Pan Rong had never been spoken to so harshly before, and it struck his most vulnerable spot. He glared at Mudan, clenching his fists, but she stood her ground, meeting his gaze.
After a while, Pan Rong’s tense jaw finally relaxed a bit. “Ha!” He laughed oddly, “You shrew! You think you can meddle in everything! You can’t even cool your porridge, yet you have time to interfere in others’ private affairs. Ah Xin likes you, Jiang Dalan values you, and you think you’re something special? In my eyes, you’re nothing.”
Mudan replied calmly, “You’re right. I’m just an ordinary person, without power or influence. I can’t force others to change their minds, and I often face unsolvable difficulties, needing to seek help from others. But I keep trying, hoping that one day I’ll need less help. I sincerely care for those who are good to me. I don’t dwell on their faults but remember their kindness, and I do what I can for them. Until now, I can say I have a clear conscience. Can you?”
Pan Rong was stunned into silence, his clenched fists gradually relaxing.
Mayaer stopped playing the zither, bowed to them, and quietly left.
Seeing Mayaer leave, Pan Rong asked, “Did she tell you?” He initially wanted to ask if Lady Bai had sent Mudan, but quickly dismissed the thought. How could Lady Bai send someone to find him? If she had just lowered her head and yielded a little, how could they have ended up like this?
“No,” Mudan said, noticing his expression soften and her tone becoming gentler. “No outsider can understand a couple’s affairs as well as they do themselves. You know Ah Xin better than I do, having been with her for years. Even in this situation, she won’t confide in me. It’s just that I’ve experienced hardship, and I can’t bear to see her suffer so much without relief.” When she was with Liu, despite not loving Liu Chang, she still felt tormented. Lady Bai must be suffering a thousand times more.
Pan Rong latched onto Mudan’s last words, raising his voice, “Don’t compare yourself to her! Just because you’ve settled, you can’t stand seeing others happy, is that it? If you dare give her any ideas, I don’t care who you are! I’ll make sure you regret it!”
“Is she happier than me? I really can’t see it,” Mudan replied calmly. “You don’t need to threaten me. Ah Xin is capable of making her own decisions. She knows what to do without my advice. If I had ill intentions, why would I come to you? Since you don’t want to divorce her, it means you want to live well together. If so, one of you needs to lower your head. If neither of you will, you’ll only grow further apart…”
Pan Rong remained silent for a long time before giving a bitter laugh. “She stands so high that I have to look up to see her. She couldn’t see me before, and if I lower my head further, I’ll be in the dust. You’re right, I’m not worthy of even her little toe. Someone like her should be a scholar or a hero. It’s cruel fate that she ended up with someone as useless as me. I know she was unwilling when we married, following her parents’ orders. After marriage, she was resentful, looking down on me as a pampered son…”
He raised an eyebrow and smiled flippantly at Mudan, “Since you’re so concerned about our marriage and willing to persuade me on her behalf, why don’t you try to persuade her for me? Go ask her, we’ve known each other since childhood. In all these years, has she ever had even a bit of care for me in her eyes or heart? Back then, when my brother was alive, she was his, and I had no right to say anything. But after we married, how much did she care for me?” His voice suddenly rose, “Am I, a living person, really worth less than a dead man?”
Mudan suddenly felt pity for Pan Rong. Being looked down upon isn’t scary if you have a strong, confident heart; those things become insignificant. What’s truly frightening is when you look down on yourself first, when you become insecure and constantly seek validation from others. How can one live well like that?
After his outburst, Pan Rong’s voice lowered again, “Forget it, you can’t compete with the dead, especially when everything I have now is stolen. I’m a coward, a small man who dares to do things but not take responsibility. I’ve always felt that heaven is unfair. Why wasn’t I the one who died? If I had died then, no one would have to suffer.”
Mudan couldn’t hold back anymore and said solemnly, “Have you ever asked Ah Xin how she truly feels?”
Pan Rong replied, “Some things are better left unsaid. Why bother hearing lies again? It only hurts both of us.” At this point, he seemed to zone out, wondering why he was suddenly telling all this to this irrelevant woman. What business was it of hers? He was just making a fool of himself. Realizing this, his lips curled into a malicious smile, “It’s just like you and Liu Shu. When your family desperately married you off to him, you understood the situation. Would you have tried to please him, endured his faults, or chased after him asking if he had feelings for you? His actions said it all. Asking would only be inviting humiliation.”
Mudan smiled faintly, “You don’t need to bring up my past. I know you’re feeling bad and want me to feel bad too. But honestly, what you’re saying doesn’t upset me at all. I just feel even more sorry for you. You don’t even dare to ask her once. It’s truly pitiful. You’re right, actions speak louder than words. I didn’t ask Liu Chang because he wasn’t worth it, I had no expectations. As for whether Ah Xin is worth it, what she’s done to hurt you, you know better than I do. I won’t ask Ah Xin for you either. Your actions have shown her enough.”
Pan Rong narrowed his eyes, “Ridiculous. I’m pitiful? You pity me? I don’t need your pity! You’d better save that pity for yourself!”
Mudan shrugged, “My parents care for me, my brother protects me, my friends respect me, and… the person I value also values me. I’m not as pitiful as you, Young Master Pan. It’s your life, not mine. As for Ah Xin… I can’t help her much, so I’ll just keep her company to ease her loneliness.” She stood up and looked at the sky, “It’s getting late, I should go. I won’t keep you from your entertainment. Please continue.”
As Mudan reached the door, Pan Rong suddenly called out, “Is Ah Xin pregnant? Is she unwell?”
“She’s so thin you can see her bones. She’s hiding alone in the side courtyard, with no one to talk to,” Mudan looked at him seriously. “She’s sent everyone away and cries alone… while you’re here living a life of debauchery. Do you think she’s doing well? As for her pregnancy, shouldn’t you, her husband, know better? You keep saying she’s unreachable and looks down on you, but in reality, you’re constantly trampling on her, pushing her into the dust.”
Pan Rong’s expression changed rapidly. He looked up at the crystal cup in front of him, silent. Could Ah Xin be like this? Wasn’t she invincible? Since they grew up, he had only seen her cry once, when Pan Rui died. She cried silently then, and at that time, he wanted nothing more than to hold her and comfort her. But he knew he was the least qualified person to do so; he had taken everything from her. He could only watch her from afar, watch his parents, even too ashamed to appear in front of others.
He had never imagined he would marry her. After their marriage, he never saw her cry again. No matter what he did, he never saw it. She would just sit there, looking at him indifferently, without joy or sorrow. He thought it was because she looked down on him, and if she didn’t care, she wouldn’t be hurt or cry. He had once desperately wanted to see her cry, but now that she finally did, it didn’t feel right.
Seeing Pan Rong’s reaction, Mudan knew she had done all she could. She gestured to Gui and Shu’er and strode out. At the stairs, she saw Mayaer leaning against the railing, looking at her with seductive eyes and speaking in accented official language, “I thought you should have splashed wine on me earlier.”
Mudan paused, “I only splash those who deserve it. Why would I splash you?”
Mayaer smiled, “Indeed, you shouldn’t splash me. It’s the men who deserve it.” Her expression turned serious, “Are you from the He family that runs the spice shop? I’ve only heard of six young masters in the He family, never a seventh. Now I see, it’s a beautiful young lady.”
Shu’er found her behavior too frivolous and couldn’t stand her talking to Mudan. He frowned and tugged at Mudan’s sleeve, urging her to leave. Mudan nodded to Mayaer and started walking down.
Mayaer stepped forward, smiling, “The Sixth Young Master is quite generous. He’s just behind her. Would you like me to call him for you, Seventh Young Lady? I could earn some money for new clothes.”
Mudan frowned at Mayaer. After she had discussed the matter with Madam Cen, the Second and Fifth Young Masters secretly investigated the shop. Business wasn’t as good as before, but there were no major issues with money or goods. The Sixth Young Master seemed to have sensed something was amiss and stopped going out frequently, being very cautious. The Second and Fifth Young Masters had tried to catch him in the act a few times but failed. They had only hinted at the issue indirectly, which he resented, even arguing with them.
Yang Shi had cried to Madam Cen, implying that the Second and Fifth Young Masters were taking advantage of He Zhizhong’s absence to bully and ostracize the Sixth Young Master. The Second and Fifth Young Masters felt disheartened and decided to stop managing the Sixth Young Master, only being cautious and vigilant. They didn’t expect to encounter this situation today.
Seeing Mudan frown at her, Mayaer smiled slightly and pointed to an inconspicuous small door at the bottom of the stairs, whispering, “Or would you like to call the Sixth Young Master yourself, Seventh Young Lady?”
No wonder people following him into the tavern had lost track of him; he was hiding there. Mudan smiled and cupped her hands to Mayaer, “No need. I have other matters to attend to. Thank you.”
“No need to thank me. If I ever come seeking help from you, Seventh Young Lady, please don’t turn me away coldly,” Mayaer said, placing her hand on Mudan’s shoulder and smiling affectionately, as if Mudan were truly a handsome young man.
Mudan looked at her with a half-smile, “Helping others helps oneself, but I’m afraid my ability to help might be quite limited and may disappoint you.”
Mayaer laughed, “I won’t trouble you much. It’s just a small favor.” She watched Mudan descend the stairs, her smile fading as she stared at Mudan’s retreating figure disappearing at the tavern’s entrance. Suddenly hearing footsteps behind her, she turned to see Pan Rong hurrying out. She waved her handkerchief at him, “Young Master, you’d better go home and change clothes, freshen up before you go. Otherwise, you might get another bucket of cold water thrown at you. It’s not pleasant in this cold weather.”
Pan Rong, used to her thoughtfulness, merely grunted in acknowledgment before rushing downstairs, calling for his horse, and riding off in a hurry, leaving his servant behind.
Mudan, Gui, and Shu’er emerged from under a nearby eave. Mudan led Shu’er towards the He family’s spice shop, while Gui returned to the tavern, ordered some wine and dishes, and sat near the stairs to observe.
At the shop, the Sixth Young Master was indeed absent. Mudan chatted casually with the old shopkeeper, learning that the Sixth Young Master had been in high spirits lately, often treating the shop assistants to drinks.
This suggested he had been winning a lot. If someone was setting a trap, they would first let him win enough to become confident, then strike hard when he least expected it, leaving him unable to recover. Mudan was worried and asked the old shopkeeper to keep a close eye on things. The shopkeeper reassured her, “Don’t worry, miss. I’m always watching.”
As winter days darkened early and the market was about to close, Gui still hadn’t returned. Mudan bid farewell to the old shopkeeper and left with Shu’er, planning to return home and wait for Gui’s report.
As they neared the market exit, a clear voice called out, “Is that Sister He ahead?” Fan Li’er, wearing a new peach-red brocade jacket and skirt, came running up with a smile.
Mudan reined in her horse and smiled, “Are you here to help Brother Zhang Five with accounting again?”
Fan Li’er replied, “Yes, but the weather’s cold now, so the cockfighters left earlier. We finished early.”
“So you’re heading home now? Where’s Brother Zhang Five?” Mudan looked behind Fan Li’er but didn’t see Zhang Fifth Young Master.
Fan Li’er said, “Don’t look, he’s not here. He didn’t want me to go back with him, told me to go on my own.” She glanced at Mudan’s horse and blinked, “I’ve never ridden a horse. Could you give me a ride for a bit? It’s getting dark, and I’m afraid the gate might close before I reach the ward.”
Seeing the girl’s eyes darting about, Mudan suspected she was up to something. Nevertheless, she reached down to help Fan Li’er onto the horse, saying, “Brother Zhang Five shouldn’t have let a young girl walk alone at this hour. He should have sent you home earlier.”
Fan Li’er ignored her words, excitedly patting the horse’s neck, “Oh, this is fun! I asked Fifth Brother to buy a horse the other day, but he refused. Said I was expensive enough to keep, and there was no place to keep a horse, let alone the cost.”
Mudan laughed, “When you learn to ride, you can come to my place anytime to borrow a horse.”
Fan Li’er turned back to look at her, smiling, “Really?”
Mudan nodded, “Of course. You can come anytime.”
Fan Li’er looked at her seriously for a moment, “You’re not bad.”
Mudan chuckled, “I’m not bad just for letting you ride a horse? You’re easily bought.”
Fan Li’er lowered her eyes, silent for a moment, then looked up with a smile, “Sister He, people are saying there will be a peony flower show next spring. How confident are you about winning?”
Mudan replied, “I don’t know. Why do you ask?”
Fan Li’er winked at her, “To place bets, of course! You could bet on yourself winning. If you listen to me, you could make a good profit. People say the Lü family from Luoyang is sure to win, but I think you should win.”
This girl was quick, already expanding from cockfighting to other industries. Mudan looked into Fan Li’er’s lively eyes, seeing her expectant face, and decided to play along, “Well then, tell me, what should I do? What’s your plan?”
Fan Li’er was about to speak seriously when Zhang Fifth Young Master’s voice thundered, “You little brat! Still wandering around at this hour? Didn’t I tell you to go home at noon?”
Fan Li’er looked back to see Zhang Fifth Young Master, his robe collar askew, face dark as a pot bottom, eyes like brass bells, truly frightening. She shuddered and, not caring that the horse was still moving, quickly slid down, alarming Mudan who hurriedly reined in the horse and reached out to steady her, “Careful!”
Before Fan Li’er’s feet touched the ground, Zhang Fifth Young Master grabbed her collar, lifting her into the air. She kicked frantically, calling out to Mudan, “Sister He, help! He’ll beat me when we get home and won’t give me food.” As she spoke, her eyes indeed reddened.
Although Mudan didn’t believe Fan Li’er’s words, seeing Zhang Fifth Young Master holding her like an eagle with a chick, she advised, “Let’s talk this through calmly, don’t frighten the child.”
Zhang Fifth Young Master, fuming, retorted, “Me, frighten her? You don’t know her. I’ve never seen such a troublemaker! If I let up even a little, she’d pluck all my beard out. What’s she up to with you now? I can tell by her look she’s up to no good! Don’t fall for her tricks! This brat’s been getting worse lately!”
Fan Li’er panicked and desperately winked at Mudan, signaling her not to tell Zhang Fifth Young Master what she had said earlier.
Her comical expression made both Mudan and Shu’er laugh. Mudan deliberately said, “Oh, nothing much. Just discussing how to do business and make money.”
Fan Li’er rolled her eyes, no longer looking at Mudan, and turned her head away.
Zhang Fifth Young Master asked confusedly, “What business? What money?”
Mudan smiled, “I heard there will be betting on the peony flower show. She suggested I bet on myself to win and make money.”
Zhang Fifth Young Master was stunned, then promptly smacked Fan Li’er’s head, scolding, “Of all the things to learn, at such a young age, you’re getting into these crooked ways! Are you trying to become a female gambler?”
Fan Li’er retorted defiantly, “What’s wrong with that? I’m just following your lead. I’m not stealing or robbing, people are willing!” She then turned to Mudan, “If you won’t do it, fine, but why did you have to sell me out?”
Before she could finish, she received another smack. Zhang Fifth Young Master, both angry and amused, said, “You, follow me? I do this because I have no choice. It’s not good for you to follow me. How will you marry into a good family in the future? And selling you out? This is for your good. Others wouldn’t bother to care about you!”
Fan Li’er shouted, “Who wants her to care?”
Mudan smiled at Fan Li’er, “If you can do it, I can say it. After all, you’re not stealing or robbing, it’s all voluntary, so what’s wrong with me mentioning it?”
Fan Li’er, stumped by her logic, hung her head and pouted sulkily. Zhang Fifth Young Master smiled at Mudan, “Don’t mind her.” With that, he carried Fan Li’er away. Even from a distance, Mudan could see Fan Li’er occasionally tugging at Zhang Fifth Young Master or kicking him, with him responding with a smack each time until she finally settled down.
Shu’er laughed, “This Fan Li’er is stubborn. When I first saw Zhang Fifth Young Master’s expression, I thought he would beat her, but who knew he would be so patient.”
Mudan replied, “If he hadn’t indulged her, this child would only be concerned with having enough to eat and wear. How could she be so bold?”
That day, Gui didn’t return home, nor did the Sixth Young Master. He only sent a servant to say he had met an old business friend and would be late due to the ward gates closing. Mudan didn’t mention this to Madam Cen and focused on her tasks.
The next day, close to noon, Gui finally returned: “People were constantly going through that door. I tried to blend in several times but failed. I heard it’s mostly rich young masters sneaking away from their families. Without a familiar person to introduce you, you can’t get in. They not only fight cocks but gamble on other things too. The stakes are flexible but usually high, and if you lose, it’s not easy to deny the debt. I saw the Sixth Young Master come out early this morning, but he wasn’t with anyone familiar. I inquired a bit and heard his luck had been good, winning nine out of ten bets. He’s supposedly won nearly tens of thousands of cash, along with silk, cloth, and gold and silver items. Just yesterday afternoon to night, he won over ten thousand cash.”
“Are you sure this is true? Where is he keeping all this money?” Mudan gasped. The Sixth Young Master was no gambling prodigy; this increasingly looked like a dangerous trap. Even with strict shop management and gambling being illegal, it was hard to prevent those with ill intentions from scheming. When it was time to stop, one should stop, lest it become uncontrollable and drag down the whole family.
Gui said seriously, “It’s true. There’s no mistake. The money is all kept inside, and it can even generate more money through lending. I just went to Zhang Fifth Young Master’s place again and asked him to inquire. It’s true. But it’s not his territory, so it’s not easy to intervene.”
“Come with me,” Mudan quickly stood up and led Gui to see Madam Cen, who was shocked by the news.
Mudan softly explained her thoughts, and after a moment of consideration, Madam Cen said, “Let’s do as you suggest. Start immediately.”