The Princess Consort of Fen touched the hairpin on her head and sighed, “Is it happening again?” Another round was about to begin, and she wondered how many lives would be lost this time. The sudden occurrence of such events was likely related to Jiang Changyang’s recent actions.
Chen Shi, confused, asked, “Mother, what’s happening again?”
The Princess Consort realized she wasn’t speaking to her politically savvy daughter-in-law but to the unworldly Chen Shi. She smiled and said, “Nothing. I was just wondering, since Danniang can’t come, who will the Duke’s mansion send to accompany Jiang Yunqing?”
“Perhaps Old Lady Gao will come herself,” Chen Shi replied. Her face darkened at the mention of Jiang Yunqing, but she tried to hide her displeasure in front of the Princess Consort, knowing that the older woman cared for Xiao Si as much as she did.
The Princess Consort said, “Gao shi is too cunning. I hope she doesn’t come.”
Chen Shi suggested, “Why don’t we change the date?” This would indefinitely postpone the event. She had initially liked Jiang Yunqing, but after hearing negative things about the Duke’s mansion from her family, she developed some prejudice. Her dislike intensified after Jiang Yunqing struck Xiao Si.
The Princess Consort, aware of Chen Shi’s thoughts, smiled and said, “Xiao Si’s birthday comes only once a year, and other occasions aren’t suitable. Not every family produces only good daughters. Let her come, and we’ll observe before making judgments. More importantly, have you ever seen Xiao Si care for anyone like this before? Our Xiao Si is finally showing compassion, and he won’t be taken advantage of.”
This was true. Xiao Si had always seemed emotionally distant, even from his mother. As a parent, the Princess Consort disliked anyone who harmed Xiao Si, but she also hoped someone could help him change and grow.
Chen Shi smiled, “What does Mother suggest we do?”
The Princess Consort replied, “It still depends on Danniang. How about this? Visit her and check on her health. If she truly needs rest, we’ll congratulate her on her pregnancy. If not, tell her I’ll send a carriage to pick her up. My carriage is comfortable and suitable for someone in her condition.” If there were other reasons, who would dare interfere with someone in the Fen Wang Mansion’s carriage?
Chen shi worriedly said, “Isn’t this too inconsiderate? Her wet nurse already said she’s unwell.”
The Princess Consort assured her, “You’re visiting to check on her after hearing she was startled and might be pregnant, not forcing her to attend the banquet. Do as I say, and she won’t be angry.”
Chen Shi reluctantly agreed and went to prepare gifts.
Chen Shi arrived at the Jiang family’s villa by Qu River. She gently conveyed the Princess Consort’s greetings, congratulated Mudan, and awkwardly inquired about her health and recovery time.
Mudan, realizing the Princess Consort had discerned the true situation, decided to go along with it. She thanked the Princess Consort for her kindness and agreed to be picked up by the Fen Wang Mansion’s carriage on the day of the banquet.
Chen Shi, delighted by Mudan’s acceptance, looked worriedly at her belly and hesitantly offered, “If you don’t mind, I know a high monk. I could ask him for a blessed item for you to wear, to pray for the safety of you and your child.”
Touched by Chen Shi’s genuine kindness, Mudan thanked her sincerely and saw her out.
Shortly after Chen Shi left, another visitor arrived. Qin Sanniang came in a simple felt carriage, accompanied only by Ahui and two servants. Mudan, guessing she had received the news, prepared herself to receive her.
Qin Sanniang had quickly regained her pre-pregnancy figure and looked even more radiant. She wore the trendiest hairstyle, painted crescent-moon eyebrows, and donned the latest style of floral ornament between her brows. Her crimson dress and sandalwood-colored cloak made her look both stunning and dignified. She approached with a charming smile, causing Mudan to feel dazzled.
Pleased with Mudan’s reaction, Qin Sanniang playfully twirled before her, asking, “How do I look? No different from before, right?”
Mudan praised her, “You’re even more beautiful than before. You’ve lost weight, while I’m starting to gain some.”
Qin Sanniang, momentarily surprised, congratulated her and offered to share beauty tips.
Mudan, staying alert, asked how Qin Sanniang had lost weight so quickly.
Qin Sanniang laughed, “It’s simple. Eat and drink less, and the weight falls off on its own.”
Lin Mama exclaimed, “But that must be so hard! Surely you were hungry? Third Lady must be a natural beauty to lose weight so easily.”
Mudan suppressed a smile, realizing Lin Mama could be flattering when needed.
Qin Sanniang chuckled, “Mama, you’re too kind. But it was about endurance. Like with everything else, if you want results, you must endure, no matter how difficult.”
Sensing a hidden meaning, Mudan smiled, “We’re kindred spirits then. I can endure too.”
Qin Sanniang nodded knowingly and said, “I’m here to relay a message. A servant from our household who briefly served my nephew Lu Wulang encountered Jin Buyan on the street. Jin Buyan asked him to tell you that he knows about the Fang Garden situation.”
“Oh?” Mudan looked at Qin Sanniang intently. It was curious that while Jiang Changyang and others couldn’t find Jin Buyan, a mere servant from Prince Jing’s household could encounter him by chance.
Qin Sanniang met Mudan’s gaze and smiled brightly, “He said he doesn’t care whose side anyone is on, as long as the goods are delivered on time and as specified in the contract. Your business deal is guaranteed to be profitable.”
Mudan sighed, “The business may be profitable, but yesterday’s events left me terrified. I’m afraid to even leave the house now.”
Qin Sanniang expressed sympathy and explained that she had originally intended to send Ahui the message but came personally after hearing about yesterday’s incident.
Their conversation then turned to Qin Sanniang’s child. She mentioned the baby’s nickname, Quan’er, meaning “complete in blessings and longevity.” She described the child as healthy, rarely crying, and always smiling – traits that made him endearing to others, particularly Prince Jing.
After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Sanniang took her leave, citing urgent matters to attend to. Once she left, Mudan immediately sent Shun Hou’er to report the visits from both Chen Shi and Qin Sanniang to Jiang Changyang.
Later that afternoon, Jiang Changyang returned with Pan Rong. After relaying greetings from Madam Bai, they secluded themselves with Yuan Shijiu until late into the night.
When Jiang Changyang finally came to bed, Mudan embraced him and whispered, “The Duke came by today. He said you shouldn’t push yourself too hard.”
Jiang Changyang paused, then smiled, nibbling her ear as he said, “This afternoon, I met with Prince Jing. It seems Prince Min has bitten him too.”