The early winter Qujiang Pool offered little to see. Only the withered yellow grass on the shore provided a place to sit and enjoy the sun, but one had to choose a spot sheltered from the wind. Otherwise, the cold breeze blowing across the lake surface would make one’s ears ache, despite the bright sun overhead. Even so, the number of visitors hadn’t diminished. Many boats still plied the lake’s waters, their passengers drinking and making merry. Among them were women in brightly colored robes with heavy makeup, holding musical instruments.
Leading Shuer and Gui, Mudan chose a spot along Jiang Changyang’s likely return route. She spread a thick wool blanket on the grass and bought some snacks from a nearby stall. As they sat enjoying the sun and food, they noticed people flying kites in the strong wind. Mudan bought a dragonfly kite to try as well.
Suddenly, a painted pleasure boat drew near. At its bow sat a female entertainer wearing a peach-red gauze robe, a parrot-green corset, a pomegranate-red silver-embroidered skirt, and green satin shoes. She held a pipa and was heavily made up. The woman played and sang, her melodious voice turning many heads.
Mudan and Shuer looked too. As the song ended, a man with a hooked nose, eagle eyes, and a full beard emerged from the cabin, wearing a lake-green round-collared narrow-sleeved robe. It was Cao Wanrong. He held a silver cup with two handles, grinning as he said something to the female entertainer. She bowed slightly with her pipa and allowed him to pour the entire cup of wine into her mouth.
Cao Wanrong withdrew the cup, turned it to where her lips had been, and licked off the remaining lipstick. The cabin erupted in laughter. The entertainer, unperturbed, casually took out a plain silk handkerchief, pressed her lips to it, and tossed it into Cao Wanrong’s arms. She then adjusted her skirt, took out a box of rouge, and touched up her makeup. Cao Wanrong sniffed the handkerchief with the lip print, appearing intoxicated. This made the entertainer laugh heartily and pluck a few high notes on her instrument.
Shuer made a sound of disgust and tugged at Mudan’s sleeve. “This man is so lewd. To do such immoral things in broad daylight is truly sickening.” She then commented on the entertainer, “It’s so cold, yet she’s wearing such thin gauze, tsk tsk tsk…”
Mudan looked away and said, “If you don’t like it, just don’t watch. Look elsewhere.”
The entertainer turned and noticed them, mistaking them for handsome young men from afar. She waved at them. Shuer cursed, “Look at that, she’s not a good person. Those men on her boat must be even worse. How dare she call us over? Pah!”
“That’s not necessarily…” Mudan was about to speak when Gui, who had been standing nearby, suddenly said, “Young masters and mistresses seeking pleasure and playing along with the scene are common. These things happen all the time and are quite normal. Sister Shuer, remember this: those who seek pleasure and play along aren’t necessarily bad people, and those who appear serious and righteous aren’t necessarily good people. In this world, many engage in this trade. Are they all bad people?”
Mudan looked at this servant, who had been acquired through special means just yesterday, with wide eyes and a slight smile.
Gui was just over twenty, of average build, neither strong nor weak, with unremarkable features – the type that would be hard to pick out in a crowd. But she had seen him single-handedly take down four large, strong men, and his horsemanship was excellent. She had always regretted that he couldn’t read or write, thinking it was a waste of talent. She hadn’t expected him to make such an insightful comment. He was truly an invaluable asset for both home and travel.
Shuer didn’t want to agree with this newly arrived, seemingly unremarkable servant. She put her hands on her hips and pouted, “Would daughters from good families become prostitutes? No! Would men from good families seek out prostitutes? No! So they’re all bad people!”
“You wouldn’t understand even if I explained. I won’t waste my breath on you,” Gui’s face darkened as he turned away, unwilling to argue further with the little maid.
Mudan smiled and said, “Let’s not talk about this anymore. There are many scholars living in Pingkang Ward. Can you say they’re not men from good families? If you want to manage someone, just manage our people.” In this era, visiting courtesans was a common practice, and it was hard to judge who was good or bad.
“Oh, it’s Mister He Qi. What a coincidence,” Cao Wanrong directed his painted boat towards Mudan and her group. His expression was amiable, even somewhat fawning and ingratiating. “Mister He, these are all like-minded friends. Would you like to come aboard, drink some wine, tour the lake, and discuss important matters?”
Mudan smiled and said, “Thank you, Master Cao, but I have other business today and won’t intrude.” If she and Shuer had been dressed as women, Cao Wanrong certainly wouldn’t have invited her aboard so casually. But since they were in men’s clothing, this invitation seemed somewhat coercive.
Before Cao Wanrong finished speaking, four men emerged from the cabin. One was an elderly man with white hair and beard, thin but vigorous, wearing a reddish-brown silk round-collared narrow-sleeved robe and a black gauze hat. He smiled benevolently, like a kindly neighbor. Another was in his twenties, wearing a tea-colored silk round-collared narrow-sleeved robe. He was also thin and vigorous, quite handsome with particularly striking phoenix eyes. The other two men Mudan had seen from afar with Cao Wanrong before, likely part of his group.
At this time, many women wore men’s clothing as a fashion statement, not necessarily trying to pass as men. Thus, everyone could see that Mudan and Shuer were women in men’s attire, and felt it inappropriate to invite them aboard.
However, Cao Wanrong said, “Mister He Qi, you may not know, but these two…” He pointed at the men in reddish-brown and tea-colored robes, speaking in an exaggerated tone: “These two are from Luoyang. Old Master Lü Zhensheng is a famous flower expert and master gardener. He knows everything about flowers – what’s good and what’s not.”
Although Mudan didn’t know what Cao Wanrong was up to, she still cupped her hands in respect and said, “He Qi pays respects to Old Master Lü.”
The old man stroked his beard and smiled, “Good, a young hero indeed.”
Cao Wanrong then pointed to the young man: “This is Old Master Lü’s youngest son, Lü Fang, also known as Mister Lü Shi. Though young, he has fully inherited Old Master Lü’s skills. Among his peers, in terms of discernment and technique, no one can compare. Their Lü family’s Mudan Garden in Luoyang is second to none, dare I say the best in the world.”
It did sound impressive. Mudan smiled slightly and cupped her hands again: “Mister Lü Shi accomplished at such a young age.”
Lü Fang glanced at Mudan, then turned back to Cao Wanrong with slight displeasure: “Brother Cao, you exaggerate again. The world is vast, with many talented and extraordinary people. I’m content not to be at the bottom, how dare I claim to be the best?”
Cao Wanrong laughed heartily: “Oh, my dear Mister Shi, no need for such modesty. Old Master Lü just said you’re the Lü family’s rising star. What I said is true. In Luoyang, besides the Lü family’s Mudan Garden, no other place dares to call itself a peony garden – they can only be called flower nurseries… If you open a garden in the capital, I’m afraid all the gardens here will have to do the same.” As he spoke, he glanced at Mudan.
Shuer was already angry, but Mudan showed no expression, standing there calmly, turning the kite over in her hands. Though she appeared indifferent, she was thinking: It’s true that the Lü family’s Mudan Garden in Luoyang has long been famous. Their skills are said to be passed down through generations, with many people and resources, and years of family tradition. Her own Fang Garden couldn’t compare in these aspects. Why were these two in the capital? And how did they end up with Cao Wanrong? Could it be related to the peony exhibition Jiang Changyang had mentioned to her earlier?
If so, then when Jiang Changyang heard this news, it had already been spread, or deliberately sent to the ears of interested parties. This meant that the peony exhibition next spring was certain to take place. Her Fang Garden, Cao Wanrong’s Cao Family Garden, this Lü family from Luoyang – who else might be involved? There might be some unexpected talents hidden among the common people.
Cao Wanrong, displeased with Mudan’s nonchalant attitude, cleared his throat loudly to draw everyone’s attention. Then he introduced Mudan to the Lü father and son in a loud voice: “Everyone, this Mister He Qi, hehe…” He covered his mouth with his sleeve and said in a joking tone, “This is a young lady. She’s playful, so she’s dressed as a man. I forgot earlier when I invited her aboard. Fortunately, she remembered, otherwise, it would have been my mistake.”
Mudan frowned and looked coldly at Cao Wanrong, smiling, “Master Cao, your tone is inappropriate. Those who don’t know might misunderstand and think you’re a lecher! Fortunately, you remembered, otherwise, I might have made a mistake.”
Cao Wanrong had intended to mock Mudan for a woman doing a man’s job and deliberately embarrass her in front of these people, teasing her for overestimating herself. He didn’t expect Mudan to retort so sharply, and his face darkened. He took the opportunity to say, “Miss He, although we’re in the same trade, I’ve always approached you with a desire to learn and get along harmoniously. It’s you who’s always been against me, opposing me at every turn. I, as a man, won’t quibble with you, a mere woman, but you shouldn’t disregard your elders.”
Mudan was bewildered by his rapid-fire accusations. She glanced at Cao Wanrong’s two followers who kept agreeing with him, and at the Lü father and son who were looking at her with scrutiny and dislike. She understood the situation. This peony exhibition likely had a significant connection to the Lü family, and Cao Wanrong was desperately trying to curry favor with them while simultaneously attacking her. By now, the Lü father and son had probably been swayed by him, so arguing would be futile. Since she was going to leave a strong impression anyway, it was better to speak her mind freely than to swallow her anger.
Mudan smiled slightly and said, “Master Cao, I didn’t realize until you mentioned it. I’m such a lowly person that I’m always against you. Yet in this situation, you still brought your boat from so far away to greet me and kindly introduced me to the two Mr. Lüs. I’m truly ashamed…” She pretended to cover her face with her sleeve and said loudly, “The sage says, ‘To know one’s faults and correct them is the greatest virtue.’
After hearing your teachings today, elder, I’ve had an epiphany. From now on, if you see a peony by the release pond that you like, just tell me not to go there. I’ll certainly stay away, lest I see it and become unwilling to transfer it. Furthermore, I won’t make appointments at temples or Taoist shrines anymore. Whichever place you like, just write ‘Cao’ on the door, and this young lady will turn and leave, saving the young monks the trouble of returning my deposit, and me the extra cost of their errand fee.”
Cao Wanrong’s face darkened progressively. Old Master Lü frowned as he scrutinized Mudan, while Lü Fang couldn’t help but curl his lips in amusement.
“Elder, I respect you greatly, but in this situation, oh my, I’m too embarrassed to face you all. I wouldn’t dare waste your time. Boatman set sail quickly!” Mudan turned aside, no longer acknowledging Cao Wanrong and the others. Hearing this, Gui extended the pole he was holding to push the painted boat away.
“Let’s go!” Cao Wanrong turned to Old Master Lü and said, “Old Master Lü, look at her. She’s naturally sharp-tongued. I try to be kind to her, to reason with her, and look what I’ve become in her eyes?” As he spoke, he stamped his foot hard. For a big, burly man to do this, it seemed he was truly aggrieved.
Old Master Lü frowned and said, “You said her family is very wealthy, and her father and brothers spoil her? That she has many connections with the nobility, so she fears nothing? And she even had two men fight for her in public?”
Cao Wanrong nodded vigorously, “Yes, yes! One was her ex-husband, the other her cousin. Tsk tsk… At that time, she hadn’t even received her certificate, yet she was already helping others harm her husband… And that’s not all. She claims to be related to several royal households. She says there are many rare peonies in the world, but the most exquisite and wonderful ones must come from her hands. Who knows where she got such audacity? Old Master Lü, now that you’ve come out of seclusion, you must teach this arrogant upstart a good lesson!”
Old Master Lü indeed became furious, “Such a disgrace! How dare she grow peonies? How dare she claim to love peonies? And she even calls herself Mudan? What a waste of a good name!”
Cao Wanrong seized the opportunity, “Old Master Lü, I’m willing to give you my small garden. I only ask that you…”
Old Master Lü glanced at him, “I’ve said I won’t open a garden in the capital.”
Cao Wanrong was overjoyed, “Please don’t say that! The capital lacks an expert veteran like you to keep things in check. That’s why these demons are running rampant…”
Old Master Lü took a sip of wine and said slowly, “There’s no rush. We’ll discuss it later.”
Lü Fang frowned as he looked at Cao Wanrong, then raised his eyes to the increasingly distant Mudan on the shore. The kite she was holding had taken flight, but she was inexperienced at flying kites. She had launched it near a tree, and naturally, it got caught in the branches. She stamped her feet and shouted, while the little maid pointed and gesticulated, running back and forth. Her manservant was poking upwards vigorously with the pole, trying to free the kite.
She circled the tree, looking up and down, left and right, trying to figure out the best approach to gently unhook the kite. But her manservant was clumsy. No matter how she gestured, he jabbed with the pole, eventually poking a big hole in the dragonfly kite. The little maid was exasperated, her finger almost poking the manservant’s nose.
However, Mudan stopped the maid’s hand and gave each of them a bright orange. The manservant then grinned smugly at the maid, showing off by peeling the orange and eating it segment by segment in front of her. The maid cried, but Mudan laughed, mischievously pinching the maid’s nose. The maid couldn’t help but cry louder. Mudan let go, somewhat panicked and patted the maid’s shoulder. The maid took the chance to kick the manservant.
Could such a person be the kind Cao Wanrong described? Lü Fang found it strange. As he pondered this, several horsemen approached. The lead rider, dressed in a vermilion robe, jumped off his horse and walked straight to the tree. In two moves, he climbed up, retrieved the kite with the hole, and handed it to her. She took the dragonfly kite, gesturing and smiling as she talked incessantly. The man just watched her and smiled, not saying much. The little maid and Gui were busy packing up. When they finished, she mounted her horse and followed the man in the vermilion robe into the distance.
Although they were far away, Lü Fang had excellent eyesight from childhood. He could see He Qi’s every expression, radiant as the morning sun. In terms of appearance, she certainly lived up to the name “Mudan” (Mudan), but he didn’t know what kind of person she was. He thought to himself, her peony garden was called Fang Garden, right? He must go see it for himself.
“Young Master, what are you looking at? Come, let this humble servant sing for you.” The charming musician fanned waves of fragrance, her rouge lips parting slightly… She kicked off her small shoes, revealing feet without silk stockings, her toenails painted bright red, occasionally brushing against Lü Fang’s calf. Her semi-transparent blue gauze trousers fluttered in the wind.
Lü Fang stared blankly for a while, then suddenly said, “I have an ointment at home that would be good for dry, cracked skin like yours!”
The musician was taken aback and quietly withdrew her foot, giggling coyly, “Young Master, you’re joking!”
Lü Fang said very seriously, “Lü Fang never jokes.”
The musician raised an eyebrow and moved closer to him, “Then bring it for this humble servant to see, and then apply it for me, how about that?” Her foot hooked onto Lü Fang’s thigh from an unexpected angle. Lü Fang didn’t move, smiling slightly, “I’m tired. Others only need to apply it once, but sister, you might need to apply it for ten years before seeing any improvement. But by then, it would be too late.”
The musician’s face reddened slightly, and she withdrew her foot. Lü Fang turned and left, dropping a gold bead into the musician’s arms, which somewhat alleviated her sadness and anger from moments ago.
Mudan and Jiang Changyang didn’t return directly to his home, but instead found a secluded teahouse to talk.
After everyone else had withdrawn, Mudan softly told Jiang Changyang what she had heard, saying, “Our whole family has heard about this. My mother asked me to come and check on you. Earlier, when I heard you had gone to the palace early in the morning, I was worried it might be related to this incident. Seeing you return still wearing your vermilion robe, I thought things must be all right.” Filial impiety was a serious charge. Even the emperor couldn’t withstand such public opinion, and many had fallen because of it.
Jiang Changyang gently took her hand and smiled slightly, “When I was coming, I guessed that with this news spreading so wildly, you might come to see me. I didn’t expect you to be waiting halfway. Had I known you would surely come, I should have hurried. Look how late it’s gotten, you’ll have to leave soon after sitting for just a short while.”
Mudan played with his fingers one by one, “How did it come to this? They’re so vicious. Anyone who knows you knows that you would never offer spoiled goods to elders as a filial gift. No matter how much you dislike her, you’re not that kind of person.”
Jiang Changyang found each finger she touched more comfortable than the last, and he narrowed his eyes slightly, “I expected this to happen. From now on, everyone will know that I’m not on good terms with the Zhu Duke’s mansion. They won’t cause trouble for the Zhu family because of me, and likewise, the Zhu family’s troubles won’t easily fall on my head. There are gains and losses; it’s just a matter of which outweighs the other.”
Mudan pinched him hard, “But how can you bear the reputation of being unfilial? It’s not your fault. They’re being too malicious.”
Jiang Changyang chuckled softly, stood up, and put his face half a foot away from hers, staring at her intently, “You’re so concerned about me now, aren’t you?”
Mudan pushed his face away, “Your face is like an oil pancake, so greasy. It’s disgusting, stay away from me.”
Without a word, Jiang Changyang took her hand and wiped it across his face, “You’re right, it is oily. I spent half the day shooting arrows with His Majesty and sweated a lot. I didn’t even have time to wash my face before rushing back.”
Mudan felt the greasiness on her palm, pulled away, and wiped it with a handkerchief. Tsk… She could hardly bear to look and clamored to get an orange to peel for Jiang Changyang with this hand.
Jiang Changyang didn’t mind, handing her an orange. Mudan eventually couldn’t bring herself to do that, so she took another clean handkerchief to hold while peeling, “From what you’re saying, His Majesty didn’t blame you? What about the Censorate…”
Jiang Changyang smiled slightly, “It’s good enough that they weren’t punished. Do they dare say those things weren’t good? Some were gifts from the Emperor. Those who embezzled them are waiting to lose their heads. So this morning, I was pleading for them, not for myself.”
Mudan frowned, “You didn’t tell them there were imperial gifts among the items?” He must have done this deliberately!
Jiang Changyang sighed, “I didn’t have a chance to tell them before I was driven away. Their opinion of my mother and I was so low that they dared to insult my mother in front of me. As a person, how could I endure that? This morning, I swore before His Majesty that in this lifetime, I will not inherit anything from the Zhu Duke’s mansion, including the title. But blood ties and family affection cannot be severed, so I took responsibility for their foolish actions yesterday. I blamed myself for not explaining things clearly beforehand, which led to that incident. So I took a few strokes of the paddle for my grandmother.”
Mudan’s frown deepened, “You were beaten? Where? Does it hurt?”
Jiang Changyang clutched his waist, “It hurts terribly. If you’re willing to help apply medicine, it will surely heal faster.” Mudan lightly kicked his shin, “Serves you right if it hurts.”
Jiang Changyang nimbly dodged and chuckled softly, “Just wait. They’ll soon realize they’ve been tricked and will confirm my guilt to Duke Zhu. They’ll say I came to harm them and absolutely can’t let me return. Duke Zhu will soon suspect me.”
Mudan anxiously asked, “What did His Majesty say?”
Jiang Changyang sighed softly, “His Majesty… he doesn’t like me being close to the Zhu Duke’s mansion. My mother and Fang Bohu… So, the further I am from the Zhu Duke’s mansion, the happier he is.” So even though he was beaten and scolded, the Emperor was pleased.