“It’s not about what I want you to do, but how you can ensure victory in this matter. If you lose this battle, it won’t be easy to turn things around in the future.”
“I understand,” Duan Huirou replied. Though her expression was still unpleasant, for some reason, her heart felt a little lighter.
Yang Yiniang had said: don’t think of Jin Wang as a husband—just treat him as a ladder to climb to the heavens. Who cares who he likes or doesn’t like? As long as she could climb up using that ladder and get what she wanted, that was enough.
Yang Yiniang also said that Jin Wang wouldn’t dare treat her too casually. After all, she was the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Manor. Her uncles and brothers at home were all in government service. Though their ranks weren’t high yet, they were steadily rising.
She also told her that Duan Mingxi was Duan Wangfei, and with Duan Wang protecting her, she had some standing even before the Emperor. Even the Empress wouldn’t dare to act rashly without full confidence.
With Duan Mingxi as her elder sister above her, her future days would actually be quite manageable.
Seeing that Duan Huirou was being obedient and her expression had improved, Duan Mingxi added, “I’ve found you a Momo who is well-versed in palace etiquette, with help from Consort Shu. I’ve met this Cheng Momo before—she has a steady temperament and seems quite proper in her speech and conduct.”
“In the future, if you don’t understand something, ask more questions—but don’t show your ignorance. Those old Momos from the palace are all extremely shrewd. Don’t let them get a hold over you.”
Duan Huirou: …
“I’ll remember.”
It really wasn’t easy being a mistress these days.
“Also, I’m giving you a steward for the outer courtyard, Lan Jiang. He was personally trained by You Sanping and was originally meant to be his right-hand man. For now, I’m letting you use him for a few years. Once he helps you sort out the affairs of the outer courtyard in Jin Wang’s residence, he’ll return.”
“Huh? You’re taking him back later?” Duan Huirou was shocked.
Duan Mingxi: …
“Lan Jiang is ultimately my man. It’s fine if he helps you for a few years, but if he stays managing your outer courtyard indefinitely, it would mean that my person is controlling your territory. Would you really feel at ease with that?”
Duan Huirou froze.
“Cheng Momo and Lan Jiang are different from the other servants that will accompany you. The other attendants have their contracts in your hands. But these two do not. Cheng Momo is a free person—if you manage to win her loyalty and she’s willing to stay and live out her days in Jin Wang’s residence, then she can truly be considered your person.
Lan Jiang is my steward. His contract is naturally in my hands. However, if one day Lan Jiang personally comes to ask me for his freedom and expresses his willingness to serve you, that would be your accomplishment. When that time comes, I’ll hand over his contract.”
Duan Huirou didn’t really understand all this. She didn’t realize there were so many differences among servants. She looked at Duan Mingxi and muttered, “No one ever taught me any of this. I don’t understand.”
Mingxi was silent for a moment. “I know. That’s why I’m teaching you now.”
In her past life, no one had taught her either. She had learned the hard way, crashing and burning before realizing all the complexities involved. The royal court was nothing like merchant households.
Duan Huirou lowered her head, twisting the handkerchief in her hands until it nearly tore apart. But no matter what, she couldn’t get the word “thank you” out of her mouth.
Mingxi stood up. “I’ve given you the people. But how you use them, whether you can truly make them yours, depends on your abilities. Remember this: anyone with true skills will never willingly submit to another. If you want to use them, you must be able to command their respect. Otherwise, you’ll just become a puppet in their hands.”
Duan Huirou looked completely lost. She understood the words but had no idea how to actually do it.
Still, she didn’t dare say so in front of Duan Mingxi. She bit her lip and nodded hard.
Mingxi was satisfied and left. Duan Huirou stared blankly at the box full of silver banknotes.
It took her a long time to recover. Then she carefully packed everything away—this was her lifeline and the foundation for her future; she couldn’t afford any mistakes.
As for how to win people over, she thought maybe she could go ask her sister-in-law for advice. After becoming the legitimate wife of the Marquis Household, her sister-in-law had managed the entire household affairs very well. Surely she could teach her a few tricks to deal with the immediate problems.
Mingxi didn’t stay at the Marquis Residence for dinner. She said her goodbyes to the Old Madam and the Old Master. Tomorrow was the day Jin Wang would wed, and as a Wangfei, Mingxi had to attend the wedding banquet—and help Duan Huirou hold her ground.
So she wouldn’t come to the Marquis Residence tomorrow. She had already spent the entire day there today, and the news of her reconciliation with Duan Huirou would surely have spread through the noble circles via the ladies who came to help prepare the dowry. Her presence tomorrow wouldn’t matter anymore.
Madam Xiao personally escorted Mingxi out of the residence. At the moon gate, Madam Jiang stood far away, watching her daughter leave, feeling that she had become more and more like a stranger.
Yang Yiniang caught sight of Madam Jiang’s expression from a distance and immediately turned and walked over with a smile. “Madam, here you are. Second Young Miss is looking for you.”
Hearing this, Madam Jiang hurried after Yang Yiniang toward Duan Huirou’s courtyard. “Why is she looking for me? Isn’t she busy right now?”
“Madam, Second Miss is getting married tomorrow. She must be feeling scared. Of course, at a time like this, she would want her mother.”
Hearing that, Madam Jiang put everything else out of her mind and quickly instructed Yang Yiniang, “Go double-check the dowry list. We can’t afford any mistakes.”
“Don’t worry, Madam. You can leave it to me,” Yang Yiniang replied with a smile, sending Madam Jiang away before secretly letting out a breath of relief.
The way Madam Jiang had just looked at the eldest daughter had made her very uncomfortable.
Yang Yiniang carried the dowry list to the storeroom to check the inventory. She happened to bump into Madam Xiao, who was leading some people over. Seeing her, Madam Xiao looked a little surprised.
Yang Yiniang curtsied to Madam Xiao. “This concubine greets the Marquis Madam.”
Madam Xiao’s feelings toward this Yiniang of her father-in-law were a bit complicated. After all, when she had married into the family, Yang Yiniang was still favored and often clashed with Madam Jiang.
Looking at how things had turned out today, Madam Xiao sometimes felt like she was dreaming.
“Please rise, Yang Yiniang,” Madam Xiao said politely. She was, after all, a younger generation.
As the concubine of her elder, she stepped aside slightly to avoid receiving the full bow.
Yang Yiniang rose with a smile. “The Madam instructed me to double-check the Second Young Miss’s dowry list. She’s leaving tomorrow, and we can’t afford any mistakes.”
Madam Xiao smiled. “What a coincidence. I also came to take a look. Let’s do it together.”
Naturally, Yang Yiniang agreed, and the two began carefully checking the dowry list item by item.
At that moment, unexpectedly, Song Momo, who served by Consort Gui’s side, arrived. No one had anticipated this. The Old Madam quickly changed clothes and came out to greet her.
Song Momo was from Consort Gui’s side—she couldn’t be treated casually.
With a full smile, Song Momo entered. A Wangfei might not be much in the eyes of a Consort Gui, but this Duan Wangfei had earned credit in front of the Emperor, which made things different.
Song Momo was very respectful to the Old Madam and said with a smile, “By Consort Gui’s order, this old servant has come to deliver a gift to the Second Young Miss. This is a piece of jewelry that Consort Gui wore when she first entered the palace. She has always treasured it dearly and now specifically asked me to deliver it to the Second Young Miss.”
Everyone in the Marquis Residence was shocked. They hadn’t expected Consort Gui to bestow such favor on Huirou. Something Consort Gui wore upon entering the palace—it was deeply symbolic.
The Old Madam quickly led everyone in bowing toward the direction of the imperial palace in gratitude. Then she had Duan Huirou accept the gift, and said respectfully to Song Momo,
“Consort Gui’s great favor brings immense honor to the Marquis Residence.”
Song Momo smiled meaningfully as she looked at the Old Madam, then glanced at Duan Huirou and said slowly, “The Second Young Miss is truly blessed. With a sister like Duan Wangfei, her path ahead will be smooth.”
Hearing that, Madam Jiang’s smile froze on her face.
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