Yuhe’s face reddened slightly. “Although Gui has been taking care of things over there these days, he’s still not as familiar with the flowers and plants as I am. Besides, tending to those flowers and plants has become a habit for me. Now that I’ve stopped, it feels somewhat strange. Seeing you and the young master so affectionate, with Kuan’er and Shu’er able to take on more responsibilities, and with Mama Lin around, I feel at ease.”
In the candlelight, Yuhe’s smile was gentle and serene, her dimples half-hidden, her large eyes clear and soft. Mudan thought to herself that Yuhe was about the same age as her. She had accompanied her through two marriages, always staying loyally by her side, handling the most difficult and delicate matters. Mudan had promised to give Yuhe a good future, and it seemed the time had come. She patted the space beside her and said, “Sit.”
Yuhe hesitated for a moment, then sat down sideways next to Mudan. Mudan spoke softly, “I’ve always remembered your expression when I woke up after my near-death experience that autumn. And later, how you braved the rain to watch over the kitchen for half the night, preparing medicine and hot water for me, working with Mama Lin to make nourishing foods for me despite the difficulties. I’ll never forget that in my lifetime.”
Yuhe smiled, “Miss Dan, we grew up together. You’ve always been kind to me. How could I bear to let you suffer? I’ll do whatever I can for you.”
Mudan chuckled lightly, “What about Yutong then? She grew up with us too.”
Yuhe was momentarily speechless, “People raised on the same rice can turn out differently. People are not all the same.” She then seemed lost in thought, “I heard she’s not doing well now. But that was her own choice, no one else is to blame.”
Mudan said, “Let’s not talk about her. I told you before that I would help you find a good marriage and set you free. Do you have anyone suitable in mind?”
Yuhe blushed and remained silent. After a long while, she said, “I’m not in a hurry. But the other day, Madam Zhou asked me where Gui was from and if he was single. She said she knew a nice girl.”
The implication was clear. Mudan suppressed a smile, “I’m not as free as I used to be. As the mistress of the household, I have many responsibilities and can’t go to Fang Garden every day. Since you want to go to Fang Garden, I’ll put you in charge of it. Gui can stay there too, and you two can work together as needed. You’ll manage the internal affairs, while he handles external matters. This way, you’ll have support, and I’ll be at ease. Tomorrow, take some wine and meat there and say it’s from the young master and me for everyone.”
Yuhe’s face reddened even more. After a long silence, she softly responded with an “Mm,” then stood up, curtsied, and withdrew.
Mudan sat for a while longer, feeling that the scent of night-blooming jasmine outside the window was becoming stifling. She got up to close the window, and just as she turned around, she heard footsteps outside, followed by Jiang Changyang entering with a smile. Mudan glanced at the water clock on the table – it was just past the first quarter of the hai hour. Surprised that he had returned so early, she asked, “How did you finish so quickly?” She then stood up to fetch some hot water.
“I told you I’m a married man now, I know my limits,” Jiang Changyang quickly stopped her. “I was worried about waking you, so I already washed up in the study. Sit down, let’s talk. Do you know what Yuan Shijiu said to me?”
Seeing his excitement, Mudan sat down next to him and smiled, “What did he say?”
Jiang Changyang said, “Didn’t my brother remind me earlier to be careful and not let the Censorate catch me saying nonsense? And about the wedding ceremony issue, I figured in a couple of days, someone would speak up. I was planning to find a suitable opportunity to explain. But Yuan Shijiu told me to remain still in the face of change, to let those people go ahead and report me.”
Filial impiety was one of the Ten Abominations in the law. Mudan knew of several officials who had been dismissed for filial impiety, so she was worried, “Is it okay to let things run their course? Someone will surely try to make things worse.”
“This isn’t a big deal. At worst, it’s just some unpleasant talk. The Emperor isn’t just finding out about these squabbles now. He’ll probably just reprimand me and let me take a break for a while,” Jiang Changyang smiled. “I used to rack my brains trying to handle everything perfectly and comprehensively. But thinking about it differently, if I’ve thought of everything, what’s left for others to do?” Through this incident, the conflict between Jiang Zhong and Fang Bohu could be intensified, which the Emperor would surely be pleased to see. The Emperor still needed him, so at most, he’d be left out in the cold for a while.
Mudan stepped forward to help him undress, “As long as you don’t feel wronged, whatever decision you make is fine.”
Jiang Changyang smiled, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, and embraced her as they entered the bed curtains. With a hint of pleasure in his voice, he said, “Yuan Shijiu reluctantly praised you.”
“As long as I’m not holding you back, that’s what matters,” Mudan smiled, then spoke seriously, “I want to tell you something. Yuhe isn’t young anymore, and I’d like to find her a good match. I think Gui is quite good, but I don’t know his background well. I worry he might be too capable and look down on Yuhe. You know him best, why don’t you ask about his intentions?”
Jiang Changyang was taken aback, “Gui?”
Seeing his unnatural expression, Mudan asked, “What’s wrong? Is he already married? Or does he have someone he likes?”
Jiang Changyang shook his head, “It’s not that. His situation is a bit different…”
Mudan was curious, “How so?”
Jiang Changyang pulled her into his embrace, gently nibbling her earlobe and then moving to lightly bite her shoulder blade. He whispered, “He has a vendetta to settle. One day he’ll have to leave, and we can’t keep him. We don’t know what his future holds, and Yuhe would suffer if she went with him. Let’s forget about it. Why don’t you free Yuhe from her slave status first, and then I’ll find someone better for her.”
Mudan was startled and tried to push him away, “Be gentle, don’t leave marks. I’m not wearing thick clothes now, and the gauze is thin. It would be mortifying if someone saw.”
Jiang Changyang chuckled and held her tighter, “We’re not going anywhere tomorrow, who’s going to see?”
The next morning, when Yuhe came to say goodbye, Mudan waved for Shu’er and Kuan’er to leave, then quietly relayed Jiang Changyang’s words. Yuhe lowered her eyes and remained silent for a moment, then said she understood. When Mudan mentioned freeing her from slave status and finding someone better, Yuhe gently shook her head and said, “There’s no rush.” Then she quietly took her leave and still went to Fang Garden.
Mudan felt bad for her. She also regretted letting the two work together so often. She wanted to call Gui back immediately but felt it would be too obvious. Moreover, with Princess Fen’s banquet coming up soon, they urgently needed help, so she had to delay the decision.
Just as they finished breakfast, the He family sent Madam Feng over to say that Madam Chen was ill. Mudan was very worried, figuring it must be related to yesterday’s events. As she packed some things, she asked, “What’s wrong with her? Is it serious? Has a doctor been called? What caused it?”
Madam Feng was cautious and unwilling to speak in detail in front of Jiang Changyang. She only said that Madam Chen hadn’t gotten out of bed for breakfast this morning, but she didn’t know the specific reason, suggesting it might be a cold or something similar. Seeing this, Jiang Changyang quickly went out to call for someone to prepare a horse for Mudan. Once he left, Madam Feng sighed, “It’s all because of those troublesome matters.”
Being older, she no longer worked night shifts, so she only knew a little: “After you left last night, she just lay there. Later, the master went in, and I don’t know what was said, but at one point I heard the master shouting for someone to bring medicine. Then he wouldn’t let anyone else in. Early this morning, he sent someone to call for a doctor. He even fed her breakfast himself, but she didn’t eat a bite. However, it’s just that her spirits are low; everything else seems fine.”
Mudan patted her chest and let out a long breath, relieved that it wasn’t one of those frightening sudden illnesses that often affect the elderly. When she went outside, Jiang Changyang had already arranged everything and even had several packages of precious herbs prepared. Seeing Mudan come out, he helped her onto the horse, intending to accompany her to see Madam Chen.
Mudan felt touched. Just as she was about to ride off, she caught sight of a young boy with his hair tied in a topknot, shrinking in the shadows by the door, looking wistfully at Jiang Changyang and her. His clothes weren’t too shabby, but his demeanor seemed off. She called to Shu’er, “Go ask that child what he wants.”
Shu’er went over, asked a few questions, then came back and said quietly, “He says he’s from the Duke’s mansion. The old madam has fallen ill. She hasn’t been able to get out of bed since you left.”
Jiang Changyang frowned, dismounted, and went to question the boy himself, “Who sent you? What’s your name?”
The boy twisted the hem of his clothes, looking somewhat fearfully at Jiang Changyang. Though his voice was small, his words were clear, “I’m called Xiaoshi. My brother sent me. His name is Xiaoba, and he always follows the young master.”
It turned out that Jiang Changyi had sent him. Jiang Changyang ordered someone to give the boy a few pieces of candy and sent him away. He frowned, thinking to himself that Jiang Changyi was certainly trying to curry favor. It was like an immediate response to his words about having no desires from yesterday.
Mudan discussed with him, “It wouldn’t be right to ignore it now that we know. Why don’t you go there, and I’ll return to my family?”
Jiang Changyang shook his head, “There’s no rush. Let’s go to your family first, then to the Duke’s mansion.” If he wasn’t mistaken, there would likely be some developments by the afternoon.
When Madam Chen, lying in bed, saw Mudan and Jiang Changyang, she frowned, “Why have you come again? It’s just a minor illness. Who was so meddlesome? You’ve just gotten married, running back and forth like this…” Then she spoke to Jiang Changyang, “It’s made you rush about too.”
Jiang Changyang spoke with a hint of playful reproach, “Mother, you’re being distant!”
Madam Chen hadn’t expected him to call her “Mother” so naturally and with such affection. She smiled slightly, “Good child.”
He Zhizhong quickly said, “I sent for them. Look how happy you are to see them. Why don’t you have some porridge now?” His tone was unexpectedly cautious, with a hint of pleading.
Mudan had never seen He Zhizhong like this before.
Madam Chen sighed and struggled to sit up. He Zhizhong quickly moved to support her, ready to feed her the porridge. Madam Chen waved him away, indicating that she would do it herself with the children present. But after a couple of sips, she put it down. He Zhizhong seemed somewhat angry, yet helpless. Mudan took the bowl, gesturing for Jiang Changyang to accompany him out, while she would try to persuade Madam Chen.
Once He Zhizhong was out of earshot, Mudan spoke softly, “Mother, why have you upset yourself to this state?”