Madam Wang carefully observed Mudan. Her appearance aside, she was tall and slender, but still well-proportioned where it mattered. She wore a peach-red jacket with a primrose-colored eight-panel silk skirt adorned with small floral patterns. Her hairstyle wasn’t exaggeratedly high like the latest fashion, nor was it overly adorned with hairpins. She seemed a bit flustered but maintained steady steps and breathing, her gaze not evasive. Her eyes were calm and gentle, with a hint of shyness. She smiled at Madam Wang, gracefully performing a bow with impeccable posture. Overall, there was nothing about her that could inspire dislike.
Madam Wang inwardly sighed and rose to help Mudan up. “Seeing is better than hearing. I’ve finally met you.”
Mudan wanted to say something pleasant but found herself at a loss for words. She could only smile and say, “I was playing in the snow with the children earlier, so my clothes were in disarray. When I heard a guest had arrived, I hurried to change. I apologize for the delay, Madam.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she saw Mama Lin winking at her, worried that Madam Wang might prefer someone more dignified and dislike hearing about her playing in the snow with children.
Mudan inwardly sighed, wondering what she could do now that she had already spoken. But Madam Wang calmly replied, “The snow here in the capital isn’t as grand as in Anxi Protectorate, but each has its charm. It’s been many years since I’ve seen this snow.”
Madam Chen quickly interjected, “Madam, you must have just arrived in the capital recently. Traveling in such weather must have been quite arduous.”
Madam Wang smiled warmly, “Indeed, I only entered the city last night as it was getting dark. The carriage and most of the luggage were left behind, probably arriving in two days.”
Traveling thousands of miles through wind and snow, and coming to see Mudan early the next morning showed how urgent she considered this marriage. She likely wanted to speak with Mudan alone. Madam Chen smiled, “Since you’ve honored us with your visit, please stay for lunch.”
Madam Wang graciously accepted. As Madam Chen excused herself to arrange the meal, she instructed Mudan, “Danjiao, please keep Madam Wang company.”
As soon as Madam Chen and the others left, Madam Wang’s expression changed. “Danjiao, would you mind accompanying me for a walk in the garden?”
“Please, Madam,” Mudan readily agreed. Walking beside her, Madam Wang looked up at her and said coolly, “To be frank, I’m here to assess you today. As a mother, hearing that my son has found someone he likes is joyous, but I worry whether this person is suitable for him. So I’ve come to evaluate on his behalf.”
Her gaze was sharp, seemingly quite displeased. Mudan was stunned, feeling helpless. Was she destined to be disliked by her mother-in-law, even with this legendary woman? No, she had to try. She couldn’t let this opportunity slip away at this stage. Lowering her eyes slightly, she asked softly, “Now that you’ve seen me, what do you think?”
Madam Wang was also taken aback. How many girls, faced with their future mother-in-law’s obvious displeasure, would dare to ask for her opinion directly? Most would feel wronged and tear up. This He girl was straightforward, asking directly. So she responded equally directly, “From my expression, you should be able to tell I’m not in a good mood.”
Mudan looked up at her, “Why is that? Do you disapprove of this marriage?” Her face showed no anger, only worry in her eyes. She looked somewhat sad but not weak or retreating.
Madam Wang deliberately said, “Yes. Even before coming, I was very unhappy.” She gestured for Mudan to lead the way. Mudan walked forward silently, still carefully supporting Madam Wang to stand where the snow had been swept clean before releasing her hand.
Madam Wang continued, “Previously, I received a letter from Dalang, telling me some things about you. I was satisfied then and trusted Dalang’s judgment. But last night, someone told me…” She hesitated, unsure whether to bring up this matter. After all, being unable to bear children was a tragedy for any woman, and even hearing it mentioned would be uncomfortable and heartbreaking.
Mudan stood quietly beside her, “Please, feel free to speak. You must have your reasons. Tell me, if it’s a misunderstanding, and I can explain. If not, at least I’ll know where the problem lies and see if it can be resolved.” Based on Jiang Changyang and Madam Bai’s descriptions, she didn’t believe Madam Wang would be dissatisfied with her due to her status or position. There must be another reason.
Her attitude was quite positive and calm. Madam Wang felt somewhat moved, “You must be aware of Dalang’s feelings for you. What about you? How do you feel about him?”
Mudan was momentarily stunned, then looked up at Madam Wang with a slight smile, “He’s very good. I’m willing to always be good to him and weather storms together.”
There were no flowery words, but Madam Wang knew that often such simple and honest statements represented the truest feelings. But while her son was willing to treat He Mudan this way, could He Mudan return the same sentiment? Madam Wang wasn’t sure. Moreover, if He Mudan couldn’t bear to hear this mentioned now, how would she endure countless people discussing it openly or behind her back in the future? Wouldn’t her heart break?
Steeling herself, Madam Wang said, “I understand. But when you both grow old and he has no descendants, not even someone to sweep his grave and make offerings, won’t you pity him? Aren’t you afraid he’ll regret it in the future? Aren’t you afraid of the overwhelming criticism?”
So it was about this rumor. Mudan’s heart raced, then felt somewhat relieved, and even a bit amused. If she truly couldn’t bear children, did that mean she couldn’t have a family of her own or experience true love? There are many kinds of feelings in this world: sacrifice and letting go is one kind; being together no matter what, seeking only lifelong companionship, is another.
Mudan didn’t know if she would choose to step aside for Jiang Changyang’s sake if she really couldn’t have children. After all, it hadn’t happened, and no one could predict. But based on her current thoughts, she felt that as long as Jiang Changyang was willing, she would dare to dance with him to the end. If he didn’t let her down, she wouldn’t let him down either. If he regretted it midway or later, she would leave without hesitation.
But all of this was hypothetical, not reality. Jiang Changyang had already made his decision, and Madam Wang’s thoughts weren’t the most important. As a parent, such concerns were understandable. There was no need to let Madam Wang dwell on this issue. Mudan smiled slightly and said softly, “Actually, I don’t want to upset you. But since you asked, if I don’t tell the truth, it would seem insincere.”
Madam Wang was curious to hear what she would say, so she raised an eyebrow, “Go ahead. I want to hear the truth.”
Mudan chose her words carefully: “In this world, people come in all types, with even more diverse thoughts. Some retreat and compromise, others stand firm. I didn’t suddenly decide to be with him; I’ve carefully considered and analyzed the pros and cons. But the way he treats me is truly rare and precious, and I cherish it all the more. I have no reason to reject his sincere feelings. If, unfortunately, he regrets it midway and wants to leave, then let him go. I have nothing to fear because it wouldn’t be my fault. As for rumors, I’ve heard plenty before, yet I continue to live better and better.”
Unyielding, both stubborn and bold, without resorting to tears or false sentiments. Well, if she was determined to marry him, and he was determined to marry her, Madam Wang felt she could do nothing else. She sighed and took Mudan’s hand, slipping the pair of exquisite and luxurious gold-inlaid jade bracelets onto Mudan’s wrist. “Of course, it wouldn’t be your fault. Since you’re both so determined, then so be it. I hope you can grow old together. I like your temperament and hope you won’t mind what I said earlier. This is my welcoming gift to you.”
Mudan was surprised that Madam Wang, who had been so aggressive moments ago, had softened her attitude before she could finish speaking. She couldn’t help but feel delighted. She looked up at the sky with a smile, then lowered her head to look at the ground, saying in the lightest voice possible, “I have one more truth to tell you, and I hope you won’t blame me for not saying it earlier. All your worries don’t exist; it’s truly just a rumor. My health is very good.”
Madam Wang was somewhat surprised, then made no effort to hide her joy: “Ah! Of course, such things aren’t appropriate to explain everywhere. Well, well, I’m truly delighted.” She had originally resigned herself to accepting her son’s wishes and welcoming a daughter-in-law who couldn’t bear children but unexpectedly received a pleasant surprise. She patted Mudan’s hand vigorously: “Being a mother-in-law always involves some unpleasantness, especially for someone as direct as me. You can dislike my earlier behavior, but it’s best not to dislike me for long. It would affect our relationship, which isn’t good for any of us, so I think you’d better not dislike me at all.”
Though Mudan’s hand stung from the patting, she couldn’t help but smile: “I don’t dislike you, and I can understand your feelings.” Even without knowing the truth, Madam Wang had expressed willingness to accept her earlier. Although she was direct, she hadn’t resorted to any underhanded tactics or set any conditions, only hoping for their lifelong happiness together. Mudan told herself to be satisfied and cherish every bit of kindness from others.
With the weight lifted from her heart, Madam Wang enjoyed a happy lunch at the He family home before being seen off by Madam Chen and her daughter. Talkative as she was, she chatted with Madam Chen at the door for quite some time before leaving.
Baixiang stood not far from the He family’s main gate, curiously watching Madam Wang pass by. She pondered for a moment, and after Mudan and the others had gone inside, she approached to knock on the door. Smiling, she said she wanted to see Mudan, then casually asked the doorman, “Brother, who was that madam who just left? She was quite beautiful.”