Chen Fu left the Dingyuan Marquis’ residence. Recalling the expression of the Dingyuan Marquis Madam just now, he curled his lips slightly—fortunately, Niang Niang had planned ahead.
Inside Rongan Hall, the Old Master looked at Mingxi with great satisfaction—this gamble had paid off!
The Old Madam hurriedly ordered preparations for a banquet to celebrate once Duan Yu returned.
The Second and Third Madams continuously praised Mingxi, especially in front of Madam Jiang, whose expression was quite a sight to behold.
Recalling how she had just confidently declared “How could that be possible?” in front of Steward Chen and Consort Shu, Madam Jiang’s face burned with embarrassment. Feeling awkward, she made an excuse to busy herself with the banquet arrangements and slipped away.
As soon as she left, Duan Huirou also found it dull to stay. Looking at Duan Mingxi, who was being surrounded by everyone, she recalled Duan Qi’s words—telling her not to be jealous. She reminded herself that Duan Mingxi had earned this through her own abilities.
Still, she couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable, so she quietly found an excuse to leave as well.
The Old Madam noticed but did not stop her. As long as Huirou could refrain from speaking ill of Mingxi and maintain the appearance of sisterly harmony, she was willing to turn a blind eye.
Otherwise, Huirou would only end up suffering for it.
After all, she was still a granddaughter the Old Madam had raised with care—she didn’t want her to completely lose face in the household.
When Duan Qi returned to the manor, he immediately sensed the joyous atmosphere. Grabbing a passing servant, he asked what was going on, only to learn that his eldest brother had been promoted.
Promoted?
Duan Qi was surprised—what happened?
Instead of heading straight to Rongan Hall to pay his respects, he first returned to his own courtyard and instructed his personal servant to gather more details. Meanwhile, he changed into more festive clothing. When the servant returned with the full story, he felt both happy and surprised.
His eldest brother—this block of rotten wood—had actually been propped up by their eldest sister. Truly impressive.
Since this was a cause for celebration, Duan Qi strode toward Rongan Hall.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, a maid ran inside to announce his arrival. Stepping through the doors, he was met with the sound of cheerful laughter.
Duan Yu was at the center of everyone’s attention, surrounded by questioning relatives. Their grandfather and grandmother beamed with joy, even their usually absent father was present. Second uncle was still at the estate and hadn’t returned, while third uncle was still at court, but the house was already lively.
Madam Xiao was bustling about, her smile impossible to suppress. She had known her judgment wasn’t wrong—aligning with her eldest little sister had indeed been the right choice.
“Grandson greets Grandfather and Grandmother.”
“Qi Er is back! Come here, let me tell you some good news—your eldest brother has been promoted.”
Duan Qi looked at his grandmother with a smile. “The moment I stepped in, I could tell how happy everyone was.” Then he turned to Duan Yu. “Congratulations, Eldest Brother.”
Duan Yu looked a little embarrassed and glanced at Mingxi before saying, “It’s all thanks to our eldest little sister. If not for her, I wouldn’t have had such good fortune.”
“Eldest Sister’s help was certainly invaluable, but if you had given up halfway, you wouldn’t have this honor now.”
Hearing this, Duan Yu’s face lit up with pride. He grabbed Duan Qi’s hand and said, “Third Brother, study hard. You and Second Brother are both talented scholars. If we work together, our Marquis household will only prosper further.”
“Alright,” Duan Qi smiled and nodded, “I’ll follow Big Brother’s lead.”
The old master felt gratified upon hearing this. Looking at his grandsons, he said, “When the New Year comes, Ning Ger, Jin Ger, and Heng Ger will all be back. You brothers must gather together in harmony. Remember, ‘When brothers work together, their strength can cut through metal.’ Never forget this.”
“Yes,” Duan Qi and Duan Yu responded in unison.
Second Madam smiled and added, “Father, rest assured, the children in our family are all good. They’ll surely fulfill your wishes.”
Third Madam chimed in with agreement, then added, “I’ll send someone to check on Chen Ger and the others at the academy. They should be on their way back by now. Tonight, it’s rare for everyone to gather, so we must make the most of it.”
Duan Qi offered, “Third Aunt, let me go check.”
Third Madam didn’t refuse and waved her hand. “Alright, you go.”
Seeing this, Duan Yu decided to tag along. The two brothers walked out side by side, appearing quite close and amiable.
Duan Qingyin, seated beside Mingxi, remarked with a smile, “Elder Sister, the atmosphere in our family is so good now.”
Hearing these words, Mingxi’s expression flickered for a moment. Yes, compared to the open strife and veiled struggles of her past life in the Marquis Manor, where everyone sought personal gain, things were indeed much better now.
Whether it was Duan Yu, Duan Qi, or the other cousins from the second and third branches, they were all standing behind her now, serving as her support.
No longer would outsiders say the Marquis Manor’s male heirs were a disgrace.
In a few years, as these young men matured and earned titles, the narrative would shift entirely.
Though she wasn’t afraid to fight alone, having a powerful family as backing was undeniably advantageous.
Looking at the imperial court, which high-ranking official didn’t have the support of a strong family behind them?
In her hands, even loose sand could be molded into a solid tower.
Turning to Duan Qingyin, Mingxi reassured her, “Things will only get better from here.”
Duan Qingyin nodded earnestly, full of hope. She eagerly awaited her elder brother’s return, hopeful he would pass the imperial exams and secure an official post. With that, her mother would no longer struggle so much within the family, and her own future would be brighter.
Life now had so much promise—it was exhilarating just thinking about it.
Outside, the sound of laughter and chatter carried over from afar, with the booming voice of the third lord rising above the rest.
The Old Madam chuckled, “That Third Son of mine—his voice arrives before he does.”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Soon, the second and third masters entered with a group of children. After paying their respects to the elders and greeting everyone, Third Master boomed, “I heard the news back at the office—it’s truly something to celebrate. Duan Yu, you’ve done well. This brings honor to us all.”
Second Master who had just returned from the manor, only learned about the news upon meeting his nephews. Now, he was equally thrilled. If Duan Yu could rise step by step, then the promise Mingxi made to him would surely come to fruition.
With everyone gathered, the old master called for the banquet to begin.
Madam Xiao oversaw the seating arrangements, organizing the men at one table and the women at another. Her steps were light, her smile radiant, and she showed particular affection toward Mingxi.
After settling everyone, she hurried to invite Madam Jiang and Duan Huirou to join. Madam Jiang had just returned from the kitchen and sat beside the Old Madam.
The second and third madams took their seats in turn. Madam Xiao then arranged for the younger sisters to be seated as well. Finally, she herself joined after instructing the kitchen to begin serving dishes.
Duan Huirou sat next to Duan Rong, trying her best to maintain a gentle smile.
The Old Madam looked at Madam Xiao and said, “Today is a joyous occasion for you as well. Sit down and enjoy the meal. Let Wan Mama and the others take care of the serving.”
Madam Xiao hesitated but quickly glanced at her mother-in-law, Madam Jiang.
Madam Jiang nodded, “The Old Madam has spoken. Sit down.”
Only then did Madam Xiao comply, smiling as she took the seat beside Mingxi. Mingxi instructed a maid to bring her a new set of dishes and utensils.
As food and wine were served, the atmosphere grew lively.
Mingxi looked around the brightly lit room. Under the glow of the lanterns, everyone in the Marquis Manor wore smiles of joy. When they looked at her, their gazes were kind, affectionate, and filled with warmth.
Of course, Madam Jiang and Duan Huirou were exceptions—they were not in her line of sight.
What she had once yearned for but could never attain was now within her grasp.
No matter the means she employed, at this moment, she felt content.
This contentment was her way of making peace with her past life.
Power was a double-edged sword.
Used wisely, it could unite hearts.
Used poorly, it could lead to bloodshed.
She understood that from this moment on, the entire Marquis Manor would follow her lead.
This was exactly what she wanted. Genuine loyalty or feigned obedience—so long as they listened, it didn’t matter.
