Outside, the sounds of the marriage ceremony grew louder and livelier, faintly reaching Side Consort Qian. Sitting at the table, she drifted into memories of her own entry into the residence—carried in on a sedan chair, cold and lonely.
Because Consort Gui disliked her, even though she had the proper status of a side consort, she had been forced to enter humiliated, with none of the usual splendor.
Back then, Lady He, who had become Jin Wangfei, had constantly mocked her. Side Consort Qian knew it was because Lady He resented her for stealing the Wangye’s affection, and so deliberately used words to slight her.
She had thought that after Lady He’s death, if she bore the Wangye a son, he might finally grant her official favor. Who knew the Empress would immediately find Jin Wang a new Wangfei?
It was laughable, really.
She had served the Empress tirelessly, and yet the Empress had never truly valued her.
Thinking of it, she also hated her own Father’s incompetence. Years ago, he had been caught in the Empress’s trap, and to save his life, she had been forced to follow orders and “accidentally” meet Jin Wang.
Yet after so many years, her Father had only fallen deeper under the Empress’s control. The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became, yet she couldn’t free herself anymore.
“Side Consort, the banquet has started,” Chunying returned and whispered. “Qi Momo is now trailing behind Duan Wangfei like a lackey—it’s truly infuriating.”
“Duan Wangfei is hosting the event today?” Side Consort Qian asked.
Chunying nodded, a little upset. “It should have been you, Side Consort. After all, you’re a side consort of Jin Wang.”
A side consort wasn’t some lowly concubine; she had formal royal status.
“I’m pregnant. Naturally, I shouldn’t overexert myself.” Side Consort Qian said calmly. “Don’t be upset. Safely delivering this child is the most important thing.”
This child would be her lifeline—her last chance if anything went wrong.
Time passed slowly. Side Consort Qian, unable to eat or sit still, paced around the room, anxiety written all over her face.
Meanwhile, Mingxi, after giving some final instructions to Duan Huirou in the bridal room, joined the banquet with Kang Wangfei, drinking and socializing with the ladies.
Mingxi had a strong tolerance for alcohol. To give Duan Huirou face, she was almost drinking with everyone who came to toast, refusing no one. Qi Wangfei sat there dumbfounded, subconsciously swallowing hard and sitting up straighter.
Only after the banquet finally ended, and all the guests were sent off, did Mingxi feel the alcohol hit her, realizing she had definitely drunk too much.
Kang Wangfei, staying by her side, quickly ordered Xiancao, “Hurry and inform your Wangye to come and pick her up.”
They couldn’t let the heavily drunk Mingxi leave alone.
Xiancao saluted and rushed toward the front yard.
At this moment, Jin Wang was already somewhat drunk. The Crown Prince had shown his face briefly and left; Yu Wang was completely drunk and had to be carried out; Qi Wang was flushed red with drink; only Duan Wang remained clear-headed.
Hearing Xiancao’s report, Duan Wang immediately rose and said to Jin Wang, “Brother, it’s getting late. I’ll take my leave.”
Then he turned to Xiancao, “I’ll wait here. Bring Wangfei out.”
It would be inappropriate for him to enter the inner courtyard where the women were.
“Yes, Wangye,” Xiancao bowed and hurried back.
Jin Wang staggered over, patting Duan Wang’s shoulder. “Old Fourth, thank you today.”
Duan Wang subtly moved his shoulder away and helped steady Jin Wang, replying, “Older Brother, you’re too polite. We’re brothers.”
Jin Wang laughed loudly, looking at Duan Wang and teasing, “Don’t think I don’t know—you wouldn’t be so hardworking if it weren’t for your sweetheart.”
“Brother, mind your words!” Duan Wang said coldly, clearly displeased with the disrespectful tone Jin Wang used when mentioning Mingxi.
“Tch, can’t even joke anymore,” Jin Wang muttered. Although that Duan Mingxi was beautiful, he thought she acted tougher than most men—where was the charm? In his mind, beauties should be soft and gentle.
Thinking along these lines, he realized that today he was marrying Duan Mingxi’s younger sister, and suddenly found it all meaningless. He feared that her sister would be just like her—another “female warlord.”
Thinking more about it, he recalled Side Consort Qian, and realized that Lady Qian still suited his tastes best.
Standing silently to the side, Kang Wang was also displeased by how Jin Wang spoke about his fourth sister-in-law, though he dared not say anything.
While he was deep in thought, Kang Wangfei and Mingxi came out. Kang Wang instinctively took a step forward, but quickly stopped himself, waiting instead for his fourth brother to help his wife first before walking over to his own.
Duan Wang, seeing Mingxi’s state, knew she had drunk quite a bit. His expression darkened. Mingxi had worked so hard for Jin Wang’s residence, yet his older brother still disrespected her.
He supported Mingxi, didn’t even bother giving Jin Wang a proper farewell, simply cupped his hands perfunctorily and left with her.
Jin Wang: …
Old Fourth’s dog temper—truly intolerable!
Kang Wang also quickly took his wife and left. Over the years, he had learned to read the room better than anyone.
Seeing this, Qi Wang found it boring and left on his own, forgetting entirely that he still had a Wangfei waiting for him.
Back at the rear courtyard, Qi Wangfei was still waiting for Qi Wang to fetch her. When a maid informed her that Qi Wang had left alone, she was so furious she almost fainted—such utter humiliation!
Xiao Muchen helped Mingxi onto the carriage, holding her tightly against his chest. Looking down at her, he asked, “Drank too much?”
Mingxi leaned against him with her eyes closed and murmured, “Just a few extra cups, it’s nothing. I’ll be fine after some sobering tea when we get home.”
“That stuff tastes awful, don’t bother. Just rest when we get back; you’ll feel better tomorrow.” Even if Duan Wang was angry, he would never vent his frustration on Mingxi.
He only hoped that foolish Duan Huirou wouldn’t waste Mingxi’s good intentions.
With the things that mother and daughter had done, if it were up to him, he wouldn’t care whether they lived or died.
But Mingxi wasn’t like that—tough-talking, soft-hearted, and unable to turn a blind eye.
The carriage rocked steadily back to Duan Wang’s residence. Mingxi had already fallen asleep in Xiao Muchen’s arms.
When they arrived, Xiao Muchen simply carried her off the carriage. The gatekeepers quickly lowered their heads when they saw.
Qi He was on duty tonight. Glancing up, he clicked his tongue and immediately looked away.
Qiancao shot him an unhappy look—what kind of expression was that?!
Qi He was glared at by the little maid and didn’t dare say anything. He couldn’t afford to offend someone so close to Wangfei.
Qiancao flounced into the residence with a wave of her handkerchief. Qi He rubbed his nose—he hadn’t done anything wrong!
It’s just that he was trying not to overstep.
Little girl sure had a temper though.
Mingxi, drunk as she was, behaved very docilely and sweetly. Xiao Muchen, unable to resist how adorable she looked, pulled the curtains around them and gently pressed her down onto the brocade mattress.
The next morning, Mingxi woke up feeling sore all over. Remembering what happened under the curtains last night, she furiously pounded the bed.
Blushing furiously, she quickly got up without summoning her maids and dressed herself in her underclothes. With all these marks on her body, how could she let anyone see?
Seething, she got out of bed and found out that Xiao Muchen had already gone to the palace early. Her heart sank.
Today was the day Jin Wang and his new Wangfei were to formally greet the emperor—Xiao Muchen shouldn’t have left so early.
Something must have happened.
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! :)
