As time passed, the weather grew increasingly hot. Even in the early morning, it was hardly cool. Sitting in the shade of the corridor, examining peony seeds in a gauze basket, she was in a good mood. The seed pods had changed from crab-yellow to brown, and the skin was cracking open. The after-ripening process was progressing well, just waiting for the right time to sow.
Sun Shi came over joyfully, saying, “Aunt Li has bought a new house and is moving. Since it’s also the Qixi Festival, she’s invited everyone in the family. I hear many people will attend. Danniang, are you going?”
She had been feeling restless lately. With the Fang Garden project progressing smoothly, Mudan didn’t need to visit often, and she was busy with peony seeds, so it had been a long time since they’d gone out together. Seeing this opportunity for an outing, she was eager to go and enjoy herself.
Mudan continued working as she replied with a smile, “Of course, we should go to Aunt’s housewarming. How could we not?”
Sun Shi, seeing that Mudan was answering but her mind was on her work, lightly tapped her with a fan handle and smiled, “Mother is calling for you.”
Mudan instructed Kuan’er and Shu’er to carefully store the peony seeds in a cool, ventilated place, then followed Sun Shi to the front.
Madam Cen was discussing with Madam Xue and Madam Bai what gifts would be appropriate for Li Manniang’s housewarming. Madam Zhen, Madam Li, and others were leading some of the older girls in a discussion about what to wear that day. Everyone was talking enthusiastically, clearly attaching great importance to this housewarming party.
Seeing Mudan approach, Madam Cen pulled her to sit beside her and said, “Your aunt is moving, and your uncle has just been promoted. Many people will attend the banquet, including girls from noble families.”
She paused, looking at Mudan affectionately: “Most of these people are friends of your uncle and aunt. Your cousin might receive an official appointment after the New Year.”
Since Li Xing was to be appointed, it meant it was time for him to start a family. With the Princess Consort of Prince Ning having just been buried, the Li family hadn’t had a chance to arrange this for Li Xing. Now, with Li Manniang’s husband’s promotion, the move, and the Qixi Festival all coinciding, it was the perfect opportunity to legitimately invite all potential noble girls together, allowing Madam Cui to choose a daughter-in-law and for the other families to consider Li Xing, facilitating a good match.
Mudan quickly understood the key points and smiled slightly, “It sounds like it will be lively.”
Madam Cen looked at her and said, “We must go.” Moving and house-warming were grand affairs, and as close relatives, they couldn’t possibly attend to offer congratulations. Even if they didn’t want to face Madam Cui, they had to attend for Li Manniang’s sake. Fortunately, many relatives of the Li family and Li Manniang’s husband’s family would be there, including many merchants, so they wouldn’t necessarily have to interact with the official families, sparing Mudan much awkwardness.
Mudan smiled, “Of course, we should go. What nice gift is Mother preparing for Aunt?”
Madam Cen, seeing Mudan’s calm demeanor, relaxed a bit and smiled, “What else but our family’s old specialty?”
Mudan fanned herself and smiled, “Another Xiangshan?”
Madam Cen laughed, “What else? There’s nothing else suitable. We can’t appreciate calligraphy or antiques, and your aunt and uncle don’t care for such things. It’s better to give something practical.” She paused and continued, “Your aunt has invited Ruiniang, Hanniang, Awen, Achun, and Alie to help her on a moving day. We should give them new clothes. I thought everyone could have a new outfit made. What kind would you like?”
Mudan smiled, “I don’t need one. I have many dresses I haven’t worn yet. Making so many would be wasteful.” She wasn’t going to be the main character, and she indeed had many new clothes she hadn’t worn.
Madam Cen frowned slightly, “Everyone else is having one made. How can you not? Why don’t we choose some nice fabric in a light color? What do you think?”
Mudan looked back to see all her sisters-in-law and nieces staring at her eagerly, afraid that if she insisted on not having one made, they would all miss out. She couldn’t help but laugh and say, “Then I’ll do as Mother says.”
Madam Cen said with satisfaction, “That’s right.” Seeing Mudan’s natural and generous attitude, she felt proud of her daughter, and her mood improved. She turned to tease her daughters-in-law and granddaughters, “Haven’t I made enough seasonal clothes for you all? Look at you all acting like this, you’re going to be the death of me.”
Madam Bai quickly got up to massage Madam Cen’s shoulders and legs, sweetly saying, “Of course, Mother has made us plenty of new clothes. I still have several good sets I haven’t worn. But one can never have enough clothes. We don’t notice it usually, but at crucial times we always feel unsatisfied. We just have to take advantage of Aunt’s big move to get something nice from you.”
Seeing Madam Cen in a good mood, Madam Xue and the others gathered around, competing to say flattering things, each sweeter than the last. Madam Zhen, however, had her agenda. Her two daughters, Huiniang and Yunniang, were growing up and could start considering marriage prospects. She wanted to take this opportunity to dress them up nicely and get some accessories, so she subtly steered the conversation towards ornaments.
Madam Cen had originally intended to add some accessories for each woman in the family but hadn’t mentioned it, waiting for them to bring it up. Now that Madam Zhen had mentioned it, she readily agreed, saying she would have the eldest son select some sese and pearls to make an item for each of them, letting them decide on the designs themselves. This announcement pushed the room’s atmosphere to its peak, with everyone imagining how they would look in their finery on that day, filled with anticipation.
While the He family women were busy selecting fabrics and accessories, and Madam Cen was carefully preparing an outfit for Mudan that was both exquisite and modest, with colors that weren’t too eye-catching, the Li household was also bustling with activity.
Madam Cui was racking her brains and running around, eager to use Li Manniang’s move as an opportunity to gather all potential good families for a match, bringing their eligible daughters for her to consider, determined to choose a daughter-in-law with both talent and good background. To make Li Xing more presentable, she had to dress him up well. Early in the morning, she had people keep Li Xing at home, called for someone to take his measurements for new clothes, and brought out a pile of good fabrics, pulling Li Manniang in to help her choose carefully.
Li Xing knew exactly what Madam Cui was up to. Although he was thoroughly displeased, he couldn’t argue with her. He reluctantly endured having his measurements taken, listlessly listening to Madam Cui excitedly discuss with Li Manniang which fabric would suit him best and which color would complement him most. Usually fond of dressing up, he now found the whole process annoying and wished he didn’t have to do it at all.
Li Yuan entered from outside, immediately seeing his extremely excited wife and sister talking non-stop, his son standing to the side letting them push him around and hold fabrics against him with a gloomy expression, and his two nephews sitting off to the side, amused by the scene. He coughed lightly and said, “Xingzhi, don’t you have anything to do today? Why are you just sitting here?”
Hearing this, Li Xing was overjoyed, thinking he was finally free. He quickly said, “I was just about to leave. Father, are you going to the prince’s mansion for work? We can go together.”
Li Yuan did have something to discuss with him, so he nodded, “Let’s go.”
Madam Cui hadn’t finished her comparisons when she saw her husband taking their son away. She was about to protest when Li Manniang gently pulled her back, whispering, “Let Big Brother talk to him. Otherwise, he might run off on that day, and where would you find him then?”
Realizing this made sense, Madam Cui stopped and said glumly, “Let’s get something nice for ourselves too.”
As the father and son left the main house side by side, their servants hurried to prepare the horses and travel necessities. Li Yuan walked with his hands behind his back, saying calmly, “Still thinking about her?”
Li Xing’s heart tightened, but he feigned ignorance with a smile, “Thinking about what?”
Li Yuan glanced at him coolly and said bluntly, “Thinking about Danniang from the He family!”
Li Xing pressed his lips together stubbornly, neither confirming nor denying.
Seeing his son’s tacit admission, as expected, Li Yuan sighed lightly and said, “In life, things rarely go as we wish. A true man must know how to make choices!” He paused, his tone growing serious, “When successful, one should help the world; when unsuccessful, one should cultivate oneself. Haven’t you always felt it unfair how merchants are looked down upon? Don’t you think people shouldn’t look down on merchant families? This can’t be changed overnight. If you want to change their views, it’s impossible with your current status and position!”
Li Xing felt somewhat troubled. Of course, he knew all this. He also wanted to continue advancing, to do better, so that one day, most people would listen calmly to his views and help realize his ideals. But couldn’t he achieve this through his efforts? Why bring all this up now?
Li Yuan pursed his lips, his face full of skepticism. Knowing his son’s thoughts, he said, “You probably think you can achieve success on your own merits. But success isn’t just about effort. Opportunities are limited and not easily given. Why take ten or even a hundred steps when you can reach your goal in five?”
Li Xing sharply retorted, “Did you consider all this when you married Mother? Did you settle for her because you couldn’t marry into a prestigious family? Though your career has been difficult, can you say Mother hasn’t helped you at all these years?”
Li Yuan raised his hand to stop Li Xing’s argument. He said seriously, “Times have changed. My situation then was different from yours now. I know the hardships I’ve endured, which is why I don’t want you to repeat them. I admit Danniang is a good woman and suitable for you in age and appearance, but does she truly care for you?”
Li Xing felt bitter. If not for his family’s opposition and Madam Cui’s inexplicable words, how could his relationship with Mudan have come to this?
Ignoring Li Xing’s thoughts, Li Yuan continued, “If she truly cared for you, she wouldn’t be an obstacle. If she wanted to be with you and cared about your future, she wouldn’t make such demands.” He smiled, “If you both truly want to be together, I’m not forbidding it. She just needs to take a small step back.”
Li Xing’s face suddenly flushed. If Danniang cared for him and was willing to compromise, did that mean becoming his concubine? His emotions were mixed – irritation, heartache, and a strong sense of defeat.
Noticing the change in Li Xing’s expression, Li Yuan smiled slightly, “But would she agree? Would the He family allow it?” The He family doted on Mudan; how could they let her become someone’s concubine, subject to a primary wife’s temper? Mudan, once the principal wife of a high-ranking official, had refused to yield then. After all her struggles, how could she be willing to become a concubine in a family like theirs? It was laughable!
Li Xing could imagine what his father was thinking. He looked up at his cunning father, his face reddening as he said, “Father, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Why beat around the bush?”
Seeing his son’s anger, Li Yuan’s face also hardened. He snorted coldly, “To be frank, the Qinghe Wu family will also be sending someone! This is a rare opportunity, one that others would beg for!”
Li Xing struggled to control his anger, “I never knew we had connections with the Qinghe Wu family!”
Li Yuan stared at him intently, countering, “We didn’t before, but we will now. This person was mentioned by the former Qin Imperial Consort.”
Li Xing’s head buzzed. He laughed coldly, “I suspect it’s a daughter from a minor branch. Even if she marries into our family, she might not give you what you want.”
Ignoring Li Xing’s resentment, Li Yuan spoke casually, “While legitimate daughters from the five great clans are rare, this one happens to be a perfect match in all aspects. Don’t be hasty; they might not even approve of you. I’m just giving you advance notice. You should know what to do. You’re already twenty-one; we can’t delay any longer. I’m not seeking glory, but I know what’s best for you. Moreover, you should understand our family’s current situation. Some things are beyond our control.” With that, Li Yuan cracked his whip and left Li Xing behind.
Li Xing stood motionless for a moment, then gritted his teeth. He too cracked his whip fiercely and galloped away, quickly leaving Cang Mountain and Luo Mountain far behind.
Before long, the Double Seventh Festival arrived. Early that morning, the He family’s courtyard bustled with activity. Adults and children donned new clothes, while the women adorned themselves with elaborate jewelry and strong perfumes. The heavy scent made He Zhizhong sneeze repeatedly. He joked, “Though I’m used to these fragrances if it were always this strong, my nose might give up entirely.”
Mudan laughed, “Our family’s perfumes are quite subtle. It’s just that we have many people wearing different scents, which makes it seem stronger. If Father finds it hard to bear occasionally, imagine how we’ll fare among all those beauties today. Won’t we all have to hold our noses?”
He Zhizhong chuckled, “I don’t care whether you hold your noses or not. I just know that once I bring out this fragrant mountain today, many people will ask where it’s from. Our shop will be busy again tomorrow and the day after.”
The group set out, some on horseback, others in carriages. Several dozen people chatted and laughed as they made their way grandly towards Zhaoguo Ward. It was still early, and Li Manniang’s new residence was surrounded only by relatives, with no outsiders present. They waited for the auspicious time to begin the house-moving ceremony.
Li Manniang, dressed in a crimson jacket and skirt, greeted everyone cheerfully. When she saw the He family arrive, she pushed through the crowd, saying, “You’ve finally made it! My, bringing the whole family must have been quite a task.”
Madam Cen smiled, “With so many children, it can’t be helped.” She then greeted others casually. Seeing this, Madam Cui also came forward to chat with Madam Cen, while discreetly observing Mudan.
Mudan had her hair in a crossed-heart bun, adorned with two simple yet elegant gold-framed jeweled hairpins. She wore a jade-colored short jacket with subtle peony patterns, matched with a long skirt of the same color. Her pine-green waistband was intricately embroidered with several blooming purple peonies. Over this, she wore a light purple gauze shawl and purple satin shoes with small toes. She wore no makeup save for a touch of pink lip rouge. Though her attire wasn’t flashy and could be considered understated, she radiated elegance and vitality. Her bright eyes and white teeth made her stand out, impossible to ignore, drawing second glances from onlookers.
Madam Cui couldn’t help but glance at Li Xing, who stood in a corner of the street. She noticed him staring at Mudan with a gloomy expression, despite not coming forward to greet the He family. Madam Cui’s smile stiffened slightly as she discreetly moved to block their line of sight. If possible, she would have preferred Mudan not to come, but given the relationship between the two families and Li Manniang’s house moving, she couldn’t prevent it. All she could do now was try to keep the two apart and hope that the noble guests arriving later would overshadow Mudan with their auras and attire.
Mudan didn’t pay much attention to Madam Cui’s subtle actions and expressions. As soon as she arrived, she was surrounded by Li’s family relatives, constantly answering their questions and expressing gratitude for their concern. When she encountered a few unkind remarks, she pretended not to hear, maintaining a polite smile and friendly tone.
Soon, Li Manniang announced, “The auspicious time has arrived!”
Remembering the many customs involved in moving into a new home, Mudan quickly found an excellent spot to watch the proceedings.
Madam Cui directed two young maids, Ruiniang and Hanniang, to stand at the front, one holding a porcelain bowl of clear water and the other a lit candle. He Wen, He Lie, and He Chun, three young boys, followed closely behind, two carrying water and one holding a candle. Li Xing led a sheep, He Dalang pulled an ox, two Li family nephews carried a long table piled with gold and jade objects, Erlang and Sanlang carried a bronze cauldron full of grain, Li Manniang’s eldest son held a sword, her second son carried a saddle, and several other sons lined up behind them to enter the house.
Mudan thought this was the end, but there was more. Two other Li family nephews carried in a box full of fine silks and fabrics. Madam Cui and Madam Cen each held a vessel containing five types of rice – white rice, wheat, millet, sorghum, and barbarian rice. Li Manniang followed, holding a large shiny copper lock to her chest as she stepped through the main gate.
Everyone burst into joyous laughter, shouting in unison, “Candles lit, water carried, sheep led, ox pulled, a table piled with gold, cauldron filled with grain, a box full of silks! Great fortune!” After the cheer, they entered the house laughing and chatting, concluding the house-moving ceremony.
Li Manniang’s new residence was impressive – spacious, with lush vegetation. After a tour, the guests dispersed to help prepare for the afternoon banquet. Only the young girls remained, sitting in a pavilion by the garden pond to enjoy the cool air and chat.
Among the girls, only Mudan was previously married and divorced. Apart from her nieces Yingniang and Rongniang, the others were curious about this sister who had rarely socialized due to poor health, married for good fortune, and then divorced dramatically.
The group surrounded Mudan, examining her accessories, clothes, fragrance pouch, and even her lip rouge color. Some tactlessly asked about her life in the Liu family and why she chose to return home instead of remaining an official’s wife. Rongniang and Yingniang unhappily tried to intervene, but Mudan simply smiled and said, “We parted ways due to incompatibility.” She didn’t elaborate further.
Suddenly, laughter rang out nearby. Several brightly dressed girls approached the pavilion, with one calling out, “Sister He, I’ve been looking for you! Come, I’ve brought some good friends to meet you.” It was Xueniang, whom they hadn’t seen in a long time.
Mudan rose to greet them. Unexpectedly, among the girls, she saw Qi Yuzhu, dressed in a scarlet eight-panel gauze skirt, a golden-yellow gauze jacket, and adorned with gold and jade ornaments.
Seeing Mudan, Qi Yuzhu’s smile became slightly forced, but she quickly masked it. She stepped forward and greeted Mudan politely, “Sister He.”
Xueniang exclaimed in surprise, “You know each other?” A maid behind her quickly tugged at her sleeve, and she belatedly closed her mouth.
Mudan smiled slightly, “Of course we do.” Noticing the confused looks on the other girls’ faces, who were too polite to ask directly, she decided to explain, knowing they would inquire privately later anyway. She said frankly, “Sister Yuzhu and I were relatives for a time.”
The other girls showed looks of sudden understanding. Some appeared slightly disdainful, while others seemed indifferent. One girl with her hair in a double-loop bun, wearing a pomegranate-red eight-panel long skirt, looked at Mudan with a bright smile. “I’ve heard about you,” she said.
Mudan raised an eyebrow, smiling lightly, “Oh?”
The girl continued, “Qinghe Wu’s Seventeen Miss is my clan sister. We often play chess together. She’s mentioned you before, saying you’re very nice.” She introduced herself enthusiastically, “By the way, I’m Nineteen Miss. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”