Lüjiao hesitated, unsure whether to speak in front of Mudan.

The Old Madam, sensing her hesitation, closed her eyes briefly and said, “The Young Madam is not an outsider!”

Lüjiao then reported, “Baixiang just delivered Madam Du’s message to Concubine Xue, scolding her harshly. Concubine Xue was already in poor spirits, and now she looks even worse. Should we call for a doctor?”

This Du woman is truly detestable! And Baixiang is no better. I must find a way to remove Du like pulling a tooth! The Old Madam seethed inwardly. What doctor would treat a mere concubine? Especially in such a shameful situation. Any wandering physician would do, as long as she doesn’t die. But she couldn’t say this in front of Mudan, so she signaled to Hong’er, who understood and led Lüjiao out.

The Old Madam composed herself and addressed Mudan with drooping eyelids, “You won’t accept my welcoming gift. Do you look down on it? Or do you resent that I didn’t give it to you on your wedding day?”

Mudan stood up, saying, “It’s not that, Grandmother. I—”

“If your grandmother gives you something, just accept it. Refusing only creates distance.” Jiang Zhong’s voice rang out as he strode in.

He had grown slightly plumper but appeared less spirited than before, with a few strands of white hair at his temples. Despite his fine clothes, he seemed somewhat disheveled. He casually waved off Mudan’s greeting, paid his respects to the Old Madam, and sat beside her. With a pleasant expression, he gestured to Mudan, “Daughter-in-law, there are no outsiders here. Please, sit.”

He hesitated, staring at the floor tiles before asking, “I heard Changyang was summoned to the palace last night. Do you know what task he’s been assigned?”

Mudan smiled, “My husband hasn’t told me anything about it.”

Disappointed, Jiang Zhong waved his hand dismissively, “If you have matters to attend to, don’t linger here. You should head back.”

Mudan was eager to leave and quickly bid farewell. Jiang Zhong, after some hesitation, added, “Tell Changyang to send Hu Ji away quickly. What kind of image does that project?” Seeing Mudan’s confused look, he realized she knew nothing and explained, “You should ask him about it. Is it worth causing rumors over such a woman?”

As a man, there were things he could say directly to Jiang Changyang but not to Mudan. At times like these, Madam Du’s role became crucial. If she were on his side, how much easier things would be—communicating with Mudan, with Jiang Yunqing. He glanced at the visibly displeased Old Madam and sighed, “Tell Changyang to focus on his duties and not disappoint the Emperor’s expectations.”

After Mudan left, Jiang Zhong quietly asked the Old Madam, “Is she still respectful to you?”

Respectful? It’s enough to make one furious. The Old Madam raised an eyebrow, fidgeting with her beads, “It’s just as it’s always been. What’s there to say?”

Jiang Zhong sighed, “Yunqing can’t keep causing trouble like this. A small lesson should suffice. I’ll go see her. When she recovers, Mother, please be more lenient with her. She’s just a girl, not a son.”

The Old Madam raised her voice, “Don’t go! Do you know what Concubine Xue did today? Good girls are ruined by these lowly servants. And who does she follow? I’m her grandmother; how could I harm her? It’s your good wife who’s instigating all this. I’ll use this opportunity to set our household straight.” Despite her current hope for the Du family’s assistance, she now hated Madam Du the most. It was strange how she could forget all of a person’s good qualities over one crucial mistake, focusing solely on the negative.

Jiang Zhong was distressed, unsure of what to do. They had reached such a shameful point, and the chaos in the household was unbearable. While an alliance with the Prince of Fen’s family would be beneficial, if Jiang Yunqing refused to marry, there was no point in forcing her. Even if she agreed reluctantly, it wouldn’t bring much benefit to the family. Without this alliance, relying only on the inactive Du and Xiao families, along with sympathetic but ultimately unhelpful colleagues and brothers, he couldn’t think of any good solutions. Dealing with the daily squabbles of women in the household was driving him mad. He stood up abruptly, heading for the door.

The Old Madam called out, “Where are you going? Listen, the inner household affairs aren’t for a man to manage. I’ll handle it for you. There’s an important matter now—I want to bring Changyang’s wife back to serve me and help manage the household.”

Though she claimed to want Mudan’s service, it was a veiled attempt to bring Jiang Changyang back as well. Jiang Zhong paused, frowning, “I promised to let them live separately. It’s about filial piety, but going back on my word—how would that look? She can’t manage this household; it would only create more problems. If you truly want her to serve you, having her visit every few days should suffice.”

Seeing that he couldn’t understand her intentions and was only concerned with maintaining his image, the Old Madam urged, “What times are these? We need to work together now. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter—who will benefit then? Are you indulging them because they don’t understand? Having them return has many advantages. Are you afraid of more trouble? Rest assured, with me protecting Mudan, no one can cause any waves!”

She then listed the benefits to Jiang Zhong: father and son spending more time together to improve their relationship, Changyang guiding Changyi, Mudan learning from her about managing a large household, and so on. She concluded, “This household is in chaos because there’s no capable person overseeing it. I’m old, and your wife not only doesn’t manage but schemes behind our backs. That’s why things are like this. He is your rightful daughter-in-law; it’s most appropriate for her to manage and share our burdens. Even if Changyang doesn’t inherit the title in the future, this will only benefit them both, don’t you think?”

Jiang Zhong was moved but still frowned, “Let me think about it. Changyang is stubborn; we need to plan this carefully. Let’s put it aside for now.”

Seeing his interest, the Old Madam didn’t press further. She smirked, “Your wife suddenly fell ill today, vomiting and having diarrhea, yet she still sent someone to scold Concubine Xue. I’m old and weak, unable to go see her. Why don’t you check on her? If she’s truly unwell, perhaps she should move out to recuperate for a while and return when she’s better.”

Jiang Zhong left the Old Madam’s courtyard, his mind heavy with concerns. He headed first to Jiang Yunqing’s quarters, overhearing the servants urging her, “Young Miss, drink less. When one has been starved for long, they shouldn’t consume too much at once, even if it’s just rice porridge.”

He had been hesitant about entering, and upon hearing that she had started eating, he decided against it. Marriages were arranged by matchmakers; children had no say in the matter. Jiang Yunqing’s behavior was deeply offensive and unforgivable. Since she was eating, it seemed she had come to her senses. If he went in now, she might think her actions were justified. With such a temperament, wouldn’t she bring ruin upon herself in her future husband’s home?

So Jiang Zhong turned and headed to Concubine Xue’s confinement. Outside her room, several old women assigned by the Old Madam were chatting quietly. Upon seeing Jiang Zhong, they straightened up, bowing and greeting him, quickly opening the door for him to enter.

Jiang Zhong frowned as he looked at Concubine Xue. Her forehead was wrapped in white cloth, with remnants of medicinal ash in her hair from treating the wound. She lay motionless with her eyes tightly shut. Her attempt at self-harm hadn’t been severe, as many people had quickly restrained her, but she was filled with resentment. She hated the Old Madam the most, followed by Jiang Zhong, and then Madam Du. But she hated herself even more for burdening Jiang Yunqing.

Seeing that Concubine Xue ignored him, Jiang Zhong impatiently cleared his throat. At the sound, Concubine Xue felt both afraid and sorrowful and began to cry. The crying aggravated her head wound, causing more pain, which in turn made her cry harder.

Jiang Zhong felt his head was about to explode. He sternly said, “Enough of this nonsense! Even if you don’t care about the family’s reputation, think of Yunqing. If this happens again, consider the consequences yourself! From now on, focus on recovering and stay out of sight!”

His immediate pronouncement of punishment was typical of Jiang Zhong’s style. Concubine Xue hadn’t expected much from him, but she had hoped for some compassion, for him to help Jiang Yunqing. Desperately, she crawled out of bed, throwing herself at Jiang Zhong’s feet, kowtowing and pleading, “My Lord, Yunqing is all I have. She doesn’t understand—please don’t be angry with her. I’ll serve you like an ox or a horse. When she’s better, she’ll be filial to you. I beg you…”

Seeing blood seeping through her bandage and her unsteady state, Jiang Zhong frowned and gestured for the servants to attend to her. He said coldly, “This is not your concern. I have my plans. Just mind your own business.” With that, he stormed out, heading towards Madam Du’s quarters. What kind of mistress of the house was she? Neglecting everything, leaving the management of concubines and trivial matters to his mother and himself—what kind of behavior was that? It was time he had a serious talk with her. He would make her understand that if the Duke’s household suffered, she wouldn’t fare well either.