Kang Wangfei sighed lightly. “It’s not looking good. He still hasn’t woken up. The Imperial Physician is waiting at the residence. He said if he doesn’t wake up tonight… it’ll be very dangerous.”
Mingxi’s heart sank. “Didn’t they send for the Chief Imperial Physician?”
“They did. I left in a hurry, so I’m not sure if he arrived or not,” Duan Wangfei said with a sigh.
In her previous life, Xu Heng had died a violent death. In this life, even if he escaped death, it seemed Duke Wei might have to pay the price.
Mingxi thought of everything that had happened. Now that Xiao Muchen knew Ren Mian had real medical skills, he was likely already arranging to take him to Duke Wei’s residence in secret.
Seeing Mingxi looking pale, Duan Wangfei didn’t stay long. After a few more words, she got up. “Fourth Sister-in-law, take care. I’ll come visit you again in a few days.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine as long as I rest well.” Mingxi smiled.
Kang Wangfei nodded and finally took her leave.
Not long after she left, just as Mingxi was about to lie down and rest, someone from Duke Wei’s residence arrived.
Had it been only the Duchess, Mingxi would not have seen her. But the Old Madam had come too, so she couldn’t refuse. She gathered her strength and invited them in.
The Old Madam entered with the Duchess and Xu Nanxi. Upon seeing Mingxi, Xu Nanxi nearly rushed over, but something stopped her, and she steadied herself with effort.
“This old woman greets Wangfei.”
Mingxi quickly said, “Fang Mama, help my grandmother up!” Then she looked at the Old Madam. “You don’t need to do this, Grandma.”
The Old Madam replied, “State ceremony first, then family courtesy—as it should be.” As she spoke, she gave her daughter-in-law a cold glance.
Duchess Wei stiffly performed a curtsey.
In front of Xu Nanxi, Mingxi couldn’t embarrass her mother. She had Madam Li help them up and invited them to sit.
The Old Madam looked at Mingxi and said gently, “I just got the news and was so worried I couldn’t sit still. I had to come in person. How are you feeling now, any better?”
“Sorry to have worried you, Grandma. I’m feeling much better now—please don’t worry.” Mingxi replied with a smile.
The Old Madam looked at her seriously. “Our Wei household is part of the Empress’s family line, so we’ve always avoided palace affairs. But this time, we will not back down—we will fight to get justice for you.”
Mingxi was stunned.
The Old Madam continued, “Though you’re younger, you’re Duan Wangfei—this concerns Wangye’s honor. We cannot retreat.”
Listening to her speak so plainly, without any flowery words or performative kindness, instead laying the stakes out sincerely, Mingxi felt solemn.
“You’re right. It’s just that I’ve made you and the family worry so much—I truly feel ashamed.”
“We’re one family. We share in both honor and disgrace. Don’t say such things again,” the Old Madam said, knowing full well she couldn’t rely on her daughter-in-law. Holding Mingxi’s hand, she continued, “Mingxi, if you still see me as your elder, then listen to me—focus on getting better. Leave the rest to us.”
Duchess Wei shot her mother-in-law a quick glance, a trace of displeasure flashing in her eyes. But in the end, she didn’t dare say a word. She simply pursed her lips and sat there in silence.
Mingxi couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge her and looked only at the Old Madam. This time, her tone held a bit more sincerity. “With your words, I feel at ease.” She then smiled lightly. “I truly am fortunate. As soon as my eldest brother received the news, he went straight into the palace to seek an audience with His Majesty. And now my uncle is going in as well to demand justice for me. What virtue or ability do I have to deserve such protection from you all?”
The Old Madam’s heart gave a jolt. Dingyuan Marquis actually entered the palace?
That was unexpected. After all, he was still young and inexperienced. People had always said Dingyuan Marquis was of average intellect, and in his position at the Martial Selection Bureau, he likely wouldn’t make much progress.
But now it seemed they were mistaken—he did have some spine after all.
“Everything has a cause and effect. This is all what you deserve.” The Old Madam had a good impression of Mingxi. Her granddaughter had told her many times about what Mingxi had done for Duan Wang.
She was still just a young girl. Her own granddaughter, Nanxi, hadn’t even married yet, while Mingxi had already stepped into the whirlpool of the royal family.
Mingxi smiled but said nothing.
Only then did Xu Nanxi find a chance to speak. “Cousin-in-law, are you really pregnant? I’m going to have a little nephew?”
“Maybe a little niece,” Mingxi said with a smile.
“I’d love either a nephew or a niece.” Xu Nanxi looked at Mingxi’s belly, her joy practically spilling over.
At this moment, Duchess Wei also lifted her head to glance at Duan Mingxi’s belly. She quickly averted her gaze and forced out a smile, but no matter what, she just couldn’t bring herself to say anything flattering.
To yield to someone of the younger generation—what face would she have left?
The Old Madam looked at Mingxi and said with a gentle smile, “Yes, whether it’s a boy or a girl, it’ll be a precious little one. Now that you’re with child, you must be extra cautious in everything. Think thrice before acting—don’t be impulsive.”
Mingxi nodded. “Rest assured, Wangye has reminded me of the same. I’ll keep it in mind.”
The Old Madam was delighted. “You’re the bride he begged for himself—of course you should be on his mind.”
Mingxi lowered her head with a smile.
Duke Wei’s family didn’t stay long and soon took their leave.
Mingxi had someone see them out on her behalf and then gave instructions to close the doors and decline all visitors—she was truly exhausted.
Xiangxiang came in carrying porridge. “Wangfei, have some porridge first. Physician Ren said you need to eat lightly these next couple of days. Once you’ve had the porridge, you can take your medicine after a while.”
Mingxi leaned against a soft pillow. Xiangxiang brought the bowl over, and she took it, drinking it slowly, one mouthful at a time.
Xiangxiang said beside her, “Steward You came asking to see you, and Madam also came. I was going to let her in, but knowing you had closed the doors to visitors, she understood you were tired and said she would come again tomorrow.”
Mingxi looked up at Xiangxiang. “Mother already knows? The news spread so fast?”
Xiangxiang nodded. “In just half a day, our household received a full basket of invitation cards—everyone wants to come visit you. But with your condition, Fang Mama has turned them all away.”
Mingxi truly didn’t have the energy to receive so many people. She was utterly worn out and only wanted to close her eyes and sleep again.
After finishing the porridge, she looked at Xiangxiang and said, “Go to the Duan residence for me. If Father and Mother don’t get word, they probably won’t sleep tonight. Tell them I’m fine now, doing very well, and ask them to come by tomorrow.”
“Yes, Your Highness, I’ll go shortly.” Xiangxiang agreed, then helped her into the inner chamber. “Sit for a while first—don’t lie down just yet after eating. Once you’ve taken the medicine, then you can rest.”
Mingxi nodded. “Go to the Duan residence first. Have Qiancao bring the medicine in.”
Xiangxiang made sure her mistress was well-settled with pillows and, seeing everything in order, finally stepped out.
Mingxi casually picked up a book to pass the time, her mind already calculating whether this incident could force the Emperor to open another door of opportunity.
Meanwhile, Xiao Muchen had quietly taken Kang Wang to Duke Wei’s residence, with Ren Mian following behind.
Xu Heng was waiting at the gate and bowed when he saw Duan Wang. “Wangye, please.”
