The Old Madam seemed eager to honor Madam Xu—whether it was to show Mingxi or because she truly appreciated how she’d raised the child, either way, Mingxi was quite pleased with the meal.
Madam Xiao hadn’t finished her postpartum recovery and couldn’t attend, so her stewardess came specifically to greet and apologize to Madam Xu.
Madam Ma was busy helping the Second Madam with all the arrangements, especially for the table of younger family members, where she managed everything herself. Mingxi quietly observed—Ma Minyi’s abilities weren’t inferior to Madam Xiao’s. Once the Third Uncle married a capable daughter-in-law, the next generation of the Marquis Household would be promising.
After lunch, the elderly Old Madam retired to rest. She asked the Second and Third Madams to accompany Madam Xu on a stroll around the estate. Mingxi personally helped the Old Madam back to her quarters.
If the Old Madam was willing to honor her foster family, then Mingxi was more than willing to become the most filial granddaughter in return.
Only Duan Huirou sat in the distance, lost in thought.
Duan Qingyin tugged on her sleeve.
Duan Huirou had grown noticeably thinner recently, and she was much calmer than before.
Meeting Duan Qingyin’s gaze, she took a deep breath and stood. “Let’s go.”
Fearing she might change her mind, Duan Qingyin quickly followed and caught up with Mingxi.
“Eldest Sister,” Duan Qingyin called out.
Duan Mingxi was accompanying Madam Xu. She turned her head, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered something to Madam Xu. Smiling, Madam Xu left with the Second Madam to walk through the garden.
Seeing that Mingxi had stopped, Duan Qingyin grabbed Duan Huirou’s hand and walked over.
Mingxi glanced at them but only looked at Duan Qingyin, ignoring Duan Huirou entirely.
“Eldest Sister, Second Sister and I came especially to thank you. If it hadn’t been for you that day, mother and Yiniang might’ve suffered greatly,” Duan Qingyin said sincerely, her eyes growing red as she spoke.
Mingxi patted her shoulder. “How is Yang Yiniang doing now?”
“Much better, but she still needs careful recovery. The physician said she must avoid anger or agitation for at least half a year and prescribed daily herbal tonics,” Duan Qingyin said gently.
“Yang Yiniang is a broad-minded person. As long as she keeps a peaceful mind and drinks the medicine, she’ll recover soon,” Mingxi said. “If you have trouble sourcing any herbs, just let me know.”
Duan Qingyin quickly shook her head. “It’s a small matter—no need to trouble you. Second Brother can handle it.”
Mingxi smiled. That was true—after everything, Duan Ning had matured a great deal.
Duan Qingyin looked at Duan Huirou, who kept her head down and remained silent. Growing anxious, she gave her a gentle tug.
Only then did Duan Huirou lift her head and look at Mingxi. She pressed her lips together, and after a moment, finally said, “Thank you for saving my mother that day.”
Mingxi still didn’t look at her and replied coolly, “It was just a casual act. No need to thank me.”
Duan Huirou was caught off guard by the response and couldn’t say another word.
Mingxi had nothing more to say to Duan Huirou. She nodded to Duan Qingyin and turned to leave.
After she walked away, Duan Qingyin muttered weakly, “Didn’t we agree before… Why couldn’t you say more?”
Duan Huirou stared at the ground. What popped into her mind was the image of Mingxi and Madam Xu earlier, talking and laughing so intimately in front of their grandmother.
“You saw it. Even if I said more, it would be useless,” Duan Huirou said. She knew Mingxi wouldn’t forgive them—and she no longer wanted to beg for forgiveness, either.
Her “thank you” was only because Mingxi had indeed saved her mother that day, even if it had been just a passing act.
“Let’s go,” Duan Huirou said as she lifted her foot and walked forward.
Duan Qingyin had no choice but to follow. Well, so be it. She knew this knot in her sister’s heart couldn’t be untied.
After all, she had done her best.
By mid-afternoon, Duan Pingchang arrived with Duan Sirui to see Mingxi. Duan Pingchang reeked of alcohol, and Duan Sirui’s cheeks were a bit flushed too.
Madam Xu couldn’t help but say, “Didn’t I tell you not to drink?”
Feeling guilty, Duan Pingchang quickly said, “The Duan family’s elders and young masters were just too enthusiastic. I couldn’t fend them off. I didn’t drink much—you see, I’m not even drunk.”
He just had a bit of alcohol flush, looking like he was drunk.
Mingxi asked someone to bring sobering soup, then turned to Duan Sirui and asked, “Why did you come back without telling me?”
“Sis, you’re getting married—how could I not come see you off?” Duan Sirui chuckled sheepishly. “I just didn’t expect the Marquis Household would actually let us come here to send you off.”
Mingxi flicked his forehead. “How are your studies going? What did your tutor say?”
Duan Sirui immediately sat up straight. “The tutor said I need to travel and broaden my horizons. Said I’m nothing like you—too stiff.”
Mingxi covered her face. That really did sound like something Scholar Chen would say.
“Do you want to go out and see the world?” Mingxi asked.
Duan Sirui looked toward their parents, then lowered his voice and said, “I do, Sis. But Mother doesn’t agree, though Father did nod.”
“Then go. I’ll talk to Mother. But one condition—you must bring a guard with you. No acting reckless.”
Duan Sirui agreed instantly, eyes lighting up.
His sister had traveled with their father from a young age. He, on the other hand, was like a bird in a cage. How could he not want to stretch his wings?
Naturally, Madam Xu heard everything from the side. Looking at her daughter, she said, “But he’s so young…”
“Mother, I was only five or six when I started traveling with Father. You were worried then too, but didn’t I turn out fine? Sirui’s a boy—how can he be kept inside all the time? If you want him to become a strong eagle, he has to fly.”
“Exactly, Mother. I’ll be careful, I promise. Don’t worry,” Duan Sirui added.
Mingxi chimed in, “Don’t worry. I’ll find a few skilled guards to go with him.”
Madam Xu glared at her son, then helplessly said to her daughter, “You just spoil him.”
“Didn’t you say you wanted him to protect me in the future? How can he do that like this?”
Madam Xu was taken aback. After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Then let him go.”
Duan Sirui: …
Mingxi burst out laughing and patted her brother’s shoulder. “I’ll find you a companion.”
“Who?”
“What about Duan Qi?”
Duan Sirui swallowed. “I think he’s more cunning than me.”
Mingxi scowled. “When three people travel together, one is bound to be a teacher. Duan Qi is clever and steady. Learn from him. Sirui, there are many outstanding people in the world. You have to learn their strengths and make up for your weaknesses. Don’t let pride get in the way—understand?”
“I get it, Sis,” Duan Sirui said gloomily. Just from today’s lunch, he could tell Duan Qi was the most shrewd among the Duan brothers.
If they were to travel together, he’d always be on edge. How was he supposed to survive?
He couldn’t embarrass his sister—or himself.
If he had known, he would’ve gone on a solo journey.
Now he’d hoisted a rock just to smash his own foot.
It hurt. A lot.
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