No wonder the woman didn’t come in person. She probably knew her behavior last time had been offensive.
Fuchang Marquis Madam nodded in understanding. “It’s just a trivial matter. I’ll let Xingqin Marquis Madam know later.”
Mingxi inclined her head. “Then I’ll have to trouble you.”
“Now, now, I’m just passing along a message—it has nothing to do with you,” Fuchang Marquis Madam said. After that, she turned to the Old Madam and brought up visiting Madam Xiao.
The Old Madam immediately agreed. “Yes, you should go see her. You’re her mother—seeing you will cheer her up.” With that, she glanced at Madam Jiang.
Madam Jiang, who had been sitting like a wooden figure for so long, finally stood up and forced a smile. “I’ll accompany my in-law.”
Mingxi also stood and excused herself.
She left with them but parted ways at a fork in the road.
Upon returning to her own courtyard, she saw a brocade box placed on the table and asked, “What’s this?”
“Miss, this was sent by the stewardess of Fuchang Marquis Madam. She said it’s a thank-you gift for you,” Qiancao replied.
“A thank-you gift?” Mingxi frowned. What for?
“It’s for helping with Second Miss Xiao’s situation,” Qiancao added.
Only then did Mingxi recall. She reached out and opened the box, finding a fine jade bracelet of icy purple jade inside. That was quite a generous gift.
She instructed Qiancao to put it away. As a junior, it wouldn’t be proper for her to return the gift, but once her sister-in-law gave birth, she could quietly send a lavish gift to her nephew or niece instead.
Mingxi then summoned Li Quan and told him to gather information about Duke Zhen’s household in recent days.
She had a nagging feeling that she had overlooked something, but she just couldn’t recall what it was.
Meanwhile, Madam Jiang escorted Fuchang Marquis Madam to visit Madam Xiao. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she left, giving mother and daughter some privacy.
Once Madam Jiang was gone, Fuchang Marquis Madam carefully examined her daughter’s complexion. Seeing that she looked well, she finally relaxed a little and softly advised, “This pregnancy wasn’t easy to come by—you must take good care of yourself. Don’t worry about household matters anymore. Hand them over voluntarily so your mother-in-law won’t have anything to complain about.”
Madam Xiao frowned. “But yesterday, one of my mother-in-law’s people mentioned that other households have pregnant daughters-in-law who still help manage affairs.”
Fuchang Marquis Madam’s brows shot up. “I knew it. In that case, just fulfill your duties on the surface, but at the right moment, pretend to have stomach pain. Your household’s Old Madam has a clear mind—she will surely stand up for you.”
Madam Xiao hesitated. “Wouldn’t that be improper? I’m afraid my husband will—”
“Your husband won’t be able to tell whether your pain is real or fake. Just act convincingly. This pregnancy wasn’t easy for you, and any decent family would be extra protective. Yet your mother-in-law still dares to pressure you?”
Fuchang Marquis Madam frowned again. “Honestly, your mother-in-law wasn’t always this harsh. Why does she seem to be losing her sense of propriety lately?”
Madam Xiao gave an expression that was hard to describe. Even in front of her own mother, she couldn’t air all the family’s dirty laundry. After thinking for a moment, she merely said, “She’s probably been in a bad mood lately. Fortunately, I always act cautiously, so I’m managing well enough.”
Fuchang Marquis Madam was no fool. Madam Jiang had managed to turn her relationship with her own daughter into hostility—how well could she possibly treat her daughter-in-law?
Since Madam Xiao wasn’t willing to say more, Fuchang Marquis Madam respected her daughter’s dignity and didn’t press further. Instead, she simply reminded her, “Just take care of your health. Nothing else matters. If you ever find yourself in real trouble, send word to me. Some things may be difficult for you to say or do, but I can say and do them for you.”
Madam Xiao’s eyes slightly reddened. “Don’t worry, Mother. I know what I need to do.”
Fuchang Marquis Madamg didn’t linger long. After exchanging a few more words with her daughter, she bid farewell.
Madam Xiao felt reluctant as she watched her mother leave. Now that she was pregnant, returning to her maiden home had become inconvenient.
Fuchang Marquis Madam left quietly without disturbing the Old Madam. She simply said her farewells to Madam Jiang before departing.
Meanwhile, Mingxi had received Li Quan’s update.
“Recently, Duke Zhen’s household has been focused on arranging the Second Miss Bai’s wedding. There hasn’t been any unusual news. However, if I had to mention something out of the ordinary, it would be the recent clash between the Duke Gao and her daughter-in-law that almost escalated into a lawsuit. When Duchess Zhen learned about it, she personally visited the Gao family. From what I heard, the visit didn’t go well. Duchess Zhen returned looking quite displeased.”
Mingxi asked Li Quan, “Aside from that, has Second Miss Bai left the manor recently?”
“No, not as far as I’ve heard. Second Miss Bai is busy preparing for her marriage and doesn’t go out often. I did hear that when Duchess Zhen visited the Gao family, she initially wanted the Second Miss Bai to accompany her, but the young lady declined.”
“Are you certain about this information?”
“It’s reliable. I got it from the kitchen steward’s son at Duke Zhen’s manor. He’s fond of gambling and short on money. With a bit of silver, he’ll share anything.”
“Alright. You can rest for now.” Mingxi waved him off.
“Yes, Miss. Call me if you need anything.” Li Quan bowed and withdrew.
It seemed the relationship between Bai Zhiwei and Bai Shixi had soured significantly. Even in such a situation, Bai Shixi refused to stand up for her sister. The rift ran deep.
Duchess Zhen was quite something. Favoring Bai Zhiwei to the point of treating her like a precious jewel, she refused to defend Bai Shixi when she was bullied by her elder sister. Now that Bai Zhiwei was in trouble, she suddenly wanted Bai Shixi’s support?
It was laughable. Regularly ignoring someone and then seeking their help in a time of need—how could life work like that?
Bai Shixi must have gained some confidence of her own to dare reject her. Without Bai Shixi accompanying her, the Duchess’s visit to the Gao family was bound to be tense.
The two families already had underlying tensions. Back when Gao Zhan and Bai Zhiwei’s marriage faced repeated delays, the discord eventually led to Mingxi marrying into the Gao family in her past life.
This time, she avoided that pitfall, and Bai Zhiwei and Gao Zhan became a couple as expected. However, Duchess Gao had never been fond of the Bai family. If Gao Zhan continued to protect his beloved so openly, the Duchess’s disapproval would only deepen.
Sure enough, things had escalated.
But what Mingxi couldn’t figure out was who Bai Zhiwei had secretly met on that estate.
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t imagine who it could be. She’d have to wait for news from Xiao Muchen’s side.
With the matter weighing on her mind, Mingxi couldn’t focus on anything else. She idly flipped through a book before a visit from Duan Min and her companions. Mingxi joined their conversation, watching them work on embroidery and chatting casually.
Despite her age, Duan Rong was highly skilled with needlework, while Duan Min’s creations were even more intricate and beautiful.
When Duan Qingyin heard about the gathering, she also brought her embroidery to join the fun. The sisters laughed and talked as they worked, and the day passed quickly.
Once they had left, Li Mama came in with a letter in her hands. “This was delivered from Duan Wang’s residence.”
Mingxi perked up immediately. She took the letter into her inner chambers, sat down by the lamp, and carefully opened it.
The letter was thin, sealed with wax. Mingxi unfolded the paper to see Xiao Muchen’s handwriting.
Scanning through its contents, her expression shifted into surprise. It was him!
