The crowd gathered around. Madam Du was the first to react, immediately rushing to pat the Old Madam’s chest and back. The Old Madam pushed her away, screaming, “I’m not dead yet!” She then pointed at Jiang Changyang and scolded, “You unfilial creature, what do you want? Come at me! I’m afraid you don’t have the guts!”
Turning to Jiang Zhong, she pounded on the couch and cursed, “What a fine Duke you are! Raising a son just to beat his grandmother. Where’s the justice in this? This is against Heaven’s will! If you can’t control him, fine. Prepare my clothes. I’ll go to the palace to see the Emperor and ask if he can manage this!”
Her threat to see the Emperor was a bluff. She merely wanted to force Jiang Zhong to discipline Jiang Changyang, to show everyone who truly ruled this household.
Jiang Zhong remained silent, his face dark. Ever since the wedding day incident, he often recalled Madam Wang’s words when she first returned, regretting being Jiang Changyang’s father and wishing he could drive him away. Jiang Changyang’s attitude clearly showed he didn’t respect him. Jiang Zhong guessed that if not for wanting legitimacy, Jiang Changyang wouldn’t have returned at all.
The Old Madam’s words were indeed harsh, but they were true. She had heeded his advice not to mention Mudan’s inability to bear children or suggest a concubine, only proposing to give him a maid. Was that worth such anger? It seemed Jiang Changyang’s anger was directed at him. At this point, it was clear his son’s heart would never return. What should he do? Giving up was difficult, but not giving up was equally challenging.
Seeing Jiang Zhong’s silence and inaction, Madam Du couldn’t gauge his thoughts. She went to console the Old Madam: “Mother, please calm down. Family scandals shouldn’t be aired publicly. The eldest son just has a bad temper. What good would come from going to the palace? It would only make us a laughingstock.”
Jiang Changyi tried to reason with Jiang Changyang: “Grandmother is old and can’t handle such shocks. Brother, if you have something to say, say it calmly. No problem can’t be solved.” He lowered his voice and added concernedly, “In the end, it’s sister-in-law who suffers.”
Jiang Yunqing also attempted to persuade Mudan: “Sister-in-law, bringing this to the Emperor isn’t wise. Please convince my brother to apologize to Grandmother. We’re family after all; this can be resolved with an apology.”
Mudan, surprised by Jiang Changyang’s sudden outburst, knew he was usually level-headed and wouldn’t act rashly. She glanced at him, silently asking what he intended to do.
Jiang Changyang gave her a reassuring look and stepped forward, pushing Jiang Changyi aside. Just as he was about to speak, Jiang Zhong, his face ashen, said in a low voice: “I’m the one who offended your mother. If you’re angry, direct it at me. Your grandmother is old and can’t handle such shocks. If you still consider yourself a grandson of the Jiang family, you shouldn’t disrespect your grandmother. If you feel you can’t stay in the Jiang family, go tell the Emperor you’re not my son, Jiang Zhong’s son, and spare yourself the grievance.” He guessed that even with ten times the courage, Jiang Changyang wouldn’t dare say such things to the Emperor. After all, the Emperor valued filial piety; how could a disloyal and unfilial person have a great future?
His words were already quite severe. The entire family held their breath, waiting for Jiang Changyang’s response. Especially Madam Du, who clutched her handkerchief tightly, hoping Jiang Changyang would lose his temper and completely break ties with Jiang Zhong. Yet she also thought, how could someone like Jiang Changyang say such things to the Emperor? Jiang Zhong’s words were merely meant to intimidate Jiang Changyang; deep down, he still couldn’t bear to let go of this son.
Jiang Changyang glanced at Jiang Zhong and said calmly, “I merely smashed a cup and kicked over a stool without saying anything, yet the family acted as if someone died. There’s crying and shouting, threats of death, accusations of disrespecting my grandmother, then my father and the clan, talks of going to the palace, demands for my repentance – all without giving me a chance. Yet,” he sneered, “someone insults my newlywed wife to my face, saying she’s inferior to a servant and needs to be taught by a lowly maid. What does that make me? I didn’t make these rules of propriety. Since when can a servant climb above her master? I’ve truly broadened my horizons today! When the beam is crooked, the rafters will be askew. What’s a broken cup compared to that?”
The Old Madam shouted angrily, “I didn’t say that! I was doing it for her good…”
Ignoring her, Jiang Changyang suddenly grabbed Hong’er, who was red-faced and uncertain what to do, and sneered, “So you’re the one well-versed in etiquette, knowing when to advance and retreat, who’s going to teach my wife proper behavior and deportment?”
Hong’er felt a chilling aura emanating from him. Terrified, her legs went weak, and she could barely stand. Thinking that following such a man back would likely lead to her demise within days, she covered her face with trembling hands and cried, “This servant wouldn’t dare! This servant wouldn’t dare!”
“I should hope not!” Jiang Changyang pushed Hong’er away ruthlessly and said expressionlessly, “The Emperor himself has praised my wife’s virtuous nature, her gentleness and propriety. My household doesn’t lack people to teach her etiquette, but we do need someone to empty and clean her chamber pot. I think this lowly maid will do nicely. Does anyone else want to volunteer? They can go together; two people make good company.”
Hong’er crawled towards the Old Madam’s feet, crying snot and tears, but only daring to whimper softly, not begging out loud. Bai Xiang watched from the side, trying hard not to laugh. She thought, “You thought you were something special, dreaming of a sparrow becoming a phoenix. Look at you now, in his eyes, you’re nothing more than a toilet cleaner!”
The Old Madam felt bitter. How could she maintain her dignity if her maid was to empty chamber pots for He Mudan? Her old friends would laugh her to death if they heard about this! She pointed at Jiang Changyang and repeatedly shouted, “You unfilial wretch! Get out! Get out!”
Jiang Changyang bowed to her in a manner that was infuriating yet faultless, and said calmly, “How could I disobey Grandmother’s orders?” He then turned to Mudan with a smile, “Dan’niang, Grandmother is in a foul mood. Let’s quickly pay our respects and take our leave.”
Mudan curtsied and followed Jiang Changyang as he turned to leave. Behind them, they could hear the Old Madam’s continuous cries: “Rebellion! Rebellion! I want to go to the palace! I want to go to the palace!” Madam Du’s constant placating: “Mother, calm down! Mother, calm down!” Along with Jiang Changyi and Jiang Yunqing’s attempts to mediate, creating quite a commotion.
Mudan felt as if she were watching a farce, with everyone passionately playing their roles, unaware that the intended audience wasn’t even watching. It was nothing more than a chaotic performance. She shook her head slightly. Jiang Changyang noticed and said with a smile, “Quite lively, isn’t it?”
Mudan sighed, “I don’t know how Mother endured this back then.”
Jiang Changyang stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, “Actually, when there were fewer people in the family, although there were often arguments, it wasn’t this chaotic. Things have changed quite a bit now.”
Mudan replied, “I feel they live such tiring lives.”
Jiang Changyang took her hand without hesitation and walked slowly toward the exit. “They enjoy living like this. If they don’t argue and fight for a day, it’s like I haven’t practiced martial arts – their whole body itches.”
Mudan laughed at his description. Suddenly, they heard someone hurrying after them, calling out, “Elder Brother, Elder Sister-in-law, please wait.” It was Jiang Changyi, catching up with an anxious expression.
Jiang Changyang stopped and smiled, “Brother, what’s the matter?”
Jiang Changyi frowned worriedly and said, “Elder Brother, you should still apologize to Grandmother and Father. They are your elders; offending them won’t do you any good…”
Jiang Changyang raised his hand to stop him. “I’ve done nothing wrong, so why should I apologize? As a man, if I can’t even protect my wife and let others bully her, why did I marry her in the first place?” Then he looked meaningfully at Jiang Changyi and said slowly, “Brother, ‘He who desires nothing is strong.’ I’m not afraid.”
‘He who desires nothing is strong?’ Jiang Changyi pondered these words, his eyes brightening as he said, “Even so, we’re still family. It’s not good to be at odds. Grandmother threatens to report you for being unfilial. If the Censorate somehow learns of this, it would be troublesome.”
Jiang Changyang smiled faintly and patted his shoulder. “Thank you for the reminder. I’ll handle it. I heard you’ve recently taken up a position as a Recorder in the Chancellery. Keep up the good work.”
Jiang Changyi blushed and said, “It’s just a minor seventh-rank position. How can it compare to your achievements, Elder Brother?” Moreover, he wouldn’t have even gotten this minor position without the Xiao family’s influence. Even with this job, he remained insignificant in the family, still having to lurk in the garden at night, scheming against a mere maid. To think that Jiang Changzhong, seemingly unremarkable, had made quite a name for himself.
Jiang Changyang smiled, “But it’s in the Chancellery. Your prospects are limitless.”
As Jiang Changyi continued to be modest, Jiang Changyang, remembering that Madam Wang and Fang Bohui were waiting at home for him and Mudan – expecting Mudan to prepare her first meal as a new bride, and possibly visit the He family if time allowed – quickly bid farewell to Jiang Changyi and left with Mudan.
Jiang Changyi watched them leave before turning back. He walked with his head down, lost in thought. As he reached a place lush with flowers and trees, he suddenly saw Bai Xiang approaching alone. She smiled and said, “Young Master, the Madam is looking for you.”
Jiang Changyi let out a surprised “Ah” and said nervously, “I went to persuade Elder Brother and Sister-in-law to apologize to Grandmother and Father, but they refused.” He then saw Bai Xiang pull out a mutton-fat jade pendant tied with black and red silk threads from her sleeve. She smiled at him and said, “Young Master, is this what you were looking for?”
“Where did you find it?” Jiang Changyi smiled with delight and reached out to take the pendant, but then withdrew his hand halfway. “This knot isn’t mine…”
Bai Xiang gave him a coy look and said, “The original one couldn’t be used anymore. If you don’t like the auspicious knot this servant tied, I can undo it.” She indeed began to untie it.
“Don’t!” Jiang Changyi’s face turned bright red as he hurriedly tried to grab it, accidentally touching Bai Xiang’s hand. Extremely embarrassed, he quickly withdrew and said softly, “No one has ever tied an auspicious knot for me before.”