Duan Mingxi had long wished for the Marquis Household to understand how well her adoptive parents had treated her.
Unfortunately, she had never had the opportunity—until now, when Madam Qiao handed it to her on a silver platter.
When Mingxi spoke of her adoptive parents, her expression softened with warmth, and her tone took on a gentle, endearing quality befitting a young woman.
“My adoptive parents had no children of their own when they took me in. My adoptive mother was frail and struggled to bear children. My adoptive father wanted me to inherit the family business, so he raised me with great care. Learning martial arts was tough, but for merchants who often travel for business, survival is paramount. To stay alive, one must not fear hardship.”
When Duan Mingxi spoke about these matters, everyone present showed different expressions, especially when she mentioned upbringing, which inevitably reminded the people of the previous argument between Madam Jiang and Duan Mingxi.
“I heard your foster mother later had a son?” Madam Qiao asked.
Duan Mingxi’s smile grew even brighter. “Yes, when my foster mother became pregnant, my foster father was overjoyed and made a large donation to a temple. The abbot told him that they were destined to have no children but that I had the fate of bringing siblings into their lives. So this younger brother is said to have been brought by me.”
“Oh my, our Mingxi is truly blessed,” Madam Qiao said, laughing heartily as she patted Duan Mingxi’s hand. “They must treasure you like a jewel now.”
Duan Mingxi’s eyes reddened slightly. She truly missed her foster parents, deeply.
“Well, not quite. My foster father became even stricter with me. He said that managing a household as a married woman is tough, and without skills, others would look down on me, and I wouldn’t have the authority to keep things in order.” Duan Mingxi paused for a moment before adding nonchalantly, “Originally, my foster parents planned for me to marry into their family and support the household, never expecting my biological parents would find me.”
“Oh? But didn’t you say you have a younger brother? Why would they still plan to keep you in the family?” Madam Qiao asked, surprised. Only families without sons would arrange such things.
Looking at Madam Qiao, Duan Mingxi replied with a helpless smile, “My foster parents said they couldn’t bear the thought of me suffering hardships in another household. Our Duan family has a large fortune, and dividing half for me and keeping me by their side under their care gave them peace of mind.”
The entire room was stunned.
Duan Mingxi wasn’t exaggerating; this had indeed been her foster parents’ plan in her past life. Unfortunately, after the Marquis family found her, she ended up living a lifetime of hardship.
Second Madam laughed, “Master Duan truly has discerning eyes. Our Mingxi is indeed capable.”
Seeing that Duan Mingxi was openly breaking ties with Madam Jiang, Second Madam knew she had to fan the flames, especially since Duan Mingxi had saved her niece. Such a life-saving favor wasn’t easily repaid.
Third Madam chimed in with a smile, “It’s a pity that Master Duan and his wife couldn’t stay in the capital longer during their last visit. They must miss Mingxi terribly.”
Duan Mingxi, catching onto the underlying tone, decided to seize the opportunity. She boldly added, “There’s no need for them to worry. My foster parents have divided a significant portion of the family’s business to me. With that wealth in hand, I can live comfortably anywhere.”
The Duan family was known as the wealthiest in Jiangcheng. Duan Mingxi’s confidence indicated the substantial wealth she’d been given.
Second and Third Madam, who had long suspected something, finally had their suspicions confirmed. No wonder the Old Madam and Madam Jiang had been acting strangely—it all made sense now.
By revealing her fortune, Duan Mingxi let everyone know her position, especially in front of Madam Qiao, who was an excellent witness. From now on, it would be much harder for the Old Madam or Madam Jiang to covertly seize her assets.
Sure enough, both the Old Madam and Madam Jiang’s faces turned sour. Their hopes of quietly transferring Duan Mingxi’s wealth were dashed.
Madam Qiao maintained her warm smile, nodding slightly. “Master Duan and his wife truly are generous and upright. Remarkable.” Changing the subject, she handed a gift list to Duan Mingxi. “This is just a small token of my gratitude. It’s nothing extravagant, but please accept it.”
As expected, a thank-you visit wouldn’t come without gifts.
Duan Mingxi tried to decline, but Madam Qiao turned and handed it to the Old Madam. “I must trouble you, Old Madam. While Duan Mingxi might not lack these items, this is our family’s token of appreciation.”
After much polite insistence, the Old Madam accepted the gift on Duan Mingxi’s behalf.
Madam Qiao then rose to leave. “When Renshu’s birthday arrives, you must come to our residence to celebrate.”
Duan Mingxi agreed, “With your kind invitation, Mingxi will certainly attend.”
Second Madam chimed in enthusiastically, “Mother, rest assured, I’ll make sure Mingxi comes along.”
Just as Madam Qiao was about to leave, Wan Mama entered quickly, her face alight with joy. “Old Madam, someone from the Xian Wangfei’s residence is here to visit.”
Madam Qiao paused in her steps.
All eyes turned to Wan Mama, and Third Madam remarked with a smile, “Our manor seems to be receiving an endless stream of distinguished guests today. Wan Mama, what brings someone from Xian Wangfei’s residence here?”
Wan Mama’s gaze instinctively landed on Duan Mingxi. Steadying herself, she replied, “They said they’re here on behalf of Xian Wangfei to thank the eldest young miss.”
Oh?
Once again, all eyes were on Duan Mingxi.
Duan Mingxi maintained her composure, her expression calm without a hint of pride. In a steady tone, she said, “It’s probably because I gave Miss Chu a hand at the hunting ground.”
Just as she had downplayed saving Qiao Renshu earlier, her words this time didn’t convince anyone that it was just a casual favor.
Since the visitors came from a royal residence, even if the Wangfei herself hadn’t arrived, no one dared be dismissive. This time, Madam Jiang went out personally to welcome the guests.
Madam Qiao had no choice but to stay for the time being.
The visitor was Luo Mama, a trusted housekeeper of the Wangfei. She wore a deep rust-red jacket and skirt, her hair styled into a round bun adorned with gold hairpins. Behind her were several young maids in light green outfits, all delicate and graceful, holding ornate boxes.
“Old servant Luo greets the Old Madam,” Luo Mama said, bowing properly.
The Old Madam greeted her with a smile, “Luo Mama, there was no need to trouble the Wangfei for such a minor matter.”
Luo Mama’s kind smile didn’t falter. “If not for the eldest young miss, our Wangfei wouldn’t have slept soundly. Wangfei wanted to thank her in person but was concerned about disrupting your household, so she sent me instead.”
The Old Madam’s emotions were mixed. Wangfei’s words gave Duan Mingxi a great deal of face.
After some polite conversation, Luo Mama turned to Duan Mingxi. “You must be the eldest young miss?”
Duan Mingxi stepped forward. “Luo Mama, thank you for coming all this way. Wangfei is too kind. It was a trivial matter, unworthy of mention. Anyone with the ability would have extended a helping hand in that situation.”
Luo Mama studied Duan Mingxi closely, momentarily struck by her beauty. “The young miss might think it was trivial, but the Wangfei deeply appreciates your kindness. You know how dearly the Wangfei cherishes her only little sister.”
She gestured to the maids carrying the boxes. “This is a token of Wangfei’s gratitude. Though it may not be grand, we hope you’ll accept it.”
Duan Mingxi: …
The embroidered box bearing the palace insignia surely contained items made by the Imperial Workshop.
Xian Wangfei was truly astute. She must have uncovered her true circumstances—newly reunited with her family and desperately in need of something prestigious to bolster her image.
A gift that truly struck the heart, making it impossible to refuse.
Madam Jiang’s expression was indescribable, a mix of shock, guilt, and complex emotions. This daughter—after today, she would be hard to control.
