She thought as much but responded, “I heard the Crown Prince’s wedding is scheduled for the latter half of the year. The earliest ours could be is next spring.”
The current emperor wouldn’t let anyone overshadow the Crown Prince’s wedding.
Xiao Muchen looked at her and nodded. “That makes sense.”
Duan Mingxi returned his gaze. What was even the point of asking?
After dropping her off at the Marquis’ estate, Xiao Muchen left. Mingxi first went to pay respects to the Grand Madam, only to find that she was still napping. Wan Mama, smiling warmly, escorted Mingxi out and said, “Once the Grand Madam wakes, I’ll report to her. Eldest Miss, you should rest for now.”
“Thank you, Mama.” Mingxi nodded and left.
Watching her retreating figure, Wan Mama sighed. Life was unpredictable. Who could have imagined the Eldest Miss’s current fortune?
Back in her own courtyard, Mingxi changed out of her formal wear, freshened up, and put on casual attire before heading to her study.
Qiancao brought in tea and said, “Eldest Miss, Madam and Second Miss returned quite early.”
Without lifting her head, Duan Mingxi casually remarked, “What, was the banquet at Duke Gao’s estate not held?”
Despite the fire, the damage wasn’t severe enough to disrupt the event.
“No, it seems things didn’t go very smoothly.”
“Oh? Tell me about it.” Duan Mingxi’s interest was piqued. She loved to hear about Duke Gao’s family’s troubles.
“The fire broke out right during the wedding ceremony. Although they managed to put it out, the auspicious time had passed. Eldest Miss Bai was displeased, claiming she hadn’t even properly completed the ceremony before being sent to the bridal chamber.”
Duan Mingxi was stunned. “Really?”
Miss Bai Zhiwei dared to behave so willfully?
“Yes. It seems they were about to proceed with the ceremony despite the delay, but during the commotion, Duchess Gao publicly remarked that Miss Bai was inauspicious—bringing fire into their home on her very first day. That sparked a big argument.”
Duan Mingxi let out a laugh. That sounded just like Duchess Gao. Known for her sharp tongue, she usually kept it in check. But on a day like this, with such a mishap, she couldn’t resist using the opportunity to put Bai Zhiwei down.
However, Bai Zhiwei was the treasured daughter of Duke Zhen’s family. After being pampered for over a decade, how could she tolerate such humiliation? Naturally, she fought back.
In her past life, the Duchess treated Bai Zhiwei like a precious flower, full of adoration.
But in this life, she trampled on her like dirt. Truly, people could be so fickle.
This was only the beginning. The days ahead for this pair of in-laws would be far from peaceful.
To clash with her mother-in-law on the first day of marriage—how could she expect to have a good life?
Duan Mingxi, in an excellent mood, slept soundly that night.
The next morning, when she went to pay respects to the Grand Madam, the latter mentioned plans to visit Lingyuan Temple to offer incense and asked who would like to join.
Mingxi, busy with her own matters, politely declined. The Grand Madam didn’t insist.
Duan Huirou, eager for a break from being cooped up, was the first to agree. Duan Qingyin, Duan Min, and Duan Rong followed suit. Madam Jiang decided to take them along with the Third Madam, leaving the Second Madam at home to handle household affairs.
The day they left, Mingxi took a trip to the estate. Second Master Duan and You Sanping had already led the workers to finish digging the water channel to the estate. They even laid stone slabs over it and covered it with soil to retain the warmth of the hot spring during winter.
The construction of the additional wooden house progressed quickly, especially with the batch of guards sent by Wu Qian. It was almost complete.
Duan Mingxi inspected the progress and was pleased. She asked You Sanping, “Have the craftsmen for the greenhouse arrived in the capital?”
“They have arrived. Would the young lady like to meet them?”
Mingxi shook her head. “As long as they’re here. Pay them well to keep them on board.”
“Of course. This project uses hot spring water for heating, which is different from using coal in Jiangcheng. The craftsmen have been revising the design. In the past few days alone, they’ve modified the waterline for the wooden house over a dozen times.”
Mingxi listened carefully as You Sanping detailed the work. She nodded occasionally and said after a while, “No rush—take your time. As long as it’s done before the cold weather sets in. It’s better to test it multiple times now than to find problems later.”
You Sanping nodded. “Understood. Recently, there have been many people snooping around the estate, but Lord Wu’s guards have kept them out effectively.”
“Visit Lord Wu later to express our gratitude,” Mingxi instructed.
“I’ve already arranged it. I’ll go in a few days. Actually, Lord Wu sent a message asking if we’d like another batch of guards. Young lady, the estate is already sufficiently staffed. Should we take more?”
“Yes,” Mingxi replied decisively. “Take them. I have other uses for them. We still don’t have enough of our own people. We need to train more.”
You Sanping pondered this and said, “Alright. There are also some trustworthy people back in Jiangcheng. Should I call them over?”
Mingxi hesitated briefly, understanding that he referred to the people she once worked with during her trading days. She had dismissed them when she returned to the capital to reconnect with her family.
In her previous life, even during the most difficult times, she hadn’t called them back—not because she didn’t want to, but because it was futile by then.
But this life was different.
“Write back and ask if any are willing to come. If they want to, let them,” Mingxi said with a smile.
You Sanping smiled along with her. “They’ll definitely want to come.”
After all, following Mingxi was much better than working under anyone else.
“What about the matters involving Huaian Marquis and Xingan Marquis? Have you looked into them?” Mingxi asked.
“I have. Previously, Huaian Marquis mishandled a task and was caught by Xingan Marquis, who reported him to the emperor.”
“What task?”
“The Marquis was overseeing the Imperial Horse Bureau. Several horses died of illness, but he didn’t report it. Xingan Marquis found out and exposed him.”
Mingxi frowned. Horses were vital in Great Chu, and good breeding stock was rare. Losing even a few was a significant issue.
No wonder Huaian Marquis couldn’t intervene in the matter of the shizi to the Jingyuan Marquisate. Having been reprimanded by the emperor recently, he wouldn’t dare make another mistake.
You Sanping observed Mingxi’s contemplative expression and added, “I doubt this matter is as simple as it seems.”
“Explain.”
“I delved deeper into the Imperial Horse Bureau’s operations. Every year, the bureau spends heavily on fine horses for breeding, but not all foals turn out well. Some are inevitably lost to illness or other issues.”
Mingxi nodded. “This happens every year?”
“It’s an unspoken understanding within the bureau.”
“Unspoken, meaning no one investigates unless there’s an issue.”
“Exactly. That’s why I suspect the Marquis was set up. If you wish, I can investigate further.”
“If this was a setup, the planning likely began early in the year.”
“No, it probably started last autumn when the bureau typically acquires horses.”
“Is it easy to investigate this?”
“Relatively,” You Sanping replied. “With enough money, no mouth cannot be opened.”
