Shun’er smiled smugly, “I just guessed. Look, doesn’t Lü Fang seem a bit guilty?”
Lü Fang appeared more than just guilty—he was ashamed, unable to make eye contact. He forced a laugh, walking sideways with slow, dragging steps towards them, his gaze wandering.
“It’s been a while, Master Lü Ten,” Mudan smiled, pressing her lips together. She understood Lü Fang’s feelings. Though he wasn’t directly involved, he undoubtedly felt awkward meeting her. She would feel the same in his position.
Lü Fang bowed to Mudan, saying shyly, “It’s been a while, Miss Dan. I know everything that’s happened. My father has wronged you in this matter.”
His words directly confirmed that Lü Chun was behind it all, leaving them both momentarily speechless. Even if Mudan harbored great resentment towards Lü Chun, she couldn’t express it to Lü Fang. Shun’er and Shu’er, however, were visibly upset but dared not show it in Mudan’s presence. They could only scowl, refusing to be cordial to Lü Fang and his servant.
Lü Fang composed himself and smiled, “I returned to Luoyang during your wedding celebrations and haven’t yet sent you a gift. I’ll have one delivered tomorrow to make up for it.”
According to Cao Wanrong, Lü Fang had arrived in the capital long ago. If he had wanted to see her, he could have come earlier. The fact that he waited until now suggested he had been preparing this gift. Mudan had a hunch about what it might be—likely rootstocks and scions. In his position, she might have done the same. But she wouldn’t accept such a gift. She needed to solve this problem through her power, not relying on Lü Fang or anyone else. She didn’t want Lü Chun and others to associate her name and success with pity.
With this in mind, Mudan smiled slightly, “Thank you. Since it’s a wedding gift, may I choose?”
He had expected her to refuse, but not to ask to choose her gift. Lü Fang hesitated, then smiled, “Choose whatever you like.”
Mudan spoke seriously, “I heard you might be going to Hangzhou with Jin Buyan. Is that true?”
Lü Fang nodded, his expression somewhat melancholy. “That’s the plan. I’d like to see the ‘withered branch’ peonies and experience the prosperity of Jiangnan. Perhaps,” he smiled, part self-mockery and part hope, “I could carve out my niche there, have my peony garden. We could be counterparts, north and south. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
Since the peony festival, his relationship with Lü Chun had become increasingly strained. They had long disagreed on many issues but had suppressed their feelings out of mutual consideration. The festival became a tipping point. After sobering up, they had a huge argument, unleashing all their pent-up frustrations. Now, they could barely exchange a few pleasant words. For the sake of family interests, he couldn’t open his peony garden in Luoyang or the capital, leaving only one option—to leave for distant lands.
“I’d love to visit Jiangnan too. I hope your dreams come true,” Mudan smiled. “In that case, I have a favor to ask. After I deliver the goods to Jin Buyan, could you please look after them for me? I won’t send anyone else along. What do you think?”
Lü Fang smiled, “It’s a small matter, no need for formalities.”
“I know your services are expensive, but I won’t pay you a single coin. Consider it your wedding gift to me. How’s that?”
Lü Fang sighed and looked directly at Mudan. Her smile was mischievous and full of life, her eyes bright as she earnestly awaited his answer. There are always people in this world whose thoughts and intentions you can understand without asking. In an instant, he realized Mudan wouldn’t accept the gifts he had prepared. He sighed helplessly, raising his eyebrows with a smile, “I did say you could choose anything. Alright, let’s do it your way.”
Mudan then invited him to Qujiang Pool: “You haven’t visited my new home yet. Chengfeng will likely be home today. I’ll have the kitchen prepare a feast to welcome you. Will you come?”
“Free food and drink? I’d be delighted,” Lü Fang said. He called for his servant Kang’er, mounted his horse, and rode alongside Mudan towards Qujiang Pool. As they traveled, they chatted and laughed, exchanging insights on peony cultivation, thoroughly enjoying their conversation.
Upon reaching Qujiang Pool, Mudan noticed several fine horses tied up at the entrance, suggesting visitors. She asked the doorman, “Who’s here?”
The doorman quickly replied, “The Duke has arrived. He’s been here for nearly half an hour.”
Jiang Zhong had come? And he waited so long with no one home? What could it be about? Mudan maintained her composure and asked, “If the Duke is here, why wasn’t someone sent to fetch me?”
The doorman, understanding her implication, smiled and said, “He came with the young master.”
It was only about 3 PM, yet Jiang Changyang had already returned home—a rare occurrence these days. Mudan’s heart leaped with joy, dispelling any concerns about Jiang Zhong’s visit. She immediately handed over her reins, invited Lü Fang inside, and led him to the hall for tea. She asked Shun’er to inform Jiang Changyang about their guest and said she would go greet Jiang Zhong.
Shortly after, Shun’er returned: “The young master says there’s no need. The Duke is about to leave. He asks that the guest enjoy some tea, and he’ll be over shortly.”
Even so, Mudan straightened her clothes and went to see Jiang Zhong off. As she reached the middle gate, she saw Jiang Zhong striding out with a dark expression, while Jiang Changyang followed slowly behind, appearing to escort him but barely making any progress.
“Father,” Mudan greeted Jiang Zhong with a bow. “It’s almost mealtime. Why not stay and dine with us?”
“Never seen such a woman,” Jiang Zhong muttered, stopping to glare at Mudan. His lips moved several times before he angrily burst out, “Utterly preposterous!” He then stormed off, flinging his sleeve in frustration. In a moment, he was out the gate, mounting his horse and galloping away.
Mudan was bewildered. She turned to Jiang Changyang, spreading her hands, “What happened now?”
Jiang Changyang looked at her and spoke slowly: “He came to tell me that the Old Madam is unwell, and Madam Du’s condition is worsening. The doctors can’t help, so they’ve invited a Taoist priest to see her. Early this morning, they moved to Qing Temple and might stay there for a month or two. By the time they return, it’ll likely be close to my brother’s wedding. With no one to manage the household, he wants us to move back and help. He wants you to assist with household affairs and oversee my brother’s wedding preparations.”
“What?” Mudan nearly shouted. How had she suddenly become so favored? When she first entered the family, everyone acted as if they were the ones getting married, as if she had disgraced them. Now they wanted her to manage the Duke’s household? Had she misheard, or had Jiang Zhong lost his mind? And Madam Du chose this crucial moment to step aside—was it intentional or unavoidable?
Jiang Changyang had anticipated her reaction. He pointed at her reproachfully, gesturing for her to mind the servants passing by.
Mudan quickly moved to his side, whispering urgently, “What did you say? You didn’t agree, did you? Did you see how he suddenly got angry at me for no reason? He looked so fierce. The other day, the Old Madam also glared at me for no apparent reason.”
Seeing her flustered, half-pouting, and half-fuming, Jiang Changyang wanted to laugh. He deliberately sighed, “He insists on you going. You’ve accepted their large box of jewelry—when you eat someone’s food and take their gifts, it’s hard to refuse. What could I do?”
“I’ll return it right away…” Mudan pressed her lips together, glancing sidelong at Jiang Changyang. “Hmph, how dare you try to fool me? If you had agreed, would Jiang Zhong have left in such a huff after scolding me for no reason? You turned him down.”
Jiang Changyang smiled and led her toward the hall. “I told him you’re very busy, and if Jin Buyan’s deal falls through, you could lose millions. Moreover, you’re not suitable to handle my brother’s wedding preparations. Firstly, you lack experience, and secondly, the Xiao siblings already have reservations about you. I suggested letting Yunqing assist the Old Madam in managing the household. Otherwise, when Yunqing marries in the future, her lack of experience would be laughable. He thought about it and agreed, albeit reluctantly, to follow my suggestion.”
Mudan breathed a huge sigh of relief. She could imagine Jiang Zhong’s dissatisfaction, but as long as Jiang Changyang had successfully refused, it wasn’t her concern. Who would want to spend their days facing a passive-aggressive old man and a resentful, unemployed middle-aged man? Not to mention Madam Du, the Old Madam, and their entourage of troublemakers—prolonged exposure would surely shorten one’s lifespan.
Jiang Changyang coughed, “However, there are a few days when you must be present. When the Xiao family comes to inspect the new home, you should be there. The Old Madam is elderly, and Yunqing is an unmarried young lady, so it’s not appropriate for them.”
Mudan smiled, “We can invite some respected aunts from the clan to oversee things. I’ll just be there to support them.”
“You only need to make an appearance. I’ll be there too,” Jiang Changyang nodded, seemingly unconcerned about the matter. “I heard you’ve been having difficulties these past few days?”
Mudan replied, “It’s manageable. Lü Fang just returned with me. You won’t be going out tonight, right? I plan to invite him for dinner to welcome him.”
“I won’t be going out,” Jiang Changyang stopped and looked at her. “Are you planning to ask Lü Fang for help?” He seemed a bit displeased that she hadn’t come to him but sought help from an outsider.
Mudan smiled, “He said he wanted to give us a wedding gift, so I asked him to look after my flowers in Jiangnan. This way, I won’t need to send Gardener Li.”
Jiang Changyang raised an eyebrow, “I’m asking about your current urgent problem! Didn’t he offer to make amends for his father?”
So he knew everything. Mudan gave him a sweet smile, “He is his person, and Lü Chun is Lü Chun. Why should he make amends for his father? The wise have their methods—I already have another solution!”