The events of the Old Madam of Duchess Wei Mansion’s birthday banquet quickly spread throughout the social circles.
The actions of Duchess Wei were undoubtedly improper. Before the bride had even entered the household, she attempted to stuff her niece into the prince’s residence as a concubine, clearly to provoke and inconvenience the Dingyuan Marquis’ family. It was apparent she thought they were easy to bully.
Not long after, news of Feng Wenxuan being sent back to the Feng family reached Mingxi’s ears.
This reminded her of what Duan Wang had said to her that day—he would provide her with an explanation.
So, this was the so-called explanation?
Better than nothing, perhaps.
However, the root of the issue wasn’t Feng Wenxuan herself; it was Duchess Wei.
Xu Nanxi invited Mingxi out for tea, but Mingxi declined the invitation. She was well aware that Xu Nanxi likely wanted to discuss the matter of Feng Wenxuan, but why should she bother to listen?
While Mingxi had a favorable impression of Xu Nanxi, it wouldn’t change her opinion of Duchess Wei.
When Xu Nanxi received Mingxi’s reply, she sighed softly and had no choice but to report back to her grandmother.
The Old Madam contemplated for a while, her expression revealing no emotions. After a moment, she finally spoke, “I didn’t expect her to have such a fiery temper. If she marries into the family in the future, I wonder if the couple will live harmoniously and grow old together.”
Xu Nanxi, listening to her grandmother’s words, softly replied, “It’s hard to blame Mingxi for being angry. Anyone would find such a situation unbearable. My mother truly didn’t handle this well, and it’s no surprise Mingxi is upset.”
The Old Madam refrained from saying much in front of her granddaughter, but inwardly she thought, With such a temperament, she’s bound to suffer in the future.
As the future Duan Wangfei, she would represent Duan Wang’s household. And the imperial palace, a place that devours people without leaving a trace, would surely exploit her personality. Trouble was bound to follow.
Thinking of this, the Old Madam turned to her granddaughter. “Your mother was in the wrong this time, but since Wenxuan has already been sent away, let’s consider the matter closed.”
Nanxi lowered her head slightly, unsure how to respond.
She thought, If it were me, I’d hold onto the grudge for a long time. But such words were better left unsaid.
“Grandmother, I’ll find an opportunity to visit Mingxi and explain things to her. Don’t be fooled by her fiery personality; she’s actually a very decent person,” Xu Nanxi said with a gentle smile.
The Old Madam disagreed silently but recognized that the situation had reached a resolution. The Duke Household had already made its stance clear, and there was no need to grovel further.
“Do as you see fit,” she said, waving her hand.
Xu Nanxi withdrew, her brows slightly furrowed, her lotus-like face tinged with helplessness. It seemed she had no choice but to go in person.
At this time, Mingxi had gone to meet her adoptive parents to discuss the dragon boat race.
Dragon boat teams required extensive training and coordination. Because of the unique customs of the dragon boat races in the capital, a group of professional teams had sprung up over the years.
Unfamiliar with the local teams, Mingxi feared being deceived if she acted rashly. Hence, she decided to bring in a few teams from Jiangcheng, known for its vibrant dragon boat traditions during the Dragon Boat Festival.
“Pitting the North against the South?” Duan Pingchang looked at his daughter in surprise. “Why would you do that?”
“To make a name for ourselves.”
Her Father didn’t fully understand her reasoning, but knowing his daughter was full of ideas, he simply said, “That’s easy enough. I’ll send a letter to Jiangcheng. However many people you need, we can arrange for them.”
“Not too many—five teams will suffice.”
Duan Pingchang’s mouth twitched. That’s already a lot.
Seeing her Father’s reaction, Mingxi chuckled. “Even before the teams arrive, we’ll spread the word: someone has spent a fortune bringing dragon boat teams from the South to compete against the capital teams.”
This is incitement!
Duan Pingchang looked worried. “Making such a big stir—is it feasible?”
“It has to be.” Mingxi’s gaze was resolute. “Father, if we want to make a swift breakthrough in the capital, we need to go big.”
Duan Pingchang studied his daughter. “But what benefit will you gain from this?”
“Plenty.” Duan Mingxi’s brows arched, her smile brimming with confidence. “Before the news breaks, secure the viewing pavilions around Dragon Lake. Is that doable?”
Duan Pingchang frowned. With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, the pavilions around Dragon Lake—the prime spots for viewing the races—were always in high demand.
“It’ll be tough, but I’ll manage.”
My daughter said she wanted it, so he will definitely get it done. Although it’s not easy, it’s not impossible either.
“We’ll make a big profit from the silver of noble families in the capital,” Mingxi said with a smile.
Duan Pingchang was taken aback. “Make a profit? How much can those viewing platforms bring in?”
It cost quite a bit to acquire them, and the profit from subleasing wasn’t substantial.
If the market wasn’t good, there might even be losses.
“I’ve asked around. In the past, a single viewing platform could be leased out for just a few dozen taels of silver per day. But in our hands, the price could at least double.”
“You’re quite bold,” thought Duan Pingchang, who had been in business for many years but never dared to think that way.
Noticing her father’s worried expression, Mingxi said, “You just need to secure the viewing platforms before the North-South rivalry begins. The prices shouldn’t fluctuate much compared to last year. Leave the rest to me.”
“At least give me a hint,” Duan Pingchang still felt uncertain.
“Don’t casually promise the viewing platforms to anyone. When the time comes, I’ll have Second Uncle handle the negotiations with you.”
This Second Uncle must be Second Master Duan from the Marquis household. Hearing that Second Master Duan would also get involved, Duan Pingchang felt a little relieved. “Alright.”
The father and daughter discussed the matter thoroughly. Afterward, Mingxi stayed to have a meal with her parents and asked about her younger brother’s studies at the academy before leaving.
For several consecutive days, Mingxi was busy running around for this matter, leaving early and returning late, often out of sight.
On this particular day, she was scouting the terrain around Longhu to determine the best locations and the specific route for the dragon boat race.
Under the blazing sun, she walked along the lakeside for half a day, gradually forming a plan in her mind.
As she prepared to head back, she noticed Xiao Muchen standing under a willow tree in the distance. It was unclear how long he had been waiting for her.
Duan Mingxi, who hadn’t seen him for days, was momentarily stunned to encounter him here today.
Xiao Muchen, noticing Mingxi had spotted him, strode over directly.
“Why is Wangye here?” Duan Mingxi asked proactively.
“I was passing by and saw you enjoying the scenery, so I came over,” Xiao Muchen replied, his gaze falling on Mingxi’s slightly sunburned face, the faint sheen of sweat on her nose, and her damp bangs.
This version of her was quite different from her usual neat and composed appearance.
Mingxi looked at the handkerchief he offered her, then glanced at him standing tall in his white attire, the epitome of elegance. A phrase flashed through her mind: A gentleman like jade, unparalleled in the world.
After a moment’s hesitation, she accepted the handkerchief and wiped her sweat.
Just for the sake of that face!
Xiao Muchen’s lips curved slightly. “What are you looking at here?”
Duan Mingxi’s eyes flickered, and she answered with a straight face, “I heard that there’s a tradition of dragon boat racing in the capital. Some friends invited me to join their team. It sounded interesting, so I came to check it out.”
Xiao Muchen raised his gaze at her, amused. Hah, making excuses right in front of him.
Do they think I’m foolish and easy to deceive?
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