The sickly son died young? After the marriage exchange, I will bring prosperity to his entire clan f

"Ever since I learned the truth, I haven't been to her yard. I'll use being busy as an excuse. It's a good opportunity for you to go and see her."

"Yes."

"Study hard." After saying this, Lord Wen seemed to feel something was amiss and added, "You should also think it over carefully."

"Yes."

Du Mingxian had done plenty of things to handle in the palace banquets in her past life, so she didn't need to learn. However, she still had to make a few symbolic trips to Old Madam Wen's courtyard.

Whether it was due to her son's estrangement or the deception of her niece and daughter-in-law, Madam Wen was listless. She only gave Du Mingxian a few words before sending her away.

Du Mingxian first went to see Old Madam Wen. Taking advantage of Chun Tao's absence, she quickly went to see Second Madam Wen, as she always felt that Second Madam Wen's illness was related to Chun Tao.

Madam Wen lay on the bed, looking sickly, and didn't even have the strength to lift her hand.

"My second aunt is so ill, why didn't you invite the imperial physician to come and take a look?" If you use the name of Lord Wen or the old lady Wen who is already a titled lady, you can still invite the imperial physician.

Madam Wen shook her head, "I just feel weak all over. I called a doctor to come and see me. He said I've been working too hard lately and that I just need to rest."

Du Mingxian could tell that Madam Wen was definitely not tired. Even if someone was tired, how could they not even have the strength to lift their hand?

Besides, how tired could Madam Wen possibly be?

A pampered lady, whose daily life is mostly spent giving orders to her subordinates, could hardly possibly be tired.

Seeing Du Mingxian's worried expression, Madam Wen comforted her instead, "Don't worry, I'm fine. You don't need to worry about your clothes. Even though I'm sick, my maids will keep an eye on things. Your second aunt is very concerned about this matter."

"It's not because of that. Father said that I shouldn't stand out at this banquet, so I asked my second aunt to tell her that simple clothes are fine, nothing too complicated."

Hearing that it was Lord Wen's order, Madam Wen didn't ask any questions, "Alright, I'll tell my people."

Du Mingxian sat for a while and then left. For the time being, it seemed that Madam Wen was alright. She just didn't know if Chuntao wanted to punish Madam Wen or if she intended to kill her.

When Chun Tao returned home that evening, Du Mingxian briefly mentioned, "The Emperor's birthday is coming soon. Father told me to learn more from Grandmother these days, and you should pay more attention to other things."

"Yes," Chun Tao replied, but still reminded her, "Miss, time is running out."

"I know that the focus of the manor is on this birthday celebration. I'll figure something out after this is over. If I really don't want to do it then, I'll just steal it."

"It's good that you remember the time, Miss."

Du Mingxian was too lazy to even talk to her. "My second aunt is sick. I went to see her today, and she didn't even have the strength to lift her arm. Do you have any way to treat her?"

As she said this, she kept her eyes fixed on Chun Tao. Chun Tao was a skilled doctor, but she was still quite young. She hadn't expected Du Mingxian to ask the question directly, and a hint of panic flashed in her eyes.

“Miss, I am fairly skilled in poisons, but not so much in other areas. The Second Madam is ill. It would be best to ask another doctor to come and take a look. If you really don’t want to call the imperial physician, there will always be a way.”

After saying that, Chun Tao added, "Why did the Second Madam suddenly fall ill?"

It's all because you're stingy and you've been playing dirty tricks. Now you're putting on a good show.

"I don't know, maybe she's just tired."

After a brief chat, Du Mingxian didn't bother to look at Chuntao's clothes and simply told her to go to sleep. However, Chuntao's behavior just now confirmed one thing for her.

Although Madam Wen's life is not in danger, she will probably suffer some hardship.

Never mind, as long as everyone is alright, that's all that matters.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it's the day before the Emperor's birthday.

Recently, Du Mingxian hasn't gone anywhere, and she's even stopped cooking for Lord Wen. The court officials are all very busy, including Lord Wen.

Moreover, because of the Emperor's birthday celebration, many people came to the capital, as well as other countries to offer their congratulations, making it a lively and extraordinary occasion, but also prone to danger.

So Lord Wen has been keeping Du Mingxian indoors lately. As a young lady from a wealthy family, it's normal for her not to leave the mansion, so she just stays in her own courtyard.

I'll visit the old lady again from time to time.

Today, she went to Old Madam Wen's courtyard as usual, but as soon as she reached the gate, she heard a commotion inside.

“Grandmother, I am also your granddaughter. Why can’t I attend this palace banquet? Although I am married, who in the capital doesn’t know that bastard was arrested on the night of my wedding?”

"Grandmother, please help me, I also want to attend the palace banquet."

Upon hearing Wen Shiyan making a scene inside, Du Mingxian didn't go in. Instead, she turned around and went straight back to her own courtyard. It was best not to go and watch the commotion.

Since Wen Shiyan returned from her divorce, both Madam Wen and Wen Shiyan have been holed up in their respective courtyards, never venturing out of their homes. It's likely that their resentment at this moment is greater than that of an eight-hundred-year-old vengeful ghost.

She didn't want to invite bad luck.

Du Mingxian didn't know how Old Madam Wen handled the matter. On the day of the Emperor's birthday, she got ready early and then took Chun Tao and headed out the door.

At the main gate, Lord Wen and Wen Yibin were already waiting. She stepped forward to pay her respects, and after not seeing Wen Shiyan, she knew that she was the only female member of the family this time.

"Get in the car."

Wen Shiyan said he was enjoying a quiet ride in a carriage.

When they arrived at the palace gate, the carriage stopped. Before Wen Shiyan could get out of the carriage, Lord Wen was already waiting outside and called out, "Huan'er, come down."

Du Mingxian thought to herself, "Lord Wen is truly a good father."

After getting off the carriage, I followed Lord Wen. Lord Wen didn't forget to remind me, "Stay close to me and don't wander off."

"My daughter knows."

Du Mingxian stood at the palace gate with some emotion. She thought she would never come again, but unexpectedly, she came again.

Following behind Lord Wen, she didn't look around at all, behaving like any other noble lady, even better than them. This pleased Lord Wen, who was walking ahead and occasionally paying attention.

They arrived neither late nor early. There were already quite a few people inside, and as soon as Lord Wen arrived, many people surrounded him to greet him.

Du Mingxian was immediately pushed out of the crowd. She immediately took a step back to keep her distance and stood there, smiling as she watched Lord Wen greet others.

After greeting everyone, Lord Wen turned to look at Du Mingxian, feeling surprised by her behavior.

"Huan'er, come here."

Du Mingxian stepped forward, "Father."

"I'll take you there, let you get acquainted with the place, and see if there are any familiar ladies there who can help you out."

Upon hearing this, Du Mingxian refused, "Father, those are all women over there, it's fine. I will ask around myself, you don't need to worry. Besides, it's not appropriate for you to go alone."

It is indeed impolite for a man to go to the women's side, even though... everyone is in the same place, they should still sit on the left and right sides.

"Alright." Lord Wen beckoned a palace maid, "Take my daughter to the women's quarters."

"It's an adult."

Du Mingxian was taken away by a palace maid, while Lord Wen went to his seat on his own.

The women and men sat facing each other. The women's side had the highest seat reserved for the imperial concubines, while the men's side had the seats reserved for princes and envoys from various countries.

Du Mingxian was led to her seat and sat down. She didn't move, and no one came up to greet her. She didn't try to make friends with anyone. Instead, she sat quietly in her seat, like a wooden stake.

Soon the emperor arrived, followed by a large entourage.

Everyone bowed, including Du Mingxian.

After the greetings were completed, everyone went to their respective places.

Du Mingxian, as the eldest daughter of the Wen family, naturally had a seat near the front. She immediately noticed the princes in front of her. After scrutinizing the princes with a dark look in her eyes, she pondered in her heart who was the one who had harmed her and Ling Silang.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice what the Emperor and the envoys from various countries were saying. She heard someone gently nudge her and whisper, "Miss Wen, the Emperor is asking you a question."

"What?" Du Mingxian was somewhat shocked. She had been lost in thought and hadn't heard what the Emperor had asked.

The hall was quiet. Although her voice wasn't loud, it was loud enough for those around her to hear.

The lady who had reminded her then explained in a low voice, "The Crown Prince of Dafan has taken a liking to you and has asked the Emperor for your hand in marriage. The Emperor is currently asking for your opinion."