After his victory, Liu Chang’s first instinct was to look for Mudan, but the opposite balcony was already empty. Unable to sit still, he sent Qiushi to gather information. When Qiushi returned, he couldn’t speak freely in front of others, so he led Liu Chang to a private spot to relay the details.
Hearing that Mudan had fallen ill again, and quite severely, Liu Chang felt a mix of emotions. There was a hint of satisfaction—see, she couldn’t manage without him. Perhaps she would come back begging for his help… If she did, how should he handle it? As he indulged in these thoughts, a sudden commotion from the polo field drowned out the cheers. There was a clatter of chairs and footsteps as countless people rushed down to the field.
Pan Rong found him, shouting in distress, “What are you doing here? Qinghua has fallen from her horse!”
Liu Chang barely contained his tumultuous feelings as he hurried to the field with Pan Rong. Seeing Liu Chang’s distracted state, Pan Rong hissed, “At least try to look concerned. Even without an official betrothal decree, everyone knows about your relationship. You can’t escape it, so you might as well…”
Liu Chang cut him off, “Am I that stupid?” He then put on a mask of anxiety, pushing through the crowd. Qinghua lay motionless on the ground, her head tilted, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. Princess Xingkang and the others stood nearby, faces etched with shock and worry, while a pre-arranged doctor carefully examined Qinghua.
Liu Chang’s heart raced, an unbidden thought surfacing—if Qinghua were to die here… Before he could complete the thought, the doctor stood up with a troubled expression and bowed to the Prince of Fen, “Her legs below seem fine, but…” He couldn’t check near the hip area or touch her body.
The Prince of Fen angrily demanded, “What do you mean ‘seem’? ‘But’ what?!”
The doctor, genuinely distressed, replied, “There are gender propriety issues. I cannot…”
The Prince exploded, “Incompetent fool! This is a matter of life and death! How can you worry about propriety now? Get to work immediately! If there’s any delay, you’ll be held responsible!”
Intimidated by the Prince’s fury, the doctor tremblingly re-examined Qinghua from head to toe. Finally, he reported fearfully, “It seems her right femur is damaged, and two ribs are broken.”
Those with experience knew that a femur injury was serious—even if she survived, she might never walk normally again. The Prince sighed, “First, let’s find a way to move her inside.” He cast a cool glance at Princess Xingkang and the others, who struggled to maintain expressions of regret, worry, and self-reproach without revealing their true feelings.
Qinghua’s full brother, the sixth son of Prince Wei, pushed forward, his eyes fiercely scanning the faces of Princess Xingkang and her group. He shouted, “Who’s responsible for this?”
The women all stepped back in fear, except for Princess Xingkang, who forced herself to step forward, chin raised, “Sixth Brother, we all know Eighth Sister is an excellent rider and no stranger to polo. No one expected or wanted such an accident. But it has happened, and we can’t avoid responsibility. I led the team, so if you need someone to blame, focus on me. Everyone knows Eighth Sister and I had a disagreement today, so perhaps I deliberately harmed her. The other sisters have no recent grudges against her. Don’t make baseless accusations that will hurt everyone’s feelings and damage relationships.”
Her bold stance inspired gratitude and courage in the other girls who had been afraid to speak up. They came forward, chattering, “Sixth Brother, by your logic, we’re all responsible.”
Qinghua’s arrogance and cruelty were well-known. Even if this hadn’t happened today, something might have occurred in the future. With so many noble daughters involved, an investigation would implicate several prince’s households, none of which were easy to deal with. This might make Qinghua’s situation even more difficult. The Prince of Fen sighed and stopped the sixth son of Prince Wei, “Nonsense! They’re all sisters—who would intentionally harm her? How many accidents and injuries happen on the polo field every year? Instead of this, hurry and fetch a good imperial physician to prepare for treatment.”
Princess Xingkang secretly sighed in relief. If the Prince of Fen called it an accident, there wouldn’t be major consequences—at most, house arrest and minor punishments.
The sixth son of Prince Wei was no fool. He quickly realized that offending several households over a sister whose fate was uncertain wasn’t worth it. It would be better to think about how to gain some advantage from the situation. He immediately ordered someone to prepare horses and raced back to consult Prince Wei.
Suddenly, a shrill horse’s neigh pierced the air. Everyone turned to see Liu Chang, face grim, pulling a sharp dagger from the neck of Qinghua’s mount. The horse struggled briefly before collapsing heavily on the polo field, blood gushing forth, its eyes still open. A moment of silence fell over the scene. No one criticized Liu Chang’s actions—regardless of whether it was the horse’s fault, custom dictated that a mount responsible for its master’s injury or death met this fate. After killing the horse, Liu Chang strode to Qinghua’s side and followed the others into the house.
Jiang Changyang had been standing quietly nearby, observing everything. After watching the group clumsily carry Princess Qinghua inside, he approached the Prince of Fen to offer formal condolences, then bid farewell to Pan Rong before leaving.
Once they were alone, Wu San said, “Young Master, as they say, it’s hard to go against public anger, and evil people will be dealt with by other evil people. It seems this princess has finally met her match today. If she’s lucky enough to survive, perhaps she won’t dare to harm others so recklessly in the future. It’s a pity about the horse, though. It wasn’t its fault. The imperial clan is truly different—how could we ever bring ourselves to kill a horse like that?”
Jiang Changyang replied sarcastically, “Born with such a vicious heart and arrogant nature, how could you expect her to suddenly change because of one incident? That’s impossible. Some people, no matter what, will never change throughout their lives. A dog can’t stop eating shit.” He thought to himself that this vicious woman and that treacherous Liu were indeed a perfect match. Giving He Mudan to Liu was like sticking a fresh flower in cow dung.
Seeing his master’s poor mood, Wu San changed the subject, “Young Master, are we returning to the capital or going to the estate?”
Jiang Changyang replied, “Let’s return to the capital. To finish what we started, take my name card and some of that headache medicine they gave me last time to the He family. Also, bring back the sedan chair and bearers to save the He family the trouble of returning them to our estate.”
Wu San scratched his head, wanting to joke about the young master’s attentiveness to that girl, but seeing Jiang Changyang’s preoccupied expression and recalling some past events involving his old madam, he decided against it.
Meanwhile, Mudan, Li Manniang, Madam Dou, and the others entered the city and parted ways. Li Manniang, committed to the act, personally escorted Mudan home. The doorkeeper, unaware of the situation, rushed in to have a maid report to Madam Cen that Mudan had fallen ill. Madam Cen was so startled she nearly fainted, but Madam Xue remained calm, angrily rebuking the maid and steadying Madam Cen.
Mudan, thinking ahead, had sent Yuhe to explain the situation, not wanting to worry her family unnecessarily. Madam Cen’s worry turned to joy, and she warmly received Li Manniang and her servants, generously rewarding Jiang’s sedan bearers.
After Li Manniang explained the situation and left, and as Jiang’s bearers were about to depart, another visitor arrived. It was Wu San, sent by Jiang Changyang with medicine. He explained its use: “Seeing the young miss’s headache symptoms today, we happened to have a folk doctor’s secret remedy that’s excellent for headaches. Take three pills for the first dose when a headache occurs, then one pill three times a day for three days. Even if it’s not entirely suitable, the ingredients are soothing and nourishing, with no side effects. If it works well, please let us know, and we’ll have more prepared.”
Madam Cen was deeply grateful. She received Wu San, prepared a generous reward, and asked him to convey her thanks and appreciation to Jiang Changyang. Wu San politely declined the invitation to stay for a meal but accepted the He family’s return gift before departing happily with the two sedan bearers.
There’s no such thing as kindness without reason in this world. Madam Zhen and the others were intensely curious about Jiang Changyang, pestering Mudan with questions and trying to guess why he was so attentive to her.
Mudan, disliking Madam Zhen’s prying, replied coolly, “He’s just someone who likes to help others, like a knight-errant who sees injustice and draws his sword to assist. Madam Bai also helped me without expecting anything in return.” They had only met a few times, always with others present, and had barely exchanged words. How could any significant feelings develop?
With the children absent, Madam Zhen boldly joked, “That’s not necessarily true. Danniang, you’re so beautiful that even we women admire you, let alone men. Why else would he go out of his way to be so attentive? He…”
As Madam Zhen’s words became increasingly inappropriate, Mudan grew angry. To suggest that Jiang Changyang was acting out of lust or with ill intentions was not only demeaning to him but also to herself.
Before Mudan could retort, Madam Cen coldly interjected, “So tell me, what are his intentions? You sit idly at home all day and come up with such vulgar ideas! How can you be so frivolous? How can you be a proper sister-in-law or mother with such thoughts?”
These harsh words left Madam Zhen pale and speechless. Mudan was puzzled—Madam Cen was usually kind to her daughters-in-law. Why had she publicly humiliated Madam Zhen today? Had something happened during her absence to anger Madam Cen? Fortunately, Mama Lin had stayed at home, so she could inquire later.
Seeing Madam Zhen’s discomfort, Madam Xue and the others dared not pursue the topic further. Instead, they asked Yuhe about any interesting events from the day. Yuhe, being clever and wanting to lighten the mood, enthusiastically recounted Jiang Changyang’s feat of striking coins while riding, eliciting exclamations of amazement from everyone. They lamented not having witnessed such an exciting spectacle themselves.
Seeing that no one was paying attention to her recent embarrassment, Zhen Shi’s expression improved slightly. However, her eyes still held a hint of resentment when looking at Madam Cen. She was still expected not to despise Mudan for being who she was.
Mudan affectionately linked arms with Mama Lin and sat down beside her, asking with a smile, “Was Mama truly frightened?”
Before Mama Lin could answer, Shuangshuang began flapping its wings and shrieking, “Bad! Bad!”
“Who are you calling bad? You’re the little troublemaker!” Mudan pretended to be angry, raising her hand as if to strike it. Shuangshuang, having grown quite clever, showed no fear. It tentatively pecked at Mudan’s hand while craftily observing her reaction. Amused, Mudan gently stroked its head and chided, “You annoying little thing!” She then called for Kuan’er and Shu’er to fetch some pine nuts to feed Shuangshuang.
After Kuan’er and Shu’er left, Mudan quietly asked Mama Lin, “Do you know what happened while I was away this morning?”
Mama Lin frowned, “What do you mean specifically?”
Mudan whispered, “Just now, Madam severely embarrassed Third Sister-in-law, and none of the other sisters-in-law dared to intervene. Wasn’t everything fine this morning?”
Mama Lin shook her head in confusion, “I didn’t hear any commotion. It’s been quiet all day. Let’s have Shu’er inquire about it.”
Mudan sighed, “I’m always afraid that it’s my affairs causing everyone’s unhappiness.”
Mama Lin paused before replying with a smile, “You needn’t worry too much. Even teeth and tongue occasionally clash, let alone people with more distance between them. Madam usually has her reasons. With so many people and different thoughts, it’s impossible to please everyone. Don’t dwell on this. Focus on securing the land and setting up your estate – that’s what’s important.” She wanted to add, “It would be best to find someone to spend your life with and move out for peace,” but she dared not say it aloud.
Mudan agreed but was worried about finding suitable land. She grew anxious as summer was ending and autumn approaching, yet she had made no progress.
That evening, when the eldest young master returned home, he eagerly asked Mudan, “Did He Guang take you to see that plot of land? What did you think? It’s close to the main road, has a convenient water source, and fertile soil. If you like it, shall we secure it?”
Mudan replied, “Brother, I’m afraid that land might not be suitable even if we buy it.”
Surprised, he asked, “Why do you say that?”
Mudan recounted the day’s events, concluding, “I don’t want to be neighbors with such a vicious, unreasonable person. She’d likely cause trouble even without reason. If I ignore her, she’d probably come knocking, which would be very annoying.”
The eldest young master grew even more perplexed, “Of course, when buying land, one should inquire about the neighbors to ensure future interactions will be convenient. But I haven’t heard of any estates in that area belonging to the Wei Prince’s mansion or Princess Qinghua. I’ve inquired carefully and learned that while most of the surrounding properties belong to official families, hers isn’t among them. Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”
Mudan asked in surprise, “Could that estate not be hers? She seemed to be in charge of everything as if it were her property.”
The eldest young master pondered, “It’s common for nobles to borrow each other’s estates for leisure. Perhaps she’s borrowing it from someone. That area is close to the city, making it convenient for you to build an estate and invite guests to view flowers. Otherwise, you’d have to go much farther. Let’s not rush. I’ll make further inquiries before we decide.”
That night, after Yuhe had prepared Mudan’s bed, Madam Sun arrived. She first chatted with Mudan for a while, then said with a smile, “Mudan, don’t think I’m meddling, but I wanted to let you know that Third Sister-in-law’s family seems interested in strengthening ties with our family.”
Mudan immediately understood the source of Madam Cen’s anger. She responded with a faint smile, pretending not to understand, “Ying’er, Rong’er, and He Ru are all engaged. The oldest unmarried one now is the only Third Sister-in-law Hui’er. Could it be…”
Madam Sun carefully observed Mudan’s expression, noting no signs of anger and an obvious attempt to feign ignorance. She patted Mudan’s hand affectionately and said, “It’s not about the children… Regardless, your Sixth Brother and I just hope you find a good match. Youth fades, and wealth is external. What’s crucial for a woman is finding someone who truly cares for her. Don’t you agree? Having been hurt once, you mustn’t let it happen again.”
Mudan responded with a noncommittal “mm” and deftly changed the subject to Madam Sun, smiling, “Sixth Sister-in-law speaks wisely. Is this how Sixth Brother treats you?”
Madam Sun’s face reddened slightly. Thinking of her inability to bear children and uncertain how long her current good fortune would last, she felt a twinge of melancholy. No longer in the mood to meddle, she took her leave.
As soon as Madam Sun left, Yuhe approached, whispering angrily, “So that’s the reason! Third Madam is quite calculating. I’ve heard from her maids that her brother is neither scholarly nor martial, yet he dares to aim so high. He’s just after a beautiful, wealthy wife. Such a man is not worth marrying! Madam was right to embarrass her.” Noticing Mudan’s calm expression, Yuhe worried she had overstepped and softly called, “Miss Mudan…”
Mudan replied calmly, “It’s quite normal for Third Madam to have such thoughts. She’s already been scolded, and Madam won’t agree to it. Since it’s a baseless matter, we needn’t pay it any more attention.” She understood that people often sought to gain advantages, especially when it came to family resources. With so many sisters-in-law, who didn’t have their agenda? Especially someone like Zhen Shi, who was not directly related.
Seeing Mudan unperturbed, Yuhe smiled and said, “You’re taking it well, but it’s a pity about Young Master Li from your mother’s family.”
Mudan smiled faintly, “How could I not be at ease? I want for nothing, and my parents and brothers protect and indulge me. As for Cousin Li, let’s not speak of him again.” Truthfully, Li Xing’s situation had left her regretful and melancholic, but she didn’t feel an urgent need for companionship. She was like someone admiring a beautiful landscape from afar; if she were to enter it, she feared the scenery might lose its appeal.
The next morning after breakfast, the eldest young master hurried off to inquire about the land. Mudan packed a porcelain box with the promised Bianqiu perfume for Xue’er and sent Yuhe to deliver it. By noon, Yuhe returned with two pearl flowers and two silk cords made by Xue’er herself, along with the latest news about Princess Qinghua: “Madam Dou was concerned about yesterday’s events and sent someone to inquire. Fortunately, we left in time and weren’t involved. Princess Qinghua did indeed fall from her horse and hasn’t regained consciousness yet.”
This news was well-received. Madam Xue exclaimed happily, “Is she badly injured?” She hoped the princess had died, sparing Mudan future trouble and allowing the family some peace.
Yuhe replied, “The exact nature of her injuries is unknown, but they seem quite serious. It takes a hundred days for tendons and bones to heal, so even if she recovers, she’ll need several months of recuperation.”
Concubine Wu clasped her hands and said, “Amitabha, Buddha is just. This evil person has finally received her karmic retribution in this life. She who repeatedly rode her horse maliciously has now been injured by it.”
Madam Bai, however, was concerned about something else: “Were the people playing ball with her punished? In my opinion, they did a good deed and shouldn’t be punished.”
Yuhe responded uncertainly, “I didn’t hear anything about that. Madam Dou only said that it was fortunate Miss Mudan was so quick-witted, and she welcomes Miss Mudan to visit her home in the future.”
Mudan’s thoughts, however, were on her newfound freedom to go out. The temples and Taoist shrines throughout the capital were home to countless peonies. Even though it wasn’t the flowering season, it would be good to visit and familiarize herself with them in advance.