The He family’s business primarily operated in the Western Market, where Hu merchants congregated. They specialized in imported jewelry and spices. However, they resided near the Eastern Market in Xuanping Ward, an area surrounded by neighborhoods favored by high-ranking officials and nobles.
Although property prices were considerably higher in this area, and the presence of noble residences made it difficult to expand one’s dwelling, many wealthy merchants still preferred to live there. This preference intensified after the recent looting of rich households in Jincheng Ward near the Western Market by the Hu people. Merchants began to seek out any available property in this area, prioritizing safety over convenience. After all, no one wanted to risk their hard-earned wealth, and while money could be earned again, traumatizing one’s family was a serious matter – especially considering that every household had both elderly and young members to protect.
As Mudan’s group approached the gate of Shengping Ward, they unexpectedly encountered a large, lavishly dressed crowd approaching from the opposite direction. The group included both men and women, some on horseback and others on foot, surrounding an ornate eight-bearer sedan chair with white rattan and gossamer curtains. Passersby dismounted from horses and carriages, moving aside to make way.
A woman carried in an eight-bearer sedan chair must be at least a second-rank noble lady. Mudan followed Madam Cen’s lead, dismounting from their sedan and stepping aside. She stole a glance at the occupant of the grand sedan chair. Inside reclined a young woman, about seventeen or eighteen years old, wearing a honey-colored brocade dress embroidered with gold thread and a thin crimson gauze robe. Her eyebrows were painted in the shape of moth antennae, and she wore yellow floral paste ornaments on her face. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a golden phoenix hairpin. Her complexion was as smooth as jade, and she appeared to be in the late stages of pregnancy, with a gentle expression on her face.
Mudan couldn’t think of any external female official, apart from royal relatives, who could be so young yet hold such a high rank. Sure enough, after the group passed, Madam Xue remarked enviously, “That was the Prince of Ning’s wife. She seems to have become even more radiant since last month. She must be close to giving birth. If she bears a son and heir, her favor and glory will surely increase.” As she spoke, she cast a regretful glance at Mudan and sighed softly.
Mudan gathered from Madam Xue’s tone that she frequently encountered these noble ladies and seemed quite familiar with them. Mudan understood the source of Madam Xue’s envy and regret. As a merchant’s wife, Madam Xue would always be obliged to give way and pay respects to such nobles. To attain such honor herself through He Dalang seemed impossible in this lifetime; it might only be achievable if her sons or grandsons earned official positions.
As for Mudan herself, the He family had once given her this opportunity, which she had now terminated with her own hands. After the divorce, she was just an ordinary merchant’s daughter who would have to dismount and pay respects to these nobles, rain or shine. Though slightly annoying, Mudan quickly dismissed these thoughts. These were simply the rules of their era. Even the esteemed Princess of Ning had those above her to whom she must dismount and pay respects. What was there to be impressed about?
Mudan cheerfully helped Madam Cen back into the sedan chair and carelessly said to Madam Xue, “Sister-in-law, it looks like it might rain today. I wonder if Father and Big Brother will get caught in it?”
“The rain won’t fall for a while yet. I don’t think they will,” Madam Xue replied. Seeing Mudan’s carefree attitude, she sighed inwardly. This girl, sheltered since childhood and inexperienced in life’s hardships, had severed ties over a single disagreement, refusing to apologize. How could she understand what she had lost? Even with a substantial dowry and outstanding qualities, where would she find a family like the Lius or a husband like Liu Chang after her divorce? Madam Xue wondered if Mudan would come to regret her decision bitterly in the future.
However, Madam Xue dared not express these thoughts outwardly. The He household was large and complex: the patriarch was uncompromising, the matriarch shrewd and strong-willed, He Dalang was hot-tempered, and the younger brothers and sisters-in-law were all difficult to handle. The nieces and nephews were mischievous troublemakers. As the eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Xue’s position was extremely challenging. With Mudan’s return home today, if she didn’t arrange Mudan’s accommodation properly, she would offend her parents-in-law and He Dalang. If she did arrange it well, she would offend her sisters-in-law and nieces. It was truly a difficult situation.
Mudan, aware that her sudden return would cause inconvenience and trouble for everyone, gently tugged on Madam Cen’s sleeve and said softly, “Mother, I remember there’s an empty three-room side building behind your courtyard. If you don’t mind me disturbing you, perhaps I could stay there to keep you company?”
Madam Cen had also been worrying about Mudan’s living arrangements. Technically, as Mudan had returned home, she outranked the granddaughters, who should defer to their aunt rather than the other way around. However, with so many people in the household, things could quickly become complicated. Even a simple statement, after passing through three people, might reach the fourth person’s ears completely distorted.
Mudan’s sudden divorce and return home for an extended stay, with an uncertain future, might be manageable in the short term. But over time, she could be seen as a burden or become the subject of suspicion. In such situations, the way the head of the household handled matters was crucial. They needed to avoid making the daughter feel neglected or isolated while also preventing jealousy among the daughters-in-law, who might feel the parents favored the daughter over them. This could lead to discord between aunts and nieces, or even between siblings, potentially disrupting the entire family’s harmony.
Upon hearing Mudan’s suggestion, Madam Cen immediately understood her daughter’s intention. What could be better than Mudan’s considerate offer to step back? Although Madam Cen was reluctant to have her daughter stay in those three dark and cramped rooms in the back courtyard, she couldn’t think of a better solution at the moment. She took Mudan’s hand and said quietly, “I’m sorry you have to be inconvenienced. When your father returns, I’ll discuss with him about buying a larger house. That way, the children won’t be so crowded, and everyone will be more comfortable. We’ve been looking into it recently, but haven’t found anything suitable. There’s a decent mid-sized courtyard house in Huaide Ward, right next to the Western Market, which would be convenient for business. But no one wants to move out, so we’re still crowded here.”
Mudan realized there must be a reason why the six He brothers and their families preferred to live together, despite the crowded conditions, rather than move out. She smiled and said, “That’s a good thing. It shows how much the brothers and their wives cherish you and your father. It’s also good for the children to grow up together, strengthening their bonds.”
Madam Cen sighed softly, patting Mudan’s head. She whispered, almost inaudibly, “Children grow up and make their own decisions. Our family has enough money to last three lifetimes. Your father and I only hope for everyone to live in harmony and peace. Then we can die without regrets.”
Mudan quickly covered her mother’s mouth, pouting, “Tsk, tsk, don’t talk about death. You haven’t even enjoyed the blessings I’ll bring you yet. I’ve only caused you trouble these past few years.”
Seeing her daughter’s concern, Madam Cen was delighted, but she teased, “Oh, Mudan, why are you being so formal with me now? Always talking about causing trouble and such. Doesn’t it feel distant?”
Mudan forced a laugh, “I’m just being more considerate now.” She knew she wasn’t their biological daughter, and even though the He family loved her, they loved the real He Mudan. Naturally, she couldn’t be too brazen in her demands and found herself being more polite without realizing it.
Madam Cen sighed, “You’ve always been considerate. When you were just two or three years old, you fell ill and lay in my arms. It was summer, and you couldn’t eat anything, but you craved a pear. There were none for sale in the market. Your father went to great lengths to get one for you. Just as he had peeled it and was about to feed you, your sixth brother burst in crying, saying he wanted some too. You were so small, but without a word, you gave him more than half and comforted him to stop crying. From then on, no one could say anything bad about you. Do you remember?”
Mudan smiled, “That was so long ago, I can’t remember clearly. I only remember how kind you, father, and my brothers have always been to me.”
Madam Cen smiled, “You only remember the kindness of others.” The sixth brother she mentioned was the youngest son of He Zhizhong, born to a beautiful concubine he had brought back from Yangzhou. At that time, both mother and son were in favor. The siblings were two years apart, one lively and energetic, the other sickly, which was quite vexing to see. Fortunately, He Zhizhong doted on both his son and daughter. But Madam Cen, being strong-willed, couldn’t bear to hear anyone speak ill of her children. Seeing others’ sons so vibrant while her daughter was sickly made her particularly upset.
However, Mudan had always been quiet and well-behaved, rarely crying or making a fuss unless seriously ill. This incident, where she showed such consideration and generosity at such a young age and while sick, compared favorably to the unruly sixth brother. It made He Zhizhong even more fond of her, on top of his existing concern for her health. This incident, among many others, showed that Mudan’s favored position with her parents and brothers was not without reason.
Mudan nestled quietly against Madam Cen, listening to stories about He Mudan’s childhood. She felt particularly sorry for Madam Cen and He Zhizhong. How would they feel if they knew that the daughter they treasured so much was gone, driven to death by anger? Wouldn’t they be heartbroken? Mudan held Madam Cen’s hand tightly. It didn’t matter; she would live on in He Mudan’s place and take good care of them.
Before they reached the He family’s gate, several daughters-in-law and older children of the He family, having received news of their arrival, came out to greet them. A group of women and children surrounded Madam Cen, Madam Xue, and Mudan, escorting them towards the house. They chattered incessantly, asking questions, cursing, expressing indignation, and offering suggestions. The commotion soon drew the attention of neighboring onlookers.
Mudan, overwhelmed by the noise, could only lower her head and smile, unable to answer anyone’s questions. Madam Cen remained calm and said little, while Madam Xue gently suggested, “Let’s go inside first and then talk.”