As spring drew to a close, Liu Chang, the newly appointed Director of the Ministry of Revenue’s Department of Gold, planned to host a grand peony banquet at his recently completed villa. Many prominent figures in the capital received invitations. The villa, situated beside the Huangqu Canal, was said to house famous flowers and rare stones. Despite taking three years and costing a fortune to build, it had already gained a reputation for its splendor when only half-finished.
Amusingly, the villa’s walls were only an arrow’s flight from those of Minister Jiang Changyang’s Fang Yuan Garden. Liu Chang had purchased nearby farmland and houses at high prices, deliberately setting up a rivalry with Fang Yuan Garden. Given Liu Chang’s history with Jiang Changyang’s wife, Madam He (known as Peony Madam and the true owner of Fang Yuan Garden), curious onlookers had tried to peek into this villa that reportedly consumed much of Liu Chang’s wealth and efforts. However, they were always firmly refused entry.
With countless people left in suspense, today they finally received invitations to satisfy their curiosity. How could this not excite the many gossip-lovers and busybodies? Thus, well before the appointed time, many people set out from the city on horseback or by carriage, heading towards Liu’s villa.
Upon arrival, everyone instinctively paused to glance at the nearby Fang Yuan Garden. Bathed in morning sunlight and surrounded by willows like green clouds, Fang Yuan’s white walls and blue tiles seemed unremarkable compared to Liu’s resplendent villa. Yet, all these visitors had been to Fang Yuan before and knew what lay beyond its gates. The rare stones alone were awe-inspiring, not to mention the priceless and rare peonies. So what did Liu’s villa possess to challenge such a renowned garden? This question piqued everyone’s curiosity.
While people were interested in comparing the two gardens, they were even more intrigued by what drama might unfold from this rivalry. Who would emerge victorious? Liu Chang and Jiang Changyang had been competing openly and secretly for years, with Liu losing eight times out of ten and tying twice. Most would have given up, but Liu grew more determined with each defeat. This time, he was intent on making the Jiang family uncomfortable. Everyone eagerly anticipated the spectacle to come.
So, after briefly observing the tranquil Fang Yuan Garden, the guests entered Liu’s villa with smiles. Inside, they were truly amazed. The pavilions, flowing streams, exotic flowers, and strange rocks rivaled those of Fang Yuan Garden. Some aspects were even more exquisite and ingenious. The most extravagant feature was a pavilion made of agarwood, its fragrance noticeable from over 50 meters away, delighting the senses. Although the blooming peonies by the pavilion couldn’t match the rare varieties in Fang Yuan Garden, the beautiful women frolicking among the flowers and trees captivated everyone’s attention.
All knew Liu Chang was wealthy, but few realized the extent of his riches. These beauties came from all corners of the land – dark and fair, tall and short, plump and slender, coy and alluring, elegant and dignified. They wore fine silks, exuded exotic fragrances, and their every gesture enchanted the soul. For a moment, guests were torn between admiring the flowers or the beauties.
Before the appointed time, a clear melody drifted from the agarwood pavilion, ethereal as if from another world. Some turned to see a stunningly beautiful woman sitting in the pavilion, holding a jade flute and smiling radiantly. Upon recognizing her, many were shocked, exchanging glances and quietly seeking information. It seemed today’s flower banquet would not end peacefully.
In a tall building nearby, Liu Chang reclined on a soft couch by the window, wearing a crimson robe and holding a cup. He smiled smugly, watching the beauty in the pavilion and the whispering guests. He had anticipated this sensational effect, and it was truly satisfying. He took a sip of the twenty-year-old wine, smooth with a slight burn in the throat. A warm sensation spread through his body, leaving him content. He longed to see the expressions of the couple next door when they saw this woman, especially that hypocrite Jiang Changyang, who would surely be furious.
With this thought, Liu Chang turned to look out another window. On the other side stood Fang Yuan Garden, serene and lush with flowers and trees. Occasionally, he saw visitors strolling along flower-lined paths or carefully examining the blooms. Regardless of their attire, all shared one trait: they moved cautiously, as if afraid to harm even a blade of grass.
Liu Chang drained his cup, thinking bitterly that no matter how refined they appeared, they were just cheap folk who paid a mere hundred coins to view flowers and rocks. How could they compare to his opulent gathering? He couldn’t understand why Peony Madam insisted on this hundred-coin business instead of the more profitable option of renting out the entire garden. Scholars and artists were one thing, but most visitors were just common merchants and civilians. What a waste of fine flowers and stones.
Seeing his empty cup, a beauty beside him refilled it with wine and coquettishly offered to feed him. Irritated, he pushed away her snow-white, slender hand and stood by the window, looking down.
His gaze swept past Fang Yuan’s visitors and landed wistfully on a corner of the garden. It was a small, unremarkable courtyard with an old elm tree providing shade, making it appear especially cool and tranquil under the scorching sun. His eyes were fixed on this courtyard, unable to look away. He knew that every year during the late spring and early summer when peonies bloomed, she usually stayed there. He tapped the windowsill unconsciously. It was almost time; why hadn’t Jiang Changyang and Peony Madam come out yet? The garden seemed too quiet, as if uninhabited.
After a long while, two small figures in pink clothes emerged from under the eaves, running happily to the elm tree in the center of the garden. They crouched down, seemingly occupied with something. From just this tiny hint of pink, Liu Chang recognized them as the Jiang family’s little troublemakers.
With the children out, the adults would soon follow. He gritted his teeth and waited patiently. Sure enough, moments later, a figure in dark blue strode out confidently, pausing to speak to someone behind. This was Jiang Changyang; Liu would recognize him anywhere. Liu drained his cup, watching as a graceful figure in purple emerged, leading a chubby child in pea green.
Liu Chang involuntarily pursed his lips. Peony Madam was quite fertile and fortunate, having given Jiang Changyang another plump son. He had attended the child’s third-day celebration, remembering him as a sleepy infant. Now, in a blink, the boy was walking.
Jiang Changyang bent to pick up the chubby boy. Peony Madam leaned in, one arm affectionately around his waist, the other on the child’s head, kissing his cheek. The two children under the tree ran to their parents, tugging at their sleeves and clamoring. Peony Madam crouched down to kiss each of their faces. Satisfied, the children then pointed at Jiang Changyang, saying something. Peony Madam looked up at him.
From this distance, Liu Chang couldn’t make out their expressions, but he knew what they were doing – exchanging sickeningly loving glances, no doubt. Finding it unbearable, he slammed the window shut. Sons and daughters? What’s so special about that? He had several, more than their family. His children were fatter, bigger, taller, fairer, and smarter than theirs.
“My lord?” The startled beauty beside him cautiously asked, “It’s almost time. Are you going down to greet the guests?”
Almost time? Liu Chang looked at her dubiously, receiving a firm confirmation in her eyes. He rushed to the window, his mood improving as he watched the family. Hmph, they looked ready to attend the banquet, just soothing the children first. He’d make them as uncomfortable as they made him. But he froze, noticing the family seemed to be looking in his direction. Jiang Changyang appeared to wave at him.
Liu Chang instinctively ducked, then straightened up defiantly. He was just observing from his building, doing nothing wrong. Though he knew they couldn’t see his expression clearly, he smiled challengingly at Jiang Changyang and winked flirtatiously at Peony Madam. Come on, he thought, I’ll infuriate you, make you sick with anger. Imagining Jiang Changyang’s instantly darkened face sent a thrill of joy through him.
Despite the beauty’s urgent reminders, he watched until Jiang Changyang and Peony Madam left their courtyard before relaxing. Elated, he spread his arms, allowing the beauty to adjust his clothes. He then descended the stairs, radiantly greeting guests, basking in their flattery, inhaling the mingled scents of agarwood, wine, flowers, and perfume, and admiring the beauty in the pavilion. He felt almost euphoric. Silently, he counted: one, two, three, four, five… Why hadn’t Jiang Changyang arrived yet?