“What did you say?” The Old Madam was stunned. “Is this true?”
Madam Jiang’s face paled. “Third Sister-in-law, you can’t speak so carelessly about something like this.”
She had been contemplating ways to smooth things over—how could news already be spreading all the way to the Imperial Academy?
“Mother, do you think I’d make up something so serious? If you don’t believe me, ask Second Sister-in-law.”
The Second Madam nodded in agreement.
Her younger sister was married to the Jijiu of the Imperial Academy, so this information was undoubtedly accurate.
“What should we do now, Mother?” Madam Jiang was genuinely anxious. After all, she had initially arranged this marriage with Duchess Gao’s family, only for her daughter to ruin everything.
If the marriage falls through, they’ll turn from family to enemies.
The situation had escalated too quickly. The Old Madam recalled her conversation with her husband the day before. She looked at the three sisters-in-law with a serious expression. “Now that things have reached this point, it’s no longer just our family’s concern. Besides, Gao Zhan was the one who was caught meeting with Miss Bai in secret, so it’s Duke Gao’s family who’s in the wrong here.”
Madam Jiang, hearing this, could tell that the family intended to abandon this marriage arrangement. Her face shifted as she said, “Duke Gao’s family and Duke Zhen’s family have always been on bad terms. The marriage between them might not happen after all.”
Hearing her still hoping to salvage this engagement, the Third Madam and Second Madam exchanged a glance and rolled their eyes.
The Third Madam, already displeased, spoke mockingly. “Since Duan Mingxi has upset the Gao family, they probably despise her by now. If Eldest Sister-in-law still wants to see the marriage happen, how about you send Huirou instead? The Gao family might find that agreeable.”
“How could you suggest that?” Madam Jiang immediately frowned, feeling flustered when she met the Third Madam’s amused gaze. “Traditionally, the older sister should marry before the younger one. It wouldn’t be proper for Huirou to marry first.”
“Oh, Eldest Sister-in-law, she wouldn’t marry right away. You’d simply arrange the engagement now and let Huirou marry after Duan Mingxi. That way, you don’t have to worry about Gao family resentment. After all, Huirou has been raised under your watch, and they’re sure to be pleased with her,” the Second Madam suggested sincerely.
Madam Jiang’s face tightened as she looked at the Second and Third Madams. “No need to trouble yourselves. I’ll discuss it with my husband.”
Hmph. Once she felt cornered, she would conveniently bring up her husband as a shield.
The Second Madam turned away from Madam Jiang and spoke to the Old Madam. “Mother, this marriage proposal was entirely Eldest Sister-in-law’s idea. She even took Duan Mingxi to secretly meet them. If she hadn’t been so careless, how would anyone have misunderstood?”
“Exactly, Mother. In my view, Eldest Sister-in-law should go to Duke Gao’s family to clarify things. Since Gao Zhan met Miss Bai privately, it shows a lack of sincerity, so it’s best to drop the marriage proposal altogether. We’re in the right here—why should we be afraid?”
The Third Madam knew that backing down was not an option. With the Gao family’s ways, showing weakness would only invite more trouble.
Their best option was to appear equally furious and indignant, which might salvage some dignity.
But it all hinged on Madam Jiang’s actions.
The Old Madam nodded slightly and looked at Madam Jiang. “Your sisters-in-law have a point. You should go to Duke Gao’s family and explain everything clearly.”
Madam Jiang: …
The Old Madam had supported this marriage initially, but now she was acting innocent while dumping the mess on her.
The Second and Third Madams had effectively pushed her into a corner. With a belly full of resentment, Madam Jiang found herself thinking more clearly.
“Mother, I’ll go to the Gao family. After all, Duan Mingxi is my daughter, and of course, I love her. I had originally thought the Gao family’s noble status would mean an affluent and prestigious marriage as the shizi’s wife, which seemed ideal.”
She couldn’t let the Second and Third Madams paint her as unkind. “I’ll put my own pride aside and explain everything to Madam Gao. But what about Duke Zhen’s family?
“Bai Zhiwei is Duke Zhen’s most cherished daughter. She’s quite famous in the capital, and now her reputation is ruined because of Duan Mingxi. I doubt they’ll just let it go.”
The Second Madam sneered at this. “It’s her fault for being so shameless. How could they even think of blaming us?”
“We keep fretting over this from every angle, but if trouble is bound to come, let’s face it head-on. Why don’t we just make everything public and let everyone see? Duke Zhen’s family would have to think twice before trying anything,” the Third Madam said angrily.
Madam Jiang, trembling with anger, replied, “We are still a marquisate, not some disreputable household.”
“Well, Eldest Sister-in-law, if you want to preserve your face at any cost, go ahead. We, in the third branch, are not willing to do so,” the Third Madam retorted.
Her husband still aspired to revive his official career, and if Duke Zhen’s family found leverage in this incident, they’d never have peace.
Rather than be controlled, it was better to sever ties openly.
That way, Duke Zhen’s family would likely think carefully before making any moves.
“Enough with the arguing,” the Old Madam banged the table, silencing the three. They all looked at her.
She looked at Madam Jiang and said, “You will go personally to the Gao family and explain everything to the Duchess. Remember, neither of our families proposed marriage, nor was there any formal introduction.”
Madam Jiang, fuming internally, found herself in a lose-lose situation. She hadn’t gained anything and now had a mess on her hands.
“Yes, I’ll go today.” She agreed sullenly.
The Old Madam ignored her displeasure and turned to the Second Madam. “As for Duke Zhen’s family, I still have a bit of reputation. Today, you will accompany me to speak with Old Madam Bai.”
“Mother, perhaps it’s not the best idea for me to go,” the Second Madam hesitated.
“Since you’re so vocal at home, I expect your silver tongue will serve us well with Madam Bai.”
The Second Madam: …
The Old Madam then looked at all three women. “Let me make one thing clear: the Gao family has already hinted that if Duan Mingxi doesn’t apologize, they’ll block Old Second’s official prospects.”
The Second Madam hadn’t known about her husband’s potential promotion, but hearing this now, her mood shifted from relief to frustration. She was clearly displeased but dared not object under the Old Madam’s gaze.
The Old Madam swept her gaze over them and continued, “If there’s a first, there will be a second. This time, we cannot back down.”
The Second Madam’s expression turned dark, gripping her handkerchief tightly.
The Third Madam felt relieved inside. All this talk about a “first” and a “second” was really just because the Old Master and Old Madam found Duan Mingxi’s temperament too strong and feared driving her away, which would mean losing out on the money they wanted. So, they agreed to take a step back.
Looking at the Second Madam’s darkened face, Madam Jiang felt a bit more at ease. They were all sisters-in-law, so why should she be the only unlucky one?
The Old Madam looked at the faintly smiling Third Madam and, unhurriedly, threw out another statement, “Originally, we had also settled on Old Third’s job, but it seems that won’t work out either.”
The Third Madam: …
The Second Madam let out the breath she’d been holding, and Madam Jiang’s expression softened.
Now things were equal; no one could laugh at anyone else.
“If we want everyone to be well off, we cannot lose this time. Do you understand?” the Old Madam asked.
The Third Madam quickly responded, “Mother, I’ll go with you to Duke Zhen’s mansion. I can argue if I need to.”
Backing down wasn’t an option; she would do whatever it took.
The Third Madam was ready to roll up her sleeves and get involved for her husband.
