Fuchang Marquis’s residence was bustling with guests today. A table was set up in the flower hall for the younger generation to take their seats. As expected, Xiao Ling ensured that Mingxi and Li Peilan’s seats were separated, with an entire table in between them. The distance made it impossible for them to speak directly.
It was clear that Madam Xiao had heard the news. She entered the hall and spoke softly to her sisters, reassuring them, “Don’t be afraid. If anything happens, we won’t shy away. Just don’t provoke trouble. If Miss Li comes looking for trouble, have someone come to find me.”
Duan Huirou, indeed a bit nervous, quickly nodded, “Elder sister-in-law, please keep an eye on things.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll have the maid watch over things,” Madam Xiao comforted.
Duan Qingyin, who usually remained silent in such situations, spoke up at this moment, “Eldest sister-in-law, please go ahead. We will be careful.”
Madam Xiao still wasn’t fully reassured and looked at Mingxi. Mingxi nodded slightly.
Only then did Madam Xiao breathe a sigh of relief. Her concern wasn’t that Li Peilan might cause trouble. It was that Mingxi might not be able to contain her anger.
After Madam Xiao left, Chu Qingying smiled and said, “I didn’t expect the young madam to be so thoughtful.”
“The girls of the Fuchang Marquis’ family are always considerate and well-organized, renowned throughout the capital,” said Yao Yunyi with a smile.
They were laughing and chatting when the sound of people giving toasts to the birthday guest could be heard from the main hall, followed by applause.
The meal passed without incident. Li Peilan didn’t stir up any trouble, which Mingxi wasn’t surprised by. After all, they were at the Fuchang Marquis’ residence. If she had caused a scene, it would have alienated the hosts.
After the meal, everyone went to watch a play. The stage had already been set up, with a renowned troupe invited from the capital, much to the delight of many of the madams.
The young ladies, however, found watching the play boring and couldn’t sit still. One by one, they tried to slip out.
Mingxi didn’t want to have any more interactions with Li Peilan. Since it was a birthday celebration, she didn’t want to cause any tension. So, she sought out Madam Xiao to leave early.
Madam Xiao, with a worried look, asked, “Are you concerned about Li Peilan? Didn’t I say there’s nothing to fear?”
Mingxi understood this was her way of saying that, if something happened, the marquis’s family would not turn a blind eye.
However, she didn’t want to impose, so she replied, “I have other matters to attend to. I’ll just stop by the house on the way. Don’t trouble the Old Madam or the marquis’s wife. I’ll leave quietly, but do keep an eye on my younger sisters.”
Madam Xiao realized Mingxi didn’t want to trouble her family and, for the first time, felt some resentment toward the Li family, a sentiment she hadn’t had before.
“Alright, I’ll see you off,” Madam Xiao said, no longer trying to stop her. Mingxi’s good intentions were appreciated, and Madam Xiao made a note of it.
Mingxi informed a few friends and her younger sisters before quietly leaving with Madam Xiao.
Qiancao and Xiangxiang followed immediately, their faces visibly displeased.
Madam Xiao personally escorted Mingxi to the carriage. Just as she was about to board, Li Peilan’s voice rang out. “The banquet isn’t over yet. Where is Miss Duan heading in such a hurry?”
Madam Xiao’s expression darkened, but she suppressed her irritation, turning back with a polite smile. “Miss Li, are you also leaving in a rush?”
Li Peilan approached with her attendants, glancing at Madam Xiao before slowly saying, “I noticed someone sneaking around and got curious. I didn’t expect it to be Miss Duan leaving early. If you’re going, shouldn’t you let everyone know first?”
Madam Xiao was about to respond when Mingxi spoke up, her tone calm yet cutting. “I wasn’t aware that Miss Li has the authority to manage Marquis Fuchang’s household. Duke Cao’s family truly wields influence.”
Li Peilan’s face clouded with anger. “What nonsense are you spouting?”
“Didn’t you just suggest I inform everyone? I’ve never heard of a guest needing to bid farewell to every other guest before leaving. It seems Miss Li follows such thorough etiquette, and for that, you are truly admirable. I’ll be sure to spread word of your example.”
Everyone knows the rule: a guest follows the host’s lead. Who’s ever heard of a guest acting like the host?
Li Peilan’s expression darkened further under Mingxi’s retort. She replied coldly, “I thought we’d met enough times that you’d at least say goodbye to me. I must have been mistaken.”
Mingxi’s lips curved into a faint sneer. “I don’t befriend people who slander me.”
Hearing this, Li Peilan’s face fell entirely. “And what if what I said was true?”
“Judging by your earlier words, it’s hard to discern how much truth actually comes out of your mouth. It’s baffling. A young lady who isn’t married, yet dares to dictate in someone else’s household—this is a first for me.”
“You better stop with your baseless accusations!”
“Oh? Is Miss Li so particular that she can shamelessly retract her words after saying them?”
“Duan Mingxi, do you really think you’re so great?”
“Miss Li!” Madam Xiao could no longer hold back and interrupted, her expression stern. “I will report today’s incident to the elders. When Duke Cao’s family discusses this with the Marquis, the truth will become clear. Let’s leave it to them to decide who’s in the right.”
Without waiting for Li Peilan’s response, Madam Xiao turned to Mingxi. “Dear sister, you have more important matters to attend to. Don’t delay—get on the carriage quickly.”
She then addressed the maids sharply, “Why are you standing there? Help her into the carriage.”
Qiancao and Xiangxiang hurried forward. Before boarding, Mingxi glanced back at Li Peilan. That single look was enough to nearly provoke Li Peilan into an outright confrontation.
Li Peilan’s face was livid as she turned to Madam Xiao and said, “You defend her so fiercely. Who knows if she’ll even remember you as her sister-in-law in the future?”
“That’s none of your concern Miss Li,” Madam Xiao replied icily. “I heard that recently you’ve been close with Fu Hongxiao. Now that she’s in trouble, I’m sure you’ll remember your friendship and look after her.”
Li Peilan could no longer suppress her anger. “What does she have to do with me?”
“How could she not?” Madam Xiao retorted with a faint smile. “Miss Li, you felt compelled to defend right and wrong over Mingxi leaving early today. Surely, for a friend like Miss Fu, you’d go even further to support her in her time of need.”
Madam Xiao knew how to handle Li Peilan, who usually relied on her connections with the empress to behave arrogantly. Madam Xiao wasn’t intimidated.
“Miss, we should return,” said Hongxiu, Li Peilan’s maid, pulling her sleeve. She then looked at Madam Xiao and added, “The madam is still waiting for the Young Miss. We’ll take our leave now.”
Madam Xiao smiled, “Don’t let the Duchess Cao wait too long, please.”
Li Peilan shot a fierce glare at Madam Xiao, then turned and swept away, her sleeves trailing behind her.
Madam Xiao’s smile remained unchanged, but inwardly, she muttered, “Pah! What bad luck!”
However, she knew that this matter could be either small or big. After returning to the manor, she took a shortcut to see her grandmother and mother, explaining in detail Li Peilan’s actions that day.
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