Upon hearing that Madam Du had arrived, Jiang Changyi immediately rose and formally greeted her at the door, seemingly transformed into a different person. Xiao Xuexi was astonished but had to patiently walk forward to welcome her as well.
Madam Du smiled at the newlyweds, observing them closely. Jiang Changyi remained as cautious as ever, while Xiao Xuexi appeared displeased, her face filled with resentment. Glancing at the leftover food on the table, Madam Du smiled slightly and asked, “What’s wrong? Didn’t enjoy your meal? Is the food not to your liking?”
Jiang Changyi awkwardly replied, “It’s my fault…” He hadn’t expected Madam Du to visit their new quarters; otherwise, he would have let Xiao Xuexi go hungry.
Hearing him seemingly trying to cover for her, Xiao Xuexi interjected coolly, “I’ll get used to it eventually.” What kind of life was this, having to be so cautious about eating a meal in one’s own home?
Madam Du said sympathetically, “It’s natural to feel unfamiliar at first. Just like your sister-in-law, remember to speak up if anything isn’t to your liking. Don’t keep it to yourself and go hungry.”
Xiao Xuexi sensed a hidden meaning in these words and pondered. Did this imply that He Mudan could do as she pleased in the household? Say whatever she wanted? She made a mental note to investigate this further later.
Xiao Xuexi and Mudan were already at odds, and now Madam Du was using Mudan to provoke Xiao Xuexi—her intentions were truly malicious. Jiang Changyi suppressed his displeasure and changed the subject, “May I ask what brings you here, Mother?”
Madam Du sat down, smiling, and said, “I’m here for two matters. First, remember the imperial physician I mentioned to you the other day? It’s been arranged. He’ll come in a couple of days to examine Concubine Xian. However, I won’t be home as I’ll be offering incense, so Xuexi will need to attend to Concubine Xian then.”
“You’re too kind, Mother. Xuexi will certainly handle this well,” Jiang Changyi nudged Xiao Xuexi. Realizing she was expected to serve her husband’s concubine, Xiao Xuexi felt extremely displeased but had to contain herself, responding with a vague acknowledgment. Jiang Changyi shot her a dissatisfied glance before lowering his eyes dejectedly.
Which noble lady would willingly lower herself to serve a concubine of humble origins? Even if it were her husband’s birth mother, it wouldn’t be acceptable. This was a matter of propriety that legitimate wives and legitimate children strictly adhered to and fiercely protected. Xiao Xuexi must be feeling very upset. Madam Du observed this with satisfaction and continued, “Xuexi, are you satisfied with these rooms? Take a look around, and if there’s anything you don’t like, let me know.”
Xiao Xuexi realized Madam Du wanted to speak privately with Jiang Changyi about the second matter. She curtsied and left, quickly signaling to her maid. She then followed Cai Lian and Song Xiang to tour her new home, inquiring about Mudan’s behavior in the household. Song Xiang eagerly shared that Mudan had set up a small kitchen in Yingxue Hall, cooking whatever she pleased. She added enviously that only the old madam enjoyed such treatment in the household. Xiao Xuexi began plotting to arrange a similar kitchen for herself.
As soon as Xiao Xuexi left, Madam Du’s expression darkened. She said sternly, “Bai Xiang is dead.”
Jiang Changyi prepared for this, replied calmly, “I’ve heard, Mother.”
“It’s a pity for a young life to end so suddenly,” Madam Du stared at him, sighing heavily. “Is there anything you want to tell me?”
You know exactly what happened, why are you asking? Jiang Changyi felt conflicted and resentful. He wanted to laugh coldly, but meeting Madam Du’s eyes, he composed himself and shook his head slightly, “I have nothing to say, Mother…”
Madam Du suddenly slammed the table, “Nothing to say? You still deny it at this point?” Seeing Jiang Changyi’s expression change, she continued disappointedly, “You don’t know, do you? Bai Xiang’s family just caused a scene, accusing you of abandoning her after leading her on. You still won’t admit it?” She sighed softly, unable to continue, “Fortunately, they confronted me. If they had approached your father with his temper, and you’ve just gotten married…”
Jiang Changyi immediately knelt, pleading, “Mother, please help me. She was just a maid. If I had any intentions, I would have informed you long ago. How could I do such a dishonorable thing? Let the coroner examine—” Jiang Changyi regretted his words as soon as he spoke them. Although he and Bai Xiang were innocent, what if the examination revealed something? How would he explain then?
“You fool, once a coroner enters, what kind of rumors won’t spread?” Madam Du said coolly. “I believe you wouldn’t, but others are saying otherwise. Some claim you gave Bai Xiang that peace knot and even a vial of medicine.” She revealed a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve, studying Jiang Changyi’s reaction.
A bead of cold sweat formed on Jiang Changyi’s forehead. He hastily explained, “Mother, please understand. I gave her that when she was punished by Father. I saw how loyal she was to you, that’s why I gave it to her. No matter how unfilial I might be, I would never interfere in your household.”
Hearing this, Madam Du fell silent. After a moment, she said, “Your grandmother has questioned Jin Zhu and the others. She’ll likely summon Song Xiang soon.” She paused, “Even your sister-in-law’s servants have been questioned.”
Jiang Changyi didn’t understand how this involved Mudan and Jiang Changyang, so he remained silent, prepared for any possibility. He only realized one thing: this facade of maternal affection and filial piety couldn’t last much longer.
Seeing his composure, Madam Du stood up, “Very well. I just wanted to know if you were truly involved. If not, we’ll handle it one way; if you were… that would be different. Now I’m reassured.”
“I wasn’t involved, Mother,” Jiang Changyi firmly denied. As soon as he escorted Madam Du out, he turned to find Xiao Xuexi glaring at him furiously from the doorway.
Jiang Changyi stared at Xiao Xuexi without speaking. She didn’t care for him; this was merely territorial behavior.
Finally finding an outlet for her pent-up frustration, Xiao Xuexi laughed coldly and knocked over a nearby flower stand. The maids scattered at the sight. Jiang Changyi, without a word, toppled another flower stand and shattered a tea set.
Surprised by his even worse temper despite his apparent guilt, Xiao Xuexi studied Jiang Changyi curiously. He glanced at her and said, “You believed her? That’s exactly what she wanted. She came to upset you, to make us hate each other.” He then called for Cai Lian to clean up, but when she entered, he lowered his voice, instructing her to gather information: what the old madam said, the steward’s account, any connection to the elder branch, when Bai Xiang’s family arrived, how they caused trouble, what compensation they received, who cleaned Bai Xiang’s room, and what items were found.
Seeing him methodically arrange matters, Xiao Xuexi’s anger gradually subsided. He wasn’t completely useless after all. She decided to deal with Madam Du first. If someone didn’t want her to live well, she would ensure they didn’t either.
Madam Du stood at the courtyard entrance, hearing the commotion and crashing sounds inside. She calmly told her servant, “See what’s broken and replace it for them.”
Just as it seemed the matter would be concluded after Xiao Xuexi paid respects at the family temple the next day, Mudan had her people prepare to leave once the ceremony was over. Jiang Yunqing entered with only Xiang Cheng, and seeing Lin Mama packing, sat quietly to the side and asked, “Sister-in-law, when are you leaving?”
Mudan smiled, “Right after tomorrow’s temple ceremony.”
Jiang Yunqing hesitated before asking, “Will you visit often in the future?” Realizing how unrealistic that sounded, she sighed softly, “I’m being silly. Your condition makes it difficult.”
Understanding Jiang Yunqing’s reluctance to stay in this household, Mudan offered, “Would you like to stay with me for a few days? If so, I’ll have your brother speak to the old madam about bringing you over after these events.” The old madam surely wouldn’t refuse.
“That would be nice,” Jiang Yunqing’s face brightened. She wanted to say more but hesitated, instead asking, “Where’s my brother?”
Mudan replied with a smile, “He’s in the study.” Noticing Jiang Yunqing’s troubled expression, she added, “If you have something to say, just tell me.”
Jiang Yunqing stammered, “Please don’t take this to heart. I just want to warn you.” She glanced outside and lowered her voice, “People are saying that Bai Xiang encountered some trouble and sought your help, but you not only refused to see her, you had Lin Mama scold her harshly, calling her shameless. They say Bai Xiang, unable to bear it, jumped into the lake.”
Lin Mama’s face turned green with anger. When had she ever scolded Bai Xiang? Those spreading such rumors were the truly shameless ones. They could twist anything to implicate Mudan. But in Jiang Yunqing’s presence, she couldn’t be disrespectful and had to swallow her anger.
Mudan was also taken aback. After a moment of silence, she asked, “What exactly was she seeking my help for? What are people saying?”
Blushing, Jiang Yunqing replied, “Some say she offended Madam Du, others say she and Third Brother… um, that the jade pendant was from him. Her family is also causing trouble, but Madam Du has suppressed it.” She was too embarrassed to continue.
“Rumors are just rumors. The truth will come to light soon,” Mudan could guess what people were saying. Undoubtedly, they claimed Jiang Changyi had seduced and abandoned Bai Xiang, who then sought Mudan’s help before the wedding. Mudan, unwilling to cause trouble, heartlessly refused, leaving Bai Xiang desperate. She then jumped into the lake near Jiang Changyi’s new quarters, carrying his token. This explanation accounted for why Bai Xiang died there.
Jiang Yunqing, still a young lady, blushed deeply after revealing all this, feeling somewhat awkward. “Third Brother isn’t that kind of person, and neither are you.” Bai Xiang was Madam Du’s servant; her family would say whatever Madam Du wanted. She felt certain that Madam Du had driven Bai Xiang to her death, then seized the opportunity to frame Jiang Changyi while also smearing Mudan’s reputation. Although it was just a maid’s death, and noble families in the capital often had such incidents, she felt deeply uneasy. How much must Madam Du hate them to cause such constant trouble? She shuddered at the thought.