After You Sanping left, Li Quan temporarily took over his duties and was so busy that he was running himself ragged.
Duan Sirui was heading south to study, and Mingxi went to see him off.
Another year had passed, and Duan Sirui seemed much more mature. Unlike last time, he no longer threw himself into his sister’s arms upon seeing her.
Mingxi carefully inquired about his travel plans. Learning that he had written ahead to inform his mentor, she smiled. “You’ve become more meticulous than before.”
Ever since Duan Ning had passed the imperial examination, Duan Sirui had buried himself in his studies. He had always been diligent, but now, he was even more so.
“Sis, don’t worry. I’ll study hard too. Three years from now, I’ll come back as the top scholar for you.”
Mingxi found this both amusing and endearing. Becoming the top scholar wasn’t so easy—it was held once every three years, and only one person out of hundreds of thousands was chosen.
But she didn’t want to discourage her younger brother’s ambition, so she said, “Alright, I’ll be waiting. But even if you don’t become the top scholar, as long as you pass the exam, I’ll be very proud of you.”
Duan Sirui thought that even if he didn’t become the top scholar, he had to score higher than Duan Ning. Only then could he truly stand up for his sister.
If he ended up ranked lower than Duan Ning, how could he support her in the future?
However, he kept these thoughts to himself. His sister’s relationship with the Marquis household had improved significantly, and he didn’t want to stir up trouble.
Madam Xu watched the siblings from the courtyard and called out, “What are you standing around for? Come inside and eat.”
The two went inside, and Madam Xu nagged, “Who knows when you’ll be back once you leave. Take good care of yourself at the academy. I heard from your attendants that you often study late into the night—this won’t do. What if you ruin your health?”
Mingxi turned her gaze toward Duan Sirui.
Duan Sirui might have been able to bluff his mother, but under his sister’s sharp gaze, he immediately straightened up and said, “It’s not that often, just occasionally.”
Mingxi knew his nature too well. “It’s no use telling you. You’ll just do as you please when I’m not watching.”
“Sis, I really won’t.”
“I’ll tell your attendants that if you stay up late again, they are to write me a letter. I’ll personally come to Songshan and find you.”
Duan Sirui: …
“I know you want to work hard, but to me, Father, and Mother, your health is the most important thing. understand?”
“…I understand.” He lowered his head.
Mingxi softened her tone. “I know Duan Ning’s success puts some pressure on you, but why compare yourself to him? Everyone is different; just do your best. Besides, with your current knowledge, you might not be any worse than him in the future. That’s all the more reason to take care of yourself.”
Madam Xu, seeing her daughter so serious, usually wouldn’t interfere when Mingxi disciplined her younger brother. But this time, she couldn’t help but say, “Your sister is right. Listen to her.” Then she turned to Mingxi. “But he’s grown up now. You can’t keep treating him like a child.”
Mingxi chuckled, pulled Madam Xu to sit beside her, and changed the subject. “Why isn’t Father back yet?”
Duan Sirui, relieved to see his sister smile again, quickly answered, “A new shipment just arrived at the inner Weaving and Dyeing Bureau, so Father said he’d be back a little late.”
Just as he spoke, Duan Pingchang entered. “Xixi, you’re back?”
“Father.” Mingxi stood up to greet him. “Didn’t the spring shipment already go out? Why are you still so busy?”
The palace’s seasonal supplies were always delivered a month or two in advance. The summer batch hadn’t even been scheduled yet, so it shouldn’t be this hectic.
Duan Pingchang expected his daughter to ask and explained, “I don’t know why, but the inner Weaving and Dyeing Bureau placed an additional order for some textiles, and I had to rush the shipment.”
“An additional order?” Mingxi frowned slightly. “What did they request?”
“The usual—textiles and fabrics. But this time, they specifically asked for more silk gauze and thin satin.”
“These are mainly for summer clothing.” Mingxi found it puzzling.
“Yes, but Chief Steward Xu wouldn’t say anything more. He just reminded me not to ask unnecessary questions.”
Mingxi nodded slightly. “I understand.”
Since the shipment was going to the palace, it was undoubtedly related to court affairs.
The recent struggle for the crown prince’s position had just concluded. Yu Wang had been sent away, while Duan Wang had taken command of the army. Any matter concerning the palace required caution.
“Xixi, do you think something is wrong?” Duan Pingchang asked anxiously.
As a businessman, he wasn’t well-versed in court politics.
“Just make sure to get an official order from the inner Weaving and Dyeing Bureau. As long as everything is legitimate, it’ll be fine,” Mingxi reassured him with a smile. “You don’t need to worry about anything else.”
Duan Pingchang sighed in relief. “You be careful too. I just have a bad feeling about this.”
Duan Sirui had been listening attentively. When he heard his father’s words, he turned to his sister. “Sis, could this deal put our family at risk again like last time?”
Mingxi smiled at her younger brother. “In business, there will always be people with bad intentions trying to take advantage. But Father has me watching over him, so don’t worry. Anyone who tries anything will have to think twice.”
Duan Sirui nodded slightly. That was why he needed to become stronger—so his sister wouldn’t always have to shoulder everything alone.
The family shared a meal together. Afterward, Mingxi sent off Duan Sirui and watched as his carriage gradually disappeared into the distance. Her younger brother even stuck his head out to wave at her, causing her eyes to redden slightly.
So what if they weren’t related by blood? He was still the younger brother she had watched grow up.
After bidding farewell to her parents, Mingxi returned to the Marquis Manor, only to learn that Duan Ning had decided to stay in the capital and take the imperial examination for shujishi (scholar officials selected for the Hanlin Academy).
Madam Jiang was naturally unhappy about this decision. Having him remain in the capital meant facing a constant source of irritation every single day.
However, Dingyuan Marquis was quite pleased. Having a successful son stay in the capital was already an achievement, and if he could pass the shujishi examination, it would be even more prestigious.
Both remaining in the capital and being posted elsewhere had their own advantages and disadvantages. What surprised Mingxi was that Duan Ning had changed his mind—he had previously mentioned to her that he wanted an official position outside the capital.
Mingxi understood his dilemma. His di mother might not have viewed him as a thorn in her side, but he was still a grain of sand in her shoe. If he were to be sent elsewhere, both of them could finally breathe easier. Distance would actually help ease their strained relationship.
She turned to Li Mama and asked, “Why the sudden decision to stay? Did something happen in the manor?”
Li Mama took the outer robe that Mingxi had removed and handed it to Xiangxiang before bringing a new set of clothes for her to change into. only then did she answer, “It was the Old Master’s suggestion. However, Second Young Master also visited him yesterday.”
Mingxi nodded slightly. “I’ll go see Second Brother.”
When she arrived at Duan Ning’s courtyard, he was sitting at a stone bench beneath a tree, brewing a pot of tea. Seeing her approach, he smiled and said, “I knew you’d come. Just in time, join me for some tea.”
Mingxi noted his calm demeanor and felt slightly relieved. She smiled and replied, “Then I’ll take you up on that offer, Second Brother.”
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