Jiang Zhong had been pondering this issue for days. It seemed Jiang Changyang couldn’t be relied upon, leaving only Jiang Changyi. However, even if he were to submit a petition now, Du wouldn’t agree. They needed to wait a bit longer. After a long silence, Jiang Zhong said, “Let’s discuss this again in a few days.”
The Old Madam coughed violently, struggling to catch her breath before weakly saying, “Let’s settle this soon. After all, this is our family matter. The Du family has no right to interfere now.”
Jiang Zhong sighed, “True, but Zhong’er was just buried. Rushing this matter now would seem heartless. Taking it slow benefits everyone.”
The Old Madam sighed, tears flowing, “How did our family end up in this situation?”
Jiang Zhong had no response. After a long, somber silence, he finally said, “For now, let’s not mention the adoption to Yi’er and the others. Let’s focus on handling Zhong’er’s affairs first.”
The Old Madam agreed not to bring it up.
As February arrived, the weather grew warmer day by day. The Jiang and Wang families arranged a marriage alliance, pairing Jiang Changzhong with the late second daughter of the Wang family. Both families exchanged marriage documents and held a ceremony to inform the deceased. They chose an auspicious time to gather the remains for joint burial. Thus, Jiang Changzhong now had a spouse and was no longer alone. Madam Du finally felt relieved of one worry.
After transferring all the flowers ordered by Jin Buyan and settling the accounts, she handed over all of Fang Garden’s affairs to Yuhe. She only sent someone to check occasionally, offering support when needed. As her pregnancy progressed, her belly grew noticeably larger than others, causing discomfort. She couldn’t help but stay home to rest, yet she still forced herself to walk in the garden for over an hour daily, maintaining her routine otherwise.
One evening, as Jiang Changyang left the Ministry of War and mounted his horse, he heard someone call out politely from behind, “Langzhong Jiang.”
Turning, he saw it was Du Qian. Knowing Du wouldn’t approach without reason and noting that he wasn’t pulling rank as an uncle, Jiang Changyang dismounted and greeted him, “Shilong Du.”
Du Qian said, “I’ve acquired a bottle of fine wine from the Western Regions. No one knows its origin, but since you’re from the Anxi Protectorate, you might recognize it. I’ve prepared a modest feast and invite you to come to appreciate it with me.”
Jiang Changyang knew the wine tasting was just an excuse and wondered what the Du family wanted. After a brief consideration, he smiled and said, “I fear my limited knowledge might disappoint you.”
“Not at all, not at all!” Du Qian was delighted that Jiang Changyang seemed to accept and eagerly led the way. Jiang Changyang asked someone to inform Mudan that he wouldn’t be home for dinner.
Hearing that Jiang Changyang had gone with Du Qian, Mudan speculated that it was likely about the inheritance issue. With Jiang Changzhong gone, only Jiang Changyi remained, so there wasn’t much uncertainty. She wondered if Du Qian was supporting Jiang Changyi’s inheritance or trying to persuade Jiang Changyang to compete for it. Notably, Madam Du hadn’t made any moves since Jiang Changzhong’s death, apart from arranging his ghost marriage. Had she resigned herself to the situation? Rumors suggested that Xiao Xuexi now ruled Guo’s mansion, with everyone, even the patient Jiang Yunqing, showing signs of discontent. Yet, there were no reports of conflicts between Madam Du and Xiao Xuexi.
Jiang Changyang returned home quickly, less than an hour later. Mudan greeted him, smiling, “Why are you back so soon?”
“We only sat together to discuss business. Once that was done, I left. Who has the mood to drink and chat?” Jiang Changyang washed his hands and gently caressed Mudan’s protruding belly, smiling, “Has our little one behaved today?”
Mudan replied happily, “It was a bit naughty, kicking me several times this morning. It’s quiet now, probably asleep. I fear it’ll kick me again at night, its sleep schedule seems reversed.”
Jiang Changyang teased, “My wife knows best when our little one sleeps and wakes.”
Seeing he didn’t understand, Mudan ignored his jest and asked with a smile, “What did Du Qian want?”
Jiang Changyang smirked, “The Du family truly has a good brother. Even the most vicious people have someone who cares for them.” After some drinks, Du Qian surprisingly knelt before him, apologizing on Madam Du’s behalf and begging for mercy towards her when Jiang Changyang would inherit the title.
“She’s only cruel to others, not to her flesh and blood. Of course, someone cares for her,” Mudan frowned. “What’s the Du family’s intention? They know we’ve said we won’t inherit the title. Do they suspect you’re not being truthful?”
Jiang Changyang replied, “They’re testing us. I refused outright. Even if the Emperor asked, I wouldn’t agree.” After his refusal, Du Qian shared some information: if Jiang Changyi’s unborn child was a boy, they planned to adopt him to Jiang Changzhong. Even if it wasn’t, they intended to adopt the eldest legitimate son to the second branch in the future. In other words, this was the Du family’s condition for allowing Jiang Changyi to smoothly inherit the title.
While Jiang Changyi’s response was unknown, it was certain that Xiao Xuexi would object. Mudan pondered for a moment, then said, “I find the Du family’s attitude strange.” Given Madam Du’s well-known hatred for her and Jiang Changyang, even extending to their unborn child, it was surprising that the Du family now approached Jiang Changyang in a seemingly conciliatory manner. Could it be that Madam Du’s influence was waning, forcing her to compromise? She felt Du Qian’s actions severely contradicted Madam Du’s character.
Jiang Changyang’s mood soured slightly. He sighed softly, “Heaven’s vengeance has a way out, but there’s no escape from self-inflicted retribution. We shouldn’t concern ourselves with them.”
Mudan sensed his unease, “What do you mean?”
“I fear this situation won’t end well for anyone. The real drama is yet to come,” Jiang Changyang shook his head, reaching for a book. “Let’s not dwell on it. I’ll read to the baby.”
Mudan set aside her concerns and smiled, leaning closer, “Read nicely.”
“What counts as nice?” Jiang Changyang gently flicked her forehead and kissed her lips softly, saying tenderly, “How about I fetch some bamboo leaves and play the leaf whistle for you both?”
Mudan laughed, “Wonderful! Play ten songs, and make them all sound good.”
Jiang Changyang sighed, “You think I’m a professional? It’s not easy to just start playing tunes.”
Mudan smiled coyly, “In my eyes, everything comes easily to you.”
Hearing this, Jiang Changyang’s heart stirred. He cupped Mudan’s face, gazing at her intently. Mudan blinked, smiling expectantly, waiting for some sweet words after her compliment. Instead, Jiang Changyang studied her face seriously, then pinched her cheeks and chin playfully, saying, “Bai and round, like a silver platter. Soft and smooth, like a ball of dough.”
Mudan’s romantic mood instantly vanished. Annoyed, she pinched his waist hard, “I’ve changed my mind. Now you have to play twenty songs.”
Jiang Changyang exaggeratedly pleaded, “I’ll run out of breath!”
The woman fiercely roared, “I don’t care! You’re not sleeping until you play twenty!”
The man timidly begged, “My lady, I was wrong…”
Kuan’er and Shu’er, listening from behind the curtain, covered their mouths to stifle their laughter. They went to pick clean bamboo leaves and brought them in, then settled behind the curtain to listen to the leaf whistle performance.
The next evening, as Jiang Changyang returned home, Shun Hou’er hurried to meet him, whispering, “We’ve found out. A few days after the Second Young Master’s coffin returned home, Liu Shu met with Du Qian. Within two days, the Du family sent someone to the Anbei Protectorate.”
Just as he had suspected, Du Qian’s actions were likely based on some discovery. Today’s probe was just the first step; there would surely be more to come. The Xiao family thought they had covered all their tracks, unaware that Prince Jing’s people had noticed. This time, the Du and Xiao families had truly become enemies. However, Liu Chang had been unusually active lately, his presence felt everywhere, involving himself in every matter. After pondering for a moment, Jiang Changyang said, “Keep an eye on him. Tell Pan Er’ye to reserve a table at Xi Shi Mi Ji tomorrow and invite Liu Shu for a gathering.”
Shun Hou’er immediately ran off to find Pan Rong at the Chu Zhou Hou’s mansion.
Liu Chang lowered his head, twirling the colored glass cup in his hand, the dark red grape wine refracting light like a ruby. He narrowed his eyes slightly, a cryptic smile playing on his lips, “Jiang Dalong wants to invite me?”
Pan Rong smiled, “Yes, right here at your Mi Ji. Make sure you prepare the best. Don’t make me lose face.”
Liu Chang scoffed coldly, “What face do you have to lose? Back then, you could still scheme and manipulate me at will. Now that you’re following him, all you do is wag your tail.”
Pan Rong laughed, throwing a handful of dried fruits at his face, “That’s because you lack ability! Are you jealous? Envious? Then show me some skills! If you’re worth following, I’ll wag my tail for you too. If you have the guts, say that in front of him.”
Liu Chang deflected the fruits with his sleeve and drained his cup in one gulp. He said flatly, “It was just a joke. Why are you so worked up?” Why would he provoke Jiang Changyang now? Did he have nothing better to do? Since pledging allegiance to Prince Jing last year, he has truly experienced what it felt like to be valued. After over a year of maneuvering, he now had a group of people dependent on him. Unlike his former associates, these were capable individuals who could get things done. He was no longer the reckless youth who acted impulsively without considering consequences, always being used as a pawn. Now, before taking any step, he carefully considered all angles, always wary of being discarded as a scapegoat. In short, anyone could fail or suffer, but it wouldn’t be him.
Having been friends for many years, Pan Rong understood the unspoken words. He sighed, looking at Liu Chang with some pity, “Is this how you plan to spend the rest of your life?” Rumors about the Qinghua Princess were rampant, and Liu Chang’s cuckoldry was glaringly obvious.
Liu Chang felt irritated. Frowning, he said, “What else can I do? Tell Jiang Dalong there’s no need for dinner. I know what he wants to ask. Tell him this…”