Jiang Changyang turned around, looking with surprise at this flushed-faced girl with sparkling eyes. With just one glance, he was certain he didn’t know her. He looked at Mudan and asked, “May I ask who this is?”
Before Mudan could speak, Xue Niang pushed her aside and stood next to Jiang Changyang, looking up at him eagerly. In a clear voice, she said, “My surname is Huang, and I’m called Xue Niang. I’m Sister He’s a good friend!”
The behavior of young girls meeting their idols was indeed the same across time and cultures. To satisfy Xue Niang’s curiosity and admiration for Jiang Changyang, Mudan smiled slightly and stepped aside.
Jiang Changyang discreetly took a step back, formally cupped his hands to Xue Niang, and said with a gentle smile, “Nice to meet you, Miss Huang.”
Xue Niang strongly disliked his formal and distant address. She stepped forward again, not returning the gesture, and said earnestly, “You’re too polite. Most people just call me Xue Niang.” Her implication was clear – she wanted Jiang Changyang to address her this way too.
Jiang Changyang smiled slightly but said nothing, only stepping aside again.
Mama Fu’s face changed dramatically. For Xue Niang to ask a strange man to address her so familiarly at their first meeting was truly improper. Those who knew better would say she was naive and innocent, but those who didn’t might call her frivolous and undignified. Although Mama Fu didn’t know Jiang Changyang’s exact identity, she had been present when he performed the horseback coin-shooting and knew he was no ordinary person. Xue Niang’s behavior might invite ridicule behind their backs.
As Mama Fu was considering how to prevent Xue Niang from saying more foolish things, Xue Niang gazed admiringly at Jiang Changyang and said, “You may not know me, but I’ve known you for a long time. I watched you shoot coins on horseback last time. I even had someone pick up the coin you shot into the goal to look at it. You’re so amazing, I’ve never seen anyone as skilled. I wish I had such abilities. Could you…”
The more Mama Fu heard the more she broke out in a cold sweat. She stepped forward and tugged hard on Xue Niang’s sleeve, calling out sharply, “Xue Niang!” While Xue Niang might not understand, Mama Fu did. Jiang Changyang had sent a sedan chair for Mudan before and had now come to greet her again, clearly wanting to talk to Mudan. If Xue Niang continued to pester him so thoughtlessly, she would only annoy him. Mama Fu couldn’t let Xue Niang make a fool of herself.
Interrupted by Mama Fu, Xue Niang turned back irritably and muttered, “What is it now? What do you want, Mama?”
In front of everyone, Mama Fu couldn’t openly advise her. She just smiled and said, “Didn’t you want to join the踏歌 earlier? Go now, Mr. Jiang probably has important matters to discuss with your Sister He.” She then signaled to Xue Niang’s maids to take her to dance.
At first, Xue Niang was reluctant, but being young, after being pulled into a couple of rounds of dancing, she continued to dance along, though she kept looking back at Jiang Changyang and Mudan.
Mama Fu stepped forward, bowed to Jiang Changyang, and said with an apologetic smile, “Mr. Jiang, I’m so sorry. Our young miss doesn’t know better. She grew up with our master in the military camps, so she speaks without considering the consequences, usually being very direct. She treats everyone as if they were family, either as an older brother or sister. We’ve truly embarrassed ourselves in front of you.”
Mama Fu’s words were well-spoken, not only explaining Xue Niang’s personality but also attributing her impulsive behavior to respect for an elder brother figure. Mudan also smiled and said, “That’s just how Xue Niang is – innocent, lively, and very straightforward.”
Jiang Changyang waved his hand dismissively, “Mama, you’re overthinking it. It’s nothing. I also grew up in military camps, and most women there have such personalities. Miss Huang is very frank. May I ask which household you’re from?”
Seeing that his expression showed no contempt or perfunctory attitude, Mama Fu smiled with a hint of pride and said, “Our master is Huang Jing.”
Upon hearing the name, Jiang Changyang immediately knew who it was and smiled, “Oh, it’s General Huang.” After praising General Huang for a few sentences and seeing Mama Fu’s expression relax, he turned back to Mudan and said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, “I remember last time you told Monk Fuyuan you couldn’t find good stones. Have you found any now?”
Mudan smiled and replied, “I’ve only found some lake stones. They’re barely satisfactory. These stones are not so much expensive as they are rare and hard to come by. It’s not easy to find satisfactory ones in a hurry.”
Jiang Changyang was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “I have a friend who used to travel extensively in his early years and collected many rare stones. As it happens, his family is facing some difficulties and needs money urgently, so he wants to sell most of his stones. If you’re interested, I could act as an intermediary and take you to see them. The price will not be higher than the market rate, and the stones are of good quality. You won’t be cheated.”
Mudan exclaimed, “Really? Is there such a good opportunity?” If it was true, she was really glad to have met Jiang Changyang. Every time she met him, something good happened.
Seeing her delighted expression, Jiang Changyang couldn’t help but smile slightly, “It’s true indeed.”
Mudan thought that since it was just a business transaction involving money, with no one owing anyone a big favor, she agreed, “Then I must thank you in advance.”
Jiang Changyang said, “You don’t need to thank me. He urgently needs money, but these are stones, not gold or silver. It’s not easy to find suitable buyers. Those who like them might not be able to afford them, and those who can afford them might not like or need them. I also have my motives – I want to help him, and at the same time, gain a favor from you.” He paused, then added half-jokingly, half-seriously, “Just don’t suspect that I’m colluding with others to cheat you out of your money.”
Hearing him speak like this, Mudan felt even more at ease. “How could I think that? Mr. Jiang is certainly not someone who lacks money. Every time I meet you, something good happens.” She unconsciously switched from the formal “you” to the more familiar form.
Jiang Changyang glanced at her quickly, then lowered his eyes to stare at the moon’s reflection in the Yellow Canal. He chuckled softly and said, “Is that so? Then perhaps we should meet more often.”
Mudan laughed heartily, “If this continues, after a few more encounters, everything will go smoothly for me, and I’ll make a fortune.” She playfully bowed to Jiang Changyang and said seriously, “May I ask, Mr. Jiang, which route will you take next time? So that this humble girl can go and catch some good luck, and make a little fortune.”
Jiang Changyang was stunned for a moment, then laughed happily. He looked at Mudan seriously and said, “I’m returning to the city the day after tomorrow. May I ask if you’d like to come along to see the rare stones? If you make a fortune, remember to give me a commission, so that I can make a little profit too.”
Mudan smiled, “Giving money is too common. How about I give you a couple of peony plants instead? You can exchange them for money yourself.” As she spoke, she met Jiang Changyang’s bright black eyes and suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable. She wondered if her previous behavior might have seemed too frivolous. She turned her head away, looking at the joyful crowd, and changed the subject, “They’re still dancing, from when the moon first rises until it’s high in the sky. It requires good stamina.”
Seeing her avert her eyes, Jiang Changyang discreetly withdrew his gaze and smiled, “When I was young, in the spring months, I once danced with friends from dusk till dawn, and it wasn’t very tiring.”
At this moment, the踏歌 song changed to another: “Moon in the sky, looks like a ball of silver. As the night deepens and the wind grows stronger, this slave blows away the clouds around the moon, revealing the unfaithful one.”
Xue Niang, dancing in the crowd, saw Jiang Changyang and Mudan laughing and chatting, seemingly getting along better and better. Hearing this song, she suddenly felt a sting in her eyes and nose. She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what she was feeling, just that it was very uncomfortable. She abruptly shook off her maid’s hand and rushed towards Mudan, pulling her away from Jiang Changyang’s side and moving forward, shouting, “Sister He, don’t just stand there, come dance with us.”
Before Mudan could react, Xue Niang had already pulled her several steps forward. She planted her feet firmly and smiled, “Dear Xue Niang, please spare me. I really can’t dance. If I go in there where everyone’s dancing, I won’t know where to put my hands and feet. It would be so awkward.”
Xue Niang said anxiously, “It’s very simple, you’ll learn just by watching. Everyone starts this way, what are you afraid of?”
Mudan saw an unfamiliar expression on Xue Niang’s face. She seemed to be angry at Mudan, yet not quite. Could it be because Mama Fu didn’t let her talk to Jiang Changyang? Mudan cautiously called out, “Xue Niang, what’s wrong?”
Xue Niang, realizing her loss of composure, felt both embarrassed and wronged. She held Mudan’s hand and said softly, “Sister He, I…” She wanted to say she felt uncomfortable but feared Mudan would ask why. So she bit her lip, lowered her head, and said quietly, “I just want you to dance with me. It’s not fun alone.” As she spoke, her eyes filled with tears.
Seeing her sudden change to a tearful face, Mudan quickly said, “Alright, alright, I’ll dance with you. Just don’t laugh at how clumsy I am.”
Jiang Changyang, watching quietly from the side, suddenly said, “Let’s dance together. I’ll teach you.”
He didn’t specify Mudan’s name, but everyone knew he was speaking to her. Madam Feng unusually showed a hint of a smile, pulling Yuhe forward, and encouraged Mudan, “Since we’re here, let’s dance together. This old servant hasn’t moved her joints in a long time. But if you don’t go down to dance, this old servant wouldn’t dare to leave you alone.”
Seeing everyone’s interest, Mudan didn’t want to be the one to spoil the mood. Moreover, 踏歌 was essentially a community activity, and she wanted to learn and be part of it. So she smiled and said, “Alright, you all can teach me, but don’t laugh at me.” She reached out to Xue Niang, “Let’s go. See, everyone is willing to join you.”
Xue Niang stared blankly at Mudan, then at Jiang Changyang’s broad, tall figure. Suddenly, she felt breathless. Her lips quivered, ready to cry, but feeling embarrassed, she turned to Mudan with teary eyes. “I don’t want to dance anymore. I need to rest. You two go ahead.” She forcefully pushed Mudan towards Jiang Changyang, biting her lip and watching them tearfully.
Mudan stumbled forward from Xue Niang’s push. Yu He, annoyed by Xue Niang’s capriciousness, was about to help Mudan when Feng Da Niang grabbed her hand. Yu He looked at Feng Da Niang in confusion, but the latter didn’t return her gaze. Instead, Feng Da Niang exclaimed, “Oh my, Dan Niang, be careful!” feigning surprise and inability to help.
Xue Niang’s push was unexpectedly strong. Caught off guard, Mudan collided hard with Jiang Changyang, losing her balance and nearly falling face-first. Just as she braced for an embarrassing fall, strong hands steadied her waist and shoulders, skillfully pulling her upright.
Jiang Changyang quickly withdrew his hands from Mudan, asking softly, “Did you twist your ankle?”
Unlike the time Jiang Changyang had swept her onto his horse, when she only remembered fear, terror, and relief, this time Mudan noticed more. She caught the faint scent of fresh grass from him and felt his breath stirring her hair, tickling her neck like a small insect. Where he had touched her felt strange. Mudan stepped back quickly, covering her nose with teary eyes, and whispered, “No, I’m fine.”
Feng Da Niang then pulled Mudan aside, asking worriedly, “Dan Niang, what’s wrong? Where does it hurt?”
Mudan forced an awkward smile, wiping her tears with her sleeve. “I hit my nose.” She had collided with Jiang Changyang’s chest, and it hurt terribly, but thankfully wasn’t bleeding.
Yu He, disregarding Xue Niang’s guest status, glared at her fiercely. Fu Mama spoke quietly to Xue Niang, her expression grim. Xue Niang burst into tears, running to embrace Mudan. Burying her face in Mudan’s shoulder, she sobbed, “Sister He, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to push you down. Please don’t hate me or ignore me. I was wrong! You can hit me to feel better.”
Mudan, guessing Xue Niang’s intentions, couldn’t help but smile at her directness. She comforted Xue Niang, gently pushing her away and offering a handkerchief. “You’re too old for such crying. Look, everyone’s laughing at you. I won’t hit you or be angry but don’t be so impulsive in the future. If I were older, that fall could have been dangerous.”
Xue Niang looked around through tear-blurred eyes, noticing curious onlookers. Jiang Changyang stood nearby, hands behind his back, quietly observing Mudan’s profile. Xue Niang began to understand, feeling both embarrassed and upset. She forced a smile, wiping her tears with Mudan’s handkerchief. “I won’t do it again. But remember your promise not to be angry with me. You said it in front of everyone.”
Mudan replied seriously, “I always keep my word.” She believed that as the older one, she should be more magnanimous than young girls like Xue Niang.
Seeing Mudan’s sincerity, Xue Niang smiled through her tears. “Then let’s go dance. I’ll teach you.” She pulled Mudan into the crowd, no longer glancing at Jiang Changyang as if he were her sworn enemy.
Jiang Changyang smiled faintly, following the crowd into the revelry. He stayed near Mudan’s group, naturally falling into rhythm with the dance. Xue Niang, eager to make amends, patiently taught Mudan. To her surprise, Mudan found it easier than expected. After a few rounds, though not graceful, she mastered the basic moves. As she danced, her enthusiasm grew, and she began observing others around her.
She noticed a different side of Jiang Changyang. His bamboo-green round-collared robe fit him perfectly, accentuating his good physique and demeanor. His face was animated, his movements clean and rhythmic, exuding a masculine charm that contrasted with the ladies’ graceful dancing.
As the moon shone down, more women joined the singing, gradually surrounding Jiang Changyang. They flirted with glances and smiles, some even daring to touch or bump into him. Mudan watched as a tall woman in her twenties expressionlessly grabbed his buttock. Startled by the violation, Jiang Changyang stumbled, losing his rhythm. He looked around wide-eyed, seemingly confused by the women’s boldness compared to his previous dance experiences.
Mudan couldn’t help but giggle. Xue Niang’s face darkened as she dragged Mudan towards Jiang Changyang, pushing her to his left while positioning herself on his right. She glared fiercely at the bold women, who remained unfazed but refrained from further touching.
Jiang Changyang sighed in relief, smiling awkwardly at Mudan. Though he wanted to speak, he remained silent, regaining his rhythm and occasionally guiding Mudan on the dance steps. Dancing next to an expert increased Mudan’s nervousness, feeling like a beginner again. Her self-consciousness made her movements stiff and uncoordinated.
She felt a fine sweat break out, prickling her skin like tiny needles. Her limbs seemed foreign, moving awkwardly and out of sync. Xue Niang watched, suppressing her laughter upon seeing Jiang Changyang’s calm demeanor as if Mudan’s movements were correct.
Gradually, Mudan’s rigid movements became more fluid. She instinctively followed Jiang Changyang, mimicking his steps, twists, and hand claps. Genuinely enjoying herself, Mudan greeted everyone with a sweet, sincere smile. Jiang Changyang stole glances at her, quickly averting his gaze when caught.
Xue Niang observed, her forced smile fading to a pout. However, her dejection was short-lived as a similar situation unfolded.
As the moon set and the sky darkened, several young, well-dressed men approached Mudan. Initially lingering nearby, they soon began edging closer while dancing. One, moving fastest, pretended to stumble towards Mudan but was deflected by Jiang Changyang’s broad shoulder, stumbling back several steps.
However, their numbers made it difficult to avoid all contact in the crowded dance. As one was pushed away, others brazenly took his place. Seeing these shameless men, Xue Niang found a new target. She pulled Yu He along, darting forward to shield Mudan. Whenever a man approached with ill intent, she stomped on his foot.
Mudan herself forcefully stepped on the toe of a man who had gotten too close. Whether from her strength or his exaggeration, the man howled in pain, hopping in circles and drawing attention.
The man Jiang Changyang had pushed earlier squeezed through, demanding, “What’s going on?” The stepped-on man, seeing Mudan’s innocent expression and Jiang Changyang’s distance, pointed at Xue Niang, whining, “She stepped on me. Oh, my foot’s broken! What should I do?”
Xue Niang, unconcerned about who did the stepping, saw an opportunity for revenge. She raised her chin, declaring loudly, “You lecher! Come closer, and I’ll break your stinking foot!”
The crowd erupted in good-natured laughter. Someone called out, “We’re here for fun! It’s pointless to quarrel. Gentlemen, why fuss over young ladies? If you dare to dance, expect the possibility of limping home. It’s late, the moon’s setting. Let’s disperse! Come early tomorrow!”
The flute music stopped, and the singing faded. The crowd began to disperse. The well-dressed young men smirked, winking at Xue Niang and Mudan before quickly retreating amidst Yu He’s curses.
A group of women laughed as they squeezed past Mudan and Xue Niang. One whispered, “He ran off quickly. What a shame, couldn’t get a touch.” Xue Niang turned angrily to identify the speaker, while Mudan burst into laughter, hands on her hips. The women joined in the laughter before gradually moving away.
Wu limped over, complaining loudly, “Young master, these women are vicious! I accidentally bumped into someone and got kicked hard. They weren’t satisfied and stomped on my foot too. My toe might be broken! It’s so unfair! If I had known…”
Jiang Changyang coughed lightly, and Wu fell silent. Noticing Mudan, Xue Niang, and the others nearby, he smiled awkwardly, lightly tapping his mouth. “Greetings, Miss He. I’m just a rough fellow. Please pretend you didn’t hear that.”
Mudan smiled, “I neither heard nor saw anything.” As she spoke, remembering Wu’s crab-like dance, she couldn’t help but laugh again.
Jiang Changyang said coolly, “With your crab-like crawling, it’s no wonder you bumped into people. Let’s go. We’ll escort Miss He and the others back first.”