Duan Mingxi once again arrived at Jinrui Garden. After entering the gates, the coachman led the carriage to the stables.
She followed the stone steps, flanked by blooming flowers of various kinds. Instead of taking the main road, she opted for a smaller path. In her previous life, Jinrui Garden was a favorite gathering spot for the elite of the capital, and she was intimately familiar with its layout.
Jinrui Garden wasn’t just known for its elegant landscaping and picturesque design; its appeal lay in its blooming flowers, dense foliage, and the secluded spots ideal for hidden indulgences.
Taking a turn along the path, she found herself separated by a low floral wall. Looking up, she caught sight of a figure standing against the light. Dressed in pristine white, the person emanated a pure yet striking aura. His bearing was refined, and his features otherworldly—it was none other than Duan Wang.
Opposite him stood a young woman in a pale pink dress. Duan Mingxi could faintly hear the girl’s soft voice. “Meeting Wangye here today is truly delightful. I’ve prepared a tea gathering at Cuixian Pavilion ahead. May I humbly invite Wangye to join me?”
Duan Mingxi, mid-step, hesitated, unsure whether to move forward or retreat. For a moment, her expression turned awkward.
She hadn’t expected to encounter Duan Wang here. Even less so, to stumble upon a noblewoman subtly confessing her admiration and extending an invitation to him.
Before she could withdraw her gaze, Duan Wang’s eyes locked directly onto hers.
Duan Mingxi: …
This was… truly awkward.
She quickly stepped back, offering a polite curtsy to Duan Wang before turning to leave.
“Ah!”
The young woman in pink must have sensed something amiss. Following Duan Wang’s gaze, she noticed Duan Mingxi. Her face flushed red to the point of dripping, and in a fluster, she covered her face with a handkerchief and ran off.
Startled by the girl’s reaction, Duan Mingxi nearly slipped, her foot catching on the hem of her skirt.
If she had known this would happen, she would’ve just taken the main road.
“Miss Duan.”
Duan Mingxi: …
Hearing Duan Wang call her, she froze mid-step. After a brief hesitation, she turned and curtsied. “This humble woman greets Your Highness.”
Xiao Muchen’s gaze swept over her lightly. “Why are you running? Feeling guilty?”
Huh?
Duan Mingxi froze. Was Duan Wang blaming her for interrupting his private moment?
She truly felt a bit guilty and quickly replied, “This humble woman didn’t expect to encounter Your Highness here. I meant no intrusion and beg Your Highness for forgiveness.”
With her head lowered, Duan Mingxi waited for his response. Instead of words, she suddenly saw a pair of dark boots appear in her line of sight.
“That young lady and I are complete strangers.”
“Huh?” Duan Mingxi looked puzzled. Why was he explaining this to her? What did it have to do with her?
Xiao Muchen observed her expression and pressed his lips together slightly. “What brings you here?”
Duan Mingxi thought Duan Wang was rather temperamental. She had previously considered working with him, but judging by his disposition, he might not be easy to deal with.
“Miss Liu of Duke Rong’s household invited me here for a gathering,” Duan Mingxi answered earnestly.
Xiao Muchen raised an eyebrow. “You and Duke Rong’s family are on good terms?”
Duan Mingxi found it hard to discern his intentions from his words. She cautiously replied, “I don’t quite understand what Wangye means.”
Why was he concerned about her associations?
Xiao Muchen thought back to the hunting grounds when Duan Mingxi saved Liu Yan and stared at her without saying more. He then turned and walked away.
Duan Mingxi was left baffled. She glanced back at him but saw his figure disappear around a corner. Shaking off the encounter, she continued on her way.
Reflecting on their interactions at the hunting grounds and now, she noticed a subtle dislike in Xiao Muchen’s attitude toward her. But she had done nothing to offend him, had she?
She reconsidered her original plan of aligning with Xiao Muchen. If he harbored any misunderstanding or aversion toward her, approaching him might backfire, doing more harm than good.
Feeling somewhat thwarted, Duan Mingxi decided to reassess her options and consider other Wangyes as potential allies.
The thought gave her a headache.
Determined to focus, she quickened her pace and pressed on.
Qiancao, her maidservant, followed closely. Although she seemed hesitant to speak, she ultimately chose to keep her thoughts to herself, trusting her mistress’s decisions.
Soon, they arrived at the prominent Wangyun Pavilion.
Duan Mingxi noticed a small maidservant standing outside. Upon spotting the pair, the maid hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and asked with a smile, “Are you Miss Duan?”
“Yes,” Duan Mingxi replied.
“Please follow me, Miss Duan. Our family’s young miss is waiting upstairs.”
“Thank you.”
The young maid, with her clear, sweet smile, led them upstairs. Duan Mingxi followed, entering a spacious room. By the window sat a young lady dressed in a pale purple silk robe patterned with floral motifs. Her hair was styled in a cloud-like updo, adorned with intricate gold hairpins encrusted with jewels. Her features bore a slight resemblance to Liu Yan’s.
Upon seeing Duan Mingxi, Liu Yunhua immediately stood and warmly greeted her. “Miss Duan.”
Duan Mingxi returned the courtesy. “Miss Liu.”
With a friendly demeanor, Liu Yunhua took Duan Mingxi’s hand and said, “Let’s sit and talk. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. I couldn’t make it to the Yuguan Mountain outing the other day, but I’m delighted we have this opportunity.”
As she studied Duan Mingxi, Liu Yunhua was struck by her beauty. Despite having heard of her reputation, seeing her in person surpassed expectations. It made her somewhat uneasy, as the capital’s noble ladies prided themselves on their elegance and didn’t wish to be outshone by an outsider from Jiangcheng.
Still, the more Liu Yunhua observed her, the more she admired her. “My older brother told me that if it weren’t for you, things could have turned dire for him that day.”
“You’re too kind, Miss Liu. Liu Shizi once stood up for me, and what I did was merely a small act in return,” Duan Mingxi replied modestly.
“How can you say that? My brother mentioned your remarkable skills. Did you train in martial arts back in Jiangcheng?” Liu Yunhua asked with a smile.
Her gentle and sincere tone made the question feel entirely unintrusive.
“Yes,” Duan Mingxi admitted. “My adoptive parents raised me as if I were their son, grooming me to inherit the family business…”
She briefly recounted her story, similar to what she had said before.
Liu Yunhua expressed genuine admiration. “That’s incredible! To persist in learning and excel at it, Miss Duan, you are truly impressive.”
Duan Mingxi downplayed her skills as mere fitness training and tactfully avoided discussing Liu Yan’s injuries or probing into the affairs of the Duke Rong’s household. Her restraint made Liu Yunhua feel comfortable.
Many people sought connections with Duke Rong’s family, but Duan Mingxi, despite having saved Liu Yan’s life, didn’t use the incident to forge closer ties. This earned Liu Yunhua’s respect.
As they parted ways, Liu Yunhua remarked, “The palace is preparing to select consorts for the Wangyes who are still unmarried. Word of this will spread in a few days, and the capital will surely buzz with excitement.”
The selection process would prioritize daughters of prominent noble families, particularly the eldest legitimate daughters.
Duan Mingxi would inevitably be included.
