Xu Nanxi glanced at Qi Wangfei and was so furious she almost wanted to kick her. Wasn’t this a blatant attempt to sow discord?
Knowing perfectly well that her mother and Wangfei didn’t have a good relationship, yet still stirring up trouble?
At that moment, Old Madam Zhang chuckled and said, “This old woman’s legs aren’t good anymore; Wangfei was just helping me a little.”
Madam Zhang was also displeased with Qi Wangfei’s behavior. What did she mean by that? Today was Jin Wang’s wedding day, yet she insisted on causing trouble?
If anything went wrong, it would be Consort Gui and Jin Wang who would lose face!
Madam Zhang immediately invited Duchess Wei to sit, and smiling at Xu Nanxi, said, “Good child, Yaojun has already been drafted by Wangfei to help. She’s short of hands today — you should go help too. She was just thinking of you earlier.”
Then she smiled at Duchess Wei, saying, “After all, family is different from outsiders.”
Who the “outsiders” were, everyone understood without it being said.
Qi Wangfei: …
So angry!
One after another, they were all siding with Duan Mingxi. What was so good about her that everyone defended her?
Qi Wangfei didn’t realize that it wasn’t about protecting Duan Mingxi — it was about protecting Jin Wang’s big wedding. After all, the Zhang family was related by marriage but still an external family; Duan Mingxi, as a royal daughter-in-law, was naturally treated as a hostess helping to organize the event. Of course they would back her up.
Today was about unity; the goal was to make sure the wedding went smoothly.
Qi Wangfei, also a royal daughter-in-law, just sat there motionless. What would people think?
Even though the bride today was Duan Mingxi’s sister, she was going to be the sister-in-law too — shouldn’t she at least show some goodwill?
How stupid — completely unable to judge the situation.
Although Duchess Wei was not fond of Duan Mingxi, recalling what Duan Wang had said, she forced a smile and told her daughter, “Go on now, lend your sister-in-law a hand.”
Xu Nanxi felt relieved, gave a polite bow, and left with a smile.
Meanwhile, Madam Zhang warmly said to Duchess Wei, “Duan Wangfei is truly capable. If not for her handling everything inside and out today, it would have been a mess. Even Consort Gui greatly favors the second Miss Duan. Just yesterday, she even sent over the jewelry she wore when she first entered the palace — a set she’s treasured for decades.”
Her words were another slap in the face to Qi Wangfei.
After all, everyone in the capital knew how much Consort Gui disliked her.
Although Duchess Wei didn’t like Duan Mingxi or her sister, she couldn’t show a shred of displeasure now. She had to maintain a joyful face — it was absolutely infuriating.
If only back then Duan Mingxi had been a little more accommodating and let Wenxuan into the palace as a side consort, her life wouldn’t be so difficult today.
But these were thoughts Duchess Wei dared not express, especially after Duan Wang had just recently knelt before the Emperor. Just thinking about it made her chest tight.
At that moment, Xingqin Marquis Madam arrived. Noticing her daughter looking upset, she quickly made her greetings before heading over to Qi Wangfei.
Qi Wangfei immediately pulled her to a secluded spot and vented, her anger growing as she spoke.
Xingqin Marquis Madam’s brow furrowed tightly as she listened. She then said, “Duan Wangfei may not have truly reconciled with her sister. It’s probably just for appearances. Besides, the Zhang family’s position isn’t aligned with the Duan family’s; they’re only standing together because Jin Wang is marrying today. Just wait — you’ll see the real situation soon enough.”
Qi Wangfei felt better hearing her mother’s words and snorted coldly, “That Duan Mingxi is the best at pretending. Her mouth is like honey, fooling everyone around her.”
Xingqin Marquis Madam’s heart tightened upon hearing that and she said, “A rabbit’s tail doesn’t grow long. You can’t fake it forever. But you — how are things with Wangye now? Now that there’s a new side consort in the house, you can’t act as recklessly as before. You need to control your temper.”
Qi Wangfei’s face darkened even more — truly striking the most sensitive spot. Men were all the same: once they had a new love, they forgot the old. Who cared about her, this Wangfei?
Xingqin Marquis Madam, seeing her daughter’s expression, couldn’t help but feel heavy-hearted. She gritted her teeth and said, “You must be smarter now. If it comes to it, find a way to deal with her. Don’t let her ride over your head. But be careful — don’t make it obvious. Understand?”
Qi Wangfei nodded absentmindedly. Her mother only ever told her to “deal with” Side Consort Ming, but even if she wanted to, that Side Consort Ming was far too cunning—catching any wrongdoing would not be easy.
Consort De disliked her, and the Wangye showed her no affection. If she acted directly against Side Consort Ming, wouldn’t it cause another scandal? She was feeling terribly frustrated.
Mother and daughter, both weighed down with worry, returned. Meanwhile, the reception hall grew even livelier, and even outside the hall, groups of ladies were gathered, chatting and congratulating one another.
Finally, when Jin Wang returned with his bride, the entire royal residence was abuzz with excitement.
At this moment, Side Consort Qian, dressed in her formal attire as a side consort, sat quietly. She had originally wanted to step outside and make an appearance, but Qi Momo had kindly persuaded her to prioritize her pregnancy. If she insisted, Qi Momo would immediately start coughing dramatically as if she were struggling to breathe.
Side Consort Qian had never dealt with anyone as difficult as Qi Momo—she couldn’t treat her harshly, nor could she be too soft; Qi Momo was even harder to handle than a pregnant woman.
And to make things worse, Qi Momo was the Wangye’s old nursemaid, someone he greatly respected, leaving Side Consort Qian with no way to deal with her.
Thinking of the news from the palace, Side Consort Qian sat on pins and needles under the lamp, her face pale, listening to the sounds of celebration outside.
Chunying brought in a meal box, carefully setting out the dishes. Seeing Side Consort Qian looking so troubled, she gently urged, “Side Consort, please eat something. You must take care of your health.”
Side Consort Qian glanced at Chunying, her expression full of bitterness, and sighed softly, “How could I possibly eat right now?”
Chunying finished arranging the food, quickly stepped outside for a look, then closed the door quietly and came back in, whispering, “It’s not that you aren’t trying your best. With Qi Momo keeping such a tight watch, what could you do?”
Side Consort Qian shook her head. “Whether I struggle or not, they don’t care. All they want is for me to follow their orders. My life or death means nothing to them.”
“That’s why you must think for yourself,” Chunying said, her eyes reddening. She glanced at Side Consort Qian’s belly and added, “Besides, you’re carrying the little master now. This child didn’t come easily—you must protect yourself.”
Side Consort Qian touched her stomach. But if she focused solely on protecting herself, what would happen to her Father?
Her Father’s life was in the Empress’s hands. If she disobeyed, her Father might not survive.
Her heart twisted with pain, but she could find no better solution.
Hardening her heart, she gritted her teeth and said to Chunying, “Keep an eye on things.”
No matter what, she had to at least try.
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