Children grow up and make their own choices; he now had his convictions and pursuits. She used to despise those interfering old women who wanted to control everything, expecting others to follow their intentions or be labeled as disobedient and unfilial. Now she could finally understand those complex feelings, but she had also become the kind of person she used to hate. Madam Wang closed her eyes briefly, “Are you certain?”

Jiang Changyang looked at her with concern but nodded firmly.

Madam Wang rested her forehead on her hand and sighed softly, “I suppose you’ve known about this for some time and have thought through the consequences.”

Jiang Changyang nodded, “You’ve always said, ‘To gain, one must give up.’ We can’t have everything perfect. I thought it through carefully before sending you the letter. I was just worried about you…”

Madam Wang waved her hand, “It has nothing to do with me. I’m about to remarry, and by the time you’re old, I’ll be nothing but a pile of white bones, unable to see what becomes of you.” Her voice choked slightly as she said this, and she turned her face away. He was her only son, her flesh and blood. She had been full of hopes for his future, but now a sweet dream was ending before it even began. How could she not be heartbroken?

Jiang Changyang remained silent, standing up to kowtow deeply to Madam Wang. With tears in her eyes, Madam Wang still managed to smile, “Never mind. I’ve heard of couples who were childless for years, but after separating and remarrying, they had plenty of children and grandchildren. Her health isn’t good, but with proper care, it might improve one day. If worst comes to worst, you can always adopt.”

Jiang Changyang looked at her gratefully, “Mother…”

“Let’s not talk about it anymore,” Madam Wang wiped her tears and smiled. “The food has gone cold. Have the kitchen reheat it, eat quickly, and go rest. We can discuss anything else tomorrow. I’m truly tired.”

Jiang Changyang knew she was upset, so he didn’t say anything more. He just stood behind her, gently massaging her shoulders. Madam Wang closed her eyes slightly, allowing him to knead away her aches and fatigue. Many years ago, when he was small, he would comfort her like this after a long, tiring day.

As Jiang Changyang continued massaging, he noticed Madam Wang’s breathing becoming heavier. Looking down, he saw that she had fallen into a deep sleep, leaning against the chair’s back. He smiled helplessly and called Yingtao in quietly to help him put Madam Wang to bed.

After settling her in, Yingtao whispered, “Young Master, don’t worry. As long as Madam can still sleep, it means she’s alright. You’ll see, tomorrow she’ll be up and about as usual.”

Hopefully so. Jiang Changyang gave a bitter smile and tiptoed out.

As soon as he left, Madam Wang opened her eyes, her pillow wet with tears. Yingtao whispered in panic, “Madam?”

Madam Wang stared at the canopy above, speaking softly, “Yingtao, I’m truly heartbroken. Tomorrow, let’s go meet this Miss He. I want to see what kind of person she is, given how Changyang treats her, and how she feels about him in return.”

Similarly, that night was also sleepless for the Zhu Duke’s mansion.

Jiang Zhong galloped wildly on his horse, only stopping at Duke’s mansion gate. He tossed the reins to the gatekeeper who had come out upon hearing the commotion and strode in with large steps. Everywhere he passed, people held their breath, not a single stray sound could be heard. The atmosphere was unusually heavy and cold. It seemed that most people already knew about this scandalous affair, which made Jiang Zhong even more irritated.

He didn’t go to see the Old Madam but went straight to his study. As he reached the courtyard entrance, he saw someone kneeling on the remnants of snow before the steps, motionless. It was Jiang Changyi, who had taken off his outer clothes and was only wearing his undergarments. Seeing Jiang Zhong approach, Jiang Changyi immediately crawled forward on his knees, holding out a horsewhip with both hands, not daring to raise his head as he said softly, “Son has committed a grave error, disgracing the family. Please, Father, punish me.”

His face was blue from the cold, and he was shivering uncontrollably, looking utterly pitiful. He must have been kneeling in the snow waiting for Jiang Zhong’s return. Jiang Zhong’s hand had already grasped the whip, but he didn’t bring it down. Instead, he kicked Jiang Changyi hard, saying in a deep voice, “Useless thing! You lose your head at the sight of a woman. What can I expect from you? Get out!”

Jiang Changyi’s eyes filled with tears, but he just kept kowtowing on the ground, not daring to argue. Jiang Zhong grew angrier and raised the whip, “Are you going to leave or not?”

Seeing this, Xiao Ba hurried to help Jiang Changyi up, “Young Master, don’t anger the Duke anymore.”

“It’s servants like you who have spoiled the Young Master.” Jiang Zhong lashed out at Xiao Ba’s face, making him cry out in pain and fall to his knees, letting go of Jiang Changyi. Jiang Changyi crawled over to protect Xiao Ba, choking out, “It’s all because I’m useless, Father. Take your anger out on me. Without Xiao Ba, I wouldn’t be able to explain anything clearly. It would all depend on what the Xiao family says.”

“Young Master…” Seeing Jiang Changyi shielding him with his body, Xiao Ba was overwhelmed with gratitude. Master and servant hugged each other, crying.

The Xiao family’s desire to marry Xiao Xuexi to Jiang Changyang wasn’t a recent development. Today’s incident might have even been instigated by them, but someone had schemed to make it fall on Jiang Changyi instead. Who knew if Jiang Changyang was involved? After holding back for so long, Jiang Zhong finally shouted, “Get out!”

After Jiang Changyi and Xiao Ba had left, crying, Jiang Zhong entered the room and sat down, brooding. He waited for Madam Du to come and comfort him. But after a long wait, all he got was a cup of hot tea and some delicate snacks. Madam Du didn’t appear. Instead, he saw Concubine Xian, who was usually bedridden due to poor health, panting as she leaned against the doorframe, wanting to enter but not daring to. Her eyes were red, and she looked at him pitifully.

Jiang Zhong called Concubine Xian in, “It’s thawing outside, and it’s very cold. Aren’t you still ill? Why have you come out?”

Concubine Xian’s eyes reddened, and she clung to the doorframe, shaking her head and refusing to enter, “Duke, I just want to say a few words and then I’ll leave.”

She had always been timid and unable to hold her own in social situations. Jiang Zhong didn’t force her, “You want to talk about Changyi’s matter, right?”

Concubine Xian nodded vigorously, “Yes. Changyi didn’t understand the gravity of the situation and made such a big mistake. He has truly disappointed you and Madam. But he’s an honest child, sincere in his emotions. Please, Duke, give him another chance.”

Even if he didn’t, the Xiao family would. They wouldn’t allow their son-in-law to be an unknown nobody. From this perspective, this marriage was beneficial for Jiang Changyi. Jiang Zhong said sternly, brooking no argument, “Don’t concern yourself with this matter. Madam and I will handle it. Go back and rest!”

Concubine Xian trembled fearfully, quietly wiping away her tears. She wanted to say more, but then she heard Madam Du behind her, “In such cold weather, why have you come out? If there was something to say, couldn’t you have sent a maid to relay the message? You don’t even care for your health.”

Concubine Xian shrank back as if caught red-handed, panic-stricken as she bowed to Madam Du, “Madam, I just…”

Madam Du gave her a cool glance, saying with a hint of a smile, “Don’t worry. Changyi is my son. Would I mistreat him? Haven’t you learned that in all these years?”

Concubine Xian’s already pale face turned even whiter. She silently bowed slightly and glided out like a ghost.

Madam Du then dropped her facade and walked in, sitting down in front of Jiang Zhong with a stern face, not saying a word. Seeing her displeased expression, Jiang Zhong knew why she was angry and said, “About today’s incident, I didn’t deliberately keep it from you.”

For all their precautions, they hadn’t anticipated Jiang Changyi snatching Xiao Xuexi, gaining such a great advantage. With the Xiao family’s support, he was bound to make a name for himself in the spring imperial examinations. Earlier, he had knelt before her, crying and explaining that it was an accident, that he had been schemed against. But she would rather believe he had done it intentionally. First Jiang Changyang, and now Jiang Changyi—these ungrateful wretches! Madam Du was seething inside, but she pouted and said with a nasal tone, “That’s not what I’m angry about.”

Jiang Zhong had suffered a severe blow today and was in a terrible mood. He didn’t want to play along with her act. Frowning, he asked directly, “Then what are you angry about?”

“Aren’t you angry that such a thing happened?” Seeing his grim expression, Madam Du dropped her coy act and complained, “The Xiao family’s daughter is truly lacking in womanly virtues, and she’s implicated our Changyi. Well, that’s fine. Once she enters our household, I’ll discipline her strictly to prevent any further embarrassment. What I’m worried about now is the order of seniority. Changyi has his elder brothers above him, and if the Xiao family wants them to marry soon, how can we manage that? Zhongzi is my son, so that’s fine, but I’m afraid people will say we’re mistreating Changyang. We’ve already had so much gossip recently because of those incidents. If this stirs up more trouble, the rumors will become even more exaggerated.”

Jiang Zhong’s anger flared at the mention of this topic. He slammed his hand on the table, paced back and forth twice, then declared firmly, “Starting tomorrow, find out which families in the capital have suitable daughters. I want Dalang’s marriage arranged within half a month!” He thought to himself, “Let’s see how high this little brat can jump! As for Ayou, she’ll soon be part of the Fang family. How can she interfere in Jiang’s family affairs?”

Madam Du was startled. “What’s the rush? How can we find a good match so hastily?”

“With effort, how can we not find a good match?” Jiang Zhong didn’t want to tell her about Madam Wang or how Jiang Changyang’s mother disregarded him, ruining his future on a whim. They might act recklessly, but he couldn’t stand by and watch such absurdity unfold. He said irritably, “Just do as I say. Why ask so many questions?”

Madam Du felt insulted. Was she merely a servant to be ordered around? She had barely covered up the younger son’s scandal, and now she had to run around for the elder one. Meanwhile, her flesh and blood were suffering in a distant place, forgotten by all. Suppressing her anger, she said, “Forgive me for saying this but being a stepmother isn’t easy. If he’s not satisfied with my choice, it’ll give people reason to gossip. They’ll say it was hastily arranged and accuse me of deliberately harming him. You might even be blamed. I suggest we don’t rush. Let’s gather information discreetly and delay the Xiao family.”

Jiang Zhong grunted, “We can delay the Xiao family, but this matter must be handled quickly. He has no say in it!” He was about to mention Mudan but decided against it.

Madam Du sensed he knew something, possibly about Mudan, but wasn’t telling her. She inwardly sneered, thinking, “Protect him all you want. Let’s see how long you can keep it up!” She replied gently, “Understood. I’ll start working on it tomorrow and report back when I have news. Of course, you and his mother will make the final decision.”

“Naturally,” Jiang Zhong rubbed his forehead wearily. “There’s one more thing. The Xiao family wants them to live separately after marriage. Find a suitable residence and have it prepared properly. Don’t let us lose face.”

Seeing Madam Du’s smile fade, he quickly added, “You’ve worked hard for him for years. This isn’t too much to ask.”

Move out? What did they take her for? How could she allow them to fly higher unchecked, with wild thoughts? That little harlot from the Xiao family! Challenging her before even entering the door – no way! If she didn’t keep that little harlot under her thumb, she wasn’t worthy of the name Du! Madam Du coldly refused, “Absolutely not!”

Jiang Zhong had expected her displeasure but not such firm rejection. He frowned, “Why not?”

Madam Du calmly explained, “First, we haven’t divided the family. There’s an elderly grandmother to care for and parents to serve. His moving out would be unfilial and against human ethics. Second, a new bride moving out immediately after marriage – does it mean I can’t tolerate her, or she can’t tolerate us? Third, Xiao Xuexi is of questionable character. Lao’er, being simple-minded, was bewitched into such a foolish act. It’s hard to change one’s nature. If Lao’er can’t control her and we’re not watching, she might cause a bigger scandal in the future, bringing shame to our household and ruining Lao’er!” She lowered her voice, full of concern, “I’ve worked hard for over a decade, watching him about to succeed, only for her to nearly ruin everything. If… I absolutely won’t let her ruin Lao’er!”

“I didn’t consider it thoroughly. I was only thinking of their family’s concern for their daughter’s reputation,” Jiang Zhong nodded repeatedly. “Tell them his grandmother cherishes her grandson and firmly disagrees, not wanting to upset the elder. You explain the details to them. Don’t quibble over money or small matters. We’re becoming in-laws after all; it’s not good to create tension.”

“You’re a man, so it’s natural to overlook some things. Don’t worry, their family can’t make waves. It’s not like our daughter is the one with questionable behavior,” Madam Du inwardly sneered again. He was going back on his word and was too embarrassed to tell them himself, so he pushed her, a mere woman, to the forefront.

Jiang Zhong, unaware of her thoughts, silently marveled at how much more gentle and understanding she was compared to Ayou. Seeing Madam Du’s slightly furrowed brows and her suddenly aged appearance over the past few days, he thought to himself that it was all due to her worrying about him and the family. Unlike Ayou, who was carefree, selfish, and only cared about her happiness, naturally resisted aging. He sighed softly, “Although this incident doesn’t look good, it might be an opportunity for Lao’er. If he can succeed in the future, he’ll be self-sufficient, and we won’t have to worry about him. We’ll have fulfilled our duty to him.” The implication was that they wouldn’t give Jiang Changyi anything else.

His tone was gentle, and his words seemed to carry a hidden message, but Madam Du still felt uneasy. How could she be at ease with such an unruly person becoming Jiang Changyi’s wife? “Zhong’er, my foolish child,” she thought, “it’s truly out of the frying pan and into the fire. Wanting to find him a good match, to gain an ally, it’s not so easy.” Back in her room, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Baixiang, hearing the commotion, softly advised, “Madam, looking at it differently, it might be a good thing. The Xiao family was likely scheming for the eldest son. If they had succeeded, it would have been too late. The second young master, after all, grew up under your care. He owes you for raising him and is simple and kind-hearted. He’s much softer. Earlier, when the Duke was angry and wanted to beat Xiaoba, he even threw himself forward to plead for Xiaoba.”

This was exactly it! Jiang Changyi was much easier to control than Jiang Changyang. Suddenly enlightened, Madam Du realized that since Lao’er now had prospects, the Xiao family’s plan had backfired, and they must deeply resent Jiang Changyang. She could simply pit the two brothers against each other, fanning the flames from the sidelines. The most urgent matter now was to settle Jiang Changyang’s marriage.

With this in mind, Madam Du quietly instructed Baixiang, “Tomorrow, make another trip to the He family. Tell He Mudan that the Duke wants to arrange a marriage for the eldest son, to be settled within ten days. See how she reacts.” She deliberately shortened the half-month to ten days, intending to make Mudan anxious.

Baixiang agreed to everything. Seeing that her mistress seemed more relaxed and likely able to sleep, she blew out the candle and carefully withdrew.

Jiang Changyi lay face down on the bed, allowing Xiaoba to apply medicinal wine to his body. Xiao Yuexi had beaten him severely, leaving no part of his body unscathed. His ribs were particularly badly bruised, black and blue, too painful to touch.

Xiaoba, the one applying the medicine, winced at the sight, tears welling up in his eyes. But Jiang Changyi gritted his teeth, not making a sound from start to finish, let alone shedding a tear. Where was the pitiful, regretful demeanor he had shown during the day in front of Madam Du and Jiang Zhong?

After finishing applying the medicine, Xiaoba sighed with relief and said softly, “Young Master, how could they be so cruel?”

Jiang Changyi struggled to sit up and put on his clothes. “Crushing a small insect, can you call it cruelty? Most people wouldn’t even notice or care if they stepped on one.” But soon, he would make them recognize that this small insect had teeth and stingers, and one day, it would grow wings and soar.

He knew clearly that Xiao Xuexi loved Jiang Changyang and wanted to marry him. But it didn’t matter. He never intended to have a harmonious marriage with her anyway. As long as she obediently sat there as Jiang Changyi’s wife, that was enough.

Early morning, the azure sky was clear and spotless. Golden-red sunlight shone on the remnants of snow on the walls and roof tiles, reflecting a dazzling seven-colored light. The air was cold yet refreshing, invigorating to the spirit. It was truly a beautiful morning.

The He family’s courtyard was filled with joy and excitement. Mudan was leading a group of children, chasing each other in the garden, throwing snowballs, ambushing and openly attacking one another, creating a flurry of snow, with ghostly wails and wolf howls, strange laughter, and loud shouts.

Madam Chen and Madam Xue, among others, sat under the curtain, shaking their heads. “She’s grown up now, yet still acts like a child, becoming more and more boisterous.”

Suddenly, a servant came to report, “There’s an unfamiliar madam outside, saying her surname is Fang. She wants to see our young miss. She has an imposing air, but her expression doesn’t look good. She might be here to cause trouble.”

“Show her in first,” Madam Chen turned to Madam Xue, puzzled. “Surname Fang? I don’t remember Danjiao mentioning such a person. Could it be that Danjiao accidentally offended her? Have you heard Danjiao mention anyone like this?”

Madam Xue shook her head, “No.” She then sent her maid to fetch Mudan.

Mudan was being pulled by the young He Chun and Hanniang, who were stuffing snow down her neck. She was pretending to cry out for mercy, making He Chun and Hanniang laugh happily. Suddenly hearing that someone had come looking for her, seemingly to cause trouble, she was bewildered, “I don’t know anyone like that.”

“Maybe it’s not about causing trouble,” Madam Chen helped straighten her clothes. “Quickly go change your clothes. I’ll go out first to see what this is all about.”

Mudan quickly got ready and rushed out. Outside the main hall, she saw Yingniang and Rongniang standing by the path with worried faces, waving at her. She went over and asked softly with a smile, “What’s wrong?”

Rongniang whispered, “Auntie, you’re in trouble. This madam’s actual surname is Wang. She’s Uncle Jiang’s mother.”

“Uh.” Mudan was stunned, then her palms began to sweat. Madam Wang, it was Madam Wang. Damn that Jiang Changyang, didn’t even give her a heads-up yesterday, leaving her completely unprepared. Was this the gift he wanted to give her? What a surprise indeed.

Suddenly, a woman’s high-pitched voice asked, “Why hasn’t He Mudan come out yet?”

Rongniang pushed Mudan forward, “You’ll have to meet her sooner or later. Hurry, she’s getting angry.”

Mudan nervously adjusted the hairpins in her bun and smoothed her skirt. “Do I look alright?”

Yingniang just covered her mouth and laughed, “You look great, now go, quickly!”

Mudan stiffly walked towards the main hall. As soon as she reached the doorway, she was startled by the middle-aged beauty sitting in the guest seat. The woman wore a sea-blue jacket with small floral patterns, a yellow eight-panel gold-embroidered silk skirt, and high-heeled five-colored brocade shoes. She was smiling mischievously. This was Jiang Changyang’s mother and that smile…