“My lady, the one in the sapphire robe is Young Master Pan. The noble lady beside him,” Yuer paused briefly, “you’ve met her before—it’s the Princess.”
Mudan smiled, gazing fearlessly at the group. She observed the Princess Qinghua. Around twenty years old, the princess had a stunning face, an elaborate hairstyle, and an alluring figure. Her attire was particularly luxurious: a wide-sleeved, floor-length gown of silver-threaded gauze, a low-cut yellow silk bodice revealing ample cleavage, and an eight-panel yellow silk skirt with silver embroidery, beneath which peeked delicate pearl-adorned shoes. A red silk shawl with silver embroidery fluttered in the breeze.
Like Mudan, Princess Qinghua wore no flowers in her hair. She only adorned a single, intricately designed hairpin with eight precious stones that swayed as she moved. She wore no other ornaments, not even makeup on her face. Yet as she stood there, all eyes were drawn to her. Her clothes and jewelry seemed mere accessories to her powerful presence and captivating beauty.
A woman attending such a competitive banquet without makeup could mean only two things: either she didn’t understand the rules, or she was supremely confident in her appearance, certain no one could outshine her. Princess Qinghua fell into the latter category. Mudan thought to herself that Liu Chang indeed had good taste, judging by appearances alone.
Princess Qinghua furrowed her brow slightly. She was also appraising Mudan. In her memory, Mudan had been a sickly, timid merchant’s daughter who spoke in a barely audible whisper. Though pampered and stubborn, she lacked confidence, always seeming weak and fearful in the princess’s presence, never daring to make eye contact, only secretly shedding tears. But the Mudan before her now was different from that impression. Her sickly aura had vanished, replaced by beauty and grace. Not only did she dare to look directly at the princess, but she also smiled calmly, carrying herself like the lady of the house.
Mudan approached, stopping three or four steps away from the group. She composed herself and properly curtsied to Princess Qinghua, saying, “Your Highness, I wish you ten thousand blessings.”
Princess Qinghua pretended not to hear, continuing to laugh and chat with Liu Chang, her body shaking with mirth. Pan Rong, stroking his chin, stared at Mudan and said with a smile, “Zishu, is this your wife? It’s been so long, and she’s blossomed beautifully. You’re a lucky man.”
At this, Princess Qinghua could no longer feign ignorance. She shot Pan Rong an annoyed glance and said coquettishly, “You’re quite the busybody, showing such concern for Zishu’s household affairs.” Noticing Liu Chang’s displeased expression, she waved her hand dismissively. “Well, this is a family gathering, so let’s not stand on ceremony. Otherwise, I’d be overwhelmed if everyone kept bowing to me.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Mudan said, then turned to Pan Rong and curtsied again. “Young Master Pan, I wish you ten thousand blessings.”
“Please, rise. No need for formalities,” Pan Rong said, making no effort to hide his admiration for Mudan. Shaking his head, he smiled and continued, “This is truly unexpected. Zishu, I must say your wife is every bit deserving of her position as the lady of the house.”
Liu Chang, hearing Pan Rong’s praise for Mudan and noticing the obvious jealousy in Princess Qinghua’s eyes, couldn’t help feeling a bit smug. However, he said, “What does she know? As long as she doesn’t embarrass us, that’s enough. Expecting her to take on significant responsibilities would be asking too much.”
Mudan, treating his words as pearls before swine, maintained a faint smile without even raising an eyebrow.
Lady of the house? A woman who had been married for three years without consummating the marriage? Princess Qinghua smiled sarcastically. Born of noble blood, she was the beloved niece of the current emperor, raised in luxury, and constantly surrounded by attendants. Naturally beautiful and intelligent, she had never failed to be the center of attention at any gathering, large or small, since coming of age. Today was no exception. As long as she was present, someone like Mudan was nothing more than a blade of grass to be trampled at will.
With this thought, Princess Qinghua smiled magnanimously. “Mudan, when I left home today, I had intended to follow custom and wear flowers in my hair. However, I couldn’t find any suitable blooms in my residence. I’ve heard you have a Weizihua in full bloom. I wonder if you’d be willing to give me one? Would you mind?”
Before Mudan could answer, Pan Rong mocked the princess: “Oh my, when I saw you without flowers earlier, I thought you were above such frivolities as relying on flowers for adornment. I was about to compliment you and the young madam here for being like lotuses rising from clear water. Who knew you’d dash my hopes so quickly?”
A flash of anger crossed Princess Qinghua’s face. She retorted coldly, “I’m asking for a flower from Zishu’s household. The lady of the house hasn’t spoken yet, so why are you meddling? Go away, you’re irritating me!”
Pan Rong remained unperturbed, simply smiling in response.
Seeing Mudan lower her eyes without speaking, Princess Qinghua leaned gracefully against Liu Chang. Covering her mouth with her fan, she glanced sideways at Mudan and said coyly, “It’s just one flower. Neither Mudan nor Lang Chang are saying anything. Could it be that you intend to give me the entire pot?”
Liu Chang hesitated briefly before saying slowly, “If you like it, I suppose it wouldn’t be out of the question…”
Mudan was furious. This scum of the Liu family! Without her permission, he dared to give away her dowry as a favor. Did he take her for a dead person? If it’s flowers today, what would it be next? She stepped forward, blocking Princess Qinghua’s path, and said with a forced smile, “Your Highness, while I’m honored by your interest, I’m afraid I must decline. Although this flower pot isn’t particularly valuable, it was part of the dowry given by my parents. Despite my foolishness, I dare not be unfilial. I hope Your Highness can forgive me!”
Mudan’s action surprised everyone present. This woman, known for her frailty, dared to defy both her husband and the princess simultaneously. Had she eaten a leopard’s gall for courage? Liu Chang frowned slightly as he looked at Mudan but didn’t appear particularly displeased.
Princess Qinghua let out a short laugh. Raising her pinky finger to poke Liu Chang’s face, she said in a coquettish voice, “Oh, Lang Chang, she refuses. Your words don’t seem to carry much weight. You don’t have much influence, do you?”
Liu Chang gently removed her hand and said softly, “Don’t make a scene.”
A flash of anger crossed Princess Qinghua’s face. She abruptly withdrew her hand and looked at Mudan with a cold smile. “My, my. One must indeed reassess after three days apart.”
Fearing Mudan might bring trouble upon herself, Mama Lin quickly stepped forward and grabbed her arm, saying repeatedly, “Young Madam, you’re being foolish! It may be part of your dowry, but it’s just a flower pot. If the princess favors it, it’s your good fortune. Hurry and thank her for the honor!”
Though Mama Lin’s words seemed to be urging Mudan to comply, they subtly highlighted that Princess Qinghua was forcefully taking someone else’s dowry. Pan Rong laughed heartily and said, “Qinghua, stop teasing her. Look, you’re about to make her cry.”
Mudan couldn’t recall having any particular relationship with Pan Rong, but today he had indeed been helping her consistently. Without dwelling on it, she followed his lead and said pitifully, “It’s my ignorance. Your Highness is a daughter of the imperial family. What rare treasures haven’t you seen? How could your garden lack such a common flower? Surely you wouldn’t argue with an ignorant woman like me over this. I don’t understand your jest.”
Liu Chang glanced at Mudan and reprimanded her in a low voice, “You uncouth thing!”
Mudan asked innocently, “Husband, what would be considered refined, then?”
Liu Chang was at a loss for words, glaring coldly at Mudan, who looked back at him with an earnest expression, as if sincerely seeking instruction.
Pan Rong laughed again, “Brilliant! Next time my wife scolds me like that, I’ll know just how to respond.”
Princess Qinghua glanced at Pan Rong and said with a smile, “Alright, alright! No matter how unruly I might be, I wouldn’t risk being labeled a bully over such an ordinary flower pot. Otherwise, those idle court officials would find another excuse to criticize me.” Without even looking at Mudan, she fanned herself and asked Liu Chang, “Aren’t we going to take our seats? Didn’t you say there was something particularly entertaining today? You’d better not be lying to me, or you’ll be in trouble!”
Liu Chang smiled, “When have I ever lied to you? If I said there would be something, there definitely will be. Don’t worry.”
The two of them left Mudan behind, arm in arm, acting as if she didn’t exist. Pan Rong approached Mudan and said with a smile, “You’ve indeed surprised me. Doesn’t it hurt you to see him treat you this way?”
Because he had spoken up for her several times, Mudan, though aware that he was cut from the same cloth as Liu Chang, didn’t dislike him too much. She smiled faintly and replied, “If Young Master Pan thinks I should be hurt, then I am. If you think I shouldn’t be, then I’m not.”
Pan Rong gave a derisive smile, “Being able to keep your life is already fortunate. To expect more would be greedy.” With that, he laughed heartily and walked away.
Mudan smiled coldly. Regardless of the personalities of the people around Liu Chang, they all seemed to think she had married above her station. But why was Pan Rong willing to help her? Although he didn’t seem entirely willing, he had helped nonetheless. And where was Li Xing? Why hadn’t he arrived yet? Could her earlier assumptions have been wrong?
Yuer carefully observed Mudan’s expression. She had expected Mudan to retreat to her quarters in despair as she had done in the past, but instead, Mudan stood there as still as a meditating monk. Concerned, she gently nudged Mudan, “Young Madam? Are you alright?”
Mudan smiled, “Of course I am.”
Yuer said, “Then shall I escort you inside? They’ve probably started the banquet by now.”
“Very well,” Mudan replied. She entered the banquet hall with the still-shaken Mama Lin and Yuhe. Inside, the feast had indeed begun. The household musicians had started playing, and Xiansu, now dressed in a flowing white gauze robe with wide sleeves, was performing the Green Waist Dance.
Delicate lotus parts the waves, scattered snow swirls in the wind. Undeniably, Xiansu danced beautifully, but few in the hall were watching her perform. Most were engaged in their conversations. Liu Chang and Princess Qinghua, in particular, were whispering to each other, heads close together, occasionally bursting into laughter. Who knows what they were up to?
Mama Lin trembled with anger. Even though Mudan had been invited to attend the banquet, her rightful seat at the head table had been usurped by this unexpected princess. Wasn’t this a slap in the face to Mudan?
Mudan was captivated by Xiansu’s dance, unaware that others were watching her. It was impossible not to notice her—while everyone else was seated, she alone stood still, her beauty and grace easily drawing attention. People soon inquired about her identity, learning that she was Liu Chang’s official wife, who had been living in semi-seclusion due to illness.
The crowd grew excited. This was getting interesting. Princess Qinghua had left her proper seat to squeeze in next to Liu Chang, boldly flirting and declaring their love so openly. Meanwhile, the beautiful, melancholic young wife gazed wistfully at her husband and his lover, wanting to speak but hesitating. What a dramatic scene!