Sensing something suspicious about Jiang Yunqing’s fall, the old lady instructed her maid, “Help her inside so we can take a look.”
As soon as the maid lifted Jiang Yunqing, she let out an exaggerated cry, “It hurts so much!”
The old lady, having seen this act before, kept a stern face and ordered Wu Mama, “Remove her shoes and socks. Let me see.”
Jiang Yunqing was merely pretending, so there was nothing to see except her dramatic wailing. Seeing no injury, the old lady became increasingly certain of Jiang Yunqing’s deception. Ignoring her loud protests, she directly instructed Mudan, “You’re too busy here to take care of her. Since she needs to be moved anyway, have someone bring a sedan chair and take her directly to my carriage. Apply some medicine, and we’ll call for a doctor when we return to the mansion.” With that, she strode away.
If this wasn’t a scheme, what was it? The grand feast in Jiang Yunqing’s mind and eyes instantly transformed. She began to cry genuinely, looking pitifully at Mudan as she choked out, “Sister-in-law…”
At that moment, regardless of how much of Jiang Yunqing’s act was genuine, Mudan truly felt sorry for her. Years ago, He Mudan had married into the Liu family to save her own life, with her family buying Liu Chang for her. Now, Jiang Yunqing was about to be sold off for her family’s interests. It was clear that happiness had nothing to do with being the daughter of a commoner or a noble; what mattered was whether one’s family truly cared for them.
After a moment of silence, Mudan looked at Jiang Yunqing and said, “I believe your brother knows a good doctor.” This was all she could do, and she couldn’t even say it directly. Firstly, because it involved the Fen Prince’s wife, and secondly, because even if she said it, Jiang Yunqing wouldn’t fully trust her.
Jiang Yunqing’s eyes reddened further, but she understood this was how things would be. Holding back tears, she sat in the sedan chair. Amidst Wu Mama’s chatter, she caught up with the old lady, glancing back at Mudan one last time before turning away and boarding the carriage.
Mudan returned to the banquet area where everyone was watching a military skit, laughing uproariously. As she scanned the room, she noticed Lady Bai beckoning to her from a corner. Just as she was about to slip over for a rest, Yingtao approached from the side, whispering with a smile, “Someone just brought a basket of Jiaqing plums, genuine ones from Luoyang’s Jiaqing district, not the imitations you find elsewhere. There weren’t enough to go around, so the lady secretly saved two for you.” She discreetly slipped two green plums from her sleeve to Mudan.
Mudan felt a warmth in her heart. Only Lady Wang would think to secretly save two plums for a daughter-in-law who missed out. Mudan waved to Lady Bai and went to stand behind Lady Wang, softly calling, “Mother…”
Lady Wang turned to look at her with a loving smile, taking her hand and pulling her to sit beside her. In a hushed tone, as if coaxing a child, she asked, “Are they tasty?”
“I’ll eat them later,” Mudan replied, her voice slightly nasal due to the crowded space. She tentatively leaned against Lady Wang.
Noticing Mudan’s cautious display of affection, Lady Wang smiled with satisfaction. She steadied Mudan’s shoulder and said softly, “Has she left? You’ve had a difficult day today.”
Mudan gradually relaxed, leaning against her to watch the performance. “It wasn’t so bad,” she murmured after a pause. “I felt sorry for Jiang Yunqing.”
Lady Wang remained silent. It wasn’t until the act ended that she spoke quietly, “You should understand that when parents truly love their child, they’ll do everything to secure their happiness. As long as it’s not something unethical, there’s no absolute right or wrong. You’ll understand when you become a mother. Regarding Jiang Yunqing, you’ve already done your duty. While people face various constraints, it doesn’t mean others can control you if you’re unwilling. You know this well. You’ll encounter many more unpleasant situations in the future. Can you intervene in each one? Help where you can, but learn to let go when you can’t.”
Mudan remained silent. She understood Lady Wang was right. For wealth and power, many families were willing to marry their beautiful daughters to eunuchs, let alone a true prince. The Fen Prince’s wife and Madam Chen wanting to choose a suitable wife for their child wasn’t forced; it was a mutual agreement. In their view, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement with nothing wrong. As for Jiang Yunqing, while unfortunate, if she truly refused, who could force her? Still, witnessing such events left Mudan feeling uneasy.
Seeing Mudan’s silence, Lady Wang thought her words might have been too harsh and added, “I’m not saying your kindness is wrong, but…”
Mudan looked up at her with a smile, “Mother, you don’t need to explain further. I understand.” Often, ideals and reality don’t align, and one must come to terms with it, whether they like it or not.
Lady Wang smiled slightly, “Go keep Axin company. You’re just tiring yourself out with me, and it’s not fun.”
“Thank you, Mother.” As Mudan passed by Xiao Xuexi and her mother, their eyes met, and she habitually smiled at them.
This is gloating! The victor’s taunt to the defeated! Xiao Xuexi bristled suddenly, clutching Yuchi’s arm tightly, tears nearly spilling from her eyes. Yuchi cast a cool glance at Mudan’s retreating figure, calmly stroking Xiao Xuexi’s back as she whispered, “There’s still a long road ahead.”
The banquet continued until the hour of shen before dispersing. Mudan invited the Fen Prince’s wife and Madam Chen to stay overnight at Fang Garden, suggesting they could return the next day. The Fen Prince’s wife was tired and seemed inclined to accept, wanting to chat with Lady Wang. However, Madam Chen was adamant about returning, frowning as if fearing she might be forced to stay, a complete contrast to her earlier gentle demeanor.
The Fen Prince’s wife sighed resignedly and said softly, “Alright, let’s go back, let’s go back.” She appeared to be quite accommodating towards Madam Chen, who finally smiled.
After their carriages had departed, Lady Wang turned to Mudan and said, “Did you see how much the Fen Prince’s wife favors this daughter-in-law? Now you understand why so many people are eager to make a match, even a noble family like the Duke’s house is interested.”
Mudan supported her as they walked inside, “What exactly is the situation with that prince?”
Lady Wang explained, “Actually, it’s not much. He was born unable to speak and is very introverted, preferring not to interact with people. He only enjoys riding horses, archery, writing, and reading alone. Madam Chen herself feels inferior and rarely allows him to meet others. People outside don’t know this and assume he’s mentally slow.”
Mudan felt a subtle relief. “Young Master and the others should be returning soon. I’ll go to the kitchen to prepare some food for them.”
Lady Wang noticed her expression and shook her head imperceptibly. Yingtao whispered, “My lady, the young mistress is too soft-hearted. The affairs of that household are not our concern, and good intentions don’t always yield good results.”
Lady Wang smiled, “It’s fine. As long as she doesn’t act impulsively, being soft-hearted is a good thing.”
Mudan went to the kitchen, only to find the Fen Prince’s mansion’s steward directing people to clean up dishes and cups, and arranging for leftover food to be distributed to poor villagers in the Fen Prince’s wife’s name. The entire kitchen was in chaos, with no one able to prepare food for Jiang Changyang and the others. Mudan had no choice but to send Yuhe to find some easily obtainable ingredients, planning to cook at the small stove in the backyard.
Just as she reached the backyard gate, she heard Pan Jing’s laughter. Yuhe smiled, “See? Timing is everything. They’ve returned just as we were worrying about making food.” Mudan instructed Yuhe to go to the stove and cook, while she followed the laughter to find Jiang Changyang and the others.
She found Jiang Changyang, Pan Rong, and Pan Jing sitting by a small stream, their shoes off and feet dangling in the water. Their faces were flushed from the sun, all wearing bright smiles. Mudan tossed a pebble into the water, causing a splash. They yelped and turned to find the culprit, seeing her standing there laughing. Pan Rong hurriedly put on her shoes, while Jiang Changyang asked, “Has everyone left?”
“There’s still a group staying to clean up, probably leaving tomorrow,” Mudan shook her head. “When did you return? Are you hungry? I’ve asked Yuhe to prepare some food.”
“We’ve been back for nearly half an hour,” Pan Rong said, smiling as she put on her shoes. “No need to cook, we’ve just eaten.”
Mudan was surprised, “Where did you eat?”
Pan Jing smiled, “Ask Jiang Changyang, it was someone’s thank-you feast.” She picked up Pan Jing and started walking away, “We’re going to find Axin. We’ll leave you two alone.”
Mudan sat down next to Jiang Changyang and smiled, “Where did you eat?”
Jiang Changyang affectionately put his arm around her shoulders and said with a smile, “We went to You Garden. Maya cooked for us herself.”
Mudan looked at him, smiling, “How was her cooking?”
“Her cooking was excellent, especially the cold mutton. Even Pan Rong nearly swallowed her tongue, and Pan Jing ate an extra large bowl of rice.”
Seeing Jiang Changyang’s reminiscent expression, Mudan laughed, “If even the picky Pan Rong enjoyed it so much, I can only imagine how you, who’s not particular about food, reacted. Did you almost swallow your teeth along with the food?”
Jiang Changyang smiled slightly, “I didn’t go as far as chewing my teeth, but her conversation and knowledge truly surprised me.”
Mudan glanced at him sideways, pulling out a Jiaqing plum from her sleeve and taking a big bite, “You’re only now surprised by her conversation and knowledge? Weren’t you already quite familiar with each other?” They were familiar enough for Maya to want to become his concubine.
Hearing the sourness in her tone, Jiang Changyang wanted to laugh, “How could we be that familiar? I only asked her for information a few times, strictly business. We never had much time for detailed conversations.”
“Well, now you have the opportunity,” Mudan said, neither smiling nor angry, just chewing her plum vigorously.
“Don’t say such things. You’ll ruin her reputation, and she won’t forgive you,” Jiang Changyang leaned in to look at the plum in Mudan’s hand. “What are you eating that’s so good? Oh, a Jiaqing plum? Can I have a bite?” He grabbed Mudan’s hand, trying to bite the plum.
Mudan pushed his face away and popped the remaining half of the plum into her mouth, spitting out the pit. She smiled slightly, “You don’t like fruit, don’t waste it. Maya’s cold mutton must taste better.” She then took out another plum from her sleeve and sighed, “Mother secretly saved these for me. They’re genuine Jiaqing plums from Luoyang’s Jiaqing district. I was saving them, but I might as well eat them while they’re fresh…”
“You were saving them for me,” Jiang Changyang said playfully, snatching the plum when she wasn’t looking. As soon as he bit into it, his face scrunched up, “Why is it so sour?”
Mudan gave him a sidelong glance, “If it’s too sour, spit it out!”
Jiang Changyang quickly looked around before planting a kiss on her cheek, laughing, “I meant you’re the one who’s sour.”