Xiao Muchen left with Duan Ning, and Mingxi didn’t stay idle either—she got into the carriage and headed to the Marquis residence.
The Old Madam hadn’t expected Mingxi to return so suddenly. The Second and Third Madams personally welcomed her inside, and soon the entire household got word of her arrival and began gathering in the Old Madam’s courtyard.
Madam Xiao had gone out to attend a banquet today and had taken Madam Ma with her, so neither of them were home. The men of the family were either on duty at the yamen or studying at the academy. Only Duan Jin was at home, sitting stiffly among a group of women, clearly feeling quite uncomfortable.
After failing the civil service exam, Duan Jin had no plans to take it again. Instead, he stayed home to manage household affairs. By now, he had become quite competent, and many matters of the residence had been handed over to him.
The Second Madam didn’t want her son to take on this task. As the legitimate heir, how could he manage menial affairs? If word got out, it would be a joke.
Because of this matter, mother and son had an unpleasant fallout. Lately, Madam Ma had been extremely cautious in front of her mother-in-law. Today, accompanying Madam Xiao out of the residence gave her a bit of relief.
The Old Madam asked with concern how Mingxi was doing in the royal residence, but didn’t inquire much otherwise. She clearly sensed that Mingxi’s return today must have a purpose, so after some casual conversation, she dismissed everyone else and kept Mingxi alone for a private talk.
Duan Huirou made a hasty retreat, dragging Duan Qingyin with her. Duan Min and Duan Rong looked on, amused and exasperated.
They were somewhat aware of Jiang Sujie’s situation too, but everyone kept silent about it, not wanting to embarrass Huirou.
What Mingxi discussed with the Old Madam was precisely about Duan Huirou.
The Old Madam looked at Mingxi and said, “Huirou did well this time. She repeatedly refused Jiang Liangdi, sparing the family from trouble.”
Mingxi could tell the Old Madam was speaking in Huirou’s defense. She smiled and said, “I heard from Second Brother—he also praised her actions this time. We can’t let Jiang Sujie lead us by the nose.”
The Old Madam was relieved and said immediately, “Duan Ning is becoming more and more steady. He and your older brother now work well together. Our household can finally start to stabilize.”
Having capable successors meant the family had direction and hope for the future.
What noble families like theirs feared most was having no one to carry on the legacy. If rot started from within, there would be no saving it.
That’s what happened in the past life—how could there be a good outcome?
“You’re right, Grandmother. As long as the two brothers establish themselves, we won’t need to worry.” Mingxi nodded in agreement. “I came back today because I want to have a word with Duan Huirou.”
Hearing Mingxi call her by full name, the Old Madam understood how distant the sisters had become. She didn’t rebuke Mingxi. Some things were fated. That mother and daughter made repeated mistakes—maintaining surface-level harmony was already enough.
“Wan Mama, invite the Second Young Lady in.”
“Yes, Madam. This old servant will go at once.” Wan Mama rose and walked out quickly.
When Duan Huirou heard Mingxi wanted to see her, her face turned pale, and she jumped up, asking Wan Mama anxiously, “I didn’t even accept Jiang Sujie’s invitation to the Eastern Palace. Why does she still want to see me?”
Wan Mama, having watched the young lady grow up, felt a pang of sorrow seeing her so nervous. She quickly forced a smile and said in a softer voice, “Second Young Lady, don’t worry. Wangfei even praised you to the Old Madam. She just wants to talk with you.”
“Really?” Duan Huirou, after being lectured by Duan Qi for so long, now understood where she had gone wrong in the past, though she still didn’t believe she was completely at fault.
What she had learned, however, was that she could not afford to make mistakes again.
Because no one in this household would protect her anymore.
“Of course it’s true,” Wan Mama said with a smile. “Second Young Lady, you did well this time. Just answer Wangfei truthfully.”
Duan Qingyin stood up nearby and said, “I’ll go with Second Sister. I’ll wait outside the room. You’ll see me when you come out.”
Duan Huirou nodded quickly and clutched Duan Qingyin’s hand tightly. Only then did her nerves settle slightly.
At the Old Madam’s quarters, as expected, Duan Qingyin waited outside and smiled as she walked Duan Huirou to the door.
Following Wan Mama inside, Duan Huirou kept her hands tightly clenched inside her sleeves, her face taut with tension.
Passing behind a large four-panel landscape screen, she entered the inner chamber. There sat the Old Madam on the warm couch by the bed, and opposite her, Mingxi reclined against a plush red brocade pillow, a golden hairpin set with gems glittering at her temple.
“Granddaughter greets Grandmother. Greetings to Wangfei.” Duan Huirou bowed her head and saluted.
The Old Madam glanced at Mingxi, then smiled at Duan Huirou and said, “Come now, sit and talk. Your sister just wants to discuss the matter with Jiang Liangdi. Don’t be afraid—she’ll protect you. Jiang Liangdi wouldn’t dare harm you.”
Duan Huirou nodded stiffly, still full of dread—Mingxi’s face was far more terrifying than Jiang Sujie’s.
“Second Brother told me about Jiang Liangdi’s invitation. The fact that you put the family’s safety first and thought about the House shows you did the right thing.” Mingxi looked at Duan Huirou and spoke in a calm voice.
She had once imagined that when she became a Wangfei, Duan Huirou would tremble in her presence. At the time, that thought gave her immense satisfaction—her former enemy reduced to fearful reverence.
But now that day had come, Mingxi found that she no longer cared.
Her indifference wasn’t magnanimity—it was that she had truly moved on.
Because neither Duan Huirou nor Madam Jiang now posed any threat to her.
Hearing Mingxi’s words, Duan Huirou relaxed a little. Still not meeting her eyes, she murmured, “I didn’t do it for you. I just didn’t want to ruin my brothers’ futures.”
“That’s the right mindset. After all, the stronger your natal family, the better your own life will be in the future,” Mingxi said, indifferent to whether Duan Huirou meant what she said. The attitude was enough. “I have something to inform you in advance—I’ve already written to the Crown Princess about Jiang Sujie’s invitation.”
The Crown Princess?
Duan Huirou’s head shot up. She blurted out, “You told the Crown Princess? What about Cousin in the Eastern Palace?”
Mingxi stared directly at her. “Why don’t you go to the Eastern Palace now and explain it to the Crown Princess in person? Or do you have a better solution? If you don’t want to hurt Jiang Sujie, then she’ll use you to harm the House. You’d better think carefully.”
Duan Huirou realized she had spoken out of turn. Her expression shifted several times before settling into a grim gray. If forced to choose, of course she would pick her own brothers.
But… her cousin had also treated her well for many years.
“Every time you hesitate out of pity for Jiang Sujie, it opens a crack that could become a knife aimed at your kin. Duan Huirou, if you’re set on self-destruction, I won’t stop you. But if you drag me down with you, I’ll make Madam Duan, Duan Yu, and Duan Qi all pay for your stupidity.”
