Nian Yu made her way through the bustling crowd, arriving at the entrance of Daozheng Ward, directly opposite the Qinzheng Hall of Xingqing Palace. The streets were filled with people wearing various animal masks, making it difficult to distinguish between men and women. The atmosphere was jubilant, with laughter and playful behavior everywhere.
Along the walls of Xingqing Palace and Daozheng Ward, elaborate viewing pavilions were arranged according to rank. These structures, raised about a foot off the ground and varying in size, were supported by pine wood pillars with paulownia wood platforms. Colorful silk curtains hung from all sides, adorned with bright lanterns. Well-dressed servants and beautiful maids attended to the guests. Even from a distance, one could hear the cheerful voices and smell the fragrant incense and delicious food, showcasing the luxury and opulence of the scene.
As Mudan looked around, Yuhe tugged at her sleeve and whispered, “Miss Mudan, look to your right. That’s Liu’s pavilion. Just look at that old shrew’s face.”
Mudan glanced over and saw Madam Qi and Qi Yuzhu standing at the entrance of their pavilion. Madam Qi’s hair was piled high, adorned with the seven-tree flower ornament befitting her rank. Her face was stern as she glared at Mudan’s group, her eyes filled with such hatred that it seemed she might pounce and tear Mudan apart.
Mudan calmly gave Madam Qi a slight curtsy. She didn’t see Liu Chang, assuming he was either still confined or out seeking pleasure.
Madam Qi, seeing Mudan acknowledge her without fear, felt provoked. Thinking of the imprisoned Liu Chang and the triumphant Princess Qinghua, she pointed at Mudan and snarled to those around her, “Bring that woman to me. I want to ask her how she has the audacity—”
Liu Chengcai, hearing the commotion, rushed out from the pavilion and pulled Madam Qi inside. He turned back to Mudan with an apologetic smile, appearing every bit the helpless husband unable to control his wife’s outbursts.
The noise of the crowd drowned out Madam Qi’s words, but Mudan knew they weren’t kind. At this point, she didn’t care. As she walked away, Nianr suddenly appeared before her, out of breath. She bowed respectfully and said with a smile, “Young Madam, the master instructed me to tell you that the matter has been resolved. Please choose a day to come to the mansion and collect the letter.”
Mudan was surprised. The issue was settled before she even approached Princess Kang Cheng. It seemed too easy. Suspecting a trap, she thanked Nianr and continued walking. Whatever the Liu family had planned, she was determined to see this through to the end.
Nianr watched Mudan leave, sighing softly before turning to report back. As she stepped onto the viewing platform, Madam Qi impatiently asked, “What was she doing here? Is she trying to seduce someone, looking to marry into another good family?”
Nianr lowered her eyes and replied, “The young madam didn’t say anything.”
Liu Chengcai, lounging on a rope bed, said calmly, “Whatever she does, she’s still your daughter-in-law. How does speaking ill of her benefit you?” He glanced at Qi Yuzhu and added more sternly, “It’s inappropriate to speak this way in front of the child.”
Hearing this, Qi Yuzhu immediately lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.
Madam Qi snorted and glared at Liu Chengcai. He conceded, “Alright, I’ll say no more. I’m going to visit Minister Min next door. I’ll return later to join you for the street festival.”
Noticing the many beautiful courtesans outside, especially those from Minister Min’s household, Madam Qi’s eyes gleamed. She turned to Qi Yuzhu with a smile, “Yuzhu, aren’t you friends with Minister Min’s daughter? Why don’t you go along with your uncle? It’s a good opportunity.”
Qi Yuzhu smiled silently, but Liu Chengcai frowned, “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m going on business—”
Madam Qi convinced she had uncovered his ulterior motives, pressed on, “You can take her along. Let the girls play together. How does that interfere with your business?”
Knowing his wife’s temperament, Liu Chengcai realized he wouldn’t be able to leave without agreeing. “Fine, let’s go.”
Satisfied with his compliance, Madam Qi signaled Qi Yuzhu to keep an eye on Liu Chengcai. Qi Yuzhu smiled warmly and eagerly followed her uncle.
Standing on the street, Liu Chengcai immediately spotted Mudan’s figure in the crowd, along with He Dalang and the others. He thought for a moment, then led Qi Yuzhu to a spot out of Madam Qi’s sight. He gently said to her, “Yuzhu, I have important matters to attend to and can’t accompany you. I’ll assign two capable men to escort you. Why don’t you go find Miss Min and enjoy yourself? You young people should have fun.”
Qi Yuzhu obediently agreed and asked thoughtfully, “Uncle, when will you return? I can wait nearby so we can go back together.”
Liu Chengcai, pleased with his niece’s intelligence and obedience—qualities he wished his wife possessed—chuckled and calculated the time. “Come back in half an hour.”
With the time and place set, they parted ways. Qi Yuzhu’s maid asked, “Second Miss, shall we go find Miss Min?”
Qi Yuzhu didn’t respond. Instead, she glanced at Prince Ning’s brightly lit pavilion in the distance. She called over the two guards Liu Chengcai had assigned to her and instructed her maid to give them some money. “I’m hungry. I hear there are Hu people selling sesame flatbread in the East Market. It’s said to be delicious and crispy. One of you go buy some for me.”
The guards, unsuspecting, split up with one going to buy the bread while the other stayed close to Qi Yuzhu. Seizing the moment of distraction, she grabbed her maid’s hand and quickly disappeared into the crowd. With a few sharp turns and clever hiding, they soon lost the remaining guard. Filled with anticipation, Qi Yuzhu hurried towards Prince Ning’s pavilion.
Just as she neared her destination, someone tapped her shoulder, and a displeased male voice said, “What are you doing here?”
Startled, Qi Yuzhu turned to see Liu Chang wearing a blue round-collared robe and holding a tiger mask. She looked around nervously and whispered, “Cousin, why are you here? Be careful, I just parted ways with Uncle. He mustn’t see you.”
Liu Chang scowled and put on his mask. “Come with me,” he said curtly.
Qi Yuzhu cast a regretful glance at Prince Ning’s pavilion before reluctantly following Liu Chang. Soon, they vanished into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Mudan saw Nian Yu stop ahead and beckon to her. She quickly caught up. Nian Yu pointed to a high platform draped with crimson curtains and said, “That’s Princess Kang Cheng’s viewing pavilion. Our mistress and the princess are inside. I’ll go in first. Please wait for about fifteen minutes before following.”
Mudan nodded in agreement. She stood with Madam Xue and the others in a nearby shadow, waiting quietly. When the time came, Madam Xue tugged at Mudan’s arm. “It’s time,” she said, stepping out.
The group walked slowly towards Princess Kang Cheng’s pavilion, not looking directly at it. Like the other commoner women around them, they curiously observed the lavish viewing platforms of the nobles, admiring the aristocrats and their fashionable servants. They fully embraced this rare moment of social intermingling.
Yuhe, focused on Princess Kang Cheng’s pavilion, suddenly saw a group of beautifully dressed women emerge from behind the curtains. Among them was Madam Bai, wearing a primrose-yellow wide-sleeved robe. As Madam Bai’s gaze swept in their direction, Yuhe quickly pulled Mudan’s arm. Mudan turned, her eyes meeting Madam Bai’s.
Madam Bai’s gaze barely lingered on Mudan before she turned to whisper to a noblewoman beside her. This woman, about forty years old with a high nose and delicate eyes, wore a purple gauze robe. Her hair was adorned with a nine-tree flower ornament, and her face was as round and full as the moon. She glanced at Mudan and whispered back to Madam Bai.
Shortly after, a female official emerged from Princess Kang Cheng’s pavilion. She wore a white turned-collar robe with a red silk headband, a waist sash, and red and white striped Persian trousers with beautifully embroidered hems. Her outfit was completed with embroidered shoes, giving her the appearance of a man. She approached Mudan, bowed gracefully, and asked with a smile, “Might you be the esteemed wife from Academician Liu’s household?”
Her bow was as fluid as flowing water, a pleasure to behold. Her smile was neither obsequious nor arrogant, but rather approachable. Mudan quickly returned the bow and replied with a smile, “Indeed, I am. My name is He Weifang.”
The female official discreetly appraised Mudan and said, “My surname is Xiao. My mistress has noticed your grace and wishes to make your acquaintance. Would you be willing to join her for a brief conversation?” She gestured towards Princess Kang Cheng’s pavilion.
Mudan smiled and responded, “I’m honored by the invitation. It would be my pleasure to accept.”
As Madam Xue and the others moved to follow Mudan, Official Xiao politely but firmly said, “The space is limited. Please wait here, madam.”
Yuhe stepped forward, smiling apologetically. “Miss Mudan, let me accompany you to the entrance. That way, you can easily spot me when you come out.”
Official Xiao considered Yuhe carefully, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She simply turned and led the way. Yuhe, taking this as tacit approval, carefully lifted her skirts and followed close behind Mudan.
Madam Xue felt a mix of anxiety and hope as she watched Yuhe remain at the street level while Mudan ascended into Princess Kang Cheng’s pavilion, disappearing behind the layers of curtains. Her heart tightened with worry and anticipation. She turned to locate He Dalang and his brother in the crowd, which somewhat eased her concern. Clasping her hands, she silently prayed for heaven to bless Mudan, hoping this would mark the end of her suffering and the beginning of better days.