Duke Wei’s household was one of the oldest noble families in the capital. Their estate, located in the southern lane outside the imperial city, spanned an entire street. The interlinked roofs and deep courtyards made it appear endless.
Early in the morning, the estate was bustling with activity. Outside, carriages filled the street as guests came to offer their birthday congratulations.
Mingxi’s carriage, from the Marquis of Dingyuan’s household, was unremarkable amidst the lineup of luxurious vehicles. The household staff promptly arrived to guide them.
When her carriage stopped, Mingxi alighted gracefully, and the driver moved the carriage aside.
In front of the gates stood two large stone lions, with a grand entrance flanked by three doors featuring beast-head knockers. Above the main gate, a gilded plaque with the words Duke Wei’s Residence gleamed brightly.
Entering through the side gate and passing through the winding corridors, Mingxi reached the main courtyard. The entrance hall was abuzz with activity as guests arrived in droves. Mingxi blended into the crowd, keeping a low profile.
Duchess Wei personally greeted guests at the entrance to the inner hall, accompanied by two young ladies—one dignified and composed, the other bright and charming.
Mingxi recognized the dignified one as Xu Nanxi, while the other must be the much-talked-about Miss Feng.
It was Mingxi’s first time meeting her. Miss Feng had slender shoulders, a slim waist, bright eyes, and graceful brows. Her complexion was radiant, her cheeks like freshly peeled lychees, and her nose delicate as polished jade.
She wore a smoke-blue silk blouse and a pomegranate-red skirt scattered with floral patterns. Her slender waist seemed as if it could be encircled with just one hand—a true beauty.
Xu Nanxi, dressed in a silver-red ensemble, appeared festive yet elegant. With her bright complexion and artistic features, she exuded the aura of a dignified eldest daughter.
Many people present had their eyes fixed on Feng Wenxuan. Having stayed at Duke Wei’s residence for several years and treated like a daughter by Duchess Wei, her intentions were more or less known to everyone.
Now that Duan Mingxi appeared, almost all eyes turned to her, their expressions hard to read.
Duchess Wei had seen Mingxi before at a palace banquet and recognized her immediately when she arrived. Her daughter, Xu Nanxi, stepped forward with a warm smile. “Mingxi, you’re here.”
Mingxi responded with a gentle smile. “It’s the Old Madam’s birthday—I naturally came to celebrate her grand occasion.”
Xu Nanxi, beaming, led Mingxi to her mother. “Mother, this is the eldest young lady of the Dingyuan Marquisate, Duan Mingxi.” Turning back to Mingxi, she added, “Mingxi, this is my mother.”
Duan Mingxi noticed the subtle and complex gaze from Duchess Wei but chose to ignore it. She bowed politely. “Mingxi greets the Duchess.”
Duchess Wei quickly stepped forward to help her up. “Miss Duan, you are too kind. I’ve long wanted to meet you, and today, I finally have the chance.” She then gestured to Feng Wenxuan. “Wenxuan, come greet Miss Duan.”
Feng Wenxuan walked over with a smile, curtsying lightly. “Wenxuan greets Miss Duan.”
Mingxi sidestepped slightly, avoiding the bow. “And this is…?”
The Duchess smiled and introduced her. “This is my niece, Wenxuan. I’ve heard from Nanxi about your heroic deeds in saving lives; Wenxuan has admired you for some time and finally gets to meet you today.”
Feng Wenxuan gave an embarrassed smile. “I hope I won’t make Miss Duan laugh.”
Xu Nanxi interjected with a smile. “Mother, I’ll take Mingxi inside. You can carry on with your duties.”
With more guests arriving, the Duchess indeed didn’t have time to linger and nodded with a smile.
Feng Wenxuan hesitated but ultimately stayed back to assist the Duchess in welcoming guests instead of following them.
Xu Nanxi seemed genuinely delighted to see Mingxi. Taking her arm, she said cheerfully, “Oh, I never thought we’d become relatives! Once you’re married to my cousin, you’ll have to look out for me.”
“You, the esteemed young lady of Duke Wei’s household, need my protection? I might be the one needing your help,” Mingxi replied meaningfully.
Judging from Xu Nanxi’s demeanor, it appeared she was unaware of her mother’s plans regarding Feng Wenxuan. Her joy at seeing Mingxi didn’t seem feigned.
“Whatever you need, just say the word! I’d even brave fire and water for you,” Xu Nanxi declared with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Mingxi chuckled. “Last time we met, you carried yourself like the model noblewoman. Why the change now?”
“Ah, that’s for outsiders! Now that we’ll be family, keeping up that act would exhaust me.” Xu Nanxi lowered her voice mischievously, glancing around to ensure privacy.
Duan Mingxi found herself quite liking Xu Nanxi’s personality—straightforward, considerate, and well-mannered. Talking with her felt refreshing and comfortable.
Xu Nanxi led Mingxi to meet the Old Madam. “It’s still early. My grandmother hasn’t gone to the main hall yet; she’s in her courtyard. She specifically told me to bring you over to talk when you arrived.”
“As the younger generation, it’s only proper to greet the elders first,” Mingxi agreed, wondering about the dynamics within Duke Wei’s household—whether the matter of Feng Wenxuan was solely the Duchess’s idea or if the Old Madam was also involved.
After all, this was the maternal family of Duan Wang. Mingxi would inevitably have dealings with them in the future, and this was an opportunity to gauge the situation.
They passed through a yueliang gate, walked along a covered corridor, and finally entered a courtyard through a chuihua gate. The yard was paved with green stone, decorated with intricately carved stone tanks holding lotus plants. The lotus leaves were vibrant green, and fish swam playfully in the water below.
Climbing the stone steps, a maid lifted a bamboo curtain for them. Inside, the first sight was a hall furnished with a zitan wood table adorned with carvings of dragons, nanmu chairs, and ebony couplets hanging on the walls. Chairs covered with silver-red embroidered cushions lined the sides, interspersed with small side tables and footstools—clearly a formal reception area.
Xu Nanxi led Mingxi around a screen with an intricate seasonal scene and into the eastern side room.
Inside, an elderly lady in an auburn jacket embroidered with longevity motifs sat by the window on a warm couch. She wore a gemstone-embedded headdress, prayer beads around her wrist, and a gentle smile on her face.
“Grandmother, guess who I’ve brought?” Xu Nanxi announced cheerfully.
Old Madam Wei, her face full of smiles, shifted her gaze to Mingxi. “You mischievous girl, just tell me already.”
Xu Nanxi nudged Mingxi forward. “This is my cousin’s future wife, Miss Duan Mingxi.”
The Old Madam studied Mingxi with a smile. “A fine young lady.”
Mingxi bowed. “Mingxi greets the Old Madam.” She turned to receive a brocade box carried by her servant. “Today marks the Old Madam’s birthday. I wish you endless blessings, a long life of joy, and eternal harmony with your loved ones.” She placed the gift on the table and stepped back gracefully.
The Old Madam maintained her warm expression but was inwardly impressed. This eldest Miss Duan, raised in a merchant’s household, showed no trace of it.
Her demeanor and etiquette were flawless, reflecting the meticulous upbringing she’d received.
No wonder her grandson was adamant about marrying her. Thinking of Feng Wenxuan, the Old Madam sighed inwardly.
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