The Fen Princess’s banquet was set for the sixth day of the seventh month, the day before the Qixi Festival. Since the Fen Prince’s household would be moving into Fang Garden on the fourth to prepare for the banquet, it was decided that they would travel there together with Madam Wang, Madam Bai, and the others on the evening of the third.
This time was different from when Mudan had traveled alone in the past. They needed to bring several large carts of belongings, and many more people would be accompanying them. Although the stewards had already prepared and checked everything against the list well in advance, Mama Lin was always one to worry. She was constantly afraid that someone might lose Mudan’s things or pack them improperly. Early in the morning, she began checking Mudan’s jewelry and clothes against the list. After going through it once, she still felt uneasy and checked a second time. Still not satisfied, she wanted to add more items.
Outside, those loading the carts kept urging them to hurry, but Mama Lin kept insisting they take their time, saying they couldn’t rush. What if Mudan suddenly needed something during the banquet and couldn’t find it? As the pile of clothes and accessories Mudan was to bring grew larger and larger, and the people outside became more insistent, Kuan’er and Shu’er tried to persuade Mama Lin, but to no avail. They had no choice but to go and inform Mudan.
Upon hearing this, Mudan had to set aside what she was doing and go find Mama Lin. “Mama, I’ve already prepared the list. As long as everything on it is packed, we’ll be fine.”
Mama Lin spoke earnestly, “As they say, ‘A thousand days of preparation for one moment of departure.’ Even though it’s our estate, it’s still not as convenient as being here, is it? If it were an ordinary banquet, I wouldn’t worry about you. You could wear whatever you like, and with your natural beauty, even if you didn’t stand out, you certainly wouldn’t fall behind. But this time is different. There will surely be many noble ladies from the imperial clan. Your clothes and accessories can’t clash with theirs, and we can’t waste the Princess’s thoughtfulness. How can we not bring more?”
Unable to argue with her, Mudan could only smile and say, “As you wish, but it’s like we’re moving the entire household over there.”
Mama Lin replied cheerfully, “Even if we were moving the entire household, the young master wouldn’t say anything.”
Mudan shook her head. “That’s not necessarily true. Just now, when I was packing his clothes, he complained it was too troublesome. He asked why we needed to bring so much, saying that as long as he had enough to change into, it would be fine.” Jiang Changyang was particular about cleanliness, but he had no interest in clothing styles. He wore whatever was given to him.
Mama Lin chuckled, “Kuan’er and Shu’er once discussed this issue privately. They guessed that the young master’s attention to clothing was probably limited to the period when he wanted to please you. After that, he forgot about it.”
Mudan thought about it and realized they were right. She then said, “If I were to wear a coarse cloth garment with him, do you think he would wear it?”
Suddenly, Jiang Changyang walked in with his hands behind his back, smiling. “Originally, I might have worn it, but now, to complement you, I definitely wouldn’t.”
Seeing him enter, Mama Lin, Kuan’er, and the others quickly stood up and greeted him respectfully. Jiang Changyang looked around and smiled, “We’re indeed bringing a lot more things than before. It’s not like it used to be.”
Since Mudan had only been married for a short time, she wasn’t yet fully accustomed to many things and people. Mama Lin wondered if someone had said something to him, so she was about to repeat her earlier arguments to Mudan, but first wanted to exonerate her: “Miss Dan just said there was no need for so much trouble, but this old servant thought that since this banquet is not an ordinary one…”
However, Jiang Changyang said nonchalantly, “If there are too many things, we can just add another cart. Just hurry up, as they need to send everything over first. The sun will be scorching later, and it will be hard on those driving the carts.”
This showed consideration for everyone, especially the servants. Mama Lin’s old face reddened slightly, and she bowed in agreement, completely convinced. Jiang Changyang then called Mudan to come with him: “Dan’er, come here.”
Mudan quickly followed him out the door, smiling, “I guess you wouldn’t come without a reason. What’s the matter?” Since she had married into the family, all household matters were directly handled by Wu or the stewards in consultation with her. Even if Jiang Changyang was present, he rarely intervened, only occasionally giving her advice on social interactions. He usually preferred to stay in the study with Yuan Shijiu and others. For him to suddenly come looking for her like this, there must be something important.
Jiang Changyang smiled slightly, “You know me so well. The Duke’s mansion just sent someone over, saying they want us to bring Yunqing along this time.”
Mudan felt a bit uncomfortable, “Didn’t they say the Fen Princess hadn’t invited Yunqing? Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for us to bring her along so abruptly?” Because the Princess had invited her and shown courtesy by inviting the old madam and Madam Du, neither of whom was willing to bring Jiang Yunqing to the banquet, they were pushing it all onto her, making her the one to cause displeasure.
“It’s precisely because the Fen Princess didn’t invite her that it would be inappropriate for them to bring her along when they attend the banquet. That’s why they’ve calculated that we should take her with us in advance, saying she’s just coming along to play with us. When the time comes, she doesn’t necessarily have to appear; it will depend on the Fen Princess’s wishes.”
Jiang Yunqing had reached marriageable age but was not well-known. If they wanted to secure the best possible marriage for her, the Fen Princess’s banquet would indeed be the best opportunity for her to make an appearance. But it was unclear whether this idea came from Madam Du, the old madam, or if Jiang Yunqing had sought it out herself. If Jiang Changyang had wanted to refuse, he would have done so already. The fact that he came to discuss it with her specifically made Mudan wonder if he had already agreed. Thinking this, she composed herself and asked Jiang Changyang, “So, what do you think about it?”
Jiang Changyang said, “Although she’s not close to us, she has indeed reached marriageable age. It’s not easy for her, and there’s no conflict between us…” Moreover, as he was speaking, the person had already been sent over. How could he send Jiang Yunqing back immediately? Faced with Jiang Yunqing’s shy, timid, scared, yet pleading expression, he couldn’t bring himself to do such a thing.
Mudan understood his meaning and replied, “Alright, but we should still make things clear to her. We’ll do our best, but the outcome is up to fate. Also, once she’s on our territory, she must follow our arrangements and not act on her own.” Regardless of whose idea it was, if things worked out, they wouldn’t take credit, but if things didn’t go well, they didn’t want all the blame pushed onto her and Jiang Changyang. That would be a thankless task.
Seeing her agreement, Jiang Changyang quickly said, “We need to talk to her. I’ll handle the unpleasant parts. You just need to say nice things to her.”
Mudan smiled, “You’re always so considerate of others. Since she’s coming, let’s have her come over with us today.” Just as she was about to send someone to fetch Jiang Yunqing, Jiang Changyang smiled wryly, “No need. She was already sent over earlier.” Unlike Mudan’s speculation about Madam Du’s involvement, he suspected that the old madam was planning to fully utilize Jiang Yunqing’s value for the Duke’s mansion. And Jiang Zhong likely agreed as well.
This forceful approach was unexpected. To think that a daughter of the Duke’s mansion would be reduced to this state. Of course, if expectations hadn’t been so high, it wouldn’t have come to this. Mudan looked up at the sky, speechless. She would have to entertain Jiang Yunqing and try to get some information out of her. It was fine to help Jiang Yunqing if possible, but she couldn’t let Jiang Yunqing’s situation cause trouble for her and Jiang Changyang.
Jiang Yunqing sat properly in a flower hall, looking out through the half-raised Xiang Fei curtains. From her angle, a delicate and transparent lake stone outside looked like a diving celestial crane, with half a pool of clear water below, where lotus leaves and flowers grew fresh and tender. The entire garden had a serene yet vibrant atmosphere that made one’s heart leap with joy, completely unlike the heavy, oppressive atmosphere of the Duke’s mansion. She couldn’t help but think how nice it would be if she had such a garden of her own.
This was her first time visiting this villa by Qujiang Pool. In the past, this residence was part of Madam Wang’s dowry and had been managed by the Fen Princess ever since. But every year when she came to Qujiang Pool for the Shangsi Festival, passing by this place, she would always hear the elders of the household mention how in the old days, they would stay here in spring, able to go out and enjoy themselves whenever they wanted. It was so leisurely then, unlike now when they had to set out early in the morning from home, arriving here already exhausted.
When she was young, she also thought having a garden here would be very pleasant, so she asked why they didn’t have it anymore. But those people wouldn’t say anything more. After a few years, the number of elders in the household gradually decreased, leaving only a few rare individuals. But they were either tight-lipped or cunning two-faced people like Old Tang, and no one could talk to them.
It wasn’t until Jiang Changyang suddenly returned that she learned the story behind this villa and its past. At first, like everyone else, she instinctively felt a sense of rejection and resistance towards this elder brother who had never been part of her life before and suddenly appeared as if to take everything away from the Duke’s mansion. But now, she had no choice but to seek their help.
She was well aware that she couldn’t expect their full support. Even her grandmother and father, who had lived with her for so many years, couldn’t put her marriage prospects at the forefront of their minds, so how could she expect it from them? However, this time she did receive her brother’s guidance and help, which moved her grandmother to give her this opportunity. Her elder brother hadn’t refused at the time, but would this seemingly kind sister-in-law, who could easily outmaneuver her grandmother, help her to what extent? If Jiang Changyang and Mudan could help her with this favor and assist her in making a breakthrough, she thought she would be grateful to them for the rest of her life.
The sound of tinkling jewelry came from outside, and a young maid with her hair newly done up smiled as she raised the crystal curtain and curtsied in greeting. Mudan entered, bringing with her the fresh scent of lotus flowers, and asked with a smile, “Yunqing, I hear you’re coming with us to Fang Garden?”
Jiang Yunqing quickly stood up and curtsied to Mudan, “Yunqing greets sister-in-law. I’m sorry for the trouble I’m causing you.”
“Don’t be so formal.” There was no need for excessive politeness. Mudan pulled her to sit down and carefully observed Jiang Yunqing. Jiang Yunqing’s eyes and brows resembled Concubine Xue’s, but she had a chin similar to Jiang Changyang’s. She was far from beautiful, only able to be described as proper-looking. Being a daughter of a concubine and not particularly beautiful, it was no wonder the old madam had never paid much attention to her. If Jiang Zhong hadn’t been suspended from his duties, they probably wouldn’t have thought of her this time either. From this perspective, Jiang Yunqing was indeed pitiful.