Mingxi returned to discuss Duan Huirou’s marriage with the Old Madam.
“I’ll have her two aunts help keep an eye out. Don’t worry,” the Old Madam agreed. Huirou was indeed at the age for marriage, and it would be good to prepare early.
Mingxi had no intention of meddling personally. After the Old Madam agreed, Mingxi added, “I’ve already sent people to the Jiang family.”
The Old Madam’s brow twitched. “I’m afraid it won’t do much good.”
“I just had them expose what Eldest Madam Jiang did — forcing Huirou to jump from the carriage — right outside the Jiang family’s gates.”
The Old Madam almost spat out her tea. Wan Mama hurried over to pat her back and soothe her, saying, “Old Madam, slow down. This old servant thinks the young lady is absolutely right. If the Jiang family can do such shameless things, then we should expose them! Let’s see if they dare again.”
Families like theirs cared a great deal about reputation. Even if something disgraceful happened, they would hide it at all costs — never shout it from the rooftops.
But Mingxi wasn’t like ordinary people. She simply didn’t care — she dared to say and dared to act!
Now, the Jiang family’s face would truly be rubbed into the dirt.
After catching her breath, the Old Madam sighed at Mingxi, “Since you’re determined, Grandmother won’t stop you. But you must also think about your own reputation — you’re Duan Wangfei now.”
Mingxi looked steadily at her and said, “Grandmother, it’s exactly because of reputation that the Jiang family dared to do what they did. Besides, if this incident gets out, would we lose face?”
Of course not.
Huirou had jumped out of a carriage — people would only pity her.
Seeing the Old Madam’s expression soften, Mingxi continued, “Madam Jiang failed this time. To force our hand, she might start spreading rumors to ruin Huirou’s reputation. If we don’t explain why Huirou jumped, how will outsiders know the truth?”
When the Old Madam heard this, her expression gradually grew more serious. “But if that’s the case, I’m afraid the matter of Jiang Sujie sending out invitations earlier will also be dragged into it.”
This would only escalate the situation even further.
“Yes, but I’ll have people spread the word among the commoners. I won’t let You Sanping and the others curse it out directly,” Mingxi replied.
At the very least, they had to preserve Duan Huirou’s dignity. Mingxi didn’t want to owe her, since Huirou had been implicated because of her.
The Old Madam’s eyelid twitched — cursing?
Thinking of her eldest granddaughter’s usual bold ways, she had thought Mingxi would mellow after marrying into the royal family, but instead, she had only grown more formidable.
Well, fine. The Old Madam had been displeased with the Jiang family for a long time. Since it was already done, she might as well see it as venting some anger.
“Do as you see fit,” the Old Madam said.
Mingxi smiled and stood up. “Don’t worry, Grandmother. I will keep the Marquis Mansion’s reputation in mind. Also, I think you should start preparing for Qingyin’s marriage as well.”
Once Duan Huirou’s marriage was settled, it would be time to arrange for Duan Qingyin’s. Marriage negotiations weren’t something that could be settled in a day, so it was best to start early.
The Old Madam agreed. Although Qingyin was a concubine-born daughter, she had a capable full brother, so arranging her marriage wouldn’t be too difficult.
Since she had come all this way, Mingxi stayed to accompany the Old Madam for dinner before preparing to return to the Residence. The Marquis Mansion soon bustled with liveliness.
As soon as Duan Min and a few others heard the news, they rushed over to the Old Madam’s side, and soon the room was filled with laughter.
Since Duan Jin was in charge of managing the outer court and wasn’t bound to studying like the other brothers, he was able to come see Mingxi easily.
Mingxi asked him again if he wanted to go into the military. Duan Jin shook his head, saying he hadn’t decided yet. Mingxi wasn’t in a rush and told him to take his time.
In the distance, the Second Madam watched anxiously, wondering what they were talking about. As for her stubborn son, she had really run out of ideas.
Ma Minyi, who was helping her mother-in-law prepare the banquet, saw the Second Madam’s worried look and didn’t dare to say anything.
She had figured out her husband’s temperament by now and knew he had his own plans, so she wisely kept quiet.
Sometimes, Ma Minyi really admired Mingxi’s personality — saying whatever she wanted, doing whatever she decided, bold and decisive.
Later, when Duan Zhen, Duan Heng, Duan Chen, and Duan Xun returned from the academy, and Second Master, Third Master, Duan Yu, and Duan Ning came back from the yamen , the house became even livelier.
Upon hearing what Mingxi had done, the Third Master immediately said, “Well done! I’ve been saying for a long time — to deal with a family like the Jiangs, you have to do something different!”
Calling themselves a scholarly, noble family — ha!
They’re still capable of the dirtiest tricks.
The Second Master glanced at his eldest nephew, saw that Duan Yu wasn’t displeased, and then slowly said, “Mingxi, I’m afraid the Jiang family will be furious. You should be careful.”
Mingxi nodded. “It’s fine.” Then she looked at Duan Yu and said, “But it’s you, Big Brother, who needs to be on guard. They might come looking for you. Just push everything onto me if they do.”
Duan Yu was not happy. “What are you saying? As your big brother, how could I not protect you?”
Madam Xiao chimed in, “Exactly, Mingxi, don’t worry. Your big brother is here.”
The Old Master wasn’t feeling well and didn’t come. The Old Madam nodded slightly at these words, feeling pleased as she saw her eldest grandson growing more dependable.
Honestly, the fact that he had grown so much was largely thanks to Mingxi’s training.
“Yes, you are the eldest brother, and it’s your mother’s family involved. It’s only right for you to step forward,” the Old Madam concluded.
Mingxi smiled softly and said to Duan Yu, “Then I’ll trouble Big Brother.”
Duan Yu glanced at her. “If you say one more polite word, I’m not drinking this wine tonight.”
Everyone laughed at that.
The atmosphere immediately grew even livelier.
Duan Min and the others drank fruit wine, while Duan Qingyin sat to one side eating, still worried about Duan Huirou.
From a distance, Duan Ning glanced at his sister. Duan Qingyin immediately lowered her head.
Her brother had grown scarier lately; she didn’t even dare to breathe heavily in front of him. Big Sister was so much better.
Before dinner even finished, Duan Wang arrived to pick Mingxi up.
The Old Madam hurried to stand, but Xiao Muchen stepped forward to support her. “We’re all family. No need for such formalities.” He then helped the Old Madam sit back down.
Just from seeing how Duan Wang treated the Old Madam, one could tell that Mingxi’s life at the residence must be going very well.
The Old Madam smiled and said, “I didn’t expect to trouble Wangye to come pick up Mingxi yourself.”
Xiao Muchen smiled back. “It’s what I should do.”
Mingxi also hadn’t expected Xiao Muchen to come. She walked over, said her goodbyes to her family, and prepared to leave.
The Old Madam hurriedly asked Duan Yu and a few others to escort them out.
On the way out of the mansion, Xiao Muchen asked about Duan Yu’s work at the Military Selection Division and then asked the Second and Third Masters about their work at the yamen, checking on each one very thoroughly.
Mingxi suppressed her laughter until they got into the carriage. Then she couldn’t hold it back and burst out laughing.
Hearing her laugh, Xiao Muchen reached out and pinched her cheek lightly. “Are you laughing at me?”
“No, I’m just thinking how much trouble Wangye goes through for me.”
Xiao Muchen pulled Mingxi close to him, letting her lean against him, and then said, “You are my Wangfei. Of course, I have to protect you. You Sanping’s public cursing of the Jiang family — it’s really made waves in the capital. You’re amazing.”
He chuckled. “Today when I saw the Crown Prince, his eyes looked like they were shooting daggers at me — like he wanted to slice me apart piece by piece. Tomorrow, when word spreads into the palace, you’d better be careful.”
