“Madam flatters me,” Duan Mingxi replied, her dark eyes fixed on the duchess. Her smile was mild yet warm, as if they were on very friendly terms.
Li Peilan frowned deeply—this Duan Mingxi was just too good at putting on a front.
The duchess smiled as well. “It’s simply the truth. Wangfei is thorough and thoughtful. I’m just stating the obvious. Please.” With that, she lifted her cup and downed it in one go.
Duan Mingxi also picked up her cup, slowly bringing it to her lips and taking a drink. Then she looked at the duchess and said, “How can I let Madam toast me alone? Today is a joyful occasion. I’ll toast you in return to show my appreciation.”
She then personally poured wine for the duchess and refilled her own cup before downing it in one clean gulp.
Looking at the duchess, Duan Mingxi gently tapped her empty cup upside down. “Madam, please.”
The full cup of wine made the duchess’s smile stiffen slightly. Her alcohol tolerance wasn’t great, but Duan Mingxi had already finished hers in one go. If she didn’t drink now, wouldn’t others mock her?
Cheers and praises erupted around them, led by Guangxiang Marquis Madam and Duchess Rong, making the atmosphere even more festive.
From a distance, Madam Qiao looked toward her sister-in-law, Second Madam Duan family, and said, “How much has Duan Wangfei had to drink by now? This can’t go on.”
The second madam had come to the banquet with the third madam today. Madam Xiao was with them too, though she’d been pulled away by Fuchang Marquis Madam.
In the previous line-up of noble families, Madam Qiao’s husband was merely a shillong in the Ministry of Personnel and didn’t rank high, so they were seated further back.
The second madam had wanted to chat with her sister-in-law anyway, so she sat with her for a while.
She lowered her voice and smiled. “No worries. Mingxi holds her liquor well.”
Madam Qiao let out a breath. “Still, something feels off. Why is everyone toasting Duan Wangfei? It looks like they’re trying to get her drunk. Let’s stay alert and keep an eye out—we don’t want to be caught off guard.”
The second madam thought to herself: with all the tricks Mingxi has up her sleeve, who could possibly outsmart her?
She probably sensed something was off a while ago. From the way she’s drinking, she clearly came prepared.
But Mingxi’s personal habits were her own business, so even her sister-in-law didn’t pry. She just nodded. “You’re right, let’s be vigilant.”
Vigilant… and enjoy the show.
Madam Qiao didn’t catch the subtext and nodded in relief. “Too bad we can’t get close, or we could help block a few drinks for her.”
They didn’t even have the privilege to help block the drinks.
The second madam knew her sister-in-law still remembered how Mingxi once saved her daughter during a hunting trip, so seeing her possibly being bullied made her uneasy.
“There’s no need for us,” the second madam said softly. “Just watch.”
Today, Madam Xiao, the second madam, and the third madam were all attending the wedding on the Old Madam’s orders—to keep an eye on Mingxi.
Their husbands had low-ranking positions, so their wives blended into the crowd. But they were still from the Marquis household. Madam Xiao had cleverly discussed a plan on the way: she’d stick close to Fuchang Marquis Madam to get nearer to Mingxi, while the other two kept a broader watch.
Just then, the third madam returned. A nearby lady had gone to the restroom, giving her a seat.
She sat and whispered to the second madam, “Second sister-in-law, something’s off about Duchess Cao. I think she’s trying to get Mingxi drunk. I’ve noticed all the duchess’s close allies have taken turns to toast her.”
“You noticed too?” The second madam nodded. “Just keep an eye on her. Don’t let her out of our sight.”
The third madam was reassured to know her sister-in-law was on the same page. “I’ll head back now. When the time comes, let’s go over and escort Mingxi out.”
“Good.”
The third madam bid farewell to Madam Qiao and left.
“You sisters-in-law are getting along better these days,” Madam Qiao said with a smile. A few years back, the Marquis household had been in chaos, and her sister-in-law often came home to complain.
The second madam, who was close to her, replied quietly, “Yes, it’s all thanks to Mingxi.”
Back then, their household had been struggling financially. The Old Madam favored the main branch and ignored everyone else. She and the third madam were constantly stressed—until Mingxi returned and helped them make money. The household’s finances had gradually improved.
With money for weddings and dowries, life naturally became easier.
The second madam paused in thought. It really had been a long time since they’d had to worry about money first thing in the morning.
Not far away, Xiao Ling was growing anxious. She leaned over and said quietly to her mother-in-law, “Mother, I’m going to find an excuse to take Duan Wangfei away.”
If this keeps up, even an iron liver wouldn’t last.
Duchess Wei frowned and looked at her daughter-in-law. “You can’t step in.”
She didn’t have enough authority.
After a pause, the duchess stood up with her wine cup in hand. Xiao Ling quickly followed her.
At this moment, Duchess Cao’s household was already visibly tipsy, yet she still clung to Mingxi and insisted on another drink—they had already had five in a row.
“Duchess Cao,” Duchess Wei stepped forward, standing beside her with a gentle but firm smile. “A little drink pleases the spirit, but too much harms the body. Please leave some room for the rest of us who haven’t yet had the chance to toast Her Highness.” As she spoke, she turned to the servants attending Duchess Cao. “What, haven’t you noticed your mistress is getting drunk? Why aren’t you helping her rest?”
Most people wouldn’t dare offend Duchess Cao, but Duchess Wei was different. Duke Wei was highly favored by the Emperor, and recently, when their son was seriously injured, it was the Emperor himself who ordered the imperial physicians to provide treatment. That kind of imperial grace was rare in the entire court.
Duchess Cao frowned at Duchess Wei. “Ah, it’s Duchess Wei. There’s no rush. Once I’ve finished toasting, it’ll be your turn.”
Duchess Wei chuckled lightly. “Others only toast one cup. Even if you are fond of the Wangfei, drinking like this isn’t good for your health. After all, we’re not as young as we used to be, right?”
Mingxi hadn’t expected Duchess Wei to step in. Feigning unfamiliarity, she smiled politely and said, “You’re absolutely right, Madam. I was also worried the Madam might overdo it. If she falls ill from drinking too much, I’d be to blame. Everyone here is a witness—it’s not that I insisted she drink.”
Though said in a teasing tone, those around them began to exchange meaningful glances, and the way they looked at Duchess Cao shifted subtly.
Seeing this, Li Peilan immediately interjected, “Duan Wangfei, what do you mean by that? My mother is simply offering a toast—how could you twist it like this?”
