Feeling unhappy on the way back, Mudan leaned silently against Jiang Changyang, fidgeting with her sash. Knowing she was troubled by the day’s events, Jiang Changyang said with a smile, “This is nothing. The drama you witnessed earlier was far more exciting. All things considered, you’re much better off than me. If you’re upset about losing face in front of me, there’s no need for that at all.”
It was a bit embarrassing, but not to that extent. Mudan said glumly, “That’s not it. I told my father today about how I schemed to get my Sixth Brother arrested.”
Jiang Changyang frowned, “Did he blame you?”
Mudan shook her head, “No. He said Sixth Brother brought it upon himself, but I feel he’s still somewhat uncomfortable with my methods. I’m worried this might affect how he views my mother and Second Brother.”
Jiang Changyang stroked her head, gently consoling her, “Why trouble yourself unnecessarily? He’s the head of the family and has been through a lot. While he may have personal biases and be soft-hearted at times, he can still distinguish right from wrong. It’s natural for him to feel uneasy, not because he thinks you did wrong, but because the relationship between your siblings isn’t as good as he’d hoped. But he’ll surely understand your filial piety towards him. Let me ask you, if it were your Fifth Brother who made a mistake, would you use the same method?”
Mudan replied decisively, “My Fifth Brother would never do such a thing. Mother would slap him senseless first.”
Jiang Changyang pressed, “But what if? Think carefully before answering – what would you do?”
Mudan tilted her head, pondering for a long time before answering, “I wouldn’t be so troubled. Before I could act, my mother would lock him up first! If he still wouldn’t listen, I’d dare to hit him too. If nothing else worked, we’d make sure he learned his lesson.”
Jiang Changyang smiled, rubbing her head, “See? The difference in closeness is right there. You can discipline your Fifth Brother however you like without it being excessive, but it’s not appropriate to use the same methods on your Sixth Brother. People are strange – if your father did the same thing to your Sixth Brother, he wouldn’t think much of it, but if others do it, he feels it’s not quite right. Don’t worry about your mother either. She’s managed the household for so many years, raising your siblings to be successful. She hasn’t lived in vain and isn’t one to split hairs. She knows better than you how to handle things. As for your father, he’ll understand eventually. You’ll see, in a few days, this matter will be resolved. And this time, it will be dealt with thoroughly, not half-heartedly.”
Mudan lay on his lap, looking up at him, “How do you know? You sound like Zhuge Liang.”
Jiang Changyang lifted his chin slightly, looking smug, “Want to make a bet?”
Mudan smiled, “What are we betting on?”
Jiang Changyang thought for a moment, then whispered, “The loser rides the horse.” That activity, once tasted, was like eating – one could never get enough.
Mudan’s face flushed red. She spat, “Pah!” and scolded, “You shameless man.”
Jiang Changyang blushed a bit too, but said, “What did I do? What’s wrong with riding a horse? Tell me, how is talking about riding a horse shameless?”
Mudan glared at him, speechless.
Suddenly, the carriage jolted to a stop. They heard the driver call out, “Young master up ahead, please move your donkey aside so we can pass.”
The couple didn’t pay much attention, thinking that with the evening drum having sounded, everyone was rushing home, and someone might have accidentally blocked the way in their haste. But then they heard Yuhe whisper from outside, “It’s not good, it’s Yuan Shijiu. He’s blocking the road with a donkey, staring intently at me. I’m afraid he’s recognized me.”
Mudan and Jiang Changyang exchanged a glance, both feeling uneasy. This person likely knew about the stone-buying incident and had come specifically to confront them. Sure enough, they heard Yuan Shijiu’s cold voice, “Aren’t you He Weifang’s maid?”
Yuhe was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to confirm or deny. As she hesitated, Yuan Shijiu continued, “I heard your mistress had a joyous occasion recently. The groom’s surname is Jiang, given name Changyang, courtesy name Chengfeng. Is he in this carriage?” Though phrased as a question, his tone was certain.
There was no avoiding it. Jiang Changyang poked his head out of the carriage calmly and said, “Brother Shijiu, it’s been a long time.” He then steadily stepped down from the carriage, stopping in front of Yuan Shijiu. “How have you been?”
Mudan peeked out to look. She saw Yuan Shijiu wearing an old, faded gray-white robe, leading a donkey so thin its bones showed through its skin. His circumstances weren’t good. He was now squinting at Jiang Changyang, saying nothing for a long time. Jiang Changyang also remained silent, just quietly looking at him. After a while, Yuan Shijiu threw his whip heavily to the ground and glared at Jiang Changyang, “I have no money to repay you. Take my life instead!”
Jiang Changyang sighed helplessly, “Brother Shijiu, you know it’s not like that.”
Yuan Shijiu laughed coldly, “Debts must be repaid. If not with money, then with life. That’s the kind of person Yuan Shijiu is. Since you chose to meddle, you should have expected this day.” He wasn’t a fool. Thinking back, he realized the behavior of the He family’s daughter that day had been somewhat odd, but he couldn’t quite place it. Only when he heard these two had married did he suddenly understand.
Jiang Changyang denied quickly, “The money wasn’t just mine. I don’t have that much.”
Yuan Shijiu insisted stubbornly, “They all say it was your idea, your money.”
“What a bunch of troublemakers,” Jiang Changyang thought. They all knew Yuan Shijiu was difficult to deal with, so they pushed everything onto him. He held his forehead and sighed deeply, “It’s getting late now, and the ward gates will close soon. Why don’t you come to my home first, and we can discuss this in detail?”
Yuan Shijiu moved aside, gesturing for Jiang Changyang to lead the way.
“Is he going to follow us home?” Mudan looked back through the carriage window. In the dim twilight, Yuan Shijiu, thin as a bamboo pole, sat stiffly on his little donkey, following their carriage at a steady pace. The sight was truly strange.
“He’s as stubborn as a mule. Unless he decides otherwise, there’s no getting rid of him,” Jiang Changyang said, looking worried. “You should be prepared. For a long time, he’s going to look at us with displeasure.”
Mudan recalled their previous encounter and smiled slightly, “I’m not necessarily afraid of him. Come to think of it, his circumstances seem quite poor. I remember you saying he was talented. Why doesn’t he take the imperial examinations? And what about his wife? I remember her being a reasonable and kind person. If she were here, things might be better.”
Jiang Changyang replied, “Believe it or not, he would never let his wife come along. We’ll have to be patient. After he vents for a while, things will naturally improve. As for the imperial examinations, he failed again. Though talented, he’s not good at poetry and prose. He disdains rote memorization of the classics and refuses to seek recommendations. Plus, he offended Prince Min, so who would want him?”
Mudan sighed, “Well if he’s willing to stay at our home, let him be. At least his family won’t go hungry. Don’t bother him with trivial matters, deliberately give him challenging tasks without hurting his pride. He’ll be happy if he feels useful. After some time, when the opportunity is right, we’ll find a way to recommend him for a position where he can use his talents.” She knew that such a proud and talented person would hate being pitied or receiving charity most of all.
Upon returning home, Mudan got off the carriage and greeted Yuan Shijiu, first thanking him for the unique stone, saying that Fang Garden had become famous because of it. Then she sincerely apologized, “Sir, please don’t hold this against me, and don’t blame my husband for deceiving you. The truth is, I was building the garden at the time and urgently needed good stones. I was willing to pay a high price but couldn’t find any. When I learned you had good stones, I had already set my mind on them. Although I acted on my husband’s advice, it was for my own sake, and out of admiration for your character. I was very inconsiderate at the time, and I hope you won’t hold it against me.”
She emphasized that it was because she needed the stones, not out of pity for him. Hearing her praise, flattery, sincerity, and apology, much of Yuan Shijiu’s resentment dissipated. But still unable to let go of his pride, he said coolly, “I’m not that petty! I know right from wrong! I just don’t want to take advantage of people for nothing!”
Seeing that he wasn’t entirely unreasonable, Mudan felt relieved. She had someone prepare accommodations for him, not luxurious but emphasizing comfort, cleanliness, and tranquility. The room was near Jiang Changyang’s study, convenient for Yuan Shijiu to read books and talk with Jiang Changyang. She also had the kitchen prepare wine and food, asking Jiang Changyang to dine and drink with Yuan Shijiu.
Jiang Changyang silently squeezed Mudan’s hand. Kindness was a rare virtue that no amount of money could buy. Empathy, the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes, and considering others’ feelings as thoroughly as possible were even rarer.
After Jiang Changyang went to drink with Yuan Shijiu, Mudan called Wu over and earnestly instructed that no one was to disrespect Yuan Shijiu and that everyone should address him as “Sir.” Anyone showing disrespect would be severely punished. Wu agreed wholeheartedly and went off happily to make arrangements.
Mudan had thought that since Jiang Changyang and Yuan Shijiu hadn’t seen each other for a long time, they would probably have a long talk. After bathing, she loosely tied her hair, found a book, and lay down on the window-side bed to read quietly.
Yuhe carefully placed some pear-blossom fragrance in the golden duck incense burner, thoroughly cleaned the purple gauze curtains to ensure there were no mosquitos, then lowered the curtains. She walked to Mudan’s side and trimmed the candle to make it brighter. Without a word, she sat on an embroidered grass stool nearby and silently did some needlework.
Mudan said, “You’ve had a long day. Go and rest. On your way out, check if there’s hot water warming on the small stove outside. Also, make sure the hangover soup is prepared in the kitchen, ready to be sent up as soon as they finish drinking.” Since marrying Jiang Changyang, they had agreed that no one should wait on them at night, and they would do what they could themselves. So, a pot of hot water every night had become a necessity.
Yuhe’s face reddened slightly, “It’s all been prepared as instructed. There’s nothing else to do now, so let me keep you company.” After a moment, she said softly, “Miss Mudan, I’m worried about Fang Garden with no one watching over it.”
Mudan started, put down her book, and sat up, “Do you want to go back?”