The incident with Xiao Si had little impact on the gathering. The somber mood lasted only briefly before the excitement rose again as two teams officially took to the field for a polo match. The teams, composed of idle sons from noble families, displayed impressive skills. Young ladies cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines, and the Princess Consort of Fen joined in with renewed spirit.
After the polo match concluded, the women’s cuju game began. The young ladies around Mudan rushed to participate, dressed in their finest attire despite the sport. They exerted themselves on the field, working up a fragrant sweat. The noble young men from the Fen Prince’s side cheered loudly, creating a thunderous atmosphere.
The Princess Consort of Fen’s mood had improved significantly. She remarked quietly, “Since the incident last year when Princess Qinghua broke her leg, many girls have been hesitant to play polo on horseback. However, this cuju game has its appeal. It’s currently the most popular game in the palace. The Emperor and Empress recently watched a match played by palace maids.”
Upon hearing the mention of those two individuals, Madam Wang sighed softly. The Princess Consort of Fen grasped her hand and whispered, “Resilience, you must trust in your eldest son.”
As the hour of shen (3-5 pm) passed, the Fen Prince’s manor suddenly became lively. Mudan recognized many familiar faces, including Liu Chengcai, Xiao Yuexi, Pan Rong, and Liu Chang. These playful individuals quickly formed teams and prepared to take the field. However, when Jiang Changyang and Fang Bohui arrived, attention shifted to the main characters. Everyone paid their respects and reorganized the teams. One team consisted of middle-aged men like Fang Bohui and Liu Chengcai, while the other comprised young nobles such as Jiang Changyang, Liu Chang, and Pan Rong.
Both sides took to the field, showing no leniency despite some being fathers and sons. They demonstrated their best skills, competing in speed, intensity, and technique, creating a spectacular display. Madam Wang pointed out to Mudan, “Do you see that clean-shaven man next to your adoptive father? That’s Minister Xiao.”
Mudan observed a middle-aged man with a pale face, wearing a self-satisfied smile similar to that of Xiao Yuexi and his sister. His features, particularly his eyes, resembled Xiao Yuexi’s closely. As she was about to look more carefully, Liu Chengcai executed a beautiful “underwater moon” move, stealing the ball from Pan Rong’s mallet. The crowd cheered, and Pan Rong, unwilling to concede, pursued Liu Chengcai while blocking Fang Bohui and his teammates. Liu Chang charged in from the side, firmly and fiercely striking the ball from under Liu Chengcai’s mallet, sending it flying like a shooting star. Jiang Changyang, waiting nearby, gently swung his mallet, guiding the ball into the goal. The entire sequence flowed smoothly, showcasing perfect teamwork. Not to be outdone, Fang Bohui’s team responded with an equally impressive combination, scoring a goal of their own.
What could be more delightful than watching one’s son and husband shine? Madam Wang laughed joyfully, “I’ll be happy whichever team wins today.”
Those around her smiled, saying, “Madam is always the winner.”
Mudan absent-mindedly fanned herself, noticing that although Xiao Yuexi was on the same team as Jiang Changyang and the others, he seemed invisible throughout the game. No one cooperated with him or passed him the ball. Everyone deliberately or unconsciously pushed him aside. He initially tried to compete for the ball a few times but eventually gave up, looking quite awkward.
Many people noticed this situation, and whispers began to circulate. As none of the Xiao family’s women were present, people grew bolder in their gossip. Mudan overheard several young women nearby mentioning Xiao Xuexi and Jiang Changyi’s names and discussing their engagement. Others subtly brought up why Xiao Yuexi was being so coldly treated. A few days ago, when Western Region envoys came to present diplomatic letters, the Emperor held a banquet at Xingning Palace. The envoys, whether intentionally or not, spoke only in an obscure Western Region dialect.
Many who wanted to show off their skills retreated, but Xiao Yuexi dared to step forward and converse with them. Known for his talents, the Emperor trusted him. What should have been a moment to shine turned into a major embarrassment as he was mocked by the envoys. Fortunately, Jiang Changyang, who happened to be at the palace for an audience, was fluent in the dialect and saved the situation, preventing a loss of national face. Afterward, the Emperor was furious and severely reprimanded Xiao Yuexi, almost accusing him of overestimating himself and seeking fame. Even Minister Xiao fell out of favor. In recent days, Xiao Yuexi has become the object of ridicule and mockery.
Both Mudan and Madam Wang were surprised, as neither Jiang Changyang nor Fang Bohui had mentioned this incident at home. Mudan now felt pity for Xiao Yuexi. Jiang Changyang’s face showed no emotion as he quietly excelled, while Pan Rong maintained his usual playful demeanor. Liu Chang, however, cast venomous glances at Xiao Yuexi.
Gossip aside, no one except the Xiao family sympathized with Xiao Yuexi. The game continued, and his situation grew increasingly awkward. He persevered until the end, managing to maintain a smile, though it appeared forced. He did have one staunch supporter – a burly, well-dressed man who approached him after the game, putting an arm around his shoulder and speaking in low tones with a displeased expression. Xiao Yuexi, however, seemed impatient and brushed him off after a few perfunctory words.
As the evening banquet began, it differed from the mixed gathering Liu Chang had previously organized. Men and women were seated separately, with male guests in the outer courtyard and female guests in the inner courtyard, maintaining strict propriety. After being seated, Mudan noticed two eye-catching pots of miniature peonies, with several ladies using their fans to guess the varieties. Both peonies were less than a foot tall, paired with exquisite small lake stones, creating a verdant and charming scene with a unique ambiance. This arrangement changed the traditional view of peonies being admired only for their flowers, not their leaves.
Curiosity is universal, especially among the fashion-conscious nobles of the capital. Upon learning that the peonies came from Fang Yuan, some immediately sent their maids to inquire with Shu’er about purchasing extras. Shu’er, quick-witted, explained the exchange program for old plants, mentioning requirements such as a minimum height of two feet. She presented it as a way to build goodwill rather than make a profit. Before the banquet ended, this information had quietly spread.
As the hour of you (5-7 pm) approached, the banquet reached its peak. Madam Wang, in good spirits, was surrounded by others urging her to drink. Slightly intoxicated, she repeatedly begged off, using the excuse of needing fresh air. Mudan supported her as they went outside. Accompanied by two elderly servants from the prince’s household, they sought cool breezes to avoid more drinking. Reaching a sheltered spot, Madam Wang insisted on resting under a magnolia tree, claiming she couldn’t walk further. Mudan had no choice but to ask Yingtao for a cloak to wrap around her and let her lean against her to recover.
A few streaks of light remained on the horizon, with the sunset glowing a fiery red. The garden was quiet, with only occasional sounds of music and laughter drifting from the brightly lit areas in the distance. The mother and daughter-in-law sat leaning against each other under the magnolia tree, time seemingly standing still.
“Danniang, I entrust Dalang to you from now on,” Madam Wang suddenly said softly. “Live well together. Power and wealth are not as important as people.”
Kucha was so far away, and it was uncertain when they would meet again. A hint of sadness crept into Mudan’s heart. “Mother, don’t worry. We will certainly take good care of each other.”
Madam Wang patted her hand. “I know, but a mother’s heart is never at ease. You’ll understand this feeling when you become a mother yourself. Oh, by the way, I’ve made some small clothes, blankets, and a pair of tiny shoes in my spare time. They’re almost finished, and I’ll send them to you soon.”
Mudan blushed slightly. “There’s still no sign of anything yet.”
Madam Wang spoke frankly, “There’s no need to rush. You’ve only just married. When I married, it took about half a year before I had Dalang.” At that time, the old madam had pressured her urgently, and she felt stressed. Jiang Zhong, however, had said nothing. They had enjoyed a few good years together. Reminiscing, she sighed, “Actually, I used to harbor resentment, but now I don’t feel any at all. Life is better now than before, so why should I cling to the past? Those who constantly trouble you are either involved in conflicting interests or living less satisfying lives than you.”
Suddenly, a voice from the shadows exclaimed, “Oh!” It was Jiang Changyang stepping out. “Why are you here?”
Madam Wang laughed, “And why are you here? Are male guests allowed in this area?”
“This place isn’t far from the banquet area,” Jiang Changyang glanced at a nearby moon gate and said in a low voice, “I was discussing something with someone and heard your voices, so I came to check. Mother, have you had too much to drink?”
Mudan followed his gaze and saw a figure quickly passing through the moon gate, so fast it almost seemed like an illusion.
“I’m fine. I was prepared to be pressured into drinking on such an occasion,” Madam Wang patted the spot beside her, indicating for him to sit. “Has your adoptive father drunk a lot? Shouldn’t you go help him fend off some drinks?”
Jiang Changyang refused to sit, merely smiling, “He doesn’t want that. Besides, I have important matters to attend to.” His tone implied he wouldn’t be staying with them.
Madam Wang shooed him away, “Go on, then. Go.”
Jiang Changyang smiled at Mudan and was about to leave when they heard someone cry out in the distance. The wind carried the voice clearly to them – it was an elderly man, clearly cursing someone for being shameless. The sound was particularly jarring in the otherwise festive night atmosphere.
The two elderly servants from the prince’s household exchanged glances before approaching Madam Wang and Mudan. “The night air is cool. You might catch a chill if you stay out too long. Shall we return?”
Madam Wang understood the hint and rose, taking Mudan with her. “Yes, my head is starting to ache a bit.” Jiang Changyang parted from them, heading towards the moon gate.
Upon returning to the banquet, they found the women in high spirits, faces flushed, some listening to music, others chatting and laughing. Seeing Madam Wang and Mudan enter, they again tried to pull Madam Wang in for more drinks. Unable to refuse, she resigned herself to the inevitable and drank several large cups in succession. As everyone was cheering, an elderly servant entered and approached the Princess Consort of Fen, whispering something in her ear. The Princess Consort’s expression immediately soured, as if she had just swallowed a fly.