The Duan household was lively and bustling. Duan Sirui was being quizzed on his studies by Duan Wang.
Mingxi glanced at him. She didn’t say anything, but the amusement in her eyes deepened.
Madam Xu pulled her daughter into the inner room, mainly to ask how she was adjusting to married life. When she learned that Mingxi had already been entrusted with managing the household affairs in Wangye’s residence, her face immediately lit up with joy.
“It’s not that I’m greedy for power, but considering that Consort Shu is still in the palace, the household management duties should logically have gone to you. The fact that you didn’t even have to ask and Wangye handed it over himself shows he truly values you. Xixi, you must treat Wangye well, do you understand?”
“I know, Mother.” Mingxi answered with a smile.
Madam Xu’s eyes suddenly reddened, and she clutched her daughter’s hand tightly. “Originally, we were invited to the Marquis Residence today, but we already visited on your wedding day. Going again today wouldn’t look right. People might think we’re clinging to the Marquis family and make you look bad, so we declined. We didn’t expect Wangye to send word that you two would be coming over for dinner. Your father and I were overjoyed.”
Mingxi listened quietly.
“We’re just merchants who raised you. Wangye respects us because of you. I was worried about this marriage in the beginning, but now I’m truly at ease.”
Madam Xu looked at her daughter with a smile full of comfort and happiness.
Mingxi leaned against her mother and softly said, “Wangye didn’t tell me in advance, but I’m truly happy in my heart.”
“Wangye treats you well, so you need to soften your temper too, understand?”
“I haven’t mistreated him, have I? Didn’t I just give him 800,000 silver taels without blinking?” Mingxi shot back.
Madam Xu sighed. “I raised you—how could I not know? Xixi, you’re always thinking too much. You’re still so young, in the prime of your life. You should be enjoying it—do you understand?”
Mingxi rested on her mother’s shoulder without responding. She wanted to enjoy it too—but she couldn’t.
Every time she thought of their fate in her past life, she couldn’t sleep. She fought every day to live differently, to change what once was.
But she didn’t want Madam Xu to worry. She smiled and said, “I understand. Don’t worry. I’ll live happily and joyfully.”
Madam Xu patted her daughter’s hand. “Xixi, marriage is about mutual care. If you keep being cold, you might end up hurting someone’s heart, and then it’ll be too late to fix it.”
“Don’t worry, Mother. I know what I’m doing.” Mingxi was already trying to open her heart to accept Xiao Muchen—but fear lingered.
She feared that things would end the same way they had in her previous life.
She knew Xiao Muchen wasn’t Gao Zhan, but someone who’s been bitten by a snake will flinch at the sight of a rope.
She was trying her best. She knew Xiao Muchen treated her well, and she wanted to return that kindness.
Madam Xu brought her out to help set the table. Up ahead, Duan Sirui came to find his sister. “Brother-in-law is so strict. I’m still young, and I already study so hard.”
Mingxi laughed. Before she could respond, Madam Xu scolded, “Someone is kind enough to guide you, and you’re complaining? You should be grateful!”
Duan Sirui was scolded by his mother and didn’t dare talk back. He made a funny face at his sister and ran off.
Mingxi was both amused and exasperated. She looked at Madam Xu and said, “Mother, Sirui already works very hard. How many kids his age can compare?”
“The second young master of the Marquis family is even more diligent,” Madam Xu replied.
Mingxi: …
But Duan Ning was different—he was working hard for Yang Yiniang and Duan Qingyin, and for his own future. He had no choice.
Seeing her daughter speechless, Madam Xu sighed. “I know you love your brother, but don’t spoil him too much, or he’ll be ruined.”
Mingxi said, “With Sirui’s temperament, even if he wanted to go bad, it would be difficult.”
Madam Xu: …
Duan Pingchang came in with Duan Wang, and just as they entered the hall, they overheard this comment.
Duan Pingchang couldn’t help but look at his daughter and said, “Ever since you were old enough to ride a horse, you followed me out on trips. Wasn’t it tough back then? If you could endure hardship, why can’t he, a boy? Your mother’s right, you shouldn’t spoil him too much.”
Duan Sirui: …
Was he picked up from the streets or something?
“How can that be the same?” Mingxi frowned. “I went because I wanted to. I asked to go out and see the world. That’s why you took me.”
“See, that’s exactly the difference. You had the initiative to go out and suffer a little, while he’s still waiting at home to be kicked out the door.”
Well, there went the conversation.
Duan Sirui immediately jumped up and said, “I’ve already arranged with Duan Qi to go traveling together. We’ll manage all our expenses ourselves and won’t ask for a single coin from you.”
“Alright, that’s settled then,” Duan Pingchang immediately agreed.
Seeing Mingxi finally a bit flustered, Xiao Muchen walked over to her and looked down with a smile.
Mingxi glared at him with annoyance.
Xiao Muchen said seriously, “Going out without any silver won’t do. Let’s set him an allowance. If he overspends, he’ll have to figure it out on his own. But for things like travel, food, lodging—those basic expenses—we’ll cover them.”
Duan Wang spoke, and Duan Pingchang said no more.
Mingxi gave Xiao Muchen a secret thumbs up.
Dinner was joyful. Duan Pingchang was in high spirits, drinking and chatting nonstop with Xiao Muchen.
Duan Sirui poured wine on the side, listening to his father and Wangye talk about his sister’s childhood—stories he’d never heard before and found surprisingly entertaining.
Mingxi didn’t see what was so interesting, but unable to stop her father, she went to the courtyard with Madam Xu for a chat.
The mother and daughter sat on rocking chairs under the starry sky, gently waving bamboo fans. For once, Mingxi felt a rare sense of peace.
If only life could remain this peaceful and happy forever.
…
Two days after visiting her family, Duan Qi and Duan Sirui were ready to leave the capital. Mingxi personally went to see them off. Sirui was cheerful and straightforward, Duan Qi steady and thoughtful—their pairing reassured her.
Xiao Muchen sent a few guards to escort them, and the group rode off toward the morning sun.
Mingxi didn’t have time to mope—news had already arrived from Madam Xiao, asking to meet at Yuxian Tower.
Madam Xiao arrived late, and upon seeing Mingxi, she said, “The baby fussed a bit. I had to wait for him to finish feeding before I could leave. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long, little sister.”
“I just got here,” Mingxi replied with a smile. Once Madam Xiao was seated, she continued, “Sister-in-law, were you able to find anything?”
As she spoke, Mingxi poured her a cup of tea and passed it over. “Here, have some tea to refresh yourself.”
Madam Xiao had indeed hurried over and was a bit thirsty. She smiled, took the cup, sipped, and finally said, “There really is something going on behind the scenes.”
“What is it?” Mingxi asked immediately. Perhaps there was something she could do with this information.
