Mudan carefully read the document in her hand, then put it away with satisfaction. “Good.” The document was well-written. If Lü Fang were to die carelessly in the future, it would prove she had nothing to do with it, and he had brought it upon himself. Or if he tried to cause trouble at the peony exhibition, it would prove he had done such dishonorable things before, discrediting anything he might say.
Lü Fang smiled bitterly. “My lady, I’ve done everything you asked. Now you have leverage over me. Are you satisfied? Could you at least bandage my wounds? They hurt, and the blood is quite frightening. Besides, it’s unsightly for you to look at.” He didn’t know that dog bite wounds needed to be cleaned thoroughly and left open to heal properly.
Mudan ignored him completely. Lü Fang sighed helplessly. “Fine, do as you wish. Now that you have leverage over me and I’ve been beaten, could you at least let me see your flower? Just one look.”
Mudan replied, “Didn’t you already touch it? Isn’t that enough?”
“I didn’t see it clearly,” Lü Fang said urgently. “You have leverage over me now. You can use it against me in the future if needed. What are you worried about? Why are you being so stingy?”
Mudan retorted, “So what if I’m stingy? You’re a thief, and I don’t welcome anyone who enters this way. If I show you now, what about the next person who comes?”
Lü Fang was furious, thinking he had lost out badly. His wounds began to burn with pain, and he desperately wanted to snatch back the document from Mudan’s hand.
Seeing Lü Fang eyeing the document intently, Mudan carefully put it away and smiled. “Having regrets? It’s too late. I know you’re not afraid of the authorities. You’re just trying to stay here to see the flower, playing along with me. Listen, you can see it when the time comes. Isn’t it better to wait and see it with everyone else?”
Lü Fang gritted his teeth, realizing his mistake. Still not giving up, he said, “Don’t you understand how I feel? It’s like knowing there’s a great beauty nearby, but she’s half-hidden and you can’t see her true face. It’s unbearable, even for a moment. It’s like a dying man of thirst seeing water but unable to drink it. It’s maddening!”
Mudan just smiled slightly. Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. Several young men dragged Kang’er in. Man Zi reported, “Mistress, he has an accomplice.”
Kang’er, who had been defiant earlier, saw his bruised and bloodied master lying on the haystack. His lips quivered, and he rushed forward, crying, “Poor young master… What happened to you?” He then shouted at Mudan, “You vicious woman! You’ll face justice! Do you know who my young master is?”
“A thief dares to argue?” Mudan glanced coldly at Kang’er. “Either shut up and stay here to serve him, or we’ll lock you in the dog kennel. When dawn comes, we’ll hand you over to the authorities. We’ll see who faces justice then.”
Kang’er protested, “I’m not a thief! You dragged me in here by force!”
Gui Zi sneered, “Your master was stealing our mistress’s priceless flower inside, and you were keeping watch outside. You’re accomplices who failed because we were prepared. How dare you deny it?”
Kang’er argued, “Who says I’m an accomplice just because I was outside? If the master is a thief, does that make the servant a thief too? Have you no regard for the law?”
Mudan smiled. “Fine, then leave. Let him go.”
As soon as Man Zi and the others released him, Kang’er shook them off, rubbing his wrists and whimpering. He looked at Lü Fang with reddened eyes, large tears rolling down his cheeks. “Young master…”
Lü Fang frowned. “Stop crying. I’m not dead yet. Let it be. I’m in the wrong anyway.” He glanced at Mudan, hoping she would accept his subtle apology and not despise or be wary of him, thus fulfilling his wish.
Mudan, without looking at Lü Fang, instructed Kang’er, “Tomorrow morning, go find your master and take your young master home.”
Lü Fang hadn’t expected her to agree to release him so readily. He had thought she might keep him there to humiliate him, ruining his reputation and disqualifying him as a judge. Surprised, he asked, “Just like that?”
Mudan replied quizzically, “What else did you expect? Did you want to stay here to recover? My woodshed isn’t that spacious.”
Lü Fang reminded her, “You’ve thoroughly offended me today. Aren’t you afraid I’ll make things difficult for you at the peony exhibition? You should know that although there will be other judges, I’m the most knowledgeable. They’ll listen to my opinion to some extent. Aren’t you worried?”
Mudan laughed, “Have the dog bites made you stupid? Unless you didn’t write that document for me earlier. Go ahead and try. We’ll see who suffers more.”
Lü Fang said seriously, “I remember the leverage you have over me. I’m reminding you that I’m at your mercy now. If you have any requests, say them now. If you’re planning something for the peony exhibition, let me be clear: if your peonies aren’t good, no matter how you threaten me, I won’t speak well of them. Good is good, bad is bad. The same goes for my father’s flowers. Even if you threaten me then, I’ll fight to maintain fairness.”
“Do you alone represent the world?” Mudan scoffed. “A moment ago, you were desperate to see my flower, and now you’re talking about maintaining fairness? Let me tell you, I don’t need to threaten you. If you’re truly as impartial as you claim, I’ll make you praise my flower willingly.” With that, she turned and left. Man Zi and the others followed, locking Lü Fang and his servant in the woodshed with a large iron padlock.
Seeing that only he and his master remained, Kang’er first surveyed the drafty woodshed, kicked the door a few times, then spat and said disdainfully, “This vicious woman talks nobly, but she must have ulterior motives, young master. She probably found out about your character beforehand and deliberately lured you into a trap that day, just to set you up today. This method is indeed more vicious than those who invite you to drink and flatter the old master. You’ll see, when she lets us go home tomorrow, she’ll surely have something else planned.”
Lü Fang frowned, staring at the ceiling, not hearing Kang’er’s words. He could only think to himself: what kind of flower could inspire such confidence and pride? The more he thought about it, the more unbearable it became. His heart unsettled, his wounds aching, lying on the cold, hard haystack, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
After Mudan finished washing up, Yuhe asked curiously, “Mistress, since you’ve already had him beaten and he resents you anyway, why not keep him here for a few more days to torment him? What’s the point of letting him go so easily?”
Mudan smiled, “At first, I suspected he might be up to no good, so of course I had him beaten severely. But later, I believed his words. He just came to look, probably without ill intentions, so I don’t want to torment him further. However, this trend cannot continue. Cao Wanrong and others already look down on me because I’m a woman, always trying to pull some tricks. According to you, there have been people wandering around outside these past few days, not just Young Master Lü and his servant.
Cao Wanrong’s men must be among them. I’ve been worried about not having a chance to show people my determination and ruthlessness. Conveniently, he delivered himself to my doorstep. I want to use this opportunity to tell these people that even if they’re judges for the flower show, I’ll still beat and imprison them without mercy if necessary. If others still have ill intentions, they’re welcome to try – I’ll beat them to death or let the dogs bite them to death without taking responsibility.
I’m letting him go for two reasons: first, we can’t keep him here. His family will come looking for him soon, and Cao Wanrong won’t miss this chance to cause trouble. My goal has been achieved, so there’s no need to create more problems. Second, he doesn’t want to leave. He wants to stay here and find another chance to see the flowers. Even though I know he won’t do anything else, I refuse to let him see it. This way, he’ll keep hoping, and people outside will be even more eager.”
Yuhe nodded and helped Mudan close the screen. Mudan had been busy for most of the night and was already tired. Just as she closed her eyes, she remembered something and smiled, “Yuhe, we’re not letting him leave quietly tomorrow. You and Gui Zi should escort him home. If anyone asks, make sure to explain things well.”
Yuhe agreed and carefully extinguished the lamps before leaving.
The rooster had barely crowed for the first time when Lü Fang used his good foot to kick awake Kang’er, who was snoring in the haystack. Kang’er sat up with a pout, hay all over his head. “Young master, are you in pain? I wish I could bear it for you, but there’s nothing I can do. Please endure a little longer. When dawn breaks and that vicious woman releases me, I’ll immediately go ask the old master to come and take you home.”
Lü Fang shook his head. “I’m not leaving. I’m telling you, if she comes later to let you go report back, you can’t go. I want to stay here.” He sneezed loudly as soon as he finished speaking.
Kang’er’s eyes widened. Had the young master been driven mad by the dog bites? This broken place was drafty and cold, and they were hungry. What was good about staying? But he dared not say this, so he advised, “Young master, I understand you want to see that flower, but look at your condition. If we stay a few more days, your wounds might become infected.”
Lü Fang glared at him. “What nonsense are you talking about?” He sneezed again before he could finish speaking.
Kang’er said, “See? You’re getting sick on top of your injuries.”
Lü Fang insisted, “Anyway, you’re not allowed to go. If you don’t listen to me, I won’t keep you when we return.”
When dawn broke, the woodshed was indeed opened. Tao came in with a food box and set it in front of them. “Eat up, then hurry to the city to report.”
Kang’er opened the food box to find two large bowls of steaming soup dumplings, which looked quite delicate. Without hesitation, he first served a bowl to Lü Fang. After Lü Fang finished, he picked up his bowl and ate every last bit.
Tao silently collected the bowls and utensils. Just as she finished cleaning up and was about to leave with the box, Kang’er glanced at Lü Fang, then suddenly clutched his stomach and fell to the ground, crying out, “It hurts so much! I’m dying of pain!” He rolled around on the floor as he spoke.
Tao was startled at first but quickly regained composure. She put her hands on her hips and said, “Stop trying to scare people. Who would believe you? Thinking of extorting us? You don’t even know where you are. First a thief, now a con artist. Have you no shame?”
Kang’er cried out even louder, rolling more vigorously. “Help! There’s rat poison!”
Tao spat and said, “It is rat poison, specially made for sharp-nosed rats like you. No good deed goes unpunished. We should have just let you starve to death.”
Lü Fang blushed slightly but pretended not to hear. He said softly, “Miss, please ask your mistress to call a doctor.”
Tao was convinced Kang’er was faking and refused to go. She angrily locked the door as she left, cursing, “Keep pretending! If you can keep rolling and crying for two hours, I’ll call a doctor for you!”
Suddenly, they heard Kang’er let out a miserable cry from inside, then silence. Tao became a bit worried and peeked through the door crack. She saw Kang’er lying stiff on the ground, with Lü Fang dragging his injured leg, trying hard to pat Kang’er’s face and pinch his philtrum, calling him softly.
Tao hesitated, afraid something might have happened. She took the food box and hurried to the main house to find Mudan.
Mudan said, “Get him a doctor. Let him lie there if he wants. Yuhe, you, and Gui Zi hurry to the city and directly notify his family to come to pick him up. Do as I said last night.”
Meanwhile, Kang’er opened one eye and whispered to Lü Fang, “Young master, the ground is so cold. It’s been nearly half an hour. How much longer do we have to pretend?”
Lü Fang glanced at the door, unsure. “I don’t know. Forget it, stop pretending. You might get sick. Get up.”
Just as Kang’er was about to rise, they heard footsteps outside. He quickly closed his eyes again. The door opened, and several strong men entered without a word. They picked up the master and servant and carried them out.
Lü Fang winced in pain but endured it, watching to see what they would do with them. The men carried them through twists and turns, past a bamboo grove, across a small stream, and around many strange rocks before stopping in front of a building. A stout woman stood at the door and said, “Put them on the kang.”
The men roughly dragged Lü Fang inside. Unable to bear it any longer, he cried, “I can walk myself!”
The men exchanged amused glances and suddenly let go. Lü Fang stumbled and quickly steadied himself against the doorframe. Kang’er, still pretending to be unconscious, had no choice but to fall to the ground with a loud thud. Lü Fang’s heart skipped a beat, and he had to plead with the men to help Kang’er onto the kang.
After a while, an old man with a goatee arrived. He felt Kang’er’s pulse for a long time, then prepared several large, foul-smelling pills for Kang’er to take. Lü Fang held his nose and said, “Wait until he wakes up to take them. The pills are too big; he can’t swallow them.”
The stout woman laughed, “Good medicine tastes bitter. Since he’s sick, he should take the medicine early to recover quickly. I’m an expert at getting children to take medicine.” As she spoke, she crushed the pills in a bowl, added water to make a paste, and had a strong man hold Kang’er up while she pinched his nose and forced the medicine down his throat.
Lü Fang watched, his face scrunched up, thinking this was not good. Sure enough, Kang’er couldn’t bear it and vomited with a “Wa!” His eyes filled with tears as he looked apologetically at Lü Fang, blinking rapidly.
The woman clapped her hands and laughed, “What a miracle doctor! The medicine cured him instantly.”
The goateed man stroked his beard smugly and said, “There’s still another patient to see. Now that this young man is better, let’s tend to this gentleman.” He stepped towards Lü Fang, who instinctively shuddered. The old man grabbed his arm, examined him closely, and said, “It needs to be washed again. Take seven or eight of the pills I’ve prepared, and you’ll be fine.”
Mudan, wearing a light yellow jacket and skirt, entered with a jug of wine, smiling. “Doctor Mi, shall we use wine to wash it?”
Doctor Mi nodded, “Not only should it be washed, but thoroughly cleaned.”
Remembering last night’s torment, Lü Fang trembled like a leaf in the wind and tried to escape. Mudan glanced at him with a smile and handed the wine jug to the stout woman. Two strong men held Lü Fang down while Doctor Mi roughly squeezed and scraped at his wounds. By the time they finished, Lü Fang was drenched in cold sweat from the pain. The wind made him sneeze loudly. He looked at Mudan’s beautiful face and sweet smile, finding her more detestable by the moment.
Mudan smiled, “Doctor Mi, this young master seems to have caught a cold. Please prescribe some medicine for him. Don’t worry about the bitterness; as long as it’s effective.”
Lü Fang had feared Doctor Mi would give him the same foul pills they had forced on Kang’er. To his surprise, the doctor asked for paper and brush, then sat down to write a prescription carefully. When he finished, Lü Fang asked to see it. Mudan handed it to him with an enigmatic smile. After reading it, he saw that the prescription was indeed good. He sheepishly returned it to Mudan, saying, “Thank you for your trouble.”
Shortly after, Tao brought in some short clothes and placed them on the kang. Mudan said, “Young Master Lü, I don’t have any fine clothes here. Please make do with these. At least they’re clean.” She then led everyone out.
Lü Fang didn’t dare to be picky. He let the disheveled Kang’er help him change clothes. Just as he lay down, the stout woman came in with large scissors and, without a word, cut two big holes in the fabric where his wounds were. Lü Fang wanted to cry but had no tears left. Trembling, he struggled to drink the newly brewed medicine, then collapsed on the kang, pretending to be dead.
At noon, they were served good food and dishes. However, both master and servant were somewhat listless and didn’t eat with much appetite. But at least they got some food down and regained some energy. Kang’er looked at the two big holes in Lü Fang’s clothes and couldn’t help but want to laugh: “Young master, maybe she wants to see you, that’s why she came up with this method.”
Lü Fang hit Kang’er on the head with his chopsticks. “Nonsense!” He was certain that Mudan’s actions were deliberately meant to embarrass him. This suspicion reached its peak when a group of people led by his father, Lü Chun, arrived noisily outside to take him back to the city, and countless eyes stared at the two holes in his clothes. Although being an “elegant thief” wasn’t something to be ashamed of, appearing in such a state would make him a laughingstock for life. Mudan was indeed petty.
Suddenly, Mudan came over, smiling, and said, “Young Master Lü, don’t think I’m deliberately embarrassing you. If you trust me, it’s best to leave these wounds exposed when you get back. Don’t bandage them until scabs form. It’s only good for you. If you don’t want to listen, that’s up to you.”
Lü Fang was stunned. Could this be for his good? This treatment method was truly unique.
Suddenly, he heard Lü Chun’s stern shout: “You unfilial son, come here quickly and return with me! How long do you intend to embarrass yourself?”
Lü Fang steeled himself to face his father’s murderous glare, the crowd’s suppressed laughter, and the pointing and whispering of the Fang Garden servants. He held his head high, maintained a smile, and gracefully boarded the carriage, preserving his dignity.
Lü Chun, who despised Mudan and was angry at his son’s incompetence in being caught, didn’t even say goodbye before ordering the carriage driver to set off.
“Old Master Lü, Young Master, have a safe journey,” Mudan stood there, bowing to Lü Chun. She then smiled and bowed to the group that had come with Lü Chun, saying, “Everyone, travel safely. We didn’t have time today, but I’ll host you another day.”
Lü Chun snorted, not returning the courtesy, and squeezed into the carriage, departing hastily. Lü Fang leaned out the window, watching Mudan’s figure grow smaller, and asked Lü Chun, “Father, why did so many people come?”
Lü Chun replied angrily, “Don’t you know there are always many people at my place? This damned woman sent a loud-mouthed maid and a strong servant. They came without explaining clearly what they wanted, just saying they needed to see me. I thought they were coming to plead for you, so I ignored them. Who knew these two would force their way in, shouting so that everyone knew, and they all wanted to come along.” He poked Lü Fang’s head, “When will you ever learn? Being appointed as a judge for the peony exhibition is such an honor. How many people can’t achieve this in their entire lifetime? Yet you take it for granted.”
Lü Fang smiled indifferently, “What’s the big deal? Even if I’m not appointed to judge the peony exhibition, I can still grow good flowers.”
Lü Chun shouted, “You might not care, but I do! I don’t want people saying in the end that we won because you went around peeking, giving me inside information, and that we only won because you fixed the competition. That’s bad enough, but more importantly, you! Are you trying to ruin your future and infuriate me?”
Lü Fang fell silent. Both father and son remained quiet for a while before Lü Fang broke the silence: “Why didn’t we see Cao Wanrong today?”
Lü Chun replied, “He and that woman are mortal enemies. He just sent a carriage for me but didn’t come himself.” His gaze fell on Lü Fang’s wounds, his heart aching. “Cao Wanrong was right; that vicious woman is truly cruel. She wouldn’t even bandage your wounds. When we get to the city, we’ll go to the clinic first to have you checked.”
Lü Fang replied absent-mindedly, “Wouldn’t someone trying to steal flowers from our garden end up the same way? Whether it’s bandaged or not doesn’t matter that much.”
Lü Chun was at a loss for words.
When the father and son returned to their residence, Cao Wanrong was already waiting outside. Seeing Lü Fang’s miserable state, he exchanged greetings with a complex expression, then called for a doctor to tend to him. He said, “You see? I wasn’t wrong. This woman is vicious and bold. She knows who you are, yet she still dared to treat you so cruelly. It’s unforgivable. But she’s also cunning, making it impossible to catch her in the wrong.”
“Forget it, I can’t blame her,” Lü Fang said absent-mindedly, staring blankly at his two wounds. She must have deliberately made an example of him to warn others, right? As a woman, it must not be easy for her. He smiled bitterly, thinking how unlucky he was to have stumbled right into the trap.
After this incident, things calmed down both inside and outside Fang Garden for a while. Strange faces disappeared, and when Xi Lang and others encountered Mudan, they involuntarily showed fear and reverence, working more efficiently.