The room’s decorations were flawless, with brand-new bedding and utensils. In this regard, Madam Du was truly admirable. However, all the servants had been taken to watch the “chicken killing” in front, so no one was available to attend to them, let alone provide hot water. Realizing they couldn’t rest immediately, the young couple sat by the window, whispering.
Mudan recounted the day’s events to Jiang Changyang, mentioning the Old Madam’s various actions. She smiled and said, “She seemed quite angry but kept holding it in. I think if you had returned any later, she would have eventually exploded. I don’t know how she came up with those ideas, like a child who doesn’t know better. To me, they had no effect at all.”
He and the Old Madam clashed, creating sparks, while Mudan wore her down softly—this was the difference between men and women. Jiang Changyang suppressed a laugh. “She must have been trembling with anger, wondering why you wouldn’t give in to her. But if you had truly yielded, she would have thought you easy to bully and would have caused you trouble for no reason. Let her suffer a few setbacks, and she won’t easily try to anger herself in the future.”
Mudan whispered, “You’re something else, teaching your wife how to deal with your grandmother…”
Jiang Changyang chuckled softly, “I’m relieved now. If you need to deal with her alone in the future, I won’t worry about you being taken advantage of.”
After everything that had happened, how could she still be a soft persimmon for others to squeeze? Mudan smiled, “I’m not useless, I can’t always rely on you for everything.” She held Jiang Changyang’s hand and said softly, “It’s perfect timing. You have a month, why don’t we go stay at the estate for a while? We can invite my mother and stepfather to join us for a reunion.”
Jiang Changyang nodded, “Alright.” Seeing a hint of worry in Mudan’s eyes, he smiled and said, “Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. After this month, you’ll be complaining that I’m too busy again.” In his heart, he was worried. After the dramatic wedding ceremony incident and this filial piety issue, it was hard not to think about it. It meant that many things were no longer suitable for him to do, which greatly deviated from the Emperor’s expectations.
He had his suspicions. The Emperor outwardly seemed to be punishing him with a month of reflection due to the filial piety issue, but in reality, it was about something else. The claim that he was too close to Prince Jing was groundless. Since the Mudan Flower Festival, he hadn’t interacted with Prince Jing outside of normal circumstances. Why did this suddenly come up? It was a warning. He had defied the Emperor’s wishes.
As they whispered to each other, they lost track of time until they heard noises outside and people speaking softly. Soon, Mama Lin gently knocked on the door: “The gathering in front has dispersed. The Duke requests the Young Master’s presence in his study.”
This conversation with his father was bound to happen sooner or later. Jiang Changyang stood up, straightening his clothes. “You go to sleep first, don’t wait for me.”
Jiang Changyang had only been gone for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea when a maid led a servant to bring hot water. With hands at her sides and an exceptionally respectful attitude, she asked Mudan if she would like any late-night snacks. Mudan noticed the maid’s clear features—though not strikingly beautiful, she had a kind face and carried herself with poise. Her attire was unlike that of ordinary maids, and she didn’t seem particularly excited about receiving a reward. Intrigued, Mudan smiled and asked, “What’s your name?”
The maid smiled and replied, “This servant is called Cailian. I used to serve in the Old Madam’s chambers, but at the beginning of last year, the Old Madam gifted me to the Second Young Master. Because everyone is busy tonight, the Second Young Master was worried about inadequate care and especially sent me to attend to you. If the Young Mistress has any requests, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Another thoughtful gesture from Jiang Changyi. Mudan smiled, “Please thank your Young Master on our behalf. I don’t need anything, you can go back.” She then instructed Mama Lin to give another reward.
The maid, having delivered her message, didn’t insist further. She curtsied and quietly withdrew. Mudan washed up and went to bed.
Jiang Zhong sat upright at his desk, looking at Jiang Changyang seated opposite him. He spoke calmly, “Since you entered the capital, you’ve encountered many things and should now understand the numerous differences between here and the frontier. You’re now a man with a family and career; it would be better to curb some of your temperament. Only when you’ve stabilized your position can you talk about loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, serving the country.”
Jiang Changyang was already accustomed to Jiang Zhong’s habit of starting with a grandiose preamble before getting to the point. He nodded without a word, waiting silently for the real message.
Sure enough, Jiang Zhong slowly continued, “What are your plans for the future? You can’t go on like this forever. The Imperial Guard—its fortunes rise and fall with each emperor. It may seem glamorous now, but it’s not a good position. In the end, few have good outcomes. You should consider leaving while you can.”
Jiang Changyang understood clearly what Jiang Zhong meant; he was asking about inheriting the title. Regarding the Imperial Guard, he had his understanding, but he didn’t share his thoughts and plans in detail with Jiang Zhong. He simply said, “Some things aren’t up to my wishes. Currently, I’m fairly satisfied with everything and don’t want to change. As for you, you should make some plans. Perhaps if you clarify some things and put people’s minds at ease, you won’t have so many troubles. To be honest, if this happens once or twice more, I’m afraid I won’t be able to help being unfilial again.”
Jiang Zhong automatically ignored his unpleasant words and probed, “So, what about you?”
Jiang Changyang shook his head firmly. Jiang Zhong was silent for a long time before saying, “If you don’t inherit the title, you’ll be watching this family go to their deaths. Your second brother has that violent, unambitious nature, and whether he can improve is another matter. Your third brother has a soft, kind nature… Moreover, with his background, I fear he won’t be able to keep things under control. Sooner or later, it will have to be you, or our family will be finished.” The people he referred to as unable to be controlled were naturally Jiang Changzhong and Madam Du.
Inherit the title? Whether he could inherit it in the end, what kind of title it would be, what the outcome would be—all of this was still unknown, yet people fought endlessly over this vague position. Jiang Changyang found it pitiful, and he felt no obligation to save these people. He calmly said, “Didn’t the second brother just join the military? I heard he’s achieved some merit. He also has royal blood, so if he can be tempered and has the support of relatives, he might be able to take on great responsibilities. As for the third brother, I don’t think he’s necessarily incapable of bearing this responsibility either.”
He lowered his eyes and smiled slightly, “As for me, I’ve always been unrestrained and impulsive. Since I returned, I’ve been constantly causing trouble, making your family discord. Now I’ve finally managed to get you into this state. I’m afraid if this continues, I’ll end up being the main culprit. You’d better not force me anymore.”
Hearing these words, Jiang Zhong felt angry, but before he could speak, Jiang Changyang continued, “Actually, in the end, it all depends on the Emperor’s will. It’s not about what we want. Today’s events may seem like the Emperor’s will is hard to fathom, but it’s not. Everything has its reasons.”
Jiang Zhong was momentarily speechless. In this incident, his son had only received a symbolic punishment, while he bore all the responsibility. Did this mean that he wasn’t as good at understanding the Emperor’s intentions or dealing with people as his son? After a long pause, he said glumly, “So what do you suggest?”
Jiang Changyang said, “It’s rare for us to sit down and talk calmly. I’ll speak, and if you find it reasonable and are willing to listen, then listen. If not, just let it pass like the wind, and don’t get angry.”
Jiang Zhong frowned slightly but patiently said, “Go on.”
Jiang Changyang said, “To retreat from the rapids is called knowing the opportune moment.”
Jiang Zhong had never expected such a statement. He couldn’t help but laugh coldly. He was still so young, just over forty years old. Retire? Spend the rest of his life confined to the back courtyard? How could he be content with that? After all these years of hard work, to be just an empty title of Duke? What was the point?
Seeing that he still didn’t understand, Jiang Changyang lowered his voice and said, “In my position in the Imperial Guard, I sometimes have the opportunity to learn about past events. In Chongsheng Temple, there’s a small tower, the Epiphyllum Tower where we met the Emperor during the Lantern Festival this year. Years ago, a lady once lived there…”
Jiang Zhong suddenly stood up, urgently saying, “Stop talking!” It was the most unforgettable event of his life. Even after so many years, when he recalled the scene in his midnight dreams, he would still break out in a cold sweat.
Jiang Changyang sighed, “Many years have passed, but His Majesty has never forgotten. Otherwise, why would he suddenly visit the Epiphyllum Tower? Do you know why the noblest prince, whose virtue seems so perfect and flawless, seemingly blessed by heaven, earth, and man, is still suspended in mid-air? Do you think His Majesty doesn’t know anything? His ears are sharp and his eyes are bright.”
Jiang Zhong was breathing heavily. Jiang Changyang’s voice echoed in his ears: “I will return to fulfill my filial duties during the four seasons and eight festivals, but don’t expect anything else from me. For this incident, you’ve worked hard on my behalf, and I appreciate it. By telling you about this matter, we’re even now.”
Seeing Jiang Zhong’s terrible expression, Jiang Changyang stood up and poured a cup of tea into his hand, saying softly, “Should I call someone in?”
Jiang Zhong struggled to gather his thoughts and waved his hand with difficulty, “Go, just go.” Jiang Changyang left silently.
Mudan was dozing off when she suddenly felt the bed sink slightly, followed by Jiang Changyang’s arm wrapping around her. Mudan murmured groggily, “You’re back? What time is it?”
Jiang Changyang said softly, “It’s past the third watch, nearly the fourth.”
Oh my, so late? What could father and son have been discussing for so long? Mudan turned over, placing her hand on his waist and pressing her face against his chest. She whispered, “Did he scold you?”
“No. Go to sleep, it’s almost dawn. We don’t have much time left to sleep. Close your eyes, sleep.” Jiang Changyang stroked Mudan’s back, coaxing her like a child. Hearing Mudan fall silent, he closed his eyes as well. No matter how big the issues were, sleep was still necessary.