Duan Mingxi truly hadn’t been aware of this matter, but there was one thing she did know: in her previous life, Duan Wang never married any so-called “exceptionally beautiful cousin.”
The wife of Duke Wei was merely Duan Wang’s aunt, not his mother, so how could she meddle in his marriage?
If that were the case, how would Consort Shu ever have agreed to Duan Wang marrying her?
Most likely, the Duke’s wife had her own selfish reasons. First, by having her niece marry Duan Wang, she could ensure her niece’s future security. Second, with someone close to her at Duan Wang’s side, the Duke’s wife would feel more confident in her own position.
At the end of the day, her motives weren’t necessarily so pure.
“Sister-in-law, what’s the girl’s name?” Mingxi asked Madam Xiao with a smile.
“Feng Wenxuan.”
“That’s a lovely name.” Mingxi smiled lightly.
Madam Xiao, puzzled by Mingxi’s nonchalance, grew anxious. “You mustn’t take this lightly. If she tries to provoke you at the birthday banquet, how will you respond?”
“I am the future Duan Wangfei. Does she dare challenge me? Even if the Duke’s wife wants to push her into Duan Wang’s household, at most she can only become a secondary consort.”
Mingxi didn’t particularly mind if Duan Wang took concubines; after all, they were destined to divorce in the future.
However, if any concubine threatened her position or her future child’s status, that would be a different matter.
She didn’t want children, but Duan Wang had made it clear: offspring were a necessity.
To gain her freedom, she’d have to bear a child. Once the child was born, she would ensure their rights and status. Ten years later, when she and Duan Wang separated, the child would already be grown.
At ten years old, she had been following her father on business trips across mountains and seas.
Any concubine would be fine, but no one connected to Duke Wei’s household.
Such a strong backer would make dealing with them far too troublesome in the future.
Madam Xiao observed Mingxi’s indifference and added, “This Miss Feng comes from a distinguished background. Her father was Duke Wei’s elder brother, titled the Marquis Jingchuan.
“But a few years ago, the Feng family got embroiled in a corruption scandal, and the Emperor, in his fury, stripped them of their title. That’s how the Feng family fell. Now, they’re pinning all their hopes on this girl to marry into the royal family and help them regain their title.”
Mingxi looked at Madam Xiao and said with a smirk, “If the Duke’s wife couldn’t accomplish this for years, do they really think a young girl can?”
Madam Xiao nodded. “It’s possible.”
Mingxi understood immediately.
Madam Xiao thought Mingxi didn’t grasp the situation since she had just returned to the capital. She patiently explained, “If Feng Wenxuan marries into the royal family and gains her husband’s favor, she might petition the emperor for clemency and regain their title.”
Such petitions weren’t uncommon. Many nobles owed their status to marital connections, not personal achievements.
Marrying an imperial prince or becoming a secondary consort offered opportunities, albeit slim, for royal favor.
“Thank you, Sister-in-law. I understand,” Mingxi said to Madam Xiao.
Madam Xiao waved her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing, just a few words. Just make sure to be careful yourself.”
Mingxi nodded.
Sure enough, the next day, Mingxi received an invitation from Duke Wei’s household.
Curious to learn more about this Miss Feng, Mingxi decided not to inform Duan Wang about her plans. She also wanted to observe his reaction.
The Old Madam of Duke Wei’s household was celebrating her birthday, and Duan Wang was sure to attend.
The thought amused her.
As for the birthday gift, Mingxi was still pondering what to present when the Old Madam summoned her and handed her a jade carving symbolizing blessings, longevity, and prosperity.
Mingxi was a bit surprised.
The Old Madam explained, “Since you and Duan Wang are not yet married, the gift you bring for Duke Wei’s Old Madam shouldn’t be overly extravagant, but it mustn’t be dismissed either. This jade carving is just right. Take it.”
After her initial surprise, Mingxi smiled. “Thank you, Grandmother. You’ve saved me the trouble.”
“You’re not yet married. These matters should naturally be handled by the elders in the family,” the Old Madam said. If not for Madam Jiang being so unreliable, she, as the elder, wouldn’t have to worry about such things.
However, after the incident with Yang Yiniang, the mother and daughter had completely fallen out.
So be it. Since there was no fate between them, she wouldn’t force it.
Fortunately, this child, Mingxi, still cared about other members of the household. The Old Madam didn’t expect much now; she only hoped that once Mingxi became Duan Wangfei, she would remember her maternal family.
Madam Jiang was unreliable, but there were still Duan Yu, Duan Ning, and Duan Jin to think about. The Old Madam needed to pave the way for her grandsons.
Soon, it was the day of the celebration. Mingxi rose early to dress and prepare. She didn’t aim to outshine everyone but chose a dignified look: a lake-blue jacket embroidered with brocade and a pomegranate-patterned skirt with sixteen panels.
Her jet-black hair was styled into a side cloud bun, adorned with a pair of gold and jade hairpins. She wore pearl earrings, looking elegant and appropriate for her status.
Seeing her attire, Qiancao hesitated and muttered, “Miss, isn’t this too plain?”
“I’m not the one celebrating. Why would I try to steal the spotlight?” Mingxi smiled at the mirror. “This is just right.”
“This servant is only worried others might look down on you,” Qiancao said anxiously.
Mingxi dismissed the concern. “If I dressed up like a glittering statue, I’d just make a fool of myself.”
Qiancao shivered at the thought. “Then this is fine. Miss, you look beautiful no matter what you wear.”
“Beautiful women are plentiful—just shells of flesh,” Mingxi scoffed. Could Bai Zhiwei compare beauty with her?
Yet Gao Zhan had been infatuated with her for so many years. Clearly, liking someone wasn’t just about appearances.
Besides, she wasn’t someone who relied on her looks to survive.
Good looks were merely a bonus.
Thinking of this, Mingxi suddenly realized she might see Bai Zhiwei and Gao Zhan today, which soured her mood.
What an unlucky thought.
Before leaving, she went to Rongan Hall to pay her respects to the Old Madam, where she encountered Duan Qingyin.
She asked a few questions about Yang Yiniang.
Duan Qingyin replied softly, “Yiniang is much better now. Thank you, Elder Sister, for calling the doctor in time that day. Otherwise, things could have taken a turn for the worse.”
Mingxi patted her hand. “Yiniang is blessed. She’ll be fine now that she’s passed this hurdle.”
After all, with Yang Yiniang’s cunning, she would undoubtedly settle the score with Madam Jiang after this ordeal.
Rumor had it that even though Yang Yiniang had lost the baby, Marquis Dingyuan had been staying in her courtyard to keep her company.
For her to hold onto the heart of such a notoriously fickle man at a time like this was no small feat.
Marquis Dingyuan’s actions trampled all over Madam Jiang’s dignity.
Her son, Duan Yu, was too busy with official matters and influenced by Madam Xiao’s words, he thought his mother and sister were overly harsh. He wouldn’t side with Madam Jiang.
Madam Jiang’s situation wasn’t good, and that pleased Duan Mingxi.
If Madam Jiang were thriving, she’d surely help Duan Huirou make trouble for her again.
After bidding farewell to the Old Madam, Mingxi boarded the carriage to Duke Wei’s household.
