Duan Huirou knew Duan Mingxi always meant what she said. That woman didn’t have much of a heart. Never mind others—if her eldest brother got dragged into this mess, just her sister-in-law alone would probably want to skin her alive.
“Don’t say that nonsense. I wouldn’t do such a thing,” Duan Huirou tried to sound righteous. “I already cut ties with her long ago. I never responded to any of her invitations. I had people reject them straight away.”
“Jiang Sujie has known you for many years—she knows your temperament well. During this time, it’s best if you don’t go out at all, and definitely don’t meet with her in private. Even if the Jiang family invites you, don’t go. Being simple-minded is fine—obedience alone can keep you safe.”
Duan Huirou was so upset she burst into tears. How could she still curse people like that?
She’s not stupid!
She was just softhearted! That’s completely different from being stupid!
The Old Madam hadn’t expected things to have gotten this serious and now looked visibly grim. She turned to Duan Huirou and said, “Your sister would never harm you—but others might. You must remember: do not leave the house in the coming days.”
“I understand, Grandmother,” Duan Huirou replied tearfully, looking completely dejected. Wasn’t this basically putting her under house arrest?
She ran out crying, while the Old Madam sighed heavily.
Duan Mingxi remained composed and said to her, “You don’t need to feel upset. One day she’ll thank you for the decision you made today.”
“At my age, all I wish for is for you all to live well. The rest doesn’t matter,” the Old Madam murmured. She truly regretted it now—it was her failure to manage the household properly that let Madam Jiang’s influence lead the children astray.
And she had been too shallow herself, blinded by appearances and fixated on Mingxi’s wealth back then.
Had she acted fairly from the start, how would these sisters have ended up like this?
The Old Madam looked at Mingxi for a long time, but ultimately couldn’t bring herself to ask her to go easy on Huirou.
Mingxi had been the one wronged, the one who had suffered—how could she ask her to compromise further? In the end, it was her own fault.
Suppressing her tangled thoughts, the Old Madam composed herself and said, “Should I go speak to the Jiang family myself?”
Mingxi shook her head. “You’re too advanced in age; there’s no need for you to go through that. The Jiang family thinks they’ve latched onto the Eastern Palace now that Jiang Sujie is a liangdi there. If you go, it’d probably be a wasted trip.”
A wasted trip would be fine—but if she suffered insults and got sick over it, that would be the real loss.
“So we just let it go like this?” the Old Madam frowned.
“There are still ways,” Mingxi said. “If Jiang Sujie insists on seeing Duan Huirou, then here’s what you can do…” She leaned in and whispered something into the Old Madam’s ear.
The Old Madam looked surprised at first, then relaxed, even smiling. “That is a good idea. If she has no ill intentions, we won’t need to use it. But if she insists on scheming against us, we’ll make sure she regrets it.”
“Just remember, whatever happens, don’t tell Duan Huirou. If she gets soft-hearted again, she’ll only mess everything up.”
“I know what’s at stake. Don’t worry.”
“With you around, how could I not feel at ease?”
The Old Madam gave a bitter smile. One can’t do things without conscience in life—sooner or later, the consequences will catch up.
After the conversation, Mingxi went to greet the Old Master.
He had caught a chill at night and was still recovering. Seeing Mingxi return, he guessed what it was about and asked, “Everything settled?”
Mingxi smiled. “Yes. We’ll need Grandmother to put in a bit more effort, though. I’ve been unfilial.”
The Old Master coughed lightly. “We two old folks can’t do much anymore. I heard from your older brother that Duke Wei is clashing with the Eastern Palace in court lately. That’s not a good sign.”
“You’re worried His Majesty will take offense toward Duke Wei?” Mingxi asked.
“Favor and wrath alike are the Emperor’s will,” the Old Master said, gazing at her. “You and Wangye must tread carefully.”
“Yes,” Mingxi replied, nodding.
The Old Master had spent the first half of his life on the battlefield, brave and spirited. But in middle age, he had become increasingly cautious and measured.
The rivalry between Duan Wang and the Crown Prince wasn’t something that could just be stopped. If they kept stepping cautiously, they would only end up being passively suppressed again.
In the past, passivity was unavoidable—but now, Mingxi and Xiao Muchen didn’t want to keep living in fear.
There was no need to say this to worry the Old Master. As long as they were well prepared and the outcome was good, he’d be at peace.
After having a meal at the Marquis Manor, Mingxi prepared to return to the royal residence.
The Second Madam personally saw her off and mentioned her son, hoping Mingxi could talk to him.
Mingxi didn’t have a ready solution and said, “Second Aunt, he’ll have to come around on his own. We can’t force him to study if he really doesn’t want to, can we?”
“That’s true, but he can’t really spend his life managing household chores!” The Second Madam looked utterly stressed.
Mingxi thought for a moment. “I’ll have a talk with him.”
Her eyes lit up. “Wait here, I’ll go get him.”
She was so happy she even dragged her son over herself. Mingxi was both amused and exasperated. Seeing Duan Jin’s embarrassed face, she said with a smile, “Second Aunt, you can leave us. I’ll chat with Cousin alone.”
The Second Madam quickly nodded, “Yes, yes, you two talk.” Then she turned and walked off.
Duan Jin: …
Truly his own mother.
“Little cousin, sorry to trouble you. I’m sure my mother said something to you,” Duan Jin looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole out of shame.
“Cousin, Second Aunt is just being a mother—she wants the best for you.”
Duan Jin was silent for a moment. “I know. Little cousin, I did try to study hard, but maybe I’m really not cut out for it. You saw the results.”
“Cousin, do you want to be an official?” Mingxi looked straight at him.
Faced with Mingxi’s sincere gaze, Duan Jin couldn’t bring himself to lie. He gave a bitter smile, slumping his shoulders. “You’re asking me that? Do you think I can lie to you? Who doesn’t want to be an official? But I just can’t pass the exams…”
“If you can’t pass the exams, you can buy a post,” Mingxi said.
Duan Jin: …
“But, cousin, the path of buying an official post isn’t easy, and it often invites ridicule. Still, if you’re truly capable, you’ll rise eventually. Do you dare?”
Duan Jin was stunned and didn’t respond for a while.
Mingxi didn’t rush him and simply waited quietly.
After a long breath, Duan Jin slowly said, “Little sister, all the men in our family earned their positions through exams. If I’m the only one who bought mine, wouldn’t that bring shame?”
“If it’s truly shameful, then why does the system exist?” Mingxi replied. “Cousin, many officials who bought their posts still walked a righteous path. It all depends on how you choose to go forward.
“Besides, in the capital, plenty of noble families buy official posts for their sons. Do they not fear shame? Many things exist because they serve a purpose. If you only care about saving face, you’ll accomplish nothing.”
Duan Jin: …
No wonder she was able to win over Duan Wang. She was truly something else.
Just listen to what she said—he really felt ashamed in comparison.
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