Li Yuan suppressed his anger repeatedly. Looking at Madam Cui, he said in a deep voice, “You’ve indeed lost your senses. From today on, you needn’t go out or manage external affairs. Just take care of the household—that would be a great help to me.” Without waiting for Madam Cui’s reaction, he called Li Xing and Li Manniang out to discuss how to handle the situation. After all, what had happened couldn’t be undone; getting angry now would solve nothing. It was better to focus on how to remedy the situation.
Li Manniang spoke frankly, “I think this matter wasn’t a big deal initially. Given the current circumstances, even if Lady Meng truly had Prince Ning’s approval, he likely wouldn’t force Mudan if she refused. It seems Lady Meng was overstepping her bounds, and unfortunately, her sister-in-law had her motives and acted foolishly, going too far. Otherwise, how could it have escalated to this point? In my opinion, Lady Meng is truly excessive in her arrogance. Demanding Xueniang from the Huang family to kneel and apologize for a minor displeasure, and thinking she could manipulate someone like Mudan with just a string of pearls—she needs to be taught a lesson. I wonder how she usually behaves in the Prince’s household?”
Li Yuan replied, “She’s the former Princess Consort’s cousin and comes from a noble family. Apart from the late Princess Consort, she holds the highest position. Prince Ning shows her consideration out of respect for the late Princess Consort’s memory. She’s quite self-important, but not particularly favored by Prince Ning.”
Such a person might even harbor ambitions of becoming the second Princess Consort, Li Manniang thought, furrowing her brow. “Given her family background and status, even if Prince Ning learns of this, he probably can’t touch her fundamentally. She might face a reprimand and some punishment at most. The Huang family isn’t afraid of offending her, but I fear she might take out her anger on Mudan. Therefore, Yuanchu, you should personally refuse her, handling it delicately—perhaps saying Mudan is ill. As for Prince Ning, we’ll need to find a more appropriate way to sound him out gradually.”
Li Yuan sighed, “I was thinking the same. Sister, I’ll trouble you to visit the He family tomorrow morning to apologize on our behalf. Once this matter is completely settled, I’ll personally visit to express my regrets. Let’s salvage what we can of this relationship.”
Li Manniang smiled bitterly, “If not me, then who?”
Li Yuan glanced at Li Xing and said, “Your mother indeed handled this inappropriately and went too far. But no matter her faults, she truly had your interests at heart. If you had listened to me earlier, none of this would have happened. Enough said—take care of yourself.”
Li Xing responded quietly and stood up, saying, “I’m tired. I’ll retire now.”
Seeing him leave, Li Manniang turned to Li Yuan and said, “You need to be cautious. Lady Meng is not to be trusted; where there’s one such incident, there may be more. Your wife acts without considering the consequences. Having done this once, how can she refuse next time? Moreover, if she’s willing to involve her niece, others will be even easier targets. Providing women to Prince Ning and currying favor with the rear palace women will ruin your reputation if word gets out, affecting the children as well. I think it’s best to prevent her from contacting those people for a while.”
Li Yuan sighed, “Sister, I had planned to do just that, even without you saying so. I didn’t mention it earlier because the child was present. Rest assured, I’ll make sure she stays at home to ‘recover from illness.'”
Early the next morning, Li Manniang hurried to the He family home before the men left for work. The doorkeeper was startled to see her, unsure whether to let her in as usual or to announce her first. While he hesitated, Li Manniang playfully waved her horsewhip at him, smiling, “Hurry up and let me through. I won’t forgive you if you delay my business.”
Seeing her smile and friendly attitude, the doorkeeper smiled back, “Madam Li, please wait a moment. I’ll announce you right away.”
Li Manniang noticed the subtle difference in treatment. She smiled wryly, thinking it was natural for them to be angry after yesterday’s incident with her sister-in-law. She sat in the gatehouse to wait. She didn’t wait long; Madam Cen soon came out to greet her personally. Though her smile wasn’t entirely natural, her manner remained polite.
Li Manniang felt relieved. She warmly took Madam Cen’s hand as they walked in, saying with a smile, “I thought you might not let me in, assuming you were angry with me too.”
Madam Cen’s smile faded, and she said with slight annoyance, “I’m not that muddled. But don’t try to plead her case. This matter between us isn’t over. Is her child precious while mine is worthless?”
“They’re all precious,” Li Manniang smiled. “I’m not here to plead her case.” As they entered the room, the He family had just finished breakfast and hadn’t dispersed. They were sitting around, chattering about business and local gossip, showing no signs of deep resentment.
Li Manniang immediately spotted Mudan. She wore a rose-red gauze blouse with a dark green eight-panel long skirt, her waist cinched with a gold-threaded cloud-patterned belt. Her hair was neatly combed, and she sat beside He Zhizhong, her hand on his knee, head slightly tilted, listening attentively to the conversation with a docile expression. Apart from her pale complexion, she appeared to be in good spirits.
Everyone rose to greet Li Manniang politely, offering her a seat and tea. However, Li Manniang knew their temperament; while they seemed cordial now if she sided with Madam Cui, they would certainly turn on her. Without wasting words, she directly conveyed Li Yuan’s apologies and assured them that the matter would be resolved satisfactorily.
He Zhizhong smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing: “A few days ago, I happened to meet a newly arrived Censor from the Imperial Censorate, also surnamed He. He appreciates my straightforwardness and drinking capacity, not minding that I’m a merchant. He’s invited me to his home several times. Just last night, I was telling Mudan that we should seek his advice on how to handle this bracelet matter properly. Since Yuanchu already has a plan to deal with it, I won’t trouble myself to ask for favors.”
After years in business, He Zhizhong didn’t rely solely on Li Yuan. He hadn’t invested all his money in jewelry and spices either. If push came to shove, who was afraid of mutual destruction? The Imperial Censorate had no shortage of fearless individuals. He doubted Prince Ning would risk his good reputation.
Li Manniang sighed inwardly. The He family truly resented Madam Cui; this relationship seemed beyond repair. She couldn’t blame the He family for being on high alert—ordinary people entangled with a princely household, with even their relatives turning against them, would naturally feel heartbroken, angry, and shocked. After a brief consideration, she changed the subject, expressing interest in seeing Mudan’s placard.
Mudan, thinking that Li Manniang, Li Yuan’s sister and Li Xing’s aunt, might be uncomfortable seeing the placard, awkwardly demurred, “I’m not sure where I put it.”
Li Manniang smiled at her, “You don’t know? If it were me, I’d make something more practical, larger, with the characters written in cinnabar to make them stand out.” Seeing Mudan’s strange expression, she didn’t press further. Instead, she squeezed Mudan’s arm approvingly, “Not bad, you’ve become much stronger lately. It seems you’ll be able to join us for the hunt after the Mid-Autumn Festival.”
Mudan lowered her head without responding.
Li Manniang looked at her and said, “Oh? Have you come to hate me too? No longer want to associate with me?”
Mudan quickly replied, “No, not at all. I just don’t know if I’ll be free then.”
Li Manniang’s eyes widened, “No time? You’d make time to parade through the streets with a placard, facing death without fear, but you’re afraid to take a trip outside the city with me? How could knowing more people be bad for you?”
He Zhizhong said, “Mudan, go if you want to.” He added meaningfully, “Learn some skills from your aunt.” As a businessman, he knew the wider one’s connections, the easier it was to get things done. The more people Mudan befriended, the more options she would have when facing difficulties, and the better she could protect herself. This was essential.
Suddenly, a servant came to report, “There’s a Madam Bai outside, saying she’s a good friend of Miss Mudan, here specifically to visit her.”
A Madam Bai who could be called a friend—who else could it be but Madam Bai? Mudan stood up in delighted surprise, excused herself from Li Manniang, and hurried out to greet Madam Bai.
Madam Bai, holding a cup of tea, was examining the fragrant mountain display in the He family’s main hall. Seeing Mudan emerge, she turned and smiled radiantly at her, taking the opportunity to carefully observe Mudan. Noticing Mudan’s smile and appropriate attire, she felt subtly relieved and said, “Your outfit today is quite nice. If you added a touch of that purple lip rouge I gave you, it would enhance your complexion and make you look even more radiant.”
Mudan smiled, “You look beautiful today too. Is there some special occasion?”
Madam Bai’s attire was different from usual, and exceptionally elegant. Her pomegranate-red eight-panel long skirt with treasure flower patterns, pale lotus-colored silk wide-sleeved robe, and gold-painted red silk shawl were impressive enough. But the gold wire flower crown on her head was truly resplendent, inlaid with several types of gemstones and pearls. Her eyebrows were carefully drawn like distant mountains, and her lips were painted with pomegranate-red lip rouge. She seemed slightly fuller than before, and with the faint fragrance of osmanthus about her, her usually cool demeanor had softened somewhat.
Hearing Mudan’s admiration, Madam Bai twirled gently before her, asking, “Do you think this looks good?”
Mudan praised her, “It’s wonderful. Especially the flower crown—it’s particularly exquisite, majestic yet not cliché. By the way, how do you have time to visit today?”
Madam Bai smiled enigmatically, “Since you can’t come to my home, I had to come find you. A cousin of mine is getting married soon and is hosting a flower-viewing party. It’s just for a few close elders, friends, and sisters. I wanted to invite you to accompany me. Are you free?”
Attend a banquet at a time like this? But Madam Bai had come excitedly to invite her personally… Mudan felt very conflicted. After much consideration, she still felt it inappropriate to go out at this time and smiled apologetically, “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.”
Madam Bai reached out to adjust Mudan’s sash, smiling, “I’m being polite with you, and you’re being polite back? No, you must come with me today.” She paused, then added, “I originally didn’t want to go, but I decided to attend almost entirely for your sake.”
Mudan looked at Madam Bai suspiciously, wondering if she already knew. Madam Bai smiled and said, “You’re not being fair. Such a big event, and you didn’t tell me. I had to hear it from others. It’s quite disappointing. Madam Meng will also attend today. After the banquet, you’ll thank me.”
Her meaning couldn’t have been clearer. Mudan’s emotions surged as she grasped Madam Bai’s hand and said, “I didn’t tell you because I thought I could handle it. It was just a matter of time.” Strangely, since seeing He Zhizhong’s calm expression, she had also become calm, believing the matter could be resolved. Where did this confidence come from? From the unity and love of her entire family.
Madam Bai said pointedly, “You were afraid that asking for my help would make me think you befriended me just for favors, weren’t you? Don’t worry. Human relationships are about mutual support beyond just getting along. If you always focus on social status, I’d find that uninteresting.”
“Who told you? How did you arrange this so quickly? Doesn’t organizing a banquet take several days?” Mudan smiled without refuting her words. Madam Bai said this because she liked Mudan and wanted to associate with her, so she believed it was natural for friends to help each other. But if Mudan had approached her from the beginning with the intention of networking with the powerful, would Madam Bai still think the same? Probably not.
Madam Bai laughed, “Someone told me, of course. They don’t expect your thanks. I’m not the host, nor am I the one worrying about it. I’m just bringing you there. Someone will be waiting to solve your problem.”
Mudan grew more suspicious and said with a smile, “Who is this important person? I must be very lucky to always have benefactors. You call yourself my friend, yet you won’t tell me. Aren’t you making me appear rude by not allowing me to thank them properly?”
Madam Bai smiled without answering, only saying, “Don’t change your clothes. This outfit is fine. Quickly go inside and fix your hair and face. Wear some pretty jewelry, and put on some powder and lipstick. Remember to use the purple one I gave you, and don’t use perfume. Here, use this instead.” She instructed Nianyu to bring over a small carved ivory box, which she opened for Mudan. Inside were two pigeon egg-sized osmanthus flower balls, tied together with colorful silk threads, fresh and lovely.
Madam Bai rolled up her sleeves to her wrists, revealing her flower balls. “They picked osmanthus flowers at dawn to make these. They’re perfect on the wrist, and the fragrance is just right. Even I, who never liked this scent before, have fallen in love with it. It’s perfect for you to try, being young and fresh. Remember to bring the string of pearls Madam Meng gave you. We’ll return it to her later.”
Mudan had Shu’er take the flower balls and sent Kuan’er to invite Madam Xue to keep Madam Bai company. She then went inside to inform Madam Cen and apologize to Li Manniang before going to get ready.
Shortly after, Mudan came out fully prepared. Madam Bai’s eyes lit up as she said, “I feel like I’m back to when I first met you, so vibrant and bright. I’m sure that person will like you.”
Mudan asked curiously, “Who is it exactly? Madam, please don’t keep me in suspense.”
Madam Bai smiled, “Just call me Xin. Let’s go.”
Mudan followed Madam Bai out of Xuanping Ward, turned a corner, and walked straight along the main street. After reaching Chongye Ward, they headed directly to Fuyun Temple. Mudan hadn’t expected to visit a Taoist temple and said with a smile, “I’ve heard there’s a princess-turned-Taoist priestess living here. Even when buying peonies, I couldn’t enter. Are we going to visit her today?”
Madam Bai replied, “Yes, we’re going there, but this matter doesn’t have much to do with her. Someone’s just borrowing her place. These days, her osmanthus flowers are blooming beautifully, making it an excellent place for entertaining guests.”
As they entered Fuyun Temple, young and beautiful Taoist priestesses immediately came forward to guide them to the rear of the temple. Before reaching their destination, a gentle breeze brought the sweet fragrance of osmanthus. Mudan took a deep breath and smiled, “It smells wonderful.”
The guiding priestess smiled, “It’s even more pleasant inside, guests.”
As they spoke, they turned onto a winding path paved with rough stones and lined with golden osmanthus trees. Halfway down the path, they heard the faint sound of women’s cheerful laughter, indicating a lively gathering. A few steps further, they saw two women, one in red and one in blue, chasing and playfully hitting each other as they approached, laughing loudly.
Nianyu pointed at one of the women, who had her hair in a double-ring bun and wore a pomegranate-red gauze short robe with a matching eight-panel skirt. She was curvaceous and was laughing heartily while playfully choking her companion. Nianyu said, “Madam, isn’t that Miss Man from the Qiu family? She’s the hostess, but instead of sitting inside entertaining guests, she’s out here chasing and playing around. She hasn’t changed a bit.”
Madam Bai looked at Mudan with a smile and said, “See? They’re all just a bunch of wild girls. They’re not much younger than you, at the age of freedom and innocence, just right for having fun.”
Although Madam Bai was smiling, Mudan detected a hint of melancholy in her voice. Recalling the strange way Madam Bai interacted with her husband Pan Rong, Mudan thought to herself that Madam Bai probably wasn’t very happy.
The two women had noticed them and ran over joyfully. Qiu Manniang curiously examined Mudan while greeting Madam Bai, “Cousin Xin, I thought you weren’t coming.”
Madam Bai tucked a loose strand of hair behind Qiu Manniang’s ear and smiled, “Of course I was coming. Has the Princess Consort of Min arrived yet?”
“Not yet. It’s just a few cousins here now,” Qiu Manniang replied, pointing at Mudan. “Who is this sister? She’s very pretty, and her outfit is quite lovely too.”
Madam Bai had no intention of formally introducing Mudan’s identity and simply said, “She’s a good friend of mine. Her surname is He and her childhood name is Mudan. Everyone calls her Danniang.”
Qiu Manniang frowned slightly, gently biting her bright red lips, apparently trying to recall if she knew any He family in the capital. Mudan had already instructed Shu’er to hand over the tin box she was holding and said with a smile, “I’m sorry for attending the banquet without your invitation. This is an Osmanthus fan pendant, quite exquisitely made with a good meaning. I hope you won’t mind.”
Seeing Mudan’s polite words and the delicate tin box, Qiu Manniang smiled slightly and personally accepted it. Without any hesitation, she opened it in front of everyone. The tin box had two layers: the first contained a small amount of honey to nourish the fragrant wood, and the second was full of osmanthus powder with a fan pendant carved in the shape of a bat and lingzhi mushroom. It was indeed exquisitely made and very suitable for someone about to get married like herself.
Qiu Manniang immediately asked her maid to put it on for her, exclaiming happily, “I love it!” This gift made her warm up to Mudan, and she no longer cared about investigating Mudan’s background. She then enthusiastically introduced her blue-clad companion to Madam Bai and Mudan: “This is Lan from the Qin family. We’ve only known each other for a short while, but we’ve become very close.”
Qin Lan gracefully stepped forward to greet Madam Bai and Mudan. She had jade-like skin, long eyebrows, large eyes, and a slightly square chin. Her figure was petite, and she had just come of age. She was also a beautiful young woman with composed and elegant manners. Although her attire was much simpler compared to Qiu Manniang’s, she exuded an undeniable air of wealth and sophistication.
Madam Bai looked Qin Lan up and down and smiled, “You’re from the Qin family of Taiyuan, aren’t you?”
Qin Lan smiled, revealing a shallow dimple on her left cheek, “Yes, I am. I’m the twenty-sixth in our clan. The late Princess Consort of Ning was my elder sister.”
Hearing this, Mudan couldn’t help but look at Qin Lan more closely, indeed finding traces of the Princess Consort of Ning in her. However, while the overall impression of the Princess Consort of Ning was more gentle, Qin Lan, due to her slightly square chin, appeared more determined.
Madam Bai nodded slowly, “You’re the younger sister of the late Princess Consort of Ning? Your sister was a good person.”
Qin Lan’s eyes reddened, and she lowered her head in silence.
Seeing this, Qiu Manniang exclaimed, “Cousin Xin, you’re bringing up sad memories again! Today I’m in charge, and no one is allowed to mention sad things. Only laughter is permitted!” As she spoke, she put her arm around Qin Lan’s shoulders and pushed her forward. After a few steps, she turned back to look at Mudan with a smile, “Sister He, don’t be shy. Have fun however you like.”
Madam Bai raised her chin slightly, “You go ahead. Don’t worry about us.”
Qiu Manniang was only too happy to hear this. She hugged Qin Lan and whispered something, causing both of them to giggle softly before running off hand in hand.
Mudan finally had a chance to ask Madam Bai, “Xin, is the important person you mentioned the Princess Consort of Min? Is the Prince of Min that royal uncle?”
Madam Bai smiled, “You know about the Prince of Min? That’s perfect then. No wonder.”
Mudan was completely puzzled. “I only saw the Prince of Min from afar during the polo match at Prince Ning’s estate. I just know he’s a royal uncle, but I don’t know anything else.”
Madam Bai drawled, “I see. I understand now.”
Seeing her mischievous expression, Mudan pouted and lightly pinched her arm, “What are you doing, smiling so wickedly?”
Madam Bai laughed for a while, then said, “I’ll tell you the truth. Someone has asked the Princess Consort of Min to help you. The Princess Consort isn’t from a noble family and loves to seek justice for wronged women everywhere. Later, if she says or does anything strange, don’t be surprised. Just go along with it.”
Mudan was now burning with curiosity. She tugged at Madam Bai’s sleeve insistently, “Who is it exactly? I won’t let you go until you tell me.”