If Duan Mingxi claimed she didn’t want to marry, the old Old Master would rather face conflict with her than allow her to act recklessly.
After a brief hesitation, she looked at the Old Master and said, “To be honest, I want to marry someone I genuinely like.”
The Old Master scrutinized Mingxi’s eyes, seeing both hesitation and determination in her gaze.
At such a young age, she already knew what she wanted, what she needed to do, and how to negotiate by swiftly identifying and leveraging her opponent’s weaknesses. This level of shrewdness was a testament to the meticulous upbringing by Duan Pingchang.
No wonder Mingxi harbored such attachment to Jiangcheng’s Duan family. Compared to their treatment, how could she tolerate Madam Jiang’s actions?
The old Old Master asked again, “What are your plans regarding the Duan family in Jiangcheng?”
Duan Mingxi’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. “My adoptive parents raised me like a treasured gem. If I were to treat them as strangers now, anyone who found out would only mock me as a cold-hearted ungrateful white eyed wolf.”
“But rest assured, Grandfather. I will handle the Jiangcheng Duan family with discretion and ensure they won’t be entangled with our family. My adoptive father still has a son who will grow up and take over the household. Once he’s capable, they won’t need me anymore.”
“You think your younger brother, with your adoptive father in charge, will suffer in any way?” The Old Master chuckled coldly.
Duan Mingxi only smiled faintly without responding.
The old Old Master understood her decision was firm. But this showed the child was grateful despite everything. In the end, it was Madam Jiang’s favoritism that broke her heart.
At this point, the Old Master and Mingxi reached an initial understanding.
From that moment, Dingyuan Marquis Household was about to see a shift in power.
Outside, the second and third madams, who had been considering dividing the household, were momentarily stunned by the Old Master’s decision.
The one most shocked was Madam Jiang. The Old Master’s announcement that the three families would take turns managing the household—different from the temporary stewardship under the matriarch—was simply unacceptable.
“Father, how could this be allowed?” Madam Jiang panicked.
If the account books were handed over to the second and third madams, exposing the enormous deficit, the main branch would be skinned alive.
The Old Master now felt a strong aversion toward Madam Jiang. If not for her favoritism, Mingxi wouldn’t have become so disappointed with this family.
“If you don’t want to manage the household, then you don’t have to,” the Old Master said angrily.
Madam Jiang instantly froze, like a chicken with its neck wrung. She widened her eyes but didn’t dare to say anything further, fearful of losing even the little authority she still had in household management.
Duan Huirou wasn’t foolish either. She was completely stunned. How could this have happened?
Duan Mingxi!
What had she done?
Why would Grandfather make such a decision?
The Third Madam glanced at the Second Madam. Were they still dividing the household?
The Second Madam tilted her head slightly and whispered, “We can’t split now. Let’s first get hold of the account books and see how much money the main branch has spent all these years.”
The Third Madam nodded slightly. “Agreed.”
There was no way they would accept a loss—so much money was at stake. She still had several children who needed to get married, with dowries and wedding gifts that couldn’t be skimped on. If the family split, she’d have to shoulder those costs herself.
The Old Master continued, “Furthermore, regarding Mingxi’s marriage, no one is to interfere. I will personally handle it.”
Madam Jiang swallowed her retort. Her face was as dark as a stormcloud, but she didn’t dare say another word.
After delivering these decrees, the Old Master waved his hand, dismissing everyone.
Madam Jiang stormed out with Duan Huirou in tow, not sparing Duan Mingxi a single glance.
Madam Xiao, however, lingered. She approached Mingxi with a smile. “Meimei, we’re heading the same way. Shall we walk together?”
Duan Mingxi had something to discuss with Madam Xiao, so she nodded in agreement.
The Second Madam quickly dragged the Third Madam out, while the Third Master followed with his children in silence, his expression heavy.
Once everyone had left, the Old Madam turned to her husband and asked, “What did that girl say to you that made you decide this?”
The Old Master regarded his wife. “Mingxi knows the family’s current financial situation. She said she can help the family earn money.”
“What?”
The Old Master sighed. “Her adoptive father is a renowned merchant. She grew up under his guidance, so making money isn’t difficult for her. Moreover, for her to speak with such confidence, I suspect she has already reestablished contact with the Duan family in Jiangcheng.”
The Old Madam’s expression darkened immediately. “If she’s already been acknowledged…”
“The Jiangcheng family raised her for over a decade. If she truly severed ties, others would accuse her of being cold-hearted and ungrateful. What kind of reputation would that leave us?”
The Old Madam pursed her lips, clearly displeased with the situation.
“Our kind of household cannot afford to be associated with merchants.”
“Think about your younger two sons,” the Old Master said pointedly. “If the family were to split, what could you give them? Both Old Second and Old Third have children of their own. When the grandchildren start marrying, do you think dowries and bride prices will pay for themselves?”
The Old Madam remained silent.
“I’ve thought it over. Connecting with the Jiangcheng Duan family has its advantages. If Mingxi takes on business endeavors, they can act as a front. Others won’t associate the profits with the Marquis Estate, and we can at least preserve appearances.
“You’re aware of our current state. No matter what, we must ensure the children are properly married off. It’s just a pity Mingxi isn’t a grandson. Things would be very different if she were.”
The Old Madam scoffed, rolling her eyes. And what good would that do? At the end of the day, she’s an ungrateful little wretch.
“Hand over the remaining shops and estates under the family’s name to me,” the Old Master ordered.
“What are you planning to do?” she asked warily.
“Since we’re asking Mingxi to make money, she’ll need capital to work with. If you have silver, hand it over. If not, then give me the shops and estates.”
The Old Madam nearly choked with anger. “You’re giving everything to her?”
“I’m not giving it to her—I’m letting her use it to make money.” The Old Master was done arguing and reached out for the keys himself.
“Wait a moment! Are you truly the one in charge of her marriage?” The Old Madam couldn’t believe it. She was certain that after handing over all this family wealth, her husband wouldn’t have the leverage to control that girl’s marriage decisions!
“Look at what Madam Jiang has done. If not for her favoritism, would Mingxi distrust her so much? Of course, it’s up to me,” the Old Master declared. He didn’t tell the Old Madam the full truth, fearing it would stir up another argument.
Reluctantly, the Old Madam handed over the keys, still unwilling to let the matter rest. She asked, “Then what about today’s situation with the Empress? The gold hairpin has already been sent over.”
“That can even be called a gold hairpin?” The Old Master’s tone was full of ire. “Mingxi was right. It’s just a reward given by the Empress for her act of saving someone. That’s exactly what we’ll say if anyone asks.”
Even if the Marquis Estate was in decline, they couldn’t let the Empress trample over them so blatantly.
With this thought, the Old Master felt a renewed sense of defiance. One day, the Marquis Estate would surely reclaim its former glory.
Just wait and see!
Elsewhere, Mingxi was speaking with Madam Xiao. For someone like her, words were meaningless—only tangible benefits could make her willingly act in her favor.
The Empress was pressing hard, so Mingxi needed to give them something to occupy themselves with. Only then could she catch her breath and have the time to plan her next moves.
