Xiao Ling turned to Mingxi with an apologetic expression. “My younger sister is rather impulsive. If she’s offended you, please don’t take it to heart.”
Mingxi shook her head. “It’s nothing to be upset about. There’s nothing shameful to ask about. Jiangcheng is a lovely place. If you ever visit, I’ll recommend some good spots for you.”
Mingxi’s calm and gracious response, showing no discomfort regarding her past, reminded Xiao Ling of something her older sister had once said about Mingxi. It made her respect her even more.
Duan Huirou, noticing how everyone’s attention was on Mingxi, began to feel a little down. In the past, whenever they gathered, she had always been the center of attention. But now?
Noticing Duan Huirou’s disheartened expression, Xiao Ling subtly shifted the topic. She turned to Duan Huirou with a smile. “Last year, when you visited, you particularly liked the pomegranate tree in the back garden. Unfortunately, you’ve come a bit late this year—it’s already bearing fruit, so there are no flowers. But the fruit itself is worth a look. Would you like to see it?”
Duan Huirou’s eyes lit up. “You remembered?”
“How could I forget about our Second Miss Duan? We’re both second-borns—it’s only natural to feel a kindred connection.”
Duan Huirou laughed. “Let’s go! Of course, I want to see it.”
“Perfect,” Xiao Ling replied, leading the group to the back garden to admire the pomegranate tree.
Xiao Jing and Duan Qingyin were chatting about something, both laughing as they spoke.
Duan Rong, the youngest, was brimming with curiosity about everything, and Duan Min followed closely behind her to make sure she didn’t cause any embarrassing incidents.
Mingxi walked calmly among them, her posture elegant and composed. Fuchang Marquis’s household was well-regarded in the capital, and seeing how harmoniously the legitimate and illegitimate members of the family interacted, it was clear the rumors were true.
Before long, the residence grew livelier, as guests arrived one after another for the birthday celebration. Xiao Ling was called away to help, leaving Xiao Jing to host the group.
Pointing to the largest and highest pomegranate on the tree, Xiao Jing laughed. “Every year, our household holds a contest to see who can pick that fruit. Last year, it was our third brother who managed it, and Grandmother rewarded him with a set of scholar’s four treasures. He was so stimulated he nearly cried.”
Hearing this, it was clear he wasn’t someone who loved studying, and everyone burst into laughter.
Standing nearby, Duan Qingyin whispered to Mingxi, “Of the three young masters in the household, the third one dislikes studying the most. Rewarding him with scholar’s tools is practically torture.”
Mingxi’s eyes sparkled with laughter. She had always envied harmonious families. Even their playful banter filled her with warmth and joy.
“Minxi, you’re really here.”
Minxi turned her head at the sound and saw Liu Yunhua smiling as she walked toward her, with Yao Yunyi following behind.
Xiao Jing quickly had the servant bring tea and invited the two to sit down.
Yao Yunyi sat right next to Duan Huirou. The two used to be close friends, but now, seeing each other again felt a bit awkward.
Duan Huirou’s expression also turned sour, clearly reminded of past matters.
Liu Yunhua sat down with Xiao Jing and said, “You should sit down and take a break, no need to keep working.”
Xiao Jing finally sat down and pushed some pastries toward them. “These are new varieties from Jiuchunzai. Please try them and see if they suit your taste.”
“Jiuchunzai pastries? They’re hard to get, but you must’ve ordered them in advance for today’s Old Feng Jun’s birthday banquet,” Yao Yunyi remarked with a smile.
Xiao Jing nodded. “My older brother ordered them.”
“Eldest Master Xiao is really capable,” Yao Yunyi said, picking up a piece and trying it. “Is there rose mixed in the red bean paste? It’s quite refreshing.”
Liu Yunhua wasn’t particularly fond of pastries and just tasted a little before turning to Minxi. “I heard Deqing Marquis has gone out of the capital for travel. Everyone’s saying it’s to avoid old Deqing Marquis, how pitiful.”
Minxi:?
Seeing Minxi’s confused expression, Yao Yunyi took a sip of tea and swallowed the pastry before adding, “You don’t know?”
She knew, in fact, she was the one who had suggested it, but who was the clever one who directly threw old Deqing Marquis into the fire?
“Looks like you really don’t know.” Liu Yunhua clapped her hands. “You must know about the matters in Deqing Marquis’s court, right?”
Minxi nodded. Not only did she know, but she was also indirectly involved.
“Are you not going out these days? How come you don’t keep up with outside events?” Liu Yunhua cast a suspicious glance at Duan Huirou.
Duan Huirou:……
Why is she looking at me?
In their family, it was Duan Minxi who went out frequently, and her grandparents don’t stop her!
Duan Minxi could pretend, but she couldn’t expose her!
She was really suffering—why was she the one taking the fall when she already gave up?
“Why are you looking at me?” Duan Huirou snapped. “It’s not up to me whether the eldest daughter of our family goes out or not.”
Everyone:……
Xiao Jing felt a little uneasy at hearing this. She glanced around, worried there might be an argument.
Liu Yunhua had a good impression of Xiao Jing, and not wanting to scare her, she said, “Why are you yelling? If it’s nothing, then it’s nothing. If it weren’t for you always targeting Minxi before, would I even be looking at you?”
“You…” Duan Huirou’s eyes were red from anger.
Duan Minxi glanced at her and said to Liu Yunhua, “No one stops me at home. I’m just busy with things and haven’t paid much attention to the news outside.”
Liu Yunhua finally relaxed, afraid Minxi might miss out on all the gossip, and began telling her about Deqing Marquis’s latest scandal.
Duan Qingyin and the others didn’t know the details, so they listened with great interest.
Meanwhile, Yao Yunyi gently poked Duan Huirou.
Duan Huirou pressed her lips together, remaining silent.
Yao Yunyi sighed, “Seeing as we’ve known each other for so many years, I’ll remind you. This is the old madam’s birthday banquet. If anyone sees you crying here, what do you think will happen?”
Duan Huirou quickly dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, took a deep breath to calm herself, and said, “Why are you still talking to me? Didn’t you stop associating with me long ago?”
Yao Yunyi:……
“How can you say that? Do you want us to go through our old grievances?”
Duan Huirou remained silent, feeling guilty.
Seeing her so pitiful, Yao Yunyi scoffed and lowered her voice, “Your oldest sister is a big-hearted person. Stop always being so stubborn. How are you going to get along with your sisters if this continues?”
Duan Huirou froze. “What future do I have with her? We just can’t stand each other.”
“Pah!” Yao Yunyi softly spat on her handkerchief, shaking her head. “You’re so foolish. Now everyone says the oldest daughter is good. If you don’t get along, others will naturally think you’re the one at fault. Don’t you care about your reputation?”
“Well, I can’t force a smile and pretend.”
“You… Forget it, the time will come when you regret this,” Yao Yunyi sighed and shook her head. “Huirou, we’ve been friends for over ten years. I can’t stand by and watch you continue making mistakes. I’ve also been friends with your older sister, and we get along well. After all this time, I know her temperament. As long as you sincerely admit your mistakes, she’ll forgive you eventually.”
Duan Huirou remained silent.
Yao Yunyi looked at her intently. “Don’t you see what’s happening in the Deqing Marquis household? Someone as clever as Fu Hongxiao ultimately brought ruin upon herself.”
“How could I be anything like her?” Duan Huirou shot back, looking at Yao Yunyi. “I’m not as malicious as she is, resorting to something as despicable as drugging others.”
“That’s exactly why, since you haven’t committed any major wrongs yet, there’s still time to fix things. Why insist on being so stubborn?”
Duan Huirou’s face paled. “You don’t understand. She’ll never forgive me.”
