Madam Xiao’s expression was complex as she looked at Duan Mingxi. Daring to argue with the Old Madam was something she could imagine, but defying the old master—she wouldn’t even dare think of it, let alone do it publicly.
Not only had Mingxi done so, but she had achieved her goal.
From that moment, Madam Xiao’s view of Mingxi changed entirely.
She now saw Mingxi as her equal, no longer treating her with a mix of probing, insincerity, and superficiality, but with genuine respect.
“Eldest Meimei, what’s your plan next? Don’t blame me for being nosy, but the golden hairpin sent by Kunde Palace today is likely no small matter.” Madam Xiao was genuinely worried. “I’ve accompanied elders to meet the Empress before. She is a woman of strict principles.”
Duan Mingxi noticed the sincerity in Madam Xiao’s words and nodded. “Thank you, Sister-in-law. I had already prepared for this on the day I jumped into the water to save someone.”
Madam Xiao was taken aback. “Mingxi, you did it intentionally?”
If Mingxi wanted Madam Xiao’s full support, she had to demonstrate her capabilities.
“Sister-in-law, Zhenbei Wang’s household has always remained independent in the capital. None of their daughters have ever married into the royal family. The truth of what happened in Shangyang Palace—everyone knows, don’t they?”
Madam Xiao was stunned, shocked by Mingxi’s understanding of the noble families in the capital and her daring to involve herself despite knowing the risks.
Her expression became more colorful until she couldn’t help but ask, “Mingxi, weren’t you afraid?”
“Sister-in-law, ever since the Marquis Madam intended to marry me into Duke Gao’s household, I realized one thing. To her, I’m nothing but a commodity. If I want to live with dignity, I can’t rely on her. I can only rely on myself.”
Madam Xiao felt a little awkward. Back then, when her mother-in-law made those arrangements, though she felt it was inappropriate, she hadn’t stopped it. Of course, she couldn’t stop it—how could a daughter-in-law openly oppose her mother-in-law?
Thinking of this, Madam Xiao admitted, “I was powerless back then and couldn’t help you.”
“Sister-in-law, there’s no need to feel guilty. I understand.”
“Mingxi, since you’re aware of the consequences, what’s your plan now?”
“Sister-in-law, you know better than I do the current situation of our Marquis Household in the capital.”
Hearing this, Madam Xiao couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret for marrying into this family. Before her marriage, her husband had seemed promising, with the old master still in charge of the household. She had thought that with her husband’s ambition, their future wouldn’t be bad.
Who could have predicted her husband would turn out to be a useless dandy? He lacked true ability and overestimated himself, still stuck as a mere Cloud Cavalry Officer.
Still, since she was already married, she had to save face for her husband, forcing a smile as she said, “Your older brother does wish for a better position, but as you can see, the family’s current state leaves him powerless.”
“For families like ours, either you make your own way and earn a post, or you rely on ancestral favor to inherit. Your elder brother is merely a shizi now, but with Second Uncle and Third Uncle above him, any opportunities will naturally go to them first.”
“Mingxi, how do you know so much?” Madam Xiao was surprised.
“Sister-in-law, where there’s a will, there’s a way. As long as you’re determined, you’ll learn what you need.”
Madam Xiao realized that Mingxi had surrounded herself with influential friends since returning. Asking them for insights would naturally clarify things.
It all came down to where one’s mind was focused. By comparison, Huirou, who had grown up in the capital’s Marquis Household, seemed to have wasted her time entirely on petty schemes.
“I plan to help Older Brother secure a proper position.”
Madam Xiao nearly jumped up at these words. “Mingxi, this is no joking matter!”
Duan Mingxi gazed steadily at Madam Xiao.
Madam Xiao, meeting her eyes, realized Mingxi was never one to speak lightly. Did she really have a way?
“Mingxi, you might not fully understand—official positions in the capital are hard to come by. The relationships among the Wangyes are highly intricate. Any good position would never make it to outsiders.”
“Sister-in-law, success is achieved step by step. No one gets there overnight. Does Older Brother truly want to be overshadowed by Second Brother forever?”
Madam Xiao’s face fell. “Mingxi!”
“Sister-in-law, you find this hard to hear, don’t you? I’ve been in correspondence with Uncle Chen. He tells me that Second Brother is diligent and talented in his studies. If Older Brother continues idling away, he’ll have to watch as Second Brother achieves glory and honor while he becomes a laughingstock.”
Madam Xiao wanted to suggest calling Duan Ning back from the academy, but Mingxi’s expression clearly ruled that out. She sighed deeply. “Your older brother isn’t cut out for studying.”
“If he doesn’t study, then he should join the military.”
Madam Xiao: …
“Sister-in-law, ask Older Brother. If he’s content being a joke, forever overshadowed by his younger brother, then let’s drop the matter. But if he has any ambition to improve his prospects, I’ll help him. Let Second Brother take the civil path and Elder Brother the military path. Wouldn’t it be a fine story of brothers supporting each other?”
Madam Xiao thought to herself that her husband might not lower his head so easily.
Just as she was thinking this, she heard Mingxi say, “If my eldest brother isn’t willing, that’s fine too. But with Second and Third Uncles going around begging for official positions, what do you think would happen if I let the news slip out? Would Second Aunt and Third Aunt fight over it?”
Of course they would!
Madam Xiao immediately felt a sense of urgency. “Mingxi, don’t worry. I’ll definitely persuade your eldest brother. Just don’t say anything to Second Aunt or Third Aunt for now.”
Duan Mingxi smiled. “There’s one more thing I need help with, Sister-in-law.”
“Go ahead,” Madam Xiao replied without hesitation.
“I’d like you to spread the word that Lu Momo came to visit today and be sure to mention the design of the gold hairpin gifted by Her Majesty the Empress.”
Madam Xiao tensed up. “Mingxi, doing this will surely offend Kunde Palace.”
“Are we not already at odds?”
If they weren’t, the Empress wouldn’t have gifted her such a humiliating hairpin.
Madam Xiao: …
Good point!
Now that she was on this ship, Madam Xiao took a deep breath and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle this for you. I also heard that the Empress intends to bring Miss Fu from Marquis Deqing’s household into the Eastern Palace. I’ll find out what kind of hairpin she received as a gift.”
Duan Mingxi appreciated intelligent people. “Thank you for your trouble, Sister-in-law.”
“It’s nothing. Of course, I’ll do my best for our family’s affairs. You just wait for good news,” Madam Xiao said, then quickly left.
Duan Mingxi exhaled deeply. There was still much to do. She raised her voice and called out, “Qiancao, bring Li Quan here.”
“Yes.” Qiancao responded and quickly left. She glanced at her mistress, whose expression seemed grave, and couldn’t help but feel a bit worried.
