Duan Wangfei?
After the eunuch delivering the edict left, an unprecedented silence enveloped the entire Marquis’s Mansion.
Wasn’t it supposed to be the secondary consort to the Crown Prince?
Holding the imperial edict, Duan Mingxi walked up to Duan Huirou and looked at her shocked and distorted expression. “What a pity, I must have disappointed you.”
Duan Huirou’s face turned pale. How could this be possible? The Imperial Consort Shu, known for her high standards, chose Duan Mingxi as her daughter-in-law?
Duan Wang… He was different from the other Wangyes. Upright, disciplined, and austere, how could he possibly take interest in someone like Duan Mingxi, who grew up in a merchant household?
Even Qi Wang or Kang Wang would have been more plausible, but Duan Wang?
Madam Jiang was equally stunned, still struggling to believe it.
The only ones who were truly delighted were the Old Madam and the second and third madams. They immediately surrounded Duan Mingxi, who graciously helped the Old Madam back to Rongan Hall.
Madam Xiao couldn’t hide her joy as they passed Duan Huirou. She deliberately glanced at Madam Jiang and said, “Mother, with Mingxi being granted the title of Duan Wangfei, it’s such an honor for our family. Grandmother must have some instructions for us. Let me help you over.”
Madam Jiang, distracted, nodded absentmindedly and let her daughter-in-law lead her away.
Duan Huirou’s face contorted with rage as tears began to fall uncontrollably.
Once the others left, Duan Qingyin approached her with a bright smile. “Second Sister, everyone is thrilled about Eldest Sister’s new title. I’m sure you must feel the same, right? After all, we’re all family.”
“Get lost!” Duan Huirou shouted angrily.
Duan Qingyin’s eyes reddened as tears streamed down her face. She lifted her skirt and ran off, sobbing, “Second Sister, if you’re unhappy about Eldest Sister being made Wangfei, why take it out on me? Is it because I’m illegitimate that you think you can bully me however you like?”
Her words, clear and loud, echoed through the air. Coupled with her pitiful appearance and Duan Huirou’s high-volume “Get lost,” it instantly cemented the perception that Duan Huirou was jealous of her elder sister and had mistreated her half-sister.
Duan Huirou: …
Overwhelmed, she fainted on the spot.
The Old Master summoned Mingxi for a private conversation. Meanwhile, the Old Madam was busy preparing a banquet, instructing Madam Jiang to oversee the arrangements and celebrate Mingxi’s new title.
Still in shock and unable to process everything, Madam Jiang hesitated. The Old Madam, frowning at her daze, passed the responsibility to the second madam, who agreed with a broad smile.
Before leaving, the second madam commented, “Sister-in-law, you’re truly blessed.”
Blessed? Madam Jiang wasn’t sure she could handle this “blessing.”
Mingxi spent a brief time with the Old Master before his steward brought over the list of new royal brides:
Bai Shixi of Duke Zhen family as Crown Princess
Duan Mingxi as Duan Wangfei
Sun Yaoqing, daughter of Xingqin Marquis, as Qi Wangfei
Zheng Siyu, daughter of Fengcheng Marquis, as Kang Wangfei
The Crown Princess was no longer Gan Li, nor was Duan Huirou named as Kang Wangfei. Only Sun Yaoqing’s title remained unchanged.
Duan Wangfei… In her previous life, Duan Wang’s selection of a Consort was sabotaged by the Empress and the Crown Prince, resulting in failure. Before her death, Duan Wang and the Crown Prince were locked in a fierce struggle, yet he still failed to marry a Wangfei.
“What do you think after seeing this list?” the old master asked Duan Mingxi.
Duan Mingxi pulled her wandering thoughts back and replied calmly, “No particular thoughts.”
The old master choked slightly.
Duan Mingxi placed the list on the table. “Grandfather, it’s clear even to you that the Crown Princess’s family background is the best on this list. The Empress and the Crown Prince have a clear goal.”
The old master looked at her. “And what else?”
“The rest can only be judged upon further observation. As for the wives of the other Wangyes besides the Crown Prince, their family standings are fairly comparable.”
It was clear at a glance that the Emperor was playing a balancing act. He seemed to favor supporting the Crown Prince but wasn’t overtly suppressing his other sons.
The Emperor had another ten good years to live—what’s the rush?
The old master looked at Mingxi. “I know you’re a smart child, but marrying into the royal family is not the same as marrying into an ordinary household.”
Understanding the hidden meaning behind his words, Duan Mingxi smiled and nodded.
The imperial capital was stirred into waves of gossip by these imperial decrees. The most surprising news was that Mingxi was appointed Duan Wangfei.
The entire capital knew she was a daughter only recently reunited with her family, having grown up in a merchant household. That she was chosen sparked endless discussion.
Duan Mingxi wrote a letter to Duan Pingchang, informing them of her appointment as Duan Wangfei. She also told them it wouldn’t be convenient to meet for the time being but promised to visit after some time.
As for the matter regarding Feng Ji, she assured her father that she would handle it discreetly, urging him not to rush. This time, she was determined to make the Jiang family pay a heavy price.
The news of Duan Mingxi being appointed Duan Wangfei reached the Jiang family, prompting them to summon Madam Jiang to return to her maiden family.
These past few days have been anything but peaceful for Madam Jiang. Everyone congratulated her on raising such an accomplished daughter, yet her relationship with said daughter was abysmal.
Now, her family had summoned her back home, and the reason was obvious—even more so since they had asked her to bring Mingxi along. But how could she persuade Mingxi to go?
After much hesitation, Madam Jiang didn’t dare bring it up with Mingxi.
Mingxi, however, had already guessed the Jiang family’s intentions when she heard they’d sent word to Madam Jiang. She could also read some of it from Madam Jiang’s demeanor.
So now the Jiang family wanted to mend relations with her? How utterly laughable.
She might forgive other things, but the Jiang family plotting against her father? That was something she would never overlook.
While Madam Jiang went alone to her family, Duan Mingxi visited Third Madam.
The Third Madam, busy with household matters, personally greeted Mingxi upon hearing of her arrival. She smiled warmly, saying, “Mingxi, why did you come in person? You could’ve just sent someone to call me.”
In her previous life, Duan Mingxi bore no particular grudge against the Second and Third Madams. They had merely been indifferent to her, occasionally coveting her money but never actively harming her.
In this life, however, she needed allies. The Second and Third Madams needed resources, and so they had struck a mutually beneficial agreement.
Over time, their attitudes toward her became more genuine than her own mother’s, something Mingxi kept in mind. Relationships, after all, were built through interaction.
She couldn’t handle everything alone. Even if she married into a royal household in the future, she’d need people to support her.
Helping others helped herself—simple as that.
“There’s something I need help with,” Mingxi said, skipping formalities. “I remember you once mentioned having a relative who works in the Internal weaving and dyeing bureau.”
The Third Madam paused, surprised, then nodded. “That’s right. Mingxi, why do you ask?”
“I know a way for a person to be promoted. Would this be of interest?”
The Third Madam’s face lit up. “Such a good opportunity?”
Mingxi smiled faintly. “Yes, if Third Aunt’s relative is bold enough to take it.”
The Jiang family had dared to target her father; she would ensure their claws were severed.
