Though she was unhappy, Mingxi knew that according to custom, if Eldest Master Duan and his wife couldn’t take the seat, then her own parents definitely couldn’t either.
So she made no comment, but she knew the people of the Marquis Household understood what she was thinking.
Sure enough, the second and third madams came to speak with her.
“Mingxi, your big day is just around the corner. It’s unfortunate that eldest sister-in-law is in such poor health and likely won’t be able to appear. We wanted to let you know in advance so you wouldn’t be upset.”
Mingxi was slightly taken aback—she hadn’t expected Madam Jiang wouldn’t show. Then she replied, “Second Aunt, you know I wouldn’t care about such things.”
There had never been any mother-daughter affection between her and Madam Jiang. Whatever little bond existed when she first returned to the family had long been worn away by repeated conflict.
She wouldn’t do anything to Madam Jiang, but in her heart, Madam Jiang had indeed become an irrelevant person.
As long as Madam Jiang no longer tried to harm her, they likely wouldn’t have any more conflicts of interest in the future.
Without conflict, they could coexist peacefully.
Since Madam Jiang and her husband had already moved out of the Marquis Residence, it would probably be difficult to meet again in the future.
After hearing Mingxi’s words, the Second and Third Madams exchanged a glance. As expected, Mingxi didn’t want Madam Jiang to appear—otherwise, she wouldn’t have spoken so readily.
The Third Madam hesitated, then looked at Mingxi and asked, “Then what about eldest brother…”
Mingxi replied directly, “I suppose the Eldest Master is also worried about the Eldest Madam’s health.”
If Madam Jiang wasn’t coming, then naturally the Eldest Master didn’t need to come either.
“But on your wedding day, there must be elders present,” the Second Madam frowned. With Mingxi’s parents still alive, neither she nor her younger sister-in-law could take that place.
Mingxi gave a faint smile. “Then we’ll have to trouble Grandfather and Grandmother.”
The Third Madam had expected this—Old Master had already anticipated it.
She looked at Mingxi and said, “Then let’s settle it that way.”
Mingxi nodded.
The Second Madam seemed like she wanted to say something but swallowed her words. Hmph, who knows if the Eldest Master and Madam Jiang regret things now?
Mingxi was the most accomplished one in the Marquis Residence, and her marriage should’ve been the grandest of all. Yet, the couple couldn’t even show their faces.
In comparison, the two Madams would certainly not do anything to make Mingxi unhappy.
They were even worried Mingxi might ask the Duan Pingchang couple to attend. If that happened—if they sent her off while her biological parents were absent—it would be the Marquis Residence that became the laughingstock.
Fortunately, Mingxi cared about the Marquis family’s reputation and didn’t bring it up.
After finishing the topic, they moved on to discuss the dowry. The Marquis family’s dowry list was laid out, and the two Madams explained what had been prepared.
Mingxi also brought out the list prepared by Duan Pingchang and his wife. Looking at her two aunts, she said, “This is their goodwill. I couldn’t refuse it, so let’s include it as well—no need to mention it to others.”
The Second and Third Madams exchanged glances, both feeling a mix of emotions.
The Third Madam smiled and said, “Mingxi, the Duan couple treats you well. After you marry, you must remember their kindness.”
“Of course,” Mingxi replied with a smile.
The Second Madam opened the list from the Duan couple, and with just one glance, her eyes widened. She looked up at Mingxi.
Seeing her sister-in-law’s strange expression, the Third Madam also took a peek—and her heart skipped a beat.
The very first item listed was a horse ranch.
Everyone in the capital knew the Duan family had taken over the Imperial Horse Bureau’s business.
No one expected that Duan Pingchang would directly give that ranch to Mingxi—especially when he had a biological son of his own.
Mingxi noted the look on her aunts’ faces and gave a soft smile.
She thought to herself—her parents had insisted on giving her these things to give her confidence and support. And indeed, the support was more than enough.
Even excluding the ranch, the rest of the dowry list was full of dazzling items. The thick booklet rivaled the Marquis family’s contribution.
Even without the royal betrothal gifts, Mingxi’s dowry would be impressive.
With half of the royal gifts added in, her dowry might just cause a stir across the entire capital.
Just imagining the scene made it hard for the two Madams to keep calm.
After leaving Mingxi, the two went to see the Old Madam.
The Old Madam let out a long sigh. “Since it’s from them, let Mingxi keep it.”
She had come to understand why Mingxi was close with that family—Duan Pingchang and his wife truly cherished her.
If it were just for show, they wouldn’t go to such lengths. This dowry was clearly prepared with sincerity.
After pondering for a while, the Old Madam looked at her two daughters-in-law and said, “When Mingxi gets married, ask Madam Duan to come early to send her off.”
“Mother?” the Second Madam was surprised, then delighted. “Will Father agree?”
“You needn’t worry about that,” the Old Madam said slowly.
The Eldest couple had been disappointing—one more foolish than the other. Madam Jiang had only survived thanks to Mingxi pulling her back from death.
As for her eldest son… ever since he lost his title, he had grown increasingly unworthy.
She couldn’t let Mingxi feel regret on her wedding day.
She knew in Mingxi’s heart, they couldn’t compare to the Duan couple.
So be it—mistakes were made in the past; they couldn’t blame the child for being distant. But even so, she still supported her uncles and cousins—so the Old Madam was naturally willing to make Mingxi a little happier.
The Third Madam smiled. “Let’s not tell Mingxi just yet—give her a surprise on the day.”
The Second Madam quickly agreed, “Yes, that’s the right way.”
The Old Madam chuckled, “As you wish.”
As long as Mingxi could get married with a joyful heart, that was all that mattered.
Meanwhile, the Third Madam personally visited the Duan family to discuss the matter with Madam Duan. At the same time, Mingxi received a letter from her younger brother.
Her wedding day was approaching, and her brother was already on his way back.
Mingxi’s expression darkened. Even if he rushed back, he wouldn’t be able to attend her wedding at the Marquis Residence. Otherwise, where would that leave Duan Yu and his brothers’ pride?
But she couldn’t write and tell her brother not to come—how hurt he would be.
Mingxi felt a deep sadness. Even though the Jiang couple wouldn’t be making an appearance, she still couldn’t allow the Duan couple to send her off.
She couldn’t trample Duan Yu or the Marquis family’s dignity.
Besides, even if her parents knew, they wouldn’t agree. They cared deeply about their status as merchants and feared making her a laughingstock.
Mingxi carefully stored the letter from her brother, suppressed her emotions, and picked up a book—but couldn’t focus no matter how hard she tried.
The next day, Xiao Muchen personally brought the Minister of Rites to deliver the betrothal gifts to the Dingyuan Marquis Residence. The newly appointed Dingyuan Marquis, Duan Yu, awaited them at the gate.
The gifts were carried in one after another, and crowds of onlookers packed the street outside.
Second Master had the servants bring out several large baskets of copper coins to scatter on the ground. Children scrambled to grab them, laughing joyfully—making the scene outside the Marquis Residence even more lively.
Mingxi sat in her boudoir. In front of her were the wedding dress and headpiece sent from the palace, their brilliance lighting up the entire room. Li Mama and the others stood by cautiously, not daring to make the slightest mistake.
“Miss, Wangye is here,” Qiancao quickly walked in and reported.
Duan Mingxi was stunned. Why was Xiao Muchen at hers?
