While Princess Qinghua was plotting and planning to eliminate her rivals, let’s turn our attention to Mudan.
Mudan had just returned to the city from Fangyuan, feeling relieved after observing the complete differentiation of the last peony variety’s flower buds. She heard intermittent sobbing from inside as she approached Madam Cen’s room. Seeing Feng Daniang standing in the corridor, Mudan inquired with her eyes. Feng Daniang held six fingers, and Mudan understood that Concubine Yang and Madam Sun were inside, crying with Madam Cen. She quietly entered the room.
Today was different from usual. The second young master, the fifth young master, several sisters-in-law, and Concubine Wu were all present. A sheet of paper lay beside Madam Cen, and everyone’s expressions were grim.
Concubine Yang, with tear-filled eyes, knelt before Madam Cen and wept, “This humble concubine had no idea what he was doing outside. I thought he was diligently following the master’s instructions. Who would have thought he’d do such things? No matter how disappointing he is, he’s still the master’s flesh and blood. Madam, please have mercy on this concubine, considering my years of devoted service to you.”
Madam Sun knelt nearby, head bowed, silently shedding tears.
Mudan found this somewhat strange. It had been over half a month since the sixth young master’s incident. Initially, Concubine Yang and Madam Sun tried to conceal his disappearance, secretly asking Madam Sun’s family to search for him. When Madam Cen finally lost her temper, and a “well-wisher” reported that the sixth young master had been gambling and taken away by the Imperial Guard, the household was thrown into chaos.
Despite her anger, Madam Cen had sent the second and fifth young masters to inquire and search. They eventually “discovered” the sixth young master’s whereabouts and spent some money, but the Imperial Guard’s threshold was high. They were “unable” to see him or get him out. After a period of distress, Concubine Yang and Madam Sun learned that although the sixth young master had suffered some hardships, he was essentially safe. They calmed down somewhat, especially as Madam Zhen and others occasionally made sarcastic remarks, using the sixth young master’s situation as a cautionary tale for the children. Feeling embarrassed and disgraced, the two women stopped making a fuss. Now, after a brief period of quiet, the commotion had resumed.
Mudan sat down next to the fifth young master and asked softly, “What’s happening now?”
The fifth young master pointed to the paper beside Madam Cen and whispered, “Someone came claiming your sixth brother owes them money.”
Mudan asked in surprise, “How much? Is it gambling debt? Is it real?” On the day of the incident, the sixth young master had lost all his money and owed some gambling debts to others, but Xiao Huzi and his companions had appeared just in time, leaving no IOUs or promissory notes. Where did this debt come from?
The fifth young master sighed, “It’s not a small amount – one million cash. The note seems genuine, and the interest rate is moderate but not low. We suspect he borrowed it earlier for gambling, but after winning, he saw an opportunity to lend money at a higher interest rate than what he borrowed at, so he kept it to make a profit.”
Suddenly, Madam Cen set down her teacup heavily and raised her voice, “It’s precisely because he’s the master’s flesh and blood that I’m willing to deal with this. If he weren’t, I’d have thrown him out long ago. Do you and the sixth young master’s wife truly know nothing about what he’s been doing outside? Tell me, are all your expensive new clothes and accessories gifts from the master? And you, sixth young master’s wife, where did all that money you’ve been donating to temples come from? Don’t even think about lying to me. The truth will come out eventually, and when it does, I’ll report everything to the master and let him handle it. I’m sure he’ll be fairer than I am.”
He Zhizhong’s warnings about gambling before he left were still fresh in their minds. Concubine Yang and Madam Sun froze, falling silent simultaneously.
Madam Cen paused, looking around at everyone, and continued, “When this first happened, you two concealed it and made so many small moves behind my back, which I didn’t pursue. I thought that since things had come to this, he had suffered and would hopefully learn his lesson. You should have known what can be indulged and what cannot. ‘A prodigal who returns is more precious than gold,’ so I didn’t mention the money I spent finding connections and asking for favors.
Who would have thought that now someone would come with a note demanding payment? I’d like to handle everything for him, but I can’t. The master’s sons are not just him, and this family doesn’t belong to him alone. Moreover, the master has always said that everyone will have a share of the family property in the future. If I pay this debt for him, others will get less. How can that be fair? And it’s gambling debt – if we open this door, others might follow suit. What then?”
She frowned, pointing at Concubine Yang and Madam Sun, “If you understand the situation, you should bear the consequences of your misdeeds. When he was winning money, you were the ones enjoying it. Now that it’s time to pay, you should be the ones to bear this million cash debt, plus interest. Figure out how to repay it yourselves.”
Concubine Yang and Madam Sun exchanged glances. Concubine Yang sobbed, “Madam, you’re asking for our lives. How can two women like us raise such a large sum? Do you expect us to pawn our clothes and sell our jewelry? Even if we did, it would bring shame to the He family…”
Madam Cen remained unmoved, calmly pointing at everyone and saying, “Listen well, all of you. The He family’s reputation isn’t upheld by gamblers and good-for-nothings, so it can’t be tarnished by them either. I’ve said what I needed to say. If you refuse to pay, fine. I’ll pawn and sell things for you. If that’s not enough, I’ll borrow from the family funds and deduct it gradually to repay the debt. Will you handle it yourselves, or shall I do it for you?”
Concubine Yang let out a cry, looking at Madam Cen with tear-filled eyes. Seeing Madam Cen’s resolute expression, leaving no room for negotiation, she turned pleadingly to Concubine Wu. Concubine Wu looked at her sympathetically but indicated she couldn’t help. As for the others, their expressions varied, but no one was willing to intercede on their behalf.
Concubine Yang’s face crumpled, and she began to wail, “Master, oh master, where are you? Come back quickly! If you don’t return soon, we’ll all be driven to our deaths!”
Seeing this, Concubine Wu rushed to cover her mouth, “Don’t talk nonsense! How has Madam wronged you? You can’t say such ungrateful things.”
“I never realized you had such a temper,” Madam Cen sneered. “Let her go. Let her shout. I want to see what good it will do her. You think I’m unwilling to help you, is that it? Fine, I’ll make you understand. Everyone here, you all have family present. I ask you, are any of you willing to repay the sixth young master’s gambling debts? If you are, I won’t stop you.”
Who would be willing to fill such a bottomless pit of gambling debts? Madam Xue and the others all lowered their heads in silence.
Seeing this, Concubine Yang lunged forward, clutching Concubine Wu’s legs, “Sister Wu, please say something for me. I’ll remember your kindness for the rest of my life. We don’t have that much money.”
Concubine Wu looked at her, unsure of what to do. Madam Zhen quickly coughed softly and fanned herself, speaking in a sarcastic tone, “Oh my, father and our elder brothers are out there enduring hardships, eating the wind and drinking the dew. The second brother and fifth brother go out early and return late every day, so exhausted they don’t even want to speak when they get home. Mother and the elder sisters-in-law work tirelessly to manage the household, which is why we can live so comfortably.
And look at you, idle and carefree, enjoying the best food and drink, spending money lavishly, and unable to take well-intentioned advice from family members. You use up all the resources, always causing trouble for the family, and now you want us to pay off your gambling debts? Why don’t you just rob us outright? I certainly don’t have any money to spare. Whoever wants to pay for you can do so, but don’t drag us into it.” As she spoke, she stood up to leave, muttering, “I’d rather give that money to beggars. At least I’d earn some merit. This is like throwing meat buns to a dog…”
Rongniang, Yingniang, and the other girls found her words amusing and covered their mouths, giggling quietly. Seeing no other option, Concubine Yang turned to Mudan. She had just called out “Danniang” when Mudan cut her off, saying directly, “Aunt, there’s no need to say more. If it were for illness or something legitimate, we could discuss selling everything we have. But for this, don’t even think about it. I don’t have the money, and I won’t speak on your behalf about this matter.”
Concubine Yang left with no choice, wept pitifully as she prepared to leave. Madam Sun, after a moment of silence, said defiantly, “I can’t control him. Surely you can’t expect me to use my dowry to pay off his debts? Mother, you manage the household daily, and my two elder brothers-in-law are the eldest. Shouldn’t you have been responsible for disciplining the sixth young master? Why should we bear all the consequences when he gets into trouble? Shouldn’t you be responsible too? When Danniang has issues, the whole family rallies to help, but now that the sixth young master is in trouble, everyone stands by idly. It’s obviously because you look down on us for being born to concubines. It’s truly disheartening.”
Hearing Madam Sun voice what she wanted to say but didn’t dare, Concubine Yang felt both relieved and frightened. She pretended to hold Madam Sun’s hand while carefully observing the expressions of Madam Cen and the others.
Never before had anyone dared to confront them so directly or speak such unreasonable words. Madam Cen was so angered she felt dizzy. She pointed at Madam Sun with wide eyes and said, “Your dowry is your own. Whether you want to use it to pay off his debts is your choice. No one is forcing you. You can’t control your husband, and suddenly it’s all our fault? Born to concubines? So because he’s born to a concubine, we should just silently tolerate his reckless behavior and let him drag down this entire family? Is that what you call fair? You’ve never had a child – who stopped him from taking a concubine? Who deliberately kept him at home to keep you company? In terms of food, clothing, and daily necessities, what do you lack compared to others? Who has ever mistreated you or been harsh to you?
“How dare you say we haven’t tried to manage him? When we inquired, who covered for him? Who defended him? Let me tell you, if it were my child behaving like this, I would treat them the same way, and I’d certainly beat them half to death to teach them a lesson. Now let me ask you, aren’t you his wife? Haven’t you received any valuables he returned to you for safekeeping? Haven’t you benefited from his gambling winnings? Have you or haven’t you? If you dare say you haven’t received anything, you can wash your hands of this matter right now. Concubine Yang gave birth to him, so she can’t escape this responsibility no matter what. But as his wife, you have a choice. I’m not forcing you or mistreating you. Do whatever you want.”
Seeing Madam Cen’s fury, Concubine Yang became frightened. She quickly pulled Madam Sun and said with a forced smile, “She’s just upset and speaking without thinking. She doesn’t even know what she’s saying. Quickly apologize to Madam!”
Madam Sun lowered her eyes and silently performed a curtsy without saying a word.
Madam Cen turned her face away and said coolly, “The creditor will come in three days. Don’t think about pushing everything onto the family. I’m giving you two days. If I don’t see most of the money raised by tomorrow evening, I’ll personally order people to raise it for you. At that point, I won’t know or care what belongs to whose dowry.” She then instructed Feng Daniang to accompany the two women and refused to discuss the matter further.
After everyone had left, Mudan saw that Madam Cen was in a bad mood and sat with her to talk. “The year-end is approaching, and the situation has developed sufficiently. Once this debt is paid, why don’t we let him come back?”
Madam Cen pondered for a moment, then said, “That’s fine.” She rubbed her forehead and added, “When your father returns, I want to have them move out. Let’s divide what needs to be divided. I can’t stand living with them anymore.”
Mudan smiled, “If you’re feeling down, Mother, why don’t we go stay at Fangyuan for a few days after this matter is settled? It’ll help you relax. Let the sisters-in-law manage the household, and you can take it easy for a while.”
Madam Cen sighed, “That sounds good.” After a pause, she continued, “I had a nightmare last night and I’m in a bad mood. In a couple of days, accompany me to Fashou Temple to offer incense.”
Mudan agreed and consoled her, “Don’t take it to heart. Perhaps your dream was just a premonition about the sixth brother’s debt collectors.”
Madam Cen sighed again, “I hope so.”
Mudan leaned on her shoulder and whispered, “Mother, the sixth sister-in-law’s words were particularly hurtful today. Was my suggestion inappropriate? Did we go too far?”
Madam Cen shook her head, “No, you did it for the good of the family and his good. Once someone develops a gambling addiction, it’s very difficult to quit. They forget the stench… We need to make this unforgettable for him. You don’t know how many gamblers your father and I have seen in our youth. Even after having their ears cut off or fingers chopped, they’d swear to quit, but once they see a game, they forget all the pain. They certainly won’t be able to raise all the money, but we must teach them a lesson. We can’t let them harbor false hopes, and we must use this opportunity to teach others in the family a lesson, or else this household will fall into chaos.”
Mudan leaned against her and said softly, “I just want our family to be good, peaceful, and smooth in everything.”
Madam Cen smiled, “Then you should offer sincere incense too. While you’re at it, pray to Buddha for Jiang Dalang’s safe return, so that your matters can be settled smoothly.”
Mudan’s face warmed slightly, and she buried her head in Madam Cen’s embrace, chuckling softly, “I don’t care about him. He’s been gone for so long without even sending a letter.”
Madam Cen fondly stroked her head, teasing, “It’s not convenient when traveling. How could he send you letters every day? Otherwise, we should have him quickly send someone to propose, so he can stay by your side and not go anywhere.”
Once Yang and Sun realized there was no room for negotiation, they acted quickly, soon exchanging their valuable clothes, ornaments, and room furnishings for money. Sun indeed refused to use her dowry, only willing to part with things she had received from the sixth young master and the He family. Although Concubine Yang was dissatisfied, she silently endured it due to Madam Cen’s previous words, planning to bring it up again after the sixth young master’s return.
After much effort, they were still short by nearly 400,000 cash. Madam Cen said nothing more, directly having them write an IOU in public and taking the remaining amount from the family funds to pay off the sixth young master’s debt. She notified Madam Xue to reduce all expenses for Concubine Yang and the sixth young master’s couple until they repaid the family funds.
Concubine Yang, stripped of her fine clothes and wearing an ordinary jacket and skirt with common hairpins, felt angry when compared to others in the family and refused to come out even for meals. Sun still had her dowry, but due to recent events, she felt embarrassed to dress lavishly. She found an excuse, saying her mother was ill, and had her brother come to take her home for a short stay. Madam Cen didn’t make things difficult for her, providing her with gifts and warmly entertaining her family members. Sun felt somewhat ashamed and quietly kowtowed to Madam Cen before leaving.
Mudan accompanied Madam Cen to offer incense at the main hall of the temple. Madam Cen drew a fortune stick, but it was an unlucky one, causing her face to change. Mudan quickly said with a smile, “It doesn’t mean much. Let’s hear how the masters interpret it. There must be a positive interpretation.”
Just then, Monk Huisheng approached. He took the fortune stick from Madam Cen’s hand, looked at it, and smiled, “This fortune is not bad. It’s a good one. It means ‘danger followed by safety’ and ‘finding life in death.’ The traveler will surely return safely. There’s nothing to worry about, madam.” These words hit right at Madam Cen’s concerns. Although she said nothing, her expression visibly improved.
Mudan quickly said, “Mother, didn’t you say there were some scriptures you didn’t understand? Since Master Huisheng is free today, why don’t you ask him to explain them to you?”
Madam Cen was indeed tempted. Monk Huisheng promptly called a young novice to lead her to the back hall. Mudan hurried a few steps to catch up with Monk Huisheng, put her hands together in respect, and pleaded, “My mother has been troubled and anxious lately, with many worries keeping her awake at night. Please, Master, use Buddhist teachings to guide her. This humble girl would be most grateful.”
Monk Huisheng returned her gesture and smiled, “Don’t worry, young lady. It’s my duty.” Suddenly, they heard a soft cough nearby. Shuer glanced over and saw the young monk Ruman standing there with a food box, peeking in their direction. When he saw her look over, he grinned, revealing two large front teeth.
Amused, Shuer quickly excused herself to Mudan and ran over to talk to Ruman. Mudan accompanied Madam Cen to listen to Huisheng’s Buddhist teachings.
Once Monk Huisheng began discussing Buddhist principles, he became animated, drawing from ancient and modern sources, and explaining profound concepts in simple terms. Madam Cen listened, fascinated. Mudan forced herself to listen for a while but eventually grew restless. As she looked around absent-mindedly, she suddenly saw Shuer standing at the door, quietly beckoning to her. Knowing it must be related to the young monk Ruman, and since she hadn’t seen Monk Fuyuan in a long time and had brought gifts, she told Feng Daniang and Lin Mama that she was stepping out. She then led Kuaner, who was carrying the gifts, outside.
The young monk Ruman had already disappeared. When Shuer saw Mudan and Kuaner approach, she pulled them to a quiet place and said with a serious expression, “Miss, I have something to tell you. Please don’t be angry when you hear it.”
Mudan smiled, “What is it? Why so serious?”
Shuer lowered her voice, “Just now, young monk Ruman told me that recently, Second Young Masters surnamed Xiao have been coming to see his master to talk and play Go. They sit for hours each time, always asking if Young Master Jiang has come. The older young master is excellent at Go, while the younger one is effeminate, like a woman. He asked if we knew how Young Master Jiang came to have such strange friends. I secretly went to take a look with him. Guess who it was?”
The name Xiao Xuewee unexpectedly popped into Mudan’s mind, but she slowly shook her head, “I haven’t heard Young Master Jiang mention them. I can’t guess.”
Shuer was somewhat exasperated, “It’s that Xiao Xuewee we met during the hunt, dressed as a man and looking quite dashing. Master Fuyuan doesn’t even know them, yet they dare to come every day.”
Kuaner laughed and poked Shuer’s ribs, “My, my, the main person isn’t even worried, yet you’re getting all worked up. The temple doors are open to all, aren’t they?”
Shuer pushed her away and said, “Miss, do you want to go take a look?”
Mudan replied, “I was planning to visit Master Fuyuan anyway.” With that, she led the way forward. Shuer and Kuaner quickly followed, carrying the gifts.
The three of them wound their way to Monk Fuyuan’s thatched cottage. Before they got close, they heard the soft sound of a zither. Young monk Ruman was sitting in front of the cottage, hugging a large golden orange, his mouth stuffed full. Seeing them approach, he jumped up with a grin, rolled his eyes as he swallowed what was in his mouth, and shouted eagerly into the room, “Master, Miss He is here!” The zither music stopped abruptly.
Monk Fuyuan came out, bowed, and smiled, “It’s been a while, young benefactor.”
Mudan returned the bow and instructed Kuaner to hand the gifts to Ruman, smiling, “Inside are some tea leaves, spices, paper, ink sticks, pastries, and other small items. Please accept this humble offering.”
Fuyuan smiled, “You’re too kind, young benefactor. Please, come in.”
Mudan stepped into the room and saw Xiao Xuewee sitting cross-legged on a mat against the wall, dressed in a snow-white round-collared narrow-sleeved shirt, in male attire. The zither was still on her lap, not yet put away. By the window, sitting in front of a Go board, was a young man about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, with features strikingly similar to Xiao Xuewee’s but more rugged and defined, wearing a brown robe and holding a Go piece in his hand.
As Mudan entered, the young man glanced at her indifferently, then lowered his eyes dismissively. Xiao Xuewee, however, looked at Mudan with interest, raising an eyebrow, “What an unexpected encounter. Hello, Miss He.”
Mudan smiled slightly and bowed, “Hello, Miss Xiao. I’m sorry to interrupt your elegant pastime.”
Xiao Xuewee moved the zither aside and shifted on the mat, inviting Mudan to sit, “Please, sit here.”
However, Ruman had already brought another mat, placing it next to Xiao Xuewee, and cheerfully invited Mudan to sit, “Miss He, please sit here.” Then he smiled and said in a low voice, “The pastries you brought are delicious.” He smacked his lips involuntarily and biasedly moved the charcoal brazier from in front of Xiao Xuewee to Mudan.
Mudan laughed, “You greedy little monk.”
Xiao Xuewee, smiling beside them, said, “Miss He seems quite familiar with Master Fuyuan and Ruman?”