Instantly, silence fell as eyes focused on the sisters with intrigue.
Duan Huirou’s face flushed as she watched Duan Mingxi stride toward her, looking like she might devour her.
Breathless, her legs trembled, but before she could flee, she felt a light brush on her shoulder as Duan Mingxi spoke, “I’m only joking with my little sister. We’re just bickering; forgive us for making you all laugh.”
“Yes, we’re just joking,” Duan Huirou forced a smile, struggling to hide her frustration while agreeing with Duan Mingxi.
Duan Mingxi had many things to accomplish in this life and didn’t want to waste time quarreling with a group of ladies.
The past was past. So long as they didn’t harm her in this life, she might not need to make enemies.
Thinking about this, she looked at Yao Yunyi and said, “I heard that Miss Yao’s family is from the He clan in Huizhou. Last year, Old Madam He celebrated her grand birthday, and a jade statue representing good fortune, longevity, and happiness was ordered for her. I wonder if Old Madam He was pleased with it?”
Yao Yunyi was shocked. “How did you know about the jade statue?” She paused in astonishment. “The family who commissioned it was the Duan family in Jiangcheng…”
“Yes, that’s my adoptive father’s family,” Duan Mingxi smiled. “The He family elders are well-known for their filial devotion; everyone in Jiangcheng knows that.”
The He clan of Huizhou was once a prominent family, but in recent years, their younger generation hasn’t shown much promise, and signs of decline are visible.
With just a few words, Duan Mingxi gave the He family a reputation for utmost filial piety. Wealth wasn’t of importance to families like them; reputation was.
Yao Yunyi thought to herself that Duan Mingxi was impressive; she hit the nail on the head. Smiling, she said, “Ah, so there’s a connection between us! My uncles praised Old Master Duan for his dedication and chivalrous spirit, despite being a businessman.”
“Who would’ve thought that Miss Duan was raised by Old Master Duan? No wonder you carry yourself with such elegance; I feel like we’ve known each other for ages. Today’s encounter must be destiny.”
Duan Huirou was completely taken aback. Had Yao Yunyi lost her mind?
She knew about the strained relationship between her and Duan Mingxi, yet here she was, praising her. Not only that, she even mentioned the Duan family in Jiangcheng, a merchant family, and complimented them too.
Duan Huirou was dumbfounded.
But Duan Mingxi knew exactly what she was doing—people often act out of self-interest. She was offering Yao Yunyi something she couldn’t refuse.
The He family’s children couldn’t secure good futures on their own and relied on the reputation of their ancestors, which Duan Mingxi was helping reinforce.
How could Yao Yunyi ignore her family’s interests for the sake of Duan Huirou?
Duan Min was also stunned.
No wonder her mother told her to maintain a good relationship with her elder sister; she truly was remarkable.
Yao Yunyi was won over in just a few sentences. While Duan Min didn’t fully understand the intricacies, she knew her elder sister had succeeded.
Duan Mingxi no longer paid attention to Duan Huirou and began socializing with Yao Yunyi and other ladies from prominent families in the capital.
Yao Yunyi warmly played host, quickly introducing Duan Mingxi to everyone, and then laughingly invited everyone to take their seats for the banquet.
No flower banquet is complete without flowers, and with flowers comes the tradition of playing the “flower drinking game.”
Whenever it was Duan Mingxi’s turn, she could always continue the verse seamlessly. The others began to view her in a new light. They hadn’t expected a merchant’s daughter to be so well-read.
Were all merchant families raising daughters like this now?
Chu Qingying’s gaze repeatedly swept over Duan Mingxi. At the end of the banquet, she smiled and asked, “There’s a polo match tomorrow. Miss Duan, would you be interested?”
Duan Mingxi looked up at Chu Qingying and replied, “It would be an honor to be invited by Miss Chu.”
Everyone who played polo was of notable status; entry wasn’t possible without someone’s invitation. Chu Qingying was extending an olive branch.
Chu Qingying laughed heartily. “Then it’s settled! Tomorrow, we’ll have a good match.”
So, Duan Mingxi even knew how to play polo; what a surprise she was.
Chu Qingying, known for her bold and lively nature, immediately invited other ladies at the table who knew how to play, and they all readily agreed.
Duan Huirou watched as Duan Mingxi, with her graceful demeanor, mingled effortlessly with the other ladies. This was completely different from what she had expected.
How could this be?
How could a merchant’s daughter from Jiangcheng win their approval?
The disdain, scorn, and attempts to put her down that she’d anticipated were nowhere to be seen.
Duan Huirou was somewhat lost, and Yao Yunyi, noticing her state, took the opportunity to excuse herself, pretending to go change, and led Duan Huirou out.
“Duan Huirou, your older sister is not simple. You should be cautious and avoid opposing her,” Yao Yunyi advised.
Duan Huirou’s eyes reddened instantly. “You’re my friend, yet you’re saying this too?”
Yao Yunyi shook her head slightly. “We’ve been friends for years, but you’ve never shown any interest in my family’s matters. Meanwhile, your older sister knows them very well. Do you realize what that means?”
Duan Huirou shook her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Yao Yunyi knew Duan Huirou had been pampered and didn’t concern herself with worldly matters, but she hadn’t expected her to be so clueless. She explained everything to her.
Duan Huirou was dumbfounded.
Yao Yunyi patted her on the shoulder. “Duan Mingxi knows we’re close friends, yet she managed to stop me from opposing her. Duan Huirou, I am your friend, but I can’t ignore my family’s matters. I hope you understand.”
Duan Huirou didn’t understand.
Seeing her expression, Yao Yunyi felt a bit guilty but added, “In the future, you should pay more attention, learn from her, and stop focusing only on the back courtyard.”
Duan Huirou was even more upset. Why should she have to learn from Duan Mingxi?
Frustrated, Duan Huirou stormed off, leaving Yao Yunyi with a slightly sour expression. Her kind advice had been wasted.
After the flower banquet ended, Yao Yunyi saw off the guests. Duan Mingxi took her leave and walked back with Duan Min.
From afar, they could still hear cheers from the other side of the Peony Terrace, where they knew Duan Wang and others were gathered.
Separated by a wall of flowers, the person she longed to see was just on the other side.
After seeing Duan Min onto her carriage, Duan Mingxi said, “I might have offended Duan Huirou today, so I’ll have to offer her an apology. Duan Min, you go ahead; I recall she likes a potted peony. Perhaps I can buy one for her as a gift.”
Duan Min said, “I’ll go with you.”
Duan Mingxi sighed. “Duan Huirou left in a huff, and I’m really worried. Go home first and see if she’s returned. If not, we might need someone to look for her so she doesn’t cause any trouble.”
Duan Min, slightly concerned, agreed and said, “But how will you get back?”
“I’ll just hire a carriage from a nearby stable.”
Only then did Duan Min leave at ease. Once she was gone, Duan Mingxi turned and headed back to the Peony Terrace.
The once lively garden had quieted down. Following along the wall, Duan Mingxi moved forward, hearing approaching footsteps. She quickly shifted to a hidden spot, slightly turning her body into the shadows.
