Jiang Changyang didn’t stay long at Fangyuan that day. He left after just one cup of tea, disappointing Lin Mama, who had prepared many dishes in the kitchen. She kept asking Mudan why Jiang Changyang left so early.
Mudan replied helplessly, “He has his affairs. Of course, he needs to leave when it’s time.”
Unable to argue, Lin Mama blamed Shuangshuang, saying it must have been due to its rudeness. She unceremoniously chained Shuangshuang to a rack with a silver chain and forced Mudan to eat, insisting she needed to gain weight. Mudan was frustrated but had to bite into the pastries while glaring at Rongniang and Yingniang, who were mischievously smiling at her.
The next day at noon, Wu San brought the mute gardener. Surnamed Li, he appeared to be in his sixties, with completely white hair and beard. He was dry, dark, and thin, with cloudy eyes. Wearing a short ochre shirt, he led a fat, silly-looking, drooling black dog. Even when entering the hall to meet Mudan, he didn’t release the dog’s leash, keeping man and dog inseparable.
Gardener Li stood before Mudan, silently observing her with an indifferent and critical gaze. Mudan disliked his look, considering they would be working together long-term and he would be her right-hand man. It wasn’t comfortable being scrutinized this way by someone she would rely on.
Mudan decided to be direct: “I heard you once managed the flowers and trees at Furong Garden, and your skills are remarkable. I need someone like you.”
Li showed no particular expression, not even blinking. This beautiful young woman had said it herself – that was in the past. Now he was just a slave to be bought and sold. What was the use of these kind words?
Feeling awkward, Mudan pressed on, “My friend told me that as long as I provide for you in your old age and treat you sincerely, you’re someone I can trust. I can do both those things.”
Li still didn’t react. What difference did it make when he died? Being wrapped in a broken mat and thrown into a hole could also be considered a burial.
With Wu San present, Mudan’s smile became strained. She decided to drop it and looked at Li seriously, “I have some precious peonies grafted in my seedling garden. I need someone trustworthy and skilled to look after the garden and tend to the flowers when I’m not here. Can you do that?”
Li thought for a moment, then made some hand gestures to Mudan. Wu San automatically became the interpreter: “He’s asking where the person who grafted the flowers is. Why not let that person manage?”
Mudan smiled, “That person is me.” Since she couldn’t entice him, she had to earn his respect by showing she wasn’t an ignorant fool.
Li bowed slightly and made two more gestures. Wu San translated, “Old Li says, please take him to the garden and show him what he needs to do.”
Mudan promptly led them to the seedling garden. She first showed Li several peonies grafted by Gardener Zheng. Li’s expression remained unchanged, seeming somewhat disinterested. Mudan smiled slightly and then took him to see the Shiyangji. Li crouched down, staring intently at the Shiyangji plants.
Mudan anxiously awaited his judgment, so focused that she didn’t even mind when the big black dog came over, sniffing her shoes and drooling all over them.
After a long while, Li turned to look at Mudan and pointed at the flowers. Mudan finally relaxed and smiled, “I grafted these.”
Wu San added, “Indeed, my young master and I watched Miss He graft these ourselves.”
Li smiled and gave Mudan a thumbs-up. Mudan felt both honored and surprised. Li took out a deerskin pouch from his waist, revealing a shiny grafting knife, scissors, and a bundle of fine hemp string. He placed these tools on the ground beside him and made some more gestures to Mudan. Wu San couldn’t understand to translate, but Mudan got the gist – he had acknowledged her skills and wanted to demonstrate his own. She smiled, “Feel free to use any of these flowers.”
Li glanced sideways at Mudan and Wu San, not moving. His grafting techniques were secret and not to be easily shown to others.
Wu San laughed awkwardly, “Let’s move further away.”
After Mudan and Wu San had moved far enough that they couldn’t see his specific actions, Li began to work. Bored with waiting, Wu San chatted with Mudan, “This Old Li has quite a temper. He didn’t even bow to Prince Jing when leaving, but the prince didn’t mind. You have a good temperament, Miss He, so you won’t clash with him. These days, people with real skills all seem to have strange tempers.”
“As long as he has genuine skills and no ulterior motives, putting up with an old man’s bad temper is nothing,” Mudan replied, closely watching Li’s movements. Though far away, she could still roughly make out what he was doing – selecting materials, trimming branches, joining, and binding – all very skillfully and faster than her.
Near dinnertime, Li finally finished and called Mudan over. From his grafting position and some specific details, she could tell he had done a bark graft, perfectly executed. He had also grafted a Shiyangji, using Kunshan Yeguang, Gejin Zi, and Yinfen Jinlin for the graft. White, purple, and pink – three colors, late-blooming.
Truly unexpected that he could do this too. This person Jiang Changyang found was indeed a treasure. Mudan smiled with satisfaction and gave him a thumbs up, mimicking his earlier gesture, “I’ll be entrusting this garden to Master Li from now on.”
She sincerely called him Master Li, not Old Li, without assuming the air of an owner. This was the respect due to a highly skilled craftsman. Li smiled slightly and began to gesture. Wu San quickly translated, “He says he wants to live in the garden to watch over it and asks where the house is.”
Mudan pointed to a row of newly built houses not far away, “That row of rooms is all empty. You can choose whichever you like.”
As they were talking, Gardener Zheng walked in. “I saw the garden gate open and thought Miss He would be having dinner at this time, so I came to check. Since you’re here, I’ll take my leave.” Zheng greeted Mudan while eyeing Li suspiciously.
Mudan smiled, “Zheng, you’ve come at a good time. This is the newly arrived Master Li. When I’m not here, he’ll be in charge of the seedling garden.” As expected, she saw shock and disappointment on Zheng’s face.
Zheng was disgruntled. Why? He had been here for so many days, helping Mudan through the toughest and most tiring times. He had been managing the garden most of the time before. As the only master allowed in and out of the seedling garden, he had become the de facto leader among Fangyuan’s many gardeners. Who didn’t bow their head to him? But suddenly, this unknown old man came to take away what was his, including his hope of learning techniques from Mudan. Of course, he was unhappy.
He spotted the newly grafted peony beside Li, which hadn’t yet been fertilized or watered, and smiled as he walked over, “Did Master Li graft this? Good craftsmanship.” His hand had barely extended, not yet touching the peony, when the fat, silly-looking black dog suddenly let out a low growl and lunged at his wrist like lightning. Its white, sharp teeth gleamed, and transparent saliva with a fishy smell scattered in the air.
“Mama!” Zheng cried out in fear, his face pale as he stumbled backward. But how could he outrun a dog? Though fat, it was much faster than him. He clumsily fell to the ground, and Mudan thought he would surely be bitten. But at the critical moment, Li let out a hoarse “Ah,” and the black dog stopped its attack. It placed its front paws on Zheng’s shoulders, its dark eyes staring at Zheng’s panicked face, its transparent, sticky drool wetting his collar.
Li “Ah-ed” again, and the black dog released Zheng, running back to sit at Li’s feet. Li made some gestures to Mudan, and Wu San coughed lightly before announcing loudly, “Old Li says this dog was raised from a puppy to guard flowers. Anyone who dares to touch the flowers without the owner’s permission will surely be bitten. It was a misunderstanding just now, and he hopes Master Zheng won’t take offense.”
So he was a mute after all. Zheng angrily wiped the sweat from his brow, disgustedly tugging at his drool-soaked collar, too furious to speak.
Mudan hurried to smooth things over, “Zheng, you’ve had a fright. I’ll have the kitchen prepare some extra dishes for you tonight. Go check if you’re injured anywhere, and if so, we’ll call a doctor to look at it.” She knew Li had done this deliberately. It was a warning to Zheng. These peony gardeners had their own inherited techniques, not easily shared with others, let alone taught. The newly grafted peony, if taken apart, would reveal how the scion and rootstock were treated. He wouldn’t let anyone else touch it until the wound had healed. She thought she had been cautious enough, but this Master Li was even more so.
Watching Zheng storm off angrily, Li calmly packed up his tools, tended to the flowers, and, led by Yuhe, took the black dog to choose a room.
Wu San grinned, “Miss He, our young master asked me to tell you that Young Master Pan and Lady Bai will arrive the day after tomorrow. He invites you to come for dinner.”
Mudan agreed and invited him to stay for dinner, but Wu San declined, saying there was too much to prepare at the estate for the guests. He bid farewell and left.
After Mudan finished dinner, Yuhe came to report that Master Li was settled in, and she had specially arranged for A-Shun to keep him company and help with small tasks, which Li seemed satisfied with. As they were talking, Kuan’er came in and said, “Miss, someone from home has arrived with a guest.”
It turned out to be a shop assistant named Jia from Da Lang’s shop, accompanying a young man of about twenty, wearing a round-collared robe of patterned brocade and a black gauze headwear, with an ordinary appearance. Assistant Jia smiled, “Miss, this is Young Master Lu from Yangzhou.”
Mudan was puzzled, as she didn’t know anyone from the Lu family in Yangzhou.
Young Master Lu bowed to Mudan and said in Mandarin with a strong Yangzhou accent, “I am Lu Quan, the fifth son in my clan, known as Lu Wulang. My mother’s surname is Duan, known as Madam Duan. Earlier, your elder brother sent a letter saying that my aunt Qin Sanniang had encountered misfortune. My mother was traveling on a merchant ship and only received the letter a month ago. She sent me to bring my aunt home and express our gratitude to your family.”
Ah, Qin Sanniang. After Da Lang sent the letter to Madam Duan, there had been no reply, and Mudan thought the letter might have been sent to the wrong person. She hadn’t realized that Qin Sanniang’s sister was indeed that female merchant Madam Duan. To be honest, this Lu Quan didn’t look much like Qin Sanniang. Mudan sighed, “I’m afraid Young Master Lu has come in vain. She left the next day, and I don’t know where she is now.”
Lu Quan said seriously, “I just met with your father, and he said the same thing. But before I came, my mother instructed me to see the person if alive, or the body if dead – to repay grudges or kindness. You were the last to see her, so she must have said something to you. Perhaps we can find some clues from that. Please tell me about what happened that day.”
Mudan did remember the events of that day. After listening to Mudan’s account, Lu Quan pondered for a moment and said, “From what you say, it seems my aunt is determined to seek revenge. She’s unlikely to leave the capital before Yan Balang faces misfortune. I plan to go see Yan Balang.”
Mudan replied, “It’s late today. I don’t think you can return to the city. Why not stay here for the night and go tomorrow morning?”
Lu Quan bowed in thanks, “Thank you, Miss He. My mother insisted that I properly thank your family. I asked your father what we could do for your family, but he said it was all your idea and told me to ask you. What would you like?”
“I didn’t do much, just treated her to a meal, put her up in an inn for a night, called a doctor, and chatted with her a bit. The money spent was my father’s, so you needn’t worry about it,” Mudan said, somewhat embarrassed. She hadn’t done much for Qin Sanniang, but Madam Duan’s seriousness showed she still cared for her sister. No wonder Qin Sanniang had been so ashamed when she misunderstood her sister.
Lu Quan looked at Mudan earnestly, “Indeed, it wasn’t anything extraordinary, but among all the people on the street that day, you were the only one who reached out to help.” He smiled at Mudan, “Madam Duan never owes anyone favors. To maintain my mother’s reputation, please don’t be so modest.”
His expression was sincere and earnest. Though joking, he showed an obvious persistence, unwilling to give up until he achieved his goal. Mudan thought hard but couldn’t think of anything she needed. However, Madam Duan’s merchant ships were indeed famous. Perhaps one day, she could sell her peonies outside the capital through Madam Duan’s fleet. Mudan smiled at Lu Quan, “I’ve long heard of your mother’s reputation and admire her greatly. I’d love to befriend such a capable person. I wonder if I’ll have such luck?”
If Mudan had asked for a reward this time, she would only have this one chance. But by seeking friendship with Madam Duan, she might gain much more in the future. Similarly, it would be beneficial for the Lu family to befriend the He family in the capital. Lu Quan smiled slightly and said slowly, “My mother loves making friends. If Miss He has a chance to visit Yangzhou, she will surely host the best banquet for you.”
Mudan smiled, “Young Master Lu is unfamiliar with this place. My people can guide you to Yan Balang’s residence.” She pointed at Yuhe, “She’s been to Yan Balang’s place in Tongshan Ward before. Let her accompany you tomorrow.”
Lu Quan thanked her and followed Xiao Tao to have dinner and rest. Early the next morning, Yuhe led him and his attendants on horseback into the city, heading straight for Tongshan Ward. Mudan spent the whole day in the seedling garden, watching how Master Li tended to the flowers and trees, and learning how to communicate with him. She also named the big black dog “Da Hei” and fed it a pile of chicken bones.
Master Li maintained a stern face all day, making fewer than three gestures to Mudan. Once was when Mudan asked if she could select a few young, intelligent, and well-behaved servants to learn from him how to care for peonies. He waved his hand, indicating disapproval. But Mudan didn’t plan to listen to him; she was determined to bring in people, even if just to water plants, loosen soil, and observe from afar.
Another time was when Mudan called the dog “Da Hei” and fed it chicken bones. He made an angry gesture that Mudan didn’t understand, but she guessed he was upset about her naming his dog. However, he didn’t kick away the chicken bones she brought for Da Hei, instead watching the dog eat them all. So Mudan decided to ignore his anger and let the dog continue drooling on her shoes, taking the chance to pat its head a couple of times.
The last time was during dinner when Mudan brought him two padded robes, two pairs of shoes, a bottle of grape wine, and a plate of fried sparrows. After a moment of silence, he made a gesture of thanks and accepted the gifts.
But Mudan didn’t believe he was someone easily bought with small favors. It seemed she would need to persist with him for a long time. As she left the seedling garden, Xilang was wandering nearby. Seeing her come out, he immediately came over to greet her, as if he had something to say. Mudan, guessing what he wanted to say, wasn’t in a hurry. She only asked if he was settling in well at Fangyuan and if Gardener Zheng had hurt himself yesterday, as she hadn’t seen him all day.
Xilang hesitated for a moment before saying, “Uncle Jiu was a bit unwell, but he spent the whole day tending to flowers and trees by the lake, which is why you didn’t see him.” In the end, he didn’t mention Cao Wanrong’s matter, only repeatedly assuring her that he would work hard. Mudan praised him a bit and said gently, “I heard your father passed away. If your family has any difficulties, you can tell me. I’ll help if I can.”
Xilang was a bit surprised and responded quietly, watching Mudan leave. Mudan asked Madam Duan, “Madam, do you think he’s a bad person?”
Madam Duan, knowing Xilang’s background and that he had once stolen peony grafts from the Cao family garden, thought carefully for a moment before saying, “This old servant doesn’t know, but he’s certainly not an honest person.”
Mudan smiled. How many truly honest people were there in this world? Of course, there were plenty who claimed to be honest.
The next day at noon, Wu San came personally to escort Mudan: “Lady Bai has arrived first. The young master asks you to keep her company.”
Mudan frowned, “Young Master Pan didn’t come with her?”
Wu San helpfully steadied the horse for her to mount easily: “No, Young Master Pan said he had some business to attend to but would make it for dinner. However, besides bringing Young Master Pan’s son, Lady Bai also brought a lady with her, seemingly Miss Seventeen from the Wu family of Qinghe. I heard you know her?”
Mudan smiled, “We’ve met once.” The proud and aloof Wu Xilian – since Miss Nineteen was already betrothed to Li Xing, surely she must be engaged to someone too?
Mudan rode through the harvested, barren rice fields to the gate of the Jiang family estate. The willows by the wall had yellowed leaves beginning to fall, but the pines and cypresses remained green, making the high white walls stand out even more, with the blue sky above particularly vivid.
Seeing Mudan observing the walls, Wu San smiled, “Our young master had them whitewashed this spring, so they look especially new now. Before, they were mottled, with moss growing up the walls. Oh my, the rats had grown so old their fur turned yellow and they became spirits, as big as half a cat. They weren’t even afraid when we came, daring to enter the house right in front of us. I guess they had lived freely for over a decade and forgotten what fear was.”
Mudan felt Wu San seemed to be hinting at something.
The layout of the Jiang family estate was completely different from Fangyuan. Upon entering, there was a large, clean, and spacious area paved with square bluestone slabs, spotless. Wu San eagerly explained, “This area is washed with clean water every three days, using water from your river.” He pointed to a cluster of holly trees not far away, “The river channel is just behind there. Following this small river, you’ll soon reach the newly built waterside pavilion where Lady Bai is waiting for you. Please follow me, Miss He, the path is over there.”
Behind the holly trees was a path about three feet wide, paved with pebbles. Beside the path was the river, its clear water revealing colorful pebbles and lush water plants at the bottom, with occasional small fish swimming by. On the other side of the river was a row of willow trees, their fallen yellow leaves curling upwards, floating on the water like little boats. The Jiang family estate was just as beautiful, much prettier than Prince Ning’s estate with its expensive polo field. Mudan asked Wu San, “Does this estate have a name?”
“It used to be called Willow Garden, but now it has no name,” Jiang Changyang stood at the end of the path, admiringly looking at Mudan. Today, she wore a silver-white brocade jacket with peony branch patterns, paired with a vibrant purple eight-panel gauze skirt, a black gold-stamped satin waistband with a pair of walnut-sized gold filigree bird-shaped sachets attached. Her hair was in a crossed-heart bun with only a pair of simple double-pronged gold hairpins. Her lips were touched with pink rouge, making her look charming. He thought she looked even more beautiful now than when he first saw her.