Finding the remaining dishes in the kitchen unsuitable for serving, Mudan had no choice but to summon Zhou Baniang for help.
Upon hearing there were no dishes, Zhou Baniang caught a chicken, picked some vegetables from the garden, and brought them over. She swiftly prepared the chicken, half stir-fried and half stewed, and quickly created several fresh, delicious home-style dishes. Adding a jar of Yingzhou Fushui wine, she instructed Mudan to have it all sent to the table. After receiving payment for the chicken and vegetables from Yuhe, she pocketed it and left.
From afar, Mudan saw Li Xing and Jiang Changyang eating and drinking, one speaking and the other listening intently. Not wanting to disturb them, she quietly planned her upcoming tasks.
As the moon reached its zenith, their meeting finally concluded. Atao came to fetch Mudan: “Miss, they’ve finished. Master Li’s servant asked me to invite you over.”
When Mudan arrived, the table had been cleared. Jiang Changyang and Li Xing sat facing each other, each holding a cup of tea, discussing her garden and how remarkable it was for a woman to manage such an endeavor.
Seeing Mudan approach, Li Xing smiled, “Danniang, come. Master Jiang and I have concluded our business. It’s late, and since Master Jiang has matters to discuss with you, he should do so promptly.” He remained seated, not moving to leave.
Jiang Changyang, unperturbed by Li Xing’s presence, addressed Mudan, “Yesterday, I mentioned taking you to see stones at my friend’s house tomorrow. There’s been a change of plans, and I’d like to discuss it with you first.”
Mudan smiled, “No problem. Please speak freely. It’s fine if we can’t make the purchase.”
Jiang Changyang explained, “We can make the purchase. However, I learned this morning that my friend’s situation has changed, and he needs more money. Our group of friends wants to help him, but given his proud nature, he’d surely refuse. So, I was wondering if you could purchase those stones at a higher price. I’ll compensate you for the difference. What do you think?”
Mudan replied cheerfully, “That’s easy enough. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it perfectly.”
Jiang Changyang continued, “But because he’s quite sensitive about this, I won’t be able to accompany you. You’ll need to inquire at his house yourself. I’ll take you to the vicinity, and then you can ask at the gate to complete the transaction.”
As Mudan agreed, Li Xing suddenly interjected, “May I ask where this friend of yours lives, Master Jiang? What’s his name and occupation?” He was concerned that the usually naive and kind-hearted Danniang might be taken advantage of.
Jiang Changyang glanced at him and calmly replied, “Yuan Shijiu, living in Lanling Ward. He has no particular occupation and merely serves as a companion to others. I’ve known him for nearly a decade. He’s a decent person.”
Li Xing’s expression darkened. “Ah, him. I recall he was highly regarded in Prince Min’s household. The Emperor praised Prince Min just two days ago. Why wouldn’t he take care of Yuan? Besides, isn’t Yuan quite skilled at appraising treasures? How could he be short of money?” He turned to Mudan, “Danniang, do you remember Yuan Shijiu? We’ve met him before. Tall and thin, he was with Liu Chang and Pan Rong.”
Mudan instantly recalled Yuan Shijiu’s gaunt figure and his tendency to disagree with the young nobles despite accompanying Liu Chang and others. Honestly, she had a favorable impression of him. She wasn’t familiar with Prince Min, but she could discern from Li Xing’s tone and expression that Prince Min might be Prince Ning’s competitor, and Li Xing didn’t want her involved in anything related to Prince Min.
From the perspective of being Li’s relative, she understood his desire to keep her from associating with Prince Ning’s rivals. However, she owed Jiang Changyang numerous favors, and this was but a small request, as easy for her as lifting a finger. She felt obligated to help, regardless.
Moreover, she was just an insignificant commoner. How could her purchase of stones from a companion of Prince Min’s household have any bearing on the competition between princes? Surely Prince Ning wouldn’t be angered at the Li family because she bought stones from a former member of Prince Min’s household. If that were the case, all merchants would need to inquire about their customers’ backgrounds before conducting business. How could commerce function? Would she have to refuse if Prince Min’s household came to buy peonies from her in the future? And what would be the consequences of such a refusal? Therefore, after a moment’s silence, Mudan said, “I remember him. He’s quite skilled at appraising treasures and seems like a decent person.”
Jiang Changyang, being more attuned to the situation, easily understood Li Xing’s implication. He smiled gently and said, “Everyone faces difficulties at times, regardless of whom they’ve served or how powerful that person might be. His urgent need for money is unrelated to his abilities. Those with great wealth and comfort aren’t necessarily extraordinary, just as a mountain woodcutter isn’t necessarily an ignorant rustic. Of course, if it’s inconvenient for you, Miss He, I can find someone else.”
Mudan caught his use of the word “served” in the past tense, indicating that Yuan Shijiu was no longer in Prince Min’s service, and thus had even less connection to Prince Ning’s household. She was just a merchant, one who owed a favor and needed to repay it. She said earnestly, “It’s convenient for me. Very convenient.”
Jiang Changyang smiled happily, “Don’t worry, it won’t cause you any trouble.”
Seeing Jiang Changyang smiling at Mudan, and Mudan insisting on following Jiang’s suggestion despite his advice, Li Xing felt a sudden surge of anger. He looked at Mudan unhappily and blurted out, “If that’s the case, I’ll find someone else to help you with the purchase. You can go about your business as usual.”
Mudan glanced at Li Xing and calmly said, “Cousin, thank you for your concern. But this is a small matter, and I can handle it myself.” Not only was Li Xing’s attitude and behavior inappropriate, but her desire to survive in this world without relying on others wouldn’t allow her to constantly seek help for every little thing.
Mudan’s tone was gentle but firm, leaving no room for refusal. Li Xing had never heard her speak to him in such a manner. While realizing his impropriety, he found it hard to accept. He pressed his lips tightly, staring at Mudan. She returned his gaze steadily, her eyes dark and bright, filled with an emotion he found unfamiliar. This Mudan was becoming increasingly strange to him, drifting further away. Yes, she would only grow more distant from him. The emotions that had accumulated over many days suddenly surged in his chest, and he looked at Mudan with a mixture of resentment and hurt, remaining silent.
Seeing this, Jiang Changyang stood up and said, “It’s getting late. I’ll take my leave. Tomorrow at the hour of Si, I’ll wait for you at the city gate.”
Mudan responded with an “Ah” and rose to see him off. Jiang Changyang glanced at Li Xing and said, “No need for formalities, Miss He. You’re busy.”
Mudan didn’t insist and asked Yuhe to escort Jiang Changyang and his servant out. She then turned back to pour a cup of tea for Li Xing, who continued to glare at her and offered it with both hands. Li Xing didn’t accept, still pressing his lips tightly and staring at her intensely.
Seeing him like this made Mudan’s scalp tingle. Considering all the help he had given her and their familial relationship, she felt it necessary to explain her thoughts to him, to avoid leaving him uncomfortable. She said, “Cousin, are you worried that buying stones from Yuan Shijiu might cause me trouble? I’m not aware of the current situation between Prince Min’s and Prince Ning’s households. I just thought of myself as a merchant, and buying stones as a small matter. Moreover, I owe Master Jiang a great favor that must be repaid. But if this will cause you trouble, please tell me clearly, and I’ll find another suitable way. It’s better if you don’t get involved.”
Li Xing turned his face away angrily, and after a while, he said, “It won’t cause trouble. I’m just worried you’ll be cheated. There are many bad people in this world, and often you don’t even realize you’ve been tricked.” In truth, he was jealous, jealous of any unmarried man who could legitimately approach her.
Since it wasn’t the concern she had imagined, Mudan felt relieved and more determined to proceed. After a moment of silence, she said, “There are indeed many bad people, but there are also many good ones. I can’t stop moving forward just because I know there are bad people in the world. Whether what lies ahead is good or bad, I must keep going. No one can do that for me. Just like you, cousin. Your life is beneath your feet, and you must walk your path.”
Li Xing said bitterly, “You believe he’s a good person who won’t harm you. You don’t trust me and are deliberately avoiding my goodwill.”
Mudan bit her lip and hardened her heart to say, “I do believe he’s a good person, and it’s true that I’m deliberately avoiding your goodwill! I’ve heard you’re about to get engaged, and I don’t want to cause any misunderstandings that would make everyone uncomfortable. Your parents wouldn’t be happy, my family wouldn’t be happy, and I wouldn’t be happy either!” It was better to tear off the bandage quickly, to end this lingering discomfort once and for all.
The night breeze gently rustled the willow branches, their shadows dancing in the moonlight. Li Xing remained silent for a long time, looking down at the swaying shadows of the willow branches on the ground. Finally, he said, “I just couldn’t let go. I came specially to see you. If this is how it is, then so be it.” He had wanted to ask if she was willing to wait for him, but he probably knew the answer already, which was why he never dared to ask. It was laughable. He was about to get engaged, what right did he have to be jealous and try to prevent her from associating with others?
Mudan couldn’t bear to look at him and said softly, “Miss Wu is a good person.”
Li Xing gave a faint laugh, “Who knows?” He adjusted his sleeve and said, “I’ve been in a bad mood lately, and I drank too much. Plus, my discussion with Jiang Changyang didn’t go well, so I lost my composure. If you see him tomorrow, please apologize on my behalf and ask him not to take offense.”
Mudan had thought their conversation went well, judging by their earlier demeanor. Hearing now that it hadn’t, she felt worried again. “Was it something important? If he didn’t agree, what would you do?”
Before she could finish, Li Xing let out a soft laugh and gently caressed her face before turning to leave. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
His fingertips were cold, the touch on her face felt like a willow branch brushing against her in the early morning. Mudan stood silently in the moonlight, watching him walk further and further away.