Knowing there was a good show to watch, Mingxi woke up early the next day. After breakfast, she went to pay her respects to the Old Madam.
As soon as she entered, she saw Duan Huirou, who had been frequenting Rongan Hall lately. It wasn’t hard to guess why.
Duan Mingxi had no interest in her and directly sat across from her. Shortly after, Duan Min and a few others arrived. Observing the tense atmosphere between the two sisters, they all tactfully found their own seats.
Duan Qingyin, however, had no qualms and sat right beside Duan Mingxi. After her earlier schemes against Duan Huirou, Madam Jiang had sought to retaliate by causing trouble for Yang Yiniang.
But Yang Yiniang wasn’t one to back down. She complained to the Marquis, who then quarreled with Madam Jiang. The household had been anything but peaceful lately.
Soon, Madam Jiang and the second and third madams arrived, making the room lively.
The Old Madam eventually came out, and Mingxi mentioned Duan Wang’s invitation to admire the flowers.
The room fell silent. Duan Huirou’s handkerchief was almost shredded in her grip.
The Old Madam, smiling, said, “Then hurry along and take some attendants with you. Though you’re engaged to the Wangye, you must still be mindful of propriety.”
Duan Mingxi nodded. “Grandmother, rest assured. I’ll be cautious.”
The Old Madam, having nothing further to add, encouraged her. “Don’t keep Wangye waiting. Off you go.”
After Duan Mingxi left, Duan Huirou said indignantly, “Grandmother, is it really appropriate for Big Sister to meet the prince like this? What if rumors spread?”
Though the Old Madam had always favored Duan Huirou, she frowned this time and replied sternly, “Huirou, your elder sister’s engagement to Wangye is imperial decree. She’s accompanied by attendants and guards. What impropriety is there? Mind your words in the future.”
Reprimanded, Duan Huirou bit her lip and said no more, her frustration evident.
Duan Qingyin smirked but held her tongue, knowing the Old Madam’s indifferent attitude towards her. It wasn’t worth the risk of backfire.
Meanwhile, Madam Jiang and the third madam discussed household matters, redirecting the conversation and easing the tension in the room.
The Third Madam, glancing at Madam Jiang’s tired face, sneered inwardly. I heard Duan Qi stayed with the Jiang family after returning to the capital. How ambitious of them. Too bad Mingxi won’t let them get their way.
Just based on Jiang Bingyuan’s scheme to frame Duan Pingchang, Mingxi was already planning to settle the score with them.
Her eldest sister-in-law was becoming more and more clueless. But that was good—her foolishness would make it easier for her and her second sister-in-law to gain control over the household management.
Madam Xiao sat silently in the corner, not uttering a word. Since the matter didn’t concern her, she chose to act like an invisible bystander.
She used to think Duan Huirou was clever, but now she seemed increasingly unreliable. If she were truly smart, she would have found a way to mend her relationship with Mingxi after her elevation to Wangfei. But instead?
If she didn’t seize the opportunity now, there would be no chance left in the future.
Meanwhile, Mingxi’s carriage arrived at Jinrui Garden. Today, the garden was particularly lively. Upon stepping down, Qiancao asked around and learned that several families were hosting banquets here, making it especially crowded.
Not wanting to draw attention, Mingxi chose a quieter path to enter. An attendant from Jinrui Garden led the way, showing great respect and courtesy toward the future Duan Wangfei.
Duan Wang had reserved the Wangyun Tower. From the upper floor, one could take in the scenic views of the surroundings—a perfect spot for observing the bustling activity below.
On the first floor, Qi He waited outside. Upon spotting Mingxi, he immediately stepped forward. “Miss Duan, Wangye is waiting for you upstairs.”
Duan Mingxi nodded, instructing Qiancao and Xiangxiang to remain on the first floor before heading upstairs herself.
Xiao Muchen sat by the window. Hearing the sound of footsteps, he turned his head.
Duan Mingxi appeared in a white tunic with red borders, tied at the waist with a jade-embroidered silk belt. She wore delicate deerskin boots, her demeanor composed and her steps light. Her aura exuded a cool yet steady presence.
As her feet stepped through the sunlight streaming through the windows onto the staircase, she seemed to glow with a golden radiance. Her arrival brightened the entire second floor.
Walking against the light, Duan Mingxi raised her head and saw a figure sitting by the window, resplendent like a jade tree under the sun.
He wore a deep navy robe embroidered with coiling dragons. His dark hair was tied high, his brows deep-set, and his handsome features were bathed in sunlight, giving him an air of cold elegance, like a flawless piece of jade.
“This humble woman greets Wangye,” she said with a slight bow.
“Take a seat,” Xiao Muchen replied, gesturing to the seat opposite him.
Duan Mingxi had just taken her seat when the sound of playful laughter suddenly broke the air.
This was quickly followed by a voice saying, “No wonder Wangye invited me to drink today. Finally, he can hold the beauty in his arms! Congratulations, congratulations!”
“Don’t spout nonsense. Even alcohol can’t shut your mouths.”
“I understand. Wangye has just gotten engaged to Miss Sun. Feeling shy, unlike us thick-skinned folks.”
Laughter echoed from that side. Listening to their chatter about Wangye and Miss Sun, Duan Mingxi deduced they were referring to Qi Wang and Sun Yaoqing.
Who would have thought that in private, Qi Wang was so approachable and got along so well with everyone?
In her past life, she knew that Sun Yaoqing also married Qi Wang, but she didn’t know whether there had been genuine affection between them.
Hearing their remarks now, it seemed the two had long had feelings for each other.
In this case, it made sense that this engagement remained unchanged across both lifetimes.
But was this why Duan Wang had brought her here—to listen to this?
That didn’t seem like his style.
Just as she was mulling this over, a sharp scream pierced through the air in the distance.
This was immediately followed by someone near Qi Wang saying, “Oh, what’s happening over there? Let’s go check it out—it might be fun!”
From Mingxi’s vantage point, she could just make out two young women in a quarrel far away. One of them said something and then slapped the other hard across the face.
The girl who was struck turned her head and fell to the ground, clutching her face as she began to cry.
In a moment, a familiar figure rushed forward to help the fallen girl, carefully shielding her in his arms.
It was none other than Gao Zhan, and the girl was Bai Zhiwei.
Huh. Weren’t those two just arguing earlier? How had they reconciled so quickly?
If it weren’t for Gao Zhan’s appearance, Duan Mingxi wouldn’t have recognized the fallen girl. But then, who was the one who struck her?
“The one who hit her is Bai Shixi,” a voice suddenly said beside her.
Startled, Duan Mingxi turned slightly and found Xiao Muchen standing there, as if reading her thoughts and providing the answer.
“Was this what Wangye invited me to see?” she asked, her tone tinged with displeasure.
Hearing the dissatisfaction in her voice, Xiao Muchen chuckled. “The real show is yet to come.”
Duan Mingxi turned her attention back to the commotion. By now, Qi Wang and his group had reached the scene.
It was unclear what was said, but Bai Zhiwei gently pushed Gao Zhan away, dabbing her tears with a handkerchief. Her fragile demeanor was truly pitiful, as if she could melt anyone’s heart.
Bai Shixi, meanwhile, stood alone on the other side, looking pitiful in her own right.
Watching the scene unfold, Duan Mingxi couldn’t help but think of her past life. When Gao Zhan and Bai Zhiwei were secretly meeting, Bai Zhiwei had been just as delicate and pitiable.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw the Crown Prince make an appearance.
Duan Mingxi was momentarily taken aback. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Bai Zhiwei discreetly taking a step back, increasing the distance between herself and Gao Zhan.
Oh?
Now that was interesting.
Given the timing and the dynamics, it would be a shame not to involve herself in this drama.
Just then, Xiao Muchen said, “Would you like to go down and join the fun?”
The suggestion aligned perfectly with her thoughts!
“Yes!” Duan Mingxi replied, flashing Xiao Muchen a brilliant smile.
Xiao Muchen was momentarily stunned by her enthusiasm, then smiled back. “Let’s go.”
He had known she’d enjoy this.
The effort he put into arranging this day was worth it.
