“Thank you for your generosity, Wangye, but I don’t lack money. You should take it back,” Mingxi refused firmly. When it came to finances, it was better to keep things clear and separate.
After all, countless siblings had turned against one another over money—let alone a couple bound by an alliance who were destined to part ways eventually. It was all the more important to maintain financial clarity.
Xiao Muchen pressed the silver notes back into her hands and said earnestly, “I don’t understand commerce. You support my ambitions, and there will be many times in the future when silver is needed. You’re skilled at making money, so it’s better for you to manage it.”
Mingxi’s brows knitted tightly together.
Xiao Muchen observed her conflicted expression and resisted the urge to smile, maintaining a serious tone as he added, “I trust you.”
Mingxi: …
I don’t even trust myself!
She raised her eyes to Xiao Muchen, her expression complicated.
Aside from her adoptive parents and younger brother, he was the first person in this world to say that he trusted her.
This trust made her hesitate for a moment before accepting the banknotes. She looked at Xiao Muchen and said, “Business involves both profits and losses. If I end up losing all your money, don’t blame me for being incompetent.”
“Would you like me to write a promissory note for you?” Xiao Muchen asked with a smile.
Duan Mingxi felt slightly awkward. “There’s no need for that.”
“Let’s go have a meal together. There’s something I want to discuss with you.” Xiao Muchen had discovered that Mingxi was a person with strong opinions and a stubborn personality.
If you pushed her too hard, she’d immediately fight back. But if you softened your approach, she’d find it hard to refuse.
Sure enough, Mingxi hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Taking the opportunity, Xiao Muchen gently helped her into the carriage.
Mingxi froze for a second but immediately withdrew her hand once inside and sat upright with a serious expression. She couldn’t reconcile how someone so reserved and serious in demeanor could act like this in private.
Sitting across from her, Xiao Muchen appeared unconcerned about his earlier actions. As the carriage began to move, he said, “If you’re feeling uncomfortable, I could have someone call Nanxi back.”
Xu Nanxi had earlier left with the people from Duke Wei’s household. To summon her back now would be overly troublesome.
“There’s no need. Didn’t you have something to discuss with me?” Mingxi wasn’t the type to misunderstand kindness.
“You’re right,” Xiao Muchen said with a nod, smiling. “The matters between us aren’t something outsiders should know about.”
Mingxi: …
So, does he consider his cousin an outsider?
She was his direct cousin, and Xu Nanxi had always been protective of him, even extending that care to her as a future sister-in-law.
Still, for some reason, his words stirred a subtle emotion within her.
In her previous life, after marrying into the Gao family for ten years, she’d worked tirelessly without ever hearing words like these. Instead, she was stripped of everything, used as a stepping stone for the Gao family’s gain.
Her biological parents treated her like a stranger, and the foster parents who truly loved her had passed away one after another.
She’d been alone for so long, struggling to survive, unable to live freely or find peace in death.
She had long grown accustomed to solitude.
But now, someone was telling her, “Us…”
Mingxi lowered her gaze slightly to conceal the complexity in her eyes.
Xiao Muchen took her to a secluded four-courtyard house. It was exceptionally quiet, with few passersby, and the dining area consisted of private rooms that ensured absolute privacy.
Mingxi had never been here before and found it intriguing, her curiosity leading her to glance around.
Clearly familiar with the place, Xiao Muchen led her into a room and said softly, “The chef here is Fang Xulin, my mother’s former wet nurse’s brother. He’s one of our own. His cooking is excellent. I’ll let him know later that you’re welcome to come here anytime if you wish.”
Mingxi was momentarily stunned.
Xiao Muchen continued, “The affairs of the rear courtyard in my residence are currently overseen by Fang Mama, his mother. She used to be my mother’s wet nurse. My mother entrusted her to help manage things in the household.”
Mingxi listened quietly.
“If you get along with Fang Mama after you marry into the household, she can stay on to enjoy her old age. If not, I’ll have Fang Xulin take her away, and I’ll make other arrangements for her.”
This time, Mingxi was truly surprised and stared at Xiao Muchen, unsure of what to say.
Seeing her expression, Xiao Muchen chuckled. “Fang Mama served my mother in the palace for years and knows a great deal about life there. Her presence could be beneficial for you. However, if your personalities clash, there’s no need to force it. Mingxi, I’m serious about my promises to you.”
Mingxi looked at Xiao Muchen with some doubt. What promise?
Meeting her skeptical gaze, Xiao Muchen said calmly, “I promised you that the household affairs would be entirely entrusted to you. I meant it.”
Duan Mingxi: …
She didn’t know how to respond.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Xiao Muchen said.
A middle-aged man entered, carrying a lacquered tray made of yellow pear wood. He smiled warmly as he greeted Duan Wang.
“Greetings, Wangye.”
“No need for formalities, Uncle Fang,” Xiao Muchen replied. Turning to Mingxi, he added, “This is Miss Duan, my future wife.”
Fang Xulin immediately turned and saluted her. “Greetings, Miss Duan.”
“There’s no need to be so formal, Uncle Fang,” Mingxi quickly said.
Since Xiao Muchen addressed him as “Uncle,” it was clear he was a trusted person. She naturally wouldn’t act overly haughty.
Fang Xulin placed the dishes on the table and said with a smile, “My cooking skills are just barely passable. Miss, if you ever want to eat here, you’re always welcome.”
“If Wangye praises your cooking so highly, it must be excellent. I’m in for a treat today,” Mingxi replied with a smile.
Fang Xulin chuckled modestly. “Wangye finally settling down will surely make Niang Niang very happy. This is truly a joyful occasion.”
Mingxi could only smile in response.
After exchanging a few words with Fang Xulin and instructing him to check in on Fang Mama, Xiao Muchen dismissed him.
Xiao Muchen turned to Mingxi and explained, “Uncle Fang has a reserved personality and isn’t very talkative.”
Mingxi could see that, though she didn’t fully believe it. For Xiao Muchen to place him here and allow him to open such a private restaurant, someone with a reserved nature likely had exceptional skills or qualities.
“Let’s eat while it’s still hot. Try this braised ham and pork—Uncle Fang’s specialty,” Xiao Muchen said.
Mingxi took a bite and smiled. “Savory, tender, and melts in the mouth. It’s indeed excellent.”
Using the serving chopsticks, Xiao Muchen picked up another piece and placed it in Mingxi’s bowl. “Uncle Fang formally trained under a master chef. With his exceptional skills, this private dining restaurant has gained quite a reputation among the nobility in the capital.
“However, very few people know of his connection to me. I had him open this restaurant to serve as my informant. In the future, if you ever need to gather information, you can come to him.”
Mingxi’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a faint smile. “I appreciate Wangye’s thoughtfulness.”
She simply didn’t plan to use it; the more entangled they became, the harder it would be to separate later.
