“It’s nothing,” Duan Pingchang waved dismissively. “I was passing through the market on my way here and ran into a scuffle between two families that startled the horses. Got bumped in the carriage, that’s all.”
Duan Mingxi examined him carefully. Seeing it was only a minor bruise, she relaxed. “Why were you passing through the market anyway?”
“You asked me to keep an eye on the happenings at the Horticulture Bureau. I noticed them transporting fresh produce from the market recently, which seemed unusual, so I decided to investigate,” Duan Pingchang explained.
“And? What did you find out?”
“There’s infighting at the Horticulture Bureau. Their greenhouses are constantly having problems—flooding one day, fires the next. It’s chaos. The farmers working under them are miserable, but they have no one to turn to.”
Compared to the Horticulture Bureau, Duan Pingchang felt the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau wasn’t so bad after all.
“With their crops failing, they have no choice but to buy replacements from the market. That’s all they’ve been doing lately.”
“No one’s intervening?”
“How could they? The Horticulture Bureau has the Imperial Kitchen Bureau as their backer. When the kitchens clash internally, it’s them that suffers.” Duan Pingchang shook his head and sighed.
“Father, you’re becoming quite knowledgeable. You even know about their ties to the Imperial Kitchen Bureau.”
“I’m doing business with the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau. Of course, I need to gather as much information as I can to avoid stepping on any toes,” Duan Pingchang replied.
The capital wasn’t Jiangcheng. Here, under the Emperor’s nose, even throwing a handful of sunflower seeds could hit an official.
As a mere merchant, he had to tread carefully.
“Let me tell you, Mingxi, you were right. The business opportunities within the palace are incredible. By working with the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau, I’ve already gotten to know a few people. The Twenty-Four Bureaus of the Imperial Court—every one of them is a treasure trove.”
Of course, not just anyone could tap into those resources.
Duan Pingchang had managed to secure a portion of the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau’s business thanks to a hefty fifty-thousand-tael investment. As for the others, he was simply laying the groundwork for now.
Duan Mingxi listened as her father spoke, her smile growing wider. “You’re doing exactly what you should. The Twenty-Four Bureays are indeed full of opportunities, but they’re not easy to seize. We’ll take it slow, one step at a time.”
“You’re right. I’m in no rush, but I do think there’s an opportunity with the Horticulture Bureau.”
“Hmm, I think so too. But since the Imperial Kitchen Bureau hasn’t settled their dispute yet, it’s best we don’t get involved for now. We’ll have to wait a bit longer.”
“You’re planning to send Second Master Duan to the Horticulture Bureau? That’s not possible, is it?”
“Of course not,” Mingxi laughed. “That kind of place isn’t suitable for Second Uncle. But I’m waiting for the right opportunity.”
Duan Pingchang understood. The opportunity was indeed tied to the Horticulture Bureau, but what exactly his daughter was waiting for, he didn’t ask. Instead, he said, “If you need anything from me, just say the word.”
“Why would I stand on ceremony with you?”
“Now that’s the right attitude.”
Father and daughter chatted cheerfully, and Madam Xu, listening in, felt pleased. She headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal, insisting that Mingxi eat before leaving.
After lunch at the Duan family home, Mingxi accompanied her father to the study.
Once seated, she spoke seriously, “I’ve arranged for You Sanping to work under Second Uncle.”
Duan Pingchang nodded. “Sanping met with me as soon as he arrived in the capital. For someone doing odd jobs, being given this chance by you makes him so grateful he’d practically offer you his head to show his loyalty.”
Duan Mingxi chuckled, “That’s not necessary.”
In her past life, You Sanping had secretly protected Duan Sirui after her parents passed, only to be tragically implicated and lose his life.
In this life, Mingxi wasn’t going to forget him. Given the chance, she wanted to help. In these times, climbing up the social ladder was difficult, but becoming an advisor could be a viable path. How far You Sanping could go would depend on his own abilities.
“Sanping mentioned he wanted to bow to you as a gesture of thanks.”
Duan Mingxi shook her head. “For now, let him solidify his position by proving himself at Second Uncle’s side. He doesn’t need to thank me; I’m just giving him an opportunity. Whether he can hold onto it depends on him.”
“Alright, I’ll pass the message along.” Duan Pingchang smiled broadly. “By the way, you haven’t told me why you came to see me today.”
“It’s about the Dragon Boat Race. Second Uncle has done well so far, and I think it’s time to turn up the heat.”
“How do you plan to do that?”
“Some people want to snatch this from me, but I’m not going to take it lying down.”
Duan Pingchang’s expression darkened at the mention of the fire incident. “Those people are truly ruthless. Luckily, we were prepared, or it could’ve been disastrous. What’s your plan?”
“How about organizing a practice run for the Dragon Boat teams on Longhu tomorrow?”
Duan Pingchang’s eyes lit up. “That’s a brilliant idea. A public display will give people a clear sense of their capabilities. It’s sure to stir things up.”
“To make money, you need momentum.”
“Alright, leave it to me. I’ll handle it perfectly.”
“If it weren’t for the need to keep a low profile, I’d even consider joining the race myself.”
“This won’t do. You’re now betrothed to Duan Wang; you must be mindful of your reputation,” Duan Pingchang quickly advised. It seemed the child was truly fired up and even ready to step in herself.
Duan Pingchang first sought out Second Master Duan, and the two discussed the matter by Longhu.
For Second Master Duan, this was the first time working alongside Duan Pingchang. After the meeting, he returned to the mansion and remarked to his wife, “This foster father of Mingxi’s is no simple character—no wonder he’s the richest man in Jiangcheng.”
Second Madam replied sourly, “Have you seen the way Mingxi handles things? That bearing and capability—could an ordinary person have raised her? If you ask me, Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law are really inconsiderate. Others raised their child so well, and they don’t even acknowledge it. Now, they’re pretending to be deaf and dumb.”
“What do you know? Stop talking nonsense.”
“What nonsense? Father has already approved Mingxi maintaining ties with the Duan family. What’s the difference between that and acknowledging the relationship?”
“After all, he’s a merchant. It’s understandable that Eldest Brother would feel it’s beneath him.”
“I don’t think it’s about Eldest Brother feeling it’s beneath him. It’s Eldest Sister-in-law who’s unwilling. Look at how she treats Mingxi—it’s as if she’s a stepmother….”
“You’re getting more and more carried away. Don’t spread such talk in the mansion. If it reaches Eldest Sister-in-law’s ears, it’ll be embarrassing.”
“I’m just feeling indignant for Mingxi. Such a good child—if she were my daughter, I’d give her my heart if I could.”
Second Master Duan listened, thinking back to when Mingxi first returned home. His wife’s attitude wasn’t like this back then, but that was something he couldn’t say.
Second Madam turned to him and asked, “It’s my mother’s birthday in a few days. I want to take Mingxi with me. What do you think?”
“Mingxi’s situation is different now. Let’s wait and see,” Second Master replied, shaking his head.
Second Madam frowned. “What, is my family not presentable enough?”
“Listen to yourself. It’s not that. If Mingxi goes, I’m just worried she might outshine the birthday star.”
Second Madam was amused by his comment. “Outshine her? Not likely. I’m just worried Mingxi won’t feel at ease if she goes. Let’s talk about it later.”
Second Master breathed a small sigh of relief and quickly changed the subject. “Madam Ma will be coming to the capital in a few days. You should meet her. The two children have been engaged for so long; it’s time they got married.”
At the mention of this, Second Madam’s face immediately fell.
