Elsewhere, Duan Huirou followed Duan Mingxi out of the main courtyard, biting her lip. Once alone, she snapped, “Are you satisfied now?”
Duan Mingxi turned to her. “No, not at all. Duan Huirou, you think you’ve hidden your thoughts well, but I see right through you. In your heart, you probably wish me dead, don’t you?”
“You’re making things up!” Duan Huirou denied.
“You think I don’t know? You’ve been sowing discord between me and our older brother and sister-in-law, stirring up resentment against me. You play the pitiful role before Madam, trying to alienate me. You may think you’re clever, but in my eyes, you’re just a clown.”
Duan Huirou’s face flushed with rage, and unable to hold back, she hissed, “Fine, then! But let me warn you — if you don’t stop your schemes, you’ll suffer for it.”
Duan Mingxi scoffed, “Big words. Tell me, who’s the one suffering today?”
Duan Huirou’s face contorted with anger, but Duan Mingxi turned away, not wasting any more words on her.
Watching her leave, Duan Huirou took a deep breath. Fine, you brought this on yourself.
She then went to find her mother. Today, the Duke’s wife mentioned a possible marriage alliance between the families. Gao Zhan was of noble status, attractive, and exceptional in every way — except he had a lover.
The Duke’s Madam wanted her as a daughter-in-law. Not a chance, she thought.
But, she mused, such a good match shouldn’t go to someone else. Duan Mingxi could have it.
After Duan Mingxi returned, Madam Jiang’s attendant, Luo Mama, delivered a box of jewelry and a box of blood bird’s nest. Duan Mingxi understood this gesture was merely for appearances.
Since there was nothing wrong with the items, why shouldn’t she accept them?
After sending Luo Mama off, she composed a letter with care, sealed it, and handed it to Li Mama.
“Li Mama, have your son personally make the trip to Jiangcheng and deliver this letter to my father,” Duan Mingxi instructed. Her greatest regret in her past life was cutting off contact with her family after reconnecting with her biological relatives.
This time, no matter what, she would protect her parents and younger brother.
Her parents would surely be heartbroken to learn of the grievances she’d suffered. They would likely come secretly to see her.
Once they arrived, she was confident she could persuade them to stay. As long as they remained in the capital, she would ensure their safety.
Li Mama was overjoyed. “I’ll go right away! The master and madam, along with young master, will be thrilled to receive a letter from you.”
Meanwhile, Duan Huirou, after discussing with her mother, convinced Madam Jiang that the idea was excellent. Madam Jiang promptly went to her husband to propose a marriage alliance with Duke Gao’s family.
Of course, she didn’t mention that Duke Gao’s family had their eyes on her younger daughter. Instead, she emphasized that Duan Mingxi, as the eldest legitimate daughter, was the rightful match for such a good marriage. This, she claimed, would also serve as compensation for Mingxi.
Dingyuan Marquis was delighted and agreed immediately. “This is an excellent match. Talk it over with Mingxi properly—she’ll surely be happy.”
“She’s a bit temperamental, so it’s best not to mention marriage just yet,” Madam Jiang advised. “Why not arrange a meeting first? Let her see the young master of the Gao family. Gao Shizi is tall, handsome, and comes from an extraordinary background. Mingxi will certainly be pleased. Then we can bring up the matter.”
“You’re right. Let’s do it that way.”
Madam Jiang then sent a message to the Madam of the Gao family, finalizing the date for the meeting. She decided to keep everything hidden from Duan Mingxi until the last moment, planning to bring her to the meeting unawares.
With Gao Shizi’s impressive status and appearance, how could Mingxi possibly refuse?
As for any supposed romantic interest, Madam Jiang dismissed it entirely. After all, what man didn’t have multiple wives and concubines? A mere romantic interest who couldn’t even enter the household was hardly worth mentioning.
On Duan Mingxi’s end, Luo Mama came to relay a message: three days later, Madam Jiang planned to take her to Jinrui Garden, the largest garden in the capital, for a leisurely outing.
Duan Mingxi hadn’t expected this life’s events to unfold faster than in her previous life. In her past life, it had also been at Jinrui Garden where Madam Jiang deceived her under the pretense of an outing but had actually arranged for her to meet a prospective match.
Clearly, Duan Huirou truly loathed her and was eager to act against her.
However, before the appointed three days had passed, news came from the Gao family. They informed Madam Jiang that Gao Zhan had urgent matters requiring him to leave the capital the day after tomorrow, so the meeting was rescheduled for a day earlier.
Pretending not to know anything, Duan Mingxi boarded the carriage with Madam Jiang. Glancing at Mingxi’s outfit, Madam Jiang frowned slightly. “Didn’t I tell you to wear your new dress and jewelry?”
Duan Mingxi looked innocent and replied, “It’s just a garden visit. Why put in so much effort?”
Madam Jiang felt as though a lump was caught in her throat. Unable to reveal the real purpose of the outing, she forced a smile. “As you wish.”
The past two days had been quite lively at home, with Madam Jiang visiting Duan Mingxi twice in grand gestures and Duan Huirou tagging along each time. The act they put on was nauseating to Duan Mingxi.
But if it was a performance, she could play along.
The carriage stopped at the entrance to Jinrui Garden. The two of them alighted, followed by Luo Mama and her entourage. Li Mama, along with Xiangxiang and Qiancao, also accompanied Duan Mingxi.
Their group entered the garden in grand style. Duan Mingxi, having visited Jinrui Garden several times in her past life, was familiar with the layout. Watching Madam Jiang deliberately lead her along a circuitous route, she couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.
Halfway there, as expected, they “ran into” Duchess Gao.
Both put on delighted expressions, and Madam Jiang introduced her, saying, “This is my eldest daughter, Mingxi.” Then, looking at Mingxi, she added, “This is Duchess Gao.”
“Mingxi greets the Madam.” Duan Mingxi kept her eyes on the ground, not even glancing at Gao Zhan, who stood behind the Duchess.
The Duchess looked Duan Mingxi over, clearly displeased with her modest attire, though she didn’t show it. She maintained a polite smile, saying, “No need for such formalities. Please rise.”
She then gently pushed her son forward, saying, “This is my eldest son. Since Miss Duan has just returned to the capital, I imagine she hasn’t met him yet. Today is a perfect chance to get acquainted.”
Hearing no words of polite compliment on their first meeting, Duan Mingxi chuckled inwardly. Just as she thought, the Duchess had an inherently cold and sharp disposition.
At that, Duan Mingxi finally lifted her head to look at Gao Zhan. She noticed a flash of impatience in his eyes—he was already uninterested in this arrangement. In her previous life, she hadn’t noticed this as she had been too focused on not embarrassing her family.
With that knowledge, she returned a polite but indifferent expression. “Greetings, Gao Shizi.”
Gao Zhan didn’t even glance at Duan Mingxi, looking away with an icy expression. “Miss Duan.”
Then, he stepped back, hiding behind the Duchess.
Catching this move, Duan Mingxi mirrored him, stepping back behind Madam Jiang, her expression demure, not looking at him at all.
In her past life, if she’d learned nothing else, she’d mastered the art of pretense—thanks to them.
Seeing Duan Mingxi’s aloof attitude, the Duchess was visibly displeased, her brow furrowing as she glanced at Dingyuan Marquis Madam.
Madam Jiang stepped forward, speaking softly to the Duchess.
The Duchess’s expression worsened, though she held her temper. Turning to Gao Zhan, she said, “Our families have always been close. Since we met today by chance, why don’t you take Miss Duan for a stroll around the garden? I have a few matters to discuss with Dingyuan Marquis Madam.”
