“My father is searching for embroiderers everywhere, isn’t he?” Mingxi asked the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper nodded. “Yes, finding embroiderers is our top priority right now, but it’s hard to say if we’ll succeed.”
“You won’t succeed,” Mingxi replied firmly. “Tell my father to stop. I have a way to replace the missing fabric.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up. “Really, Miss? That’s wonderful news!”
“Remember, you must appear outwardly as though we cannot resolve this issue. Continue the pretense of borrowing embroiderers and sourcing gold and silver threads.”
“Understood, Miss. Is there anything else?”
Mingxi shook her head. “This is enough for now. Tell my father to deliver the goods on the very last day of the bureau’s deadline. I’ll make sure the missing items are sent over by then. Also, prepare 20,000 taels of silver for me. Note it on the account; I’ll settle it later.”
The shopkeeper was so thrilled that he nodded to everything Mingxi said. He had followed her father from Jiangcheng to the capital and had watched the Miss grow up. Like father, like daughter— Mingxi carried the same air as her father had in his youth.
After leaving the shop, Mingxi did not return to the Marquis Residence but instead headed to the estate.
Second Master Duan was startled to see her and hurried out to greet her. “Why didn’t you send word before coming?”
The sun was already setting, and it would be time to head back soon. Coming all this way seemed almost frivolous.
“I have an important matter and need you to run an errand for me, Second Uncle.”
It was rare for Mingxi to make such a request, so Second Master Duan immediately responded, “Mingxi, whatever it is, just tell me.”
Mingxi handed him a sample pattern she had brought. “There’s an address written on this. Go to this address and buy several crates of goods from the person there.”
Second Master Duan initially thought it was a serious matter, but seeing it was just about buying goods, he quickly nodded. “Alright, leave it to me. When do you need it?”
“The sooner, the better. But, Second Uncle, this person has a special background, so it’s best if you don’t reveal your identity.”
Hearing this, Second Master Duan immediately sensed something was amiss and pressed her for details.
Mingxi gave him a brief explanation. Upon hearing it, Second Master Duan was so furious his mustache practically curled up. Thumping his chest, he said, “Mingxi, your Second Uncle hasn’t been idling away all these years in the capital. Don’t worry—I’ll handle this for you.”
Mingxi then handed him a banknote for 20,000 taels of silver.
“What are you doing? I can afford this much myself,” Second Master Duan protested, refusing to accept it.
Mingxi smiled. “It’s not for you. It’s for the seller. Make sure he writes a receipt with a signature and handprint.”
“That’s way too much money.”
“Money tempts the heart. Without this much silver, you won’t be able to secure the goods.”
Second Master Duan understood and relented. “Alright, I’ll take it, then.”
Privately, he thought to himself that even if he wanted to, he couldn’t scrape together 20,000 taels of silver.
“This matter must be done swiftly and discreetly, without leaving any trace.”
“Rest assured.”
Only then did Mingxi bid him farewell and board her carriage to return to the city.
As the carriage passed the estate that Gao Zhan had purchased for the Crown Prince, it was bustling with activity, the sounds of construction filling the air. They were building warm sheds, and Mingxi thought she caught a glimpse of Gao Zhan himself amidst the commotion.
She quickly lowered the curtain and instructed the coachman to speed up.
At the estate, Gao Zhan had just dismounted when he sensed something. He turned his head and saw a carriage speeding away in the distance.
He didn’t think much of it and strode into the estate.
Recently, the Crown Prince had taken a keen interest in this property, which naturally made him pay more attention to it as well. He found himself running here every few days.
Moreover, ever since his marriage, his mother and wife had been constantly at odds, leaving him stuck in the middle, pleasing neither side. To escape the tension, he simply avoided it altogether—out of sight, out of mind.
Meanwhile, Mingxi managed to return to the city just before the gates closed. As she stepped down from the carriage, she coincidentally ran into Duan Qi, who was on his way back from school.
She paused to wait for him to approach.
“Older sister,” Duan Qi greeted her warmly, quickening his steps. “You just returned?”
Mingxi nodded and began walking alongside him toward the family estate. As they walked, she asked, “How are your studies with the tutor going? I heard from Grandmother that you’re planning to sit for the exams this year. Do you feel confident?”
Duan Qi was preparing to take the imperial exam to qualify as a scholar.
“I’m confident,” Duan Qi replied with a bright smile. “The tutor says my foundation is solid, and I’m ready to take the test. Sister, just wait—I’ll definitely pass and earn my scholar’s title!”
“Good. If you pass, I’ll host a banquet to celebrate,” Duan Mingxi said, returning his smile.
Duan Qi had always been close to her since returning to the family. He even tried to mediate between Madam Jiang and Duan Huirou. So far, there hadn’t been any signs of ulterior motives.
If he was willing to be a good younger brother, she was willing to be a good elder sister. After all, having a capable younger brother would only add to her support.
“Older sister, did you go out of the city today?” Duan Qi asked, noticing the mud on the hem of her skirt and the tips of her shoes.
“Yes,” Duan Mingxi admitted. “I went to check on the estate I purchased last time. Once everything is organized there, you should visit. Soaking in the hot springs during winter is incredibly relaxing.”
Duan Qi hesitated for a moment before replying, “I heard you’re setting up greenhouses there. I’d only end up causing trouble if I went.”
“They’ll be finished soon. It won’t be an issue,” Duan Mingxi reassured him. Turning her head slightly, she added, “When you pass your exam, I could write you a recommendation letter. You could visit Songshan Academy for a while.”
Duan Qi’s eyes lit up; this suggestion struck a chord. “Really, sister?”
“You’re keen on studying, which is a good thing,” Duan Mingxi replied. “Songshan Academy is full of talented scholars. Visiting would broaden your horizons.”
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony. I’d love to go. I’ve long admired Master Chen, and this would be an incredible opportunity to meet him.”
“Good. Besides, your older brothers are also studying there. You could check in on them.”
“Alright,” Duan Qi readily agreed, showing no hesitation—even though one of those elder brothers, Duan Ning, was the son of a concubine.
The two chatted and laughed as they walked, heading first to Rongan Hall to pay respects to the Old Madam. Seeing the siblings return together, the Old Madam asked a few questions, including whether they had eaten. Learning they hadn’t, she insisted they stay for dinner.
After the meal, she sent them off to their respective quarters. Watching the siblings interact so amicably, the Old Madam remarked to Wan Mama with a smile, “Seeing Mingxi and Qi Er getting along so well truly warms my heart.”
“Third Young Master and the eldest young lady share a special bond,” Wan Mama replied, equally pleased. “Considering the tension between the Marquis Madam, the second young lady, and the eldest young lady, it’s fortunate that the third young master can help bridge the gap.”
Mingxi returned to her courtyard, finally taking a moment to catch her breath. After resting briefly, she called Li Quan over to inquire about the day’s developments in the Shuntian Office case.
She had been too preoccupied to follow up and wasn’t sure how things had progressed.
Li Quan had been waiting for her summons. The moment Qiancao called him, he was already at the second gate, prepared. Upon entering, he respectfully saluted the eldest young lady.
Duan Mingxi motioned for Xiangxiang to bring a brocade stool for him to sit on before asking, “Has the Shuntian Office case been concluded today?”
“How could it be resolved so quickly, eldest young lady?” Li Quan replied. “It’s still ongoing.”
“What’s the current status?” Duan Mingxi pressed.
“They’re investigating the attack on Fu Yan,” Li Quan explained. “Xu Yiniang and her son deny any involvement.”
Duan Mingxi frowned. “Why is it progressing so slowly?”
The pace was far behind what she had anticipated.
