Outside, a palace servant called softly to wake them. Xiao Muchen suddenly opened his eyes, and Mingxi also woke up.
The couple exchanged a glance. Xiao Muchen sat up and helped Mingxi up as well.
Hearing their movements, the palace servants came in one after another to attend to their grooming. Once they were properly dressed and ready, the two went to visit Consort Shu. Kang Wang had also arrived and was now standing beside Kang Wangfei.
“Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law,” Kang Wang greeted as he came forward.
Xiao Muchen nodded and asked, “How long have you been here?”
“I just arrived as well,” Kang Wang replied with a smile.
As they were speaking, Consort Shu came out. Everyone stepped forward to pay their respects.
Consort Shu wore a warm smile. “Everyone, sit. It’s rare for us all to be gathered like this.” As she spoke, she turned to Kang Wang. “I heard you went to visit Qian Jieyu?”
Kang Wang nodded. “Many thanks to Royal Mother for today.”
Consort Shu said, “Qian Jieyu is still stable for now. It would be best if she remains the same as before.”
Kang Wang understood what she meant and quickly nodded. “You are right, Royal Mother.”
Another Jieyu had appeared in the inner palace—Tan Jieyu. Although she held the same rank as his birth mother, the emperor’s treatment of them was vastly different.
Kang Wang felt aggrieved and angry on his mother’s behalf, but there was nothing he could do.
After a bit more conversation, a palace servant came to report that it was time to head to the Liantai Pavilion.
Consort Shu led everyone out of Cuiwei Palace. At the fork ahead, Xiao Muchen and Kang Wang walked on ahead—they needed to go to Chongzheng Hall first and would then follow the imperial procession.
Consort Shu took Mingxi and Kang Wangfei toward Liantai Pavilion. The golden crow was sinking in the west, and the entire rear palace was bathed in a splendid glow of rosy clouds.
Halfway there, they ran into Consort Xian coming from a side path. Before a word was exchanged, Consort De arrived as well, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Qi Wangfei. After exchanging greetings, Consort Shu and the other two walked in front, while Mingxi and the rest followed behind.
Qi Wangfei’s gaze landed on Kang Wangfei’s belly. Her look was distinctly unpleasant.
Kang Wangfei shifted her body slightly in displeasure. Mingxi caught the glance and stepped forward half a pace, blocking Qi Wangfei’s view.
Qi Wangfei withdrew her gaze and pursed her lips without speaking.
Yu Wangfei, observing from the side, felt annoyed. Was Qi Wangfei truly foolish or just pretending? After all this time, had she still not learned her lesson?
Boats were already waiting at the lakeside. As they boarded, the boat swayed slightly, causing Kang Wangfei to feel a little queasy.
Mingxi took a preserved plum from her pouch and offered it. “This should help.”
Kang Wangfei thanked her, took it, and popped it in her mouth. “Thank you, Fourth Sister-in-law.”
Mingxi smiled.
“You really are thoughtful, Fourth Sister-in-law. Who would normally think to carry plums with them?” Qi Wangfei said in a slightly cutting tone.
They were now seated apart from the three senior consorts, and Qi Wangfei no longer bothered to restrain herself.
Mingxi turned to her. “Seventh Sister-in-law, that’s because Eighth Sister-in-law has always been kind to me. Giving her a plum is nothing.”
Qi Wangfei gave a mocking laugh. “Fourth Sister-in-law is riding high now, with all the glory from Donggang, and your foster Father was just made Marquis Zhenhai. No wonder you speak with such confidence.”
Her brain really must be broken, Mingxi thought.
Her expression turned cold. “What, are you jealous? Are you blaming Marquis Xingqin for being mediocre and unable to support you?”
“You—”
“What about me? I’m just stating the truth. Instead of stirring up trouble for others, perhaps you should focus on how to improve your own life.” Mingxi wasn’t about to humor her—she wasn’t Qi Wang, that spineless coward.
Qi Wangfei’s face changed color repeatedly. Facing Duan Mingxi’s sharp black eyes, she bit her lip and said no more, though her expression grew uglier.
They soon arrived at Liantai Pavilion. Qi Wangfei was the first to disembark in a rush.
Mingxi gave a snort. Fool!
Sure enough, Consort De’s face darkened upon seeing this. What a brainless fool!
Consort Shu chuckled gently. “Qi Wangfei still has the same candid nature as always.”
The earlier argument had probably been heard faintly by the three consorts.
Consort Shu’s comment about her “candid nature” left Consort De a bit embarrassed. She quickly said, “She’s just childlike at heart, not as steady as Duan Wangfei, who was raised by her merchant foster Father and is used to managing affairs.”
Trying to save face for Qi Wangfei while taking a jab at Mingxi, eh?
Consort Shu chuckled lightly. “Exactly. If not for her daring and prudence, she wouldn’t have earned the title of Marquis Zhenhai. A merchant elevated to a marquis—our dynasty has never seen such a thing. It’s an honor few could ever dream of.”
Consort De: …
Consort Xian glanced at one and then the other, then lightly cleared her throat. “It’s about time. Let’s hurry—can’t keep His Majesty waiting.”
Only then did the group disembark one by one. Mingxi stayed at the end, protecting Kang Wangfei. As they stepped into Liantai Pavilion, she looked up and cast a glance at Consort De and Qi Wangfei.
Qi Wangfei happened to turn around. Her eyes met Duan Mingxi’s by accident. A chill ran down her spine, and cold sweat broke out.
When she looked again, Mingxi had already turned to laugh and talk with Kang Wangfei, as if it had all been her imagination.
Liantai Pavilion had three levels, and at this moment it was ablaze with light and bustling with activity.
Inside the main hall, noblewomen were already waiting. When the three consorts entered, they quickly stood to greet them.
Mingxi recognized many familiar faces. She followed behind Consort Shu and found her seat. Only after the three consorts had exchanged pleasantries with the crowd did everyone sit down.
Kang Wangfei sat right next to her—clearly arranged by Consort Shu.
Kang Wangfei let out a small breath and gave Mingxi a gentle smile.
So many had gathered, yet Bai Shixi was the only one missing. Mingxi thought to herself, I wonder how she’s doing in Donghua Palace this Mid-Autumn Festival.
But with Bai Shixi’s patience, her days were probably tolerable. Mingxi had also sent someone to quietly look after her. Except for a lack of freedom, everything else should be fine.
“His Majesty arrives!”
Mingxi hadn’t expected the emperor to arrive so soon—and what was even more surprising was that Tan Jieyu entered with him. For a moment, everyone in the hall had different expressions.
Princes and officials found their wives, and Xiao Muchen came to sit by Mingxi’s side.
She whispered, “What happened?”
Expressionless, Xiao Muchen replied softly, “Tan Jieyu’s palanquin broke down on the road. She happened to run into Royal Father.”
Mingxi understood. Crude as it was, it got the job done.
With the emperor’s arrival, the hall came to life. It was Mid-Autumn Festival, and flattering words flowed endlessly from both civil and military officials.
After entering, Tan Jieyu found her seat. Coincidentally, she was seated just below the four senior consorts—right next to Mingxi.
A light fragrance drifted over. Tan Jieyu turned and smiled at her. “Duan Wangfei, I’ve heard so much about you.”
Mingxi nodded slightly and replied gently, “I’m flattered, Jieyu.”
Tan Jieyu smiled even more sweetly. “Even before I entered the palace, I had heard of your name in Dongjiang. I admired you deeply—born of a marquis’s house but raised by merchants, and yet you returned to the capital and became engaged to Duan Wang. Truly extraordinary, not something just anyone could achieve.”
She spoke with utmost sincerity, yet every word was laced with sarcasm.
Mingxi didn’t even blink. She smiled wider. “Thank you for your praise, Jieyu. I will remember your words well—and use them as encouragement to improve further.”
Tan Jieyu: …
She had seen shameless people before—but never anyone quite like Duan Wangfei.
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