chapter 2

I knew there was no such thing as a free blessing in this world.

Fortunately, it was only pastries-time-consuming and laborious, but not troublesome. I agreed readily, packed up my things, and turned to head for the small kitchen.

Muttering to myself along the way, I wondered if Duan Jing, with his stature, could really eat five plates of pastries?

Perhaps he had a girl he liked and wanted to win her favor with them.

The small kitchen was well-equipped with everything I needed.

Now that there was no one around, I kneaded the dough, thinking of my younger brother squatting by the stove as a child, chubby and adorable, and my heart grew even more sour.

Such a good child-how did he end up addicted to gambling, losing even our Parents’ funeral savings?

At the saddest part of my thoughts, tears fell one after another to the ground.

Suddenly, voices came from the courtyard outside.

“Miss Zhang has come from afar. How could the Eldest Young Master take her into his room first? Madam Duan is waiting in the Front Hall and has ordered me to bring Miss Zhang to meet her.”

The speaker’s voice was dignified and stern, somewhat elderly.

Chunsheng replied gently but politely on my behalf, “The Young Master has instructed that he wants pastries made by Miss Zhang herself. Aunt knows the Young Master’s temper-if you go against him, he might just tear the roof off.”

I was new here; if I caused discord between Duan Jing and Madam Duan, it would be even harder for me to find a foothold in the future. So I wiped my hands clean and hurried out, “Brother Chunsheng, the batch in the pot is done-there are five plates. Please watch the fire for me; I’ll be back soon.”

In the courtyard stood an elderly woman, dressed in understated luxury, who looked me over with a cool, indifferent gaze.

Chunsheng’s expression was grave. “Miss, you don’t need to…”

Aunt Zhao cleared her throat, interrupting Chunsheng, “Since the young lady is willing, let’s go.”

I felt this woman was just as difficult as Aunt Song next door-her face was not easy to get along with.

Family status was a chasm between me and Duan Jing; this trip was bound to be full of obstacles. So I turned back, brought out the pastries, and tried to appear obedient.

Aunt Zhao’s triangular eyes glanced over the plate, saying nothing, then turned and led me through the mansion.

In the heat of summer, the Duan Mansion’s pink walls surrounded us, green willows hung down, and outside the figure-eight corridor, vines grew thick, cool and secluded.

On my way to the capital, I had asked around many times and learned that the Duan Family was a prominent household in the city. Their ancestors had aided the founding emperor, and an Imperial Concubine had come from their line. Lord Duan, Duan Jing’s father, was distantly related to the illustrious Prince Duan. His legs had been injured in recent years, and he held a civil post in the court, ranked third.

The more I learned of the Duan Mansion’s lofty status, the less hope I had for this marriage.

Without a betrothal gift, I could only become a concubine or a servant.

The summer heat was stifling, and the doors were wide open.

As soon as I entered the courtyard, under the hanging vines, Duan Jing sat with one leg crossed, his handsome eyes slightly tipsy.

Among the crowd, he alone wore red, his dark hair tied high, like a clear breeze and bright moon-strikingly eye-catching.

He truly was born handsome; anything looked good on him.

He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye, frowned, and said, “What are you doing here? Go back!”

“Jiming, don’t be rude.” The dignified and elegant Madam Duan, seated above, spoke with a gentle and upright tone.

Duan Jing fell silent, his gaze following me into the hall, his expression gloomy.

I carried a plate of pastries and, under the watchful eyes of the room, greeted Madam Duan.

Before I finished, low laughter sounded around me.

“Her posture is so strange.”

“She’s from the countryside, knows nothing.”

Born in the countryside, marrying into a prominent family was something I never dared dream of.

If you gain what others cannot, you must bear hardships others never taste. This much I understood.

I looked at Duan Jing, only to see him lowering his eyes, playing with the jade pendant at his waist, looking completely unconcerned.

Madam Duan swept her gaze over the room, and silence fell.

She beckoned to me, her bracelets chiming, “Good child, come let me have a look at you.”

I held the plate, wanting to set it on the small table, but it was already filled with pastries. Placing it on the floor wouldn’t do either, and for a moment, I was at a loss.

They didn’t want this awkward gift, and I couldn’t find a place for it, so I stood there, frozen.

In the awkward silence, Duan Jing’s voice rang out, cold and deep, “Aunt Zhao, are you blind? You let the Young Mistress bring it herself-what are you here for?”

Aunt Zhao, who had brought me here, was scolded because of me. Her face darkened, and she said softly, “This old servant was rude.” She respectfully took the plate from my hands.

Madam Duan grasped my wrist, pulling me closer, her eyes full of delight, “Such a clever and skillful child. The Wedding Date is set for next month. Once you and Jiming are married, I’ll give you the largest property in the Duan Family. As long as you two live in harmony, your uncle and I will be at ease.”

I was stunned, instinctively glancing at Duan Jing again.

He was still the same, indifferent, as if he’d heard these words a thousand times before.

Suppressing the odd feeling in my heart, I smiled, “To marry into the Duan Family is my good fortune. Aunt, you are too kind.”

As soon as I finished, low laughter sounded again.

“She’s clumsy with words, unfit for great responsibility.”

“How could the Duan Mansion be entrusted to a mere village woman?”

Madam Duan only smiled, saying nothing, clearly not truly welcoming me.