The gentle sound of carriage wheels filled the air as the vehicle crept forward, swaying back and forth like a cradle, lulling its occupant to sleep. Lin Mama wouldn’t let her doze off: “Miss Dan, please bear with it. Don’t fall asleep, or you might catch a chill. It’s not worth it.”

Mudan found Lin Mama’s nagging as soothing as a lullaby. She turned over, laying her head on Lin Mama’s lap, and mumbled, “I’ll just rest my eyes for a moment. Wake me when we arrive.”

Lin Mama sighed and covered Mudan with a thin blanket, wondering silently why she was so tired despite going to bed early the night before. Suddenly, Jiang Changyang’s voice came from outside the window: “Feeling sleepy again? Mama, wake her up. Don’t let her sleep.”

Lin Mama chuckled and nudged Mudan. “It’s not just me who won’t let you sleep, Miss. It’s the master’s orders. Please bear with it.”

Mudan squinted at the window. Jiang Changyang sat tall on his purple steed, wearing a dark gold round-collared brocade robe. He looked spirited and energetic, his back straight as an arrow. Seeing her gaze, he flashed her an enigmatic smile. Mudan couldn’t help but think of the previous night, her face flushing as she glanced at him. Jiang Changyang’s smile widened, and when no one was looking, he mouthed two words to her. Mudan turned away, hiding her smile.

There were certain things and ways in the bedroom that Mudan knew about, but she preferred not to bring them up herself. She felt it might be better to let him discover and suggest them gradually. It was like dining – if all the delicacies were presented at once, you’d lose the sense of mystery and anticipation before even tasting them, diminishing the pleasure. But if there were always new dishes to look forward to, the experience would be different each time. In essence, while the food might be the same, it was one’s state of mind that made the difference.

Seeing Mudan turn away to sleep again, Jiang Changyang didn’t want to keep nagging in front of the servants. Instead, he repeatedly tapped the carriage wall with his riding crop. Mudan had no choice but to lie on her back, staring at him, her drowsiness vanishing.

Upon reaching the Duke’s mansion, Jiang Changyang gave Mudan several reminders to be careful and instructed Lin Mama, Kuan’er, and Shu’er once more. Mudan found him a bit long-winded, and the others wore knowing smiles before he finally fell silent.

As usual, they first paid their respects to the Old Madam. Jiang Zhong was also there. He seemed pleased to see the couple arrive together but put on a show of scolding them for not visiting, even when invited, calling it greatly unfilial. He then lectured Mudan on following wifely virtues and Jiang Changyang on performing his duties well and maintaining good relationships with colleagues and superiors.

Mudan let it go in one ear and out the other, assuming he was just bored from being at home too long with no one to lecture. Jiang Changyang sat upright, expressionless, appearing to listen, but Mudan could tell from his eyes that he wasn’t paying attention and was thinking of other matters.

The Old Madam, having a favor to ask of Mudan, had been smiling at her since they arrived. She interrupted Jiang Zhong: “That’s enough. You know the eldest son is busy with his duties, and I’ve heard Dan’niang hasn’t been well lately. They rarely come back, and you keep scolding them. It’s spoiling the mood.”

Jiang Zhong reluctantly fell silent, then turned to Jiang Changyang: “How are your duties going? I met with Prince Min yesterday, and he seemed dissatisfied with you.”

Jiang Changyang replied coolly, “To do a job well, one often has to offend people. I have something to discuss with you.”

Seeing his serious expression, Jiang Zhong paused and then stood up. “Let’s talk in the study.”

The Old Madam hurriedly said, “Go on, you two discuss your important matters. We women have our private talk.” She then sent someone to fetch Jiang Yunqing.

Before leaving, Jiang Changyang glanced at Mudan, who gave him a reassuring look. The Duke’s household still didn’t know about her pregnancy, and she wasn’t naive – she knew how to protect herself.

Jiang Zhong noticed this exchange and disapproved, grunting unhappily, “She’s with your grandmother. Who would dare upset her?” But before he finished speaking, Jiang Changyang had already headed out. Jiang Zhong had to follow, trying to maintain his fatherly dignity by walking slowly. Jiang Changyang didn’t wait, striding ahead confidently and soon disappearing, leaving Jiang Zhong fuming, his face as black as the bottom of a pot.

Leaving aside the father-son power struggle, the Old Madam quickly got to the point: “Dan’niang, I called you here for two matters. One is to choose things for your brother’s room. You know about this, right?”

Mudan replied, “Yes, I do. Shall we bring out the catalog and items?”

The Old Madam said, “That’s not urgent. We can handle it after looking at the new room and reviewing the catalog. Let’s discuss the other matter first.” She coughed slightly, seeming a bit uncomfortable. “Have you been to the Fen Wang’s mansion recently?”

Mudan, knowing she was leading up to Jiang Yunqing’s situation, said, “No, I haven’t been feeling well, so I haven’t gone out much. Is something happening at the Fen Wang’s mansion?”

The Old Madam, fixated on the potential marriage alliance with the Fen Wang family, automatically ignored Mudan’s mention of poor health. She coughed lightly and asked, “The Fen Wang’s wife is hosting a banquet. Did you receive an invitation?”

Mudan nodded, “Yes, I did.”

“That’s a relief. I was worried,” The old Madam’s face lit up with a happy smile. “They sent two invitations to our household – one specifically for Yunqing and another for the Madam. But the Madam is ill and can’t go out to meet guests, and it wouldn’t be proper for Yunqing to go alone. I was concerned that if no one went, we’d offend them. Offending them is one thing, but disappointing the Princess’s kind intentions would be worse. Hearing this from you puts my mind at ease. It’s perfect for you to accompany Yunqing. You’re steady and attentive, so I trust you completely with her. Later, help me choose a couple of outfits and accessories for her.”

Mudan feigned surprise then masked her emotions and smiled, “I’m not sure what kind of banquet this is. I want to prepare a gift but don’t know what would be appropriate.”

The Old Madam blinked, “I’ve sent people to inquire about that too. I was hoping to ask if you knew.”

She didn’t tell Mudan the truth about Jiang Yunqing, either out of caution or embarrassment.

Mudan inwardly smirked. With the main topic covered, the Old Madam struggled to find more to say to Mudan. They resorted to small talk about the weather: “It’s getting colder.” “Yes, and it’s getting dark earlier too.” “The weather was terrible a while back, with all that rain.” “Thankfully, it’s been sunny these past few days.”

Hong’er lifted the curtain, smiling, “The young miss is here.”

Jiang Yunqing entered, wearing a silver-blue treasure flower padded jacket with an ink-blue eight-panel dark floral long skirt, cinched at the waist with a gold-woven belt adorned with emerald orchids. Her skin was unnaturally pale, with shadows under her eyes, indicating poor health, though her spirit seemed high. She walked in with a gloomy expression, her jawline more pronounced due to weight loss, giving her a fierce and domineering look. She appeared ready to face whatever came her way, exuding a certain air of strength.

She went straight to the Old Madam, bowing and greeting her flatly: “Yunqing pays respects to the Old Madam.” No longer the familiar “Granddaughter greets Grandmother.”

The Old Madam replied coolly, “Rise. Your eldest brother and sister-in-law are here.”

Jiang Yunqing quietly turned to bow to Mudan: “Greetings, Sister-in-law.” As she looked up at Mudan, her eyes brightened slightly.

The Old Madam then ordered, “I’ve already told your sister-in-law that she’ll accompany you to the Fen Wang’s banquet. Now, let’s choose fabrics, accessories, and fragrances.”

Jiang Yunqing frowned, her voice hard: “Weren’t we supposed to choose furnishings for brother’s new room first?” She clearly showed her reluctance to attend the Fen Wang’s banquet, yet for some unknown reason, she didn’t dare to openly defy.

The Old Madam looked at her coldly, her voice even harder: “That can wait. The banquet is imminent. You need to have your clothes made first, so there’s time for alterations if needed.”

Jiang Yunqing stood stubbornly, not moving. The Old Madam raised her voice: “Sit down! Why are you being so stubborn? Many people would love to have this opportunity, and you…”

Jiang Yunqing’s face grew paler, a cold smile appearing on her lips. So, selling daughters was something people fought over for a chance to do.

Mudan stood to mediate: “Grandmother, where shall we make our selections?”

The Old Madam finally shifted her gaze from Jiang Yunqing, putting on a smile: “Right here. Dan’niang, choose a couple of outfits for yourself too. These are all my treasured collections.” She called for Hong’er to bring the boxes from the back.

As the boxes were being brought in, they heard Lüjiao’s voice outside: “Fifth Miss, you’re here!”

Then came Gao Duanshu’s voice: “I’ve come to see Great-aunt. Oh? Are there guests?”

Lüjiao replied, “It’s not a guest, it’s the young madam. Please wait, I’ll announce you.”

Gao Duanshu laughed, “No need. They must be busy with fittings. I’ll come back later to greet my cousin-in-law.”

Jiang Yunqing’s face showed contempt. If she knew there were guests and important matters to discuss, why come at all?

But the Old Madam called out, “Is that Shu’er? Your cousin-in-law isn’t an outsider. Come in, it’s perfect timing. You can choose an outfit too.”

Gao Duanshu entered confidently, curtsying and smiling, “How could I impose? I’m already causing you so much trouble by staying here.” She looked at Jiang Yunqing and said softly, “Sister Yunqing, you’re not angry with me anymore, are you?”

Jiang Yunqing’s expression changed slightly as she broke into a cold smile.