On the day of the dragon boat race, the entire Dingyuan Marquis Mansion seemed to have turned out en masse. Madam Jiang brought Duan Huirou along in the carriage. Although Huirou wore a sullen expression, she ultimately did not refuse to go.
Duan Mingxi paid her no mind. Whether Huirou went or not was irrelevant to her. As long as she didn’t cause trouble, they could coexist peacefully.
Mingxi boarded her own carriage, and Duan Qingyin followed her inside.
Behind them, the second and third madams brought Duan Min and Duan Rong along, while the third master had already gone ahead to meet the second master. Duan Pingchang had arranged an excellent viewing platform for them in advance.
Even before they reached Longhu, the roads were bustling with streams of people coming and going. Duan Qingyin peeked out through the carriage curtain and exclaimed in surprise, “Older Sister, there are so many people!”
Mingxi smiled. “Of course. After all, this involves everyone’s silver. How could they not come to see it with their own eyes?”
Qingyin nodded eagerly. “I need to see if my little stash of silver can double!”
Mingxi chuckled softly. “It’s possible.”
Duan Qingyin was overjoyed.
Upon arriving near Longhu, they noticed a designated road for carriages from various manors, allowing direct access to the viewing platforms, which saved considerable trouble.
Mingxi was pleasantly surprised. She hadn’t expected her father to come up with such an idea. With this arrangement, those who paid high prices to rent a platform would feel their money was well spent.
Once they reached the viewing platform, the sight was breathtaking. Looking out from the platform, the sea of people surrounding Longhu made the scene even more satisfying.
Next to the viewing platform of Dingyuan Marquis Manor was the one belonging to Duke Wei’s Manor. Mingxi was a little surprised. Xu Nanxi, spotting her, greeted her warmly, and the two exchanged words over the railing separating their platforms.
As a junior, Mingxi felt it only proper to formally greet the ladies of Duke Wei Manor.
The Old Madam was absent today, but Duke Wei Madam, along with the second, third, and fourth ladies of the manor, were all present.
None of the men from the manor were seen. Mingxi greeted the ladies with proper etiquette.
Duke Wei Madam’s expression was somewhat stiff. The incident from last time had caused her great embarrassment, and her sisters-in-law had laughed at her misfortune. Yet, given Duan Wang’s clear attitude, Duke Wei Madam dared not show any further displeasure and treated Mingxi warmly.
Seeing her demeanor, Mingxi naturally avoided creating unnecessary friction. The other ladies of Duke Wei Manor were even more cordial, mentioning how they had been too preoccupied during the last banquet to converse properly and inviting her to visit their manor sometime.
Mingxi smiled politely but thought there was no reason to visit casually.
After exchanging pleasantries, she took her leave.
Xu Nanxi accompanied her partway, saying she would also visit the Marquis Manor platform to pay her respects. This mutual courtesy ensured no breach of propriety.
Knowing that Mingxi preferred not to discuss the previous incident, Xu Nanxi refrained from mentioning it during their conversation.
“I’ve even wagered my private savings on the Marquis Manor this time,” Xu Nanxi said with a smile.
Mingxi looked at her in surprise before smiling. “Because of last time?”
Xu Nanxi quickly shook her head. “I trust you’ll bring me some winnings. Even my cousin has placed his bet on the Marquis Manor, so I’m confident it won’t be a loss.”
Mingxi’s smile faltered slightly.
Xu Nanxi laughed lightly and added, “The other day, Bai Zhiwei hosted a gathering and invited many young ladies, using her words to promote Duke Gao’s Manor.”
Mingxi chuckled softly. “Did you attend?”
“She invited me, but since she’s at odds with you, how could I possibly go?” Xu Nanxi replied.
Mingxi found herself liking Xu Nanxi’s straightforward nature, though Duke Wei Madam remained unpleasant.
Seeing Mingxi’s smile, Xu Nanxi felt relieved. Her mother’s missteps had required significant effort to mend bridges with Mingxi.
“Duke Zhen has raised a good daughter. She’s already rallying for her future husband’s family before even marrying,” Mingxi remarked lightly.
Xu Nanxi leaned closer and whispered, “Bai Zhiwei has been making things difficult for Bai Shixi in Duke Zhen Manor. Someone mentioned it to Madam Gao, who now harbors significant dissatisfaction with her future daughter-in-law.”
“Looking at the pot while eating from the bowl—who wouldn’t be upset if they were the ‘bowl’?” Mingxi’s comment amused Xu Nanxi, who nodded in agreement.
“Apparently, Duke Zhen Madam has been pressuring for a wedding date, but Madam Gao’s response has been lukewarm,” Xu Nanxi added.
“It’s no surprise. Bai Shixi is slated to marry into the Eastern Palace this year. If Bai Zhiwei, as her elder sister, marries later, how do you think people will perceive it?”
“I’ve heard Bai Zhiwei isn’t so concerned. When the Crown Prince visited Duke Zhen Manor recently, she even made a point to meet him. Who else would fail to avoid such a situation?”
Mingxi was about to reply when Xu Nanxi tugged her sleeve. “Mingxi, look over there!”
Following Xu Nanxi’s gaze, Mingxi froze. Not far away, Bai Zhiwei stood talking to the Crown Prince, her expression shy and slightly bashful.
Mingxi immediately turned to Qiancao. “Find someone to pass a message to the Duke Gao Shizi.”
Xu Nanxi quickly intervened. “I’ll send someone instead.”
Mingxi hesitated before nodding, understanding Xu Nanxi’s intentions.
“I’ll find someone unrelated,” Xu Nanxi assured her.
Mingxi immediately understood. She had initially sent Qiancao to find someone unconnected to the matter, but seeing Xu Nanxi’s thoughtful offer, she accepted it graciously. “Alright.”
Xu Nanxi quickly gave instructions to her maid and then said to Mingxi, “Let’s go ahead first.”
Mingxi didn’t move and spoke in a low voice, “I wonder if Bai Shixi is here today.”
Xu Nanxi shook her head. “Even if she is, I doubt she’ll do anything.”
“It’s not about making her do something—it’s about making sure she’s prepared.”
Xu Nanxi frowned. “What do you mean?”
“In a place as crowded as this, even in a secluded corner, do you think Bai Zhiwei truly believes no one will see her?”
“She’s doing it on purpose?”
“It’s possible she’s deliberately putting on a show for someone.”
The two of them knew exactly who that someone was.
So, Bai Zhiwei wanted to intentionally provoke Bai Shixi?
Xu Nanxi’s expression darkened. “How amusing—pulling this kind of stunt against her own sister.”
“Why not? After all, the position of Crown Princess is at stake. Whether someone else sits in it or she herself does makes a world of difference.”
Xu Nanxi clicked her tongue in disdain and then asked, “That makes sense. But why are you helping Bai Shixi?”
“I’m not helping Bai Shixi. It’s just that her becoming the Crown Princess would benefit me more than Bai Zhiwei taking the position.”
Xu Nanxi was momentarily startled by Mingxi’s response. After thinking it over carefully, she nodded. “That’s true.”
After all, Bai Zhiwei had a grudge against Mingxi. If she became the Crown Princess, she would undoubtedly target Mingxi at every turn.
“In that case, why not go for something ruthless?” Xu Nanxi lowered her voice and suggested to Mingxi.
