He would solve her problem? First, he helped dig a pit and push her in, then stood outside forcing her to give up what he wanted to steal from her. If she agreed, he’d pull her out; if not, he’d watch her die in the pit. His “advice” was indeed hard to swallow! Suppressing her anger, she said, “You’re right, our backgrounds can’t compare. But you’re wrong about one thing: what your sister can give him, I might be able to give too. And what I can give him, your sister certainly can’t!”

Xiao Yuexi laughed, “You’re so confident? In my opinion, everything you can offer, my sister can provide, including your beauty. Beauty isn’t rare in this world; it can be easily bought with money. One or two might not match you, but eight or ten together would surpass you. And what my sister can give, you definitely can’t! If you truly care for him, you should let go instead of selfishly holding him back.”

Mudan also laughed, “We’re talking past each other. I understand your meaning, but you don’t understand mine. Listen carefully: I won’t sell myself or anyone else! If you’re so confident, you should ask him directly instead of plotting behind his back! If Jiang Changyang truly needs a woman to give him everything, I don’t need you to make any deals with me. I’d kick him to the curb first and hand him over to your sister!” With that, Mudan stood to leave without looking at Xiao Yuexi’s expression.

Zhang Wulang glared fiercely at Xiao Yuexi, who remained unfazed. He clapped his hands twice and said slowly, “Such spirit! Such bravery! But you should know, that when we play chess, we strategize and consider the whole board. We defend and attack, not focusing on just one area, or we’re sure to lose. It’s the same in life; reckless courage is the worst approach. I admire your spirit and courage, but I pity your ignorance and impulsiveness. This is typical foolish behavior, jumping into the fire just to prove a point.”

He smiled at Mudan and calmly continued, “Let me analyze the pros and cons for you. If you refuse my goodwill, once you leave here, you’ll have only two choices. One is to watch your family suffer without intervening, then live with Jiang Changyang while carrying guilt. The other is to become Liu Chang’s prisoner, losing both yourself and your wealth, which is even further from your original intention. But I know that someone like you, Miss He, wouldn’t abandon your family for yourself, nor would you easily sell yourself. However, with disaster looming, you have no other choice but to pick one of these. Your current attitude suggests you’d rather choose Liu Chang than my proposal. What worthless point are you trying to prove? Do you still disagree when I say you’re ignorant and impulsive?”

Mudan looked at Xiao Yuexi and said, “Life and chess are related but not the same. Chess has no human emotion, while life does. In chess, you can start over after losing, but in life, there’s no turning back. You’re a good chess player because the pieces have no life and move at your will. But you may not be as good at managing people. You’re not a god and not everyone you treat as chess pieces will follow your commands precisely. Keep your so-called goodwill to yourself; I don’t accept it! Harming people and then pretending to be kind is even more disgusting than Liu Chang.”

Xiao Yuexi smiled slightly and drank his tea, “To be honest, Liu Chang not only wants you but also your wealth. He plans to open a large spice shop in the East Market soon. If you trust him, your family’s spice business will never recover. I could have waited for this to happen, but I didn’t. Don’t you think I’m kind enough? I believe I’m more benevolent than many, and I’ve considered everything for you. There are many ways to deal with a woman who doesn’t know her place, but I won’t stoop to that level. If you give me what I want, you’ll remain unharmed. In normal times, this case would wait until after everyone’s vacation, dragging on for ten to fifteen days. But this time is different. Someone is waiting for the results, and it will be decided within ten days. What if someone adds a little something, saying your family’s spice is poisonous or has ill intentions? What then? You have a temper, so it’s normal if you can’t think it through right away. I won’t force you. I’ll be here for the next few days. Come back when you’ve thought it over.”

“You truly are a rare example of integrity and righteousness,” Mudan replied sarcastically. “I’m being persecuted by villains, and you, seeing the injustice, have greatly helped me. I feel ashamed and scared, so I voluntarily withdraw, creating a beautiful story. So this is how you scholars gain your reputation and fame. I’ve learned my lesson.” Mudan strode forward, quickly disappearing.

Xiao Xuexi emerged from behind the curtain, fuming, “How disrespectful! Who does she think she is? Saying she’d ‘hand over’ what she doesn’t want to me? I was trying to help her out of this predicament and away from Liu Chang’s schemes, benefiting everyone. If she’s so eager to be Liu Chang’s mistress, let her go! It saves me a lot of trouble.” Originally, she wasn’t being entirely altruistic. She just didn’t want Jiang Changyang to see her as Liu Chang’s accomplice and wanted to show how kind and helpful she had been to his lover. Whatever reasons his lover had for giving up on him later would be none of her concern.

Xiao Yuexi remained calm, looking down at the cooling tea in front of him. He said softly, “There’s no need to get upset over these trivial details. In the original plan, this was just the first step. No matter how far she goes with Liu Chang, you should continue as I’ve instructed.”

Xiao Xuexi smiled slightly and sat down beside him, “Brother, are you sure this will work?”

Xiao Yuexi replied confidently, “I’m certain. Otherwise, he’ll keep thinking about her, and your efforts will be meaningless. We need to accomplish this beautifully. We must make him willing.” Didn’t she say this wasn’t chess, that the pieces wouldn’t move as he wished? He wanted to show her that after a big detour, she would still end up following his plan.

Mudan and Zhang Wulang left the back courtyard. Zhang Wulang whispered, “Miss Dan, why didn’t you agree with him? Although he doesn’t have good intentions, wouldn’t it be better to stall for time? Don’t feel like you’re betraying Young Master Jiang. If he truly cares for you, he’ll understand your difficulties and just want you to be well. He won’t be angry with you.”

Mudan gave a bitter smile but said nothing. In theory, that was true, but at that moment, her pride had clashed with reality and won out. She didn’t want to bow her head or lose face in front of her rival. She comforted herself, thinking that heaven hadn’t sent her here just to suffer; there must be another way!

“Miss He! My master invites you to the infirmary,” called Ruman, the young monk, running over with a smile. He blinked at Mudan while checking if she and Zhang Wulang had brought any boxes or gifts.

Noticing his gaze, Mudan apologized, “We came in a hurry today and didn’t have time to prepare anything…”

Ruman, having already seen their empty hands, waved dismissively, “It’s fine. The treats Mr. Xiao brought are good enough. Might as well eat them. You can save yours for when they’re not here anymore.”

Mudan wasn’t in the mood for jokes and just nodded, hurrying towards the infirmary. “Wasn’t your master doing evening prayers? Why is he in the infirmary?”

Ruman explained, “My master doesn’t stick to strict times for morning and evening prayers. He does them whenever he feels like it. His room was occupied, so he had nowhere else to go but the infirmary.”

Soon, they entered the infirmary, winding through several turns to reach a small shrine. The light inside was dim. Monk Fuyuan sat alone in front of a chessboard. Seeing Mudan enter, he smiled warmly and invited her to sit near him.

Mudan looked at him, feeling as if she’d found a close relative. Her eyes welled up, but she turned away to compose herself before facing him again. What she needed most now was someone to discuss her plans with, to see if they were feasible.

Monk Fuyuan said, “Buddha be merciful! I just learned about this matter. Tell me, what are your plans now?”

Mudan forced a smile and said softly, “This is what I’m thinking: although it seems all the key witnesses and evidence are in their hands, as long as something happened, there must be traces to follow.”

Monk Fuyuan listened attentively, “Indeed. Have you thought about where to start?”

Mudan looked up at the smiling Buddha statue in the shrine and said calmly, “There are fake goods, right? So where did they come from? Who made them, who bought them? And who mixed them into my family’s goods and put them in our warehouse? We should be able to figure this out. Once we do, following the trail, we won’t have to be afraid anymore. As long as we can understand the whole process, I’ll have a way. Master, you told me earlier that Chengfeng would return after the Lantern Festival, but I received a letter from him a few days ago saying he’d be back for the festival. Do you know if he’ll be able to return?”

Monk Fuyuan clasped his hands, looking a bit uncertain, “To be honest, the message was sent out, but we haven’t received a reply. Don’t worry, if he can travel, he’ll rush back.”

Overhearing this, Zhang Wulang quietly stood up and went outside. Reaching the pavilion, he stood at the door, staring at Xiao Yuexi, “What are your conditions for helping her?”

Xiao Yuexi replied calmly, “There are no conditions. Just that within ten days, by whatever means, true or false, she must find someone of suitable status, not from the capital, and marry immediately. In the future, even if she sees Jiang Changyang, she can’t reveal anything and must completely end his hopes. In return, I can guarantee her brothers’ safety. Of course, if she tries to deceive me, she’ll pay a tenfold price. I won’t show her any mercy. Tell her, that although Jiang Dazhang is capable, others have the same abilities. And who knows if Jiang Dazhang would be willing to antagonize so many people for her sake.”

“I’ll persuade her,” Zhang Wulang said quietly, turning back to meet Mudan. He whispered Xiao Yuexi’s words to her and said, “Miss Dan, please consider it carefully.”

Mudan replied solemnly, “Brother Zhang, don’t worry. I’ll think it through carefully.” She then discussed her plans with Zhang Wulang. The two hurried back to Xuanping District before the gates closed. After parting with Zhang Wulang, Mudan was about to enter her home when she saw Madam Xue waiting anxiously at the door. Upon seeing Mudan, Madam Xue’s eyes reddened. She rushed forward, grasping Mudan’s hand, and said, “You’re finally back. We were so worried when we couldn’t find you at home.”

Mudan held back her tears and asked, “Is everyone alright? Have they all returned?”

Madam Xue replied, “Yes, yes. Thanks to those two you sent, they stayed with us, taking care of everything. We were all kept in one place, but it wasn’t long before they released us to come home. They’ve gone to find more people now. But there’s still no news about your second brother and the others.” She paused briefly, wiped away a tear, and whispered, “Danniang, we had just gotten home when that Liu fellow came. He said… he said you were going to go with him? Your mother was so angry she couldn’t speak. She’s lying down now.”

Mudan hurried inside. Before she reached the main hall, Liu Chang came out with his hands behind his back, looking at her mockingly, “Well? After all your running around, did you find anyone willing to help you? Did you find the people you were looking for? Isn’t Princess Fen still in the palace? Don’t bother having someone wait for her. According to reliable sources, the Empress has kept her in the palace. She probably won’t return until after the Lantern Festival.” He knew she wouldn’t give up easily, so he let her go. Though he could hardly wait, he had to be patient.

It seemed as if he knew about everyone she had tried to find. Mudan lowered her head and remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up at him and said, “I did find someone to help me. Xiao Yuexi said he despises your character, so he wanted to give me a chance and make a deal.”

Liu Chang raised an eyebrow and said calmly, “That deal fell through. Otherwise, with your current temper, you’d either not be speaking to me at all or arrogantly trying to drive me out.” On the surface, he pretended not to care, but inside he was worried, wondering what suggestion Xiao Yuexi had made and what kind of deal he wanted to make. In his mind, the Xiao family should be eager for Xiao Xuexi to marry Jiang Changyang, so they should be happy for him and Mudan to be together, completely ending Jiang Changyang’s hopes. Why were they interfering?

Mudan didn’t pretend, “I indeed haven’t made up my mind. He was so arrogant it made me furious. I can’t swallow that insult. I’ll go check on the others first.” With that, she walked inside.

Those few casual words left Liu Chang’s imagination running wild. She wasn’t willing to tolerate others’ insults, but at least on the surface, she was still willing to tolerate his. Did this mean she knew deep down that he was better to her than others, that she was more willing to accept him and trust him a little more? She told him she was going to see someone else, showing some self-awareness. Thinking this way, he felt a bit better. He called to Zhen Shi, who was glaring at him hatefully from the side, “Sister-in-law, please lead the way. I’d like to see Mother He as well.”

Zhen Shi almost spat in disgust, muttering to herself, “Who’s your sister-in-law?” She rolled her eyes and said, “There are many women in the back. Let me go ask first.” She waved her handkerchief and walked away, clearly with no intention of returning.

“You’ve already been in jail. Are you still afraid of losing face?” Liu Chang said impatiently, his tone changing, “The district gates are about to close. Who has time to wait for you? Go call He Mudan out!”

Zhen Shi was about to curse at him when she saw Bai Shi hurrying over with a somewhat fawning smile, saying, “Please wait, I’ll go call Danniang for you.”

Zhen Shi immediately rolled her eyes, silently cursing Bai Shi for being spineless. She shouldered past Bai Shi and strode inside ahead of her.

Madam Cen was half-lying, half-sitting on the couch, silently watching Mudan without speaking. Her gaze was dark, and she suddenly seemed to have aged ten years. Mudan felt uncomfortable under her gaze. She signaled to Concubine Wu to take care of her mother, then stepped out to question the servants. Gui hadn’t returned yet, but Shu’er tearfully reported, “I waited at the gate the whole time, but didn’t see the Princess return. As it got late and the district gates were closing, I had to come back, fearing you’d worry. I’ll go wait again early tomorrow morning…”

Mudan thanked her for her hard work and told her to go rest. Just then, Zhen Shi rushed in like a whirlwind, saying, “Danniang, someone wants to see you. I refused to call you for him, but someone worried about her husband in jail is wagging her tail like a dog…” Right after, Bai Shi entered with a pale face, saying, “Danniang, Magistrate Liu insists you go out.” She emphasized the word “insists.”

Who could blame her? Between a sister-in-law and a closer husband? Perhaps Bai Shi was even blaming Mudan in her heart for bringing trouble to the family. Mudan silently nodded and, supported by Mama Lin, went outside. As she reached the second gate, she saw Gui approach quickly, sweating profusely but with a look of joy. As soon as he saw Mudan, he whispered a few words to her. Mudan quickly asked someone to give him money, and Gui immediately left again.

Mudan then went to meet Liu Chang, who was anxiously watching the sky. Seeing her finally emerge, he reached out to grab Mudan, ignoring Mama Lin’s presence, and tried to drag her into the main hall. His sudden use of force was unexpected. Mama Lin and Mudan were shocked and clung tightly to each other. Suddenly, they heard shouts from outside as He Ru, He Hong, and others rushed in with raised brooms and door bars, raining blows on Liu Chang.

Liu Chang enraged, kicked He Ru away forcefully and shouted, “You little brats! I’m not going to bother with you, but if you don’t stop now, for every blow you give me, I’ll return two to your fathers and uncles.” Bai Shi rushed in, telling the boys to stop, and Mudan also called for them to cease. The boys, with tears in their eyes, stopped but remained standing at the door.

“What do you take me for?” He wasn’t some stranger to women! Liu Chang snorted and pulled out a paper from his sleeve, throwing it in front of Mudan. “Just sign and put your seal on it yourself.”

Mudan didn’t even look at it, tearing it to shreds. She sneered, “What do you take me for? Signing a contract to sell myself? To be your slave? I’d rather agree to Xiao Yuexi’s proposal. At least I’d still be a whole person, not having to be inferior for life, and my family wouldn’t be looked down upon. I won’t bother with his pettiness anymore. I’ll go accept his offer tomorrow. Comparatively speaking, making a deal with him is more worthwhile.”

Her change in attitude was dramatic, clearly because she had seen that her mother, sisters-in-law, and nephews were all safe, which made her suddenly turn on him. Liu Chang trembled with anger and said through gritted teeth, “You fickle, untrustworthy little person, what do you take me for? I just got your mother and the others out, and now you turn your back on me. I’ll have your brothers all…”

Mudan coolly said, “All killed, is that it? Xiao Yuexi said the same thing to me. He said if I agreed to your terms, my brothers would never make it out alive, and our family’s spice business would never recover. He also said you were planning to open a spice shop even bigger than ours, isn’t that right? You started with sweet words, but now you’re insulting me like this. I’m not stupid. You didn’t have good intentions; you wanted me to lose both face and fortune. You tried to deceive and scheme against me first, so don’t blame me for being angry. Xiao Yuexi’s proposal is indeed not bad. He just wants me to stop associating with Jiang Changyang, right? Everything else is negotiable. I’d be a fool not to agree to his terms and instead rush to be ruined by you.”

Liu Chang stared at Mudan’s moving lips, those delicate pink petals sharp as knives. He wanted to grab them and pinch them hard, making her cry out in pain and beg for mercy. He barely managed to control himself and sneered, “You’re dreaming! Do you think he’s a good person? Do you believe him just based on empty words? If you agree to his terms, you won’t have a good ending either. The only one who will truly have you is me!” As he spoke, he was already hatching plans to deal with Xiao Yuexi, this ungrateful wretch.

Mudan glanced at him sideways and said, “How would I know if I don’t try? He needs to maintain his reputation as a scholar and wouldn’t stoop to your level of pettiness. I’d rather believe him than you.”

“Scholar? He’s nothing but a laughable hypocrite! Wanting to be both a whore and a saint.” Liu Chang gritted his teeth, stomping hard on the torn paper Mudan had shredded. He sneered, “If you won’t drink a toast, you’ll have to drink a forfeit. Just wait and see! Tomorrow I’ll have your brothers’ teeth sent over for you all to take a good look!” With that, he smashed a few vases and stormed off in a rage.

Bai Shi looked at Mudan with tears streaming down her face and cried out, “Danniang! Why did you offend him at a time like this? You should have at least placated him a bit and stalled for time.”

Mudan looked at Bai Shi and said, “Second sister-in-law, I know you blame me in your heart. I don’t resent you. No matter what, I will rescue my brothers.”

Bai Shi cried uncontrollably, “You must do what you say! Your second brother has always loved you the most, and your nephews are still so young…”

Zhang Shi came out, holding her belly, and said, “Second sister-in-law! This isn’t Danniang’s fault! Instead of crying here for Danniang to see, why don’t you go with your mother and eldest sister-in-law tomorrow to seek out your father’s old friends and ask for favors? That would be more useful.”

Bai Shi sobbed silently. Zhang Shi asked Mudan, “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

Mudan replied, “I’m going to visit someone.” She planned to see Madam Du. She wanted to stir up trouble and buy time and opportunities for Gui and Zhang Wulang.