After asking Xue Shi to watch the door, Madam Cen turned to Mudan with a stern expression: “Dan’er! What’s going on? Earlier, when I asked about your injuries and grievances, you only cried and refused to speak. Now, what do you want to tell me?”
Mudan closed her eyes briefly: “What can I say? Firstly, I’m ashamed. Secondly, I’m afraid. You and Father ultimately want me to continue living with that wolf. If I were to reveal all the unspeakable things in front of my mother-in-law, you might be able to vent your anger for me while you’re here. But what about after you leave? I’m their family now, facing them daily. They wouldn’t dare do much openly – at most, they’d curse behind my back, serve me cold food, speak coldly, give me cold looks, treat me with contempt, step on me occasionally, and blame me for everything.
As for that wolf, he wouldn’t dare take my life, but beating me is acceptable. If you hadn’t come today, who would have known about my suffering last night? I don’t care for myself – whenever I die, at least I won’t burden or shame the family anymore. But what about those around me? Mama Lin is old, Yuhe is grown, and Kuan’er and Shu’er are young – what will become of them? We’re merely meat on their chopping board, at their mercy.
For their sake, I can endure some hardship by staying silent. At least it spares you some anger and gives them fewer excuses to mistreat my attendants. Why am I speaking to you now? Because Mama Lin has already revealed everything, and I want to beg you to take her, Yuhe, and the others back with you! They’ve offended the Liu family and will never have peace here. I’ve only been a burden in this life, so please, let me do this one good deed. I beg you to grant me this!”
Mudan then knelt deeply before Madam Cen, choking with emotion: “Your daughter is useless, born only to burden others. Not only have I failed in my filial duties, but I’ve also brought shame to the He family. From now on, please consider me a disobedient daughter who no longer exists!”
Madam Cen stared at Mudan, understanding the hidden meaning in her words. Mudan’s speech seemed logical yet carried an indescribable bleakness as if she had reached the depths of despair.
Before Madam Cen could fully process this, Yuhe threw herself down, kowtowing desperately and sobbing quietly: “Madam, please save the young mistress! You didn’t see what happened yesterday – they were beating her to death. When the scandal broke, even though it wasn’t her fault, that woman summoned her for a vicious scolding, accusing her of failing her wifely duties by not covering for her husband. She even blamed the young mistress for the fight between the young master and his cousin, confining her to quarters to hide the incident. Worse still, they denied her dinner, and when the young master came at night, it was murderous – he beat her mercilessly!”
Mama Lin looked steadily at Madam Cen: “Madam, I’ve served the He family for decades and nursed Dan’er myself. Her life is more precious than my own. Over these years, she’s endured countless hardships without ever complaining to you, always smiling and forbidding us to speak of it. She’s endured everything, fearing to disappoint your efforts and worry you. Would she make such a request if she weren’t truly at her limit? Rather than dying a humiliating death, wouldn’t it be better to let her live happily for a while? If Liu Chang can bring good fortune, are there truly no other suitable men in the world? Without his indulgence, how could that shameless princess be so brazen? This is an enormous insult!”
She then slowly recounted Yu Tong’s pregnancy, Liu Chang allowing concubines to bully Mudan, his attempt to publicly gift Mudan’s flowers to Princess Qinghua, his rebuke that Mudan wasn’t fit for public appearance, and denying her a seat before all the guests. She dredged up every grievance she could remember. Yuhe added embellishments about Liu Chang’s contempt for the He family and his slanderous words, causing Madam Cen’s face to darken and her hands to shake uncontrollably.
Mudan added softly: “Mother, these are past events. Don’t be angry. Your daughter won’t shame or trouble you again.”
Yuhe cried out in alarm: “Young Mistress, don’t think of doing anything rash! That would be unfilial! Besides, it would only benefit them – they’re hoping you’ll die soon so they can claim your entire dowry and marry someone of equal status!”
Mama Lin delivered the final blow: “In three years, he hasn’t touched Dan’er – how could she bear children? Yet he dares to be intimate with that harlot in front of Dan’er! If Dan’er hadn’t already given up hope and wasn’t concerned for her family and attendants, she might have drowned herself in the lake yesterday!”
“That scoundrel has gone too far!” Madam Cen exclaimed, her heart aching from all she had seen and heard. It was clear that Liu Chang held no affection for Mudan. Her daughter was beautiful and virtuous – how could she not be good enough for that philanderer? Such mistreatment was truly intolerable!
Madam Cen’s eyes widened as she gripped Mudan’s hand tightly, speaking fiercely: “Dan’er! Your father and I went to great lengths to arrange this marriage to save your life! But if this is how things are, we needn’t bow and scrape, letting them take advantage while I lose a daughter! Life may be precious, but one cannot live without dignity! Think carefully now – what do you want? Once decided, there’s no turning back. Don’t regret it later, pining for him!”
Reflecting on how famous Mudan’s feelings for Liu Chang had once been, Mudan straightened her back and looked directly into her mother’s eyes: “A tree lives by its bark, a person by their face. If he treats me like grass, I won’t treat him like a treasure! Even if I survived, it would only give him more chances to mock how worthless a He daughter is! If we can’t completely sever ties or divorce outright, we must at least separate. And I want all of my dowry back! I won’t slink away in disgrace, discarded by his family!” She paused, then added tentatively: “If there’s no room for me at home, I can live elsewhere. I won’t be a burden.”
Mudan’s concerns weren’t unfounded. Though the He family home was large, it was crowded. Lord, He had two concubines, four legitimate sons, and two illegitimate sons, all married with many children. While Lord and Lady He loved their daughter, how would the others feel? Mudan’s former quarters had been given to three granddaughters – her return would likely cause discord.
Madam Cen nodded repeatedly: “Nonsense! How could we let you live elsewhere? I’ll take you home now, and we’ll discuss the rest later! If we’re ending this marriage, we certainly won’t let them benefit!”
After her initial elation, Mudan raised another concern: “What if they refuse to return the money?”
Madam Cen frowned: “Don’t worry about that!” She immediately ordered everyone to pack: “Gather all the important valuables and jewelry. We’re leaving for home now!”
Mama Lin, Yuhe, Kuan’er, and Shu’er could hardly believe their ears. Was it truly happening so easily? Mudan nearly laughed aloud. Seeing everyone standing in shock, she urged them: “What are you waiting for? Hurry!”
They snapped to action, gathering Mudan’s dressing-case, jewelry box, valuable ornaments, painting supplies, money boxes, seasonal clothes, and precious fabrics.
While Yuhe and the others rejoiced, Mama Lin felt conflicted. Though she had acted, she wasn’t sure if it was right. What if Mudan’s illness returned and Lord He and Madam Cen blamed her? But seeing the lively expression on Mudan’s face, Mama Lin shook her head self-deprecatingly. What did her concerns matter compared to Mudan’s happiness?
Madam Cen looked at Mudan with a complex expression: “Dan’er if your illness returns…”
Mudan nestled into her mother’s embrace, saying sweetly: “Mother, that would be fate. Why worry so much?” If she escaped this cage, she vowed to honor and care for Madam Cen for the rest of her life.
Hearing the commotion, Xue Shi entered and, grasping the situation, feigned confusion: “My goodness, what’s happening?”
Madam Cen replied coolly: “This situation is untenable. I’m taking Dan’er home.”
Xue Shi bit her lip, hesitating before saying softly: “This seems hasty. The Liu family might not allow it, and a scene would be unpleasant. Perhaps we should inform Father and Elder Brother first before deciding?”
Madam Cen retorted: “What is there to fear? The marriage is over – why worry about their reaction? They’re ungrateful and dishonest, with no sense of shame. They’ll agree whether they like it or not! I’m capable of making this decision.” She gave Xue Shi a cold look.
Xue Shi’s face reddened. Cursing her luck inwardly, she forced a smile: “I spoke out of turn. I only wanted to handle things more smoothly.”
Madam Cen remained silent. Mudan sighed internally, noting the tension before even returning home. She tugged at Xue Shi’s sleeve: “Mother, Sister-in-law has a point.”
Madam Cen patted her head: “No need for further discussion. I know what I’m doing. Now, hurry and get dressed!”