant isn’t good, after all, she’s still only a side consort.”
With Qi Wangfei’s personality — not someone who tolerated rivals — and if Side Consort Ming kept stirring the pot, Qi Wang’s manor would soon be a mess.
Just as they were speaking, a maid announced that Qi Wangfei had arrived.
Mingxi remained seated, but Kang Wangfei, being lower in seniority, rose to her feet.
Qi Wangfei entered the floral hall and paused slightly when she saw the two. She first saluted Mingxi and said, “Fourth sister-in-law, you came quite early. Truly, it shows that those rumors about bad blood between you and your sister were all false.”
Kang Wangfei: …
If you don’t know how to speak, just shut up. Why offend people like that?
Mingxi’s smile didn’t even twitch as she calmly replied, “Seventh sister-in-law is right. Siblings quarreling is normal — blood is thicker than water. As the older sister, how could I truly hold a grudge? Besides, Huirou knows her mistakes and has changed. She’s a good child.”
At this point, Mingxi’s tone shifted slightly. Looking at Qi Wangfei, she continued, “I heard that Seventh Sister-in-law and Side Consort Ming at your estate aren’t getting along very well. After all, she’s not a blood relative — if grudges form, they’re not easily resolved. As the main consort, Seventh Sister-in-law, you ought to be more tolerant and magnanimous.”
Who couldn’t jab where it hurt?
It just depended on who jabbed more painfully — Mingxi wasn’t about to indulge Qi Wangfei.
With a personality like hers, she would probably hit many walls in the future.
Qi Wangfei’s expression instantly darkened, and the way she looked at Mingxi turned hostile.
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! Want to get early access to at least 20 chapters in advance? Go to my Patreon to join now! :)
