A few days after the gathering, a letter of invitation from Duke Gao’s household arrived at Dingyuan Marquis’s residence.
Holding the invitation, Madam Jiang felt it burn in her hands. Unsure what to do, she sought advice from the Old Madam.
The Old Madam’s face darkened upon seeing the invitation. After a moment of silence, she said, “On that day, take Huirou with you, but do not let Mingxi attend.”
Madam Jiang quickly nodded. “That was my thought as well.”
Her eldest daughter had become someone she couldn’t manage at all. If she brought Mingxi along and there was any unpleasantness during the wedding, what would she do if Mingxi disrupted the event entirely?
But Madam Jiang also dreaded confronting her daughter directly.
To be a mother in such a position was, perhaps, unprecedented in history.
The Old Madam, seeing the relief on Madam Jiang’s face, frowned. “Huirou seems to have come around. You should start taking her out more often. She can’t stay cooped up at home forever; what will become of her marriage prospects?”
Madam Jiang grew more troubled. “I’ve tried to take her with me, but… Mother, you know she’s still holding onto certain thoughts.”
She had already conceded defeat, but Huirou was still being obstinate.
If not for her younger son helping to smooth things over, Huirou might have been even more difficult to handle.
Why hold on to such stubbornness?
At this point, they were powerless against Mingxi. Neither scolding nor reasoning worked, and the rest of the family sided with her. What could Madam Jiang and Huirou do but admit defeat?
The Old Madam, observing Madam Jiang’s expression, thought bitterly: it wasn’t just Huirou who couldn’t let go—it seemed this mother wasn’t resigned to defeat either.
“I’m old,” the Old Madam said coldly. “One day, I’ll close my eyes and never wake up again. When we elders are gone, what will you do then?”
Madam Jiang was startled, her face turning pale with fear. “Mother, you and Father are still in good health. Please don’t say such things.”
She was currently hoping her parents-in-law would live long lives to help her keep Mingxi, her rebellious daughter, in check.
The Old Madam sighed. “I’m just worried. If your father and I close our eyes and pass away, will you be able to hold up this marquisate?”
Madam Jiang’s smile stiffened. Why wouldn’t she be able to?
She had been the matron of the household for so many years and had never made any mistakes, had she?
Seeing Madam Jiang’s expression, the Old Madam could tell she was unconvinced. She directly asked, “When the marquisate inevitably divides, and given your poor relationship with Mingxi, do you think you’ll be able to secure any benefits from Duan Wang’s household?”
Madam Jiang: …
She hadn’t even been counting on that.
“You might not care for yourself, but don’t you care about your two sons? Don’t you care about Huirou’s future?”
Madam Jiang opened her mouth but her expression darkened further.
“Mingxi is a good child. Look at how she has motivated Yu Er. He managed to secure his footing in the martial selection department, a place you couldn’t have even dreamed of before.”
Madam Jiang remained silent. She couldn’t deny it.
“Yu Er’s wife came to pay her respects to me a few days ago and subtly mentioned how Yu Er studies late into the night, pricking his legs with needles to stay awake.”
Madam Jiang’s face showed concern. “Yes, that child has been working exceptionally hard lately. It pains me to see it.”
“But it’s Mingxi who has inspired your son to be so driven.”
Madam Jiang: …
“And when Qi Ger successfully found a master, Mingxi also played a big role. That recluse scholar, Zhou Hanlin, is notoriously difficult. If Mingxi hadn’t offered a gift perfectly tailored to his tastes, one he couldn’t refuse, do you think Qi Ger would have secured his apprenticeship so smoothly?”
Madam Jiang: …
“Mingxi is capable, generous, and willing to help her siblings. Instead of helping your own child form a bond with her, at the very least, don’t be a hindrance.”
The Old Madam had made her own mistakes in the past. Initially, she hadn’t valued Mingxi either, but once she realized her error, she quickly adjusted her attitude.
While her relationship with Mingxi wasn’t one of deep familial affection, they maintained a polite, harmonious front, and Mingxi still showed filial respect towards her grandmother.
But Madam Jiang?
“Mingxi is clear-headed and sharp. It’s impossible for her to truly forgive you.”
Madam Jiang felt as if a dagger had struck her heart. Deep down, she knew this was true, so why should she lower herself?
“But think about your two sons and Huirou’s future. Won’t they need Mingxi’s support when the time comes? Mingxi doesn’t need to forgive you, but you, as her mother, should at least know what to do.”
“You may not love her as your daughter, and she may not respect you as her mother, but you could treat her as a benefactor to your children. Is it so hard to flatter and please her?”
Madam Jiang was taken aback. When put like that, it didn’t seem impossible.
The Old Madam, seeing that Madam Jiang was finally beginning to understand, waved her hand. “Go back and think it over. Also, talk to Huirou and stop letting her make foolish mistakes. Discord between sisters will only harm her reputation if it gets out.”
The Old Madam had already heard about the recent trouble at Duke Wei’s estate. Given how much Duan Wang favored Mingxi, her future was bound to be bright. Yet Madam Jiang and her daughter were too blind to see it.
Madam Jiang left deep in thought, her mind heavy. Watching her retreating figure, the Old Madam sighed.
Wan Mama approached and began massaging the Old Madam’s shoulders, speaking softly to comfort her. “Madam, the Eldest Madam will come around. Don’t trouble yourself too much.”
The Old Madam sighed again. “I hope so. I don’t know how many more years I have left, but I worry this household will collapse the moment I close my eyes.”
Wan Mama spoke gently. “This servant thinks the Young Madam is rather clever.”
The Old Madam frowned. “Being too clever isn’t always a blessing. She’s like a blade of grass, swaying whichever way the wind blows. Such people don’t last long.”
“You could guide her more, Madam. With the Young Madam helping the Eldest Madam, you can finally enjoy some peace of mind,” Wan Mama said softly.
“That might be the best option.” The Old Madam’s brow furrowed again, but she recalled how the Young Madam and Mingxi had been getting along better lately. The Young Madam didn’t seem as calculating as before—perhaps there was hope for her yet.
“Send word to Madam. Have her involve the Young Madam in managing household affairs,” the Old Madam instructed.
Wan Mama quickly agreed.
The Eldest Madam was prone to making foolish mistakes, and the Old Madam was too old to keep stepping in. Letting the Young Madam assist would serve as a check on the Eldest Madam.
Having served the Old Madam her entire life, Wan Mama had a deep bond with her. She hoped her mistress could enjoy her remaining years in comfort.
Meanwhile, Madam Jiang hadn’t yet processed her emotions when Wan Mama delivered the Old Madam’s message. Her face burned with humiliation, but she still agreed.
Thinking about how her sons were now striving for success, and how the Young Madam had been diligent in her duties, Madam Jiang concluded that supporting her daughter-in-law in managing the household was better than letting the Second and Third Madams gain power.
Later, as she mulled over a wedding invitation from Duke Gao’s estate, Madam Jiang called for her youngest daughter and began advising her on how to navigate these familial complexities.
Elsewhere, Mingxi frowned as she read a letter. After tucking it away, she changed into a different outfit and headed out.
Just then, her maid Qiancao rushed in, slightly out of breath. “Miss, Duan Wang is waiting outside the estate and wishes to see you.”
Mingxi’s heart skipped a beat. What a coincidence—she had been planning to see him as well.
