In addition to everything else, Madam Jiang’s actions made it hard for them to face Mingxi with a clear conscience.
The conflict between Mingxi and Madam Jiang primarily stemmed from the Jiang family, and now, the things that family had done made the brothers feel utterly humiliated.
That was their maternal family.
Once, they had been dearly close.
Duan Ning looked at his eldest and third brothers, unable to hide the guilt on his face. Then he glanced at Mingxi—and for the first time, a genuine smile appeared.
Once, the relationship between the three brothers had been little different from that of strangers—only the title of “brother” connected them.
But now, things were different.
Duan Ning had once had a hard time living in that household. Even with his Yiniang protecting him, after moving to the outer courtyard, his di mother had far more opportunities to interfere. To avoid making Yiniang worry, he had kept silent about many things.
He had once felt resentment, sorrow, helplessness.
But ever since Mingxi returned to the family, little by little, everything began to change.
When exactly had things begun to shift?
Duan Ning couldn’t remember clearly anymore.
Mingxi looked at Duan Yu and Duan Qi and slowly said, “I know the Jiang family treated you differently—they really did love you once. And you have feelings for them, too. But in my eyes, the Jiang family is selfish and ruthless. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. That’s why no daughter of the Jiang family can be allowed to marry into the Marquis Manor—otherwise, the entire household will never know peace.”
“I understand.” Duan Yu took a deep breath and looked up at his sister. “Don’t worry. Leave this matter to me.”
He was the eldest brother, the eldest son. He should be the one to bear this responsibility.
Even if he might not be able to convince the Jiang family, he still had to protect his younger brothers.
Mingxi then looked to Duan Qi.
Of everyone present, Duan Qi must have been feeling the most miserable—after all, he had been the closest to the Jiang family.
“I agree with big sister,” Duan Qi said, trying to make his expression look natural, but he failed. His eyes reddened, and he blinked hard, trying to swallow the bitter sting.
He wanted to say that the Jiang family hadn’t always been like this.
But he couldn’t get the words out.
It hurt too much.
Mingxi didn’t comfort him. Everyone must go through this kind of pain—only after enduring it will the road ahead become easier to walk.
“Big Brother, I suggest you don’t go to the Jiang family just yet.”
“Why not?” Duan Yu asked, puzzled.
Mingxi gave a soft laugh. “If you confront them now, do you think the Jiang family will admit anything? They won’t. They’ll just shift all the blame onto the Madam, saying it was her idea to arrange the marriage alliance. That’s what the rumors outside are already saying—that the Madam was the one who initiated talks of a marriage with the Jiang family. If you go confront them now, all you’ll do is throw the Madam into the fire. She won’t be able to wash her hands of this matter after that.”
Duan Yu listened to Mingxi’s words, and he immediately understood. After a brief silence, he asked, “Then what do you think we should do?”
“It’s simple. Wait.”
“Wait for what?”
“Since the Jiang family was able to persuade Madam, she will likely take action soon. We just need to play along with their plan.”
Hearing Mingxi speak so indifferently about her own mother, as if she were an insignificant person, Duan Yu realized that whatever little mother-daughter bond remained between them would likely be completely severed after this.
But he couldn’t refute it—Mingxi was right.
“Alright, we’ll do as you say,” Duan Yu agreed. He was the eldest brother, the eldest son. It was his duty to protect his younger siblings. Even if he couldn’t convince the Jiang family, he had to at least shield them as best as he could. Perhaps, by taking on this burden, Mingxi might still show their mother a shred of dignity in the future.
Mingxi then turned to Duan Ning.
Duan Ning unconsciously straightened his back—this younger sister of his had an imposing presence.
“Second Brother, I believe that on your next rest day, Madam will surely act. When that time comes, I want you to inform me, Big Brother, and Third Brother in advance, so we can set up a plan to catch the Jiang family in the act. Only by defeating them completely can we ensure they won’t cause trouble again.”
Mingxi had no patience for endless back-and-forth with the Jiang family. She wanted to crush them in one decisive strike so they wouldn’t need to stay on guard all the time.
“Alright,” Duan Ning agreed.
Having said all she needed to, Mingxi lifted her tea cup—signaling the end of the discussion.
As the three brothers left Mingxi’s courtyard, Duan Yu patted Duan Ning on the shoulder, wanting to say something, but he couldn’t find the words. In the end, he could only let out a heavy sigh.
Duan Qi glanced at his eldest brother, then at his second brother, and found himself at a loss for words as well. He, too, sighed.
Duan Ning looked at the two of them and suddenly chuckled.
“Big Brother, Third Brother, I know this has nothing to do with you, so there’s no need to feel guilty. And… this time, you both helped me greatly—I understand that,” Duan Ning said.
Hearing this, Duan Yu felt a bit relieved and spoke softly, “Your sister-in-law knows many eligible young ladies. I’ll have her look for a suitable marriage match for you.”
Duan Ning was a little surprised. His sister-in-law was the legitimate eldest daughter of Marquis Fuchang’s household, meaning the families she associated with were of similar standing.
For Duan Yu to say this was clearly an effort to make amends.
Duan Ning wasn’t foolish—he wouldn’t refuse such an offer. He sincerely expressed his gratitude.
A good marriage would indeed be important for him at this stage.
At a fork in the path, the three brothers separated. But after walking a few steps, Duan Qi turned back and caught up with his eldest brother.
Duan Yu looked at him in surprise. “Is there something else?”
Duan Qi nodded. “Big Brother, I think you should refrain from questioning Mother about this for now.”
To avoid any leaks.
But the words sounded too harsh, so Duan Qi didn’t say them out loud.
Duan Yu understood his meaning and patted his younger brother on the shoulder with a helpless smile.
“Third Brother, we’re blood siblings, born from the same mother. I know my own limitations—I don’t have outstanding talents, and my future prospects in the bureaucracy are limited.
“But you’re different. You’ve been intelligent since childhood, and you love studying. Even as a young boy, you were willing to travel to Luozhou for your education. Because of that… you feel indebted to the Jiang family. But when it comes to repaying a debt of gratitude, you must know where to draw the line.
“Mingxi has done so much to support and guide us—we mustn’t let her down. We’ve wronged her enough already. When I think back to those days, I wish I could turn back time and change things.”
Back then, he lacked the responsibility of an eldest brother and the decisiveness of a man. He hesitated too much, always prioritizing his own interests. Fortunately, he realized his mistakes in time.
So now, he didn’t want his younger brother to repeat his errors with the Jiang family, lest he one day find himself beyond redemption.
“I understand, Big Brother,” Duan Qi said seriously. “I’ll study hard and make a name for myself in the future.”
Duan Yu laughed heartily. “Good! I’ll be waiting. And don’t worry—when the time comes, I’ll give you all the support you need.”
Mingxi was right—when brothers work together, they can accomplish anything.
One chopstick is easy to break, but ten chopsticks bundled together are strong.
Even if he himself lacked great talent, he could still pave the way for his younger brother.
Mingxi was in a good mood. Duan Yu and Duan Qi’s attitude regarding Duan Ning’s situation reassured her that she had made the right choice.
There were many paths one could take in life, but few were both comfortable and satisfying.
She had given up some things, but she had gained so much more.
Just then, a servant named Xiancao lifted the curtain and entered, announcing, “Young Lady, the Third Madam is here.”
Mingxi immediately said, “Please invite her in.”
As she spoke, she stood up and took a few steps toward the door. Before she could step outside, the Third Madam had already entered. Seeing Mingxi, she anxiously said, “Mingxi, come help your aunt take a look at this—I’m absolutely frantic with worry!”
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