Duan Jin had been engaged to the eldest daughter of Ma Qi, the Inspector of Yuzhou, for two years. Last year, Second Madam wanted to set a wedding date, but the Ma family kept delaying.
She thought it was normal for the bride’s family to raise their daughter’s status, so she didn’t get angry. Early this year, she sent a matchmaker again, but Madam Ma pushed it off once more, claiming her daughter was still young and needed another year at home.
Hah!
If she waited another year, she’d be an old maid!
Second Madam had been stewing in anger ever since. Coincidentally, Mingxi had opened the door to Songshan Academy, so she sent her son there to study.
Recalling this, she turned to her husband and asked, “So, has someone said something to you?”
Second Master’s lips twitched slightly.
Seeing this, Second Madam’s temper flared. “I’m telling you now—no matter who says what, it won’t work! Madam Ma herself said her daughter needs another year at home. Fine, let her stay! Jin Er still has his studies to focus on, so there’s no rush for him to get married!”
Second Master knew his wife had already been angry twice over this matter. Trying to pacify her, he said, “This decision was made by Madam Ma herself. Ma Qi didn’t know anything. As soon as he found out, he passed the message along to me…”
“Bah! Two people sharing the same bed can’t have completely different stories. Ma Qi claims ignorance? Last year, when I sent a matchmaker to their door, he ‘didn’t know.’ This year, another matchmaker goes, and he ‘still doesn’t know.’ Do you think I’m a fool?”
“We can’t just keep dragging this out.”
“Yes, we can! It’s not like we’re refusing to marry—it’s them who don’t want to. Besides, are you dense? This is all because Mingxi has become engaged to Duan Wang. Ma Qi must have gotten wind of it, and now, barely any time has passed, he’s suddenly ‘discovered’ what his wife has been up to?”
Second Master fell silent, sighing softly. “We can’t let this engagement completely fall through. That wouldn’t be good for our son. People would only gossip that having a Duan Wangfei in the family has made us arrogant.”
Hearing this, Second Madam almost leapt up in anger, but after thinking about it, she begrudgingly admitted her husband had a point. She suppressed her temper, scowling in frustration but saying nothing.
Seeing her reaction, Second Master frowned and added, “Don’t be angry. I’ll write to Ma Qi and tell him directly. His wife claimed twice that she wanted to keep their daughter for another year, and hearing that, we sent our son to study at Songshan Academy.”
Second Madam’s expression softened somewhat. “Now that’s more like it. Ma Qi is just an inspector; his wife has no right to act so high and mighty. This engagement wasn’t something we begged for in the first place. If they don’t want it, they should just say so.”
Her voice turned mocking. “All this posturing… It’s just because you don’t hold an official post. Madam Ma thinks she can look down on us. But wait until you earn a title—let’s see where she’ll hide her face then.”
Second Master felt a pang of guilt at her words. If he had worked harder in past years, his wife wouldn’t have had to endure this humiliation.
Spurred by this thought, he became more determined. “Alright, I’ll put in the effort. You’ll hold your head high in the future.”
Second Madam smiled faintly. “I’ll hold you to that. I’ve waited this long—I might as well wait a little longer. Who would’ve thought, after all these years, my husband would finally decide to better himself.”
Second Master: …
Fortunately, he had thick skin.
Second Madam, now in better spirits, decided to ignore the news from the Ma family. After all, hadn’t Ma Qi also claimed he didn’t know about his wife’s behavior? Well, then, they were even.
Feeling cheerful, Second Madam took her daughter, Duan Rong, to visit her family the next day. She wanted to discuss the situation with her mother and figure out the next steps.
She truly didn’t want this engagement anymore. If the bride’s family was already this troublesome before marriage, who knew what they’d be like after? However, their side couldn’t take the initiative to break it off. Otherwise, people would gossip that their household had become arrogant after gaining a royal connection.
If Mingxi’s reputation were tarnished, how would they manage in the future?
With no immediate solution, Second Madam decided to seek her mother’s advice.
After informing the Old Madam, Second Madam happily left for her family home. Meanwhile, Mingxi stayed at home and heard that the Old Master had taken Duan Qi to visit the Compiler Zhou.
Mingxi summoned Li Quan. “Did you buy the estate outside the city I mentioned earlier?”
Li Quan hurriedly replied, “Miss, I inquired about both properties. One is priced ridiculously high, and the other’s owner refuses to sell.”
“How much are they asking?” Mingxi asked.
“For a similar-sized estate, the price is around 3,000 taels. But the one with the hot spring is asking for 2,000 more just because of it.” Li Quan thought it unreasonable. A hot spring couldn’t be worth that much, especially since Mingxi wouldn’t visit it often. He felt it was a waste of money.
Mingxi frowned. “Was it always this expensive?”
Li Quan hesitated. “I didn’t ask about that. Should I look into it? Miss, why are you so set on buying that estate? Aside from the hot spring, there’s nothing remarkable about it.”
“I have my reasons. Go back and investigate thoroughly, but do it quietly—don’t let anyone notice.”
Li Quan, hearing her tone, straightened up. “I’ll go today and find out everything. Don’t worry, Miss.”
“Go ahead.”
The estate was crucial for securing a position for her Second Uncle. Without it, things would be much more difficult. However, the additional 2,000 taels seemed suspicious. Mingxi couldn’t help but wonder if someone had deliberately raised the price after catching wind of her interest.
Later that afternoon, Li Quan returned, looking visibly upset.
Mingxi’s heart sank. “Miss, the estate has already been sold.”
Mingxi paused. “Who bought it?”
“Duke Gao Shizi,” Li Quan replied indignantly. “He paid 5,500 taels.”
Mingxi’s expression darkened. “When was it purchased?”
“This afternoon,” Li Quan replied, his frustration evident.
Mingxi exhaled slowly. “It seems we’ve been targeted.”
Li Quan froze, then immediately apologized, “It’s my fault. I delayed and ruined your plans.”
“This has nothing to do with you—they’re targeting me. Watching you is just a way to see what I’ll do,” Mingxi said with a cold laugh. Gao Zhan would never spend so much silver to buy a property like that.
Although the Duke Gao Residence could afford such an expense, given their situation, why would they willingly spend money on a property that is useless to them?
It must be Gao Zhan covering for the Crown Prince, buying it on his behalf.
It seems the Crown Prince has his eye on her!
Duan Mingxi looked at Li Quan and said, “Here’s what you’ll do: continue inquiring about property prices around that area. Act as if you’re ready to buy elsewhere if you can’t secure something there.”
Li Quan froze for a moment. “Miss, are we really going to buy it?”
“Of course not!” Mingxi sneered. “If someone’s keeping an eye on me, then I’ll gladly help them waste their silver.”
If the Crown Prince has the nerve, let him buy up every property she inquires about!
Hearing this, Li Quan’s eyes lit up. “I’ll make sure to handle this well for you, Miss. Don’t worry.”
“Go on,” Mingxi said with a faint smile. “Remember, you must make it look real. Don’t let anyone notice any flaws.”
“Yes, Miss.”
As soon as Li Quan left, Duan Mingxi got up and walked out. What virtue or ability did she have to warrant the crown prince’s attention?
Such a grand “gift”—she had to return the favor properly.
This was only the beginning.
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! Want to get early access to at least 15 chapters in advance? Go to my Patreon to join now! :)
