Time flew by, and soon it was the birthday celebration of the Fuchang Marquis Old Madam. Mingxi rose early, washed, had breakfast, and headed to Rongan Hall.
On the way, she met Duan Qingyin, and the two sisters walked together.
Duan Qingyin had also received an invitation. Today, she was dressed quite appropriately, her mother, Yang Yiniang, having carefully selected every detail. The outfit was neither too ostentatious nor too plain, striking a perfect balance.
Mingxi wore a light purple blouse and skirt, exuding elegance and steadiness without appearing overly formal. A delicate floral forehead decoration added a touch of youthful charm.
The two chatted and laughed as they entered Rongan Hall. The Old Madam had not yet arrived, so Wan Mama and her attendants welcomed them. Nowadays, with Mingxi’s prominence in the family, no one dared show her disrespect.
As they chatted, Duan Min and Duan Rong also arrived, followed shortly by Duan Huirou.
Before greetings could be exchanged, Madam Xiao entered. As the eldest sister-in-law and the legitimate daughter of Fuchang Marquis, her presence quickly livened up the room with laughter and conversation.
Soon after, Madam Jiang, the second madam, and the third madam arrived.
The Old Madam entered, supported by Wan Mama, and everyone stood to pay their respects.
The Old Madam waved a hand. “Be seated.”
Everyone took their seats. It was decided that Madam Jiang would lead the children to the celebration at Fuchang Marquis Madam’s residence, while the second and third madams would stay home.
“On such a joyous occasion, I would have personally gone to celebrate your grandmother’s birthday, but my health can’t handle the exertion. Please convey my apologies to her,” the Old Madam said with a light cough.
Madam Xiao quickly stepped forward to gently pat the Old Madam’s back. “Grandmother, your health is most important. My grandmother sent the invitation because she enjoys talking with you. If she knew you weren’t feeling well, she certainly wouldn’t want to trouble you.”
The Old Madam patted Madam Xiao’s hand and said, “You’re a good child. I’ve prepared a gift for your grandmother. Take it with you—it’s a token of my goodwill.”
“Of course,” Madam Xiao replied with a smile.
Madam Xiao had been married into the family for over two years but had yet to conceive. With Madam Jiang recently having more free time, she had noticed the absence of a grandchild and had grown displeased with her daughter-in-law.
Mingxi, who had been busy with external matters, listened to the Old Madam’s words, sensing a deeper meaning. She glanced at Madam Xiao and then at Madam Jiang.
Madam Xiao, being from the Fuchang Marquisate, had a stronger maternal family than her husband’s side. Although Madam Jiang appeared commanding on the surface, she wouldn’t dare blatantly bully this daughter-in-law.
Still, the matter of heirs was significant. After two years without a child, Madam Jiang believed she had been patient enough and had started considering sending a concubine to her son.
Naturally, this led to tension between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
Mingxi sipped her tea quietly. Madam Xiao was no pushover; she could handle such matters. At worst, the Fuchang Marquisate would intervene.
Otherwise, why would Fuchang Marquis Old Madam’s birthday celebration include invitations for all the girls from the Marquis family? It was a subtle competition.
Madam Jiang’s smile grew strained. The Old Madam praised Madam Xiao as a “good child,” so who was the “bad one” by implication?
Her expression darkened slightly, though she dared not show it outright.
The second and third madams exchanged glances, both showing some disdain. In their eyes, the eldest sister-in-law simply didn’t know how fortunate she was.
Duan Yu had managed to establish himself so quickly in the Military Selection Division partly because Fuchang Marquis had extended a helping hand. One must give credit where it’s due.
Besides, some women take a few years before they conceive—four or five years isn’t unheard of.
If they had such a capable daughter-in-law, they’d practically treat her like a treasure.
“Mother, I’ll go check the carriages again, just to make sure there won’t be any issues on the road,” the third madam said, using the excuse to step out and avoid getting involved in the conversation.
The second madam also rose with a smile. “I’ll double-check the gift list. We can’t afford any mistakes with the items on it.”
In families like theirs, when attending a birthday celebration, gifts were not personally handed over to the host. Instead, they prepared a detailed gift list. The Marquis’s household would record it in their ledgers, and by reviewing the lists later, they would know exactly which family had sent what.
Mingxi’s birthday gift was also recorded in the gift ledger and sent to the Fuchang Marquis Manor along with the Marquis offerings.
The Old Madam gave a final reminder to Mingxi and the others, “Once you arrive at the Marquis Manor, stay close to your eldest aunt and be mindful of proper etiquette.”
“Yes,” Mingxi and the others replied as they rose and bowed.
“The time is about right; you should set out now,” the Old Madam said with a wave of her hand.
Madam Jiang, as though relieved of a great burden, quickly stood to take her leave, leading her daughter-in-law, daughters, and nieces out the door.
With a large family traveling together, three carriages were prepared. Madam Jiang rode in one, Mingxi and her two sisters in another, while Madam Xiao shared the third with Duan Min and Duan Rong.
Duan Huirou, feeling constrained in Mingxi’s carriage, swapped places with Madam Xiao.
Once Madam Xiao settled in Mingxi’s carriage, she smiled warmly and said, “I hope I’m not intruding on you two sisters.”
“What are you saying, Sister-in-law? We’re delighted to have you,” Duan Qingyin responded with a lighthearted smile.
Madam Xiao observed Duan Qingyin. This younger concubine-sister was generally well-mannered, though her mother, Yang Yiniang, tended to be unruly. However, that was an issue between her father-in-law and his concubine, and as a daughter-in-law, Madam Xiao didn’t concern herself with it.
Yang Yiniang treated her with respect, so Madam Xiao had no enmity toward Duan Qingyin or her brother Duan Ning.
Furthermore, Mingxi had little tolerance for family infighting and always promoted harmony. Hence, Madam Xiao fully embraced her role as an elder sister-in-law, treating her younger sisters warmly.
Since the Dingyuan Marquis and the Fuchang Marquis were in-laws, they arrived earlier than most guests. The Fuchang Marquis Madam came out to greet them upon hearing the news.
Madam Jiang stepped down from the carriage, with Mingxi and the others following behind her.
The Fuchang Marquis Madam, a slightly plump woman with a round, affable face, greeted Madam Jiang with a broad smile. She clasped Madam Jiang’s hands warmly and said, “In-laws, it’s been ages since we’ve seen each other. Today, we must catch up properly. Oh my, the children are all growing so beautifully. Is this your eldest daughter? She’s as lovely as a flower—so delightful!”
“Greetings, Madam,” Mingxi said as she led her sisters in curtseying.
The Fuchang Marquis Madam quickly stepped forward to help her up. “Good child, this is our first meeting. I had intended for your sister-in-law to bring you by earlier, but family affairs kept me tied up. Here, take this—it’s a token of our meeting,” she said, slipping a bracelet from her wrist onto Mingxi’s arm.
Mingxi quickly declined, but Fuchang Marquis Madam insisted, “Your sisters all received something similar when we met. You mustn’t refuse.”
Mingxi finally accepted it with a polite bow. “Thank you for your generous gift, Madam.”
Turning to Madam Jiang, Fuchang Marquis Madam added, “Your family really knows how to raise children. Each one is more wonderful than the last. Huirou is charming and adorable, Qingyin is gentle and graceful, Min Er is composed and dignified, and Rong Er is lively and delightful. Oh, how I envy you—I wish I had more daughters myself!”
Fuchang Marquis Madam was skilled in social diplomacy; her words left no one unpraised, and everyone smiled as they entered the estate in high spirits.
The Fuchang Marquis Madam first led them to meet the Old Madam of the Fuchang Marquis Manor. The Old Madam scrutinized Mingxi with a kindly gaze, showering her with affection and even giving her a valuable meeting gift. She then instructed her maids to bring out a box of bejeweled hairpins for Duan Huirou and the other girls, ensuring no one was overlooked. This pair of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law exuded a harmonious warmth that endeared them to everyone present.
The Old Madam summoned her granddaughter Xiao Ling to escort Mingxi and the others around the estate. Xiao Ling brought along her younger half-sister Xiao Jing to join them.
Several young ladies, close in age, were already acquainted with Duan Huirou. Although Mingxi had only recently been found and brought back as the eldest daughter of the Marquis household, her betrothal to Duan Wang elevated her status significantly.
Xiao Ling and Xiao Jing both regarded Duan Mingxi with curiosity. However, Xiao Ling was steady in temperament and concealed her interest entirely. Xiao Jing, on the other hand, was lively and openly inquisitive, asking questions about Jiangcheng until Xiao Ling scolded her.
You’re bringing up the pot that isn’t boiling
