The dragon boat races stirred excitement in the capital for several days before the fervor began to subside.
Amid this, Duan Mingxi once again became the subject of conversation, as she was the mastermind behind the betting scheme tied to the races.
The Dingyuan Marquis Manor, which had been in decline, won third place in the race. Previously, the manor had garnered attention due to Mingxi’s engagement as the future Wangfei of Duan Wang. This time, however, the spotlight was on their actual achievements.
Notably, Second Master Duan’s exceptional performance during the races drew many invitations his way afterward.
The second Madam of the household grew concerned and returned to her family to consult with them.
Her father, a shilang in the Ministry of Personnel, said, “This eldest young lady you’ve brought back into the family is no ordinary person. Instead of coming to me for advice, why not consult her directly?”
“I just feel bad constantly troubling Mingxi, which is why I came to you,” the Second Madam replied with a smile.
“You really don’t think things through. Back then, your eldest niece confidently promised to secure an official position for her husband. I think she already had a plan in mind. This latest situation is likely a stepping stone. You and your husband should refrain from acting on your own judgment.”
“I can’t offer random advice either. What if it disrupts her strategy? Besides, after the dragon boat race, hasn’t she stopped assigning tasks to her husband?” Qiao Shilang looked at his daughter as he spoke.”
Having worked in the Ministry of Personnel for many years, he understood that at his age, further promotion was unlikely. He would most likely retire at the rank of shilang.
He had heard a bit about this granddaughter that the in-laws had recently acknowledged, but he hadn’t expected so much to have happened in just a few months. Not only had she not been defeated by adversity, but she had also become increasingly remarkable.
“No, she hasn’t,” the Second Madam shook her head. “However, Mingxi found a staff member for my husband. It was this person who helped him execute the recent matter so effectively. He’s very capable.”
“What’s his name?”
“You Sanping.”
Qiao Shilang thought for a moment and shook his head. “I’ve never heard of this person. Where is he from?”
“Mingxi brought him from Jiangcheng.”
“That explains it,” Qiao Shilang nodded slightly. “Miss Duan grew up in Jiangcheng, and her adoptive father is the wealthiest man there. I heard from your mother that she was raised as the heir. Is that true?”
“It’s true,” the Second Madam eagerly confirmed. “Father, you wouldn’t believe it. That Master Duan and his wife treat Mingxi so well! Afraid that Mingxi might suffer grievances after being reunited with the Marquis family, the entire Duan family came to the capital to start their business. Now they’ve even established connections with the Internal Weaving and Dyeing Bureau.”
“Everyone knows about the 500,000 tael silver case. His name has spread throughout the capital,” Qiao Shilang sighed. “They say breaking into the capital scene is the hardest step. Look at them—father and daughter—they’ve already made their mark not long after arriving. Such talent is rare.”
The Second Madam nodded quickly. “Indeed, Mingxi is a child of loyalty and gratitude. I just don’t want to trouble her too much, which is why I came to ask for your advice.”
“You, foolish at the times when you should be wise.”
“Father, what do you mean by that?”
“Your husband’s situation was her plan from the beginning. All the more reason you should consult her. But don’t underestimate her just because she’s younger—treat her with proper respect and sincerity.”
“She hasn’t been back in the capital long, yet she’s already secured the title of Wangfei to Duan Wang. Considering her potential, her future prospects are… remarkable. Someone so intelligent—if you treat her sincerely, she’ll return the favor. But if you show false feelings, you’ll only hurt yourself in the end.”
“Father, you’re right. My sister-in-law must have been blind to push away such a good child. I was clever enough to help Mingxi back then. Now, she’s closer to me than her own mother!” The Second Madam spoke with pride.
“As long as you remember that.” Qiao Shilang knew his daughter well. Though she was a bit arrogant, she was genuinely good to those she deemed worthy. “Go see your mother before heading back.”
The Second Madam agreed and went to visit her mother, who gave her further instructions before sending her back to the Marquis residence with a pile of gifts from her uncle.
She first paid her respects to the Old Madam and left some gifts for her, then sent another batch to Mingxi.
As it happened, Mingxi wasn’t home, so the Second Madam left the items and returned.
When Mingxi returned to the estate, she found the gifts: a box of delicately crafted silk flowers, rings, bracelets, a jar of fine wine, and a bolt of luminous red pearlescent brocade.
After changing clothes, Mingxi went to see the Second Madam. Upon hearing of her arrival, the Second Madam hurried out to greet her, smiling warmly. “You’ve been busy all day. Why not take a rest?”
“I saw the gifts you sent and couldn’t let you go to such trouble.” Mingxi smiled as she handed over a box of snacks from Jiuchunzai.
A maid beside the Second Madam accepted the box, and the Second Madam pulled Mingxi into the room to sit, still smiling. “When it comes to pastries, Jiuchunzai is unmatched in skill.”
“I happened to pass by on my way back and bought some as a little treat for everyone,” Mingxi said with a smile. “As for the luminous brocade you sent, the color and pattern are exquisite. You must have put in a lot of effort to find it.”
Second Madam listened to Mingxi’s praise, her expression brightening with a touch of pride. In a soft voice, she said, “I visited my family today, and the fabric was a gift from my uncle to my parents. My mother asked me to bring it back for you to have a dress made. I’m glad you like it.”
“Then I must visit Madam Qiao to personally thank her for her kind thoughts toward this younger generation.”
Second Madam was delighted by the gesture. “It’s just a piece of silk; there’s no need for such formalities.”
“As juniors, we should value the care and thoughtfulness of our elders,” Mingxi said warmly.
Hearing this, Second Madam felt a warm glow in her heart and smiled. “Alright then. When I next return home, we can visit together.”
After exchanging words of gratitude, Mingxi got to the main point. “I asked Grandfather to help me purchase an estate, and there are some matters I need Second Uncle to manage. Would he happen to have some free time?”
“Now that the Dragon Boat Festival is over, he spends all his time drinking and loafing around. Time is the one thing he has plenty of,” Second Madam replied eagerly. “What do you need him to do? Just let me know.”
Mingxi smiled. “I need Second Uncle to talk to You Sanping—he’s the one who understands the matter best. But there’s one thing you must explain to Second Uncle clearly: this matter must remain confidential. If word gets out, Second Uncle’s official prospects could be jeopardized.”
Second Madam was taken aback, her eyes lighting up as she grasped Mingxi’s meaning. Gripping Mingxi’s hand, she asked, “Mingxi, is this for real?”
“Let’s see how Second Uncle handles managing the estate. If he does well, things will be steady by winter,” Mingxi replied with a knowing smile.
Second Madam, realizing it was only a few months away, nodded quickly. “Don’t worry, your Uncle has become much more cautious in handling affairs. He will absolutely follow your instructions.”
Though Second Madam didn’t fully understand how managing an estate connected to official prospects, Mingxi’s words carried weight, and she knew Mingxi wouldn’t deceive her.
When Second Master returned home and heard his wife’s explanation, he was bewildered. “You want me to go farm?”
“Farming? What nonsense! You’re managing the estate,” Second Madam shot back, exasperated. She grabbed a cold wet cloth and wiped his drunken face with a firm hand.
The chill woke him up, and he frowned. “Managing an estate is just farming by another name! I wouldn’t know the first thing about it.”
