Xiao Muchen understood what Mingxi meant. After a moment, he said, “Then I’ll recommend someone else to go. That should work.”
Mingxi’s eyes lit up slightly. “That might just do.”
The couple locked eyes. Xiao Muchen pressed his forehead to Mingxi’s and said softly, “I know you’re worried about me. As you wish.”
Mingxi smiled as well.
Donggang had now become a place of great interest to the court. Xiao Muchen’s reputation in the court was rising fast, and she feared the Emperor might start to view him with suspicion. Wouldn’t that be a case of losing much for little?
Better to let go and support someone else for the task.
The next day, sure enough, some officials proposed sending someone from the court to Donggang to investigate. The Emperor agreed, but before any recommendations could be made, he suddenly appointed Huaian Marquis.
The unexpected choice surprised even Huaian Marquis, who immediately accepted the decree with gratitude.
Who was Huaian Marquis?
He was the maternal uncle of Yu Wangfei. Back when the old Huaian Marquis was still alive, he had fallen out of favor with the Emperor, and their household had spent many years walking on thin ice. Who would have thought this task would fall to him?
Was the Emperor favoring Huaian Marquis because of Yu Wang?
Court officials speculated endlessly. Meanwhile, Huaian Marquis had already departed for Donggang with his men.
Xiao Muchen was at home playing stacking games with his daughter. Little Zhiyi could already sit very steadily, and her body was healthy—she could even crawl a few steps while babbling away in baby talk.
Every now and then, she would look up at her Father and grin wide, showing two tiny rice teeth. Xiao Muchen couldn’t help but pick her up and spin her around. Zhiyi’s laughter rang out, clear and delightful.
Mingxi watched Father and daughter and smiled too. The warmth they brought softened the chill of winter.
After enough play, little Zhiyi began to grow drowsy. The wetnurse carried her off to feed and settle her down.
Once the child was gone, Xiao Muchen sat beside Mingxi. Mingxi put down the account book in her hand and looked up at him. Their gazes met, and they both smiled.
“Aren’t you tired of looking at account books all day?”
“Aren’t you tired of government affairs all day?”
True enough—doing what you enjoy never feels tiresome.
Xiao Muchen pulled Mingxi down onto the soft pillows, holding her in his arms as he said quietly, “Now that Huaian Marquis is going to Donggang, everyone is guessing why Royal Father suddenly decided to reuse him. What do you think?”
Mingxi shook her head. “I can’t guess. Do you know?”
Xiao Muchen gently held her hand. “Perhaps it’s to keep me in check.”
Mingxi froze. She looked up at him, then shifted slightly to lie against his chest and finally spoke. “Is it because the Eastern Palace is weak now?”
“Hard to say.” Xiao Muchen’s gaze grew distant. “Maybe Royal Father is testing the waters.”
Mingxi let out a cold laugh. “It’s truly disheartening. You’ve done so much for the court, and among Wangyes you stand out the most—you’re the only one who’s even seen real battle—and yet, in the end, you still can’t surpass the Emperor’s suspicion.”
Xiao Muchen knew Mingxi was angry on his behalf. He smiled. “The Crown Prince’s matter hasn’t settled yet. It’s only natural that Royal Father suspects the other princes.”
“The Eastern Palace can’t drag this out much longer. When the time comes, the court is sure to be in turmoil. In my view, Wangye, you might as well take a step back now.” Mingxi said seriously, “This could be the perfect opportunity.”
“I’ve thought the same. That way, when the Eastern Palace issue finally breaks, I can retreat unscathed.”
Their thoughts aligned. Mingxi sighed. “Who knows when all this will end?”
“Soon.”
Let’s hope so.
The next morning, Mingxi woke up and noticed someone still beside her. She turned her head and saw Xiao Muchen still fast asleep—unusual.
She’d grown used to his early departures and late returns. Seeing him still in bed this early was rare.
She turned slightly and gazed at him, then reached out and poked his nose.
Xiao Muchen caught her hand. “Seems like you don’t want to get up.”
Mingxi blushed and kicked him lightly. “Look at the time! Get up already, or the maids will laugh at us.”
Xiao Muchen pulled her back into his arms and said softly, “Lie with me a while longer.”
Mingxi didn’t move and looked at him. “You took leave today?”
Xiao Muchen nodded slightly. “I’ll write a memorial shortly and take you and Zhiyi to the imperial estate for a few days. How does that sound?”
In this dead of winter.
Mingxi knew he wanted to avoid court entanglements. Luckily, Zhiyi was older now. As long as she was bundled up, riding in a carriage should be no problem.
Once decided, they got up to prepare. Xiao Muchen wrote the memorial and entered the palace to request leave, while Mingxi oversaw the packing. Traveling with a child meant lots of belongings—especially for Zhiyi. Even after trimming down, they still needed seven or eight carriages.
Xiao Muchen returned from the palace quickly. Before noon, they were already in the carriage heading for the imperial estate.
This estate was originally a reward from the emperor when he married, and ever since the wedding, it had been managed by Mingxi. The estate housed a large residence with five courtyards front to back, and by the time they arrived, the underfloor heating had already warmed the rooms.
Fang Momo led the servants in unpacking the items brought from Wangye’s residence—everything from small ornaments, welcome pillows, and cushions, to large canopy beds and furnishings—almost nothing was left behind.
Even the three-legged jade incense burner on the windowsill was one Mingxi was used to. No wonder it took a full eight carriages.
But the benefit of this was that little Zhiyi adapted quickly and didn’t feel the slightest discomfort. She laid in front of the large window, watching the unfamiliar scenery outside.
Not long after arriving, Xiao Muchen was called away by the steward. Mingxi knew he wouldn’t return for a while, so she busied herself with her own tasks.
Lunch was game meat prepared by the estate. Xiao Muchen stepped in, brushing snow off his cloak as he entered. After removing his outer garments and warming up by the brazier, he made his way to his wife and daughter.
“How is it? Settling in well?”
“Zhiyi seems to like it—she’s been playing in front of this window all morning,” Mingxi replied with a smile. “What did the steward want? Checking accounts?”
Xiao Muchen shook his head. “The ledgers have always been under your care. He just came to report the current situation at the imperial estate.”
“Then let’s eat first,” Mingxi said, smiling.
The table was laden with delicacies from the mountains, and the slow-simmered wild chicken was full of flavor, accompanied by various mushrooms that made the meal taste clean and light.
Mingxi dipped a little chicken broth for Zhiyi. The child acted like she had discovered a new world—her tiny arms flapping excitedly, demanding to be fed by her Father.
Xiao Muchen picked her up and patiently fed her bit by bit.
Mingxi smiled gently. At this age, letting her taste a little was fine.
After the meal, Zhiyi grew sleepy and was taken away by the wet nurse for her nap.
Xiao Muchen asked Mingxi, “Want to take a stroll outside?”
Mingxi looked at the overcast sky and shook her head. “The weather doesn’t look promising—chilly and damp. Let’s wait for a nicer day.”
Just as she finished speaking, Qi He strode in. “Wangye, Wangfei, a letter has arrived from Donggang.”
Xiao Muchen reached out and took it. One glance at the contents, and his brows lit up with joy. He handed it to Mingxi.
Mingxi took it, glanced through it, and smiled as well. “It’s done!” she said to Xiao Muchen.
Just after arriving at the estate, they received good news—truly heaven, earth, and timing all aligned.
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