Duan Mingxi smiled. “I’ll write a recommendation letter to Chen Qiting so my second brother can take it to Songshan Academy and begin his studies there. Education is crucial; other matters can wait.”
Yang Yiniang’s heart felt as if it were on fire. If her son entered Songshan Academy, it would mean being in the palm of Eldest Miss’s hands. If she agreed, both she and her son would be on her boat.
Yang Yiniang didn’t know what the Eldest Miss, newly returned to the family, was scheming, but such a rare opportunity couldn’t be missed.
“Eldest Miss, I dare not partake in anything involving murder or arson,” Yang Yiniang said bluntly. As long as it didn’t involve life and death, she was willing to help.
“Yang Yiniang, you jest. I only wish to have an ally in this household.”
Yang Yiniang understood. The Madam favored the Second Miss and the shizi. Since the Eldest Miss’s return, neither the shizi nor the Second Miss had treated her warmly—especially the Second Miss.
Given the situation, Yang Yiniang readily agreed.
“This concubine will go discuss this with the Marquis at once. However, if the Marquis asks, how should I explain the origin of the recommendation letter?” Yang Yiniang inquired.
Duan Mingxi chuckled. “I’m bedridden and alone, deeply touched by the care and concern shown to me by Yang Yiniang and my second brother. It’s simply a gesture of gratitude. Speak the truth to the Marquis; that will suffice.”
Yang Yiniang’s heart skipped a beat. The phrase “bedridden and alone” was calculated—clearly meant to sow seeds of guilt in the Marquis’s heart.
She was an expert at this; it was her specialty.
She understood.
“Eldest Miss is truly kind and gentle, considerate toward her siblings. Hearing me mention Second Young Master’s studies, she kindly offered to introduce him to a mentor. With such a noble gesture, I’ll make sure the whole household hears of her virtue.”
What was the eldest miss lacking upon her return to the capital?
Reputation.
With Master Chen’s name on her side, wouldn’t her reputation naturally grow?
It seemed that her previous actions in the household had merely been a way to test the attitudes of those around her.
A chill ran down Yang Yiniang’s spine—this eldest miss was not one to be trifled with.
Yang Yiniang never questioned Duan Mingxi about her connection to Master Chen; if she could write a recommendation letter, she clearly had the confidence that Master Chen would accept Second Young Master.
There was no need to pry into others’ secrets and risk causing offense.
Yang Yiniang held back her excitement as she waited for Duan Mingxi to finish writing the recommendation letter. She tucked it into her sleeve and, with a deep breath, headed to the study in the front courtyard.
Soon after, Duan Mingxi was summoned to the study by the Marquis to discuss the matter.
It was almost laughable—since she’d been brought back to the family, apart from their initial meeting, this was the first time she was seeing her biological father alone.
From the excitement and calculation in his expression, she knew exactly what he was plotting, so she subtly mentioned that her adoptive father was close to Master Chen.
In her previous life, she had learned that a year after being acknowledged by this family, her adoptive father had drowned during a business trip, and her adoptive mother, stricken with grief, had soon passed away as well. Her young brother had been left behind, robbed and poisoned by clan members until he was rendered mentally impaired.
She had initially thought these were mere accidents, only to discover later that it was all orchestrated by the Duke’s family, fearful that her adoptive family would cling to them for wealth.
How absurd—her parents would never do such a thing!
In this life, she was determined to protect her adoptive parents and brother. The first step was to ensure that her biological father, who was driven by profit, saw her adoptive father as a person of great value.
This way, she could shield her adoptive family, and when the time was right, bring them to the capital to reunite with her.
Yang Yiniang was a reliable worker. Before Madam Jiang and Duan Huirou had even returned to the residence, the whole household knew about the arrangement.
As soon as Duan Mingxi returned to her quarters, Second and Third Madams came to visit, evidently here to inquire about the matter.
To become a student of Master Chen was a dream come true.
Who would have thought that Duan Mingxi, whom they had previously ignored, would have such connections?
Duan Mingxi observed the extravagant gifts they brought and their warm, concerned expressions. With sincere words, she said, “Second Shen, Third Shen, Uncle Chen has strict standards for students. Even if Second Brother goes, he’ll need to pass his examination to be accepted.
Furthermore, Master Chen is quite elderly and hasn’t taken many students in recent years. Recommending Second Brother is already a bold move.”
Seeing their faces fall slightly, Duan Mingxi continued, “However, if my Aunts are so concerned for their sons, I can write a letter and ask Second Brother to deliver it to Uncle Chen.
As for whether he’ll take anyone, I can’t make any promises. If it doesn’t work out, I hope my Aunts won’t hold it against me.”
Hearing that she agreed to write a letter of inquiry, their expressions brightened.
And the way Duan Mingxi called him “Uncle Chen” indicated an unusual closeness.
Second Madam smiled warmly, “Mingxi, you’re too kind. Just asking on our behalf is a great favor. We didn’t expect you to know Master Chen so well—how did you meet him?”
Third Madam’s eyes sparkled as she added, “Yes, Third Shen is quite curious too.”
Duan Mingxi maintained her gentle, gracious smile as she replied, “My adoptive father is acquainted with Master Chen, and I accompanied him on a few visits, so we became acquainted.”
Second and Third Madam were both surprised. In truth, they’d never thought highly of the Duan family members from Jiangcheng.
That’s right—Duan Mingxi’s adoptive father was also named Duan, though unrelated to the capital’s Duan family.
Duan Mingxi pretended not to notice their expressions, chatting idly for a few more moments. When she sensed that the time was right, her lips curled in a faintly mocking smile as her gaze drifted toward the door.
Within moments, Duan Huirou’s angry voice could be heard, “Where’s Duan Mingxi? I have something to say to her.”
Before Duan Mingxi could respond, someone stormed in, hurling accusations at her, “Duan Mingxi, you’ve got some nerve. You’d help a mere concubine’s son over your own elder brother? Do you even consider your mother and brother?”
Duan Mingxi remained silent.
Second Madam, who now needed Duan Mingxi’s help, intervened, “Huirou, what do you mean by that?”
Only then did Duan Huirou notice Second and Third Madam’s presence, her expression shifting before she put on an aggrieved look, “Second Shen, I only felt it was unfair to my brother. Besides, there is a difference in status between legitimate and illegitimate children. I wasn’t wrong.”
Becoming a student of Master Chen was an honor that couldn’t simply be given to Yang Yiniang’s son right?
Second Madam was about to speak when Duan Huirou continued, “I never imagined Big Sister would favor Second Brother over us. We are the ones who share the same mother.”
Hearing Duan Huirou subtly accuse her of disloyalty, Duan Mingxi remained calm and replied pointedly, “Oh? I didn’t realize you and Elder Brother cared so much. I’ve been sick for so long, yet neither Brother, Sister-in-Law, nor Second Sister have visited even once.
When I was still ill, you persuaded Mother to take you to Great Zhao Temple. I thought you simply didn’t care about me.
It was Second Brother who, through Yang Yiniang, brought me nourishing bird’s nest, and I was very touched. I was merely reciprocating his kindness—is that so wrong?”
Duan Huirou was left speechless, her face paling. Still immature and prone to impatience, she had unwittingly exposed a weakness that Duan Mingxi had seized upon.
Since you don’t care about me, why should I care about you?
That slap landed resoundingly.
