Mudan could barely contain her joy. “Really?” Jiang Changyang had been working long hours lately, and this task was particularly challenging. If he could complete it soon and officially take up his post at the Ministry of War, they could finally lead a more stable life. She wouldn’t have to worry about him constantly anymore.
“Yes!” Jiang Changyang nodded confidently, placing his hand on Mudan’s belly. “So you can relax and take care of yourself without worrying about me. Things will get better after I’m busy for a while longer.” He paused briefly. “But I’ll be especially busy during this time and might often be away at night. See if Yingniang or Rongniang is suitable to come keep you company when you go home to share the good news tomorrow. That way, you won’t be too lonely.”
“Let’s have both sisters come over then,” Mudan said, her whole body relaxing with warmth and comfort. She rested her head on Jiang Changyang’s shoulder. “I had them make red bean and carp soup for dinner. It’s nourishing and moisturizing. You should drink more of the soup later.”
Jiang Changyang smiled. “Don’t worry about me. Just have them make whatever you like and want to eat. Do you want catfish? I can make it for you another day.”
Mudan shook her head. “It’s getting cold. I don’t feel like eating that.” It was better to eat fewer raw foods, no matter how delicious.
As they were eating dinner, Jiang Changyang suddenly smiled and said, “Should we send someone to inform the Duke’s mansion?”
“Not yet,” Mudan shook her head. “We can tell them after the first trimester. It’s the same.” She didn’t want more outsiders coming to meddle. Thinking about this, Mudan suddenly realized that since she had sent those new-style pastries before the Mid-Autumn Festival and Jiang Yunqing had relayed Jiang Zhongchuan’s invitation to celebrate the holiday, which she had declined, there had been no news from the Duke’s mansion. If Jiang Changyang hadn’t brought it up, she would have almost forgotten about the Duke’s mansion altogether.
“Whatever you say,” Jiang Changyang didn’t mind. “I just thought since they wanted to send someone over to annoy you before. If you don’t want to tell them, that’s fine. It doesn’t matter anyway.” He paused. “Third Brother’s wedding date is set for the twenty-second of the tenth month. We can notify them then, saying you’re not feeling well and can’t help out. Let’s stay out of that mess.” He didn’t even plan to let Mudan attend at that time. What kind of place was that? Trouble could arise even when nothing was wrong, let alone with Mudan being pregnant. Moreover, considering prenatal education, he didn’t want the child in Mudan’s womb to be exposed to such unsavory affairs.
Mudan agreed wholeheartedly. “How should we prepare the gift?”
Jiang Changyang replied nonchalantly, “Just send money for everything. Don’t worry about anything else.” No matter what Xiao Xuewel sent, there would always be something to say about it. He wasn’t afraid of people talking about him, but he feared they might gossip about Mudan. It was better to send everything as money, leaving nothing for anyone to comment on. The night passed uneventfully.
The next day, Wu San’s wife, Mrs. Xiong, took gifts to the He family. Soon after, Madam Cen led several daughters-in-law, including Xue Shi, to bring many food items and necessities. There were dozens of boxes, big and small, making Mudan break out in a sweat. “I have everything I need here. I just wanted you all to share in the joy, but you’ve brought so much.”
Madam Cen’s eyes and brows were filled with smiles as she held Mudan’s hand, looking her up and down carefully. “We’re just happy for you. Don’t worry about what we bring. You have it, so just accept it with peace of mind. Eat what you should eat, use what you should use.”
“That’s right,” Concubine Wu smiled from the side. “Many of these things were prepared by Madam since you set your wedding date. She’s been looking forward to this day.”
Zhen Shi spoke quickly, “Mother has made a wish for you and will go to fulfill it in a few days.” Then she exclaimed in surprise, “I heard you’re letting Rongniang and Yingniang come to stay with you. Where will Jiang Dalang go?”
Madam Cen frowned. “Why are you asking so much? Chengfeng always has things to attend to.”
Concubine Wu gave Zhen Shi a faint glance, and Zhen Shi immediately changed her tone. “Hehe, I mean, Yingniang and Rongniang are packing their things, preparing to come over later with Father and your brothers.”
When the news reached the He family, it was treated as a great joy. Madam Cen immediately sent people to notify He Zhizhong and his sons at their various shops. Word quickly came back that they would close early and come together to see Mudan.
Seeing Zhen Shi’s change, Mudan and Xue Shi shared a knowing smile. Since the incident with Sixth Lang and He Zhizhong’s purchases of houses and courtyards in preparation for everyone to live separately, there have been many subtle changes in the relationships among the He family members.
First, He Zhizhong had aged considerably. He now tended to let his eldest son and the other brothers discuss many matters among themselves first, then report back to him. Most of the time, he rarely spoke up, allowing the brothers to handle things. Secondly, Concubine Yang no longer left her courtyard. After learning that Sixth Lang had gone to Yangzhou with a merchant caravan, she requested permission from Madam Cen to bring back a Buddha statue.
Since then, she had stopped eating meat, spending her days eating vegetarian meals and reciting Buddhist scriptures. Although she wanted nothing in terms of food and clothing, He Zhizhong had never again entered her courtyard. Thirdly, there were changes among the eldest son and his brothers, as well as among Xue Shi and the other sisters-in-law. They were much more polite and considerate towards each other than before, knowing they would soon be establishing their households. Why ruin the big picture over small matters? The most noticeable change was in Zhen Shi. While she still loved to talk and show off, she no longer dared to speak carelessly or say an extra word in front of Madam Cen and He Zhizhong.
Dramatically, she had begun to respect Concubine Wu, no longer opposing and arguing with her in public or private as before. It was said that Madam Cen had intended to let Concubine Wu live with Zhen Shi and Third Lang, no longer needing to serve her, but Concubine Wu had initially refused without hesitation. However, when He Zhizhong spoke up, she obediently agreed. This could be said to be the highest honor a concubine of servant origin could receive.
Regardless of these changes, Mudan firmly believed that everything was moving in a positive direction. As long as they didn’t encounter chaos, life would continue smoothly and get better and better.
Before the hour of shen, He Zhizhong and the others indeed arrived one after another. Mudan did her best to entertain them with a joyful and sumptuous dinner. The most regrettable thing was that Jiang Changyang didn’t return home that night, and the next day he only sent a message back to assure them of his safety. Thankfully, there were the considerate Yingniang and Rongniang, and the lovable and amusing Shuai Shuai. Moreover, Mudan knew that although Jiang Changyang wasn’t at home, whenever she needed him, she could tell Shun Hou’er or Wu San, and he would rush back. Sometimes, this kind of trust from the heart provides more security than two souls physically staying together without an emotional connection.
Mudan happily enjoyed her early pregnancy “national treasure panda life” – in front of her was a bowl of porridge carefully prepared by Mama Lin, along with several light and refreshing side dishes. After finishing one bowl, she’d have another. When she couldn’t eat anymore, she’d think, “This bowl is for the baby in my tummy.” Hesitating, she’d say, “Okay, just half a bowl more.” Then there were various fruits, dried fruits, and pastries.
There was also Shu’er, who intentionally told jokes to make her laugh, and Yingniang and Rongniang, who read books to her, cultivating the baby’s emotions. Sooner or later, Jiang Changyang would unexpectedly have someone send over some rare delicacies and greetings. She could eat when she wanted to eat and sleep when she wanted to sleep. With just a stretch of her hand, someone would support her; with just a lift of her foot, someone would ask where she wanted to go. This treatment was beyond what could be described as merely being pampered.
When Yuhe arrived, Mudan was taking a nap in the autumn sun on a soft couch surrounded by a screen. Beside her, Yingniang and Rongniang were seriously making small clothes and shoes, quietly discussing what flowers should be embroidered on the shoes and clothes and how they should be made. Nearby, Shuai Shuai was curled up taking a nap, and under the tree shade sat Mama Lin, who was very sleepy but insisted on not going to sleep, determined to watch over Mudan.
Yuhe’s eyes were a bit moist, her nose stinging. She didn’t want to disturb this tranquility and comfort, especially when Mudan had just received the good news. But she had made a big mistake, and the situation was urgent. It couldn’t wait a moment longer. She had to tell Mudan and absolutely couldn’t hide anything, otherwise it might be irreparable.
“Sister Yuhe, what’s wrong?” Shu’er, sharp-eyed, immediately noticed that Yuhe’s mood was different.
Yuhe took a deep breath. “Go wake up the mistress. I have something to report.”
Shu’er sensed that the matter wasn’t simple and pulled her aside. “Tell me honestly, has something happened at Fang Garden? The mistress is different now from before. You need to be careful with your words. Why don’t I call Mama Lin over first, and we can discuss it?”
Yuhe shook her head. “This isn’t something you and I can resolve. We still need to find the mistress. I know what to do. Just go wake her up.”
“Is it something serious?” Shu’er’s heart was pounding.
Yuhe’s face bore an expression of deadly regret, her complexion frighteningly pale. “Many flowers are sick.” If they couldn’t be cured and the disease spread, next year’s Fang Garden wouldn’t just fail to generate income, it would suffer a complete loss. It might not even recover its vitality the year after.
This matter indeed couldn’t be concealed or delayed, or no one could bear the responsibility. Shu’er hesitated for a moment, then advised, “Then you must be careful with your words. Speak gently, don’t startle her.” As she spoke, she walked to the outside of the screen and gently knocked twice, saying softly, “Mistress, mistress?”
Mudan stretched lazily. “What is it? I think I heard Yuhe’s voice. Has she come to see me?”
Shu’er forced a smile and moved the screen aside for her. “Yes, she’s here.”
Yuhe rushed forward, picked up the robe Mudan had placed aside, and helped her put it on, supporting her as she got off the couch. “Congratulations, mistress.”
Seeing her actions, Mudan smiled. “You’re learning from them too. Have you eaten?”
Yuhe’s eyes reddened, but she held back her tears with all her might and slowly said, “Mistress, I have made a grave mistake and failed your trust.”
Mudan’s heart skipped a beat, and she frowned. “What happened?”
Yuhe’s tears began to stream down her face. “Many flowers are sick.”