Li Xing smiled, “This involves some internal matters of their royal clan… Anyway, it won’t trouble you anymore, so there’s no need to worry about it.” Some people had tried to cause trouble while Prince Ning was preoccupied with his wife’s passing, but they just happened to strike at the wrong time and place. However, he couldn’t explain these details to anyone, and there was no point in saying more.
The affairs of the royal clan always revolved around power and interest struggles. This meant that the troublemakers behind the scenes weren’t targeting her specifically, but rather fishing in troubled waters. Since it wouldn’t affect her family any more, Mudan wisely suppressed her curiosity and instead asked, “I hope Cousin hasn’t developed any rifts with the Chief Steward because of this?”
Li Xing replied, “No, he won’t. My father and the Chief Steward are both essential to His Highness; neither can afford to offend the other. The blame lies with Manager Deng for his audacity. Without proper authorization, he dared to plot against you. Such a vicious and inconsiderate person would eventually cause trouble; how could he be kept around?” Li Xing was secretly relieved that those men hadn’t recognized Mudan and she hadn’t been present, mistaking Mrs. Sun for her and acting directly. Otherwise, if Mudan had been traveling alone with her servants at another time, who knows what greater misfortune might have befallen her.
Seeing his serious tone, Mudan relaxed, “That’s good to hear.”
Li Xing smiled at Mudan, “Actually, you handled this situation very quickly and thoroughly. If you hadn’t taken proper precautions earlier, leaving them no other options, they wouldn’t have fallen so easily into my hands. You’ll surely manage that estate well in the future.”
Mudan smiled faintly, “I don’t dare take credit. Without Cousin’s message, your help in setting the trap and capturing them, and my brothers’ assistance, it wouldn’t have been resolved so smoothly.”
Seeing her polite but deliberate distance, Li Xing thought to himself that constantly pressuring her was pointless and would only push her further away. It was better to be natural. He shook his head and smiled, “Well then, you’re busy. I’ll go chat with Uncle and the others for a bit.” He moved to sit with He Zhizhong, listening to his boastful tales, occasionally interjecting, and playing with the children, making them shout with delight. It seemed like a return to the old days.
Mudan watched from the side with a smile, thinking that this arrangement was quite nice. Suddenly, she saw Zhen Shi enter with a meaningful smile, “Danniang, Manager Wu from the Jiang family is here to see you.”
Mudan immediately realized it must be about the peony seeds she was promised. She quickly stood up and excused herself to Madam Chen, who instructed, “Treat him well.”
Mudan agreed and led Lin Mama and Yuhe out. They found Wu sitting in the side hall, chatting with the family’s steward. Seeing Mudan enter, Wu immediately stood up, bowed in greeting, and handed over a bamboo basket, smiling, “These are the peony seeds my master promised you. I’m not sure if the harvesting time was appropriate.”
“I’m sure they’re fine,” Mudan said, lifting the fine gauze covering the basket. In the light, she saw that instead of loose achenes, there were five or six silk pouches inside. She picked up the largest pouch and noticed characters written neatly on the silk: “South Zhao Purple Mudan.” The writing was strong and unadorned, seemingly a man’s hand. Opening it, she found over twenty crab-yellow achenes, plump and fresh, perfect for planting.
As she marveled at the thoughtfulness of Jiang Changyang’s subordinates, she examined the other pouches. Each was labeled like the first with flower names: Licorice Red, Teng Red, Jade Plate White, Vermilion Red, and Pink Two Qiao. Some pouches contained five or six achenes, while others had only one or two. Some were half-shriveled, others plump; some drier and darker, others moister and lighter. The harvesting times must have varied, and the pickers might not have known which were suitable, so they gathered everything. Still, they would all be useful.
Seeing Mudan’s delighted expression as she examined the seeds, Wu smiled and interjected, “These are other varieties. Following my master’s instructions, the gardener picked them when the fruit skins turned crab-yellow. There aren’t many, and some were picked earlier, so they’re a bit drier. My master thought you might need them, so he had me bring them along. I hope they’re useful to you.”
This was an unexpected windfall. Mudan beamed, nodding rapidly, “They’re useful, very useful indeed.” After examining the seeds further, she remembered to thank Wu politely, “Master Jiang is truly generous. The person who packed the seeds was very attentive, and the writing was excellent. Your new gardener must be quite skilled.”
Wu’s face showed an odd expression as he mumbled, “Yes, this gardener is indeed excellent. The writing… is certainly very good. It takes over a decade of practice to write like that.”
Mudan, not noticing his expression, nodded in agreement, “Please convey my thanks to Master Jiang later.” She took two pouches from Yuhe and handed them to Wu, “This larger pouch is for you, Manager Wu, for tea. The smaller one is for the gardener. Just looking at how carefully these seeds were packed and labeled, I can tell he’s a meticulous worker.”
Wu’s hand paused in mid-air. After a moment’s thought, he accepted the pouches, smiling, “Then I’ll thank you on his behalf for your generosity.”
Mudan smiled, “It’s well-deserved.”
Wu smiled back, pocketing the pouches before speaking seriously, “Miss He, my master visited Master Fuyuan today and heard that the issue at your estate has worsened. Could you tell me the current situation? My master might be able to have someone speak to Prince Ning’s household on your behalf.”
Mudan smiled, “Thank you for your concern, but it’s all resolved now. I was planning to visit your residence soon to let you know. Please tell Master Jiang not to worry.”
Wu looked confused. Hadn’t mad bulls chased people to the main road yesterday? How could everything be fine now? Was this true?
Seeing his disbelief, Mudan briefly explained the situation: “My cousin is the Chief Clerk of Prince Ning’s household. Seeing the situation worsen yesterday, I asked for his help. My other cousin went to the estate that night, captured the arsonists, and brought them before Prince Ning. They’ve all been punished accordingly and won’t cause trouble again.”
Hearing this, Wu happily congratulated Mudan. He declined the offer to stay for a meal and took his leave.
Mudan brought the bamboo basket inside. Zhen Shi, sitting beside Madam Chen, beckoned her over, “What did he give you?”
Mudan opened the basket to show them, “The peony seeds they promised me before.”
Madam Chen picked up a pouch to examine it, smiling, “It’s packed very carefully, and the writing is excellent… You said a gardener wrote this? It’s rare for a gardener to write so well!”
He Zhizhong, overhearing, said, “Let me see?” After looking at the writing on the silk pouch, he couldn’t help but praise it: “Indeed, it’s well-written. It’s a pity that someone with such fine handwriting is working as a gardener.”
Li Xing also took a look and casually asked, “Whose gardener is this?”
He Zhizhong replied offhandedly, “It’s that Master Jiang Changyang who saved Danniang during the festival. Coincidentally, his estate is near Fang Garden. He sent someone to inform us about Manager Deng conspiring with others to cause trouble, which alerted Danniang. He’s a good man. When we went to thank him, we just mentioned it in passing, but he remembered.”
Mudan smiled, “How could he forget? I still owe him some good flowers.”
Li Xing pressed his lips together, then suddenly said, “Danniang, I heard you’ve been looking everywhere for peony cuttings, but someone snatched them away. I’ve instructed my household to take extra care of ours, and we’ll have them sent to you in autumn.”
Mudan looked up at him, seeing his serious expression. Thinking it would be inappropriate to refuse his kindness in front of the whole family, she said half-jokingly, half-seriously, “The price better not be too high. Even if you’re my cousin, I won’t stand for it.”
Li Xing quickly smiled, “Alright, you can pay me the market price, but don’t shortchange me.”
As they spoke, Xue Shi led people in to set the table and invited everyone to eat. Li Xing, showing good judgment, stood up, “I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.”
He Zhizhong grabbed his arm, slightly annoyed, “How can you leave without eating? Stay for the meal!”
Li Xing looked at Madam Chen helplessly. She didn’t bear any ill will towards him, having watched him grow up, and he was a good child. Seeing his pleading look, her heart softened, and she smiled, “That’s right, silly child. Is it such a problem to have a meal at your aunt’s house? You were never this polite before. Go sit down and eat, have plenty.”
As soon as she spoke, the now-sensible children immediately swarmed around Li Xing, ushering him forward. Before leaving the room, Li Xing glanced at the basket of peony seeds, straightened his already impeccable jade-colored robe, and engaged in easy conversation about poetry with He Ru and He Hong.
Lady Cen sighed softly. “What a good child. It’s truly a pity.”
Meanwhile, Wu hummed a tune as he returned to the Jiang residence by Qujiang Pool. After asking a servant about Jiang Changyang’s whereabouts and learning he was feeding fish by the garden pond, Wu took a path to the back garden.
The sky had darkened, with only a few streaks of golden-red light peeking through the colorful clouds on the horizon. Jiang Changyang stood by the pond, gently scattering fish food. Plump koi gathered before him, their round mouths opening and closing with soft smacking sounds as they ate. In the dim light, Jiang Changyang’s features seemed especially defined.
Hearing footsteps, Jiang Changyang asked without turning, “You’re back?”
Wu fingered the pouch in his sleeve, a mischievous smile crossing his face. He approached respectfully and said, “Yes, I’ve returned. Madam He said the matter has been resolved. She asked me to convey her thanks to you.”
Jiang Changyang scattered the last of the fish food and dusted off his hands. Turning to face Wu, he asked, “Resolved? So quickly? Did she say how?”
Wu recounted what Mudan had told him, then added with a smile, “This Madam He may look cheerful, but she’s quite strong-willed.”
Jiang Changyang grunted in acknowledgment and turned to leave. Wu quickly called out, “My lord!”
Jiang Changyang stopped, asking quizzically, “Is there something else?”
Wu pulled out the money-filled pouch from his sleeve and held it out with both hands, saying seriously, “This is from Madam He for you.” As he spoke, he watched Jiang Changyang’s expression closely.
Jiang Changyang froze, staring blankly at the pouch. It was a dignified deep blue with a simple embroidery of orchids. The needlework was decent, and the design wasn’t bad. He distinctly remembered seeing her wear clothes embroidered with various peonies, each more gorgeous and eye-catching than the last. Why were there orchids on this pouch instead of peonies? Startled by this sudden thought, Jiang Changyang didn’t reach for the pouch. He said coolly, “Why would she suddenly give me a pouch? Are you playing a trick on me?”
Wu looked up in shock. “How dare I? I swear to heaven, if even half a word is false, may I be struck by lightning. It’s truly from Madam He.” Indeed, not half a word was false—only one word was. It was “rewarded” rather than “given,” so he didn’t fear this oath and could swear it ten times over.
Jiang Changyang nervously wiped his palms and hesitated. “Why is she giving me this? Do you know what’s inside?”
Suppressing a laugh, Wu continued holding out the pouch, saying earnestly, “I don’t know, and I didn’t dare ask Madam He. Why don’t you open it and see?”
Jiang Changyang took the pouch, noting its weight. He pulled it open, and several shiny coins tumbled out, clanging as they rolled across the stone path and disappeared into the grass. Raising an eyebrow, Jiang Changyang fully opened the pouch to find it filled with coins. Disappointed, he pressed his lips together and looked coldly at Wu. “What mischief are you up to now?”
Barely containing his laughter, Wu feigned a hurt expression. “My lord, you wrong me! Madam He said the person who wrote the lyrics did a good job, and the calligraphy was nice too. She wanted to give him something for tea. I couldn’t refuse her kind gesture, so I brought it back. Now that I have, if you don’t want it, you could give it to me.”
Jiang Changyang knew Dan’er from the He family wasn’t impolite. Why would she suddenly send him money like he was a servant? There had been some misunderstanding. Though he knew Wu was up to something, he couldn’t bring himself to be angry. He said sternly, “I gave you such a simple task, and you’ve made a mess of it. Do you still want a reward? If you handle tasks like this in the future, you might as well go home.”
Wu’s face fell as he stood straight, hands at his sides, and replied seriously, “Yes, sir.”
Jiang Changyang glared at him and gave him a light kick. “While there’s still some light, hurry and find those coins. Don’t waste them! Even a hero can be brought low for want of a single coin at a crucial moment.”
Wu bent down to search for the coins in the grass, then handed them to Jiang Changyang with both hands, showing a contrite attitude. Jiang Changyang glared at him again, put the coins in the pouch, tied it shut, and turned to leave. Wu hurriedly followed, asking with a placating smile, “My lord, what time do we depart tomorrow?”
Without turning, Jiang Changyang replied, “We’ll pick up Master Fuyuan from Fashou Temple at the hour of Si, then leave once we’re ready.”
Wu glanced at the pouch in Jiang Changyang’s hand and quickened his pace. “Then I’ll go check the horses and equipment again.”
Jiang Changyang nodded. “Be careful. I’ll have dinner with everyone later. Go see how the food preparation is coming along, and tell the kitchen to add more dishes. Everyone can have one bowl of wine, no more. Keep a close eye on that.”
Wu agreed and left to make preparations.
Jiang Changyang returned to his room with the pouch of money. He took out a flint and steel from his pocket and skillfully lit the candle on the table. He casually placed the pouch in a boxwood box on the table. Reaching under the table, he retrieved a paper filled with writing, read it carefully by candlelight one more time, and then burned it completely.
Soon after, Wu gently knocked on the door. “My lord, everyone has arrived.”
Jiang Changyang blew out the candle and opened the door. “Let’s go.”
As dusk settled, the Princess’s mansion in Yongxing Ward was already dimly lit, with lanterns glowing brightly. Servants in blue robes, with hair in hanging braids and wearing embroidered shoes, efficiently brought steaming dishes to the long table with gold-framed precious stone inlays in the main hall, ready for the mistress to enjoy at any time. The thick scent of suhexiang oil permeated the air, almost overpowering the aroma of the delicious food. The servants paid no mind to this, as everyone was on edge, moving cautiously to avoid making any noise that might incur the wrath of their ill-tempered mistress.
When all the dishes were set, the usual personal attendants silently pushed and shoved each other, no one willing to inform Princess Qinghua that the meal was ready. After a while of this, Ajie, who was usually the princess’s favorite, sighed and said softly, “Fine, I’ll go today. We’ll take turns from now on.” The others breathed sighs of relief, looking as if they had narrowly escaped disaster, and pushed her forward.
Ajie tiptoed around the six-panel silver-inlaid screen decorated with feathered ladies and approached the large sandalwood bed behind the lowered crimson gauze curtains. Princess Qinghua lay motionless, staring blankly at the canopy. Ajie said softly, “Princess, the dishes are ready. Shall we bring the table over for you to dine?”
Princess Qinghua blinked her eyes, which had grown sore from not closing for so long, and said coldly, “Liu Chang hasn’t come yet?” Her voice was hoarse and unpleasant from disuse.
To Ajie, this voice was like nails on a chalkboard. She involuntarily shuddered and stiffly replied, stammering, “Prefectural Secretary Liu sent word that he would be late and asked the princess not to wait for him to eat.”
Ajie delivered this message with a resigned attitude, knowing the consequences would be dire. Ever since Princess Qinghua had been injured from falling off her horse and confined to bed rest, her temper had become increasingly erratic and volatile. She would demand that someone fetch Liu Chang to keep her company every few days. When her injuries were severe, Liu Chang came every time. Now that her condition had stabilized, he came less frequently—perhaps once out of every five requests, and rarely on time. When he did come, he would simply hold a cup of tea or a book, sitting silently by the bed for long periods. If Princess Qinghua spoke nicely or acted coquettishly, he might occasionally respond. If she flew into a rage, throwing things and cursing at him, he would remain motionless, as if blind and deaf to her outbursts.
Princess Qinghua was extremely dissatisfied with this, calling him worthless. Yet others would criticize her, saying she was in the wrong and praising Liu Chang for his good temper and magnanimity. Their power struggle made life miserable for the servants, who constantly walked on eggshells, fearing that one wrong move would incur Princess Qinghua’s wrath and bring disaster upon them.
Ajie’s prediction proved correct. As soon as she finished speaking, Princess Qinghua hurled a ceramic pillow at her. Although the princess couldn’t move her lower body, her arms were strong from years of exercise, making throwing objects like ceramic pillows effortless for her.
Ajie was so frightened her toes cramped. She stood motionless, eyes wide open, staring intently at the pillow’s trajectory. Just as it was about to hit her, she imperceptibly tilted her head. The pillow whistled past her hair, making it appear as if Princess Qinghua had simply missed her mark. The princess usually forbade people from dodging her punishments, with severe consequences for those who did, so learning to make intentional dodges look accidental was a highly advanced skill that could only be mastered through extensive experience.
The sound of the ceramic pillow shattering on the floor seemed particularly harsh and startling in the spacious, dimly lit room. Princess Qinghua, perhaps tired, didn’t pursue the matter further. Ajie, having narrowly escaped, suddenly felt drenched in sweat. Her legs gave way, and she fell to her knees with a thud, prostrating herself and saying in a trembling voice, “Please calm yourself, Princess! You must take care of your health! The imperial physician specifically instructed that you mustn’t move and need complete rest.”
Princess Qinghua panted heavily, saying hatefully, “That scoundrel is so detestable! If I weren’t bedridden, I’d certainly teach him a lesson!” She turned her head to glare fiercely at Ajie. “Go! Send someone to urge him again! Tell him if he doesn’t come, I’ll make him regret it for the rest of his life!” How could she be so unlucky? Nothing was going right. She was already confined to bed, yet instead of showing concern, her family had stormed in to berate her over a trivial matter! And then there was Liu Chang, that unfaithful man! She was so furious she nearly ground her teeth to powder.
Ajie withdrew, nodding repeatedly. Outside, she anxiously waved over a young servant. “Go invite Prefectural Secretary Liu again. Beg him to come as soon as possible. Tell him… tell him the princess is in an especially foul mood today. If he doesn’t come, I’m afraid something worse might happen.”