The flower banquet at Marquis Guangxiang’s residence invited many young noblewomen from the capital. From Dingyuan Marquis’s household, the invited guests were Duan Mingxi, Duan Huirou, and Duan Min.
Since Yao Yunyi was close with Duan Huirou, she naturally did not invite the daughter of Yang Yiniang. As a result, Duan Qingyin did not receive an invitation.
This blatant snub left Yang Yiniang and her daughter fuming inside, though they dared not show it on their faces. However, they silently added it to their list of grievances.
On the day of the banquet, the three sisters went early to Rongan Hall to pay their respects to the Old Madam.
The Old Madam had strict rules: all daughters-in-law, granddaughters, and grandsons were required to greet her daily.
Duan Mingxi, having been unwell, had not been visiting for some time. As she approached Rongan Hall, she first encountered Duan Min.
Duan Min bore a strong resemblance to her father, the Third Master, with a trace of heroic spirit between her brows. Her personality also mirrored that of her mother, the Third Madam. Upon seeing Duan Mingxi, she quickly walked up to pay her respects.
“Big Sister,” she greeted warmly.
Duan Mingxi returned her smile with gentle warmth. In her past life, Duan Min had visited her at Duke Gao’s household despite struggling with her own hardships.
Duan Min had married a man with a gambling addiction who even stole her dowry for his vices. Their marriage became so strained that divorce seemed inevitable, yet family interests made it impossible.
Despite her own bitter life, Duan Min had remembered to check on Duan Mingxi during her own difficult times.
“Let’s go in together to see Grandmother,” Duan Mingxi said with a smile.
“Big Sister, your outfit today is absolutely stunning—both the dress and the person wearing it,” Duan Min complimented.
Duan Mingxi smiled and pulled a small pouch from her sleeve, handing it to Duan Min. “Here, take this. Something for you to enjoy.”
Duan Min accepted it casually, but upon opening the pouch, she gasped in shock. “This is too valuable. I can’t accept it.”
Duan Mingxi tied the pouch to Duan Min’s waist with a smile. “Third Aunt has always treated me well. This is just a small trinket for you—nothing too valuable. Keep it.”
Duan Min was stunned. Inside was a solid gold bracelet inlaid with various gemstones, weighing at least six or seven taels. A small trinket?
Wasn’t Big Sister said to have lived a hard life while away?
How could she afford to be so generous? Even in her own jewelry box, Duan Min had only a handful of items this fine.
As the two stepped into the courtyard of Rongan Hall, they could hear boisterous laughter from inside. The loudest, most unrestrained voice could only belong to Duan Huirou.
Duan Mingxi’s expression remained unchanged as she and Duan Min ascended the steps. A maid quickly went inside to announce their arrival.
When they entered the room, it was already filled with people.
Duan Qingyin and Duan Rong were both present. While Duan Qingyin’s status as a concubine-born daughter limited her standing, Duan Rong, being the legitimate daughter of the Second Madam, had every right to sit with prominence. Yet, the only one seated next to the Old Madam was Duan Huirou.
Everyone was momentarily stunned upon seeing Duan Mingxi.
She wore a deep purple ruqun with a silver-threaded floral embroidery design along the hem. The intricate details shimmered with light as she moved, exuding an air of luxury and nobility. Her radiant outfit only served to highlight her unparalleled beauty, making her seem even more dazzling and captivating.
Duan Mingxi glanced up nonchalantly, her refined features as calm and serene as rippling water. She took in Duan Huirou’s startled and annoyed expression with cool composure.
“Granddaughter greets Grandmother.”
As soon as Duan Mingxi’s voice sounded, the silence in the room broke. Everyone seemed to suddenly realize just how dazzling and radiant she appeared.
Why hadn’t they noticed this before?
The Old Madam’s eyes lit up with admiration. With such beauty, even if the marriage to the Gao family didn’t work out, finding a suitable match wouldn’t be difficult.
“Rise, both of you, and sit down to talk.”
Duan Mingxi and Duan Min took their seats, but before they could start speaking, Madam Xiao entered, followed closely by Madam Jiang and the second and third madams.
Seeing Duan Mingxi’s splendid attire, everyone looked somewhat surprised. Madam Jiang’s expression became slightly awkward, and she instinctively glanced at her youngest daughter, only to find Huirou looking visibly displeased.
The second and third madams, however, were openly impressed and praised Duan Mingxi, making Duan Huirou’s expression darken even further.
Madam Jiang frowned slightly but said nothing. She felt that her eldest daughter’s lavish dress was unsuited to the reserved grace expected of a noblewoman.
“You’re all going to Marquis Guangxiang’s flower banquet today. Remember to be courteous and avoid any improper behavior, so as not to harm your reputations.”
Hearing this veiled advice from the Old Madam, Duan Mingxi remained calm, as though she hadn’t picked up on the hint.
Duan Min initially wanted to respond but swallowed her words upon noticing this.
Duan Huirou softly chimed in, “Don’t worry, Grandmother. Granddaughter is very close with Yunyi and will keep an eye on everyone.”
The Old Madam knew that Duan Huirou and Duan Mingxi didn’t get along, but she still reminded her, “It’s your elder sister’s first time attending a banquet in the capital. Look out for her.”
Duan Huirou reluctantly agreed.
After bidding farewell to the Old Madam, Duan Mingxi and the others were about to leave. Madam Xiao, as the eldest sister-in-law, escorted them out.
Once they left the Old Madam’s residence, Duan Huirou’s smile vanished, and she strode ahead, ignoring Duan Mingxi and Duan Min.
Duan Min rolled her eyes. Duan Huirou was always putting on an act in front of the elders.
Madam Xiao didn’t chase after Duan Huirou but instructed a maid to follow her, then smiled at Duan Min. “Min Meimei, as your sister-in-law, I should be accompanying you today, but there’s an urgent matter with my family. Please look after your elder sister today.”
Duan Min smiled back. “Don’t worry, Sister-in-law; I will.”
Duan Mingxi glanced at Madam Xiao, surprised she had asked Duan Min to take care of her.
After seeing the three of them into the carriage, Duan Mingxi and Duan Min shared one, while Duan Huirou sat alone in another, with maids and older attendants trailing behind as the carriages slowly left Dingyuan Marquis’s estate.
The flower banquet hosted by Marquis Guangxiang was held at the Peony Terrace instead of the Marquis’ residence.
Peony Terrace was a recently built garden in the capital. Though not as grand as Jinrui Garden, it was set against mountains and waters, with flying eaves and green tiles, filled with exotic flowers and plants at every turn, creating an elegant and secluded atmosphere.
It was peony season, and the terrace was adorned with lush flowers, flowing water, and mossy stones, covered by vines—a breathtaking sight.
As soon as Duan Huirou alighted from her carriage, she ignored the others, lifting her skirts and hurrying away.
Duan Min’s face darkened in frustration. Not one to take slights, she said, “Second Sister didn’t heed a word our sister-in-law said, nor did she care about the elders’ instructions. When we get back, I’ll definitely bring it up.”
Duan Mingxi replied, “Without a butcher, can’t we still eat pork? Just because she’s not leading the way doesn’t mean we can’t find our own.”
Duan Min couldn’t hold back a laugh. Comparing Duan Huirou to killing a pig was too funny.
Her mood lifted instantly, and she took Duan Mingxi’s arm. “Jiejie, let me lead you inside. I’ve been here before. I’m not like Rou Jiejie, treating everyone like country bumpkins who’ve never seen the world.”
Just as Duan Mingxi was about to respond, she caught sight of a distant carriage bearing Guan Wang’s emblem, slowly approaching.
She paused briefly, her gaze turning thoughtful before she looked away and continued forward.
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