Xiao Yuexi considered asking Jiang Zhong for the slip of paper to investigate further but felt it might make him appear guilty. After a moment of silence, he signaled to one of his men, who understood and went to retrieve the painting. The man returned shortly, reporting, “The painting is missing. The servant guarding it said only Young Master Jiang San visited.”
The room fell silent. Xiao Yuexi fixed Jiang Changyi with a piercing gaze. “Please produce the painting, Third Young Master.”
Jiang Changyi inwardly sneered. How could a mere servant fail to recognize that the painting he left wasn’t Xiao Xuexi’s? It was intentional, assuming he couldn’t produce it, allowing them to pressure the Jiang family and him in the future. Fortunately, he had prepared for this. However, Jiang Zhong was currently negotiating with Xiao Yuexi, so he closed his eyes slightly, remaining silent to see Jiang Zhong’s intentions.
Jiang Zhong, unwilling to let the matter rest, suggested, “We can delay catching the thief. Why not ask Miss Xiao to write something for comparison?”
If it truly matched Xiao Xuexi’s handwriting, Jiang Changyi would be at fault, but the Xiao family couldn’t escape criticism for poor upbringing. Jiang Zhong had overheard the Old Madam and Madam Du privately discussing Xiao Xuexi’s questionable behavior. Initially dismissive, thinking it might be prejudice due to Jiang Changzhong, he now had serious doubts after today’s events.
Moreover, knowing the Xiao family’s style, they would likely use this opportunity to negotiate difficult terms for Xiao Xuexi’s future. Only Jiang Zhong knew Jiang Changyi’s true identity and that some things were beyond his reach. Additionally, his hard-earned reputation, already damaged by Jiang Changzhong, couldn’t afford further loss.
Xiao Yuexi’s anger flared. Was the old fox Jiang trying to pin this on Xiao Xuexi and prove his son’s innocence? He coldly replied, “Black can’t be made white, nor white black. I’m in no position to argue with the Duke of Zhu. Let’s wait for my father to arrive and discuss this further.”
His firm stance made Jiang Zhong uncertain, furrowing his brow. The situation seemed at an impasse.
Jiang Changyang cleared his throat. “I shouldn’t interfere, but since I’m here, I’ll speak up. Arguing over who’s right or wrong is pointless. The key is finding the most appropriate solution. Miss Xiao is young and beautiful, from a prestigious family. My third brother is refined and handsome, also of noble birth. They’re well-matched in talent and status—a perfect match. Why let minor issues damage the relationship between our families?”
Surprisingly, he was suggesting a marriage. Jiang Zhong looked at Jiang Changyang in astonishment, while Xiao Yuexi gritted his teeth in anger. Inside, Xiao Xuexi wept bitterly. Mudan suppressed a smile, saying nothing.
Jiang Changyi sighed deeply, speaking with apparent pain, “Actually, I did take the painting. The one in the warm pavilion now is mine.” Seeing several pairs of eyes turn to him, he quickly added, “I was so bold because the painting was meant for me. It gave me the courage to come to the appointment.”
Xiao Yuexi thought this was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard. How could the painting be for him? How could anyone be so shamelessly presumptuous?
Jiang Changyi continued, “Xiao Ba, lead them to retrieve the painting.” Xiao Ba obeyed, guiding Jiang Zhong’s and Xiao’s men to a nearby pavilion. They found the painting under a stone bench. Upon opening it, they saw it was indeed an ink plum blossom painting, with the seal “Xie Fang Zhu Ren” (Master of Plucking Fragrance).
However, the painting differed from what Mudan had seen earlier. In the corner were additional characters: “Gift for San Lang” (Third Son). The brushwork and style matched the poem perfectly, clearly by the same hand. Jiang Zhong compared it to the slip of paper he held and gave Xiao Yuexi a serious look. Realizing the danger, Xiao Yuexi reached for the paper. Jiang Zhong tossed it lightly, and Xiao Yuexi, ignoring the disrespect, picked it up. Seeing the handwriting matched that on the painting, he was furious, his eyes flashing with murderous intent towards Jiang Changyi. He was certain the dog had forged Xiao Xuexi’s writing.
Jiang Changyi, seeing the three characters, was overjoyed. While the slip of paper was part of the plan, he hadn’t known Xiao Xuexi would leave a painting in the warm pavilion. Taking it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had intended to make baseless claims just to verify the handwriting, but he hadn’t expected Liu Chang to arrange things so meticulously, not only preparing the slip but also adding to the painting. He was deeply impressed by Liu Chang’s efficiency.
Confident, he feigned another sigh, speaking wistfully, “I’ve seen many of Miss Xiao’s poems and paintings before and greatly admired her talent. She’s always been kind to me, but I never dared to hope. Today, when I arrived, someone directed me to the warm pavilion. Seeing this painting, I could hardly believe my eyes. Overjoyed, I boldly took it and left my own… Who knew that later… Alas, it’s all my fault.”
There’s a vast difference between being framed and actively flirting. Xiao Yuexi, gritting his teeth, grabbed Jiang Changyi’s collar. “You dog, you added those words! My sister has been virtuous since childhood and would never do such a thing. Even if she wanted to give you something, would she be so blatant? Your tactics are too clumsy.”
“I’m not clever enough to reason these things out,” Jiang Changyi shook his head. “I only know I’m not capable of this, and that this is her handwriting.”
Xiao Xuexi stopped crying and quickly sent someone out to say, “He Niang and Lu Fang saw me painting. They can testify.”
Everyone looked at Mudan, who said coolly, “I don’t understand or care about zithers, chess, poetry, or painting. I didn’t pay attention. Perhaps Young Master Lu knows.”
As for Lu Fang, once he sobered up and was told a few things, he’d realize he too had been tricked today. He’d be too angry to testify for Xiao Xuexi. The situation was getting worse. Xiao Yuexi simply tore up the painting and sneered, “These days, anything can be faked. If you’re determined to frame someone, you’ll find a way. My sister has been set up today. We’ll take the loss. The Xiao family can still support her.”
Seeing the Xiao family at a disadvantage, Jiang Zhong said, “I was confused earlier. Why argue about this? It seems someone is causing trouble behind the scenes, trying to set our two families against each other…” Xiao Yuexi raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Jiang Changyang, seeing that the two were moving to the next step of negotiating terms and reconciliation and that the marriage was essentially decided, called for Mudan to leave, as there was no more spectacle to watch.
As they had just taken a few steps, they heard Xiao Yuexi say coolly, “Congratulations on your family’s prosperous business, Miss He. May your Fang Garden have a grand opening.”
Mudan knew he had ill intentions and replied calmly, “As long as no one causes trouble, it will surely be a great success.”
Jiang Zhong, now understanding Mudan’s identity, frowned and gave her a cold look before turning to Jiang Changyang. “I’ll find you at Qujiang Pool later.”
Jiang Changyang neither agreed nor disagreed, only smiling at Mudan, “It doesn’t matter. Even if troublemakers appear, we’ll eliminate them all.” Then he led Mudan out, making no effort to hide his affection.
Jiang Zhong was furious, while Jiang Changyi was lost in thought. Was Jiang Changyang’s bold behavior a sign he truly intended to marry this woman? Or, seeing the situation as irreversible, was he putting on a show for Jiang Zhong, pretending not to care? But judging from Jiang Zhong’s reaction, he wouldn’t allow it, and the Old Madam wouldn’t agree either. What about Madam Du? What were her thoughts? And there was still her approval to consider when they returned… Jiang Changyi was absorbed in his thoughts, not caring how Jiang Zhong and Xiao Yuexi negotiated. The girl would surely end up in his hands. He couldn’t influence Jiang Zhong, but Xiao Yuexi wouldn’t let Xiao Xuexi be disadvantaged. Why should he worry about these trivial matters? He just needed to wait.
Let’s set aside how Jiang Zhong and Xiao Yuexi discussed the matter of Jiang Changyi and Xiao Xuexi. Mudan and Jiang Changyang left the garden, riding side by side. Fearing Mudan might be upset by Jiang Zhong’s earlier attitude, Jiang Changyang tried various ways to cheer her up. Mudan remained silent, only smiling as she enjoyed his attention. Jiang Changyang grew more anxious and whispered, “Don’t be angry and don’t mind him. With me here, I won’t let you be wronged. In a few days, the matchmaker will surely visit…”
Seeing his resolute tone, Mudan was pleased and chuckled softly, “I wasn’t thinking about that. I just think your third brother is truly impressive. He wrote those characters so identically, I couldn’t tell the difference. His mind is so meticulous, accomplishing this right under Xiao Yuexi’s nose. Not easy.”
Jiang Changyang smiled, “He couldn’t have done it alone. Someone helped him.” Suddenly, they heard a light laugh from behind. Shun Hou’er ingratiatingly said, “Young Master, you’re truly brilliant. How did I do writing those three characters ‘Gift for San Lang’?”
Mudan was startled. Shun Hou’er then slowly recounted how Jiang Changyi fell, entered the warm pavilion, painted, how Xiao Ba handed the painting to others, how that person instructed Xiao Ba, and how he followed, saw the person hide the painting, and instructed others to ensure today’s events went smoothly. He then clapped his hands and laughed, “I thought, since they prepared the slip and the drug in advance, arranging everything so well, I might as well help them a bit more, fulfilling the wishes of a passionate lover. It’s a good deed, so I added those three characters. Just to show Shun Hou’er was here.” Then, he admiringly looked at his own hands and sighed, “Oh hands, how can you be so clever?”
Jiang Changyang lightly whipped him, scolding in a low voice, “You’re ridiculous. Adding those characters was extremely clumsy.”
Shun Hou’er let out a shrill cry, coquettishly hiding behind Mudan. “Young Master, Master Xiao was so intimidating. I didn’t like him, so please help me get back at him.”
Jiang Changyang tilted his head arrogantly, “Granted.” Then he looked at Mudan pleadingly, “Dan’niang, shall we go see Pan Rong and Madam Bai?”
Mudan had been thinking the same thing but deliberately asked, “Aren’t you waiting for your father?”
Jiang Changyang replied, “If he can’t find me, he’ll wait. I just want to talk with you.” Mudan was pleased and couldn’t help but give him a sweet smile.
Meanwhile, Liu Chang was listening to a detailed account of the day’s events. After hearing everything, he burst into laughter, drank half a jar of wine in one go, and chuckled while holding his forehead, “Xiao Yuexi, you pride yourself on being infallible, yet you don’t realize how unpredictable human nature is. People die for wealth, birds die for food. How many truly loyal servants and righteous friends exist in this world? Money, money, money, truly a wonderful thing.”
Qiushi cautiously reminded him, “Young Master, the characters on the painting weren’t added by our people. They seemed to appear out of nowhere. Could our plan have leaked?”
Liu Chang waved his hand, “It doesn’t matter. Whoever added those characters must also have a grudge against their family.” He then smiled sinisterly, “After dealing with the small fry, we’ll handle the big fish.” He was certain to lose his official position, so he needed a scapegoat to feel better.