Yang Yiniang regretted it deeply. Had she known disaster would strike like this, she would’ve found a way to get rid of that Qiao Wan back then.
Now, her son and daughter were both dragged into this mess.
She was just a concubine, and her children were of illegitimate birth. Her son had worked so hard, studying diligently in hopes of rising above his station. After all, the Marquis illegitimate son still held better prospects than the Marquis younger brother.
“And my daughter’s marriage…”
Hearing Duan Mingxi’s words, Yang Yiniang’s swollen eyes filled with tears once again. “Miss, I’ve endured a lifetime in this deep, secluded household—all for the sake of my two children.”
Now everything was gone.
“Yang Yiniang!”
Duan Ning’s voice suddenly came in.
Yang Yiniang was startled and quickly wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.
“Second Young Master, why are you here?”
“Yang Yiniang! Big Sister said it already—You, Sister, and I, we’re together. I’ll take care of you. Don’t worry,” Duan Ning stepped forward and said decisively.
Standing nearby, Duan Mingxi gave a small nod. This was the sense of responsibility a true man should have.
Yang Yiniang spoke softly, “I know, I just… can’t bear to drag you down.”
“You gave birth to me—it’s only right that I show you filial piety.” Duan Ning didn’t want to hear her say such things. He turned to his sister.
“Qingyin, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, I’ll protect you.”
Duan Qingyin tried to force a smile, but it looked more like she was crying.
Duan Ning patted her shoulder before turning to Duan Mingxi. “Big Sister, thank you for going out of your way to visit.”
It was his way of thanking her for checking in on Yang Yiniang and her daughter.
Mingxi looked at him and asked, “How are things over there?”
Duan Ning’s expression darkened.
“Father didn’t come home all night. Mother has regained consciousness with the physician’s treatment, but… her mood is poor. The servants in her courtyard are all walking on eggshells.”
This meant Madam Jiang was incompetent and was just venting her frustrations on the servants.
Duan Mingxi sneered slightly. “After Grandfather exposed the Jiang family’s deeds, she was completely humiliated. She had thought Eldest Master lost his title all because of that Qiao Wan, but now it turns out the Jiang family was involved as well. She doesn’t dare lash out at them, so she throws her weight around at the servants instead.”
Duan Ning could never say such a thing himself. He looked at Mingxi and said, “No one expected Grandfather to go that far. Even the steward came today to ask if we should hold a banquet—Older Brother immediately refused.”
As the newly appointed Dingyuan Marquis, Duan Yu was supposed to host a celebratory banquet.
But with the current state of the Duan family, throwing a party would be like publicly slapping their father in the face. Of course Duan Yu wouldn’t agree.
“We can all endure it, but your wedding is coming up. I’m just afraid the gossip outside won’t stop,” Duan Ning said, concerned.
Mingxi smiled slightly. “Grandfather personally asked His Majesty for the imperial decree. Surely the Emperor knows the whole story—what does any of it have to do with me? As long as the Emperor doesn’t think I’m at fault, what use are others’ words?”
That was true.
Just then, Caijuan, Yang Yiniang’s maid, rushed in looking panicked. “Bad news, Yang Yiniang! Master and Madam are arguing again. They say Master plans to bring Qiao Wan into the household today!”
Even Mingxi was taken aback.
Duan Ning’s face turned grim. “Right now?”
“Yes. Madam objected, and now they’re arguing fiercely. The Marquis hasn’t returned from the yamen, Third Young Master is out studying, Second Young Master—what should we do?”
Mingxi saw Duan Ning start to leave and quickly grabbed his arm. “Where are you going? If you go, you’ll just become their punching bag.”
“I know,” Duan Ning replied, “But I can’t just do nothing.”
“You can’t stop them. You go to Grandfather. I’ll go find the second and third aunts.”
Duan Ning paused, realizing Mingxi had a point. He took a deep breath. “Alright.”
They split up.
Yang Yiniang didn’t care that she was still ill—she slipped on her shoes and tried to rush to Madam Jiang’s courtyard.
Duan Qingyin held her tightly, frightened. “You can’t go, Yang Yiniang! Big Sister and Second Brother are there. It’ll be okay.”
“I’ll fight her to the death!” Yang Yiniang’s face twisted in rage.“If that little tramp dares come into this house, what’s the point of me living?”
“Yang Yiniang!” Duan Qingyin clung to her, crying.“You have to live—you need to see me get married, see Brother take a wife. You can’t be reckless.”
Hearing that, Yang Yiniang broke down sobbing as she hugged her daughter. Why was her life so bitter?
Mingxi sent someone in her place—she knew if she showed up, Madam Jiang might think she’d come to mock her, and that would just make things worse.
The Old Madam soon arrived as well and lashed out at the couple.
The Old Master was furious. He had never expected his son to be so stubborn, even after all this.
“Fine, fine!” the Old Master shouted.
“Didn’t think I raised such a sentimental fool! Our noble family will not be sullied by a lowly courtesan. If you insist on marrying her, fine.”
The eldest son’s face lit up. “Thank you, Father, for allowing it.”
“I’m not done talking!” The Old Master glared. “You ignore your children, but I, as their grandfather, will look out for them.”
At the mention of the children, the eldest son’s expression stiffened.
“Duan Ning and Duan Qi haven’t married yet. Huirou and Qingyin haven’t been wed either. If you bring in a courtesan, how will they show their faces in society? I ask you: will you change your mind?”
Eldest Master Duan hesitated, eyes flickering with inner struggle. But when he thought of the gentle and sweet Qiao Wan, he still said nothing.
The Old Master was utterly disappointed. “If you’ve made up your mind, then move out of the family estate. Once you’re out the door, you can do whatever you like.”
“Father!” Eldest Master Duan was stunned. Losing his title wasn’t enough—now he was being kicked out?
“Don’t call me Father!” The Old Master turned to Madam Jiang. “You two fight every day. Move out and fight all you want. But the children stay—they won’t be dragged down by either of you!”
Then he looked to the steward. “Pack their things. Send them out today!”
“Father!”
“Father!”
Madam Jiang and her husband tried to plead, but the Old Master didn’t even glance at them as he walked away.
The second and third madams were scared witless and slipped out quietly behind him.
When Mingxi heard the news, she frowned. “What about Yang Yiniang?”
Li Mama sighed. “She’s Eldest Master Duan’s concubine—she’ll have to leave with them. Thankfully, Third Miss can stay. If she had to leave too, her marriage prospects would be even more bleak.”
The steward of the Marquis Manor carried out the Old Master’s orders swiftly and efficiently.
But both Madam Jiang and Eldest Master Duan had private property—there was simply too much stuff to move in a short time.
Eldest Master Duan had private assets outside the manor, so even if he didn’t want to leave, for now, he had no choice but to pinch his nose and go.
Madam Jiang had originally been unwilling, but then thought: if she didn’t go, wouldn’t that cheap little wench gain the upper hand? So she immediately followed.
The dowry storeroom’s contents could be moved later—but as for Qiao Wan entering the household? In her dreams!
Thinking of this, Madam Jiang sent someone to relay a message to Yang Yiniang, telling her to come along as well.
