Third Master Duan’s expression turned grave. He glanced at his Father.
The pressure was intense.
The Old Master shot his son a glare. Was he really so easily frightened?
Third Master Duan: …
if he hadn’t experienced something like this before, of course he’d be scared.
But seeing that his young niece wasn’t afraid, he felt a bit embarrassed. He couldn’t let himself be outdone by a girl.
Summoning his courage, he said to Mingxi, “Then I’ll go find Huang Shao.”
Mingxi smiled. “Thank you, Third Uncle. Huang Shao has no way out now, so he’ll give it his all. But if the Empress wants to silence him, we must also be prepared.”
“Surely not?” Third Master Duan’s heart skipped a beat. “His Majesty himself is overseeing the Imperial Horse Bureau case—who would dare make a move on Huang Shao?”
That would be a death wish.
Mingxi looked at him and said, enunciating each word clearly, “Yu Wang is the Crown Prince’s own brother, yet he’s still being pushed out as a scapegoat. What does that tell you?”
Third Master Duan shivered all over and immediately stood up. “I’ll head back at once.”
He had to keep a close watch on Huang Shao. That man’s life was worth more than his own now.
The Old Master called after him, “Take the most skilled guards from the manor. Have them pose as your attendants so they don’t attract attention.”
“I understand, Father.” Third Master Duan, burdened with heavy thoughts, rushed out.
Mingxi sat up straight, silent.
The Old Master chuckled at her sudden display of obedience. “Now you’re pretending to be all well-behaved.”
Then, he sighed. “Your Father and uncles have always made me regret not having stronger sons. But I never imagined that my granddaughter would be braver than all three of them put together. I’m getting old—I’d like to live a few more years to support you all, so take it easy.”
Mingxi: …
She immediately stood up and lowered her head slightly. “Grandfather, I was reckless and made you worry.”
The Old Master waved a hand. “I’m an old man. I’m not afraid of anything anymore. But there are dozens of people in this household—we must think of them too.”
“Mingxi, I know you’re bold, intelligent, and capable. But you must always remember—’The tree that stands out in the forest will be blown down by the wind.’ Sometimes, it’s better to conceal your talents.”
Mingxi knew that. In her past life, she had endured everything and hidden her abilities. But what had that gotten her?
Only suffering.
“I understand, grandfather,” she replied.
There were different ways to conceal one’s strength. This time, she would live differently.
The Old Master watched Mingxi’s retreating figure and knew that she hadn’t fully taken his words to heart.
Oh well.
The Empress and Crown Prince were acting so recklessly, Mingxi and Duan Wang couldn’t just sit there and take hit after hit. Things had reached this point—there was no stepping back.
He could only stay alive as long as possible and be their shield for as many years as he could.
if something happened, at least his old bones would still be of some use.
Meanwhile, Duan Qi had left the capital quietly, and while others were unaware, Duan Huirou quickly noticed.
In this household, her younger brother was the only person she could truly talk to. When he suddenly disappeared, she immediately sensed something was off.
She didn’t know where he had gone or what he was doing, but she wasn’t stupid. How was it that just as the scandal between Yu Wang and He Wanyi broke out, her brother vanished?
She had a feeling it was all connected, but she had no proof.
The only person who could make Duan Qi leave the capital for a mission was Duan Mingxi. Who else in the family could?
The more Duan Huirou thought about it, the angrier she became. Now Duan Qi was willing to be ordered around by Duan Mingxi.
Yao Ying pulled back the curtain and entered. The weather outside was getting colder, and she was full of cold air as she entered. She leaned against the incense burner and slowly spoke to the young lady.
“Eldest Miss Jiang has sent for you to go out for tea. She just sent the message over,” Yao Ying said with a smile.
Duan Huirou’s eyes brightened. “When?”
In the house, she didn’t really talk much with Duan Min and the others. Although Duan Qingyin was her half-sister, she didn’t like her because of Yang Yiniang.
“Right now, Miss Jiang is waiting for you at Wangyun Tower,” Yao Ying replied.
“Then I’ll go tell mother. We’ll head over now.” Duan Huirou quickly changed into a new outfit and headed to the main room.
Recently, Madam Jiang hadn’t been in a good mood. Ever since Madam Xiao’s incident, where the old madam had scolded her, and Yang Yiniang had caused a scene in front of the Marquis, the couple had argued, and she had been holding in her anger. As a result, a cold sore appeared on her lip.
She didn’t like going out lately, to avoid being laughed at by others.
“Going out for tea with Sujie?” Madam Jiang asked, covering her lip with a handkerchief.
“Yes, cousin said we haven’t seen each other in a long time. Mother, let me go.” Duan Huirou gently tugged at Madam Jiang’s sleeve, acting coquettishly.
Madam Jiang had always treated her niece well and didn’t stop her. “It’s a bit cold today. Put on your cloak, and come back early. Don’t stay out too late.”
Duan Huirou smiled widely. “I know, mother. I’ll be back early.”
Duan Huirou ran off with a smile, and Madam Jiang felt a bit happier. She turned to Luo Mama and said, “This child, still so playful at her age.”
Luo Mama immediately smiled and said, “Second Miss and her cousin have always been close. It’s been a long time since they’ve seen each other. it’s good for them to go out and relax.”
Madam Jiang thought of her maternal family, and the smile on her face froze for a moment. A few days ago, her mother had asked her to visit, but she had made an excuse to decline. If she went back with that cold sore on her lip, wouldn’t people laugh at her?
Thinking of the cold sore, she also thought of her daughter-in-law, Madam Xiao, and that busybody Duan Mingxi.
Her daughter really was born to be a thorn in her side.
Luo Mama saw the Madam’s face darken instantly and dared not speak further. Lately, the Madam had become increasingly stubborn, losing her temper at the slightest disagreement. Even though she was more cautious in her actions, it still wasn’t enough.
Madam Jiang didn’t notice Luo Mama’s expression. She was only hoping the wedding date would arrive soon—once Duan Wang married her daughter, she could finally have some peace.
Was this really her daughter? She might as well have given birth to an ancestor.
She couldn’t control her, couldn’t discipline her, and her husband and child always sided with her. What else could she do? Fortunately, Huirou was still on her side; otherwise, life would be too unbearable.
On the other side, Duan Huirou arrived at Jinrui Garden. After stepping down from the carriage, she walked along the flagstone path leading to Wangyun Tower.
In front of Wangyun Tower, Qiaoxiu, Jiang Sujie’s personal maid, was already waiting. As soon as she spotted Huirou, she hurried forward to greet her.
“Miss, you’re finally here. Our young lady has already prepared tea and is waiting for you,” Qiaoxiu said with a smile, bowing politely.
Duan Huirou was slightly taken aback. “Why so early?”
They usually arrived around the same time when they arranged to meet.
A flicker of hesitation crossed Qiaoxiu’s face before she lowered her voice and said, “Miss should ask our young lady herself. As a maid, I wouldn’t dare to speak too much.”
Duan Huirou frowned slightly, shot Qiaoxiu a glance, then strode into Wangyun Tower. She ascended the stairs to the second floor, where she saw Jiang Sujie sitting by the window. A clay stove rested on the table before her, with a small copper kettle placed atop it. Steam curled up, making a soft sizzling sound.
“Cousin,” Duan Huirou called, removing her cloak and handing it to Yao Ying before sitting opposite Jiang Sujie. She glanced at her and gasped in surprise. “What happened to your face?”
