Summer had brought out the best in Jinrui Garden’s beauty. Every step revealed a new vista, with pavilions and towers nestled among the winding corridors leading to secluded courtyards.
Duan Mingxi followed Qi He to a quiet courtyard where someone was already waiting.
Hearing their approach, the person rose to greet them.
Duan Mingxi looked up and was met with a familiar face.
She was a bit surprised.
Qi He didn’t notice the flicker in her eyes and introduced them cheerfully. “Miss, this is Lord Wu, Wu Qian, Tongzhi of the Central Army.”
Then, turning to Wu Qian, he added, “Lord Wu, this is the eldest Miss of the Dingyuan Marquis’s residence.”
Wu Qian’s demeanor lived up to his name—gentle and refined like a polished jade. It was hard to imagine such a person holding a military post.
Duan Mingxi recognized him from her past life. Back then, he had been a loyal follower of Xiao Muchen.
Wu Qian, summoned by Duan Wang, initially thought it was a significant matter. To his surprise, he found himself meeting the future Wangfei. He was momentarily stunned but quickly regained composure and bowed respectfully. “This subordinate greets the Eldest Miss.”
“Lord Wu,” Duan Mingxi acknowledged politely.
Wu Qian slightly inclined his body, not daring to fully accept the gesture.
Qi He bowed and gestured courteously. “Eldest Miss, please.”
Duan Mingxi entered the room, followed by Qi He, Wu Qian, and You Sanping, who quietly stood behind her once inside. Soon after, refreshments were served.
Qi He respectfully explained, “Wangye noted that the estate lacked guards. The Central Army discharges injured soldiers annually, and Wangye thought it appropriate for Lord Wu to help the Eldest Miss select suitable candidates.”
Hearing this, Wu Qian was taken aback. Though the capital buzzed with rumors of Duan Wang petitioning both Consort Shu and the Emperor to marry the Eldest Miss of the Dingyuan Marquisate, Wu Qian had dismissed it as a diversion. However, observing Qi He’s deference, he instinctively adjusted his own attitude.
“How many guards does the Eldest Miss require, and what qualifications should they have?” Wu Qian inquired respectfully.
Duan Mingxi glanced at You Sanping and answered softly, “You Sanping oversees the estate matters. He will discuss the details with you. Apologies for the trouble, Lord Wu.”
Wu Qian quickly replied, “These discharged soldiers are all highly skilled. While their injuries prevent them from remaining in the military, they are more than capable of serving as guards. Please rest assured, the candidates I select will be exceptional.”
Duan Mingxi nodded gently.
You Sanping stepped forward and began a detailed discussion with Wu Qian.
Because the eldest miss required confidentiality and the estate needed expansion, the demand for manpower was significant.
Even those with limited skills were considered useful, as long as they had physical strength. For those without other arrangements at the moment, he aimed to gather as many as possible.
People from the military were particularly desirable—they were accustomed to hardship, physically capable, and easy to manage.
You Sanping was secretly thrilled, though his face betrayed nothing, maintaining a composed demeanor.
Before long, Second Master Duan arrived as well. Seeing Wu Qian, he was momentarily stunned, and Qi He quickly made introductions.
Second Master Duan hurried to greet him. Being without an official title, he naturally lowered his stance when meeting someone in office.
Wu Qian didn’t dare act superior. After all, during the Dragon Boat Festival, this Second Master Duan had become quite notable. Wu Qian couldn’t underestimate him, and the two quickly struck up a pleasant conversation.
You Sanping had already finalized most of the details with Wu Qian. Turning back, he briefly relayed the key points to Mingxi.
Mingxi nodded to show her understanding, having no intention of involving herself in such trivial matters. She trusted You Sanping to handle them.
Meanwhile, Qi He subtly observed You Sanping. He clearly remembered that You Sanping used to serve Second Master Duan but was now working under the eldest miss.
After more than an hour, Xiao Muchen finally arrived. His expression was solemn, and a faint trace of hostility lingered in his eyes.
As soon as he entered, Wu Qian and the others dared not speak. They quickly stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
Xiao Muchen waved his hand dismissively and turned to Wu Qian, asking, “Is everything clear?”
Wu Qian immediately replied, “Yes, Your Highness. I have already discussed everything with Steward You, and I will send people to the estate tomorrow.”
Xiao Muchen nodded in approval.
Seeing that the Wangye had no further instructions, Wu Qian tactfully took his leave.
Once Wu Qian left, Second Master Duan became visibly uneasy. With the cold and stern look on the Wangye’s face, he didn’t dare utter a word and sat there as though on pins and needles.
Duan Mingxi looked at him and asked Xiao Muchen, “Did Wangye summon me today solely for the matter of the estate guards?”
At her words, Xiao Muchen turned to Mingxi, his cold demeanor softening. He replied in a gentle tone, “That’s just part of it.”
Duan Mingxi raised her eyes to meet his gaze.
Xiao Muchen pursed his lips before continuing, “Have you considered buying back the estate that Gao Zhan took previously?”
Duan Mingxi was surprised. For the crown prince to return something he had taken, and at this time, no less—could it really be possible?
Even if it were feasible, the price would undoubtedly be steep.
She shook her head. “There’s no need.”
Xiao Muchen frowned. “Are you sure?”
Duan Mingxi’s voice softened as she explained, “One estate is enough for what I need to do. Besides, in matters like these, less is more. Excess only diminishes value.”
Though Xiao Muchen didn’t know what Mingxi planned to do, he understood her reasoning.
“If that’s the case, we’ll leave it at that,” he said, nodding indifferently. Then he turned to Second Master Duan. “I have a position to fill.”
Second Master Duan stiffened and instinctively looked at Mingxi.
Mingxi was a bit surprised but quickly shook her head. “I have my own arrangements for Second Uncle’s matters. Since Wangye and I are only recently betrothed, if you intervene, it may invite unnecessary gossip.”
Hearing her concern for him, Xiao Muchen’s expression softened further. “It’s not a big deal. Don’t worry about it.”
Duan Mingxi smiled. “A sharp blade should be used where it’s most needed. Killing a chicken with a bull’s knife would be overkill. There’s no need for Wangye to trouble himself with such minor matters.”
Second Master Duan: …
Why did it feel like he was being subtly criticized? But he didn’t dare say anything.
Xiao Muchen couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”
Second Master Duan: …
Qi He: …
Duan Mingxi turned to Second Master Duan. “Second Uncle, the estate’s affairs are important. You Sanping will be working with me from now on. I’ll find a suitable aide for you.”
“Alright,” Second Master Duan quickly agreed, not daring to refuse.
Xiao Muchen glanced over. “What kind of aide are you looking for?”
Second Master Duan didn’t dare answer and instead looked to Mingxi.
Mingxi spoke calmly, “Does Wangye have someone in mind?”
Xiao Muchen nodded slightly. “Tell me your requirements.”
“Bold yet meticulous, someone who handles matters with care.”
Second Master Duan fell silent, feeling once again subtly criticized.
Xiao Muchen gave him a glance before turning back to Mingxi. “I’ll have Qi He bring a few candidates for you to choose from.”
You can just pick one?
Second Master Duan was stunned.
Mingxi, however, wasn’t surprised. She had managed her family’s business before, and even selecting a bookkeeper required careful consideration.
Seeing that his business was concluded, Second Master Duan tactfully excused himself and even took You Sanping with him.
You Sanping: …
Qi He suddenly understood. No wonder the Eldest Miss valued Second Master Duan so highly. He quickly stepped out to stand guard at the door.
