“Brother San?” Li Quan tentatively called out.
You Sanping glanced at him. “From tomorrow onward, you’ll work under me.”
Li Quan sighed inwardly. Brother San was clearly unhappy about how he had bungled the task.
“The young lady specifically told me to learn from you. This time, I’ll definitely be diligent,” Li Quan quickly assured, suddenly regretting his previously lazy attitude back in Jiangcheng.
You Sanping drained his cup of wine in one swift motion, and Li Quan hurried to refill it.
“How is the young lady faring at the Marquis Mansion?” You Sanping asked, looking at him.
Li Quan sighed. “At first, not very well, but now she’s doing great. The young lady is incredibly capable. It didn’t take long for her to establish herself, and now she’s been betrothed to Duan Wang.”
You Sanping’s grip on the wine cup tightened slightly. “Is that so?”
“Absolutely.” Li Quan perked up, recounting in detail everything that had happened since the young lady returned to the Marquis Mansion. “Brother San, it’s a pity you weren’t there. If you had come to the capital with the young lady back then, with your skills, she wouldn’t have had to endure so much.”
Li Quan sighed lightly. “The young lady listens to you. I was useless—I didn’t know how to help her at the time.”
You Sanping gave him a sideways glance. “Indeed, you were useless.”
Li Quan: …
Why did that feel like a dagger to the heart?
“Brother San, the young lady said that when she marries into the prince’s household, she wants me to be her steward. But if I don’t have the skills, I won’t be able to do the job. You’ve got to teach me well.”
“The young lady wants you to be her steward?” You Sanping was taken aback.
Li Quan nodded, a little excited. “That’s right, Brother San! Surprised? Shocked? I was so amazed when I heard her say that. That’s why I need to work hard and make sure I don’t embarrass her.”
In his enthusiasm, Li Quan failed to notice the flicker of disappointment in You Sanping’s eyes.
As the wine kept flowing, Li Quan grew drunk and began rambling.
“Brother San, sometimes I think it’d have been better if the young lady had stayed in Jiangcheng and never come to the capital.”
“But that wouldn’t work either. She’s the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis’s family, a position so noble she couldn’t just abandon it.”
“Staying in Jiangcheng was nice, but… not that great. Because of her status, those officials’ daughters always looked down on her. All because they were jealous of her, right?”
“But now she’s not just the Marquis’s legitimate daughter; she’s also the future Duan Wangfei. Those Jiangcheng daughters probably don’t even deserve to tie her shoes. They’re probably terrified she’ll come back for them now.”
As his voice trailed off, Li Quan slumped onto the table and fell asleep.
You Sanping called for a servant to carry him to a side room. The house fell silent once more.
Standing by the window, You Sanping clasped his hands behind his back. His shadow stretched faintly across the floor, bathed in pale moonlight. His angular face, illuminated by the moon’s glow, bore a striking sharpness.
He shouldn’t have come to the capital. But after receiving her letter, he couldn’t resist.
He knew she didn’t want his talent to go to waste and hoped to give him a chance to shine.
But she didn’t know—he had never cared for such things.
As the night deepened, the moonlight shone on the window lattice, enveloping his figure, just as it shrouded the unspeakable longing in his heart.
Before, it had been impossible.
In the future, it would be even more so.
Yet he still couldn’t stop himself from wanting to see her and protect her.
…..
The next day, Li Quan returned to the Marquis’s residence.
“Brother You San asked me to inquire about the estate in the western suburbs. What does the young lady plan to do with it?”
Only then did Mingxi realize she hadn’t mentioned her plans to You Sanping. She had assumed he already knew.
She told Li Quan, “Let him know to meet me at Father’s study tomorrow morning. I’ll explain it then.”
Li Quan nodded. “Brother You San will definitely be delighted to see the young lady.”
Mingxi was in a good mood too. It was always pleasant to reunite with old friends.
After Li Quan left, Duan Qingyin came to visit Mingxi.
“Third Brother’s apprenticeship has been settled; Mr. Zhou has agreed,” said Duan Qingyin.
Mingxi wasn’t surprised. A sincere gift always touches the heart. Zhou Ying had his preferences, and since the gift catered perfectly to them, how could he bear to refuse?
“In that case, everyone can be at ease now,” Mingxi said, looking at Duan Qingyin.
She knew that Duan Qingyin’s visit was undoubtedly orchestrated by Yang Yiniang to gather information.
Now that Duan Yu had joined the Military Selection Bureau and Duan Qi had become a disciple of Teacher Zhou, it was only natural for Yang Yiniang to worry about her own son’s future.
Duan Qingyin was clever and quickly caught on after hearing her elder sister’s reasoning.
Yes, only if the madam’s two sons have promising futures will they stop focusing on my brother. That way, he can study in peace and patiently prepare for the next examination.
“You’re right, and I hope for nothing but good things for our third brother.” Duan Qingyin replied with genuine sincerity.
Duan Mingxi nodded slightly. “It’s good that you can see it clearly.”
They were all in the same boat; working together was far better than splitting apart.
“Older Sister, Yiniang has taken out all her savings and asked me to bet on our family’s success.” Duan Qingyin smiled.
Mingxi was surprised. “Isn’t Yang Yiniang afraid of losing everything?”
“She said that following you, Older Sister, would be worthwhile, even if we lose. Besides, I think our chances of winning are high with you leading us.”
“That’s not guaranteed,” Mingxi said with a smile. She looked at Duan Qingyin and asked, “How is Yang Yiniang’s health?”
“Thanks to the medicinal herbs you sent, Yiniang looks much better. The doctor said she’ll recover fully with some more rest and might even be able to move about during the Dragon Boat Festival.”
“That’s great. If she can come out by then, she can enjoy the festival and cheer for our family’s team.”
Duan Qingyin agreed with a smile, but hesitation flickered across her face.
Mingxi noticed it. “If you have something to say, just speak your mind.”
Duan Qingyin hesitated before responding, “I’m worried it might seem petty.”
“It’s fine. Tell me.”
“Older Sister, yesterday, I saw our second sister leave the residence. I had someone follow her, and they saw her meet with Fu Hongxiao. Considering how public the wager and rivalry with you have been, I can’t help but feel uneasy about their meeting.”
Mingxi hadn’t heard about this yet and looked at Duan Qingyin. “Did your person see them together with their own eyes?”
“Yes.” Duan Qingyin nodded. “Older Sister, I’m worried Fu Hongxiao might be up to something. Please be cautious.”
Mingxi chuckled softly. “That depends on whether Duan Huirou dares to take action. Do this for me: spread the news to the madam and Duan Qi.”
“Ah? Will that work?” Duan Qingyin frowned. “Mother has always favored our second sister.”
“That’s fine.” Mingxi smiled faintly. “I just want her to know.”
It was the perfect opportunity to test Duan Qi.
Two birds with one stone.
