As Six Young Master glanced her way, she pretended not to notice and said with a faint smile, “Has a physician been called to check on Sixth Brother’s pulse? The weather is chilly now. It’s best to have an examination soon as a precaution, lest an illness take root and cause future problems.”
Hearing this, Concubine Yang’s attention was immediately drawn. She exclaimed, “Danni is right. We must summon a physician at once.” Then, remembering her precarious position, she glanced at Madam Cen for approval.
Madam Cen, unbothered, instructed Madam Xue, “Danni is thoughtful. Send someone to fetch a physician immediately.”
Six Young Master, suspecting this was a ploy to prevent him from regaining control of the business, felt disgruntled. However, aware of his wrongdoings, he dared not speak out and could only sulk silently.
During dinner, noticing Fifth Young Master’s absence, he inquired about his whereabouts. Concubine Yang, thinking that if Six Young Master hadn’t erred, he would be the one busy now, earning merit and profit instead of others, replied with some resentment, “You should know! The palace requires forty carts of agarwood for New Year’s Eve, offering an excellent price. But you sold most of our stock, forcing Fifth Young Master to scramble around gathering the incense! You’ve brought misfortune upon our entire family!”
Six Young Master angrily retorted, “How was I to know the palace would need this incense later? Should I have refused to sell when customers came? If I had known earlier, I’d have made a fortune instead of sitting here being scolded!” Though addressing Concubine Yang, his tone suggested he was lashing out at the entire family.
Concubine Yang pinched his thigh hard and scolded, “How dare you raise your voice! I’ve worried myself sick over you, become destitute, and borrowed heavily from the family fund, not knowing when we’ll be able to repay. You can’t even take a word of criticism? Perhaps you should return to jail where we won’t have to see or worry about you.”
Frowning at the implications in her words, Six Young Master asked, “What’s going on? How did you become destitute?”
Concubine Yang glanced at Madam Sun, who had just returned home and said, “Ask your wife. I’m penniless, but she still has some money of her own.”
Madam Cen furrowed her brow and interjected, “Enough! Say less, both of you! Whatever it is can wait until after dinner!”
Everyone fell silent and focused on eating. Six Young Master wanted to eat everything but found his appetite ruined and dared not eat much. Seeing this, Concubine Yang felt heartbroken and began cursing the palace guards at length. Madam Zhen mockingly said, “Why curse others for our own family’s shortcomings? Many haven’t even had the chance to experience jail!” This finally silenced Concubine Yang.
After dinner, Madam Cen, unwilling to deal with the mother and son’s bickering, asked Second Young Masters to stay and explain things to Six Young Masters. She then retired to her quarters with Madam Xue, Mudan, and others to talk, wash up, and eventually sleep.
The night passed uneventfully. The next day, Mudan went to the incense shop as usual. Six Young Master watched her leave sheepishly, feeling quite discomfited. Having been confined for a month, he was eager to go out horseback riding to relax. However, Madam Cen summoned him to talk. Though reluctant, he dared not refuse and went in, only to be told to rest and recuperate, avoiding going out unnecessarily.
Six Young Master grew angrier, especially upon seeing Madam Sun ingratiating herself with Madam Cen. Concubine Yang had already incited him regarding Madam Sun’s refusal to use her dowry to repay his debts. Seeing her behavior now, his resentment intensified. He decided to teach Madam Sun a lesson to vent his frustrations. For the next two nights, he tormented her relentlessly in bed. Unable to bear it and too embarrassed to confide in her sisters-in-law or mother-in-law, Madam Sun sent her maid to her natal home, claiming her mother was ill and wanted to see her for a few days. Madam Cen agreed without suspicion.
Six Young Master was delighted upon hearing this and offered to escort Madam Sun home, saying he wanted to pay respects to his in-laws. The reason was sound, and Madam Cen couldn’t refuse. She instructed him thoroughly and ordered his attendant to keep a close eye on him, preventing him from associating with unsavory characters. Then she allowed the couple to leave.
After escorting Madam Sun home and exchanging pleasantries, Six Young Masters made an excuse to visit the East Market. Shortly after entering the district, he was approached not by his former gambling friends, but by an acquaintance named Er Fang, who owned a silk shop. Er Fang greeted him warmly and offered to treat him to drinks to wash away his bad luck. Seeing that Er Fang was a respectable businessman, the attendant relaxed his guard and allowed Six Young Master to go.
In truth, Er Fang had been sent by Liu Chang to manipulate Six Young Master. He deliberately spoke of Six Young Master’s bad luck while praising Fifth Young Master and Mudan’s good fortune. He suggested that Mudan, despite being a woman, might inherit the family business, and questioned why Six Young Master, as a man, couldn’t overcome a minor setback and prove himself with a grand gesture.
Six Young Master grew increasingly agitated, remembering that his gambling debts had been paid from his household funds, how Concubine Yang constantly complained about lacking jewelry and fine clothes because of him, how Madam Sun looked down on him and refused to use her dowry for his needs, and how everyone in the family treated him like a plague. Madam Zhen’s words were particularly harsh. He buried himself in drink, lamenting, “I’d like to turn things around, but I need an opportunity.”
Seeing that the time was ripe, Er Fang slowly brought up the palace’s need for agarwood, suggesting, “Six Young Master, your chance for redemption is at hand. Your elder brother is struggling to gather enough incense. If you can procure it, you’ll earn great merit and a larger share of the profits. No one will look down on you then.”
Though tempted, Six Young Master knew it wouldn’t be easy. He frowned, “My mother and brother have already approached everyone they could. They’re searching nearby counties because there’s no one left in the capital. Where could I possibly find any?”
Er Fang smiled, “As luck would have it, I have a ready solution. I didn’t tell your Fifth Brother earlier because he never showed me respect. Now, this opportunity is yours.”
Six Young Master asked suspiciously, “Why offer me such a good deal instead of someone else?”
Er Fang grinned slyly, “Don’t you understand? Who else is as desperate as you? Who else would offer me such generous compensation?”
Six Young Master understood and said, “I need to see the goods first. If they’re not satisfactory, I won’t take them.”
Er Fang guaranteed, “I know your family values integrity in business. I wouldn’t dare offer you subpar goods. I fear First Young Master and Fourth Young Master would have my head!”
They continued drinking and chatting for about two hours before drunkenly agreeing to go see the agarwood. Upon seeing it, Six Young Master sobered up considerably and exclaimed, “This is clearly what our family sold! Who bought it? Bring out whoever’s trying to profit from our goods!”
Er Fang smirked, “True, it was sold by your family, but now it’s worth more. If you had known, why didn’t you keep it? Does it matter who bought it?” He held up a finger to Six Young Master, “Even if you buy it back at this price and send it to the palace, you’ll still make a profit. Not to mention the profit on your family’s other carts. Without this, you can’t sell those either. If you can’t sell this year, what about the future? Most importantly, if the He family loses this business, who will come to you for such matters in the future?”
Six Young Masters understood this logic and had no rebuttal. Seeing his silence, Er Fang leaned in and whispered, “Just tell your family you’ll buy it at the palace’s price. The extra profit will go directly to you. It’s convenient for everyone. What do you think?”
As Six Young Master pondered, Er Fang smiled and added, “No pressure. Think it over. The goods came from your family, so you know their quality. If you don’t want them within three days, I’ll sell them to others. There are plenty of buyers who’d be happy to edge your family out of the market.”
Six Young Master returned home, deep in thought. Seeing that Fifth Young Master had returned from his long journey, he eagerly inquired about the results. Fifth Young Master sighed, explaining that after all his efforts, he had only managed to gather four carts of high-quality incense. The rest was inferior and unsuitable. They were still short by eleven carts.
Six Young Master blinked and asked, “Is there no other way?”
Fifth Young Master just sighed, “We’ve exhausted all options. Agarwood wasn’t rare in previous years, but it’s scarce this year for some reason.” He was ready to give up and said to Madam Cen, “Mother, if we really can’t do it, perhaps we should withdraw. It’s an impossible task.”
Madam Cen replied, “No, this is crucial. We can’t give up until the very last moment. If we miss this opportunity this year, our family might lose its position forever.” This wasn’t just because of Liu Chang’s recent threats, but a comprehensive consideration of the situation.
Six Young Master listened and watched silently before quietly returning to his room. He waited until the entire He household had been frantically searching for several days before finally stepping forward with a solution. He repeated what he had discussed with Er Fang, careful not to mention that he had previously sold the goods. He claimed to have encountered a former business acquaintance of He Zhizhong who had stock available, but at a much higher price, nearly matching what the palace was offering. Fearing the deal might fall through, he voluntarily lowered the price by half a point, allowing Second Young Master and Fifth Young Master to see a small profit margin and eagerly facilitate the transaction.
After discussing and inspecting the goods, Second Young Master and Fifth Young Master confirmed their quality. The brothers double-checked everything, and the deal was completed with the exchange of money and goods. The incense was brought back to the warehouse, and Six Young Master received his promised money. He hid it carefully, afraid of any misstep that might lead to discovery by the family. Seeing his sudden cautiousness, the family assumed he had finally changed his ways.
Er Fang first delivered the money to Liu Chang, congratulating him, “Congratulations on your revenge. Back then, the He family patriarch pretended their treasures belonged to others, competing with you and cheating you out of your money. Now you’ve profited from their own goods. You’ve finally avenged yourself.”
Is this revenge? Liu Chang wasn’t after such petty gains; the real show was yet to come. He responded with a noncommittal “Mm,” instructing Qiushi to reward Er Fang and inviting him for drinks. After Er Fang was thoroughly drunk, Liu Chang, clear-headed, rode out on horseback. He first visited the large courtyard he intended to buy in the distant Yongyang District, happily paid for it, and ordered it cleaned and furnished with the most expensive items, fantasizing about a future with his beloved. Then he went to find people to prepare for the next step.
Seeing his master’s rare good mood, Qiushi deliberately flattered him, saying he would surely succeed. Liu Chang smiled, tossing him a money pouch, “Do well what I’ve instructed, and good days await you.”
A few days later, during Liu Chang and Qinghua’s wedding, the He family and other major incense shops delivered their marked batches of incense to Elder Jian, waiting until after the festival to settle accounts.
With the incense matter resolved, the He family confidently prepared for the festival. As Fifth Young Master had returned and Six Young Master seemed to be improving, Mudan no longer needed to stay at the incense shop. She withdrew money to buy alcohol, meat, dried fruits, and other goods. She also prepared money and cloth, personally overseeing the delivery to Fang Garden. She had Yuhe open the main hall, light charcoal braziers to warm the place, and invited everyone to receive bonuses, share food and drink, and enjoy the festival.
After distributing food and wine, she instructed the kitchen to prepare a feast for the evening. Fang Garden bustled with excitement as everyone eagerly anticipated the meal.
Mudan specially arranged a high-class table for the capable gardeners, inviting Yuhe to join them. She toasted them, praising their hard work and distributing additional rewards, much to everyone’s delight.
Early the next morning, Gui led an unfamiliar man in with a letter. It was from Jiang Changyang, who had specially detoured to deliver it on his way back to the capital. He had arrived yesterday but, finding Mudan absent from the He residence, had to wait until today to deliver it.
After inquiring about Jiang Changyang’s well-being and learning he would soon return to the capital, Mudan relaxed. Eager to read the letter, she rewarded the messenger and had Gui take care of him. She hastily opened the letter, her eyes crinkling and lips curving into a smile as she read.
Yuhe and Shuer, noticing her joy, giggled and pretended to peek at the letter. Mudan laughingly evaded them, carefully hiding it. When they asked if there was good news, Mudan smiled coyly before asking, “Would you like to go lantern-viewing at the Lantern Festival?”
Realizing Jiang Changyang had invited her, the two maids clapped and laughed, “Of course we’ll go!” Being young and fond of fun, they were eager to seize this opportunity after years of Mudan’s confinement in the Liu household.
Mudan instructed them, “We’re going into the city. Quickly settle any unfinished business in the garden. We’re hosting Village Head Xiao and some elders for lunch. There must be no mistakes, or you’ll stay here to watch the garden!”
As the maids hurried off, Mudan reread Jiang Changyang’s letter twice, caressing it before carefully folding it into her pouch. After sitting by the brazier briefly, she washed her hands and retrieved a white wicker basket from under the table. She began sewing meticulously, relying on her memory and recent lessons from Mama Lin. Though slow, each stitch was filled with care and thought.
Yuhe returned, noticing Mudan engrossed in her needlework. She approached quietly, teasing, “Miss Danni, how much longer will this purse take? The Lantern Festival is approaching.”
Without looking up, Mudan replied, “Soon, just a few more days.”
Yuhe peered at the embroidery—a design of fish playing among lotus flowers. It was neither particularly good nor bad, just ordinary, though the bold color choices gave it a unique appeal. She teased, “Miss, your embroidery isn’t very impressive.”
Mudan’s expression changed briefly before she turned away, retorting, “Even if it’s not great, someone will want it.” Her stitching slowed.
Yuhe giggled, “I understand. It’s not about the quality of the embroidery, but who made it. If it were about quality, wouldn’t buying an expensive one be better? But it’s not the same. If I received such a purse, I’d treasure it always, priceless to me.”
Mudan blushed, trying to suppress a smile but failing. Fearing she might ruin her work, she set it aside and playfully chased Yuhe, “I’ll marry you off soon, then you won’t be able to tease me.”
Yuhe laughed while dodging, “Who will you marry me to, Miss? I have no one to give me purses.” Since taking charge of Fang Garden, she had grown bolder and more spirited. Before, she would have blushed at the mention of marriage, but now she joked freely.
Noticing this change, Mudan stopped and smiled, “I’ll tell you someone who’d be perfect for giving purses. Who’s the most capable in our household, the one I rely on most?”
Yuhe froze, her face flushing. She stomped her foot and turned to leave, “I came to suggest that someone should stay to watch over the garden during the festival. But since you’re teasing me, I’m going to see the lanterns.”
Mudan laughed heartily as Yuhe rushed out, her heart pounding. Turning a corner, she nearly collided with someone. The person stepped back, bowing respectfully, “Miss Yuhe.”
Recognizing him as the most capable worker in Fang Garden, Yuhe’s face reddened further. Without a word, she hurried past, leaving Gui standing there bewildered before he went to report to Mudan.
Around lunchtime, expecting Village Head Xiao and the elders to arrive, Mudan prepared to greet them at the main gate. She saw Village Head Xiao leading his young son, closely followed by a familiar face—it was Lu Fang, smiling nervously.
Mudan frowned slightly. Seeing her expression, Lu Fang immediately moved closer to Village Head Xiao, saying pitifully, “Uncle Xiao, perhaps I should leave.”
Village Head Xiao, clearly having received some favors from Lu Fang, held him back and addressed Mudan earnestly, “Miss He, I know you’re magnanimous. No one is perfect, and Lu Shi’s only fault is his excessive love for flowers. It’s better to resolve conflicts than to prolong them. He’s long wanted to apologize but couldn’t find a way. He begged me several times to mediate. Seeing his sincerity, I dared to bring him to this banquet. During this festive season, please forgive him for my sake.” He bowed as he spoke.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining good relations with local farmers and the village head for Fang Garden’s security, and knowing that Village Head Xiao wasn’t a bad person, Mudan couldn’t refuse his request. She forced a smile and returned the bow, saying, “You’re too kind. It’s just one more person, one more pair of chopsticks. Not just him, I’d welcome anyone you bring.”
Lu Fang inwardly rolled his eyes at being treated as a mere extra mouth to feed, with no mention of reconciliation. However, Mudan smiled and gestured invitingly, “Mr. Lu Shi, please enter.”
Lu Fang stepped in, looking around, not wasting a moment. Suddenly, Mudan asked with feigned concern, “Mr. Lu Shi, have your wounds healed? I wanted to visit you several times but was too busy and feared your father might turn me away.”
Lu Fang felt a twinge in his wounds and laughed dryly, “Thanks to you, it’s just two peony blossoms.”
Mudan blinked, “Oh? Were the wounds so large?”
Lu Fang just smiled. Village Head Xiao’s son chimed in, “I saw them! He tattooed a large peony around each wound. The one on his arm is Zhao Pink, and the one on his leg is Wei Purple. They’re buds about to bloom, very beautiful. Right, Brother Lu?”
This was mimicking Lu Fang’s description. Mudan was startled, then burst out laughing, “Mr. Lu Shi truly is obsessed with flowers.”
Red-faced, Lu Fang bowed repeatedly to Mudan, “I truly didn’t come to cause trouble and have no ill intentions. I’ve put in great effort to apologize to you. Please don’t hold it against me, Miss He.”
Mudan waved her hand, smiling, “Enough. As Village Head Xiao said, it’s better to resolve conflicts. As long as you don’t bear a grudge, let’s not mention the past.”
Lu Fang brightened immediately, “Then can I…”
Mudan cut him off seriously, “No. But you can look at the other flowers.”