Mudan smiled faintly. “I wouldn’t say I know him well, but he’s certainly not a stranger. After all, my garden owes its current state to Master Fuyuan’s guidance.”
Hearing this, the young man by the window looked up at Mudan. “So you’re the owner of Fang Garden?”
Mudan smiled. “Indeed I am. From your tone, it seems Fang Garden is quite renowned?”
“Mm.” The young man appraised Mudan briefly but said nothing more, turning back to study the chessboard.
Xiao Xuexi proudly introduced him to Mudan. “This is my eldest brother, Xiao Yuexi. He’s usually more talkative, but once he sees a chessboard, it’s all he can think about. His words become muddled and his mind wanders – who knows where his thoughts might lead him.”
Mudan casually remarked, “Geniuses often have their quirks.”
Intrigued, Xiao Xuexi asked, “You know my brother?” What she wanted to know was whether Mudan was aware of her brother’s fame, but her upbringing prevented her from asking so directly.
Mudan shook her head honestly. “I don’t know him. This is the first time I’ve seen or heard of him.”
Xiao Xuexi was a bit displeased. “But you called him a genius…”
Mudan smiled. “Isn’t he? He must be incredibly skilled at chess.”
“How can you tell?” Xiao Xuexi challenged, convinced that Mudan either knew of Xiao Yuexi’s reputation or had just heard something from Ruman and was now pretending.
Mudan pointed at the busy Master Fuyuan and explained, “Just look at Master Fuyuan. He’s a chess fanatic who normally loses himself in the game. Yet today, he heard Ruman’s call through the qin music and personally came to greet me. This means his mind is no longer on the game. There are two possibilities: either his opponent is weak, making victory too easy and uninteresting; or his opponent is formidable, leaving almost no chance of winning, which is equally uninteresting. If it’s the former, Master Fuyuan would quickly defeat your brother and end the game. If it’s the latter, he’d deliberately stall, finding excuses to avoid continuing.”
Overhearing this, Master Fuyuan turned and smiled. “You’re right. Even monks fear losing. I’ve been losing for over ten days straight. Even immortals would find that tedious, let alone a mortal monk like myself.”
“Your observation is quite astute,” Xiao Xuexi laughed. She glanced at Xiao Yuexi, then proudly whispered to Mudan, “Madam He, you guessed correctly! My brother is a renowned chess master, known for his talent since childhood… Do you enjoy playing chess? If so, you could ask my brother for some pointers. I’m sure you’d easily outshine your closest friends afterward.”
Mudan, finding Xiao Xuexi’s smugness rather distasteful, shook her head. “I’m embarrassed to say I’m wasting a good opportunity. I don’t know how to play chess.”
Xiao Xuexi exclaimed in surprise, “You don’t?” Quickly realizing her rudeness, she softened her tone. “Well, chess isn’t that important. It’s no big deal if you can’t play.”
Mudan merely responded with a noncommittal “Mm,” disliking Xiao Xuexi’s affected humility and graciousness. It seemed courteous on the surface but was blatant boasting.
Shu’er gave Mudan a disappointed look. Mudan did know how to play chess. As a sickly child with few games to play, she had often played chess with He Zhizhong, alongside her love for flowers. He Zhizhong was a skilled player, so naturally, Mudan had become quite proficient too. After marrying Liu, with no one to play with, she initially practiced alone with chess manuals. However, after a bout of illness, she stopped playing altogether. There’s a difference between choosing not to play and not knowing how, and Shu’er couldn’t understand why Mudan would appear less accomplished in front of Xiao Xuexi.
Shu’er now viewed Xiao Xuexi as Mudan’s rival in love. As a rival, she needed to be thoroughly outmatched in every aspect, from demeanor to skills, inside and out! With this in mind, Shu’er intentionally said, “Mother, are you being modest again? Even though you might not play well, someone of Xiao Yuexi’s caliber wouldn’t mock you if you lost…”
Xiao Xuexi smiled faintly at this, dismissing it as a face-saving talk between women. Xiao Yuexi, however, looked at Mudan carefully. Mudan just smiled softly and shook her head.
Xiao Xuexi then picked up her qin, gently plucking a few strings. She addressed Mudan as if seeking advice, “I often encounter a fingering problem when playing. Perhaps I could ask for your input…”
Mudan smiled again, “I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to play the qin either.” The original He Mudan had learned all these skills, though she wasn’t particularly exceptional at any of them and disliked playing the qin. This version of Mudan focused on freedom, flower cultivation, making money, choosing men, and living well, had discarded all those pursuits. Her earlier response about chess was partly out of spite, but regarding the qin, she genuinely had forgotten and couldn’t play.
Now even Kuan’er, not just Shu’er, looked upset and confused by Mudan’s behavior. Xiao Yuexi also glanced at Mudan with surprise. It was indeed strange. Given her wealthy background as an only daughter and her beauty, most families would have ensured she was well-educated in these arts. Typically, women would feel embarrassed admitting to lacking such skills, but Mudan acknowledged it so readily, without a hint of shame, as if those who possessed these skills were somehow inferior to her… How peculiar.
Master Fuyuan grinned at Mudan’s calm and unapologetic demeanor, then sat down across from Xiao Yuexi. “Shall we continue? Although I keep losing, I’ll consider it a form of spiritual practice.”
Xiao Yuexi nodded, picking up a chess piece. He tried to focus on the game but couldn’t help listening to the conversation between Xiao Xuexi and Mudan.
Xiao Xuexi raised her eyebrows in surprise again, then apologetically said, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Surely you must have your unique talents. Please, teach me something you excel at.”
Mudan smiled, “Madam Xiao, you’re being too formal. We’re just having a casual conversation as chance acquaintances. As for my talents, I’m not skilled at much – I only know how to grow flowers. You’re already accomplished in many arts, so you don’t need to learn from someone like me.”
Xiao Xuexi got the result she wanted – confirmation that Mudan lacked the refined skills she possessed, or at least didn’t excel in areas valued by ladies of good families. In terms of accomplishments, she had achieved an overwhelming victory. She should have felt that Mudan posed no threat, but something about Mudan’s nonchalant attitude unsettled her. Her expression grew serious as she put on a standard social smile. “Madam He, you’re truly the most humble person I’ve ever met.”
Mudan smiled back at her, “And you, Madam Xiao, are the most considerate person I’ve ever encountered.”
Considerate? Xiao Xuexi knew better than anyone that none of her actions had been truly considerate. The truly considerate one was the young monk, Ruman, while she had been the least considerate of all. He Mudan was far from foolish. Xiao Xuexi forced a smile, “Oh no, you flatter me.”
Mudan smiled, “You deserve the praise, Madam Xiao.” Then she stood up to take her leave. “My mother is still waiting at the front. Please excuse me, I must return to her now.”
Xiao Xuexi gave a slight curtsy. “Of course.”
Seeing that Xiao Yuexi was also distracted, Master Fuyuan quickly apologized to him and stood up. “Let this humble monk see Madam He out.”
As Mudan left with Master Fuyuan, Xiao Xuexi’s face darkened. “Master Fuyuan is quite courteous to her. We’ve been here for days, and I’ve never seen him escort anyone out.” It seemed the information she had gathered was correct – He Mudan indeed had close ties with Jiang Changyang and others.
Xiao Yuexi casually rearranged the chessboard, setting up a new formation. “Are you unsatisfied? We’ve overstayed our welcome here, and he’s probably tired of us. It’s courteous enough that he hasn’t asked us to leave. You can tell from the young monk’s behavior that their relationship is much closer than ours. Besides, didn’t you already know they were closely acquainted? What’s so surprising about him being polite?”
Xiao Xuexi said, “Let’s not talk about the monk. Brother, what do you think of her? Is she as unskilled as she claims? Something doesn’t seem right to me.”
Xiao Yuexi was silent for a moment, then asked, “Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?”
Xiao Xuexi grew anxious and sat down in front of him. “What a strange thing to say! You’re my brother. Don’t you understand why I asked you to come here and wait all these days? Why would you ask if I want to hear the truth or a lie?”
Xiao Yuexi looked at her seriously. “I don’t know if she’s truly skilled or not. But judging by her demeanor, her maid’s expressions, and her family background, I suspect she is. Even if she can’t match your abilities, I doubt she’s completely ignorant. She’s adept at concealing her talents and doesn’t wish to compete with you. Moreover, she’s far more beautiful than you are.”
Hearing her brother say that Mudan was far more beautiful than her, Xiao Xuexi felt uncomfortable despite knowing it was true. She angrily retorted, “She’s completely disregarding me, that’s why she’s responding like this, isn’t it? She’s too arrogant! But never mind, beauty fades quickly, and what’s a paper beauty with no skills worth? Jiang Dalan isn’t so shallow. She doesn’t dare compete with me… It’s wise of her, otherwise she’d lose quite badly.”
Xiao Yuexi bluntly replied, “Suppose she and Jiang Dalan are indeed in love, and he likes her… Even if you’re more accomplished in these arts, what difference does it make? Besides, she’s skilled at growing flowers, and she does it well.” He paused before continuing, “You know that Jiang Dalan’s mother loves peonies, and from what Lü Fang has told me about her personality, Madam Wang would probably prefer her. You’ve already lost when it comes to winning people’s hearts. She doesn’t need anything else – other skills would just be icing on the cake. Naturally, she wouldn’t bother competing with you in these trivial matters. That’s child’s play.”
Xiao Xuexi leaned forward angrily, “Brother! How can you say such things? Being accomplished in the arts is essential for every well-bred lady. Only then can one be worthy of…”
Xiao Yuexi interrupted her, looking at her seriously. “I’m a man, I understand better than you. If a man likes a woman, her lack of skills can be endearing. If he doesn’t like her, it doesn’t matter how accomplished she is. Feelings have nothing to do with being a talented lady.”
Xiao Xuexi’s face paled as she looked at Xiao Yuexi with sorrow and dejection. “Brother… Have I been wasting my efforts all this time? But I haven’t done anything yet, and some things are just hearsay. I haven’t even met him, how can I know what he truly thinks? I can’t accept this.”
Xiao Yuexi smiled and gently adjusted her headdress. “I’m just analyzing the situation for you, not telling you to give up. Everything is still hypothetical, nothing’s been confirmed. Apart from these issues, you’re indeed more suitable for Jiang Dalan in other aspects. If you like him and feel only he is worthy of you, then give it a try. Retreating without a fight is most shameful.”
Suddenly reinvigorated, Xiao Xuexi declared firmly, “You’re right, brother! Retreating without a fight is most shameful! I haven’t done anything yet, how can I admit defeat? I must win! I will win!” Even if Jiang Changyang did have feelings for He Mudan, she could make him see reason. He would eventually understand who was more suitable for him – her, not that widowed merchant’s daughter who only knew how to grow flowers.
Master Fuyuan escorted Mudan to the front before stopping. “Take care on your way, Benefactor He.”
After bidding him farewell, Mudan turned to leave when she suddenly heard Master Fuyuan say, “I hear Chengfeng won’t return until after the Lantern Festival.”
Mudan had never been sure how much Master Fuyuan knew about her relationship with Jiang Changyang. His words now made it clear that he was likely aware. No longer hiding her emotions, she replied sadly, “As long as he’s safe and well, that’s all that matters.” She had been hoping to watch the lanterns and enjoy the festival with him, but it seemed that plan was now impossible.
Master Fuyuan put his palms together. “Buddha will surely bless him.”
When Mudan reached the front, Madam Cen was already preparing to leave. Seeing Mudan arrive, she immediately stood up. Noticing that her mother’s mood seemed much calmer, Mudan’s melancholy over Jiang Changyang’s absence also faded. She cheerfully engaged her mother in conversation.
As the mother and daughter pair left Fashi Temple, Madam Cen noticed it was still early and suggested, “Let’s go to the spice shop in the East Market.” Since the sixth son’s incident, the second son has taken over management of the West Market shop, while the fifth son came to manage this one, trying to boost business during the peak spice-selling season before the New Year. They hoped to earn more and win back as many customers as possible who had been lost due to the sixth son’s actions. He had been working tirelessly these days, coming home too exhausted to speak. Madam Cen was very concerned for him.
Arriving at the East Market, they passed by Maya’s tavern. Mudan looked carefully, noticing that although the doors were open, it was deserted, a far cry from its former bustling days when foreign courtesans served wine. Looking up, she didn’t see Maya either. Mudan pondered for a moment before calling Gui over. “Go inquire if Maya is still here and if they’re still in business.”
Gui obeyed and returned shortly. “The hidden door inside has been nailed shut, and Maya is no longer there. Not just her, but several other beautiful foreign courtesans are gone too. I heard a new tavern called Mi Ji opened at the end of the street. It’s far more luxurious, with more customers. She’s gone there. We’ll pass by Mi Ji’s entrance if we continue ahead, madam.”
Before they reached the end of the street, they saw a prominent black signboard with gold characters reading “Mi Ji” hanging high. As they drew closer, they saw it was bustling with people coming and going. Many fine horses with jade bridles and carved saddles were tied outside. In the most conspicuous central window on the second floor sat Maya, dressed in a bright red jacket and skirt, smiling as she greeted customers below. Seeing Mudan and her servants, she gave a slight smile before turning away.
Mudan turned to ask Gui, “Do you know who opened this place?”
Gui replied, “I heard it was opened by a foreign merchant surnamed Mi, previously unknown. He used to run a tavern in the West Market, but somehow suddenly opened this large establishment and brought in beautiful foreign courtesans from several other taverns as attractions.”
Mudan tilted her head thoughtfully and said, “When you have time, come sit here and see if there’s more going on inside. It might be even busier and more profitable than it appears from the outside.”
Gui agreed with a smile.
When they arrived at the spice shop, neither the fifth son nor the old shopkeeper were in the front hall. A few customers were being attended to by young assistants. Another unfamiliar customer, wearing a small floral brocade robe, sat calmly drinking tea from a cup as if no one was there to serve him.
Madam Cen quickly called an assistant to ask where the two had gone. Learning that the fifth son and the old shopkeeper were busy taking inventory and balancing accounts in the back warehouse, she wondered aloud, “Why are they doing inventory now, leaving customers unattended? What’s the reason for this?” As she spoke, she approached the customer, “May I ask what you need, sir?”
The customer smiled and said, “I’m not here to buy anything. I’m waiting for the fifth young master.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Madam Cen quickly apologized and asked Mudan to fetch the fifth son. Mudan went to the warehouse and saw the fifth son and the shopkeeper each holding thick account books, checking inventory along the shelves. She called out, “Fifth Brother.”
The fifth son turned and smiled, “Mudan, why are you here? Weren’t you accompanying Mother to offer incense at Fashi Temple today?”
Mudan replied, “We’ve finished. Mother was worried about you and wanted to check on you. Someone is waiting for you in front. She wants you to go there, and I can take over here.”
“It must be Old Jian, he’s been here for a while. But I’ll go see Mother first.” The fifth son smiled, handing her the account book and pointing, “We’ve checked up to here. You and the old shopkeeper can continue down the shelves. I’ll go to the front for a bit.”
Mudan took the book and continued checking inventory with the old shopkeeper, who was amazed by her memory and quick wit. He sighed, “If only Miss Mudan were a boy, the family wouldn’t be so overworked, and we wouldn’t be short-handed. The young masters are all focused on their studies and don’t come to the shop. What will happen in the future?”
Mudan smiled, “Everyone has their aspirations. It’s best if they can succeed in their studies. If not, someone will eventually return to the business. My father is still relatively young, and my brothers are in their prime. There’s still plenty of time to teach them. Old shopkeeper, why did you choose today to do inventory? Has something happened?”
The old shopkeeper replied, “No, it’s good news. Did you see that customer outside? He has an uncle who serves in the palace. This New Year’s Eve, there will be large bonfires lit throughout the palace, requiring a vast amount of spices. The palace’s stock is insufficient, so they’ll be purchasing from major spice shops. In previous years, we’ve supplied quite a bit. If our goods are good and the price is right, we could make up for recent losses. Everyone could have a good holiday. That’s why your fifth brother and I are taking stock to see how much we can offer.”
Mudan smiled, “That’s great news. Do we have enough spices in our shop?”
On New Year’s Eve, two things were certain to happen. First was the ritual to drive out plague demons, and second was the lighting of bonfires in courtyards and lamps throughout residences, accompanied by singing, dancing, and drinking to stay awake. Ordinary families might burn some incense indoors, but the courtyard bonfires were usually just common firewood. However, in the palace and the homes of high officials and nobles, the bonfires had to include plenty of incense. She had heard of extravagant cases where entire bonfires were made of agarwood, with additional spices added, creating flames of several zhang high and fragrances that could be smelled for miles.
The old shopkeeper sighed, “Everything else is fine, but we’re short on agarwood. Ironically, agarwood is in the highest demand, and recently, the sixth young master sold most of our stock to a single customer.”
Why is it the sixth son again? Mudan frowned, then reconsidered. The sixth son couldn’t have known about this opportunity at the time, and it would have been foolish not to make a sale. It wasn’t his fault. She asked, “Is there no other way? Could we gather some from elsewhere? Smaller shops probably have some, but they don’t have the opportunity to sell to the palace. We could buy from them and resell. It’s fine if we make less profit, but it could be a chance to build our reputation.”
The old shopkeeper replied, “Your fifth brother and I were just discussing this. We still need to consult with Master Jian, but it shouldn’t be a big problem. We’ve dealt with him many times before.”
Just then, the fifth son and Madam Cen hurried in. The fifth son, looking somewhat pleased, said, “He’s agreed to give us a quota of forty carts. We have nearly a month, so we need to quickly source agarwood from various places – foreign merchants near the West Market, small shops, and surrounding counties. We might be able to gather enough. We need to hurry before others beat us to it.”
Madam Cen cautioned, “Be very careful. Don’t use any inferior goods to make up the numbers. That could be disastrous.”
The fifth son replied seriously, “I understand.”