It was Mudan’s first visit to the Huang residence. Since Heye, who had been there before, wasn’t present, they had to ask for directions. Upon seeing the gate facing the main street and the ten ceremonial halberds at the entrance, Young Master Zhang recognized it as an official’s residence. He adamantly refused to enter with Mudan and the others, insisting on waiting outside with his men.
Unable to persuade him, Mudan had no choice but to enter with Madam Xue. They had barely walked a few steps when Mama Fu came out to greet them, her face wreathed in smiles. Seeing Mudan’s appearance, she was startled but tactfully refrained from asking questions. Instead, she said, “Miss He, you’re a rare guest. Last time, my lady wanted to invite you for a meal, but you were at the estate. We heard you were very busy, so we didn’t want to disturb you. She said that after this busy period, she’d like to properly invite you over for a visit.”
Mudan forced a smile and replied, “I’m sorry to have missed your lady’s kind invitation. I’ve truly been very busy lately.”
As Mama Fu accompanied them inside, she explained Xueniang’s absence: “When Xueniang heard you were here, she was overjoyed. She ran off to put on her new autumn clothes to show you. It might take her a while to come out.”
Mudan said, “That’s alright. I have an urgent matter and need to see your lady first. Is she at home? Is she available?”
Mama Fu had already guessed that Mudan’s visit was to ask for a favor, but she didn’t dare to answer on Madam Dou’s behalf. She hedged, “My lady has visitors today. I haven’t been attending to them, so I’m not sure if they’ve left. Please wait a moment while I go check.”
Fearing that Madam Dou might make excuses to avoid her if unsure of her purpose, Mudan hinted, “Actually, it’s related to the incident when Xueniang accidentally collided with Madam Meng’s carriage from Prince Ning’s mansion. I must see your lady in person.”
“Please wait. I’ll go check right away.” Mama Fu’s expression changed noticeably. She called a maid to lead Mudan and Madam Xue to the side hall where Madam Dou usually received guests and served them tea. Then, with a quick bow, she hurried to the back of the house.
Madam Dou was free, tending to some chrysanthemums. Upon hearing Mama Fu’s report, she furrowed her brow and asked, “Did she say specifically what it was about?”
Mama Fu, who had a good impression of Mudan, smiled and said, “She didn’t say, but it seems to be a matter of some importance. She’s usually quite sensible. That time, we owed her for her help. She was quite righteous.”
Madam Dou put down her scissors and called for water to wash her hands. She said, “You don’t need to speak up for her. Since she’s already here and is Xueniang’s good friend, it would be impolite not to see her. We’ll hear her out before making any judgments. First, keep Xueniang occupied. Don’t let her come out and complicate matters.”
After tidying herself up, Madam Dou quietly approached the side hall. She saw Mudan and Madam Xue sitting properly in the guest seats, their expressions indeed not very pleasant, but still composed. After a moment’s thought, she stepped in, smiling as she spoke, “Mudan, I’ve invited you before, but you said you were too busy. I didn’t dare let Xueniang disturb you, causing that girl to complain that I was restricting her. How fortunate that you’ve finally come today!”
Mudan, not very familiar with Madam Dou and feeling anxious about asking for help, couldn’t help but feel nervous and constrained. After introducing Madam Xue to Madam Dou and exchanging greetings, they sat down in their respective positions. Mudan wanted to get straight to the point, but Madam Dou insisted on some small talk, so she had no choice but to oblige.
Noticing the urgency in Mudan’s eyes despite her calm demeanor, Madam Dou grew more appreciative. She finally steered the conversation to the main topic: “I heard from Mama Fu that you have something to discuss with me. Is it related to the incident when Xueniang accidentally collided with Madam Meng’s carriage from Prince Ning’s mansion?”
Mudan quickly took out the string of sandalwood beads that Madam Meng had forcefully given her: “That day, Madam Meng insisted on giving Xueniang and me each a string of these beads. I wonder if you’re aware of this, my lady?”
Madam Dou glanced at the beads and joked, “I know about this. What’s the matter? Is there something strange about these beads?”
Mudan, with tears in her eyes, said, “There’s nothing strange about the beads, but there’s something strange about the people involved. I’ve come to beg for your help, my lady! Please extend your helping hand.” With that, she stood up and bowed deeply to Madam Dou.
Seeing her tearful and performing such a grand gesture, Madam Dou quickly rose to support her, saying, “Speak plainly. What exactly has happened?”
Knowing that no one welcomes outsiders crying in their home, Mudan forced back her tears and spoke softly: “Madam Meng from Prince Ning’s mansion sent someone to my home, claiming that this string of beads is a betrothal gift. They want to take me to Prince Ning’s mansion, threatening punishment if I refuse. Although I’m of humble status, I’m not someone who only sees wealth and status, nor am I willing to be forcibly taken like this, causing people to view me as a woman without shame. I’ve considered ending my life to prove my innocence, but I don’t want to die with matters unclear.”
Mudan watched Madam Dou’s expression carefully. Seeing her serious and attentive, she continued, “After much thought, my only option is to ask Xueniang to be a witness for me. She only needs to testify truthfully that Madam Meng and I never discussed marriage, and that these beads were given as a mere greeting gift, forcibly handed to us by her maid. I know this puts you in a difficult position, but I have no other choice. If you could lend your support in this matter, I would be eternally grateful.” She bowed again after speaking.
Madam Dou took the beads and examined them closely, a hint of amusement appearing on her face. “Who came to deliver this message?” Although Mudan hadn’t mentioned Xueniang directly, only referring to the need for testimony, the fact that they both received identical beads at the same time raised questions. If Mudan’s beads could be considered a betrothal gift, what about Xueniang’s? This Madam Meng truly didn’t know her place!
Mudan, blushing, said softly, “It was my aunt, Madam Cui.”
Madam Dou smiled slightly and returned the beads to Mudan, saying, “I understand. Since you got into this trouble while standing up for our Xueniang, I certainly can’t stand by and do nothing. Go home for now, and I’ll send someone to find you as soon as I have news.”
Although still somewhat uneasy with Madam Dou’s vague promise, Mudan knew this was as far as she could push. She had come asking for Xueniang to be a witness, but in reality, she was seeking Madam Dou’s help. She was gambling on Madam Dou’s sense of justice and didn’t expect her to do much – just to stand on her side at crucial moments and help mediate the situation would be enough.
After seeing Mudan off, Madam Dou pondered for a moment. She had Xueniang’s string of beads brought out and ordered a sedan chair prepared, intending to visit Li Manniangzi.
Meanwhile, as Mudan and Madam Xue exited the Huang family’s gate, they saw Young Master Zhang and Wu standing at the corner across the street, talking and occasionally glancing their way. Upon seeing the two women, Zhang immediately left Wu and rushed over, anxiously asking, “How did it go?”
Seeing Zhang’s askew hat, the half-dried chicken droppings on his boots, and the anxiety on his face, Mudan suddenly felt a genuine sense of warmth. She put on a relaxed expression and smiled, “She said she won’t stand by and do nothing, and told me to go home and wait for news.”
Zhang was as delighted as a child, exclaiming loudly, “I knew it! There’s still justice in this world. Come, I’ll escort you home.”
Wu, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, slowly walked over. He bowed to Mudan and Madam Xue, saying seriously, “Miss He, there’s no need to worry. This is just a small matter, like a drizzle – it will pass naturally before long.”
Mudan smiled, “I hope your words bring good fortune, Manager Wu. I truly hope it will be as you say.”
Wu replied very earnestly, “It certainly will be. Miss He is a good person with spirit. Heaven surely won’t let you suffer such an injustice.” He cupped his hands in farewell, “I have urgent matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.” With that, he mounted his horse and rode away.
Zhang, very sensitively noticing that Mudan’s attitude towards him was somewhat different from before, happily scratched his head and asked, “Mudan, what does that man do? We chatted for a while earlier, and he seemed quite knowledgeable and agreeable.”
Mudan replied, “I’m not sure exactly what he does. I only know that he’s probably a capable manager for a wealthy family. He mentioned traveling extensively in his younger years, so perhaps that’s why.”
Although she had met with Jiang Zhangyang a few times since the incident of buying stones for Yuan Shijiu, and they had become somewhat more familiar with each other, speaking more casually, they had never discussed personal matters. So she truly didn’t know what Wu did. To say he was Jiang Zhangyang’s senior servant didn’t quite fit their interaction pattern at times, but he always addressed himself humbly and showed absolute obedience to Jiang Zhangyang. They were a strange yet harmonious master-servant pair.
Zhang, unsatisfied with this vague answer, said, “He seemed quite concerned about you. I thought he might be a close friend of your family.”
Mudan laughed awkwardly, “Zhang, I don’t know. Although we’ve had several interactions, I don’t even know his full name, only that he’s called Wu.”
Zhang stated confidently, “He must have served in the military before.”
Mudan remained silent. Li Xing had also once speculated that Jiang Zhangyang must have served in the military, held a sword for a long time, and even killed people. If true, it would make sense for Wu to have a military background as well. Zhang’s guess seemed to be correct. Thinking of Li Xing, Mudan’s heart sank again, filled with a mix of emotions – sour, bitter, and sad.
Meanwhile, Fourth Young Master, filled with anger, rushed straight to Li Xing’s shop in the East Market. After searching two shops without finding him, he became even more frustrated and rode out. Ignoring Madam Bai and Madam Li shouting behind him, he headed directly to the West Market. Bursting into Li Xing’s largest silk shop, he stood fiercely in the main hall and grabbed a young assistant, demanding, “Where’s your master?”
The assistant, being new and not recognizing him, cautiously replied, “Our master isn’t here.”
Fourth Young Master roughly pushed him aside and scanned the shelves, contemplating where to start smashing things to vent his anger. Before he could act, Cangshan approached him with a smile, “Fourth Young Master He, what brings you here today? Are you looking for our master? He’s in the back room. Let me announce you.”
Hearing that Li Xing was present, Fourth Young Master sneered. He gently turned Cangshan around, stepped forward, and shouted, “No need! I’ll see him myself!” He strode confidently to the back room and kicked the door open.