At dawn, dark clouds gathered outside, and the wind whipped through the bamboo groves.
Duan Mingxi stood by the window, feeling the itchiness of her fading rash despite the medicine. The wind streamed through the open panes, lifting her sleeves into the air.
The Marquis residence was unusually quiet today.
She knew that her ruthless actions yesterday had likely stirred resentment among the household, but so what?
In her past life, she had been kind and accommodating. Did that earn her their respect? No, they had nearly stripped her to the bone.
If her cold-heartedness could secure her voice in this household, it was worth it.
“Miss!” Her maid, Xiangxiang, rushed in.
Duan Mingxi didn’t turn around.
“Miss, early this morning, the Marquis went to the second young miss’s quarters and scolded her and the madam fiercely!” Xiangxiang’s voice trembled with excitement, her face flushed.
“Is that so?” Duan Mingxi’s voice was calm, but her eyes flickered with mockery.
Ah, her father…
Not long after, Dingyuan Marquis arrived at Duan Mingxi’s quarters with a lacquered box.
“My dear, Father only just learned of your grievances this morning,” he said, his face full of guilt. “Mingxi, it’s all my fault for not protecting you properly.”
“Father is busy managing the family’s affairs every day. How could you be expected to know about the inner court matters?” Duan Mingxi replied earnestly. “Even I didn’t anticipate that my second sister would resort to such measures.”
The Marquis sighed deeply. “I’ve already scolded her harshly. Focus on your recovery. I’ve asked the physician, and fortunately, your rash was caught early. With a few days of rest, you’ll be fine, and it won’t delay your attendance at the banquet. Don’t worry.”
Ah, there it was—the main point. Her participation in the banquet. They still hoped she would return as a Wangfei.
Too bad their hopes were doomed to disappointment.
“I’ll follow Father’s instructions and rest well,” Duan Mingxi replied.
The Marquis pushed the jewelry box toward her. “I picked out some ornaments for you. Wear them to cheer yourself up. Girls like these things, and it might lift your spirits.”
“Thank you, Father,” Duan Mingxi said, feigning heartfelt gratitude.
The Marquis left in high spirits. When Duan Mingxi opened the box, she found an ornate gold and gemstone headpiece with jewels the size of a fingernail. A lavish gift indeed.
“Put it away,” she said. She didn’t lack such things, but there was no reason to refuse them either.
Knowing Duan Huirou would find out about this would make her all the angrier.
Duan Huirou’s condition was far worse than Duan Mingxi’s. Madam Jiang, distraught, stayed by her side without leaving, entirely forgetting that her other daughter was also recovering.
The Old Madam, likely displeased with Mingxi’s harshness, hadn’t visited her since that day.
Duan Mingxi didn’t care. As long as she remained valuable, the Old Madam wouldn’t abandon her.
The second madam and third madam came together to visit her and brought some ointments along.
Mingxi’s actions that day had indeed unsettled the two of them, but after thinking it over, they realized: evil meets its match.
For someone like Duan Huirou, who dared to harm her older sister at such a young age, wasn’t it fair for Mingxi to return the favor?
With that in mind, their attitudes shifted.
Besides, having someone as decisive as Duan Mingxi might not be a bad thing for the Marquis’ household.
A temperament too soft only invites mistreatment.
Even Madam Xiao secretly visited Duan Mingxi without the Madam’s knowledge, bringing her a jar of Jade Beauty Cream.
This luxurious product, used by the noble ladies in the palace, had been acquired with considerable effort.
Duan Mingxi was a bit surprised at Madam Xiao’s gesture. Despite the current circumstances, she had still come to see her.
But thinking about it, it wouldn’t be surprising if Madam Jiang blamed Madam Xiao later, and Huirou grew even more resentful of this sister-in-law.
After another day, the official edict from the palace arrived. Upon hearing the news, the Old Madam promptly submitted Duan Mingxi’s name without any hesitation.
Huirou cried bitterly when she found out, but Duan Mingxi remained unfazed.
The Old Madam had Second Madam bring seamstresses to measure Duan Mingxi for new clothes. She was allowed to pick from a variety of silks and fabrics and had new accessories crafted, all following the latest trends in the capital.
Duan Mingxi cooperated wholeheartedly. With Second Madam’s assistance, they selected four new outfits and matching accessories, all exquisitely coordinated.
By the time the day of the palace banquet arrived, Duan Mingxi’s rash had completely healed. She looked radiant as she bid farewell to the Old Madam.
The Old Madam’s gaze was complicated. She knew Duan Mingxi was strong-willed, so she refrained from saying much and let her leave.
In the soft warmth of spring, the capital city was cloaked in gentle vitality. A spring breeze lifted the curtain of the carriage, revealing glimpses of the bustling streets. Duan Mingxi sat inside, watching pedestrians come and go in lively throngs.
Her thoughts drifted to the later years of her past life when she had rarely left the Duke’s residence.
The lively scenes outside felt both familiar and foreign to her.
“Miss, would you like to rest for a while? It’ll still be some time before we reach Shangyang Palace,” Qiancao suggested softly.
Indeed, the palace banquet wasn’t being held in the Imperial Palace but in Shangyang Palace, an imperial retreat built a few years prior.
Nestled in the countryside, Shangyang Palace was surrounded by mountains and rivers. Its intricate eaves and layered halls were constructed with lavish extravagance.
Spring was the most beautiful season there, with lush greenery, flowing waters, and a scenic view at every turn.
Duan Mingxi arrived punctually. Outside Shangyang Palace, the scene was lively, with carriages densely packed on a nearby field.
After her carriage came to a stop, Duan Mingxi stepped down with Qiancao and was soon greeted by someone calling her name.
Turning, she saw it was Chu Qingying.
Chu Qingying approached quickly, her delight evident. “I was wondering when you’d arrive. Now we can be together again.”
Walking side by side, Duan Mingxi replied with a smile, “Yes, I heard you were coming too, and I’ve been looking forward to this.”
Clearly familiar with the palace grounds, Chu Qingying led Duan Mingxi through the gates and into the palace, with an exceptionally polite attendant showing them the way.
“I’m not here for the selection,” Chu Qingying said, confiding, “My Jiejie is married to Xian Wang, so I won’t be chosen. I’m just here to join in the fun.”
Duan Mingxi smiled. “Then you’re lucky to have such freedom. If only I had your fortune.”
Chu Qingying paused for a moment, lowering her voice. “What? You don’t want to be chosen?”
Duan Mingxi’s expression turned self-deprecating. “It’s not a matter of what I want. Everyone knows I grew up in Jiangcheng. Do you think the Niangniangs and Wangyes would ever pick me?”
Chu Qingying countered, “Don’t underestimate yourself. Everyone’s heard about how you saved someone at the hunting grounds. Not just anyone could do that.”
Duan Mingxi blinked playfully. “Which man wouldn’t prefer a soft and gentle lady? Someone like me—practically a warrior—probably scares them away.”
Chu Qingying: …
“Well, I think you’re the best,” Chu Qingying declared.
If anyone disagrees, they must have problems with their eyes.
