Let’s set aside how Mudan met with Madam Bai, their endless joyful conversations and whispers, and how Jiang Changyang thanked Pan Rong. As evening approached, they had to bid farewell to the Pan couple and return to Xuanping Ward.
Upon reaching Xuanping Ward, the alleyways were already dim. Jiang Changyang still held Mudan’s hand, reluctant to leave. Mudan lightly whipped him, saying, “Alright, you’ve escorted me home. Hurry and leave before they close the ward gates.”
Jiang Changyang glanced at Wu San, Shun Hou’er, Guizi, and others standing with their backs turned in the distance. He grasped Mudan’s whip and then her hand, whispering, “Can I come to your place tonight?”
His hand was warm and strong, with a thin layer of calluses, enveloping her entire palm. Mudan loved this feeling. She playfully curled her fingertips, lightly scratching his palm, and said firmly, “No, my mother won’t allow it.”
Jiang Changyang hadn’t expected her to agree and could imagine Madam Cen’s expression if he lingered at the He residence. She would surely be conflicted and politely urge him to leave, as today’s situation differed from yesterday’s. He sighed, gripping Mudan’s restless fingers and squeezing them, whispering, “Alright, it’s up to you. You know, the socks you made are very warm and comfortable.”
Mudan raised her eyebrows, smiling happily, “Really?”
Jiang Changyang flashed his white teeth, sincerely replying, “Of course it’s true. When have I ever lied to you?” He scratched his head, “All my other socks are torn, and no one mends them. I can barely wear them. I only have these two pairs to alternate.”
Mudan immediately offered, “Then I’ll make you a few more pairs.”
Jiang Changyang was secretly delighted. He glanced at Wu San in the distance and mysteriously said, “Let me tell you a joke. Wu San’s wife lined his belly warmer with silk floss, forcing him to wear it. He tried to hide it from us like a thief, but I saw it. I laughed at him, but he said I didn’t understand.”
“Silly,” Mudan slapped him lightly. “Is that a joke? She’s worried he’ll catch a chill when he’s out.”
“Oh,” Jiang Changyang feigned realization. “So that’s why?”
He’s quite the actor, wanting gifts but making others offer them. Mudan was both amused and exasperated. “I’ll make you one if you dare to wear it. Are you satisfied now? Can you leave?” Would he dare to wear a bright red tiger-embroidered one?
“If you dare to make it, I dare to wear it,” Jiang Changyang chuckled, squeezing her hand firmly. He looked around to ensure they were alone, then did something he had wanted to do since returning last night. He quickly kissed Mudan’s cheek and swiftly retreated, saying, “I’ll pick up my brothers the day after tomorrow.”
Already calling them brothers, how presumptuous. Mudan covered the spot he had stolen a kiss from and seriously called out, “Wait! You know, I’ve been wanting to tell you something for a while.”
Jiang Changyang paused and turned back, seeing Mudan’s serious expression as she frowned at him, covering the kissed spot and seeming angry. He was confused; it wasn’t their first kiss, and she had kissed him before. Was it worth getting so angry? But since she was upset, he should apologize quickly. He laughed nervously, “Dan’niang… I’m sorry. I won’t dare to do it again.”
“You really won’t dare to do it again?” Mudan’s frown gradually relaxed, and her eyes filled with mirth. Realizing she was teasing him, he pointed at her and said, “You little troublemaker…”
Mudan gently held his finger, lowered her head with a few soft laughs, and whispered, “Have I ever told you how much I enjoy being with you? I feel comfortable, at ease, and unafraid of anything.”
Jiang Changyang was stunned, feeling a lump in his throat, both sour and heavy. He couldn’t speak, only smiling at Mudan as he tightly grasped her hand. After a long moment, he softly said, “Dan’niang, I want to be good to you for a lifetime. You must be good to me for a lifetime too. Otherwise, I won’t let you off easily.”
Mudan looked up, smiling at him. In the twilight, they saw themselves reflected in each other’s eyes.
As the drum sounded, Wu San coughed lightly. Mudan gently withdrew her hand from Jiang Changyang’s and waved at him, smiling, “The road is dark and slippery, be careful. Rest well tomorrow, and I’ll prepare delicious food for you all the day after.”
Jiang Changyang reluctantly said, “Then I’m leaving?”
Mudan watched him go with a smile until he was out of sight, then turned towards the He family’s main gate. Today was a good day: Axin was doing well, Pan Rong was currently considerate, and Pan Jing was adorable. She had witnessed the Xiao siblings being tricked and becoming Jiang Changyi’s pawns. She had also seen Jiang Changyang choose to accompany her instead of meeting with the glaring Duke of Zhu. It wasn’t that she enjoyed seeing father and son at odds because of her, but she liked feeling prioritized and valued.
Thinking of the Duke of Zhu made her a bit uncomfortable. She shook her head; no matter how bad it got, it couldn’t be worse than what she had faced before. So she smiled again, inhaling deeply the aroma of food and vegetables in the air, and called out to the brightly lit dining hall, “I’m back!”
As the blood-red sunset gradually sank, the remnant snow on the walls reflected the twilight. The cold air aggravated Jiang Zhong’s rheumatism from years of military campaigns, causing his joints to ache. Add to that the mental exhaustion from haggling with the Xiao family and his frustration with Jiang Changyi’s incompetence, he was truly worn out.
Since parting with Xiao Yuexi, he had waited for Jiang Changyang for nearly an hour. As darkness fell with no sign of Jiang Changyang’s return, he grew increasingly dissatisfied. Irritated, he shouted at a servant lighting lanterns in the corridor, “Where on earth has Jiang Dalang gone?”
The startled servant nearly set the lantern cover on fire. After steadying himself, he respectfully replied, “Your Grace, I don’t know. The young master hasn’t returned since leaving before the New Year.”
Jiang Zhong was fuming, tempted to leave several times, but felt he couldn’t let Jiang Changyang continue down this wrong path. So he sat back down to wait. He had recently heard subtle mentions of He Mudan’s background.
What kind of woman was she? A merchant’s daughter of low status divorced and sickly, unable to bear children. Yet she had managed to bewitch someone – she must be some kind of vixen. Honestly, he didn’t know how to persuade Jiang Changyang, but he was determined. If he didn’t approve, that was final. He was Jiang Changyang’s father after all. How could a son defy his father? Even the emperor wouldn’t approve of such an unsuitable marriage. With this resolve, his posture straightened, and his expression grew more severe.
Suddenly, a commotion arose outside. A woman’s high-pitched voice called out cheerfully, “Come out and kowtow for your rewards, you little rascals!” Then came the sound of footsteps as several servants passed by the corridor, excitedly whispering, “The madam is here! Let’s go get our rewards!”
It was Ayou. Jiang Zhong was thunderstruck, slumping in his chair unable to move. She had arrived without warning, like the wind, quietly and gently. After so many years apart, would she still look the same? After so many years, did she still have any feelings for him? His heart pounded like a drum; even sitting still, he could hear its uncontrolled racing, almost leaving him breathless.
As the laughter and commotion drew nearer, Jiang Zhong pressed his hand against his thundering chest. He stood up hurriedly, unsure where to go. Back then, she had smashed the jade hairpin he had given her as a token of love into powder, vowing never to see him again. He wanted to avoid her, but his feet wouldn’t move, as if nailed to the ground.
Jiang Zhong stood there foolishly in the main hall, watching as a woman in purple robes and a yellow skirt, with an elaborate hairstyle, entered. She looked elegant and beautiful, happy, and not a day over thirty despite being in her forties. It was Jiang Changyang’s birth mother, Madam Wang Ayou, surrounded by a group of servants, her face beaming with happiness and pride.
Jiang Zhong forgot to breathe. She must have known he was here and could have easily avoided him, yet she came indirectly. This made him wonder if Ayou wanted to see him too. Did she still hate him? He hoped she didn’t, yet if she no longer hated him, he found himself wishing she still did…
Jiang Zhong’s mind was in chaos. Before Madam Wang could get a clear look, he quickly removed his hand from his chest, hiding his slightly trembling hands in his sleeves. He straightened his back as much as he could and looked at Madam Wang impassively, saying coolly, “You’re here?”
Madam Wang glanced at him, smiling indifferently as she walked straight to the main seat. Without any pleasantries, she got right to the point: “I was planning to have someone invite you over to discuss Dalang’s marriage. Since you’re already here, I won’t waste the effort.” Without waiting for his response, she smiled and instructed a servant, “Hurry and prepare some tea and food. I’m exhausted and starving.”
Her eyes showed no trace of the hatred from when she left years ago, nor any other excess emotion. She was calm and composed, her manners appropriate, smiling and talking easily. It was clear she was in a very good mood. In contrast, Jiang Zhong’s hands and feet were trembling so much that he had to tense his entire body and pinch himself hard to barely hide it. He had imagined various scenarios for their reunion – Ayou hating him, mocking him, attacking him, or deliberately showing off in front of him, ignoring or despising him. But he never expected this kind of nonchalance.
This reunion left Jiang Zhong unsure whether he felt disappointed or sad. He felt he should also appear indifferent, so he heard his voice, stiff and hard as if each word was being forced out of stone: “You don’t need to worry. I’ve already made arrangements for his marriage.”