The Old Madam, shrewd and seasoned with age, immediately understood what Duan Mingxi wanted.
This girl had likely been thoroughly disappointed in Madam Jiang long ago and was now using this opportunity to extricate herself from the household!
Good. Good!
Truly bold, decisive, and capable!
Although the Old Madam disapproved of Duan Mingxi’s sharp, ruthless, and unyielding methods, she recalled her husband’s words and knew she couldn’t let the girl leave the family.
Suppressing her displeasure, she turned to Madam Jiang and scolded, “What kind of mother are you? Go and explain things to Mingxi properly.”
Madam Jiang, already simmering with anger, was further humiliated by being chastised publicly by her mother-in-law. Her face turned a myriad of colors, and her resentment toward Duan Mingxi grew, tinged with disappointment.
She had thought bringing her daughter back would be a joyous occasion, but who would have imagined it would turn into a source of shame!
Not daring to go against her mother-in-law’s order, Madam Jiang stepped forward reluctantly, forcing a smile as she spoke to Duan Mingxi. “It was your mother’s momentary impatience that led to some improper words. You’ve just returned to the capital and aren’t yet familiar with its power dynamics. What I said was meant sincerely—those two families are both ducal households, and we truly cannot afford to offend them.”
“And if today it had been Duan Huirou who was humiliated, what would you have done?” Duan Mingxi’s gaze bore into Madam Jiang.
Madam Jiang couldn’t meet her daughter’s eyes, her gaze flickering evasively.
If it had been Huirou…
A shiver ran through Madam Jiang’s heart.
Hearing Duan Mingxi’s cold laugh pierce the air, she felt her cheeks burn with shame.
“Additionally, there is something I’d like to clarify with you,” Duan Mingxi continued. “Gao Zhan claimed repeatedly that the two of us were in the middle of a marriage discussion. What explanation do you have for that, Madam?”
Madam Jiang froze: ….
Even the Old Madam looked a bit uneasy, for she and Madam Jiang both knew the truth.
Madam Jiang, however, couldn’t possibly admit to it now. Gritting her teeth, she replied, “Naturally, that is not the case.”
Duan Mingxi feigned a relieved expression. “I thought as much. No matter how much you may dislike me, if you were choosing a husband for me, you would at least tell me the truth, wouldn’t you? Since you’ve confirmed there’s no such arrangement, then I was absolutely right to curse Gao Zhan.”
Madam Jiang’s vision darkened; she could already imagine the fury of Duchess Gao. The woman would likely wish she could tear her apart!
How would they face her now?
The second and third Madams exchanged glances, their expressions growing grave. The situation seemed more serious than they had initially thought.
Even Madam Xiao was beginning to regret her choices. If she had known things would turn out this way, she wouldn’t have gone back to her own family today. She would have gone to Jinrui Garden to keep an eye on things.
Although her family was also a marquis household, they couldn’t afford to offend two ducal households. If things truly escalated, her family might not even support her husband’s household to the detriment of their own standing.
Thinking of this, she grew resentful toward the Madam for her lack of foresight. How could she have so carelessly sent her daughter to meet a prospective groom without properly handling the situation first?
Indeed, Madam Xiao could already guess what was happening.
She even suspected that Duan Mingxi had probably figured it all out long ago, which is why she chose to create such an uproar today.
Moreover, her footsteps just now didn’t seem feigned; she seemed truly resolved to sever ties.
However, the Old Madam’s actions were highly suspicious. Duan Mingxi was ruthless and unyielding in her actions, implicating the entire Marquis household. Yet, even under such circumstances, the Old Madam insisted on keeping her.
It appeared that her initial suspicions were correct—Duan Mingxi must possess something they desired, though it remained unknown what that might be.
The situation was now deadlocked.
The Old Madam refused to let Duan Mingxi leave, repeatedly claiming she hadn’t mistaken her identity, thus sealing her position.
But now, faced with offending two noble families, resolving the matter wouldn’t be easy.
There were only two options: either tear off the facade and seek justice or concede and force Duan Mingxi to confess and tarnish her own name.
The first option was too bold; the second was unlikely as Duan Mingxi wouldn’t agree.
The Old Madam was at her wits’ end and couldn’t think of a good solution. She had to discuss it carefully with her husband, so she said, “Let’s discuss this later. Everyone, please return for now.”
Duan Mingxi was the first to leave.
Madam Jiang trembled with anger, saying, “Look at her attitude!”
The second madam tapped her nails, speaking with a mocking tone, “Eldest Sister-in-law, once a heart is broken, it’s hard to win it back. She’s your own child, carried for ten months; was there really a need to show such favoritism?”
The third madam, also suppressing her own frustrations, added bluntly, “She didn’t grow up by your side, after all. You truly don’t feel any pity for her, Eldest Sister-in-law. Duan Mingxi is rather pitiful, in truth.”
Madam Jiang: …
Madam Xiao quickly stepped forward to support her mother-in-law as they walked out.
Duan Huirou followed closely, her face dark with anger, thinking about how things had escalated to this point.
If Duan Mingxi wanted to leave, why not just let her?
Wouldn’t everyone be better off with her gone?
Once she left, she’d still hold the title of the Marquis eldest legitimate daughter!
Duan Mingxi returned to her courtyard. Shortly after, Qiancao and Li Quan returned as well, confirming everything was arranged.
She breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Did the Marquis household think they could salvage things just by postponing a decision?
Wishful thinking!
Tomorrow would be even tougher for them.
She laid down and quickly fell asleep, exhausted from the day’s events.
Tomorrow would bring even more commotion in the household; she needed to rest well to be prepared.
***
At Duan Wang’s residence.
“Your Highness, that Miss Duan truly is impressive. She orchestrated everything in such a short time—it’s truly unexpected,” Qi He remarked with admiration.
They had overheard Miss Duan’s loud declaration, though they’d stayed hidden, watching from the shadows.
It was quite the spectacle.
Who would’ve thought that the esteemed Miss Bai of Duke Zhen’s household would have such a side to her?
Appearances truly were deceiving; he’d always assumed she was a dignified and virtuous woman.
Duan Wang sipped his tea, his expression unchanged, then looked at Qi He and instructed, “Go ahead and spread the news further, even to the palace.”
Qi He was taken aback. “Wangye?”
Duan Wang raised his gaze slightly.
Qi He felt a chill, quickly bowing, “Understood, Your Highness.”
Duan Wang withdrew his gaze.
Qi He swiftly retreated to carry out the task. It was rare for the Wangye to concern himself with such trivial matters.
However, that Miss Duan truly was rather pitiable.
It was unlikely that the spineless Marquis household would stand up for her. Was Wangye intending to lend her a hand?
Could their Wangye really have such a compassionate side?
Qi He dared not speculate further.
On the other side, Duan Mingxi slept soundly through the night, but the rest of the Marquis household had a restless night, further rattled by the barrage of news at dawn.
They had hoped to quietly resolve the matter, but by morning, the entire capital knew!
How could this remain a private matter now?
It was as if they’d been put on a pyre!
Dingyuan Marquis was so enraged he blacked out on the spot, and Madam Jiang, frightened, immediately called for a doctor.
The atmosphere in the second and third households was tense. The second madam had left early to consult her family, while the third madam stayed behind, speaking privately to her husband, “I have a feeling this is just the beginning of this issue. You need to think carefully about your course of action, my lord.”
The third master was puzzled, “What’s there to consider?”
The third madam gave a slight smile, “Have you forgotten that our eldest brother is seeking an official position, and it’s at a critical stage now?”
The third master’s relaxed expression vanished as he turned to his wife. “What are you implying?”
The third madam replied nonchalantly, “For the news to spread overnight, it’s clear our recently returned young lady is no ordinary person.”
“You suspect Duan Mingxi? That’s impossible! She’s just a young girl; could she really pull off something like this?” The third master dismissed her suggestion, thinking his wife was exaggerating.
“She dared to offend two noble households; do you really think she’s incapable of this?” The third madam said.
