The sixth son left without bowing to He Zhizhong, not even sparing him a glance. In his heart, He Zhizhong was now no different from an enemy. He felt He Zhizhong had treated him unfairly compared to his legitimate children.
He Zhizhong’s brows furrowed tightly. His gaze seemed to follow the sixth son out the door, yet also appeared to be looking somewhere distant and unfocused. He had thought Concubine Yang would go with the sixth son, believing her presence would be beneficial. But she had refused. He had been reflecting lately on where he had gone wrong, wondering why the sixth son had turned out this way. He didn’t even compare him to the eldest son and others, who were raised with stricter standards. But the youngest two – the sixth son and Mudan – he had loved and treated equally. Why had Mudan turned out well while the sixth son had not?
This was the consequence of one’s actions. Madam Cen lowered her eyes, carefully brushing off non-existent dust from her yellow eight-paneled gold-threaded gauze skirt. It was impossible not to feel any resentment, as all hearts are made of flesh. But she had always strived to live with a clear conscience. Now her hands and heart were clean, and all her children were upright and just. There was nothing to regret, proving that sometimes heaven does watch over us.
Concubine Yang watched the sixth son walk out of the He family gate without looking back. Unable to contain herself, she ran after him, crying out, “Sixth son…”
The sixth son turned to look at her, his expression strange: “Mother, you should stay and enjoy your good fortune.”
“How can you say such hurtful things?” Concubine Yang grabbed his sleeve, weeping, “You’re flesh of my flesh. How could I not care for you? I’m doing this for your good, for our good. I’ve raised you and never mistreated you. Why don’t you go kowtow to your father? How can you sever the bond between father and son so easily…”
The sixth son frowned impatiently, interrupting her: “We are no longer father and son. What bond are you talking about? Didn’t you always miss life in Yangzhou? I’ll ask you one last time: will you come with me? I can support you.”
Concubine Yang took a step back, tears streaming down her face: “Why is everyone forcing me?”
The sixth son gave her a slight smile, saying slowly: “I’m not forcing you. Live your life well. Remember to serve the masters of the house diligently from now on. No one will listen to your grievances anymore.”
His words were full of resentment. Whenever things didn’t go his way, he blamed others, never considering their perspective. Concubine Yang had to admit that the sixth son was indeed very selfish. She watched him walk further and further away until he disappeared at the end of the alley in Pingkang Ward, never to be seen again. “Sixth son…” She clung to the doorpost, crying until her body was drained of strength. Concubine Wu came to help her up, signaling the doorkeeper to close the door tightly. As they walked inside, she sighed: “If you had known it would come to this, why did you do it in the first place? You’ve spoiled this child, only teaching him how to please the master, but not how to be a proper person…”
“Pah!” Concubine Yang spat in her face, coldly sneering for the first time: “I didn’t teach him well, I admit. My vision wasn’t as far-reaching as yours. I only taught him how to please the master, not how to please others, so he doesn’t have the protection of his stepmother and siblings… He’s not as fortunate as the fifth son, who has a sister willing to sacrifice her life for his blessings.”
Concubine Wu was stunned for a moment, a cold light flashing in her eyes. Without hesitation, she slapped Concubine Yang hard across the face, laughing coldly in a low voice: “Who do you think you are? How dare you speak of me? You’re just a prostitute who accumulated eight lifetimes of fortune to be here. It’s only because the madam was kind-hearted that you’re allowed to stay, not knowing your place.
Otherwise, you wouldn’t even be fit to carry the madam’s shoes! Do you know about those concubines who were beaten to death and buried in the snow by their mistresses? Do you know why Danniang is doing so well now? It’s karmic retribution. Those who don’t know gratitude and don’t cherish their blessings will squander them all. Are you still thinking of coaxing the master back? Ha! See if he’ll ever enter your room again!” With that, she wiped her face with a handkerchief, contemptuously threw it on the ground, and walked away.
Overcome with grief, Concubine Yang crouched on the ground, sobbing quietly. He Zhizhong and Madam Cen were kind-hearted people. At first, she had indeed been grateful, feeling that her judgment was correct and her luck was good to have caught He Zhizhong’s eye. But human hearts are never satisfied, always wanting more after getting one thing. She knew she could never surpass Madam Cen, and everything in this family belonged to Madam Cen and her children. If she and the sixth son didn’t keep He Zhizhong happy, what would become of them in the future? She hadn’t wanted things to come to this.
While these two concubines who had coexisted peacefully for decades finally showed their true colors to each other, He Zhizhong, despite his heartache, had to muster his strength to continue dealing with the family’s affairs. With so many children watching, he had to clarify this matter and let his sons see it clearly, to prevent future occurrences of unrepentant and rebellious behavior.
He first called all the children to kneel, then had the eldest son bring the punishment ruler. He struck each child’s hand hard. The children trembled in pain but dared not cry out or withdraw their hands, only looking at him with tear-filled eyes. This made him even angrier – why didn’t any of them dare to ask why he was hitting them?
Suddenly, He Hong puffed out his chest and said loudly: “Grandfather! I object!”
He Zhizhong finally perked up: “Why do you object?”
He Hong said: “You said that without rules, nothing can be achieved, and that rewards and punishments must be clear. Sixth Uncle did wrong, so he deserves punishment. But our grandchildren haven’t done anything wrong. When things happened at home, we always tried our best to help our Grandmother and our mothers. Why are you hitting us, Grandfather? If you don’t give a reason, I won’t accept it! Not just verbally, but in my heart too!”
Besides stating his own opinion, he didn’t express any other complaints, and his argument was reasonable and well-founded. He Zhizhong’s pain over the sixth son eased a little. He still maintained a stern face and said: “I have my reasons for hitting you. I want each of you to remember today’s lesson! Remember why your Sixth Uncle made mistakes and what mistakes he made.” He paused, then raised the ruler and struck his hand hard several times: “Also remember what mistakes your grandfather made. None of you should repeat them in the future.”
He was truly hitting himself hard. He Chun, covering his sore hand, quietly asked He Lie beside him: “Sixth Brother, what mistake did Grandfather make? Wasn’t it Sixth Uncle who made mistakes?”
He Lie bit his lip and impatiently whispered: “Idiot! He didn’t manage his son well and nearly ruined the whole family. Don’t you remember? You were crying and pulling at your mother’s skirt, calling for your father, and she told you to be quiet. So in the future, remember to manage your sons well.”
He Chun nodded, half-understanding: “Oh…”
Zhen Shi, being closest to the two, heard He Lie’s words clearly and wanted to slap this insensitive child. She didn’t need her husband to remind her that these were troubled times, and she dared not provoke He Zhizhong.
However, He Zhizhong overheard and said pleasantly: “Achun, your Sixth Brother is right. Grandfather made mistakes.”
He Ru, who had been silent until now, spoke with an air of wisdom beyond his years: “Grandfather, you’ve taught us to take responsibility for our actions, and you’re practicing what you preach. But you didn’t teach this to Sixth Uncle. Perhaps you were too angry earlier, but you also forgot to tell Sixth Uncle this important lesson.”
Xue Shi was startled. Today was truly extraordinary – both her sons seemed to have eaten bear gall and leopard heart, one daring to loudly object to He Zhizhong, the other daring to point out where He Zhizhong had fallen short.
“I didn’t forget to tell him this; I told him too late when he was no longer willing to listen,” He Zhizhong said, his eyes slightly reddening as he helped He Hong and He Ru to their feet. “Good, good. Our family has worthy successors.” He also praised the eldest son and Xue shi: “You’ve raised the children well.”
Xue Shi quickly glanced at Madam Cen: “Actually, it’s all thanks to Mother’s guidance.”
He Zhizhong looked at Madam Cen with a complex expression: “Your mother has indeed done very, very well.” After a few days, when the houses that needed to be bought were purchased, it would be time to separate those who should be separated. Having such a large family living together was not sustainable in the long run. Everyone has their interests; a grand unification was impossible.
After some thought, he addressed the children: “There’s one more important thing I want to tell you. When you make a mistake, admit it. Don’t feel ashamed. The more you fear losing face, the more face you’ll lose.”
Mudan and Jiang Changyang exchanged glances, both feeling it was time to leave. As they exited the He family gate, Jiang Changyang ordered Shun Hou’er to take Mudan home first, while he rode off to find the sixth son: “I’m an outsider and an official. Even if he’s angry, he won’t dare to vent at me. What needs to be done should be done, and some things still need to be clarified. If he’s exploited by others and turns into an enemy, what’s the point?”
Although she knew that Rome wasn’t built in a day and that He Zhizhong had long decided to deal with the sixth son but had still hoped for his improvement, putting in no small effort, if it were to have an effect, it would have shown by now. The sixth son wouldn’t suddenly change his views or admit his mistakes because of Jiang Changyang’s words, but it was admirable that he thought so thoroughly. This was also a way of showing his care for her.
“Come back soon,” Mudan said, watching Jiang Changyang ride away. She lowered the carriage curtain and ordered the driver to set off.
Before the carriage reached the gate of their home by Qujiang Pool, she couldn’t help but sigh and rub her forehead. The person sent by the Duke’s mansion was still squatting at the door. As soon as he saw her carriage approach, he hurriedly stood up, not daring to come too close, just smiling ingratiatingly: “Young Madam, please pity this lowly one. You saw what happens to those who fail to complete their tasks…”
Mudan disliked the Duke’s mansion using such methods to pressure her and Jiang Changyang. While they couldn’t bring themselves to trouble a servant, it didn’t mean she would allow them to manipulate her. She smiled faintly: “The Young Master has matters to attend to and hasn’t returned yet. You must be tired after waiting all day. If you’d like, come in and have a meal. We’ll discuss everything when the Young Master returns.” They used pressure; she would use delay.