Lin Mama stood in the shade of a tree not far away, growing more pleased as she watched. She believed that in the early stages, a man’s attentiveness and nervousness towards a woman were generally proportional unless he was a seasoned playboy. Otherwise, it was hard to escape nervousness and caution. The more uneasy Jiang Changyang appeared, the more she liked it. Seeing that Mudan had stopped her work, Lin Mama approached with a smile and said, “I’ve just brewed some tea and prepared some pastries. Why don’t we go sit in the newly built pavilion and rest for a bit?”
Mudan washed her hands and led the group towards the seedling garden. Outside, they saw Gardener Zheng with a fourteen-year-old boy. Upon seeing Mudan, Zheng hurriedly pushed the boy forward, urging him, “Xilang, quickly pay your respects to the lady.”
The boy immediately knelt and performed a deep bow to Mudan. She quickly told him to rise, asking, “What’s this about? Who is he?”
Gardener Zheng chuckled and explained, “My lady, this is my clan nephew named Xilang. He’s loved tending to flowers and plants since he was little, but unfortunately, his father passed away. I heard from Miss Yuhe that the garden needs more people to care for the plants. Since he’s about the right age, I brought him for you to consider. Could he join me in the garden to do some manual work? As for wages, please decide as you see fit. As long as he can fill his belly and have a place to stay, that’s enough.”
Hearing this, Mudan quickly asked Lin Mama to escort Jiang Changyang ahead, saying, “I have something to attend to. Mr. Jiang, please go ahead and have some tea.”
Jiang Changyang stood with his hands behind his back, looking around. “There’s no rush. I’ll take a look at the flowers and plants around here.”
Unable to persuade him otherwise, Mudan turned back to carefully examine the boy. He wore a common white coarse linen robe typical of poor families, with a fair number of patches. The hem was tucked into his waist, and he wore hemp shoes. His joints were large, his skin dark, and his expression carried a silence beyond his years. He kept his eyes lowered, motionless, appearing honest and simple.
However, this seedling garden was of great importance, and not just anyone could enter freely. Even Gardener Zheng wasn’t allowed in at all times, especially when she was conducting secret operations. During those times, only Yuhe could remain inside, while everyone else was barred from entry. For tasks like turning soil and watering, the garden gates were opened at set times, with a fixed group of female farmhands working under Yuhe’s or her supervision. She couldn’t trust a newcomer with no reputation to help inside the garden, even for manual labor.
Seeing that Mudan was only examining the boy without speaking, Gardener Zheng grew anxious. He quickly helped the boy untuck and straighten his robe, smiling apologetically, “My lady, this child is a bit slow, but he’s a good boy. See, I told him to tidy himself up, but he doesn’t know how to wear his robe properly.”
Mudan had already made up her mind. She said seriously, “Old Zheng, we’ve known each other for a while, and you should understand my temperament. I never shortchange those who work diligently and loyally. This child is your nephew, and you’ve brought him here, so I’m sure he can’t be too bad. But the rules I’ve set can’t be abandoned. This garden can’t be entered freely. Many plants in the Fang Garden need care. Let him try his hand in the outer areas first, and we’ll see after some time. As for wages, he’ll receive the same as others doing similar work. If you’re too busy, I’ll instruct Zheng Niang and the others to come by more often.”
Gardener Zheng seemed unprepared for Mudan’s refusal and his expression stiffened, though he couldn’t find any reason to object. Mudan ignored his reaction and smiled at the boy, “Your name is Xilang, right? How old are you this year?”
The boy’s toes curled nervously in his hemp shoes, and he answered in a voice barely above a whisper, “Yes, my lady, I’m called Xilang and I’m fourteen this year.”
Mudan spoke kindly, “Work hard, and if you do well, your wages can increase. When can you start working?”
Xilang replied, “I can start anytime, my lady.”
Mudan nodded and told Gardener Zheng to take him for a meal and settle him in.
Encouraged by Mudan’s good attitude, Xilang suddenly looked up and blurted out, “My lady, please let me enter the garden with my uncle. I’ll be extremely careful and won’t touch or move anything without permission. You can trust me!”
Mudan was taken aback and replied with a hint of a smile, “You’re that eager to enter the garden? Do you know what’s inside?”
Xilang shrank back, glancing nervously at Gardener Zheng before answering softly, “I don’t know, my lady. I just want to learn my uncle’s skills so I can support my family and help my mother and siblings have a better life.”
Lying through his teeth, Mudan thought. He doesn’t know but still wants to enter so badly. She smiled faintly, “Whether you know or not doesn’t matter. Your intentions are good, but when I say you can’t enter the garden, you can’t enter! If you want to learn, there are plenty of good peonies planted outside. If you can tend to them well, then come talk to me again about entering the garden.”
As Gardener Zheng was about to speak, Xilang stepped forward eagerly, “I won’t disappoint you, my lady.”
Mudan glanced coolly at Gardener Zheng and said, “That would be best.”
Seeing Mudan’s displeased expression, Gardener Zheng laughed dryly, not daring to say more. As she watched Zheng and Xilang leave, Mudan quietly instructed Yuhe, “Have someone keep a close eye on Xilang.” For someone who had lost his father and was working for the first time, his constant use of “this small one” and “in reply to the lady” seemed too smooth, more like someone long accustomed to servitude.
It wasn’t that she was being overly cautious; she simply couldn’t afford to take any risks. Mudan’s new plant cultivation was a complex and lengthy process. To gain short-term benefits and sustain the garden with flowers, she needed to mass-produce these existing precious varieties, selecting the best of the best. The She Yang Jin was the centerpiece, the key to establishing Fang Garden’s reputation. It couldn’t tolerate the slightest mistake. To this day, even Gardener Zheng, who entered the seedling garden daily, didn’t know which ones were She Yang Jin and which weren’t. How could she allow someone of unknown background to enter the garden freely?
Jiang Changyang said calmly, “If you’re suspicious, there’s no need to keep him. Just find an excuse to refuse.”
Seeing that everyone else had moved away and only he was nearby, Mudan didn’t hide her true thoughts. She smiled and said, “I’d like to, but what if I wrong him? After all, many skilled craftsmen seek to learn techniques. Those who don’t strive to improve aren’t good craftsmen. If he’s truly hardworking and upright, I don’t mind teaching him a bit and nurturing his talent to become my right-hand man. That’s one point. Secondly, he’s Old Zheng’s nephew. Old Zheng brought him here, certain that I wouldn’t refuse. If I completely reject him, it might discourage Old Zheng… you understand, I can’t find a more trustworthy gardener right now.”
Jiang Changyang smiled slightly, “You’re quite candid.”
Mudan laughed, “You’re not my competitor, but a trustworthy friend. Sharing this much isn’t a big deal.”
Jiang Changyang said, “You can’t always put all your eggs in one basket. What if one day, when your garden becomes famous, someone maliciously offers Old Zheng ten or twenty times his current wage to poach him? What will you do then? If this garden operates as you wish, you can’t personally oversee everything. You must have someone trustworthy to watch over it at all times.”
Mudan frowned, “I’ve thought about that and have been looking for someone suitable. Many can manage the outer gardens, but few can enter this one. If someone tries to poach him maliciously, so be it. I don’t rely mainly on him anyway. By next year, Yuhe should be able to help me with many tasks. At worst, I’ll just find another trustworthy person to handle daily affairs.”
Jiang Changyang paused before slowly saying, “If you had a death contract servant, would you still worry so much?”
A death-contract servant… Mudan had considered it. In this era, what could be more secure and reassuring than holding someone’s life contract in your hands? But training a skilled gardener from a household servant would take a long time. And as for skilled gardeners who were already free men? The thought of turning a free person into a slave made her quickly dismiss the idea. Yet now, Jiang Changyang had brought it up. Mudan quickly looked up at him, but his eyes were calm and steady, showing neither the cunning nor the coldness she had imagined. He looked at her placidly, as if making a simple suggestion.
Even someone like him could casually mention forcing a free person into slavery. Was it really because of the difference in their times that their thoughts could be so different? Mudan lowered her eyes and said softly, “It would certainly be reassuring, but forcing a free person into slavery seems excessive.”
Jiang Changyang’s eyes widened in surprise. He laughed, half amused and half exasperated, walking a few steps forward before turning back. Looking down at Mudan, he said, “What kind of person do you take me for? Forcing a free person into slavery! When did I ever suggest such a thing? Even if you wanted to, you’d have to…” Even if she wanted to, she’d have to be capable of doing it. Look at her, was she the type to do such things?
Seeing his reaction, Mudan realized she had misunderstood. Blushing slightly, she bravely retorted, “What? You look down on me?”
Jiang Changyang sighed, his earlier restraint and nervousness completely gone. He laughed, “Could you? Tell me, what would you do?”
Seeing his open and unperturbed manner, Mudan now fully believed she had misunderstood earlier. She bit her lip and said fiercely, “It’s hard to do good deeds, but is it so difficult to do bad ones? Of course, I’d first set a trap for him to fall into, then force him into destitution until he has nowhere to turn. Then, I’d extend a helping hand at the right moment, making him tearfully grateful and willing to become my household slave. At that point, wouldn’t I be able to control him however I want? No matter how many times his wage is offered, he wouldn’t dare reach for it!”
Jiang Changyang saw her puffed cheeks and gritted teeth, thinking herself quite formidable. He couldn’t help but burst out laughing, “You certainly sound very fierce.”
What did he mean by that? Mudan glanced at him, “If you provoke me, I can be a bad person too. I’m serious.”
Jiang Changyang saw Mudan’s sidelong glance, her eyes flickering with a mix of coquettishness and anger, her face slightly flushed, pink, and delicate. Though unintentional, this natural charm made his heart race even more. He blurted out, “If you trust me, I can sell you my gardener. He’s under a death contract, quite skilled, and I know him well. You’ll never have to worry about him betraying you. If you let him manage this garden, you can ease at least half of your worries. As for being a bad person…” He paused, then said teasingly, “If you want to be a bad person, you’ll have more time to do so.”
Mudan felt uncomfortable under his gaze and quickly turned away, staring at the moss beneath her feet. She said softly, “I can’t keep accepting your favors. At this rate, I’ll never be able to repay your kindness in this lifetime.”
Jiang Changyang sighed with forced nonchalance, jokingly complaining, “Madam He, you’re usually such an open-minded person. Why do you always get hung up on this? Can you please stop bringing it up? It makes me feel awkward standing here as if I’m some debt collector. If you don’t want to accept, then let’s forget about it.”
Mudan looked up at him seriously and said, “Mr. Jiang, haven’t you ever owed someone a favor? To be honest, I fear owing favors the most, yet I often have no choice but to do so. The feeling of owing a favor is even more uncomfortable than owing money. With money, you repay what you owe, simple as that. But with favors, some can be repaid, while others can’t be easily settled. As they accumulate, when the day comes that you can’t repay, you might have to repay with your life. If you can’t, it haunts your dreams, always weighing on your mind. You feel like your life isn’t your own or your family’s, not knowing when someone might call in the debt, and you’d have to give up your life. The worst part is, even if you’re willing to pay with your life, you can’t do so freely.”
Though her words were somewhat exaggerated, Mudan felt much lighter after saying them. She considered this a proactive move. The favors she owed him were piling up, and she didn’t know how to repay them. Repaying her life would be a small matter, at least it could be repaid. What she feared was not being able to repay even with her life. She disliked playing games of ambiguity; she couldn’t afford to.
He had said earlier they were friends, but his behavior today was far from that of an ordinary friend. The chance encounter, the gift of crabs, shamelessly joining for meals, offering to give her someone, and lingering after planting flowers – what did it all mean? This wasn’t how ordinary friends behaved. Though she had never been in a relationship, it didn’t mean she didn’t understand.
Fine, even if he was truly a good person and she found him agreeable, the fundamental issues needed to be clarified. Even if they couldn’t be spoken plainly, she should at least make her stance clear.
If what he wanted was just comfort in moments of loneliness, or a youthful memory to reminisce about in his old age, a fleeting affair rather than someone to cherish and accompany him for life, then it was better to know sooner rather than later.
Seeing Mudan’s serious expression, Jiang Changyang knew he couldn’t brush it off lightly. He took a deep breath and forced a smile, saying, “I understand what you mean, but you’re overthinking it. I don’t want you to repay me with your life. I just… I just…” He furrowed his brow, trying to find the most appropriate words to describe his thoughts and feelings, neither wanting to be too blunt and appear rude, nor failing to convey his sincerity.
But his experience in this area was lacking. After a long pause, he managed to say, “I just find it very enjoyable to watch you tend to flowers. It gives me a sense of familiarity and comfort. If you don’t like me disturbing you, or if I’ve inadvertently caused you trouble before, then in the future…” He wanted to say he would never come again, but how could such words come easily?
He hesitated for a long time before finally changing it to: “In any case, you should believe that I have no ill intentions. I…” He looked at Mudan with a hint of pleading, trying hard to show a row of white teeth: “I’m a good person. If you don’t believe me, you can ask my friends… Even Fuyuan, the monk who likes me least, wouldn’t dare say I’m a bad person… We may not be very familiar now, but over time, you’ll come to know.”
Seeing the veins on his neck bulging and his words becoming somewhat incoherent, clearly anxious yet still daring to look her in the eye, Mudan couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. Suppressing her amusement, she said seriously, “It’s not about being good or bad. I want to ask, does Mr. Jiang truly see me as a good friend? It’s not that I’m not open-minded or that I’m petty, it’s just that this world is a bit harsh on women. If you truly see me as a friend like Master Fuyuan or Yuan Shijiu, I would be very happy and deeply honored.”
They might be talking about two completely different concepts. Those who claim to be or are considered by others to be morally upright can still take concubines or visit prostitutes without anyone considering them immoral or disrespectful. But for her, if there were ulterior motives, asking her to fulfill the kind of request Madam Meng had made earlier, or even what they might consider a more elevated status, would be an insult.
Jiang Changyang understood the implication of Mudan’s words. He was all too familiar with Li Xing’s situation and the affairs of Prince Ning’s mansion. He quickly said, “Of course, I see you as someone worthy of respect, and at the same time, I truly respect you just like Fuyuan and Yuan Shijiu do.” He looked earnestly into Mudan’s eyes, and said slowly but firmly, seriously and abruptly, “As for my affairs, I can make my own decisions.”
Mudan looked at him quietly, and he returned her gaze without flinching. Mudan saw that after he said those last words, his expression visibly relaxed, his eyes shining with happy anticipation.
But Mudan withdrew her gaze and smiled warmly, “It’s my great honor to have a friend like Mr. Jiang. I will never mention repaying favors again. Now then, Mr. Jiang, please come this way to taste the Mengding flower tea that Lin Mama has specially brewed, and the pastries made by Zhou Baniang.”
All right, if he didn’t have those unsavory intentions, then they could take things slowly and see. For now, they were just friends, not the kind of lovers who casually profess their feelings and then find it awkward to meet if they change their minds later. Give herself some time, give him some time, and with a longer period of mutual understanding, they would know if they were suitable for each other if their feelings would change. What could be more appropriate than being friends first? If they liked each other, they could move forward; if not, stepping back would be more graceful and leave more room for maneuvering.
Jiang Changyang hadn’t expected Mudan to change the subject so quickly. He couldn’t even discern any additional emotions on her face; she truly welcomed him as warmly as she would a friend. He felt somewhat dejected, even doubting if Mudan had understood the meaning behind his last words. Perhaps he should have spoken more clearly, he thought, annoyed with himself as he slapped his palm. But after just two steps, he heard Mudan say, “I wonder where Mr. Jiang found that capable and trustworthy gardener? Perhaps I could ask for your help.”
Hearing this, he became genuinely happy again. If she was still willing to ask for his help, it was a good sign. He boldly ventured, “We just said we’re friends, yet you still address me so formally. Isn’t that a bit distant? My real friends don’t call me Mr. Jiang; they use my courtesy name, Chengfeng. Even Madam Bai does so, as you’ve heard.”
This wasn’t a big deal to Mudan. She smiled slightly and obligingly repeated her previous question with a playful tone: “I wonder where Chengfeng found that capable and trustworthy gardener? Perhaps I could ask for your help.”
Jiang Changyang couldn’t control the upward curve of his lips. He deliberately spoke casually, “A trusted friend gave him to me. If Dan Niang needs one, I can ask about it another time, though it might be expensive. But considering our friendship, I’ll try to negotiate a better price for you.”
Mudan was taken aback. He was pressing his advantage, already calling her Dan Niang. Well, it wasn’t a big deal; six or seven out of ten people she knew called her Dan Niang. She nodded slightly, “Then I’ll trouble you with that.”
When they reached the pavilion, Ying Niang and Rong Niang were already waiting there, teasing Shuaishuai with pine nuts. Shuaishuai, excited by the new environment and being unchained, fluttered its wings and flew to Mudan as soon as it saw her. Landing on her shoulder, it began to call out wildly: “Mudan, Mudan is so cute, Shuaishuai…” It paused briefly, tilting its head as if in thought, then joyfully called out: “Shuaishuai is even cuter!” After calling out, it turned its head, looking at Ying Niang with wide, pleading eyes.
Ying Niang covered her mouth and laughed, “Aunt, Shuaishuai is still as clever as ever, learning so quickly with just a little teaching.”
Mudan extended her hand for Shuaishuai to perch on and fed it two pine nuts, “This little one is boasting again.”
Jiang Changyang asked with a smile, “Who usually teaches it to speak?”
Mudan answered without thinking, “Mostly me.” Only after speaking did she realize that “Mudan is so cute” was also something she had come up with herself during hard times, as a form of self-encouragement.
Just as Jiang Changyang was about to laugh, Ying Niang and Rong Niang exchanged a glance and stood up to greet him: “Hello, Uncle Jiang.”
Immediately after, Shuaishuai seemed to have been switched on: “Hello, Uncle Jiang, hello, Uncle Jiang.”
Although he knew it must have been Ying Niang and Rong Niang who had just taught it, Jiang Changyang immediately took a liking to this clever parrot. He asked Ying Niang for a few pine nuts and, imitating Mudan’s manner, carefully extended his hand to Shuaishuai. Seeing Jiang Changyang’s outstretched hand, Shuaishuai didn’t eat immediately but cautiously tapped his hand lightly with its beak. When he didn’t move, it tilted its head and stared at him. After a brief moment of eye contact between man and bird, Shuaishuai ate the pine nuts from Jiang Changyang’s hand, then matter-of-factly hopped onto his head to perch.
Mudan was startled and quickly called out, “Shuaishuai, come down quickly!”