He Silang kicked open the door of the quiet room and glanced around. Seeing Li Xing brewing tea and reading by the window, he sneered, “You seem to be living quite leisurely.”
Li Xing’s shop was expensive. Although the government decreed that “in the markets of both capitals, those with official shops may not build additional shops in front,” his establishment far exceeded regulations. It was six times the size of a standard shop, with a correspondingly spacious backyard filled with flowers, plants, and trees.
It was a crisp autumn day. Li Xing had removed all the partitions facing the backyard and partially rolled up the Xiang Fei curtains. He spread a mat on the ground, placed a low table, and set out exquisite tea utensils. He held a book in one hand and poured tea with the other. From Silang’s perspective, he could see the trees swaying in the yard, their green hues filtering through the curtains. Lovely yellow chrysanthemums adorned the steps, while the distant fragrance of osmanthus wafted through the air. With a book in his right hand and tea in his left, Li Xing indeed appeared carefree and at ease. Compared to the chaos and turmoil in Silang’s own life, made him feel increasingly unbalanced.
Li Xing noticed Silang’s eyes bulging like those of an ox, filled with anger, his lips curled in a cold smile as if Li Xing were his mortal enemy. Startled, Li Xing hurriedly stood up and smiled, “Fourth Brother, you—”
Before he could finish, Silang strode forward like a whirlwind, viciously grabbing Li Xing’s collar with one hand while raising his other fist toward Li Xing’s face. Li Xing initially thought to dodge but decided against it, allowing Silang to proceed.
Silang’s fist came close to Li Xing’s cheek but stopped abruptly. He kicked over a nearby red clay stove instead, shouting, “Why didn’t you dodge?”
Li Xing gazed at him calmly and replied, “Fourth Brother has always treated me well, like family. If you’re raising your hand against me, you must have a reason. Taking this punch from you is nothing.”
Hearing this, Silang angrily pounded his chest twice—he couldn’t bring himself to hit Li Xing, and what could be more infuriating than that? When he had stormed out of his house earlier, he was filled with rage and hatred, intending to give Li Xing a thorough beating and wreck his shop, making Madam Cui suffer. But now, face-to-face with Li Xing, he couldn’t do it… It was maddening.
Seeing Silang’s bitter expression, full of pent-up frustration with nowhere to release it, Li Xing’s heart raced. He quickly grabbed Silang’s arm and said, “Fourth Brother, if I’ve truly done something wrong, how can I bear to see you hitting yourself instead of me? You must tell me what’s happening!”
Silang let out a long sigh and looked at Li Xing with a strange expression, remaining silent for a long time. Li Xing grew increasingly alarmed, automatically linking Silang’s behavior to Mudan. At the thought of her involvement, he became so tense he could barely breathe. He didn’t even notice when the overturned clay stove set fire to the mat until the startled Cangshan cried out, “Oh no, it’s on fire!”
Only then did Li Xing snap out of it, grabbing a nearby cushion to help Cangshan pat out the flames. Silang stood by with folded arms, watching. Once the fire was extinguished, Silang snatched the cushion from Li Xing’s hand and swung it at his head, hitting him several times before stopping. He spat, “I wish I could burn this whole shop down to vent my anger.”
Dazed from the blows, Li Xing gestured for Cangshan to clean up while inviting Silang to sit: “Fourth Brother, don’t just vent your anger. If I’ve truly done something wrong, let me apologize or make amends. You must tell me what’s happening.”
Silang didn’t sit. He tossed the cushion aside and said flatly, “It’s nothing much. Your mother just came to our house today, asking us to choose a date to send Mudan to serve Prince Ning as an unnamed concubine.” He couldn’t even bring himself to call her “aunt” anymore.
Li Xing felt as if something exploded in his head with a deafening boom. His vision blurred, his blood ran cold, and his heart froze. He found it difficult to move, even to shift his gaze. He could only stare rigidly at Silang and say with certainty, “Fourth Brother, you must be mistaken!”
Seeing Li Xing’s state, Silang felt a twinge of pity. But remembering Madam Cui’s despicable actions and heartlessness towards Mudan, he hardened his heart and said, “Whether I’m mistaken or not, you can find out by asking when you get home. If your mother were merely passing on a message reluctantly, we wouldn’t blame her so. But she’s not just acting as a go-between; she’s also smearing Mudan’s reputation, using threats and enticements, single-mindedly trying to send Mudan off to be ruined. I don’t know why she hates Mudan so much or why she’s so heartless, but her actions intend to sever our family ties. Since that’s the case, I have a message for you to relay to your parents.
“Over the years, although we’ve relied on your family a great deal, we haven’t been freeloaders. It’s been a matter of mutual favors, or to put it bluntly, mutual interests. If this matter is resolved well, fine. But if any harm comes to Mudan because of this, don’t blame us for turning against you and becoming enemies! It doesn’t matter if you’re the Secretariat Director or hold four honorary titles, even if you were the Prime Minister or an Imperial Madam, you still only have one head. My words may be harsh, but they’re the truth. I’ll say this only once, not twice.”
With that, Silang left without another word. At the door of the quiet room, he encountered the panting Madam Bai and Madam Li, and said coolly, “Let’s go home.”
Madam Bai, seeing the room in disarray but no major incident, sighed in relief and said, “Wait, I still have something to say to Xingzhi.”
By now, Li Xing fully believed Silang’s words were true. He should have felt deeply ashamed, and embarrassed before the He family. Yet he felt no heat of shame rising to his face. He even calmly looked at Madam Bai and asked, “Second Sister-in-law, how is Mudan now?”
Madam Bai sighed softly and replied, “She’s fine for now, but if this matter isn’t resolved well, I’m afraid she’ll throw herself to her death in front of Prince Ning’s mansion.” Seeing Li Xing’s expressionless face, she raised her voice, “Xingzhi, we all know you’re a good boy, but for both your sakes, don’t come looking for our Mudan anymore. It’s better for everyone this way.”
Li Xing’s lips curled into a smile: “I understand. Please, go slowly. I’m not in a good mood, so I won’t see you out.”
Silang glanced at him, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately turned and strode out.
Li Xing sat on the burnt and tattered mat, gazing at the pale, transparent clouds on the horizon, saying nothing. His silence unsettled Cangshan, who knelt quietly beside him and softly said, “Young Master, this is truly inconceivable. Why don’t you go home and ask about it first? There might be some misunderstanding.”
Li Xing shook his head slightly: “No need to ask. Tell me, has Luoshan been avoiding me these past few days? Has he been feigning illness?”
Cangshan’s heart sank, and he quickly pleaded for Luoshan: “Yes, I asked him, but he wouldn’t say anything. He’s young and simple-minded, he probably doesn’t even know when he accidentally let something slip. It surely wasn’t intentional.”
“Never mind, it’s fate. We can’t blame him,” Li Xing’s eyes were filled with resignation. He extended his hand to Cangshan: “Help me up, my legs seem to have gone numb.”
Cangshan quickly stepped forward to support Li Xing, carefully saying, “Young Master, you must have sat for too long.” In truth, he knew this wasn’t the case; Li Xing hadn’t been sitting for very long at all.
Li Xing said nothing. Leaning on Cangshan’s shoulder, he slowly stood up and took a few stiff steps forward. As his movements became more coordinated, he suddenly walked faster. Cangshan watched Li Xing with concern, noticing how he transitioned from stiff and uncoordinated movements to sudden speed, moving so swiftly that even Cangshan could barely keep up at a full sprint. However, once they left the shop and mounted their horses, Li Xing, who had been so decisive moments ago, now looked around in confusion, as if unsure where to go. Cangshan felt increasingly distressed and asked tremulously, “Young Master, are you going to see the Madam?”
Li Xing nodded, though he was uncertain whether to see Mudan first or confront Madam Cui. Rationally, he should go to Madam Cui immediately to resolve the matter. Emotionally, he desperately wanted to see Mudan at this moment, but what could he do if he saw her? Apologize? Comfort her? These actions seemed ridiculous. Even if Mudan didn’t hate him for this, he felt he had no right to face her. If he couldn’t see her, and seeing her would only bring pain, perhaps it was better never to meet again.
Cangshan observed Li Xing’s expression and said, “Since Madam has already caused a scene at the He family’s house, she’s unlikely to still be there. She must be at home.” He carefully guided Li Xing’s horse, adding, “This way is faster.”
Before he finished speaking, Li Xing had already whipped his horse, galloping away.
Upon receiving news of Mudan’s visit to the Huang family, Madam Cui sat and pondered for a while. She felt it necessary to inform Lady Meng immediately. She planned to tell Lady Meng how Mudan had refused, cursed at her, pushed her away, and threatened to parade through the streets with a placard or throw herself to death in front of Prince Ning’s mansion. She aimed to show that she had truly tried her best, but the He family and Mudan were ungrateful and unruly.
If Lady Meng was acting on Prince Ning’s wishes and was determined to succeed, or if she felt the prince’s dignity had been offended and couldn’t let it go, that would be beyond Madam Cui’s control. Whatever the Prince’s household decided to do would be their affair. Although Mudan’s threats were alarming, she would need the opportunity to carry them out—a weak girl could easily be restrained by the prince’s household, making a big scene unlikely. If Lady Meng was acting on her initiative, she might back down out of guilt, but would certainly harbor resentment towards Mudan and cause trouble behind the scenes. Regardless of the outcome, Madam Cui knew she would face Lady Meng’s misdirected anger.
She sighed. Being the target of anger was acceptable as long as her son was safe—that was worth everything. Just as she was about to call for her sedan chair, she heard someone outside greeting Li Xing. The door was pushed open, and Li Xing stood there, expressionless, his dark eyes revealing no emotion.
Madam Cui felt uneasy and couldn’t meet Li Xing’s gaze. She forced a smile and said, “Xingzhi, you’re back so early? Are you hungry? I’ll have someone prepare food for you. I have an urgent matter to attend to…” She tried to walk past him.
Li Xing blocked the door, preventing her from leaving. Madam Cui forced another smile and said, “Child, you’re too old for such mischief. Move aside, I’m in a hurry.”
Li Xing suddenly said, “He Silang just came to my shop. He asked me to relay a message to you: if anything happens to Mudan, it’ll be a life for a life. I’ve already agreed. If that moment comes, I’ll offer my life in exchange for Mudan’s.”
Madam Cui was stunned. She raised her hand and slapped Li Xing hard across the face. Trembling with anger, tears in her eyes, she cried out, “How dare you! To say such unfilial things to my face! I nearly died giving birth to you, ruining my body, and unable to bear more children. I’ve cherished you like the apple of my eye, striving to fulfill your every wish.
I let you play at business; I worried day and night when you abandoned your family duties and ran away for over two years for her sake; I ached with concern when you made enemies everywhere, nearly ruining yourself for her. I never blamed you, always waiting for you to come to your senses. But now, for her sake, you’re willing to sacrifice your parents, your family, your future, and your life? Are my twenty years of hard work and sacrifice worth less to you than her smile?”
Li Xing’s head was turned by the slap. He shouted, “Even if I’ve disappointed you, you shouldn’t harm her. She’s innocent! How can you be so cruel?”
“I’m cruel?” Madam Cui’s hatred for Mudan intensified. She shoved Li Xing hard and yelled, “Let me tell you! This is all you are doing! I can’t stand by and watch you ruin your life and our family! So, you’re the one who’s harming her! It’s your fault! As long as I live, she’ll never get what she wants! Get out of my way!”
It was his fault, he had caused this… So that was it. Li Xing stared at the gold-embroidered patterns on Madam Cui’s skirt and said slowly, “She’s right. It’s not about whether she gets what she wants, but whether I do. Do you know, she doesn’t even want me? The son you treasure might be worth less to her than a peony flower.” Mudan was right, Li Xing thought distractedly. If she had recklessly followed him, she might have lived a life of misery. How wonderful it would be if he were a peony in her garden, nurtured daily by her gentle care, blooming vibrantly in her palm.
Remembering Madam Cen’s parting words, Madam Cui said viciously, “Then you’re even more worthless! If she doesn’t want you, why do you still think of her? Are you helping her family threaten me? Fine, there are two options now: either she dies, or I die! As long as you don’t comply with my wishes, I’ll make sure she never gets what she wants!”
Li Xing glanced at her and left without a word. Frightened by the deathly expression on his face, Madam Cui lunged forward, grabbing his sleeve and crying, “Where are you going?”
Li Xing replied calmly, “I’m going to see Prince Ning.”
Madam Cui was overcome with anger, anxiety, hatred, and pain. “You wouldn’t dare!” She could imagine what Li Xing might do and say to Prince Ning, and it terrified her.
Li Xing said nothing, trying to free his sleeve. When he couldn’t, he simply tore it off and strode away. Madam Cui, clutching the torn sleeve, cried out in fear and anguish, “You heartless wretch! Who am I doing this for? I’ve spent my life toiling and smiling for your sake! Tell me, who’s closer to you, me or her? She nearly ruined you and our family. What have I done? Nothing! I merely tried to elevate her status according to Lady Meng’s wishes. Does she feel wronged? I feel humiliated!
“How could I refuse Lady Meng when she spoke on Prince Ning’s behalf? Whose fault is this? Do you think she’s a good person? If she had any self-respect, how could she cause such trouble? Instead of staying at home, she runs around with that face of hers, causing problems everywhere! Even if Lady Meng was meddling and I misunderstood her, couldn’t we have just cleared things up? Why did she humiliate me so?
Not only did she curse and push me, but she also threatened to ruin your and your father’s reputation and future! How vicious can she be? The entire He family is a den of ungrateful wretches! You only know how to blame me, resent me, hate me. Why don’t you ask about my grievances, my difficulties? I’ve wasted twenty years raising you! You don’t need to force me. I’ll bash my head against this pillar and clear the way for her. Then you’ll have everything you want!”
With that, Madam Cui truly moved to slam her head against a pillar. The maids and servants, seeing the situation deteriorate, quickly restrained her. Some tried to console her, while others called out to Li Xing, who had stopped but hadn’t turned back: “Young Master, please come apologize to the Madam…”
Madam Cui wailed, “Don’t beg him! I might as well be a childless widow. Death would be cleaner than being angered to death like this.”
Li Xing trembled with anger at Madam Cui’s words slandering Mudan. Several times he wanted to turn back and defend Mudan, saying it wasn’t like that, but each time he only walked faster, never looking back. Seeing through her tears that even in this state he wouldn’t turn back, Madam Cui felt as if her heart had been rolled and simmered in boiling oil. Overcome with grief, she cried even harder.
Suddenly, Li Manniangenteredd hurriedly, saying, “What are you doing? The commotion can be heard outside. You’re making a spectacle for the servants.” As she spoke, she blocked Li Xing’s path with one hand, giving him a look urging patience, and dragged him towards Madam Cui. She exclaimed, “Both of you are behaving inappropriately. Is this how a mother and son should act? An outsider would think you were enemies.”
Seeing her, Madam Cui felt as if she’d found a savior and cried even more bitterly, “Sister, he’s being unfilial and rebellious. I can’t go on living!”
Li Xing, also feeling Li Manniang’s arrival was timely, said angrily, “Aunt, you don’t know what she’s done…”
Having just seen off Madam Dou, Li Manniang had rushed over. How could she not know what had happened? She glanced coolly at Madam Cui and took Li Xing’s hand, comforting him, “It’s alright, it’s alright. I’ve already sent someone to fetch your father. We’ll handle this properly. Neither of you needs to leave. Just sit with me, have some tea, and wait for your father to return.”
Surprised that Li Manniang knew, Madam Cui covered her face with a handkerchief and said softly, “Sister, how did you find out? Did they come to complain to you?”
“I’m not a government office. What complaints would they bring to me?” Li Manniang said coolly. “Madam Dou came to see me, asking me to speak with Yuanchu about when Prince Ning might be available. She wanted General Huang to return the bracelet that Lady Meng had given to their Xueniang. Seeing it was just an ordinary pearl bracelet, I asked a few more questions. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known how capable my sister-in-law is, able to coerce relatives in their home and threaten her son with death on her own.”
Madam Cui was taken aback, then blushed slightly, realizing that Li Manniang had learned about her using the bracelet as a betrothal gift to threaten Mudan. Although Li Manniang usually didn’t interfere in her affairs, she wouldn’t let this slide. Since she had come in person, sent someone to fetch Li Yuan home, and spoken in such a tone, it was clear she was very displeased. But Madam Cui wasn’t willing to admit her fault outright. She said reluctantly, “I was forced into a corner, and Lady Meng deceived me. I was also angry and confused. Mudan was too much…”
Li Manniang didn’t engage with these excuses. She said coolly, “Now I’m worried that our relatives and friends will say we’ve forgotten our roots after becoming wealthy, that we’re unreasonable, cruel, selfish, and willing to sell out our niece. I fear Yuanchu’s years of building trust and respect among relatives and friends might be lost.”
Madam Cui grew anxious at her words. She wiped her nose forcefully with her handkerchief and said, “Sister! No matter how close you are to Madam Cen, we’re still closer to you. How can you side with outsiders? You’re a mother too. How can you not understand my feelings? I’m in a difficult position!”
Li Manniang shook her head helplessly. “You’re a mother too. How can you not understand others’ feelings? If you say this is for Xingzhi’s good, I truly can’t see how your actions benefit him in any way.” Seeing Madam Cui’s flushed face and agitated expression, she decisively ended the conversation: “Let’s not discuss this anymore. It’s pointless.”
Madam Cui felt stifled and uncomfortable. She rose to wash her face, apply makeup, and fix her hair, all while pondering what to do if Li Yuan also blamed her when he returned. After some thought, she firmly believed she hadn’t done anything wrong. The Qinghe Wu family was no ordinary family—this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! It wasn’t just her idea; Prince Ning felt the same way! Surely Li Yuan hadn’t forgotten his situation. In terms of ability and experience, how was he inferior to others?
It was only because of his background that he had struggled for so long, doing the most work but often being mocked behind his back as a nouveau riche. He wouldn’t stand by and watch this marriage prospect fall through, letting their son be looked down upon… At most, the family would find a way to politely refuse Mudan, making it impossible for Li Xing and Mudan to be together in the future. No matter how upset Li Xing was now, how long could it last?
Li Manniang glanced at Madam Cui’s back and said softly to Li Xing, “Xingzhi, as a man, you must be decisive. What shouldn’t be thought about, don’t think about anymore.”
Li Xing replied quietly, “I’m sorry to worry you, Aunt. In the future, this kind of thing will never happen again. Once this matter is resolved, I will never see her again in this lifetime.”