Mingxi glanced at Consort Shu’s rapidly changing expression and then at Xiao Muchen.
This man was something else. A few simple words, and he’d managed to divert all of Consort Shu’s hostility toward her.
It reminded her of her past life at Duke Gao’s estate. The Duchess frequently targeted her, but Gao Zhan always acted blind to it, as if he couldn’t see anything.
Xiao Muchen, noticing Mingxi’s gaze, calmly added, “The Empress and the Crown Prince shouldn’t be underestimated. Royal Mother, please keep an extra eye on Xixi while she’s in the palace.”
Xixi….
Consort Shu found herself wincing internally at the nickname.
“I understand. You can stop lingering here now. Go tend to your duties.” She waved him off, clearly wanting him gone. Looking at him for even one more second was exasperating.
Xiao Muchen, unfazed, turned to Mingxi and said, “Since Kunde Palace harbors ulterior motives toward you, stay here with my royal mother for now. That way, no one can take you away again. Once I’m done with my matters, I’ll come pick you up.”
Mingxi, recalling their alliance, gave him a reassuring smile. “Wangye, please focus on your tasks. I will stay with Niang Niang.”
Xiao Muchen cast her another glance. While his face appeared at ease, his eyes held a trace of distance and conflict—he couldn’t read her.
With a long stride, he left. Consort Shu gestured for Mingxi to sit. “Come, sit down and talk.”
Mingxi sat, her demeanor respectful and composed.
Consort Shu took a closer look. At least she had proper manners, a beautiful face, and the courage to dive into water to save someone. That showed some bravery.
However, her flaws were glaring. First, she was raised by merchants. Second, the current Dignyuan Marquis’s household was on a decline. What help could they provide her son? She’d be lucky not to drag him down.
Still, upon further thought, Consort Shu found some solace. Mingxi’s own qualities were adequate, though just barely enough to make up for her shortcomings.
“I hear you grew up in Jiangcheng. Have you adjusted to life in the capital?”
Duan Mingxi looked at Consort Shu, whose expression seemed calm without any hint of sarcasm or discontent. So, was this a genuine question?
After brief consideration, she answered, “At first, it was a bit difficult, but I’ve mostly adjusted now.”
“Ben Gong also heard that your adoptive parents have come to the capital?”
Duan Mingxi immediately realized this was a probe—surely Consort Shu already knew about the matter with the Internal weaving and dyeing bureau.
“Yes,” Mingxi replied. “My adoptive parents treated me as their own. They came to the capital because they missed me too much and wanted to be closer.” Her eyes reddened slightly. “Niang Niang, people are not without feelings. I miss them deeply too.”
Consort Shu gave Mingxi a surprised look. Most people would treat adoptive merchant parents as a stain, eager to sever ties. Yet Mingxi spoke of them with such sincerity.
“You don’t mind?” Consort Shu raised her brows slightly. “You should know that as the Marquis legitimate daughter and future Duan Wangfei, maintaining contact with merchant parents might lead to ridicule.”
“Niang Niang, if not for my adoptive parents, I might not have survived or would have ended up in dire straits. If I could discard such lifesaving grace, how would I be any different from a beast?”
Consort Shu thought to herself, At least she has a conscience. Though she wasn’t fond of Mingxi’s merchant adoptive parents, her reasoning was sound. A person ought to repay kindness.
If Mingxi were an ungrateful ingrate, even if her son fancied her, Consort Shu would never agree to it.
“You’ve severed ties with the Jiang family? The Jiang family of Tazhou is known for its virtuous reputation. Turning against them won’t do you any favors.”
“Niang Niang, Jiang Bingyuan plotted against my adoptive Father. How does that count as virtuous? After I was reunited with the Marquis household, the Jiang family ignored me and supported my second sister in opposing me at every turn. I neither want nor need such relatives.”
Consort Shu frowned slightly. This temperament was a bit too fiery. Being overly headstrong wasn’t ideal—too rigid and one might break.
Still, Jiang Bingyuan’s behavior was indeed contemptible, tarnishing the Jiang family’s reputation.
Too bad.
“Fine. If the Jiang family is shielding Jiang Bingyuan, then their virtue is indeed tainted. If you wish to sever ties, follow your heart.”
Duan Mingxi looked up in surprise at Consort Shu.
Was this support?
Consort Shu noticed Mingxi’s astonishment and arched a brow. “What, surprised?”
“Yes,” Mingxi admitted. “Niang Niang, you might not know, but I’ve been the one blamed for the feud with the Jiang family.”
Consort Shu understood immediately—those pedantic fools must’ve accused her of being unfilial and disrespectful. Scoffing coldly, she said, “Busybody hypocrites. Why bother with their opinions?”
Who would’ve thought Consort Shu would say something like that?
Duan Mingxi found herself momentarily dazed, the person before her diverging sharply from the Consort Shu she remembered.
Perhaps her visible shock amused Consort Shu, as she found Mingxi more agreeable by the second.
Just then, Hu Momo entered. “Niang Niang, it’s time to head to Kunde Palace.”
Consort Shu nodded slightly and turned to Mingxi. “Don’t be afraid at Kunde Palace. I’ll have your back. If anyone dares speak out of turn, feel free to fight back on my behalf.”
Duan Mingxi: …
Hearing this, Hu Momo’s face twitched slightly. Glancing at Miss Duan’s astonished expression, she whispered, “My dear lady, with so many people at today’s palace banquet, some are bound to harbor impure thoughts. If anyone dares to provoke you, don’t be afraid.”
Duan Mingxi understood now. No wonder in her past life, Consort Shu and Duan Wang were able to contend with the Empress and Crown Prince until the very end. This level of confidence could only come from being a favored consort.
Duan Mingxi hadn’t expected Consort Shu to protect her so fiercely. For a brief moment, she even felt a newfound sense of confidence as well.
Xiao Muchen had said he was serious about their alliance, and now she could feel it. Indeed, very serious.
If that’s the case, then she should take their alliance even more seriously.
The Cuiwei Palace was not far from the Kunde Palace. Consort Shu chose not to use a sedan chair but instead walked with Mingxi, slowly guiding her through the palace grounds and pathways, ensuring she became familiar with the surroundings. This would prevent others from plotting against her in the future.
Consort Shu’s tone wasn’t particularly gentle and occasionally carried a trace of mockery. Yet her actions made it clear to Mingxi that she truly cared.
Step by step, they reached Kunde Palace. The palace attendants at the gate watched from afar as Consort Shu and her future daughter-in-law seemed to get along remarkably well. Their expressions turned odd.
Though everyone knew it was Consort Shu who had arranged this marriage for Duan Wang, her usually prideful temperament made many believe she had reluctantly accepted the match for her son’s sake. But judging by her current demeanor, things didn’t seem to align with their assumptions.
Following closely beside Consort Shu, Duan Mingxi ignored the peculiar gazes from the palace attendants.
Kunde Palace. She hadn’t expected to return here so soon in this new life.
The golden, resplendent hall. The flickering shadows of her past memories shimmered in her mind.
This time, she was determined to protect Consort Shu.
