As Mudan entered the pavilion, she was enveloped by fragrant scents and surrounded by elegantly dressed women. Exquisite silk garments embroidered with gold and silver threads trailed across the five-colored Sichuan brocade carpets. The women’s elaborate hairstyles, towering over a foot high, were adorned with various ornaments: flower pins, jade hairpins, golden swaying ornaments, knotted hairpins, and golden floral crowns. Pearls and gems glimmered in the candlelight, their luster mingling with the rich perfumes. This was the world of the era’s most elite women.
They sat or stood with graceful poise, casting cool glances at Mudan, the commoner who had entered their realm. Standing in the center of the carpet, Mudan felt the weight of their scrutiny. Yet, rather than succumbing to nervousness, she straightened her back after paying her respects.
After a long silence, Princess Kang Cheng spoke softly, “So you’re Mudan?” Her voice, though gentle and melodious, carried an unmistakable air of authority that discouraged familiarity.
Mudan replied, “I am He Weifang, but I go by Mudan.”
Her words were met with derisive laughter. Someone remarked clearly but unhurriedly, “Oh my, ‘unparalleled in the west, fragrant only as a peony.’ Weifang, Mudan, national beauty, and heavenly fragrance. How dare someone of her status claim to be the king of flowers?”
“Now, now, while she may not be the king of flowers, she is indeed as lovely as one.”
“Which flower, pray to tell?”
“A foxtail… Or perhaps that wilting cockscomb that Qinghua keeps?”
The noble ladies erupted in laughter, their bodies shaking with mirth.
Some older noblewomen, deeming such behavior beneath their station, simply fanned themselves leisurely, observing the scene without participating. Madam Bai calmly offered Princess Kang Cheng a cup of tea, seemingly oblivious to the spiteful chatter.
Mudan maintained her composure, neither averting her gaze nor showing any sign of resentment or fear. Nian Yu had forewarned her, and she knew Princess Qinghua was present. Despite Princess Qinghua’s controversial reputation, she represented the imperial family and the exclusive circle these women belonged to. Mudan, being of lower status and at odds with Princess Qinghua, naturally became the target of their ridicule. She had mentally prepared herself, treating their discord as mere background noise.
Princess Kang Cheng observed Mudan closely as her nieces mocked her, making no move to intervene. In the lamplight, Mudan stood with lowered eyes, her posture as straight as bamboo. Her jade-like skin contrasted with her ebony hair, and her simple yet elegant white and green attire lacked any trace of a scorned wife’s self-pity or the timidity of someone of lower status. Neither did she exhibit bitterness or resentment towards the injustice she had faced. She stood like a quietly blooming peony, needing no jade pot or brocade to accentuate her beauty. Her subtle fragrance and graceful demeanor left an indelible impression on all who beheld her.
Her dignified bearing and straight posture could have been affected, but the overall aura of tranquility and poise she exuded was impossible to fake. Princess Kang Cheng spoke slowly, “Called Mudan, indeed worthy of the name. You are a fine woman. Come closer, let me have a better look at you.”
At her words, all chatter ceased. Princess Kang Cheng, the emperor’s full sister, was known for her gravitas and authority. Her word was law. A woman wearing a crimson brocade robe and a golden floral crown, with skin like snow and alluring eyes, turned to Princess Qinghua and apologized with a soft laugh, “Eighth Sister, I’m sorry, but I can’t help you get revenge now.”
“Vixen,” Princess Qinghua hissed, tugging at her orange-red round-collared robe with tight sleeves. She glared at Mudan, gnashing her teeth.
Mudan approached Princess Kang Cheng as instructed, curtsying before standing straight. The princess took Mudan’s hand, examining it closely. She noted the snow-white skin and the beautiful, delicate shape of her palm. She gently felt Mudan’s palm, finding it soft, smooth, warm, and dry.
After scrutinizing Mudan’s face and neck, Princess Kang Cheng sighed softly. What a pity, she thought. Even with such a lowly status, a woman like this should be treasured like a pearl. Who would mistreat her so?
Mudan, noticing the princess’s prolonged gaze without mentioning other matters, grew slightly anxious. However, she dared not speak first and maintained her gentle, calm demeanor.
After a long while, Princess Kang Cheng released Mudan’s hand and called, “Qinghua, come here.”
Princess Qinghua lost in her thoughts of the day’s humiliations and her conflicted feelings about Liu Chang, didn’t hear the summons at first. It took a gentle nudge from someone beside her to snap her back to attention. She approached Princess Kang Cheng with the innate superiority of the imperial family, curtseying and greeting her. As she rose, she cast a contemptuous glance at Mudan, wishing she could mar that serene face.
Mudan seemed oblivious, not even sparing her a glance.
Princess Qinghua was beautiful in her own right, but her undisguised arrogance and malicious gaze paled in comparison to Mudan’s quiet dignity.
Princess Kang Cheng looked sharply at Mudan and asked, “Mudan, do you hate Qinghua?”
Such a direct question! Of course, she couldn’t admit to hatred. Mudan met Princess Kang Cheng’s gaze and replied calmly, “I never harbored hope, so there’s no room for hatred.”
Interesting, thought Princess Kang Cheng, exchanging an amused glance with Madam Bai, who seemed lost in thought despite appearing to listen to Mudan.
Princess Kang Cheng returned her attention to Mudan and asked, “What do you mean by that?”
Mudan smiled wryly, “Marriages are destined by heaven, why force them? When the heart dies, without love, there can be no hate. Besides, why blame women for men’s actions?” Her own words sent a chill through her.
A hush fell over the gathering. Several noblewomen paused their fanning to scrutinize Mudan. Princess Kang Cheng, seemingly unsurprised, said, “You make a fair point. In that case, shall I grant you both your wishes?”
This was the moment Mudan had been waiting for. She immediately bowed to Princess Kang Cheng, “I humbly request your grace to do so.”
Princess Kang Cheng smiled and instructed Lady Xiao, “Go and invite Madam Liu, the Minister’s wife. Such a beautiful occasion calls for bringing joy to others.”
Princess Qinghua felt relieved. That old woman had never shown her a kind face, but surely she wouldn’t dare defy orders now? She had been pleading with her aunt about this matter for so long, and finally, she was willing to speak up.
Soon enough, Madam Qi arrived in a hurry, her face wreathed in smiles as she greeted Princess Kang Cheng. The princess was courteous, inviting her to sit before gesturing towards Mudan, “Madam, do you recognize her?”
Madam Qi’s eyes widened at the sight of Mudan. Noticing Princess Qinghua nearby, her anger flared. Though unaware of the full situation, she understood it involved Liu Chang’s marriage. She immediately assumed Princess Qinghua was scheming to enter their family, filling her with hatred. Before the princess had even joined their household, Madam Qi was already plotting how to contend with her.
Growing impatient with Madam Qi’s silence, Princess Kang Cheng set her teacup down on the table with a firm clank. Madam Qi snapped back to attention, forcing a smile, “She’s my daughter-in-law, Lady He.”
Princess Kang Cheng smiled warmly, but her words were unequivocal, “I hear the young couple isn’t getting along?”
Madam Qi dared not lie, responding reluctantly, “That’s correct.”
“When two hearts aren’t in harmony, it’s hard to unite their intentions. Forcing them to stay together only breeds resentment. As parents, shouldn’t we consider the feelings of the young people? Don’t you agree?” Princess Kang Cheng reached out and took Princess Qinghua’s hand in hers.
The implication was crystal clear: release Mudan, and marry Qinghua. Madam Qi clenched her jaw, remaining silent.
Princess Kang Cheng smiled slightly, “Is Minister Liu here? I recall him being a kind and gentle man. I imagine he would…”
Feeling cornered, Madam Qi realized there was no way to end this well without agreeing. She took a deep breath and said, “Your Highness is correct. That is indeed the right way.”
Princess Kang Cheng laughed heartily, taking Madam Qi’s hand affectionately. She turned to Mudan with a smile, “Quickly now, thank Madam Qi for her generosity.”
Mudan thought to herself that mere thanks meant little; a verbal agreement wouldn’t suffice. Nevertheless, she approached Madam Qi and curtsied as instructed. Seeing the smiles on both Mudan’s and Qinghua’s faces, Madam Qi felt a sharp pain in her chest. She turned away, clenching her fists, unable to even utter the polite words to bid Mudan rise.
Princess Kang Cheng noticed this and understood perfectly. She smiled and said, “Madam Qi, I’ve formed a bond with this child. Let me do a good deed to the end. When would be a suitable time for me to send someone to collect the divorce papers?”
This was truly too much! Madam Qi’s face flushed red with anger, her chest heaving. Several times she tried to speak but found her lips and tongue trembling too violently to form coherent words.
Princess Kang Cheng waited patiently, unhurried.
After a long moment, Madam Qi finally managed, “Tomorrow…” She had intended to say tomorrow wouldn’t work, to postpone it, but Lady Xiao interjected with a smile, “Madam is so considerate. I’ll take the liberty of accepting this task. Shall I come tomorrow?”
Princess Kang Cheng smiled faintly, “Then it’s settled. I’ll send her tomorrow to collect the papers. Once this is done, I’ll petition His Majesty for the marriage in a few days. No one is to cause any more trouble. Any further disturbance will be seen as disrespect to me.”
With those words, the matter was decided. Indeed, in this world, power reigned supreme, and Mudan couldn’t help but admire the efficiency.
Madam Qi felt a surge of bitterness in her throat, tasting blood. She struggled to her feet to take her leave, lacking even the courage to look at those around her. As soon as she stumbled out of the pavilion and saw Nianr, Mama Zhu, and the others waiting outside, her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed.
The commotion reached inside the pavilion. Princess Kang Cheng calmly instructed Lady Xiao, “Use my palanquin to send Madam Qi home.” She then told Princess Qinghua, “You go too.”
Princess Qinghua assented, casting a glance at Mudan as she headed out. Before she reached the door, the woman with the golden floral crown caught her sleeve, smiling lightly, “Congratulations, Eighth Sister. You’ve finally gotten your wish. That woman, though a commoner, seems quite detached. She doesn’t seem to pine for Liu Chang at all.”
Princess Qinghua’s face darkened immediately. The implication was clear: was He Mudan simply giving up Liu Chang? She looked at Mudan and smiled coldly, “Mudan, dear, shall I give you a ride home?”